Syosset–Jericho Tribune 9/27/23 edition is published weekly by Anton Media Group.

Second Precinct Busts Four Stores For Selling Nicotine, Alcohol To Underage Agents

Why it’s important to keep alcohol, nicotine out of young people’s hands

JENNIFER CORR

jcorr@antonmediagroup.com

Starting on Sept. 13, Nassau County Police Department Second Precinct Problem Oriented Officers began a Project 21 investigation that led to multiple arrests.

“The Project 21 investigation targets the sale of nicotine and alcohol products sold to underage agents,” a press release from the Nassau County Police Department stated. “The agents entered the following establishments where the store employees did not ask for the proper identification and sold nicotine/alcohol products to the police agents.”

The following stores sold alcohol products to underage agents:

•BP Gas Station located at 300 N. Broadway, Hicksville.

•Express Mini Mart located at 5 Bethpage Road, Hicksville.

•Mobil Gas Station located at 325 S. Oyster Bay Road, Plainview.

Each cashier caught selling the products is charged with unlawfully dealing with a child in the first degree and prohibited sale of an alcoholic beverage.

The following store sold a tobacco product to an underage agent:

•A Smoke Shop located at 316 N. Broadway, Jericho. The cashier is charged with unlawfully dealing with a child and selling age restricted products.

All four defendants were each issued an appearance ticket returnable on Wednesday, Oct. 4 to First District Court, 99 Main Street Hempstead.

“We continue to work with the Nassau County Police Department to identify issues that impact our quality of life, and commend the police for stopping the illegal sale of substances to underage children,” said Town of Oyster Bay Supervisor Joseph Saladino.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Minimum Legal Drinking Age (MLDA) saves lives.

The MLDA in the United States is 21, but prior to 1984, the legal age to buy alcohol varied by state.

States that increased the legal drinking age to 21 saw a 16 percent decrease in motor vehicle crashes, decreased drinking in people ages 18 to 20 years old and protection from other outcomes, such as alcohol and drug dependence, adverse birth outcomes, suicide and homicide.

However, enforcement of the law is an

important part of making sure nobody under the age of 21 can buy alcohol.

“Enforcement of laws prohibiting alcohol sales to minors reduced the ability of youthful-looking decoys to purchase alcoholic beverages by a median of 42 percent,” stated a fact sheet from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention.

In fact, in 2014, the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene and the New York State Liquor Authority found that 58 percent of the licensed alcohol retailers in the city sold to underage decoys.

According to the National Institute of Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, the complex developmental changes in the brains of adolescents that bring about cognitive, emotional and social skills necessary to survive and thrive make them especially vulnerable to alcohol exposure.

While adolescents tend to drink alcohol less than adults, when they do drink, they tend to binge drink. A 2021 National Survey of Drug Use and Health found that 8.3 percent of people ages 12 to 20, or 3.2 million people, reported binge drinking in the past month.

Adolescents’ ability to readily change in response to experiences, as well as to explore or take risks, also make them more vulnerable to the short and long term negative effects of alcohol. In general, underage drinking can lead to unsafe behaviors.

Steven Chassman, the executive director of Long Island Council on Alcoholism

and Drug Dependence (LICADD), knows all too well the importance of preventing underage alcohol and drug use.

“We have great partnerships with Nassau and Suffolk law enforcement, so we commend law enforcement for doing these sting operations, whether it’s products with high levels of nicotine, whether it’s illegal sale of marijuana and THC products, because we’re seeing that across Nassau and Suffolk even though they don’t have licenses,” Chassman said. “Let us not forget that alcohol remains the most lethal drug in America year after year. We know from the Centers for Disease Control and the National Institute on Drug Abuse that the incidents and the rate of use among adolescents and young adults continues to increase in a wide array of drugs, first and foremost alcohol, nicotine and THC products.”

Chassman, based on research he’s reviewed, said that people who can stay engaged in positive outlets like sports and academics, and avoid the use, misuse or dependence on drugs and alcohol, are less likely to develop a potential substance use disorder. People who begin using drugs and alcohol in their early adolescence, ages 12 to 15, are more likely to develop a substance use disorder.

“We used evidence-based prevention models in every school from K to 12, teaching people healthy communication skills,

teaching them how to negotiate stress and anxiety,” Chassman said. “When we start assigning mind and mood altering drugs at a young age on the emotional spectrum, those are really the dangerous seedlings of what could be a substance use disorder later on in life.”

So how can cashiers and bartenders prevent themselves from accidentally selling alcohol, nicotine or other age-restricted products to people under the age of 21?

According to the New York State Liquor Authority, it is a crime to deliver, sell or give away alcoholic beverages to a person under the age of 21, regardless of whether they appear to be 21 or lie about their age. And you are not only responsible for sales made directly to underage patrons, you’re also responsible for “indirect deliveries,” when a patron over 21 gives the beverage to an underage patron.

The Liquor Authority recommends asking for proof of age using a valid drivers license, a non-driver ID card, a U.S. military identification or a valid passport.

Additionally, stores, restaurants and bars can post “Date Born After” signs near all points of sale or service, have a written policy on what you expect from employees making sales, establish an ongoing training and education program for all employees, encourage responsible drinking when advertising the establishment, support employees when they refuse to make a sale and consider purchasing a scanner device to verify that the identifications are valid.

“To help prevent sales to minors in your establishment, the authority recommends that all licensees and employees who serve or sell alcoholic beverages take an Alcohol Training Awareness Program,” the Liquor Authority stated. “The Alcohol Training Awareness Program focuses on the legal responsibilities of selling alcohol and provides training in practical skills to help licensees and their employees avoid violations. These trainings are not only an effective way to prevent underage sales but, in the event the authority charges you with a violation, proof that your staff has participated in training may reduce the penalty imposed.”

And according to the New York State Public Health Laws, the sale of tobacco and vapor products and smoking paraphernalia to people under the age of 21 is prohibited.

“Penalties for illegal sales to minors include fines, loss of license to sell lottery tickets, and loss of registration to sell tobacco and vapor products,” the law stated.

“Every registered tobacco retailer is assessed annually for compliance with this law.”

To speak with a counselor and learn about resources near you, call LICADD at 516-747-2606.

A Smoke Shop located at 316 N. Broadway, Jericho was busted for selling a tobacco product to an underage police agent. (Photo by Jennifer Corr)

We continue to work with the Nassau County Police Department to identify issues that impact our quality of life, and commend the police for stopping the illegal sale of substances to underage children

—Town of Oyster Bay Supervisor Joseph Saladinov

Village Of Brookville Update

The Village of Brookville recently released its fall issue of The Voice of the Village, updating its residents on happenings around the village.

The newsletter began with an update on the Tam O’Shanter golf course.

“In short, the status of the development has remained unchanged since our last newsletter update,” said Village of Brookville Mayor Daniel H. Serota. “The remediation of the contaminated soil at Tam is still under review by both the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation, which is reviewing the developer’s Brownfield Clean-Up Program application as well as the Nassau County Department of Health, which is also reviewing alternative remediation plans.”

The village did recently receive notice from the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation that they had received the developer’s application and were seeking comments.

“Be assured that I am in constant touch with all parties to this application to make sure that any eventual cleanup will be performed in a manner that protects the safety and welfare of the village and its residents,” Mayor Serota said.

In other news, “annoying dog” complaints are on the rise again. According to the newsletter, if you’re a dog owner, it is imperative to be keenly aware of your obligations and responsibilities.

“It is incumbent upon owners and/or custodians to keep your dog(s) on your property when it is unleashed,” said Brookville Police Chief Kenneth Lack. “How residents accomplish this is a personal decision. You can fence your property, provide for invisible fencing, exercise pens, tie-outs, boundary training, to name a few. Please obey the law on this matter.”

According to a local law that deals with dogs and other animals, an “annoying animal,” is defined as an animal, when it is not on the premises of its owner or custodian, without being provoked harasses or threatens a person; deposits animal waste on public or private property; engages in habitual loud howling, barking, crying or whining; uproots and digs or damages property.

A “vicious animal” is defined as an animal that while running at large has once bitten a person or has twice made an unprovoked attack upon and bitten a domestic animal or has made at least three unprovoked attacks unrelated to protection of the owner.

If any animal has been found to be vicious or annoying, the owner will be responsible for damages for any injury or damage caused by the animal and can be liable for a fine. After a finding that the animal is vicious or annoying, the Village Justice may order the animal to be confined to the owners property,removed from the village or “destroyed.”

The newsletter also announced that the

“underused” Jane B. Francke Bird Sanctuary, a 3.8 acre woodland, will be unlocked from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

There are some updates scheduled for the sanctuary, including improved and safer parking, a pedestrian entrance, daffodils and other naturalized plantings, new signage and more pleasing curbside appeal. These updates may cause unscheduled closings over the next year.

According to the newsletter, in 1957, Ada Francke Whitaker, Jane Francke’s daughter, gave the land to the village in memory of her mother, a longtime Brookville resident. Since then, the North Country Garden Club of Long Island, of which there are a number of Brookville members, have lovingly maintained the sanctuary located on Brookville Road opposite Muttontown Road. The garden club members maintain the sanctuary by keeping the paths clear,

repairing fences and bridges inside the sanctuary and caring for the pavilion. The birds are fed all winter long by the devoted garden club members.

As for Sid Jacobson JCC, which ran the Camp Jacobson day camp in Brookville for years, the newsletter announced that the camp did not operate this summer.

“After many years of trying to resolve the issues between the JCC and the Village of Brookville, the matter was finally resolved by the Court of Appeals, closing the summer camp for good,” the newsletter announced. “According to sources, the 14acre parcel of property is now up for sale.”

Peter F. Logan, the superintendent of the Jericho Water District, provided an update.

“The district’s long-awaited treatment plant at the facility on Wheatley Road in Brookville was put into service in June of this year,” Logan wrote. “This milestone

allowed two of three wells at that site to be returned to service, and marked the first time since June of 2019 that water was being pumped from any of those wells.

Mayor Serota said that in checking with residents, it seems that water pressure and the amount of water available to homes during night time and early morning hours has much improved, especially during the hottest months of summer.

“In fact, the village received no complaints once the wells were back, a first in quite a few years,” Mayor Serota said.

Logan explained that supply chain issues continue to plague the electrical contractor, whose equipment has been on order for over a year and a half.

“In order to get these wells into full production, the electrician improvised on some of the missing parts and was able to get power to the equipment and controls, allowing the wells to be operated with the necessary safety equipment required to get Nassau County Department of Health approval,” Logan wrote. “We expect the Wheatley Treatment Center site to be completed before the 2024 pumping season.”

For more information about the Village of Brookville and to request a newsletter, visit villageofbrookville.com.

—Information provided by the Village of Brookville Voice of the Village

The Jane B. Francke Bird Sanctuary will now be unlocked 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. starting Oct. 2. (Photo courtesy Google Maps)

According to the Village of Brookville’s newsletter, ‘annoying dog’ complaints are on the rise.

(Photo courtesy Unsplash)

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

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

Hearings Begin On Cold Spring Hills Center For Nursing & Rehabilitation

Ahearing in order to appoint a caretaker to Cold Spring Hills Center for Nursing & Rehabilitation began on Sept. 20.

New York State Attorney General Letitia James in December 2022 filed a lawsuit against Cold Spring Hills Center for Nursing & Rehabilitation, located in Woodbury, for fraud and mismanagement that led to under-staffing, which ultimately resulted in neglect and harm. According to a press release from the Office of the Attorney General, an investigation by the office found that Cold Spring Hills’ owners “diverted over $22.6 million in Medicaid and Medicare funds from resident care through a fraudulent network of companies that were used to conceal up-front profit taking.”

Furthermore, Cold Spring Hills Center for Nursing & Rehabilitation employees, with the union 1199SEIU, has been picketing, writing letters, attending hearings and visiting Albany in response to a potential loss in benefits. Cold Spring Hills Center

for Nursing & Rehabilitation employees picketed outside the facility after hearing the news that they might lose their benefits because the owners of the facility did not make their contractually agreed-to payments into the workers’ health benefit fund. Employees were first notified that their benefits would expire Aug. 25. But the employer paid a partial contribution to extend the benefits to Sept. 15. The benefits has since been extended for another month after another partial payment was made.

A caretaker, as defined by New York public health law, is a person who acts as a fiduciary responsible to the court which appoints them for conserving and preserving the rights and property of the operator of a residential health care facility, while also preserving and providing for the rights of the patients in the facility to care appropriate for their needs in a clean and wholesome environment in accordance with applicable federal and state laws and regulations.

New York Commissioner of Health James V. McDonald has petitioned Cold Spring Hills Center for Nursing & Rehabilitation and Cold Spring Realty Acquisition LLC for an order to appoint a caretaker.

The petition, by James, alleged that after

the proceeding against the nursing home began, the respondent stopped paying the National Benefit Fund of 1199SEIU, which provides certain medical, dental disability and other related benefits.

“Respondent’s decision not to pay the fund fully—triggering a termination notice to Cold Spring Hills employees—and then to make a partial payment that only provided short term relief from a looming termination of benefits, has negatively impacted staff and resident care,” the petition stated.

The petition also stated that as of Sept. 8, the facility owes more than $5 million to the fund, and is obligated to make monthly payments in amounts ranging between $920,000 and $1.1 million.

“On Sept. 1, 2023, the department requested that respondent provide the department with a sworn affidavit regarding respondent’s intent and ability to cure

its default to the fund and to maintain future required conditions,” the petition stated. “Respondent responded to the department’s Sept. 1, 2023 letter with only a vague, un-sworn commitment to ‘do [its best] to maintain union benefits’ and its intention to ‘cover these costs in the short term’ without providing any of the details requested by the department.”

The petition then alleged that because the operator of the facility has failed to meet requirements of public health law and the minimum standards for nursing homes, the department has commenced an administrative proceeding to revoke the operating certificate of the operator. A caretaker would then be appointed to stabilize Cold Spring Hills Center for Nursing & Rehabilitation, including by ensuring staff will receive all wages and benefits and by employing sufficient staff to care for the residents.

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

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

SATURDAY, SEPT. 30

Wheatley Farms Harvest Festival

“Fall for All” is more than just a one-day event. It’s an opportunity to welcome the community to enjoy a carefully curated schedule offering a wide range of activities accessible to all. From sensory-friendly spaces to creative mask-making and face painting, every experience has been designed to foster inclusivity and ensure that every visitor can participate and enjoy the festivities. Enjoy the festival at Wheatley Farms Harvest Festival, 189 Wheatley Road, Brookville, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Rain date is Oct. 7.

MONDAY, OCT. 2

Banned Book Keychains

In this program for sixth to 12th grade at the Syosset Public Library, 225 S Oyster Bay Road, from 7 to 8 p.m., make your own keychain using the covers of banned books that will be provided.

TUESDAY, OCT. 3

Title Swap Tuesdays

Excited to hear about the Syosset Public Library’s favorite books? Join the Readers’ Services librarians for a fun, lively in-person

presentation of all the books the librarians can’t stop talking about. Leave with a list of great reads. No registration required. This program will take place at the Syosset Public Library, 225 S Oyster Bay Road, at 2 p.m.

THURSDAY, OCT. 5

Police & The Constitution Part 1

At the Syosset Public Library, 225 S Oyster Bay Road, from 2 to 3 p.m., learn about police and the Constitution. Throughout American history, our legal system has struggled to maintain a delicate balance between two sometimes-opposing

objectives: the preservation of individual liberty and the obligation to ensure public safety. Highlighting circumstances and Supreme Court decisions, this discussion will illustrate how Founding-era ideals have been applied to the evolving powers and limitations of the police in modern society.

FRIDAY, OCT. 6

In-Person Free Health Screening: St. Francis Hospital Community Outreach Program

The St. Francis Hospital Bus will be in

the front parking lot of the Jericho Public Library, 1 Merry Lane in Jericho, offering free health screenings from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The screenings include a brief cardiac history, blood pressure, a simple blood test for cholesterol and diabetes screenings. They will offer appropriate education and referrals as needed for those attending. Flu shots will be available. No appointment necessary, but you must be 18 years of age or older.

SUNDAY, OCT. 8

Fire Prevention Open House 2023

Join the Syosset Volunteer Fire Department, 50 Cold Spring Road in Syosset, for the annual Fire Prevention Day from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. All members of the community are welcome. Enjoy firetruck rides, live burns and more.

FRIDAY, OCT. 20

Halloween Book-To-Film Discussion

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

The Syosset Volunteer Fire Department open house is on Oct. 8. (Photo by Jennifer Corr)

The Scrap Over Solving Immigration Crises, Part III

Our county and region struggle on amid politicized waves of arrivals

JANET BURNS

jburns@antonmediagroup.com

Afew miles from where the Statue of Liberty, famed greeter of millions who immigrated here by ship in prior generations, still stands, some local electeds, politicos, protesters, and residents continue speaking out or trading rumors and jabs (or in some cases not saying much at all) on the arrival of tens of thousands of asylum seekers and other migrants in our area this year.

In the past few weeks, public responses to asylum seekers and migrants’ arrival in the New York City metropolitan region have increased, and in some cases escalated.

On Staten Island, for example, where frequent rally organizers Curtis Sliwa and Scott Lobaido have brought out critics of sheltering migrants, the New York Police Department (NYPD) recently arrested ten people who were attempting to block and banging on a bus transporting asylum seekers. The asylum seekers were headed to the former Island Shores Beach building, one of many disused buildings in NYC that have been converted for short-term shelter. According to the NYPD, ten people were arrested for disorderly conduct, and one person was additionally charged with assaulting a police officer during an arrest.

In the weeks prior to that, asylum seekers temporarily residing at another Staten Island shelter have had to face not only regular protests but also, as the Associated Press reported, “a message, recorded in six languages, [that] blares all day from a loudspeaker on Scott Herkert’s well-groomed front lawn on Staten Island, exhorting migrants to ‘go back’ to another part of the city because the community doesn’t want them.”

Meanwhile, Sliwa and others have continued to host rallies at Creedmoor and Floyd Bennett Field against providing publicly funded shelter for any homeless migrants, whether they’re the border-vetted asylum seekers arriving by bus at Humanitarian Emergency Relief and Response Centers (HERRCs), like the one at Creedmoor, or have otherwise walked or flown here to pursue another path toward legal residence. As an alternative, Sliwa has at times suggested that migrants could be housed on Rikers Island, home to a

notorious network of jails that is legally required to close by 2027; speaking this summer outside a Toys R’ Us in Brooklyn, Sliwa followed up that suggestion by stating that he himself has experienced pre-trial incarceration on Rikers, before bellowing, “I FEAR NO MAN! Or woman.”

In our area, State Assemblyman Ed Ra recently called for a special session “to address the intensifying migrant crisis that has seen more than 100,000 migrants arrive in our state over the past year,” according to a press release.

“Our urgent call for this special session is a consequence of inaction by our state leaders and passivity of the federal government,” Ra said. “My colleagues and I have introduced proposals that will alleviate

undue pressure on our education and court systems, housing industry and capabilities of community service providers. We have proposals that will address growing public safety concerns, as well as Mayor Adams’ inflating costs for migrant shelters and services, which he now estimates to reach $12 billion.”

“We have been asking and advocating for these actions for several months—it’s time to address the migrant issue head-on. An extraordinary session must be convened to compensate for the lack of action by Democratic leadership in Albany and Washington and take steps to implement long-delayed solutions.

In late August, State Senator Jack Martins also weighed in during a press conference outside the Long Island Rail Road station at Floral Park.

“The self-inflicted migrant crisis has been a disaster for communities across our state. Rather than address it, Democrats in Albany continue to insist on New York’s sanctuary status and won’t raise a finger to push sealing the border. They’d rather give away parks and schools to gatecrashers than protect our communities and enforce the law,” Martins said.

Ra, political hopeful Mike Sapraicone, and other Republicans also broadly roasted the suggestion made by Queens boro president Donovan Richards, perhaps rhetorically, that the Nassau Coliseum property could be used to shelter asylum seekers, too.

For his part, New York City Mayor Eric Adams has already imposed a 60-day limit

on city-provided shelter for single adult homeless asylum seekers, and as of this writing was considering adding a 30-day limit for persons who re-enter the shelter system, as well as some kind of time limit for families seeking asylum.

On both Long Island and Staten Island, religious coalitions have been among the loudest voices speaking up on behalf of sheltering asylum seekers, as well as other homeless migrants.

By mid-September, more than 165 faith leaders in Nassau and Suffolk had signed a letter to the Nassau and Suffolk County Executives and Legislatures, which some members of activist and religious communities have been taking on a tour of sorts at local town board meetings.

The letter, also addressed to supervisors and board members of the Towns of Hempstead, North Hempstead, Oyster Bay, Huntington, Babylon, Smithtown, Islip, Brookhaven, Riverhead, Southampton, Easthampton, Southold and Shelter Island reads as follows:

“You shall not deprive a resident alien or an orphan of justice...Remember that you were a slave in Egypt and the Lord your G-d redeemed you from there; therefore, I command you to do this.” [Deuteronomy 24:17-18]

“I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me.” [Matthew 25:35]

The Holy Qur’an repeatedly requires the

see CRISES on page 4A

NYPD officers stand together in the parking lot of a former Toys R’ Us in Brooklyn during a protest against sheltering asylum seekers

The back of a sign that fell to the ground, which had directed rally attendees at a Toys R’ Us in Brooklyn to park at the golf course across the street, reads, “What’s the plan?”

(Photos by Janet Burns)

John Riley loves comic books. For the last 30 years, he’s been sharing that love with readers young and old. And we’ve been with John every step of the way, helping plan improvements ranging from upgrading LED lighting to replacing a 50-year-old oil tank with a super-e cient heat pump. These upgrades save him money that he reinvests in—you guessed it—more comic books. As it should be.

See how we support small businesses on Long Island and in the Rockaways at psegliny.com/Business

“Every time I expected to encounter bureaucracy, I actually encountered a person.”

—John Riley, Grasshopper’s Comics, Williston Park

CRISES from page 2A

faithful to comply with agreements and treaties on the rights of refugees, praising those who go to the assistance of people in distress and requiring the faithful to protect them [9:100 and 117], including non-Muslims, by providing amam (safeguard).

We, the undersigned, are an interfaith community of clergy and lay leaders, and the mandates in our traditions could not be clearer. As people representing many faith traditions, we profess the full humanity and dignity of all people, all created in the Spirit of Life’s image. Our sacred texts mandate love, hospitality and a commitment to love our neighbor, with a strong emphasis — literally scores of scriptural mandates — on welcoming the stranger, sojourners from another land.

In recent years, 68 million people worldwide have fled their homes seeking safety. Children account for more than half of this total. Families requesting safety at our borders are fleeing economic exploitation, organized crime, political repression, war, and sexual violence, much of it rooted in disruptions caused by climate disasters and political destabilization. Recent reports indicate that current asylum seekers also include those who have fled Afghanistan after providing assistance to the United States, whose lives now would be in danger at home. Any of us would ask for refuge for our families if faced with the same threats.

Many U.S. towns and cities, including Nassau and Suffolk Counties—consistent

with our nation’s foundational ideal to be a place where people come for safety and freedom—have long been welcoming, housing, and employing our immigrant neighbors as they await their court asylum hearings. Houses of worship and non-profits provide care, critical support services, and community. Together as Long Islanders, we can continue (with essential government support and partnerships on the federal, state and local levels) to honor the core values of our diverse faiths and our nation by being a community of welcome.

Unfortunately, some Long Island officials have done just the opposite: inflaming tensions and fears by issuing irresponsible calls to bar asylum seekers from our towns

and counties, despite the fact that under both U.S. and International law these asylum seekers are guaranteed the right to seek asylum.

Such rhetoric is especially disheartening considering that during the height of the pandemic, lives were literally saved by essential workers, many of whom are immigrants. They cared for our elderly and disabled family members, planted, harvested and delivered our food, cleaned our public spaces, and much more. While some of us were locked down in our homes, immigrant workers were laboring to strengthen Long Island and our communities.

Our sacred scriptures insist that “neighbor” is never defined as proximity or

nationality.

Any rejection and resentment of the Spirit of Life’s children is a betrayal of our values, and a betrayal of the Spirit of Life.

We lament the crises of violence, environmental disaster, war, and poverty that cause families to leave their homes and lands in search of safety and asylum; we call for serious attention to fixing our broken immigration system; and we pray for just national and global policies and for the healing of a broken world — a prayer for Tikkun olam — so that all people might have the opportunity to find safety and welcoming in our country, our state, and in our Long Island communities. This is who we are as people of faith.

Asylum seekers walk from the Creedmoor HERRC toward a nearby mosque in late summer, passing barricades set up for a protest that evening.

A view of one paved portion of isolated Floyd Bennett Field in Brooklyn, where state and federal approval for a HERRC has been given.

Over the years that people have come to me to share their moments of distress – wayward children, broken marriages, abusive relationships, gambling addictions, drug use, etc. – it strikes me that throughout most of these situations, someone other than me knew about these. But they said nothing.

We’ve been raised to “mind our own business” and not butt in other people’s lives, though we all know folks who are constantly inserting themselves into situations where they don’t belong. And we don’t want to be one of “those people.”

What if you know through your children that a friend’s child is engaged in dangerous behavior? Do you say something? What if a friend confides that he or she is becoming increasingly intimate with someone other than their spouse? Do you advise your friend to stop going in that direction because of the ongoing harm this will lead to? What if you know that a fellow team parent continually shows up at the games drunk or high? Do you express your concern or pretend you don’t know?

You could give it the “What if it

THE SPIRIT OF OUR TOWN

was MY kid?” test. In other words, would you want to know if your child was riding his bike in traffic or stealing from a local store or ingesting weed, or selling weed? What if you were the one headed for an inappropriate relationship? Would some cautionary words from a friend be welcomed? Would you be able to hear “care” if someone challenged your self-destructive behavior?

Of course we could actually pray about what to do. When we turn to God for direction we can find guidance in a variety of scripture. Saint Paul tells the people of Thessalonika “We hear that some

COLUMNS Butting In

of you are leading undisciplined lives and accomplishing nothing but being busybodies.” So naturally we want to avoid that.

However he also urges the Philippians: “Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.”

Sometimes there are things that concern us but they seem so small that we think they’re not worth the trouble to speak about. Before 9-11 few people would think to point out an unaccompanied backpack or suitcase at a subway station. But after the terrorist attack the “if you see something, say something” campaign urged us to notice and report even small things that could signal larger dangers.

I believe that if people shared a concern over small things with those they care for, some of the behaviors that might become more destructive could be avoided down the line. We can’t live other people’s lives or rescue folks from their bad decisions but sometimes silence isn’t golden. Speaking our concerns can make

a difference that can protect, heal, guide, and help those we are concerned about.

Consider the rudder of a ship. It’s one of the smallest parts of a boat yet it is essential to steering in the right direction. Even a small adjustment can make a big difference in where the ship is sailing.

So too, a small caring word has the potential of helping another person to make a mid-course (or mid-life) correction.

Reaching out with concern to another takes two things: courage and rehearsal. First pray for courage – it is the power to do the right thing no matter what the cost may be. And then rehearse what you plan to say so that you’re steering

clear from being judgmental and condemnatory. Better to say how you feel about the situation than telling someone what they ought to be doing.

“After my daughter told me that your daughter is cutting herself I’m feeling scared for her safety” works better than “Didn’t you know your daughter has been cutting herself? You’d better get her into counseling – and you should get some counselling yourself!”

If you’re the kind of person who naturally butts in all the time, you didn’t need to read this column. But if some concern has been weighing you down for some time, perhaps this is the day to say something.

Fr. Ralph Sommer

Photo credit Getty Images

Everyday Words With Naval Origins

The Navy has had a significant influence on everyday language. Many common words and phrases have their origins in naval terminology, reflecting the maritime history and traditions of the Navy. Here are 10 everyday words with naval origins:

Admiral: An admiral is a high-ranking naval officer responsible for commanding a fleet or a group of ships. The term “admiral” is derived from the Arabic word “amir,” which means commander. It was adopted into European languages and later into English.

Deck: In a naval context, the “deck” refers to a platform on a ship’s surface. This term has been adopted to describe any horizontal surface or platform, such as the “deck” of a house or a “deck” of playing cards.

Bunk: A “bunk” is a narrow bed often found in cramped quarters on naval vessels. The term is now used more broadly to describe any type of bed or sleeping arrangement.

Boatswain: The “boatswain” or “bosun” is a senior crew member responsible for the maintenance of a ship and its equipment. The term has been adapted to describe supervisors or overseers in various industries.

Maroon: To “maroon” originally referred to the act of leaving someone stranded on a deserted island, often as a form of punishment. The term “maroon” has since evolved to describe being abandoned or isolated in any context.

Scuttlebutt: In naval slang, the “scuttlebutt” is a drinking fountain or water cooler. Sailors would gather around

LONG ISLAND VETERANS

Christy

Hinko

the scuttlebutt to exchange rumors and gossip while getting a drink. Today, “scuttlebutt” is synonymous with casual conversation or hearsay. You might hear someone say, “What’s the scuttlebutt around the office?”

Brace: To “brace” in a naval context means to prepare for impact or turbulence by securing oneself or equipment. In everyday language, “brace” is used to convey readiness or preparation for a potentially challenging situation.

Sonar: “Sonar” is an acronym for “sound navigation and ranging.” It’s a technology developed for underwater navigation and communication. Today, sonar is used for various purposes, including underwater exploration and fishing.

Grog: “Grog” was a diluted rum ration provided to sailors in the British Navy. It has come to refer to any alcoholic beverage. It’s a slang term used to describe a drink, often in a casual or informal setting.

Mayday: “Mayday” is an internationally recognized distress signal used in emergencies, particularly at sea. It derives from the French phrase “m’aidez,” meaning “help me.” In everyday language, “mayday” is synonymous with a cry for help or a desperate plea.

These everyday words with naval origins serve as reminders of the Navy’s enduring impact on language and culture. The rich history and traditions of naval forces continue to influence our vocabulary, even in contexts far removed from the sea.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Wednesday, Sept. 27— Standup Comedy Class for veterans at 7 p.m. every Wednesday at Project9Line, Islip

Thursday, Sept. 28—The Wall That Heals at Flushing Meadow Park in Queens with 24-hour access through Oct. 1

Thursday, Sept. 28—Wine on the Harbor charity event to celebrate Pal-O-Mine from 6 to 9 p.m. at Harbor Club at Prime, Huntington

Saturday, Sept. 30, and Sunday, Oct. 1—Project Thank You letter writing campaign for active troops at St. Ignatius Loyola Parish Church, Hicksville

Thursday, Oct. 5, through Oct. 8—The Wall That Heals with 24-hour access at Tanner Park, Copiague

Friday, Oct. 6—1st Annual Heroes At Home Gala from 6 to 10 p.m. at Smithtown Landings Country Club, Smithtown

Saturday, Oct. 7—WWII Veteran Rich Gruber’s 100th Birthday Celebration at 4 p.m. at Miller’s Ale House, Commack

Sunday, Oct. 8—8th Annual PTSD Awareness Motorcycle Ride by Rolling Thunder NY Chapter 6 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Marine Corps League, Massapequa

Friday, Oct. 13— Coast Guard Chief Petty Officers Assoc. Scramble Golf Tournament from 7 a.m. at Cherry Creek Golf Links, Riverhead

Saturday, Oct. 14—Chili Cook-off and Fall Festival to benefit mental health and veteran care from noon to 4 p.m. at Association for Mental Health and Wellness, Ronkonkoma

Saturday, Oct. 14— Outdoor concert fundraiser to

support autism education from 2 to 6 p.m. at VFW Post 9592, Levittown

Saturday, Oct. 14—Roslyn Rocks for Wounded Warriors from 7 p.m. at Roslyn High School, Roslyn

Saturday, Oct. 21—Blue Star Mothers Garage Sale to benefit veterans from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Bethpage Railroad Station

Saturday, Oct. 21—23rd Annual VA Hospital Motorcycle Run from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Marine Corps League, Massapequa

Saturday, Oct. 21—Legion Auxiliary fall crafting fundraiser at American Legion Post 1033, Elmont

Saturday, Oct. 28—Full Moon

Halloween Dance from 7 to 11 p.m. at VFW Post 414, Center Moriches

Thursday, Nov. 9—NY Helmets To Hardhats Service Luncheon at U.S.S. Intrepid, Manhattan

Saturday, Nov. 11—Family Festival and Car Show from noon to 5 p.m. at Samanea Mall, Westbury

Sunday, Nov. 12—Jimmy’s Run/Gold Star Memorial at 7 a.m. hosted by Ranger Lead the Way Fund, Manhasset

Tuesday, Nov. 14—Services For Those Who Served from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Centered Mind Body Spirit, Commack

Friday, Nov. 17, and Saturday, Nov. 18—Mike Del Guidice: A Concert Weekend for Veterans at The Paramount, Huntington

Saturday, Nov. 25—Veterans’ Comedy Showcase at 7 p.m. at Project9Line, Islip

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

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

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COLUMNS

No Worms For The Early Birds

There is an old expression that the “early bird catches the worm.” That may apply to buying tickets for Taylor Swift or some other hot event. It doesn’t apply to politics because it is a subject riddled with uncertainties. That is especially so when it comes to handicapping the 2024 presidential race.

At this early stage in the 2024 race, we are being bombarded with polls and pundits, all seeking to tell us who is a potential winner in next year’s presidential horserace. These polls are just plain guesswork and there is no legitimate science behind the numbers or the forecasts. The pollsters tell us that their formulas are a sure thing, but don’t believe it. If 2020 tells us anything, they bombed more often than they were right.

In 2012, the pollsters found that Hillary Clinton was 20 points ahead of Barack Obama. By the time of the Democratic convention, Obama had a commanding lead and got the nomination. That same fluke took place when Ronald Reagan came from behind to beat Jimmy Carter.

Recently, New Hampshire Republican Governor Sununu predicted that neither Donald Trump nor Joe Biden will be the nominees of their respective parties. That may be a stretch but maybe Sununu has a crystal ball that is clearer than most of us. In addition, some conservative Republicans maintain that former President Trump will be barred from running under the 14th Amendment and they are planning a court challenge of the Trump candidacy.

I have spoken to a number of Democratic veterans who believe that President Biden will bow out at the party convention but they have been reluctant to predict who will get the party nomination. These same veterans refuse to name a possible replacement for the president, but there are numerous Democratic governors waiting

INSIDE POLITICS

in the wings for a chance to step up if called upon.

Republican candidates DeSantis, Pence and Haley think that they may be struck by political lightning, and hope that a convicted former president will be forced to step aside because of falling poll numbers. They believe that a convicted incumbent will lose ground in the pre-convention moments and fate will favor them.

During my many runs for re-election, it appeared that the Democratic presidential nominees were looking like a sure thing (e.g. Mondale and Dukakis.) So it is far too early to make any serious predictions about any of the candidates of either party. You can anticipate a blizzard of polls in the months to come but ignore them as too early and too soon. These early birds will not catch any worms.

Jerry Kremer

Photo credit Getty Images

2023 SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

Lavine Introduces Bill For Library Bill Of Rights

AMANDA OLSEN

aolsen@antonmediagroup.com

State Assembly member Charles Lavine recently introduced a bill that would require all libraries that accept public funds to adopt the American Library Association’s library Bill of Rights. This would create a standard across all libraries for the preservation of access to information and use of the library.

The bill states that “Every free association library, public library, hospital library, Indian library and library system which receives any portion of moneys appropriated by the state shall adopt the American Library Association’s library bill of rights that indicates materials should not be proscribed or removed because of partisan or doctrinal disapproval or, in the alternative, develop a written statement prohibiting the practice of banning books or other materials within the library or library system.”

information, and enlightenment of all people of the community the library serves. Materials should not be excluded because of the origin, background, or views of those contributing to their creation.

OCT 15Colin Mochrie & Brad Sherwood

OCT 19+20 Lee Brice

OCT 21Monsters of Freestyle

OCT 28Parliament Funkadelic feat. George Clinton

OCT 29Aqui Esta La Salsa

NOV 1Rumours of Fleetwood

Mac

NOV 3 The Tenors: Now & Forever Tour

NOV 4Almost Queen - A Tribute to Queen

NOV 5John Oliver

NOV 10Masters of Illusion

NOV 11Paul Anka

NOV 12Celebrating David Bowie feat. Peter Murphy, Adriant

Belew,

Lavine is concerned with the recent national uptick in requests to limit or ban materials from libraries. “The incidents of this suppression of expression and free thought have increased dramatically over the course of the last several years, coinciding with the increase of hatred in general, antisemitism, anti-Asian hatred and anti LGBTQIA+. They go hand in hand,” the assemblyman said.

Lavine is hopeful that adopting the ALA’s Bill of Rights will help patrons better understand how the library makes its decisions. “While the bill that I introduced is not designed or intended to be a panacea, it is a step in the right direction; anything and everything we can do to focus the public’s attention on (restricting access to material), and this more organized, group activity which is designed to suppress free thought,” Lavine said.

Library Bill of Rights

The American Library Association affirms that all libraries are forums for information and ideas, and that the following basic policies should guide their services.

I. Books and other library resources should be provided for the interest,

II. Libraries should provide materials and information presenting all points of view on current and historical issues. Materials should not be proscribed or removed because of partisan or doctrinal disapproval.

III. Libraries should challenge censorship in the fulfillment of their responsibility to provide information and enlightenment.

IV. Libraries should cooperate with all persons and groups concerned with resisting abridgment of free expression and free access to ideas.

V. A person’s right to use a library should not be denied or abridged because of origin, age, background, or views.

VI. Libraries which make exhibit spaces and meeting rooms available to the public they serve should make such facilities available on an equitable basis, regardless of the beliefs or affiliations of individuals or groups requesting their use.

VII. All people, regardless of origin, age, background, or views, possess a right to privacy and confidentiality in their library use. Libraries should advocate for, educate about, and protect people’s privacy, safeguarding all library use data, including personally identifiable information.

Charles D. Lavine NYS Assemblymember, 13th District, Nassau County.

(Photo by the Office of Charles Lavine)

60

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On an afternoon before their second Zac Brown Band concert at Jones Beach Amphitheater on Sept.17, John Driskell Hopkins, multi-instrumentalist and founding member, and Matt Mangano, bassist, took a boat out to the bay house of Paul Annunziato.

“Jones Beach is an incredibly unique venue,” Hopkins said. “Our New York crowds in general are the best crowds that we have.”

Annunziato is a longtime friend of Hopkins’, as well as a supporter of Hopkins’ foundation, Hop On A Cure, that helps to fund research to prevent, reverse, and cure ALS (Amyotrophic

Hop On A Cure

Zac Brown Band’s John Driskell Hopkins raises money for ALS through foundation

BY JENNIFER CORR jcorr@antonnews.com

Lateral Sclerosis). Hop on a Cure also aims to raise awareness, build a compassionate community, and unleash the healing power of hope.

Back in July, Annunziato, along with The Lavin and McMahon Families, banned together to hold a fundraiser, complete with a performance from the John Driskell Hopkins Band, in Lattingtown for Hop On A Cure. Attendees raised $55,000, and those who made the largest donations at the fundraiser were also invited to the bay house on Sept. 17 for a meet and greet with Hopkins and Mangano.

“The foundation, in essence, raises money to find a cure,” Annunziato said. “If you go to any Zac Brown Band concert, they mention it. People donate and John’s friends like me are constantly spreading the word.”

Hopkins said that Annunziato, who he called a dear friend, has been an incredible support system for Hop On A Cure.

The bay house, nestled in the South Oyster Bay, overlooks the amphitheater. With only water and marsh surrounding the bay house, it provided the perfect environment for skeet shooting, which

everyone took a turn at. Even Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman paid a visit.

“I always want to show off all of the attributes of Nassau County and certainly these bay houses and this beautiful waterway is something that we’re very proud of in Nassau County,” Blakeman said. “I told John Hopkins that next time he’s in Nassau County, we’re going to coordinate and do a fundraiser for Hop On A Cure.”

Hopkins was diagnosed with ALS in 2021, which inspired him to immediately create Hop On A Cure. ALS, according to the Hop On A Cure website, “is a neurological disease that affects the nerve cells that control voluntary muscle movement (the muscles we have conscious control over). The disease is progressive, meaning the symptoms get worse over time. Individuals affected lose their strength and the ability to control those voluntary muscle movements which include speaking, eating, mobility, and even breathing.”

The life expectancy for ALS after onset of symptoms is typically 3 to 5 years. However, 10 percent of people with ALS survive for 10 years or more. Hopkins, who lives in Atlanta with his family, said when he was diagnosed, he didn’t know what ALS was.

“We fully believe that this is a curable disease,” Hopkins said. “And we believe that it can be cured soon. We feel like we’re on the verge of discoveries that will lead to longevity and livable ALS

conditions. Several years ago HIV was a death sentence and now it’s not. We need to get ALS to that point where people who are diagnosed with the disease can stop progression and then we can work towards reversing it.”

Hopkins said that for so long, support around finding the cure to ALS was “hopeless.”

“You would get diagnosed and then the doctors would say get your affairs in order,” Hopkins said. “We want to change that mentality.”

Hopkins said that with his massive platform through the Zac Brown Band, he felt a responsibility to spread the word. “The band’s been behind me since day one,” Hopkins said. “They’re definitely my extended family.”

As far as balancing performing, recording and touring with managing ALS, Hopkins said he’s still “playing and singing.”

“That’s the bar,” Hopkins said. “Even if I’m playing and singing and have to sit down, I believe we’ll find a way for me to play and sing until I can’t. Hopefully we find some things in the coming years that will allow me to keep doing it.”

Mangano said that while it’s been hard watching his friend, Hopkins, fight ALS, it’s also been inspiring. “It’s inspiring to watch Hop’ and how he confronted this thing head on,” Mangano said. “I think that’s a testament to his tenacity and his internal willpower that he has to overcome challenges.”

John Driskell Hopkins, lead guitarist and founding member of Zac Brown Band, wearing a Nassau County Police Department cap at a bay house near Jones Beach.

(Photo by Jennifer Corr)

MEDICINE PROFILES

IN

UNDOCUMENTED FROM IMMIGRANT TEEN TO WORLDCLASS SURGEON

Advances in pediatric cancer treatment

Double neural transplant

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

By John L. Gomes, MD

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

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

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

Undocumented: From Violent Streets To A Cardiothoracic Surgeon

Harold Fernandez shares the path to his success

BY CHRISTY HINKO chinko@antonmediagroup.com

“There was a lot of violence,” Dr. Harold Fernandez, a Northwell thoracic surgeon said. “In the same streets where I played soccer every day, I saw friends and family members lose their lives.”

Fernandez recounted his days as a young boy, growing up in Medellín, historically one of the most violent cities in Colombia since the 1980s. Fernandez said, “The city was going through a lot of turmoil because of the war between the government and Pablo Escobar.” Fernandez said this is the reason that his mother, Angela, and his father, Alberto, initially came to America on temporary work visas, but overstayed. Angela supported her husband’s plan to temporarily go to the United States, acquire some new skills and earn some extra money, but she quickly fell in love with America. She could not hide her heartsickness from being separated from her sons, Harold and John Byron, who she left in their grandmothers’ care back in Medellín. “I was 13; my brother, John, was 11,” Fernandez said. “My mother imagined having her whole family join them one day, with the safety and all of the benefits that America had to offer.”

Angela cried every day, struggling with being apart from their sons. One day, a coworker mentioned that their daughter would be making the journey from Colombia to America by way of the Bahamas. The trip would take three days at most, perhaps she could chaperone Harold and John for their journey north? Angela was excited and full of hope, but Alberto was hesitant. After some discussion they decided to press forward with the trip. Fernandez and his brother began their journey on Friday, Oct. 13, 1978.

The travelers boarded a plane in Medellín headed to Nassau, the capital of the Bahamas. They then took a puddle-jumper for 130 miles from Nassau to Bimini, a small island just 50 miles due east of Miami. They landed in Bimini, but the sea conditions were treacherous, halting their passage by boat from Bimini to Miami. “We waited for two weeks in Bimini for the conditions to subside,” Fernandez said. “Communications in those days were difficult; you had to go to a payphone calling center; we could not tell our parents what was happening.”

The boys’ only option was to call back to Medellín to assure their grandmothers that they were safe and that all was still well. Their message would then be relayed to New Jersey to their presumably frantic parents. “We had to pretend to be reporting back about a vacation because we were afraid that the immigration authorities in the Bahamas would know what we were doing,” Fernandez said.

The boys feared they would be deported before they had a chance to touch American soil and get to the safety of Angela and Alberto. “We finally made our departure heading to Miami. It was at night, and by a small boat, so as to not be detected by the U.S. Coast Guard,” Fernandez said. “The ride to Miami was very rough; everyone on the boat was sure the boat would capsize.” Fernandez said what he remembers most about the boat ride to Miami was that everyone was crying and reciting the Lord’s Prayer.

The boat arrived safely at an abandoned dock in Miami. Fernandez and his brother made contact with family friends in Miami, who were in touch with their parents to give them the update. They stayed at the apartment of those friends before taking a taxi to the airport and boarding a flight from Miami to Newark. They were briefed ahead of their flight. “They told us, ‘when you see your parents, you have to make sure not to celebrate as to call attention to yourselves; this will surely alert immigration authorities,’” Fernandez remembered. “Remember, I had not seen my parents in many years now. We started running and crying and hugging each other; we were all thanking God that we were together again.”

Fernandez recalled his shock at the abundance. “Back in Colombia, an apple is a luxury. Our grandmother would buy an apple and cut it into little wedges; we all would get a little wedge,” Fernandez said. “My mom had whole apples on the table in a little basket. On the first night, me and my brother, John, we couldn’t sleep thinking about those apples. We went to my mother’s bedroom and woke her up and asked, ‘Mom, could we get one of the those apples?’”

The family was all together again, but with the years of separation, there was a lot of work to be done to rebuild.

“The first months were rough in America for me. If people knew me then, they would say I was a troubled teenager, similar to other kids they might see coming from other countries. I was smoking cigarettes and was trying to learn how to drink hard liquor, getting into fights at school.”

The school principal called Angela and said if her sons continued to fight in school they would be suspended.

“I saw my mother break down,” Fernandez said. “It was then that I realized I had to change my life around.”

He made the decision to get a job delivering newspapers for the Hudson Dispatch (now merged with The Jersey Journal). Fernandez wanted the glory of being called “The best delivery boy in America” to make his mother proud. He began getting up at 4:30 a.m. to do his route, whether it was

raining or snowing. He even remembers doing his route while he was sick. He started with 90 deliveries and worked his way up to 120 papers. Within a year, he had been named “Harold Fernandez: Newspaper Carrier of the Month”. It was printed in the newspaper, a clipping that Fernandez still has in his personal papers today. “I remember my mother cut it out and carried it with her in her purse and showed it to everyone, even people she did not know,” Fernandez said. “My father also put it on his locker at work.”

That wasn’t enough for him though. “I think that was the spark,” Fernenadez said. “I believe it’s what led me to get accepted to Princeton University and eventually to Harvard Medical School.”

There was a problem. “I did not have documents. I applied to Princeton with a fake social security card and a fake Green Card,” Fernandez remembered.

Within a year, Fernnadez received a letter from the dean of foreign students at Princeton. “She wanted to see my Green Card. I thought everything was going to come to an end,” Fernandez said. “I had an amazing professor of Spanish literature [at Princeton], Professor Arcadio DíazQuiñones. I remember going to ask if I could speak with him for some advice. He agreed to see me and before I could say a word, I just

started crying inconsolably.”

Díaz-Quiñones held counsel with the then-president of Princeton University, William G. Bowen, that evening and returned to Fernandez with a message from Bowen: “Tell Harold that everything is going to be OK, not to worry and to continue with his coursework.” The university allowed Fernandez to change his status from a fraudulent citizen student to a foreign-status student, so long as he agreed to provide the correct information and documentation as a citizen of Colombia. A testament to the quality of student that Fernandez was up until that point, Princeton awarded Fernandez a complete scholarship.

Bowen, a man well before his time, made many seemingly radical, but worthy and fair decisions toward the betterment of the institution. “He was a remarkable person; he was the first president at Princeton to accept women, African American and Jewish students, and obviously in my case, an undocumented student; I am grateful for him, for DíazQuiñones, for Princeton and America in general,” Fernandez said.

Fernandez takes every opportunity to tell immigrant students today that there are a lot of good people who really do want to help make their lives better. He encourages all students to look for opportunities and take chances.

Fernandez’s story is timely, with immigration conflicts and stories headlining the news for more than half a decade. “It is a complicated situation right now because we have not seen any leadership from republicans or democrats to deal with the problem,” Fernandez said. “There is definitely a need here for workers in America, but no one has come up with a way to do it the right way. It is important for the people who are here already [citizens] to know that their own jobs are protected. It is also important for Americans to know that the borders are secure, that criminals and terrorists are not coming in. It is important for those who are coming over to come in a responsible way. Yes, I came in undocumented at a very young age. My parents were already here waiting for us. Parents who send their kids ahead first are not being responsible. There is no substitute for kids being with their parents or families.”

Fernandez loves Colombia and returns often, but his family is here and the United States is his home.

He is the author of Undocumented: My Journey to Princeton and Harvard and Life as a Heart Surgeon, independently published in 2019.

Advances In Pediatric Cancer Treatment

BY ANTON MEDIA STAFF specialsections@antonmediagroup.com

As medical research and technology continue to advance, there have been significant developments in the field of pediatric cancer in recent years. These developments have improved our understanding of the disease, diagnostic capabilities, treatment options, and outcomes for young cancer patients. Here are some of the newest and most promising developments in pediatric cancer:

Precision Medicine and Targeted Therapies

Precision medicine has been a game-changer in pediatric oncology. Researchers are increasingly able to identify genetic mutations and alterations specific to a child’s cancer, allowing for the development of targeted therapies. These therapies are designed to attack the cancer cells while sparing healthy cells, reducing side effects and improving treatment effectiveness. Targeted therapies have shown promising results in clinical trials for various pediatric cancers, including neuroblastoma and certain types of leukemia.

Immunotherapy

Advancements

Immunotherapy has emerged as a groundbreaking treatment approach in pediatric cancer. CAR-T cell therapy, for

instance, involves modifying a patient’s own immune cells to target and destroy cancer cells. This therapy has shown remarkable success in treating pediatric patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) and certain types of lymphoma. Ongoing research aims to expand the application of immunotherapies to other pediatric cancer types.

Liquid Biopsies

Liquid biopsies are non-invasive tests that can detect genetic alterations and biomarkers associated with cancer in a patient’s blood or other bodily fluids. This technology is particularly promising in pediatric oncology, as it offers a less invasive and more accessible method of monitoring disease progression, detecting relapses, and guiding treatment decisions. Liquid biopsies hold the potential to improve early diagnosis and reduce the need for painful tissue biopsies in children.

Advancements in Radiotherapy

Radiotherapy techniques have evolved to be more precise and less harmful to healthy tissues in pediatric patients. Proton therapy, for example, delivers radiation more precisely, minimizing damage to surrounding organs and tissues. This advancement is particularly beneficial for children, as it reduces the risk of long-term

side effects and improves the quality of life for survivors.

Genomic Profiling and Research Collaborations

Collaborative efforts among researchers and institutions worldwide have led to extensive genomic profiling of pediatric cancers. Large-scale projects, such as the Pediatric Cancer Genome Project, have identified numerous genetic mutations and drivers of pediatric cancer. This wealth of genetic data is invaluable in developing targeted therapies and improving treatment strategies for children with cancer.

Supportive Care and Survivorship Programs

There is a growing focus on improving the quality of life for pediatric cancer patients and survivors. Survivorship programs are expanding to address the unique medical and psychosocial needs of childhood cancer survivors. This includes addressing long-term side effects, monitoring for secondary cancers, and providing comprehensive support for survivors and their families.

Patient-Centered Research and Advocacy

Patient-centered research has gained prominence in pediatric oncology. Children and their families are

increasingly involved in the research process, contributing to study design, decision-making, and advocacy efforts. This approach ensures that research aligns with the needs and priorities of pediatric cancer patients and their families. Despite these significant developments, challenges remain in pediatric cancer research and treatment. These include the need for increased funding, access to cutting-edge therapies, and the development of therapies for rare and less well-studied pediatric cancers. The progress made in recent years provides hope for improved outcomes and a brighter future for children facing cancer. As research continues to advance, breakthroughs that will enhance the diagnosis, treatment, and overall care of pediatric cancer patients is always on the horizon.

(Getty Images)

Moo, MD Breast Surgical Oncologist MSK in Nassau & Commack

Double Neural Bypass: First Of Its Kind

Long Island man regains use of arm through implant, machine learning

BY AMANDA OLSEN aolsen@antonmediagroup.com

Aparalyzed man regains hope, and so much more, in a first-of-its-kind clinical trial that’s giving him the ability to move his hands/arms but also regain the sense of touch again, without being hooked up to the computer.

Keith Thomas became a quadriplegic in a diving accident off Montauk in July 2020, at the height of COVID. Thomas lost all sensation and movement below his chest, and in the time following the accident, Thomas says he wasn’t sure he’d live or if he wanted to.

Now, thanks to what researchers are calling a “double neural bypass” he’s determined to lead by example and become participant #1 in this groundbreaking clinical trial at The Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research at Northwell Health.

Alone and isolated in the hospital for more than six months, Thomas found new hope by participating in Prof. Bouton’s clinical trial and is grateful to be a part of something so historic and larger than himself. “The only thing I want to do is to help others. That’s always been the thing I’m best at. If this can

help someone even more than it’s helped me somewhere down the line, it’s all worth it,” Thomas said.

Part of the trial included a grueling 15hour surgery—portions of which Keith was awake—during which researchers implanted

five electrodes into Keith’s brain. “Because we had Keith’s images and he was talking to us during parts of his surgery, we knew exactly where to place the brain implants,” said Dr. Ashesh Mehta, professor at the Feinstein Institutes’ Institute of Bioelectronic Medicine, director of Northwell’s Laboratory for Human Brain Mapping and the surgeon who performed the brain implant. “We inserted two chips in the area responsible for movement and three more in the part of the brain responsible for touch and feeling in the fingers.”

Now, through those implants, machine learning and novel stimulation technology, scientists can reconnect Thomas’s brain to his body to his spinal cord. This double neural bypass forms an electronic bridge that allows information to flow once again between the man’s paralyzed body and brain to restore movement and sensations in his hand with lasting gains in his arm and wrist outside of the laboratory.

Back in the lab, through two ports protruding from Thomas’s head, he connects to a computer that uses AI to read, interpret and translate his thoughts into action, known as

thought-driven therapy and the foundation of the double neural bypass approach.

Chad Bouton, professor in the Institute of Bioelectronic Medicine at the Feinstein Institutes, vice president of advanced engineering at Northwell Health, developer of the technology and principal investigator of the clinical trial, described the way the nervous system works in an uninjured person: “So normally, you’d have signals traveling from your brain, these are areas right above your ear on each side of your head. The motor strip, as it’s called, is this vertical kind of strip above your ear and then right behind that is the sensory area. So normally, your signals would travel from your brain and the motor and sensory areas. Say you want to open your hand. Well, that signal would travel down the brainstem and down to the spinal cord. Well, the problem when you have a spinal cord injury like Keith is that it blocks or dramatically reduces those signals.”

He then went on to detail how the neural bypass works in both directions, hence making it a “double bypass”: “What we’ve done is put chips in the brain, first in the motor area to pick up the signals and then reroute

Feinstein Institutes AI Researchers Receive NIH Grant For Risk And Prevention Tools

Hospitalized adult patients whose medical conditions worsen after being admitted, requiring escalation of care, such as transfer to the intensive care unit (ICU) or intervention of a rapid response team, may benefit from monitoring by artificial intelligence (AI). Scientists at The Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research were recently awarded $3.1 million from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to fund a new study that would harness AI and machine learning (ML) to help doctors and nurses monitor patients in busy medical and surgical wards to identify and prevent deterioration and ultimately improve patient outcomes.

The study team is led by Theodoros Zanos, PhD, associate professor at the Feinstein’s Institute of Health System Science and Institute of Bioelectronic Medicine, and includes Karina Davidson PhD, Michael Oppenheim MD, Alex Makhnevich MD, Beth Friedman RN, and others at the Feinstein Institutes and Northwell Health, New York’s largest health system. The group will develop and implement ML models with the goal of

improving the monitoring of patients once they are admitted in order to identify who might undergo a rapid decline to address it sooner.

“Some patients who are admitted for one condition are not explicitly showing symptoms of other concerns, which can lead to their health deteriorating and even dying,” said Dr. Zanos. “This research will leverage vast patient data, new continuous

monitoring technologies and AI to identify those often-unidentified risks and subtle early worrisome trends and enable life-saving interventions.”

Dr. Zanos and his team will turn to Northwell’s large, diverse clinical dataset using electronic health records (EHRs) from more than 2.4 million hospitalizations to generate ML predictive models. The clinical support tools will help clinicians and nurses identify in advance patients at risk of deterioration and clinical reasons to enable timely interventions. These tools also will identify those patients who are more stable. The study will collect and leverage patient data using a continuous monitoring (CM) device, the VitalConnect VitalPatch, that will be placed on patients upon admission to the hospital, to develop more accurate prediction models.

Dr. Zanos is a leader in health care AI. His research revolves around developing algorithms that will enable early diagnosis, disease severity assessment, personalization and adaptability of effective therapies. In 2020, he and his

lab developed a digital tool that predicts a hospitalized patient’s overnight stability and determines whether they could be left undisturbed overnight to sleep, recover and discharge faster. This vital sign monitoring tool, called “Let Sleeping Patients Lie,” used a vast body of clinical data from the patient visits, including respiratory rate, heart rate, systolic blood pressure, body temperature and age.

Last year, Dr. Zanos published in Nature Communications results of a two-and-ahalf-year-long study which used 35,000 COVID-19 diverse patients to develop a new digital clinical support tool that accurately predicts a patient’s outcomes and aids in clinical care decision-making.

The Feinstein Institutes continues to invest in the use of technology and artificial intelligence to help improve patient outcomes and bridge health disparities. Most recently, the Feinstein Institutes received a $10 million gift from Scott and Debby Rechler to create the Scott and Debby Rechler Center for Health Outcomes within the Institute of Health System Science.

—Submitted by Feinstein Institutes

Keith Thomas is able to feel his sister hold his hand for the first time since a diving accident in 2020 left him paralyzed from the chest down.

(Photo by Northwell Health)

Theodoros Zanos, PhD.

(Photo by Feinstein Institutes)

them from the brain around the spinal cord injury and go we go straight to the muscles, and so every time he thinks about moving, we reroute those signals and activate the muscles that he’s thinking about.

For sensation, we go the other direction. So we have tiny sensors on his fingertips that pick up pressure or the feeling of somebody’s hand, and the bypass reroutes them around the spinal cord injury.”

The bypass starts with Thomas’s intentions (e.g. he thinks about squeezing his hand), which sends electrical signals from his brain implant to a computer. The computer then sends signals to highly-flexible, non-invasive electrode patches that are placed over his spine and hand muscles located in his forearm to stimulate and promote function and recovery. Tiny sensors at his fingertips and palm send touch and pressure information back to the sensory

area of his brain to restore sensation. This two-arm electronic bridge forms the novel double neural bypass aimed at restoring both movement and the sense of touch.

“This is the first time the brain, body and spinal cord have been linked together electronically in a paralyzed human to restore lasting movement and sensation,” said Bouton. “When the study participant thinks about moving his arm or hand, we ‘supercharge’ his spinal cord and stimulate his brain and muscles to help rebuild connections, provide sensory feedback, and promote recovery. This type of thought-driven therapy is a game-changer. Our goal is to use this technology one day to give people living with paralysis the ability to live fuller, more independent lives.”

The goal of the trial is to restore lasting movement and sensation by reconnecting the brain/body and translating real-time thoughts into actions outside of the lab. This technology may one day help millions of others like Thomas who suffer from paralysis, stroke or other disorders.”

Thomas can now move his arm at will and feel his sister’s touch as she holds his hand in support. This is the first time he has felt anything in the three years since his accident.

Thomas said he hopes people read his story and it gives them hope. “People keep telling me I’m an inspiration in. So I hope that comes across. I’m just very hopeful. I’m thankful for the team and Northwell for giving me the opportunity to be the first person to do this.”

—with information from Northwell Health

Partnership To Lower Healthcare Costs

Catholic Health and Empire BlueCross BlueShield announced on Sept. 6 an agreement focused on new care delivery models designed to lower costs and increase value for people on Long Island. This latest multi-year agreement builds upon the longstanding relationship between the two organizations.

Through this innovative partnership, Catholic Health’s payment rates will be connected to improved health outcomes and quality-of-care indicators, reflecting Catholic Health’s ongoing commitment to delivering high-quality care.

“Value-based care is transforming the health care industry and Catholic Health is at the forefront of that transformation,” said Julie Kapoor, Senior Vice President, Revenue Management and Managed Care at Catholic Health. “Our partnership with Empire BlueCross BlueShield helps us to proactively identify opportunities to reduce the costs of care while improving patient health. The signing of this agreement will allow us to stay focused on the delivery of exceptional care while also improving access to affordable health services on Long Island.”

Aligning payment to quality outcomes like readmission rates, patient safety, and

patient satisfaction increases preventive care, improves chronic condition management, reduces hospital admissions, incentivizes whole health and ultimately lowers costs for Long Island healthcare consumers and their employers.

“Our continued partnership with Catholic Health will keep care affordable for Long Islanders by aligning payments with health outcomes instead of on the volume of care provided—a win-win for employers and consumers,” said Daniel Jorgenson, Vice President, Healthcare Networks at Empire BlueCross BlueShield. “At Empire, we are focused on our mission to improve the health of all New Yorkers. When we have an innovative partner like Catholic Health, who shares our openness to creative thinking, we are better able to make a real difference in the lives of our members. There is no health system that has made a more meaningful commitment to our value-based relationship, including being the first system in New York to join with us on the Epic Payer Platform to support communications between payers and providers. We look forward to continuing to grow this important partnership.”

—Catholic Health

Dr. Chad Bouton

(Photo by Northwell Health)

Backyarding On A Budget

Six money-saving hacks for fall

Fall is an opportune time to set up your backyard for year-round success. Work put into landscaping in the fall determines the quality of the space for all of your family’s backyarding activities, from family football games at Thanksgiving and Easter egg hunts in the spring, to taking your office to the back patio and meditation in a backyard hammock.

“Work in your yard, and it will work for you. That’s always been our motto, but it’s particularly important to follow this credo in the fall when we can make the most impact in our yards,” said Kris Kiser, president and CEO of the TurfMutt Foundation, which encourages people to care for and use the green space around them. “You don’t have to break the bank to create a backyard that will serve many purposes for your family year-round.”

Here are six money-saving hacks for creating the backyard of your dreams:

1Clean out ower beds and add mulch. Simply cleaning out your flower beds (use a leaf blower to make quick work of the task) and adding a fresh layer of mulch

Fall is an opportune time to set up your backyard for yearround success.

works wonders. New mulch not only holds weeds at bay, it also helps retain moisture around plants, trees and shrubs.

2Prune bushes and trees.

Trimming bushes, shrubs, and trees is another inexpensive way to make a big impact in your yard’s aesthetic. Use a chainsaw, trimmer or hedger to remove dead or dying branches and stems. This preserves the health of the main branch and improves the shape of the plant. Pruning also encourages plants to flower later.

3Keep grass mowed and weeded.

Regular lawn mowing helps your grass stay healthy and strong and improves the overall appearance of your yardscape without spending much money.

In the fall, cut your lawn shorter than during the rest of the growing season and continue to mow until your grass goes into hibernation for the winter.

4Pick perennials.

Perennials – those cold-hardy plant species that will return again in the spring—are a smart money choice because you only have to buy them once to enjoy them for years to come.

5Plant climate-appropriate species.

Native plants – those that occur naturally in your region—are a smart buy any time of the year. They are more likely to thrive in your micro-climate without much maintenance or watering. They are also better for local wildlife and pollinators and help preserve the balance of the natural ecosystem.

6Look for deals.

Many nurseries and home improvement stores offer endof-season sales on landscaping essentials from plants to outdoor power equipment (mowers, trimmers, leaf blowers, etc.) that make even big backyarding tasks easier.

—TurfMutt Foundation

TuffMutt Foundation

(Photo credit Getty Images)

KIDS CORNER!

Did you know that children have rights? In fact, the United Nations, an organization of most of the world’s countries, recently added the right to a clean environment to the list of children’s rights. Here are some of the ways they think governments need to respect the right to a clean environment:

•Best interests of the child

When making decisions about the environment and climate change, governments must consider how children will be impacted, and how they will support the wellbeing and development of children growing up today and in the future.

•Right to life, survival and development

Children should be able to live, grow up and develop in healthy, safe environments and have the support they need. Their lives should never be put at risk because of environmental harm like pollution or lead exposure.

•Right

to be heard

•Access to information

Governments should make sure that children have access to clear, accurate environmental and climate-related information, including information about plans and decisions being made, and about actions that children can take themselves. Information should be shared in different ways so that children of different ages and backgrounds can understand it.

•The right to freedom from all forms of violence

Environmental harm and climate change can lead to unstable situations, con icts and inequalities, leaving children at more risk of physical and psychological violence. Governments should make more effort to protect children by investing in services that are for children and by working to solve the root causes of violence.

•Right to health

Children’s physical and mental health should not be affected by climate change, pollution, unhealthy ecosystems, and loss of biodiversity. If a child experiences health issues, they must be able to access healthcare and support.

•Right to social security and decent standard of living

Children should be able to access safe food, clean water, decent housing and materials needed for them to live and grow. Governments need to make sure children are not living in poverty or unsafe conditions.

•Right to education

DidYou Know?

Children should be taken seriously by adults and have a say on issues related to the environment and climate change. Governments should involve children when making decisions about the environment and climate change, and make sure they give feedback to children about how their views were considered.

•Right to freedom of expression, association and peaceful assembly

Children often stand up for their environmental rights as human rights defenders. Many children also spend time with friends and groups where they exchange information and ideas. Governments should support children to express themselves by providing safe and empowering spaces for them to do so. Governments should adopt laws to protect child human rights defenders.

Children should be given environmental education that is accurate and in ways that they understand. Environmental education should support children to connect with, and respect, the environment. The places where children learn should be safe from environmental harm.

•The rights of Indigenous children and children of minority groups

Indigenous children and children of minority groups’ lives, survival and cultural practices are often very connected to their natural environment. Governments should make sure to protect their rights and involve children in all decisions being made about their environment.

•Right to rest and play

Children should be able to play and be active in clean, safe places and connect with our natural world. Governments need to consider where and how children can play and rest when they make plans for new neighborhoods or places where children may visit.

•Right

to a clean, healthy and sustainable environment

The Committee explains that children have the right to a clean, healthy and sustainable environment. Children need a clean environment to enjoy all of their human rights. Children should have access to clean air and water, safe climates, healthy ecosystems and biodiversity, healthy food and non-polluted environments.

Duck Defenders On Duty Rescuing LI waterfowl in distress

Throughout the summer, clusters of fluffy white ducks in and around local ponds are almost ubiquitous. There may even be a few hybridized individuals, a cross between wild mallards and the domestic pekins. But there is a sinister side to this seemingly innocuous staple of park life: all these ducks are either abandoned themselves or are descended from abandoned pets.

While having ducks seems like it would be simple, domestic ducks are far from easy keepers. Many people who have experience with chickens think that ducks can live in the same space. However, ducks have very specific needs in order to stay happy and healthy. No one would be surprised to learn that ducks need water, but this water must be four to six inches deep so they can submerge their entire head to keep their eyes and nostrils clean. If they use a kiddie pool or tub for swimming, the water must be changed every single day. They need their own specialized food and won’t get the nutrition they need from chicken pellets. Males are aggressive during mating season and often hurt the females; if there is more than one male they will fight. Unlike chickens, ducks will frequently stay out all night if they are not rounded up at dusk and secured in their shelter. Additionally, ducks and chickens cannot be housed together, as chickens perch to sleep and ducks rest at ground level.

“There’s not as much overlap as people think. They need a pond or some type of water to swim in, they need water

that will go past their nostrils when they drink, just much different than chickens. Chickens really don’t like that much water and they don’t really want to be splashed or pooped on,” said John Di Leonardo, executive director of Humane Long Island.

Humane Long Island runs multiple campaigns to help animals, from illegal exotic pets to abandoned companion animals. Di Leonardo is the leading expert in duck rescue for the tri-state area. “We work both with wild and domestic fowl from Manhattan to Montauk. We do most of the domestic fowl rescue including chickens, pea fowl, ducks, guinea fowl, etc. but ducks are the animal most abandoned on Long Island.”

Pekin ducks, which are the majority of ducks sold to pet owners, are related to wild mallards, but because of selective breeding their bodies are unsuited to life in the wild. They have large bodies and small wings, which usually means they cannot fly well even for short distances, let alone migrate. This larger body size also means they are constantly hungry. The weight puts pressure on their feet and legs, resulting in more frequent

proper treatments using antibiotics it can develop to osteomyelitis, which is a bone infection and can eat away the bone and cripple or kill the animal,” said Di Leonardo.

People may not be aware that domestic ducks cannot survive without human intervention. There is an assumption that because wild ducks live in a particular pond or canal it will also be habitable for pet ducks. Their cumbersome body shape and bright coloring makes them susceptible to predation. Di Leonardo warns, “A lot of people impulse buy these animals and think, ‘Oh, I live on the water. I feed the wild ducks. When these guys get too big, I can just let them go. They hope for the best. And I don’t think that that’s very realistic, because a lot of these animals die very, very quickly, even if you are feeding them. They can’t fly from predators. I’ve literally rescued ducks frozen into canals on the south shore. So, these animals are just not equipped, even if they’re being fed, even if someone’s watching them. You can’t watch them all the time. They’re just not equipped for ocean life or even pond life on Long Island.”

injuries and a propensity to develop arthritis and a condition called bumblefoot.

“Because these domestics are just so large, there’s so much weight on that injury and their immune systems are so weak from all the inbreeding, this infection really takes root. Without

There is also an environmental impact from abandoned ducks. “They have weakened immune systems when they’re abandoned. They often have diseases that may be communicable to wild ducks. They also overgraze substantially because they’re not getting enough calories. they’re just eating out the root structures alongside the waterways and doing significant damage there,” said Di Leonardo.

If you see domestic or hybrid ducks in local waterways, contact Humane Long Island at John@humanelongisland.org or 516-592-3722.

Athlete Of The Month: Keira McCaffrey

jburns@antonmediagroup.com

As the 2023-2024 school year kicks off in our area, Anton Media Group is proud to honor Mineola High School’s Keira McCaffrey as our Athlete of the Month for September.

As a senior at Mineola High School, Keira has consistently established herself as an accomplished athlete, scholar, and student body member.

Keira, a varsity volleyball middle blocker, previously received both All-County volleyball and Scholar-Athlete recognition from her district. Her additional school and extracurricular activities include being vice president of the school’s student organization, secretary of the National Honor Society, a member of the National Art Honor Society and Athletes Helping Athletes, and participation in the Student Service Center and P.E. Leadership programs. Outside of school, Keira enjoys traveling, going to the beach, and spending time with her family.

Keira McCaffrey

(Photos courtesy of Mineola School District)

Opening Salvos In Budget Debate

JOSEPH SCOTCHIE

jscotchie@antonmediagroup.com

Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman has released his office’s proposed budget for the 2024 budget year.

The proposal amounts to $4.1 billion in spending, an increase of $180 million over last year’s budget. That increase also means that 50 new county jobs will be added under the proposed document. The new jobs, according to the budget proposal, will be police, social services, and health departments. Up to 20 new police officers would be hired under the budget. Salary increases will amount to 3.1 percent.

The budget does not contain a property tax levy increase. It also does not reduce taxes or fees. And that’s where the first skirmish has occurred.

Democratic legislators immediately criticized the budget for not containing “immediate” tax cuts.

“Despite Nassau County’s sizable surpluses, healthy fund balance and over $1 billion in reserves, County Executive Blakeman continues to break his promise to further

cut taxes beyond the relief that the previous administration delivered to residents in 2022,” Nassau County Legislature Minority Leader Kevan M. Abrahams (D – Freeport) said.

“As we scrutinize this proposal, the Minority Caucus will continue to fight for ‘immediate’ additional tax cuts that the County Executive first pledged two years ago but has thus far failed to deliver. Nassau County taxpayers deserve relief - and they deserve it right now,” Abrahams concluded.

On Wednesday, Sept. 13, Minority Caucus Legislators held a conference at the Theodore Roosevelt Executive & Legislative Building, demanding that a $128 million tax cut be included in the 2024 budget.

“During my tenure in the Legislature, I have had a front-row view to the harm caused by financial mismanagement and

the painstaking work it takes to recover from those mistakes,” Nassau County Legislator Delia DeRiggi-Whitton (D – Glen Cove) said. “These experiences have engrained in me a cautious approach to overseeing taxpayer dollars, and I strongly believe that Nassau County is in an ideal position this year to responsibly deliver a significant tax cut that will help all of our constituents.”

Blakeman responded in his own statement, “As County Executive I have provided real tax relief to our residents without resorting to the reckless fiscal policies of the past. While the Curran administration had proposed a $150 million dollar tax increase for 2024, my administration has eliminated this tax increase in spite of the fact that inflation has soared to 3.2 percent nationally.”

Commenting on the proposal, Nassau

County Budget Director Andrew Persich praised Blakeman for placing monies in reserve in the event of “unforeseen expenses for revenue shortfalls.” In addition to new hires, the budget also has a reserve fund of $900 million.

Currently, the GOP holds a 12-7 majority in the county legislature. Once a budget is approved, it then goes to the Nassau Interim Finance Authority (NIFA), a state board that controls county finances, for final approval. NIFA came into being in 2000, as an oversight authority to control the county’s then-spending crisis.

NIFA is empowered to issue its bonds and notes for various Nassau County purposes, including the restructuring of a portion of the County’s outstanding debt. In addition, the Authority has certain powers under the Act to monitor and oversee the County’s finances, including Covered Organizations, and upon the declaration of a “control period,” additional oversight authority.

In the absence of a control period, the Authority is empowered, among other things, to review financial plans submitted to it; to make recommendations or, if necessary, adverse findings thereon; to monitor compliance; to make transitional State aid available as it determines; to comment on proposed borrowings by the County and Covered Organizations; and to impose a control period upon making one of the statutory findings.

Nassau Legislature building

(Photo by Alex Nuñez)

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

Beneath the surface

ARIES (March 21-April 19). Novelist Kurt Vonnegut suggested, “We are what we pretend to be, so we must be careful about what we pretend to be.” is week, you’ll be terri c in a role you once only aspired to. Even so, you’ll be thinking about what to pretend next, feeling fully empowered to grow into any direction you choose.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20). “Lots of people want to be the noun without doing the verb,” says creativity guru Austin Kleon. You’re the opposite this week, working diligently without a name. Are you an artist, or a teacher? A warrior, or a peacenik who just happens to be a key player in the battle? Whatever you call it, your role makes the scene play di erently.

GEMINI (May 21-June 21). You’re invested in someone’s battle because there’s an echo of this con ict in your own life. Keep heading toward agreement. What sort of justice would you be happy to get? Note that those who thrill to the adrenaline of con ict will not be in any rush to resolution. Steer clear of the ones who ght for the sake of ghting.

CANCER (June 22-July 22). e occasional odd feeling this week will have you wondering if your experience is normal. Were you to survey a small number of people, you’d be surprised that the “normal” range is a much broader range than you would have thought. And a larger sample size would reveal there is no “normal” at all.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). To be comfortable within yourself is to provide yourself with the best kind of company. As far as your relationships with others go, there’s no reason to weather tensions. If it feels strained, back o . Take a walk, shake o the weirdness, then return to see if you can nd a di erent way to get along.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). You could teach people how to do a thing, but you’re better o showing them what needs doing and seeing what they come up with. People will surprise you with their inventiveness, then collaboration ensues. Something that helps you could be adapted to help many others.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). If you had to avoid those who would rather win the argument than think straight, you’d be avoiding most. When people are ghting for their side, thinking isn’t what they do best. You’ll have harmony because you avoid arguing altogether and focus solely on the shared goal. You’ll join forces with friend and foe alike to achieve a collective aim.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). Your aim of leaving the world a better place than it was before you got here will take over your week with projects and events that wouldn’t happen if not for your proactive e orts. Friends will help out in any way you want, so long as you ask them to and show them speci cally how.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). You are healing yourself, though unconsciously. You don’t have to work at it, but you do have to stay out of the way of the process unfolding. at means no worry, longing or rumination. Distract yourself with happy things, and let the natural wisdom of your body and mind weave magic.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). is week, you’ll fall in love with the mystery of an unresolved question. It bothers some not to know, but you savor the anticipation. It’s as though you saw an exciting trailer and are suspended in the excitement of wanting to see a movie that’s yet to be released.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). It will feel strange to accept assistance for something you thought was just about you. But what you think is a “you” problem is actually an issue a ecting all. Your biggest challenge isn’t solving the problem; it’s learning how to ask for help and from whom. is is how you’ll do much good in the world this week.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). Style matters this week. e spin you put on something will make a di erence in how it’s received. Even so, you won’t need to get too convoluted with your approach. You already have substance, so all you will need is one or two embellishments to make it sing.

THIS WEEK’S BIRTHDAYS

Everyone loves what you bring to the party this year, which will never be hard for you to gure out. Your main advantage is that you actually see it as a party in the rst place. While others are seeing “workplace” or “obligation,” you’re seeing an opportunity for fun. Your social instinct and creativity will be rewarded many times over. More highlights: Signing dozens of papers before launching into a fantastic new chapter. Clearing the energy to invigorate a relationship. Hugs and kisses galore. COPYRIGHT 2023 CREATORS.COM

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.

Beneath the surface

Solution: 22 Letters

Abyss Algae

Angelfish

Barnacle Bass

Brittle star

Channel Clam

Conch

Coral Crab Curious

Dart Deep Depth Diatoms

Diving

Eels

Gull

Kelp

Killer whale

Limpet

Lobster Magic

Mako Mask

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

Solution: There

Solution: There are so many unknowns

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

Creators Syndicate

CONTRACT BRIDGE — BY STEVE BECKER

Date: 9/26/23

FOR RELEASE WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 2023

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

CONTRACT BRIDGE

By Steve Becker

The art of wishful thinking

the third club, and the question is what you should do next.

Before attempting to answer this question, you first try to analyze what you already know about South’s hand based on the clues available thus far. You know from the play that declarer started with precisely three clubs, and you know from the bidding that he has four or five hearts.

Many players find defense a disagreeable chore that is not nearly as stimulating as being the declarer. Despite this, the fact remains that defending well is more important in the long run than good declarer play, for the simple reason that you are ordinarily a defender twice as often as you are a declarer.

Assume you’re East in today’s deal and partner leads the jack of clubs against four hearts. You don’t have to be an exceptional defender to overtake the jack with the queen and continue with the K-A of clubs. West discards a low spade on

You also know, or should know, that South has the A-K of spades, the ace of hearts and the king of diamonds, plus at least another jack! How do you know this? Because South opened one notrump (at least 15 points) and has to have all of those cards to have a proper notrump opening. Does this mean that you can’t beat four hearts, since you can see that the finesse in that suit will work for declarer whenever he attempts it? You can’t really answer that question at this point because it all depends on whether your partner has the eight of hearts!

And so, hoping for the best, you lead another club at trick four! This works out beautifully when your partner, bless him, ruffs with the eight of trump, forcing declarer to overruff with dummy’s ten. As a result, you become certain to score a trump trick no matter how declarer proceeds, and the contract goes down one.

Weekly Sudoku Puzzle

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

Answer to last issue’s Sudoku Puzzle

Answer to last issue’s Crossword Puzzle

AUTO / MOTORCYCLE

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EMPLOYMENT

School Security Guard – Part-time

The Floral Park-Bellerose School District has openings for part-time security guards (unarmed) to work during the school day, needed at both of our elementary schools. Responsibilities will include: visitor management screening; monitoring hallways; tour buildings & designated areas to ensure building is properly secured; prevent unauthorized persons from entering buildings; ensure safety of persons using premises. Prior law enforcement experience required. Please apply via OLAS or email Mr. Fred Mandracchia at fmandracchia@fpbsd.org.

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Equal Housing Opportunity

Federal, New York State and local laws prohibit discrimination because of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, disability, familial status, age, marital status, sexual orientation or disability in connection with the rental, sale or nancing of real estate. Nassau also prohibits source of income discrimination. Anton Community Newspapers does not knowingly accept advertising in violation of these laws. When you suspect housing discrimination, call Long Island Housing Services’ Discrimination Complaint Line at 800-6606920. (Long Island Housing Services is the Fair Housing Agency of Nassau and Suffolk Counties.)

SYOSSET

LEGAL NOTICE

Cedar Net Properties LLC, Notice of Formation of Limited Liability Company (LLC). Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on August

15, 2023. Office location: Nassau County. SSNY has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY may mail a copy of any process to Westermann Sheehy Samaan & Gillespie LLP, Attention: Leonard M. Ridini, Esq., 90 Merrick Avenue, Suite 802, East Meadow, NY 11554. 9-27-20-13-6; 8-30-23-20236T-#242312-SYO/JER

LEGAL NOTICE

PUBLICHEARING CALENDAR

NOTICE OF PUBLIC MEETING BY THE ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS

Pursuant to the provisions of Chapter 246, Section 24612 of the Code of the Town of Oyster Bay, notice is hereby given that the Zoning Board of Appeals has scheduled a public meeting, which will take place in the

LEGAL NOTICES

Town Hall Meeting Room, Audrey Avenue, Oyster Bay, New York, on OCTOBER 4, 2023, at 7:00 P. M., to consider the following appeals: BYORDER OFTHE

ZONINGBOARDOF APPEALS

APPEAL NO. 23-270

SYOSSET

PUNEET PARASHER: (A)

Variance to construct roofover entry exceeding maximum building coverage than permitted by Ordinance. (B) Variance to allow existing air conditioning unit having less side yard setback than permitted by Ordinance.

S/s/o Circle Dr., 281.44 ft.

W/o Lincrest St., a/k/a 24 Circle Drive, Syosset, NY

SEC. 12 BLK. 367

LOT 34

ZONE R1-7

APPEAL NO. 23-299

SYOSSET

MUKHTAR KUATBEKOV: (A) Variance to construct rear deck having less rear yard setback than permitted by Ordinance. (B) Variance to allow existing swimming pool waterfall having less side yard setback than permitted by Ordinance. (C) Variance to allow existing in-ground swimming pool, pool filter and heater having less front yard setback than permitted by Ordinance.

S/s/o Parkway Dr., 80.46 ft.

E/o S. Oyster Bay Rd., a/k/a 3 Parkway Drive, Syosset, NY

SEC. 12

BLK. 350

LOT 19

ZONE R1-7

SEPTEMBER 27, 2023

BY ORDER OF THE ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS

TOWN OF OYSTER BAY, OYSTER BAY, NEW YORK

9-27-2023-1T-#242615SYO/JER

LEGAL NOTICE

NOTICE OF SALE

SUPREME COURT

COUNTY OF NASSAU

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

12, Mortgage Pass-Through Certificates Series 2005-AR

12, Plaintiff

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

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

I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the North Side Steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court at 100 Supreme Court

Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on October 31, 2023 at 2:00PM, premises known as 32 Pine Road, Syosset, NY 11791. All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements erected, situate, lying and being at Syosset in the Town of Oyster Bay, County of Nassau, State of New York, Section 15 Block F Lot 1381. Approximate amount of judgment $1,040,333.22 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index# 608576/2020. The auction will be conducted pursuant to the COVID-19 Policies Concerning Public Auctions of Foreclosed Property established by the Tenth Judicial District. Foreclosure Auctions will be held “Rain or Shine.”

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

Dated: September 12, 2023

10-18-11-4; 9-27-2023-4T#242793-SYO/JER

MEETING SYOSSET CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 3, 2023

There will be a meeting of the Board of Education on Tuesday, October 3, 2023, at approximately 6:00 p.m. in South Woods Middle School, 99 Pell Lane, Syosset, New York.

At that time, the Board of Education will determine whether to go into Executive Session. If there is a need for an Executive Session, the

Board will vote to go into Executive Session for the purpose of discussing matters regarding collective bargaining negotiations, school security, the medical, financial, credit or employment history of a particular person and to obtain legal advice regarding proposed, pending or current litigation. If no Executive Session is needed, the Board will recess until the public portion of the Monthly Board of Education Meeting at 8:00 p.m.

The Board of Education

will reconvene at approximately 8:00 p.m. for the public portion of the Monthly Board of Education Meeting at South Woods Middle School, 99 Pell Lane, Syosset, New York.

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

Dated: September 25, 2023 Syosset, NY 9-27-2023-1T-#242813SYO/JER

To Submit Legal Notices

COSMETIC SURGERY TODAY

STEPHEN T. GREENBERG, M.D., F.A.C.S. DOMINATES NY PLASTIC SURGERY

Greenberg Cosmetic Surgery & Dermatology

Will Have You BeYouTiFul This Fall

Fall is the perfect time to seek help with those last few inches that you can’t seem to lose. Body Contouring can be the answer to reshaping those undesirable areas of your body. The most common body contouring technique is liposuction, and, utilizing the latest and most advanced products, your recovery is fast. The sooner you act, the sooner you’ll look fantastic. If you have been considering a Tummy Tuck (post-pregnancy or for weight loss), this procedure can have you in great shape in a very short period of time, and you can show off that terrific figure well before the Holiday Season. SmartLipo is ideal for the neck, jaw line, arms, breasts, “bra fat”, abdomen, “love handles”, “saddlebags,” inner and outer thighs and knees.

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

of 22% fat layer reduction after the first procedure. Greenberg Cosmetic Surgery is currently offering a 20% discount off of two areas. Combine with the latest device Emsculpt® to tone and build muscle for a more sculpted result.

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

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

Town Officials Proclaim September ‘Prostate Cancer Awareness Month’

Oyster Bay Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino and his colleagues on the Town Board recently joined with Edward Randall and Joseph Cosgriff, both of ‘Fans for the Cure,’ to proclaim the month of September as Prostate Cancer Awareness Month. ‘Fans for the Cure’ is a nonprofit organization founded by Edward in 2003, after his own diagnosis of the disease, to promote prostate cancer awareness and focus on the importance of testing in achieving early detection and best outcomes.

“Early detection is vital when it comes to prostate cancer, and thanks to both Edward and Joseph thousands of men have been screened for this deadly disease

who may have otherwise not been,” said Supervisor Saladino. “We thank you for your commitment to the betterment of men’s health education and awareness, and for the countless lives you continue to positively impact in the fight to end cancer.”

Since the start of the charity’s annual Baseball Road Trip in 2007, ‘Fans for the Cure’ has taken part in over 1,200 prostate cancer awareness days and nights at MLB and Minor League ballparks, as well as football stadiums and hockey arenas throughout the country. For more information about this organization, please visit www.fansforthecure.org.

—Submitted by the Town of Oyster Bay

Town Leaders Demand State Commission Reject Liberty Water’s 40% Rate Hike

State public service commission to consider massive water rate hike request from Liberty utilities

Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino, Councilman Steve Labriola and members of the Town Board demanded that the New York State Public Service Commission (PSC) reject a proposed rate hike of upwards of 40 percent requested by Liberty Utilities – the company that recently took ownership of New York American Water. The Commission accepted public feedback at a hearing on Wednesday, Sept. 13. Town officials expressed serious concern when the PSC approved the sale of American Water to Liberty Utilities in December 2021, fearing

that it would perpetuate the inequity caused by private, for-profit water supply.

Supervisor Saladino stated, “We are outraged and vehemently oppose any rate hike for Liberty Utilities as homeowners have been overburdened, overcharged and pay astronomically-higher water rates than neighboring municipal water districts. We demand that the PSC flat out reject any rate hike for Liberty Utilities as they have gone unchecked for too long.”

Councilman Labriola added, “The service provided by Liberty Utilities is no different

than that provided by local water districts, and side by side comparisons clearly demonstrate a great cost disparity upon residents serviced by Liberty, who often pay as much as four times the amount for their water as compared to adjacent water rate payers. It’s clear that this private company is using ratepayers to deliver profits to its shareholders. This unfair, unjust and inequitable treatment has to stop, and we urge the PSC to reject their rate hike request.”

Supervisor Saladino concluded, “Safe, clean and affordable drinking water should

not be a luxury. It should be a dependable resource within the reach of all when you live in the most modern and advanced nation in the world. We urge the Public Service Commission to immediately deny any and reject all rate hikes requested by Liberty Utilities.”

The Town Board formally submitted their letter of opposition to the Public Service Commission. Town officials also delivered remarks before the Commission at its hearing on Wednesday.

—Submitted by the Town of Oyster Bay

Receiver Pravato: 2023 General Tax Collection Is Closed

Town of Oyster Bay Receiver of Taxes

Jeffrey P. Pravato wishes to notify town residents that the 2023 General Tax Collection Warrant has been closed, and all related records have been turned over to the Nassau County Treasurer.

The original warrant specified that $590,878,211.73 was to be collected to support Nassau County, Town of Oyster Bay, and special tax districts. Assessment reductions and tax cancellations amounted to $544,450.51 (0.1%). Nassau County’s portion was $254,667,368.54 (43%). The Town of Oyster Bay’s portion was $114,021,966.45

(19%), and the special tax district’s portion was $211,605,218.73 (36%).

A list of unpaid properties was reported to the County Treasurer, amounting to $10,039,207.50 (1.7%).

Receiver Pravato stated, “Property owners with delinquent taxes will be contacted by the Nassau County Treasurer. The Treasurer’s office can be contacted at 1 West Street, Mineola, (516) 571-2090. Home owners with unpaid taxes will be receiving letters specifying taxes owed along with applicable penalties and late payment fees.”

Receiver Pravato added, “The 2023-2024

School Tax collection will begin October 1st, and the final day to pay the first half tax without penalty is November 10th. Residents can expect to receive a tax bill in the mail the first week in October. Tax amounts

due will not be available until October 1st.”

Residents with any questions may contact the Receiver’s Office at 516-624-6400 or email receiveroftaxes@oysterbay-ny.gov.

—Submitted by the Town of Oyster Bay

Town of Oyster Bay officials joined with Edward Randall and Joseph Cosgriff, both of ‘Fans for the Cure,’ to proclaim the month of September as Prostate Cancer Awareness Month.

(Photo courtesy the Town of Oyster Bay)

SCOUT NEWS

Local Syosset Teens Earn Prestigious Girl Scout Gold Award

Girl Scouts of Nassau County recently celebrated 55 local Girl Scouts who are members of the 2023 Girl Scout Gold Award class who made a sustainable impact, addressing causes they care about in their communities. Syosset residents Erica Borzone and Shannen Fung were among 55 Girl Scouts throughout Nassau County who reached this milestone.

“Each of the Girl Scouts who earned their Gold Award this year showed fortitude, diligence and enthusiasm in creating and executing a plan to act on a societal issue. We are very proud and impressed by each of them for reaching their goals and leaving a legacy with their communities,” said Randell Bynum, the CEO of Girl Scouts of Nassau County. “Their dedication is evident and their hard work has touched countless lives. This year, we had Girl Scouts addressing real-life issues such as environmental justice and sustainability, mental and emotional wellness, gender equality in sports, and more. We commend each of them for their important work.”

Girls in grades 9-12 begin their Gold Award journeys by identifying a civic or

social issue that holds importance to them. Next, a Girl Scout builds a team to support

CallingAllArtists

projects are coordinated so that they can continue long after girls earn their award by establishing nonprofit organizations, publishing books to be added to school library collections, implementing classroom lessons to be taught for years to come or other initiatives to create lasting change. Through the process, Gold Award Girl Scouts become innovative problem-solvers, empathetic leaders, confident public speakers, and focused project managers, while educating and inspiring others. They learn resourcefulness, tenacity, and decision-making skills, giving them an edge personally and professionally. As they take action to transform their communities, Gold Award Girl Scouts gain tangible skills and prove they’re the leaders our world needs.

Erica earned her Gold Award through her project, “Volleyball Outreach Program,” which she launched at the Boys & Girls Club of America. This program offers the sport of volleyball for youth who may not have access to the sport. She also created a

Judge: Stephanie Jacobson, Art Professor

her project with a mission to create a positive impact in her community. Gold Award

Continued on next page

Erica Borzone Shannen Fung

(Photos courtesy the Girl Scouts of Nassau County)

Saladino ‘Kicks Off’ Jericho Soccer Season

Oyster Bay Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino recently helped ‘kick off’ the Jericho Athletic Association’s 2023 soccer season at the newly installed turf field at Robbins Lane Community Park. These young athletes learn the fundamentals of soccer, as well as self-confidence and teamwork.

—Submitted by the Town of Oyster Bay

Continued from previous page

workbook to teach volunteers how to run the program at other Boys & Girls Club of America locations.

Through her project, “Small Bites of Legacy: Bridging the Generational Gap

Through Food,” Shannen addressed the

issue of loneliness in the senior citizen population by interviewing residents from a senior housing community about their favorite recipes. She compiled these family recipes and reflections on food, culture and family into a personalized cookbook to empower senior citizens and to allow family and community members to learn

about their senior residents. She gave a presentation to spread awareness of the lack of connections between the generations and to encourage stronger family bonds. Shannen’s presentation resides in the facility’s library, and it serves as a living document for members to donate recipes and preserve their history.

Girls in grades K-12 can begin their Girl Scout journey at any age. As girls grow with Girl Scouts, they learn hands-on leadership skills they’ll use to make their mark through the Gold Award and beyond. To join or volunteer, visit www.gsnc.org/join.

—Submitted by the Girl Scouts of Nassau County

Thursday, October 26, 2023

6:00pm - 9:00pm

Leonard's Palazzo

Great Neck, NY

HONORING

Nassau County Police Commissioner

Patrick Ryder

For more information, contact 516-465-4774 or email htract@tscli.org.

Wishing the Jericho Athletic Association a great season!

(Photo courtesy the Town of Oyster Bay)

You're invited to celebrate our accomplishments as we continue to provide hope and a better future for survivors of abuse. Please scan code to purchase tickets or sponsorship.

Thirty-five Syosset High School Seniors Named 2024 National Merit Semifinalists

Syosset Central School District is proud to announce that 35 Syosset High School students have been named Semifinalists in the 69th annual National Merit Scholarship Program. The students qualified for this distinction by scoring among the highest in the state on the 2022 Preliminary SAT/ National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT).

Congratulations to seniors Jessica Albrecht, Alex Chen, Andy Chen, Scout Chen, Ria Dhulia, Darius Fan, Matthew Finkel, Anoushka George, Jamie Guo, Sean Guo, Nathalia Guzman, Benjamin Hasselbring, Griffin Hon, Vincent Huang, Ashley Huang, Simeon Hur, Sabina Kim, Jesse Lebolt, Brenton Lee, Katelyn Lee, Maxwell Lee, Samuel Liu, Hagen Lu, James Masson, Blesson Ren, Aryan Shah, Aberam Sriganesh, Emily Su, Arya Tooley, Benjamin Vitalie, Ryan Wei, Samuel Xiao, Nicholas Yang, Wendy Yin, and Ann Zhang.

They are among the approximately 16,000 high school students nationwide who were named Semifinalists by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC), representing less than one percent of all U.S. high school seniors.

“This is the largest number of semifinalists in our school’s history,” said Syosset High School Principal Dr. Giovanni Durante. “We are so proud of these students

for their accomplishments both in the classroom and in our community.”

The Semifinalists have qualified to compete for 7,140 National Merit scholarships totaling nearly $28 million. To advance as a

finalist, the Semifinalist must have an outstanding academic record throughout high school, be endorsed and recommended by a high school official, write an essay and earn qualifying SAT/ACT scores. Finalists

will be announced in February 2024, with the National Merit Scholars to be named later in the spring.

—Submitted by the Syosset Central School District

Jackson’s Stacey Schwartz Named School Psychologist Of The Year

Dr. Stacey Schwartz was recently announced as the School Psychologist of the Year by the New York Association of School Psychologists.

Dr. Schwartz was nominated by Jackson Principal Dr. Alex Rivera. “Dr. Schwartz is truly deserving of this honor, not just for all of her accomplishments listed in my nomination letter, but most importantly, for what is in her heart,” said Dr. Rivera. “She definitely wears it on her sleeve. She is willing to go the extra mile to make others feel happy and appreciated (including being slimed by students).”

This award recognizes excellence in the provision of school psychological services by a field-based practitioner.

Congratulations Dr. Schwartz!

—Submitted by the Jericho Union Free School District

Pictured (L-R) congratulating Dr. Stacey Schwartz are Dr. Mindy Cassano, Behaviorist; Lisa Hakes, Speech Language Pathologist; Shannon Murray, Curriculum Associate for Pupil Personnel Services K-5; Dr. Alex Rivera, Principal; Dr. Stacey Schwartz; Kim Conger, Director of Pupil Personnel Services; and Dr. Ivy Sherman, Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction.

(Photo by Denise Nash)

Thirty-five Syosset High School Seniors named 2024 National Merit Semifinalists. (Photo courtesy Syosset Central School District)