Great Neck News 3.6.15

Friday, march 6, 2015

$1

tHe PULSe OF tHe PeNiNSULA

vol. 90, no. 10

Guide to Great Neck

gUide tO gReAt NeCK S1-S60 a blank slate media special

ARtiFiCiAL tURF WARS

dOWLiNg CHAmPiONS immigRANtS

pAGE 2

pAGE 6

section • march 6, 2015

Developer’s history not scrutinized

A tEARFUl REUNIoN

Estates deputy mayor says issues in NYC ‘not germane’

By A dA m L i d g e t t Though Great Neck Estates trustees were aware of past controversies tied to a New York City developer when they approved an application in December to construct a 41-unit senior apartment complex on Middle Neck Road, officials said the board does not believe that history would have any impact on his forthcoming work in the village.

“During meetings residents tried to bring it up,” Great Neck Estates Deputy Mayor William Warner said of a proposal made

by Jonathan Ohebshalom, whose rent-controlled properties in Manhattan and Brooklyn have been the source of repeated complaints from tenants and elected officials. “[Residents] said, ‘they have a history’ and ‘do you know about it’ and so forth that we realized are not germane to the project.”

But Warner said he was confi-

dent that neither Ohebshalom nor his company, Sky Management Corp., whose headquarters at 226 East 54th Street in Manhattan was also provided as the primary address on his application for the project as GN Properties LLC, would draw similar complaints in Great Neck.

Ohebshalom and family members cited on legal documents with the surname Shalom maintain approximately 100 properties both independently and under Sky Management Corp. umbrella.

But according to EV Grieve, a local news website that covers lower Manhattan, Ohebshalom and his associates have been known to “buy rent-stabilized buildings and then systematically dismantle required building services, forcing out legal residents…”

In 2003, complaints about the family’s alleged tactics led to the formation of the Shalom Tenants Continued on Page 48

PHOTO BY KENN DOYLE PHOTOGRAPHY

Sisters Lina iorlano of Australia and Amy D’Amelio of Great Neck reunite after nearly 50 years apart. See story on page 3.

Stein charge draws heated Schneiderman response

By A dA m L i d g e t t Village Trustee Gerry Schneiderman on Monday called for Jonathan Stein, a Great Neck lawyer running for trustee in the March 18 election,

to retract statements made in campaign literature that Schneiderman says implies he was caught in a payoff scheme.

“There is no place in village elections – indeed in elections at all levels of government –

for false, unjustified, character assassination and misleading innuendo,” Schneiderman said in a statement. “A village election is grassroots democracy in action. I welcome the opContinued on Page 47

For the latest news visit us at www.theislandnow.com D on’t forget to follow us on Twitter @theislandnow1 and Facebook at facebook.com/theislandnow

2

The Great Neck News, Friday, March 6, 2015

Artificial turf sparks Friedman suit verbal war at meeting against Rice, 2

GN

Critics raise health concerns about installation plans

others dismissed

By A da m L i d g e t t

By A da m L i d g e t t

About 30 people filled Great Neck House last Wednesday to discuss the Great Neck Park District district’s plan to cover Memorial Field with artificial turf.

Park district Commissioner Frank Cilluffo said the 23 people who spoke at the meeting were roughly split between opponents and supporters of the artificial turf.

“The people that were against it are worried about chemicals causing cancer,” Cilluffo said. “Two said they played on [turf] for years and years and had no concerns about it.”

Among those who spoke were members of the Great Neck softball league, Great Neck Little League, Great Neck Soccer Club and people from the Andrew Stergiopoulos Ice Rink.

Park district commissioners had approved the installation of artificial turf at Memorial Field at 1 West Park Place as part of a $6.5 million bond approved by the Town of North Hempstead last March.

But district commissioners began reconsidering the use of artificial turf following an NBC report about 38 soccer players who had played on artificial turf and were later diagnosed with rare forms of cancer including lymphoma and leukemia. In January, the park district said that they found no governmental reports or independent reports that had concluded turf had hazardous materials above the safety standard.

But a week later, the park district renewed their discussions about the possible harmful effects of turf after Rep. Steve Israel (D-Dix Hills) calling for the Environmental Protection Agency to study the issue of artificial turf.

Great Neck Breast Cancer

A Nassau County Supreme Court justice on Tuesday dismissed a defamation complaint made by Jesse Friedman against the Nassau County District Attorney’s Office.

Justice Karen Murphy ruled the District Attorney’s office is entitled to immunity from a civil lawsuit while preparing a report of a three-year investigation on Friedman’s 1988 guilty plea conducted under former District Attorney Kathleen, according to court documents.

Murphy also said public statements made by two public information officers made do not constitute malice, and that any statements made to the media are minor shortcomings in the history of Friedman’s attempts to set aside his guilty plea, according to court documents.

“This decision recognizes the importance of the conviction integrity review process as a critical function of a prosecutor’s office,” said Acting Nassau County District Attorney Madeline Singas in a statement. “We stand behind the work of our comprehensive review of Jesse Friedman’s

A crowd of about 30 residents were split last week as to whether artificial turf should or should not be installed on Memorial Field in the Great Neck Park District Coalition president Laura Weinberg opposed the use of artificial turf in a letter sent to the park district, saying harmful chemical such as arsenic, mercury, lead, benzene and cadmium were found in artificial turf.

Benzene and cadmium, she said, have both been linked to breast cancer.

“Countries worldwide have taken action against the installation of synthetic fields,” she said in the letter. “While some claim the fields are safe, any health effects of exposure to these chemicals – endocrine disruption, neurological impairment and cancer – may take decades to develop.”

Weinberg cited a report done at Mt. Sinai Hospital, which said the cumulative exposure that children get after play-

guilty plea.”

Friedman filed suit in June 2014 against Rice and John Byrne and Shams Tarek, saying they had defamed him in a report on their three-year investigation and in statements made to the press about that report.

Friedman charged in the suit that the report and communication to the press incorrectly stated Friedman had fictional pornographic stories he was punished for writing in prison.

Friedman’s complaint also said the District Attorney’s report claimed a psychologist who evaluated Friedman in 1988 and described him as a “psychopathic deviant” was Friedman’s psychiatrist, according to court documents. The psychologist was not retained as Friedman’s psychiatrist, and Friedman’s defense argued the doctor used inappropriate tests in reaching his conclusions about Friedman.

The investigation was conducted after the Second U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals indicated in 2010 there may have been evidence suggesting Friedman was wrongfully convicted 25 years earlier of child molestation.

Continued on Page 48

ing on artificial turf every day can result in a buildup of toxins in the body.

Without testing, she said, no one can say the exposure to the chemicals she said are found in artificial turf is harmless.

“As a community, let’s protect our children and err on the side of caution by not installing synthetic turf in Great Neck,” Weinberg added. “We don’t want to make a regrettable decision that may cause irreversible damage to human lives and the environment.”

Board chairman Bob Lincoln said many of the people who spoke at the session were fathers of children in the park district, PHOTO BYJesse friedman and were for installing artificial Jesse Friedman (right) and a member of his legal team speak to turf.

Continued on Page 58 reporters outside court in Brooklyn last month.

TO REACH US MAIL: 105 Hillside Avenue Williston Park, NY 11596 FAX: 516-307-1046 Subscriptions: Holly Blank 516-307-1045 x202 hblank@theislandnow.com

display advertising: Steven Blank 516-307-1045 x201 sblank@theislandnow.com classified advertising: Linda Matinale 516-307-1045 x210 lmatinale@theislandnow.com

editorial: Editorial Submissions: news@theislandnow.com / Sports Submission : sports@theislandnow.com Assistant Editor: Anthony Bosco 516-307-1045 x214 • abosco@theislandnow.com Great Neck News: Adam Lidgett 516-307-1045 x203 • alidgett@theislandnow.com New Hyde Park Herald Courier: James Galloway 516-307-1045 x204 • jgalloway@theislandnow.com Manhasset Times: Bill San Antonio 516-307-1045 x215 • bsanantonio@theislandnow.com Roslyn Times: Bill San Antonio 516-307-1045 x215 • bsanantonio@theislandnow.com Williston Times: James Galloway 516-307-1045 x204 • jgalloway@theislandnow.com

GREAT NECK NEWS (USPS#227-400) is published weekly by Blank Slate Media LLC, 105 Hillside Avenue, Williston Park, NY, 11596, (516) 307-1045. The entire contents of this publication are copyright 2015. All rights reserved. The newspaper will not be liable for errors appearing in any advertising beyond the cost of the space occupied by the error. Periodicals postage paid at Williston Park, NY. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to the Great Neck News, C/O Blank Slate Media LLC, 105 Hillside Avenue, Williston, New York, 11596.

The Great Neck News, Friday, March 6, 2015

GN

Sisters reunited after 50 years

3

3 Great Neck siblings, family members gather from across world join in celebration

By A da m L i d g e t t After 50 years, the three sisters living in Great Neck were finally together again with a fourth sister who lives in Australia.

Amy D’Amelio, Maria D’Amelio, Marguerite Pimentel were reunited on Oct. 6 with sister Lina Iorlano when she flew in from Australia in a meeting organized by Wish of a Lifetime, an organization that grants wishes to the elderly.

The four sisters were joined by a fifth sister, Rose Valle of Stony Brook and nearly 50 family members who gathered from around the world to celebrate the reunion.

Maria D’Amelio, 64, said she got the idea about reuniting in April 2014 when she read a story in People magazine about three sisters all over the age of 100 reuniting after being separated 10 years. She quickly gained the support of her sisters.

“I look back on my life and realized I missed growing up with her and doing what sisters generally do - sharing clothes,

Sisters Lina Iorlano, Australia, Rose Valle of Stony Brook, Amy D’Amelio of Great Neck, Marguerite Pimentel of Great Neck and Maria D’Amelio of Great Neck were reunited in October after having been separated when their father died in their home country of Italy in 1955. birthdays, being at her wedding, getting to know her husband and four children,” said Amy D’Amelio, 69. “Lina recently lost her husband...and I was not there to comfort her and her family. Having her visit my sisters and I would be a monumental wish of a lifetime.”

All that was missing was old brother Rocco, who died 2013 at the age of 70.

Iorlano, who returned to Melbourne in November, said she was thrilled by the six weeks the sisters would spending together.

“The two best things that

happened to me in my life was having children and seeing her sisters in the U.S. after 50 years,” she said in a statement posted on Facebook by Wish of a Lifetime.

She said her sisters had numerous questions to ask her, and they heard tales of her life’s ups and downs.

“I was the happiest when I had my twins,” Iorlano said.

“This [reunion] was the second happiest day.”

The sisters had lived together on a farm in Lioni, a small village in southern Italy, when their father died unexpectedly at the age of 38.

Their father’s older brother Michael and his wife Martha, who were living in New York at the time, offered to take care of the four younger children while Lina and Rocco stayed behind in Italy with their mother.

The sisters said that at the time any child more than 10 years old would stay with the surviving parent to assist with farming chores.

Michael and Martha promised the sisters’ mother that he would sponsor her and the two oldest children to be brought to the United States at a later date, but the plan never came to fruition.

Maria D’Amelio and Marguerite Pimentel, 62, said they only have a limited memory of Italy, but Amy D’Amelio and Rose Continued on Page 47

4

The Great Neck News, Friday, March 6, 2015

GN

Candidates focus on Colonial Road

By A dA m L i d g e t t

Village of Thomaston Mayor Steven Weinberg says he intends to take his predecessor’s lead in keeping down the cost of government.

“I want to continue the management of the village so that our capital items or assets such as roads and trucks and equipment are paid for over time from our budget,” said Weinberg, who is running unopposed for re-election on March 18 along with trustees Gary Noren and Jill Monoson. “This way it saves money and is a more efficient administration of government. We want to keep it managed that way.”

Weinberg was named acting mayor in September 2014 after former Mayor Bob Stern resigned, and officially became the mayor about a month later.

He had served as deputy mayor from 2003 through 2014, trustee from 2001 to 2003 and village justice from 1997 to 2001.

Weinberg said he is currently focused on the replacement of the Colonial Road Bridge, a $24.9 million project planned by the LIRR, which is part of a larger project in the Village of Thomaston that includes improved drainage at track level, landscaping and the extension of an existing pocket track used to turn trains around.

The total project will cost $45.1 million and allow the LIRR to improve train ser-

jill Monoson

Steven weinberg

vice reliability, according to MTA officials.

Weinberg said last month the Long Island Rail Road is tentatively scheduled to close the Colonial Road Bridge on March 30. He has said the LIRR expects the bridge to reopen in April 2016.

Weinberg, an attorney with the firm Gottesman, Wolgel, Flynn, Weinberg & Lee P.C., said he was interested in getting involved in community service when the village justice position opened up in 1997 and that desire to help has not dimmed.

Noren said the Colonial Road Bridge project will most likely be the last thing he oversees as he does not plan on run-

ning for another term after this one.

“At this point, the village is in a much better place than it was 14 years ago when I initially joined,” Noren said. The budget has been handled in a very masterful way and tax increases have been extremely limited and rare.”

Noren, who is the vice president of sales for Outerstuff LCC, a sports apparel company, said he is only running to see the bridge project completed as agreed upon with village officials.

He said the original plan would not have been aesthetically pleasing to residents and getting it done right required a

lot of back and forth discussion about the plans for the bridge.

“We couldn’t get [the LIRR] to agree to a vision,” Noren said.

The existing bridge, which as built in 1897 and crosses over a portion of the LIRR, is the responsibility of the LIRR and was found by its engineering staff to be at the end of its useful life, according to officials with the Metropolitan Transportation Authority, which operates the LIRR. The Metropolitan Transportation Authority has said the replacement of the bridge is essential to the East Side Access project, which will bring the LIRR straight into Grand Central Station in Manhattan.

The project, which the MTA says is still about seven years away, will cut the travel time of commuters who work on Manhattan’s east side by 20 to 30 minutes when completed.

Noren said the village takes creative approaches to keeping taxes down. One of these approaches included letting phone companies put a cell tower behind Village Hall, which the companies pay the village to have there.

He said he isn’t ready to retire quite yet from his day job yet, but he would like to do more community theater.

Monoson, who took office in just January when Weinberg became mayor, said she didn’t have a particular agenda as she runs for a full term. Most of the Continued on Page 48

List With Us & We Will Have Your House Moving In No Time

ROSLYN - UC 271 Locust Ln

MANHASSET - UC 59 Bristol Dr

NEW HYDE PARK - UC 159 Laurel Dr

IMPERIAL GARDENS - UC 66 Wimbleton Dr

OLD WESTBURY - UC 4 Colt Pl

JERICHO - UC 54 Estates Dr

GREAT NECK - UC 5 Bowers Ln

LAKE SUCCESS - UC 15 Fieldstone Ln

FLUSHING - UC 42-67 Murray St

NEW HYDE PARK - UC 88 Bedford

The Great Neck News, Friday, March 6, 2015

GN

KEY ISSUES AND ACCOMPLISHMENTS: • Opening of 50 new retail businesses in the Plaza in the past 2 years • No increase in village taxes in 6 of the past 8 years • A record of never having overridden the state tax cap • Obtaining $4.5 million in government grants for traffic and pedestrian safety and beautification projects • Implementation of numerous traffic and pedestrian safety improvements throughout the village which have been shown in state-reviewed studies to have reduced accidents • Completion or planning the modernization and improvement of the village’s three surface parking lots and two parking garages Lawrence R. Katz Trustee

Gerry Schneiderman Trustee

• Recipient of Smart Growth Awards by Vision Long Island

Village of Great Neck Plaza RE-ELECT Gerry Schneiderman for Trustee Lawrence R. Katz for Trustee Vote Wednesday, March 18th 9 a.m. - 9 p.m.

Great Neck Plaza Village Hall Paid for by The United Residents’ Party

5

6

The Great Neck News, Friday, March 6, 2015

GN

Dowling champions immigration North Shore-LIJ chief offers his own story to support call for L.I. showing the way

BY B I LL SAN ANTONIO

Michael Dowling, the president and chief executive officer of the North Shore-LIJ Health System, immigrated to the United States from Ireland when he was 17 years old.

In his first few years in America, he worked a series of odd jobs and sent money to family back home whenever he could. He put himself through graduate school at Fordham University and went on to head one of the largest companies in the state.

He learned – albeit, the hard way – how Americans drink their tea.

“I figured, I’ll just look around the room and do what everyone else is doing, and so I did, and then I realized Americans don’t drink tea,” he told an audience at Hofstra University Thursday to open “Long Island at a Turning Point – It’s Everyone’s Opportunity,” a summit consisting of lectures and panel

“The immigration debate is not always about someone else,” Dowling said. “It’s really about us, too, because we are all immigrants. So we have to take it seriously.”

Dowling joined the health system in 1995. In 2002, he was promoted as its president and chief executive officer.

Each week, the health system hires between 125-150 new employees, and Dowling said he meets with each one every Monday morning.

Most of them, he said, are immigrants like he once was, and he asks them about their Michael Dowling, president and chief executive officer of the North experiences and their dreams of Shore-LIJ Health System, gives the keynote address for a confer- American life.

“Immigrants are the story of ence last Thursday on immigration at Hofstra University.

America, one of hard work and le from the audience, but it was entrepreneurship and a comdiscussions about immigration.

“So I look at this cup of hot coupled with a heavy message: mitment to making it a better water and this bag and think When he first arrived, Dowling place,” Dowling said. “They are to myself, I’m a smart guy, I’ll was alone, poor and longed to the story of us.”

Dowling warned the audijust do the most logical thing I gain acceptance in his adopted ence, comprised primarily of can think of,” he added. “So I home.

And his story, he said, is no Hofstra students, professors opened the bag and poured it different from those of immi- and administrators, to be careinto the water.” ful about the historical narrative The anecdote drew a chuck- grants in America today.

they hand down to future generations and the role immigrants play in that story.

Amid changing demographics across the country - Dowling said the health system hires more non-Caucasians today than when he began working with the health system - he said Long Island could spearhead immigrant relations in ways policy makers and organizations cannot.

“Long Island has been an epicenter of change throughout its history. We were the first to implement suburbia,” he said.

“Let’s be the first to make Long Island a place of inclusiveness as we go forward. We can be the template that others look at to see how to it better than anybody else.”

Reach reporter Bill San Antonio by e-mail at bsanantonio@ theislandnow.com, by phone at 516.307.1045 x215 or on Twitter @b_sanantonio. Also follow us on Facebook at facebook.com/ theislandnow.

A Business Banking Solution that works for you.

Business Solutions Checking with Interest Features and benefits of our Business Solutions Checking with Interest account: • • • • • •

250 free items (checks and deposited items) per month1 Free Executive 50 check package or 30% credit towards any other check package2 Online banking and bill pay Free ATM/Visa® check card Telephone Banking Detailed statements – go paperless with e-Statements

myNYCB.com • (877) 786-6560

1 Applies to Business Solutions Checking and Business Solutions Checking with Interest only. For Business Solutions Analysis Checking and Business Solutions Analysis Checking with Interest fees may be offset with an earnings credit.

2 30% credit does not apply to Business Value Pack.

Offer may be withdrawn at the discretion of the bank at any time. The bank is not responsible for typographical errors.

The Great Neck News, Friday, March 6, 2015

GN

We know that a prostate cancer event

ISN’T EXACTLY DATE-NIGHT MATERIAL. But what you learn could help you keep many dates in the future.

Get the Facts about Prostate Cancer and Take Control of Your Health:

A FREE SEMINAR

Attend a Free Seminar to Learn about Prostate Cancer Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers among men in the United States. Men aged 50 to 70 — along with their spouses or significant others — are invited to attend a FREE seminar about prostate cancer, where you’ll learn about: • The latest guidelines for the prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test, so you’ll be able to make an informed decision with your doctor about whether or not to take the test • The full spectrum of prostate cancer, from indolent to metastatic disease • Understand the results of your PSA test and what they mean — especially if they were high • Prostate cancer treatment options

You will have the opportunity to interact with leaders in the field of prostate cancer diagnosis, treatment and research. Presenters include: Lee Richstone, MD Chief of Urology, North Shore University Hospital; System Vice Chairman, Urology

Manish Vira, MD Director, Fellowship Program, Urologic Oncology Louis Potters, MD Co-Executive Director, North Shore-LIJ Cancer Institute Chairman, Radiation Medicine, North Shore-LIJ Health System

Date: Thursday, April 2 Time: 6pm – 8pm Location: Rust Auditorium at North Shore University Hospital, Manhasset

Preregistration is preferred for this free event and seating is limited. To register and learn more, go to NorthShoreLIJ.com/ProstateEvent The Smith Institute for U r o l o g y

7

8

The Great Neck News, Friday, March 6, 2015

GN

County adds drug treatment program Drug, therapy regimen sought to aid fight against rising use of heroin, opioids

her-

Long Island

BY B I LL SAN ANTONIO Nassau County has added a new drug treatment program to its arsenal of defenses against rising heroin and opioid use in the area.

It’s called “A Shot At Life,” which incorporates counseling with monthly injections of Vivitrol, which blocks the brain’s opiate receptors from processing a drug’s euphoric sensation.

The trial program was launched in conjunction with Nassau University Medical Center’s Pathway to Recovery program and financed through $328,000 in state funding secured last month to fortify outpatient treatment facilities throughout the county, officials said.

“My administration has combated heroin and opioid use

Nassau County Executive Edward Mangano announces the new “A Shot At Life” program during a press conference in late February. through a comprehensive strategy that includes enforcement, education and awareness,” Nassau County Executive Edward Mangano told reporters during a news conference introducing the program last Wednesday.

“Nassau County is now offering those battling addiction ‘A Shot at Life’ and freedom from narcotics. Vivitrol must

be paired with counseling to achieve the very best rate of total drug free independence and recovery,” said Mangano, a Republican from Bethpage. “It offers the brain time to heal and has the potential to save lives while decreasing recidivism and incarceration.”

Mangano said the program would be implemented at no

cost to taxpayers and may be expanded if successful.

Vivitrol programs have been administered in more than 20 states, Mangano said, and have been effective in preventing addicts from relapse.

According to figures from the county Medical Examiner’s Office, 51 people died from heroin overdoses in 2014, while another 123 died from prescription drug overdoses.

To be eligible for the program, patients will have had to be off opioids for 7-10 days prior to their first injection of Vivitrol.

Nassau County Medical Center officials said they have already begun referring patients for the program.

“We are pleased to partner with County Executive Mangano and county officials in their launch of a Vivitrol program to combat the heroin and opioid epidemic,” said Dr. Victor Politi, president and chief executive officer of Nassau University Medical Center. “Combined with counseling and education, those battling with addiction

will have a better chance of recovery, thanks to Vivitrol and the program, ‘A Shot at Life.’”

Along with Vivitrol injections, patients would undergo individual and group counseling as well as regular drug testing.

Vivitrol is manufactured by Alkermes Inc. Medical insurance is required for the Pathway to Recovery program. Medicare, including Part D; and Medicaid, including Medicaid Managed Care, will be accepted, officials said.

Mangano said Alkermes Inc. is offering up to $500 to cover the co-pay costs for the monthly Vivitrol injection to patients without medical insurance or those considered Medicaid-pending.

Reach reporter Bill San Antonio by e-mail at bsanantonio@ theislandnow.com, by phone at 516.307.1045 x215 or on Twitter @b_sanantonio. Also follow us on Facebook at facebook.com/ theislandnow.

SUSHI REPUBLIC SPECIAL OFFER

Come in and enjoy our MADE TO ORDER ALL-YOU-CAN-EAT

All you can eat, made to order UNLIMITED FRESHEST SUSHI, SASHIMI, APPETIZERS, SPECIALTY ROLLS & MORE…

Weekdays - $22.95 Weekends & Holidays - $24.95 • KIDS - AGE x 1.5

Wine, Beer & Hot Sake…50% OFF Recommended by Newsday “…the pleasaant feeling of having both spent and eaten well……Newsday

Private Party Room Available for up to 50 people.

Book your special event with us Cannot be combined w/any other offer

3365 Hillside Ave., New Hyde Park, NY 11040

$2.00 OFF Coupon

Per Person On Our All-You-Can-Eat Dinner Menu Expires 3/31/15

516-747-3377 / 516-747-2377

fax: 516-747-1677

•

www.sushirepublicny.com

Mon.-Thurs. 11am-10pm Fri. & Sat. 11am-11pm, Sun. Noon-10pm

The Great Neck News, Friday, March 6, 2015

GN

9

FREE IN HOME ESTIMATES AND ENERGY LOSS INSPECTIONS • FREE IN HOME ESTIMATES AND ENERGY LOSS INSPECTIONS

UNIFIED

We Are The Commercial Condo / Co-Op Experts!

WINDOW SYSTEMS, INC.

WINDOWS, DOORS, SIDING AND ROOFING

Sale Valid March 1st – March 31st, 2015

SAVE THIS AD

SIDING

ROOFING

Whole House Starting at

LAYOVER

2995

2129

3995

Let Unified repair your broken Windows, Doors and Siding if you’re not ready for a complete replacement.

COUPON

Attic Insulation

Owens Corning AttiCat®System Save up to 20% on your heating & cooling energy bills for as low as REG. $249900

CUSTOM

SEAMLESS GUTTERS & LEADERS

MASONRY

ASK US ABOUT OUR

COUPON

NEW

CUSTOM MADE

BOW WINDOWS

$189900

FULLY INSTALLED UP TO 96” x 45”

PATIO DOORS

LOW E GLASS / ARGON GAS TOP QUALITY STEEL REINFORCED & FULLY INSTALLED 5FT.

REG. $199900

REG. $49900

As Low As

COUPON

DOOR HOODS

CUSTOM SIZED

42” x 36”

899

$

REG.

Fully Installed

CUSTOM MADE UP TO 32” x 18”

INCLUDES CAULKING, STOP MOULDING AND DEBRIS REMOVAL

Low E Glass Argon Gas & Foam Filled $

ON SALE REG. $79900 $ 00

REG. $39900

REG. $59900

PATCHOGUE

$17900

NO TAX

SLIDERS OR HOPPERS

COUPON

GARAGE DOOR

Raised Panel or Carriage Style

ON SALE

29900

373 West Jericho Tpke. 298 Medford Ave. (rt.112) Patchogue, NY 11772 Huntington, NY 11743

ON SALE

No Min. Req.

GRIDS OPTIONAL IN ALL WINDOWS

HUNTINGTON

FULLY INSTALLED

BASEMENT WINDOWS

FULLY INSTALLED

• Foam filled frame and Sash • Krypton/Argon Gas • Meets D.O.E. / R5 Program • Lifetime Guarantee

ON SALE

$49900

COUPON FULLY WELDED

DOUBLE HUNG WINDOWS

TRIPLE GLASS WELDED WINDOWS

ON SALE

$36900

6' x 4'

$63900

• 8 Coat Paint Finish • Adjustable Saddle • 20 Gauge/10 Gauge Reinforced Steel Frame • Magnetic Seal • Double Insulated Glass • Door Knob/Dead Bolt • Many Styles, Colors and Finishes to Choose From

COUPON

299 Peninsula Blvd.

Hempstead, NY 11550

COUPON

CUSTOM PAINTED AND STAINED STEEL AND FIBERGLASS DOORS

$109900

HEMPSTEAD

37500

INTERIOR DOOR PROGRAM!

ON SALE

FULLY INSTALLED

Entire House as Low as

Leaf Protection $ Soffit & Fascia

Features:

COUPON

359

Many colors & Sizes available Ask About

AWNINGS & CARPORTS

FULLY INSTALLED

ON SALE

ON SALE

$149900 COUPON

FREE in Home Estimates

NO SALES TAX!

NEW REPAIR SERVICE

based on $3.20 per sq ft

0% Financing or 25% Off for 5 years!

Purchase

$289900

SAVE THIS AD

25% off

COMPLETE RIP

REG.

NO SALES TAX!

• 2 Inch Thick Steel Door • New Tracks and Hardware

899

00 REG. $ ON SALE

8' x 7'

$59900

FULLY INSTALLED

Includes cart away of your old door!

BROOKLYN•QUEENS BRONX•WESTCHESTER 130-11 Atlantic Ave. Richmond Hill, NY 11418

768 North Broadway (rt. 22) N White Plains, NY 10603

(516) 481-3000•(631) 612-2510•(718) 362-5222•(914) 358-9650

www.uwds.com

BBB Member Metro NY Long Island • Some items not available in all areas. A $35.00 fuel surcharge will apply to each contract.

Nassau#1761650000 • Suffolk#19279 • NYConsumer Affairs#0856560 • Westchester Lic#WC-25660-H13 • Yonkers Lic#5208 • Conn. H.I. #HIC.0629286. *Metal removal add $25

(888) 631-2131BSM

10 The Great Neck News, Friday, March 6, 2015

GN

Stephen C. Widom

culTural arTs

THe

Emanuel s e r I e s

presents

sunday, March 15, 2015 at 3PM

rodgers & hammerstein Celebration starring

Oscar ‘Andy’ Hammerstein III Teri Dale Hansen Sean MacLaughlin

T h e J ay K u s h n e r M e M o r i a l P r e s e n TaT i o n

in

Music

This spectacular celebration stars Oscar ‘Andy’ Hammerstein III, grandson of the beloved librettist and lyricist Oscar Hammerstein II, and author of The Hammersteins: A Musical Theatre Family. The concert features music from south Pacific, The sound of Music, state Fair, The King and i, carousel and oklahoma! it is a favorite for audiences of all ages!

Tickets: $15 or 2@$25 call 516.482.5701 for Tickets and to learn about our sPecial Discounts Temple Emanuel of Great Neck

l

150 Hicks Lane, Great Neck, NY

scwculturalarts.org

Long Island Locations

Amityville 148 Merrick Rd. 631.841.4102 Five Towns 1158 Broadway 516.218.2929 Jericho 555 North Broadway 516.597.5070 Massapequa Park 4954 Merrick Rd. 516.308.7255

Plainview 1074 Old Country Rd. 516.597.5011 Roslyn 250 South Service Rd. 516.399.2311 Huntington 339 Main S.t 631.470.9000

Additional locations coming soon!

30 Glen Street, Glen Cove 516- 671-3737 www.glenfloors.com Mon.-Thurs. 9-6 | Fri. 9-7 | Sat. 9-5 | Sun. 11-3

The Great Neck News, Friday, March 6, 2015

GN

IT’S NOT JUST ABOUT HAVING COMPREHENSIVE COLON CANCER CARE.

NE

IT’S ABOUT HAVING THE

TREATMENT THAT WORKED FOR JOEL.

At North Shore-LIJ, we’re not just treating colon cancer. We’re finding the right treatment for you. It starts with our doctors and surgeons who are at the top of their game and work together as a team that fights for you and along with you. Because we’re part of an integrated health system – North Shore-LIJ – you’ll have full access to our comprehensive clinical resources for whatever your health needs may be. And with over 30 years of clinical trial experience – the most on Long Island – your care will be anything but one-size-fits-all.

Because only one outcome matters. The one that gets you better.

Call 1-855-858-8550 or visit NorthShoreLIJ.com/ColonCancer Story inspired by a real patient.

11

12 The Great Neck News, Friday, March 6, 2015

GN

Cuomo tightens screws on schools

This is budget season and Gov. Cuomo is keen to get his fifth on-time budget in a row, which would mean a March 31 deadline.

But two of his major initiatives should get serious consideration and political spine: the property tax “credit” based on income, and tying the rate of increase in school aid to the state legislators adopting Cuomo’s education “reforms.”

On the face of it, these would seem to be two political gimmes - anything that appears to cut property taxes is wildly popular, as is anything that is labeled education reform and promises a swift kick to inept teachers and providing a mechanism for public funding of profit-making private and parochial schools.

But the ramifications of these policies need to be critically considered - property taxes and public education are inextricably linked, despite efforts by Cuomo’s newly named Commissioner of Taxes, Ken Adams, to keep the two separate.

Commissioner Adams had previously served as President & CEO of Empire State Development (responsible for implementing StartUp NY), and for years ran the Metrotech BID in Brooklyn, so his bias in favor of commercial interests over families was evident.

In this construct, property taxes are the reason why businesses aren’t coming to New York State and especially not Long Island, it’s the reason why businesses are leaving for South Carolina. And yet, StartUp NY which exempts businesses from all state taxes, has managed to lure only a handful of businesses - altogether representing 2500 jobs (and the workers get a five-year holiday from state in-

come tax too!). though, is that in addition to being chamber Adams came to Long Island on Feb. 27 members or workers - a pro-business, reflexto talk up the property tax proposal - part of ively anti-tax institution - these people had Cuomo’s policy of sending out government children who were teachers, or young chilofficials across the state to discuss his “2015 dren of their own.

Opportunity Agenda”.

They questioned how their own children His visit was a surreal experience. would be paid sufficiently to live here. And Rather than a venue in the evening which if the quality of schools went down, wouldn’t could have drawn a good gaththe value of their homes? ering of homeowners and local “Teachers have to live here, officials, this was held during a too – they can’t afford to live Friday afternoon at a modest here. We have a great educahome in Huntington Station on tion system,” said Barrett, who a tiny, narrow road that only inowns an auto repair shop, two directly spits off from the busbuildings and a home (he pays tling Walt Whitman/Rte 110. a total of $40,000 in property Not just any home: the taxes, including $12,000 “on a owner is a bank manager and lousy quarter acre.”)

KAREN RUBIN a director of the Huntington The lady whose house this Pulse of the Peninsula Township Chamber of Comwas said that if she retired, she merce, and the 10 people in her couldn’t afford to stay in her living room were all either chamber members home. or staff, plus her son.

On the other hand, if the quality of There were no TV cameras and the only schools declines, she won’t be able to sell her other reporter was from the local Huntington house at a decent price (and her daughter is paper so it is hard to figure how this is sup- a teacher). In fact, she advised her son when posed to be informative or even to elicit com- he was buying a house, even though he does ments from homeowners. not intend to have children, to still only buy a It became clear to me that this was re- home in a good school district. ally a show not really intended to inform, or Adams began by emphasizing that for heaven forbid, get feedback. Just to notch up most property owners, school tax is the biganother public appearance. gest chunk. In fact, on Long Island, school And as much as Adams wanted to con- taxes represent about 60-65 percent of the fine himself to this “third phase” of the prop- property tax bill. But what does that actually erty tax cap, the proposals are inextricably mean? connected.

Great Neck school district is celebratWhat Adams didn’t seem to anticipate, ing its 200th anniversary this year - one of

the oldest public school districts in America.

School districts from the beginning were set up to be financed by property taxes. Whereas municipalities have multiple sources of revenue (sales tax, fines, fees to list but a few), school districts are pretty much dependent upon property taxes and state aid.

But a school system financed solely from property taxes leads to severe inequities based on the affluence or poverty of a community, so over the years, state aid has been used to be an equalizer.

State aid varies - as much as 50 percent for school districts like New York City.

But Great Neck only gets just 3 percent of its budget from state aid, the rest is financed from local property taxes. And yet, the quality of our schools is what draws families here largely from New York City - and is a reason our homes retain their high value.

In fact, one of the reasons Long Islanders pay so much in property taxes is that we are short changed by state aid - the last figure I saw (when Tom Suozzi led a state commission on reforming local government) was that Long Island had 17 percent of the state’s school enrollment but received only 13 percent of school aid dispensed by the state.

Instead of addressing the true sources of high property taxes (or even putting property taxes into their context of housing values and high salaries), Cuomo has used property taxes to attack local control - the punch line always is “well, if there were fewer school districts, fewer park districts, villages and towns, property taxes would be lower.” and he has Continued on Page 41

SPRING IS ALMOST HERE! Schedule your Massage or Facial today!

59 $ 99 69

$

99

1476 Union Turnpike, New Hyde Park, NY - In the Lake Success Shopping Center Open 7 days: Monday-Friday 9am-9pm, Saturday 9am-8pm, Sunday 9am-6pm 516-673-4278

www.massageenvy.com

The Great Neck News, Friday, March 6, 2015

GN

13

real estate w atch

Maintaining and selling your home Danger in the fireplace As the use of fireplaces increases so does the incidence of home fires caused by careless disregard for its danger.

Some safety tips: Burn only recommended fuels.

Don’t use liquid lighter of any kind.

Do not burn household garbage or trash Use only one pressed log at a time and don’t mix them with other fuels.

Never use charcoal - it creates carbon monoxide gas.

Don’t make a fire too big. It could produce a chimney fire.

Placing your grate closer than five inches to glass doors may overheat and crack them.

Before starting a fire always be sure the flue damper is open.

Use a spark screen or glass

door to prevent sparks from popping onto the floor or carpet.

Keep afire extinguisher close by at all times.

Do not leave children unattended around fire. Always leave dampers open until the fire is completely out. Smoldering coals produce highly poisonous carbon monoxide gas.

From the inside There are two sides to every home for sale - the inside and the outside.

It takes a good-looking outside to bring the prospect in, but it is the condition and appeal of the inside, that will make or break the sale.

Providing an inviting interior is vital to increasing the sale ability of your home. Like the model homes that are professionally

philip a. raices

more attracted to a home that is furnished as opposed to a vacant one, but one full of clutter will be a bigger turn off than empty rooms.

Clutter to a buyer means one thing - lack of living space.

If the interior is too cramped with furniture, you could think about storing the less attractive or worn pieces. Leave the best to show, but just enough to look livable.

Single home rental property Smart investors know that decorated to entice buyers in new tax reform changed the rules of home developments, you can the game for rental investments, make a big difference in the way but rental properties should still the interior of your home appeals be considered a valuable and important aspect of your investment to potential buyers.

Aim for that simple and un- strategy for the future.

When looking at rental propcluttered look. Most people are

Real Estate Watch

erty as an investment, consider property that will bring you a positive cash flow or at least come close to a break-even situation after the rent is collected and mortgage payment and other associated bills are paid each month Finding such property may not be easy, but it will be worth the effort.

What’s the best property to purchase as a rental investment?

The most lucrative rental property is usually a single or multifamily semi/detached house.

Since these homes are the most popular with buyers, your rental house is likely to appreciate over the years and be easier to sell when the time comes.

There are some outstanding buys on the market now.

This opportunity may not last much longer.

Schneiderman, Katz right Plaza picks I write in support of the re-election of Great Neck Plaza Trustees Gerry Schneiderman and Lawrence Katz in the election on March 18.

As a Great Neck Plaza resident for 37 years who has maintained a law office in the Plaza for the past 25 and attended hundreds of Village Board meetings, I can fully appreciate the time, energy and commitment these two officials have given to our Village.

Each worked their way up the ladder, having served on various village committees and boards prior to being elected to their current positions. Each brings his experience, talent, and independent point of view to our Village government.

I heartily endorse their re-election and urge Village residents to show their support for them on Election Day.

In contrast, their opponent has done little to demonstrate any qualifications to serve as a trustee. A resident for only two years, he has attended portions of only two village board meetings and never sought to serve on any village committee or board, or otherwise show an interest – quite remarkable for someone running for an elected position.

His most recent appearance at a board meeting two months ago (which I attended) was solely for the purpose of stating his position about possible changes to parking rules to free up more parking for shoppers.

After speaking, he promptly left, not bothering to stay for the first of two hearings on the village’s annual budget, one of the most important issues upon which an elected official can deliberate. (I later

learned that his apparent motivation for leaving the meeting so abruptly – and perhaps even being there at all – was to post about his appearance on his Facebook page.)

He did not appear for the final budget hearing two weeks later or at any subsequent board meetings.

His campaign seems to consist largely of near-libelous mailings and postings on social media, spending much space harshly criticizing the entire Board of Trustees.

Particularly troubling is his opinion that the village building codes are not necessary and the building department and local contractors constitute an “old boys network” that serves only to make construction more costly and time-consuming (try telling that to the residents

of 5 Schenck or my own building, 1 Overlook, where numerous families, including mine, were forced out for weeks by fires caused by renovation work).

If he took the time to attend board meetings he would learn that many of the things he claims the village is not doing have either already been considered or are presently pending.

A stark choice is offered in this election - proven dedication, experience, and accomplishment offered by Gerry Schneiderman and Lawrence Katz versus a candidate who has shown none of those qualities and hasn’t even had the interest to show up.

Jeffrey Schwartz Great Neck

Y O U R # 1 R E A LT O R I N G R E AT N E C K !

OVER $3 BILLION DOLLARS IN SALES & 3,000 FAMILIES MOVED IN 14 YEARS!

516.482.1111 200 MIDDLE NECK ROAD - GREAT NECK

14 The Great Neck News, Friday, March 6, 2015

Opinion

GN

OUR VIEWS

Clear up sex Cuomo trips on premise, offender law falls on teacher conclusion Acting Nassau County District Attorney Madeline Singas is on the right track.

The state Legislature must act to clear up the confusion that surrounds sex offender registration, especially when it comes to where sex offenders may live.

In February the state’s Court of Appeals struck down more than 100 local laws restricting where a registered sex offender can live. The court ruled in favor of Woodmere resident Michael Diack, a convicted Level 1 sex offender who had been arrested in 2011 for living 500 feet away from Lawrence-Woodmere Academy.

In his appeal he challenged Nassau County’s sex offender laws.

Level 1 sex offenders are considered at the lowest level of risk to re-offend.

The state’s Sex Offender Registration Act does not restrict where a sex offender can live.

However, if the offender is on parole or probation other New York State laws may limit the offender from living within 1,000 feet of a school or other facility caring for children.

Singas believes the fact that local laws are stricter than the state laws, reflects a consensus that the state law is not tough enough.

“As a career prosecutor with a background in Special Victims cases, and as a mother myself, I believe that this moment is an opportunity to conduct a thorough and comprehensive review of all local laws that have been enacted on this issue, with the goal of enacting the strongest possible state law - whether it creates one uniform practice statewide or gives individual counties the ability to set their own rules based on their own unique geographies and circumstances - to protect potential victims from registered sex offenders in a manner that is effective, practical and constitutional,” she wrote.

We agree that there should be restrictions where convicted sex offenders can live, especially those who have committed acts of sexual violence or an offense involving children.

But allowing each town and village to set its own regulations does not contribute to public safety. It only creates confusion.

Under SORA a Level 1 sex offender must register his/her address for 20 years. Level 2 and 3 must register for life. If they move without registering their new address, they can be arrested. It happens frequently.

If a sex offender is not behind bars, that person needs to live somewhere.

As it is now, communities may feel encouraged to create regulations that are so strict that no sex offender will ever find a place to live.

Added to that is the complication of dealing with a young sex offender who continues to live with his or her family.

Sex offense by its very nature is vile and frightening.

But, as is the case with most criminal law, the state is in the best position to create just and meaningful regulation in the treatment of sex offenders.

Blank Slate Media LLC 105 Hillside Avenue, Williston Park, NY 11596 Phone: 516-307-1045 Fax: 516-307-1046 E-mail: hblank@theislandnow.com EDITOR AND PUBLISHER Steven Blank

B

READERS WRITE

ill San Antonio’s article (“Review state teacher evaluations: Cuomo,” Feb. 27) was entirely accurate: Newsday recently released a report that more than 97 percent of teachers on Long Island were rated “effective” on last year’s evaluations, and Gov. Cuomo is pushing for a state review of those evaluations.

What must be contested, however, is the misinformation from which Cuomo has drawn his conclusions as well as the validity of his proposed “solutions” to the problems he perceives.

The governor asks “how can “98 percent of the teachers be effective if only 38 percent of the students are ready for college?”

Here in Great Neck, 99 percent of our students graduate, and over 96 percent go on to higher education.

In Nassau County as a whole, the graduation rate is nearly 91 percent. Obviously, there is a correlation between effective teaching and college readiness on Long Island.

Why so many effective teachers here? The pool of applicants is large, since salaries, working conditions, and community support are comparatively good.

Long Island districts are able

to hire the best and the brightest. In addition, the probationary period is rigorous (tenure is not a guarantee, by a long shot), and only the best of the best succeed.

Finally, evaluation of teachers by their supervisors is ongoing and substantive, a process taken very seriously by all involved.

One concern Cuomo has is that in many cases, district evaluations are based on scoring guidelines “put forth by the state’s largest teachers union, New York State United Teachers.”

It should be noted that these guidelines were not only approved by the New York State Education Department, they were offered by the SED as one possible set of guidelines that districts could adopt.

In order to “correct” the perceived lopsidedness of the number of teachers rated “effective” or “highly effective,” Cuomo proposes raising the percentage of a teacher’s evaluation that is based on student scores on state tests from the current 20 percent or 25 percent to 50 percent.

Several independent studies have indicated that the use of student test scores to evaluate

teachers is unstable and therefore unreliable; as a result, many states are reducing their weight or abandoning them altogether.

Increasing their value to 50 percent is counterintuitive.

Although Andrew Cuomo has been invited to visit the Great Neck Public Schools repeatedly, he has never accepted.

In fact, he’s only visited six classrooms in the entire state in his four years as governor.

His understanding of public education in New York (particularly here on Long Island) is incomplete at best and downright inaccurate at worst. Instead of treating every school district in the state as a failure and blaming this perceived failure on supposedly ineffective teachers who are masquerading as successes, his energy would be far better spent in identifying the elements of Long Island communities that contribute to effective schools.

Perhaps those elements could then be replicated throughout the state. That would be effective leadership.

Sheila Scimone, President Great Neck Teachers Association Great Neck

letters p olic y Letters should be typed or neatly handwritten, and those longer than 300 words may be edited for brevity and clarity. All letters must include the writer’s name and phone number for verification. Anonymously sent letters will not be printed. Letters must be received by Monday noon to appear in the next week’s paper. All letters become the property of Blank Slate Media LLC and may be republished in any format. Letters can be e-mailed to news@theislandnow.com or mailed to Blank Slate Media, 105 Hillside Ave., Williston Park, NY 11596.

OFFICE MANAGER Holly Blank

production manager Rosemarie Palacios

assistant editor Anthony Bosco

editorial designer Diana Rios

deputy editor Bill San Antonio

CLASSIFIED Linda Matinale

REPORTERS Adam Lidgett, James Galloway COLUMNIST Karen Rubin ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES Stacy Shaughenessy, Barry Vigder, Melissa Spitalnick art director Jewell Davis

PUBLISHERS OF

Williston Times • Great Neck News Herald Courier • Roslyn Times Manhasset Times

The Great Neck News, Friday, March 6, 2015

GN

15

READERS WRITE

Dems’ opposition to talk a ‘disgrace’

T

he invitation to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, to address a joint session of the United States Congress, has drawn unprecedented criticism and attacks from President Obama, his administration, and congressional Democrats.

The Obama administration has even launched public attacks on Netanyahu and U.S. House Speaker John Boehner, and tried to organize a Boycott of Netanyahu’s speech before the Congress.

Even Obama’s vice president, Joe Biden, who would have presided jointly as president of the Senate, is not attending Netanyahu’s speech.

This behavior by the Democrats is disgraceful and unprecedented.

The Obama attacks on Netanyahu are especially awful in the wake of the recent anti-Semitic terror attacks against Jews in France and Denmark.

With Jews around the world facing violence and terror, the Prime Minister of Israel should be welcomed, not shunned as the Democrats are now doing.

Prime Minister Netanyahu was invited to address the Congress on the issue of the Islamic Republic of Iran trying to build nuclear weapons.

American Presidents have, for decades, articulated as US policy, that the Ayatollahs of Iran must never get nuclear weapons. Iran is a terrorist state. It supports terror groups like Hezbollah, and has planted bombs and conducted assassinations in countries around the world.

Nuclear weapons could be used by the Ayatollahs to implement genocide - killing millions in Israel. Or they could be used by the Ayatollahs to terrorize and cripple the

oil exports from the Persian Gulf by shutting the Straits of Hormuz or targeting the Saudi oil fields - sending fuel costs soaring and plunging the world into an economic crisis.

Iran must never get nuclear weapons, and who but the prime minister of Israel is better placed to inform Congress about the danger of Iran’s nuclear program.

An invitation to address the U.S. Congress is a great honor, granted by the U.S. Congress to foreign leaders allied to the United States, and civic and religious leaders who have contributed to humanity.

The invitation to Prime Minister Netanyahu, the leader of America’s closest ally in the Middle East, is consistent with that tradition.

In fact, Netanyahu has twice before been invited and addressed the Congress, without political controversy.

The first foreign leader to address the US Congress was in 1824, the Marquis de Lafayette, who had been a military leader in the American Revolution. The next, in 1852 was Lajos Kossuth, who was the leader of the 1848 Hungarian Revolution.

Since then, hundreds have addressed Congress, including over 100 foreign government leaders, and scores of civic leaders, religious leaders, scientists and astronauts. Some have been rogues, like the dictators Ferdinand Marcos of the Philippines or Ayub Khan of Pakistan. Others have been acclaimed U.S. allies and statesmen, like Winston Churchill and Charles de Gaulle.

Currently Congress is extending invitations two or three times per year, for foreign leaders to address the Congress.

But never - until now, with President

Obama - has a U.S. president and his administration openly attacked the U.S. Congress for extending an invitation. Never until now - has a U.S. President attacked a foreign leader, a U.S. ally, for accepting an invitation.

And never - until now - has a U.S. President and his political party tried to disrupt a session of the U.S. Congress with an organized boycott.

The U.S. Constitution establishes Congress in the central role in America’s government, with the sole power to make laws. Congress has never needed the permission of a U.S. President to invite - or subpoena - any person to appear before it.

In 1951, the U.S. Congress invited Gen. Douglas MacArthur, to address Congress. He had just been fired - one week earlier - by President Harry Truman.

Obviously the Truman administration could not have been pleased with MacArthur addressing the Congress. But Truman and his allies had a better sense of law and tradition - and much better manners - than the Obama team.

President Truman understood that a President cannot control who is invited to address the U.S. Congress, a separate and co-equal branch of the government, under the US Constitution.

Most of the criticisms fired by Obama and the Democrats against Netanyahu are just political talking points.

One claim by the Democrats is that no foreign leader should address Congress if there is an election scheduled in their country. But prior invitations by Congress show no such concern.

British Prime Minister Gordon Brown addressed Congress in 2009, just months

before facing his re-election; and Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi in 2006 and Spanish Prime Minister Jose Maria Aznar in 2004 addressed the U.S. Congress, just weeks before their respective elections.

Apparently no such election proximity rule applied to their invitations.

So what is really going on here?

Many foreign policy experts fear that the Obama administration is desperate to get a deal with Iran on the Iranian nuclear program, on any terms.

Even if it is a bad deal, it would allow Obama to claim victory, and then leave Israel and America to deal with the horrible consequences, after Obama leaves office.

The U.S. Congress must ratify any nuclear deal with Iran, and there has been support building in Congress to increase sanctions on Iran.

Obama wants to shut down the debate - and has risked damaging relations and the security of Israel - to get his way.

There should be limit to politics, when the survival of a people and the peace of the world are at stake. Sadly, President Obama seems to understand only politics, and his actions, and the actions of his Democratic allies in the Congress, are a complete disgrace.

Grant Lally Lally & Misir, LLP MineolaGrant Lally is Contributing Editor of the Homeland Security News Wire (www.homelandsecuritynewswire. com); and partner in the New York law firm of Lally & Misir (www.LallyMisir. com). He was the 2014 Republican nominee for U.S. Congress in NY3 (www.

LallyforCongress.com).

Hillary, Silver: two birds of a feather

I

worked 65 hours a week for 40 years, paid off my mortgage and provided for my kids education. No credit card debt or refinancing for me. No buying on margin or “flipping” houses either.

Without a pension, I actually saved for my retirement. What was I thinking? What was wrong with me? Was I un-American?

Or did I just not have the proper financial guidance.

Perhaps I should have patterned myself after two of my “favorite” scoundrels, Hillary Clinton and Sheldon Silver.

First, Hillary Rodham Clinton.

When her husband retired from politics, this mother and housewife was quoted as saying that her family was heavily in debt. Remember that one?

Somehow she would first have to pay off the money she owed. How did this financial wiz do it? Seizing the moment, she became a “salesman” for her very “modest” family foundation.

Sort of a walking advertisement!! The rest is history. Maybe I should have tried her approach. I’d call mine: “The Steve Morris donate and I’ll make

it worth your while foundation”.

Her plan? She just “suggested” to numerous foreign governments and corporations to make “unsolicited” donations to her foundation. Just a small, tax-deductible couple of bucks will do.

That’s all it takes when your husband was president of the United States, and you are the secretary of state.

Some “misguided” critics actually objected to the fact that these corporations benefitted greatly after donating to her cause. But we know, and her husband assured us, that their financial gain was just a coincidence.

It must have been her brilliant financial expertise which made her foundation so successful.

And boy, was she successful.

1 - The Clinton Charitable Foundation’s net worth is now a staggering $3.2 billion.

That’s billion, with a capital “B”!

I told you Hillary was really sharp!!

2 - 425 U.S. corporations “donated”, out of the goodness of their corporate hearts, $114 million to the Clintons. That’s 425 companies.

3 - 249 U.S. foundations gave $279 million!

4 - 36 corporate foundations kicked in $23 million. And not leaving the working man out of it, 5 - Fourteen labor unions “donated” a meager $3.4 million. Come on all you plumbers and carpenters, get with the program! You can do better than that.

Ready for the grand total?

6 - Total donations to the Clinton Foundation were a whopping 1.6 billion!

(Under the freedom of information act, these figures were verified by the Wall Street Journal) And now I would like to introduce my second financial “hero,” the ex-New York State Assembly Speaker, but still New York State assemblyman, Sheldon Silver.

Remember, this hardworking government employee only earned a meager $121,000 a year, yet somehow he managed to amass a fortune. Two adjoining New York City apartments, a second home upstate and millions were discovered in seven bank accounts!!

His secret for success? He found a nice

second job to supplement his income!

A major law firm, and some real estate interests decided,without any pressure from him what so ever, to show their appreciation by giving him some work to do “on the side”.

For this part time job , just a few hours a week, he was paid over a half million dollars a year!! He really must have been good at what he was doing. Whatever it was!!

Now, what about that 25-page indictment against him, for mail fraud, wire fraud and extortion? You know, the one that could send him to prison for 110 years?

Forget about it!! This is nothing more than petty jealousy. Those law and real estate firms were just trying to show their appreciation for the years Sheldon spent serving the people of his state.

After all, you can’t expect anyone to live in Manhattan on such a meager salary?

Can you?

Conducting your life the old fashion way does seem a bit outdated. Doesn’t it ?

Stephen Morris DDS North Hills

16 The Great Neck News, Friday, March 6, 2015

GN

A loo k o n the li g hter si d e

When the walkers came to Downton

E

very Sunday night, it’s always the same conflict in our house: “Downton Abbey?” Or “The Walking Dead?”

Do we watch a lovely, lilting period drama, set in a mouthwateringly delicious pre-war mansion? Or must we avert our eyes from filthy disgusting zombies who are staggering and drooling all over a postapocalyptic landscape, looking for the few not-yet-dead people hiding in it?

If you, too, have a teenage son, you know the answer already.

For reasons that elude the rest of us, it must be “The Walking Dead” - while I must record and save my “Downton Abbeys,” and watch them in stolen moments, or after my child has gone to bed.

Still, I can’t help wondering: What would happen if “The Walking Dead” should somehow leap the boundaries of both space and time, and show up at the door of “Downton Abbey? “ The first thing that would happen, of course, is that Mr. Carson, the butler, would haughtily inform them that they

must go around to the tradesmen’s entrance. They wouldn’t dare attack him; the starch in his shirt, all by itself, could repel the fiercest of callers.

“Carson, who was that?” the Earl of Grantham would ask.

“No one worthy of mention, your lordship,” Carson would reply. “Just some filthy beggars who’ve come straight from being buried in a coal mine, by the looks of them. I sent them away.”

“But they look so hungry, the poor dears,” the Earl’s wife Cora, Countess of Grantham, might say. “Can’t we at least feed them?”

“Not unless you fancy being the first course, milady. They eat brains, apparently.”

“Well, they’ll find slim pickings here, then,” mutters Lady Violet, the Dowager Countess.

“Unless you count in the servants,” says Lady Mary, the eldest daughter of the house, sauntering into the drawing room in her best riding attire.

“Mother, can you make sure the servants stay inside? I don’t know what we would do without Mrs. Patmore to cook for us, plus I’m rather fond of Carson.”

Judy epstein

A Look on the Lighter Side “But darling, surely you’re not going out, at a time like this? It isn’t safe, with all these Walkers about.”

“It’s only a pack of zombies, Mama. It’s not as if it’s anything serious, like anarchists or (shudder) socialists.”

“Of course it’s serious,” my son interrupts. “They would all die!”

“Who, the Walkers?” I ask.

“No, your British guys.”

“You mean the Crawleys.”

“They don’t crawl, Mom that’s why they’re Walkers.”

“No, no, Crawley is the family name of the Downtons.

I mean the Granthams. Never

mind, I don’t understand all that name stuff, myself.”

“Anyway, Mom, these zombies don’t just eat brains. They prefer them, of course, but they’ll eat anything, as long as it’s alive.”

“But that’s no fun to write,” I say, pouting. “I need them to eat brains.”

He is outraged. “That’s not how it works! What’s the point of asking me to be your Zombie Advisor if you don’t even take my advice?”

The poor boy; I know how he feels.

Back at Downton, Countess Cora is getting concerned.

“They look so ragged and unhealthy somehow.”

“Why should we judge them?” Isobel Crawley is indignant. “Just because we are healthier than they are…”

“And more alive,” adds the Earl.

“And we’re better dressed,” Lady Mary can’t help pointing out. “Plus, we don’t eat each other.”

“Except for whenever you feel like taking a bite out of me,” complains Mary’s sister Edith. “Can’t somebody do something?” she pleads. “We

can’t all just sit here awaiting our doom!”

“That’s exactly what I’ve been saying for the past 42 episodes!” exclaims Isobel Crawley, Mary’s mother-in-law. “But no one ever listens to me.”

“Perhaps because the experience is so very painful,” says Lady Violet between sips of tea.

Cousin Rose has an idea. “I know! We’ll have a shooting party! It’ll be ever so much fun. And if we’re on horseback at the same time, we can certainly out-run them.”

“Just remember you need to shoot them in the head,” cautions one of the footmen. “Otherwise they keep on coming.”

“And mind you don’t hurt any of the dogs,” says the Earl.

“Or let them be eaten.”

“Don’t be silly, Papa; that’s what the villagers are for!”

So Lady Mary and some of the others take off and make rare sport, shooting and chasing the Walkers clear out of Yorkshire and into the next county.

“The poor things,” murmurs soft-hearted Countess Cora. “They never stood a chance.”

from the d es k of charles lav i n e

PSEG rate hike plans lack scrutiny

A

lmost two years ago, Gov. Andrew Cuomo signed the LIPA Reform Act. For Long Islanders who suffered devastation from super storm Sandy and the after effects, as well as those who were weary of utility rates considered to be among the highest in the nation, it was a sign things were moving in the right direction.

The naysayers who objected to PSEG - an out-of-state company running things on Long Island – as well as an agreement that erased regulation and oversight of contracts by the state attorney general and comptroller, were outnumbered by those who believed that real reform of LIPA was a necessity.

Another benefit, advocates cited, was that the LIPA Reform

Act would ensure rates for the delivery portion of consumer’s electric bill would not increase for three years. However, there is no such assurance included in the Reform Act regarding the power supply charge, which represents about 50 percent of a ratepayers’ electric bill and has actually increased several times in the last 12 months.

Now, less than three years in, PSEG and LIPA are seeking increases of 3.8 percent for each of three years in the delivery charge. With delivery charges frozen until 2015, the proposed rate increases would hike the monthly bill about $3.25 beginning in 2016 through 2018.

According to PSEG and LIPA officials, the increase is needed for numerous things including infrastructure improvements,

charles lavine Assemblyman

tree trimming, equipment and more.

One part of the revenue would create a reserve fund that would assist LIPA with its credit rating and borrowing

money. That, of course, would be a good thing.

However, it’s becoming clear that this road has a few curves that may or may not have been anticipated and many of those who believed things would be better with PSEG running things, are sitting up to take notice recognizing that the delivery charge rate can continue to rise year after year, with no oversight or review.

And, the reality is that we don’t know at this stage if PSEG is doing a better job because we haven’t had – thankfully – another super storm of the magnitude of Sandy. One thing is sure: ratepayers will be facing increases in the delivery charge beginning in 2016.

There will be public hear-

ings to justify the increase. The newly created Department of Public Service on Long Island will review the request – an agency lacking power - and ultimately the LIPA board of trustees will decide whether it should be granted….the same board that made the request for the increase.

That system does not protect Long Island ratepayers nor does it provide the sorely needed oversight that provides transparency. The state attorney general and comptroller were cut out of the process for expediency, or so it was said.

However, faster doesn’t always mean better and for that reason the power of oversight needs to be restored. It is a vital component of earning the trust of the people you serve.

The Great Neck News, Friday, March 6, 2015

GN

17

READERS WRITE

Obama has done nothing for Israel

I

would like to respond to Mathew ZeidPresident Obama has done nothing man’s dissertation on how Benjamin for Israel in his six years in office!

Netanyahu’s speech undermines the He has steadfastly cautioned us that alliance between Israel and the United we are not at war with the Muslims!

States. There is no alliance.

Who does he think attacked us on

9/11 and slaughtering people in the Mid- U.S. to speak. east.

It’s a free country, remember!

President Netanyahu has the right to accept and invitation from Speaker BoehMorton Perlman ner who has the right to invite him to the Great Neck

Ignoring reality, Pataki eyes presidency

O

ne, two, three strikes you’re out!

At the annual Conservative Political Action Conference - CPAC Presidential poll of Republican Party primary activists, former Republican Gov. George Pataki came in dead last behind all other potential GOP 2016 Presidential candidates.

The results included Kentucky Senator Rand Paul (25.7 percent); Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker (21.4 percent); Texas Senator Ted Cruz (11.5 percent); neuro surgeon Dr. Ben Carson (11.4 percent); former Florida Gov. Jed Bush (8.3per cent); former Pennsylvania Sen. Rick Santorum (4.3 percent); Florida Sen. Marco Rubio (3.7 percent); real estate Mogul Donald Trump (3.5 percent); Hewlett-Packard CEO Carly Florina (3.0 percent); New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie (2.8 percent); Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal (0.9 percent); former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin (0.8 percent); former Gov. Mike Huckabee (0.3 percent); former Ambassador John Bolton (0.3 percent), South Carolina Sen. Lindsay Graham (0.1%) and our own Former Gov. George Pataki (0.1 percent). Even Other (0.7 percent) and Undecided (1 percent) beat out Pataki.

Based upon this straw poll, perhaps former New York State Gov. George Pataki (1994 - 2006) should reconsider running for President and entering the 2016 Republican Presidential Primary.

No one who truly believes in limited government, balanced budgets, reduction in long term debt and support for the free enterprise system signed up for his ill-fated 2008 and 2012 Presidential campaigns.

The CPAC poll confirms that the same will be true in 2016, which is why Pataki will once again never get out of the starting gate.

Pataki’s lavish spending of taxpayer dollars to special interest groups to grease his 2002

re-election for his third and last term made the late liberal Republican Gov. Nelson Rockefeller (1959-1973) roll over in his grave! His record deficits, excessive spending and late budgets give real conservative Republicans anguish.

Spending in Patkai’s last 2006 budget was more than twice the rate of inflation.

This budget contained almost $1 billion worth of legislative members pork barrel projects known as member items, along with a potential deficit in the billions. Under Gov. Pataki’s tenure, with bipartisan support of the state Legislature (including both Democratic Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver and Republican Senate Leader Joseph Bruno), borrowing for quasi government agencies grew by billions of dollars.

The combined budgets for dozens of these agencies runs into the tens of billions of dollars. In many cases, these expenditures are tracked off line and not counted as part of the regular budget.

Even worse, they are exempt from basic oversight by both the state Comptroller and state Legislature.

In 2006, Albany’s three way dance between Pataki, Bruno and Silver continued.

Career politicians, on a bipartisan basis, still operate the same closed door budget process. Albany’s $115 billion budget was greater than most states and many nations.

New York State was ranked No. 2 among the 50 states in debt with each resident responsible for $3,515 of the $50 billion total debt.

Under “TaxPaki,” state debt grew from $27 billion in 1995 to $50 billion in 2006.

Projected future red ink raised this debt to $54 billion by 2009. New York State public authorities debt is an additional $72 billion. These combined debts plus future interest total $187 billion dollars!

Under Pataki’s political

leadership, Republicans lost or were unable to regain numerous public offices.

This list includes two Senate seats, eight Congressional seats, state comptroller and attorney general, county executives of Nassau, Suffolk and Westchester Counties, New York City Comptroller, New York City Public Advocate and five New York City Council seats.

His approval of the 2002 reapportionment plan for the state Assembly allowed Democrats to gerrymander so many seats, the GOP became a permanent minority with only 44 of 150 seats.

Democrats needed only four more seats to take control of the State Senate. Enrolled Democrats outnumber Republicans 3 to 2 statewide.

The returns in the November 2006 election resulted in even more defeats for GOP candidates.

I love New York like everyone else.

In 2006, as a lame duck governor - Pataki used taxpayers dollars to run numerous TV commercials with his smiling face telling people to “Come Visit New York” during the summer.

In previous years, despite changing the channels, I could not get away from Pataki in TV commercials promoting all sorts of products.

First there was promotion of “Environmentally friendly energy programs.

Next, “Healthy New York” state supported more affordable medical insurance coverage.

In December 2004, it was the “Rebuild Lower Manhattan” to urge businesses to relocate their companies back to the Financial District and Lower Manhattan after the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001.

That same year, we were subjected to a rerun of “Healthy New York” offering insurance to those without and “Green Power” promoting the use of

nonpolluting energy.

After that, we had “Child Health Plus” and “Come Visit New York ads back in heavy rotation with the smiling face of Pataki. Sometimes both ads ran within minutes of each other on the same programs!

The last thing New Yorkers are interested in seeing is political campaign commercials disguised as public service announcements. These various campaigns have cost taxpayers tens of millions of dollars.

Pataki’s smiling face left voters frowning. These media buys should have been paid for by private and not public dollars. This media blitz at taxpayers expense was a great way to raise Pataki’s name identification in preparation for a President campaign in 2008, but didn’t benefit residents who had to foot the bill.

How many times did he have to get caught with his hand in the cookie jar? It was incredible how many so called public interest ads taxpayers were subjected to under Pataki.

Pataki reminds me of Nero prior to the collapse of the Roman Empire. His public service announcements kept running while he ran around the country in 2006, trying to position himself for a 2008 presidential run.

In New York, he left the GOP in ruins.

Republican Party Presidential primary voters in Iowa, New Hampshire and other early contests will once again look past glitzy campaign commercials to a potential President’s past leadership, management style, philosophy and political track record.

Pataki’s fiscal mismanage-

ment and his presiding over the destruction of the GOP as an effective opposition party within New York State would not be overlooked.

Why would any intelligent Republican presidential primary voter want to inflict the Pataki virus on a national level?

Native New York Republicans who know Pataki best, will once again for a third time deny him the ability to carry New York as a favorite son candidate.

Having been out of office nine years, his Pay-for-Play campaign contributors abandoned him long ago. They ran for the hills to place their bets on other far superior candidates.

As in 2008 and 2012, with little funding or support - Pataki once again will became one of the first GOP candidates to drop out long before the primary process begins.

Pataki’s self promotion is really motivated by a desire to drum up both business for his consulting firm and consideration for a cabinet or other position in any future Republican administration. Pataki wrote his own political obituary long ago.

Except in his mind and personal ego, Pataki is essentially irrelevant in politics today.

Just like in 2008 and 2012, Pataki’s presidential aspirations are dead on arrival. It is time he set his sights on something more realistic.

Perhaps consider running against Sen. Charles Schumer in 2016.

Larry Penner Great Neck

www.facebook.com/TheIslandNow

18 The Great Neck News, Friday, March 6, 2015

GN

READERS WRITE

Some just won’t give Obama a break

A

s one giraffe said to another: “Heyy1 Great Neck” Great Neck resident Morton Perlman commented on my article “Obama’s absence from Paris march sensible” published in the 2-13-15 Williston Times.

His article “Obama AWOL from Paris march” published 2-27-15 states that I gave all of my reasons why Obama stayed away.

They were/are not my ‘opinions’ but facts about our country.

Mr. Perlman also stated that the terrorists slaughter in a Jewish market signifies their (the terrorists) desire to start another Holocaust.

From the information I have, this is nothing more than conjecture.

He then links what I said

about Obama’s need to take a ‘middle ground approach’ to Obama’s mostly voting present in the Senate. This is completely out of context with the purpose of my statement.

The only comment about Obama’s voting that made any news was his voting against invading Iraq.

My real response to Mr. Perlman’s article is what I said in advance in the second paragraph of my 2-13-15 article: “There are those who never pass up a chance to run our president down. We know who they are and that they display a lack of thought. They can be ignored.”

Whether or not (coming from a Gentile) what I have said can be accepted is out of my control.

What I only planned to write

about this week and what I consider more important concerns the so-called Keystone Pipeline.

The ‘oil’ planned for it has been referred to as bitumen.

Chemically, it isn’t far from asphalt. As it comes from tar sands, tar is usually connected with coal tar. It is said to be expensive to produce and environmentally destructive.

For a while it was said that this ‘dirty oil’ would be sold to China.

With China’s air pollution as it is, they do not need it. China has, to my knowledge, sources for much better oil.

I read that there was a ‘mountain’ of the residue from refining this substance piled up on the bank of the river across from Detroit. It said it would be put on a freighter and sold to de-

veloping countries for fuel.

That does not sound good either. The story keeps changing.

Being that it is being imported from Canada, I don’t see how this makes us energy independent.

There is oil (by a system similar to fracking) being produced in Wyoming.

Methane is involved and a certain amount escapes into the atmosphere. The oil companies are said to be somewhat sloppy about preventing this from happening.

I read that it costs up to $42 a barrel to produce. With the drop in oil prices, at least some of that production has been shut down as not being cost effective.

I can imagine that the same would be true for that sent by the pipeline.

It is said that Canada is using imported labor for the above purposes and that these laborers are not treated or compensated well.

Building the pipeline won’t require such a large labor force and it would create jobs for only a limited time.

Unfortunately, I can’t verify what I have said with my own eyes and have to accept at face value what I hear and read.

Hopefully it is not too far from the facts. I do however judge that President Obama’s veto won’t be that damaging.

I realize that the foregoing is not local news but we all will be affected by it to a degree.

Charles Samek Mineola

Schneiderman right choice for Plaza

G

erry Schneiderman and I first met when I was deputy mayor of the Plaza and he was chairman of the Board of Zoning and Appeals.

In the 30-odd years we have known each other, I can’t remember a single occasion where we did not discuss some aspect of village life even though I no longer live in Great Neck.

We both agree that it is abso-

lutely necessary to keep the Plaza remaining vital and growing and be totally responsive to needs of the residents, merchants, visitors and office community.

Gerry is always searching for the opportunities to foster and improve the quality of life in the Plaza. He fully understands the pulse of the community. He knows innately the ripple effect of a strong downtown and how important it is to the residents to

keep it bubbling and strong.

I think it is important to keep in mind that village government does not simply function by attending two meetings a month. It requires full immersion.

Gerry and I share that philosophy. He is usually in “knee deep.”

His Plaza resume can go on for several pages. Here are just a few example: Gerry was the chair of the Zoning and Appeals Board

for over 17 years; he has spearheaded the successful restaurant promotion on Bond Street since its inception; he is a member of the Business Improvement District Board, Village Public Art Advisory and the Village Fire Liaison Committee.

I think you get the point.

The Plaza is part of his psyche and in his blood. It’s success and prosperity is a large part of his life.

He is a winner. It is crucial that his candidacy as trustee be continued for another term.

As a former mayor I know how important that is. I believe that Gerry Schneiderman is a true asset to this administration and the residents of Great Neck Plaza and should be re-elected.

Bob Rosegarten Former Mayor, Great Neck Plaza

Re-elect Haggerty, DeMento, Hance

A

s residents of Munsey Park, we are thrilled to support the bids of Sean Haggerty for mayor, plus Frank DeMento and Patrick Hance for trustees of the village.

These three candidates have already proven that they will work hard to improve the beauty and infrastructure of our community. The examples of their dedication are numerous.

Since taking office two years ago,

these gentlemen have worked with members of the community to restore Copley Pond to its former glory by securing grants from Nassau County and the Town of North Hempstead, as well as aiding the Munsey Park Women’s Club with its beautification efforts.

They have also worked with fellow trustees to improve communication from the village with monthly emails updating residents on Village business and improv-

ing its website for easy navigation.

Finally, aside from overhauling many of the building and tree codes to make those processes more transparent to residents, they also have worked with the school to improve traffic safety throughout the village.

Sean Haggerty, Frank DeMento and Patrick Hance have all been active members of the village government and we look forward to them continuing the posi-

tive change they have enacted.

We know that Sean, Frank and Patrick will be outstanding in their positions and hope that you will join us in voting for them.

Please come out to vote on Tuesday, March 18 from noon to 9 p.m. at the Munsey Park Village Hall.

Kristen and Mike Ryan Munsey Park

Reagan offers model for GOP hopefuls

O

ur Republican leaders of today who want to become president should use former President Ronald Reagan as a blueprint for success.

He not only went around talking to people but listen to what they had to say and by doing so formulated a plan on how to help the people of this great nation of ours. Ronald Reagan

was a man of the people and wanted the American people to aspire to their true potential.

We need such a Republican leader today who is not afraid to ask Americans many ques-

tions and willing to walk among will vote for such a person who them for the answers and what holds my high ideals most saconcerns them the most. Let us cred. talk to him or her about what we Frederick R. Bedell Jr. hold most dear.

Glen Oaks Village If such a person appears, I

The Great Neck News, Friday, March 6, 2015

GN

19

from the d es k of su p er v isor j u d i b os w orth

Queens water project threatens L.I. Concerns have been raised about chemical contamination of Sole Source Aquifers New York City plans to reopen dozens of wells in Queens, many of which have been inactive for decades, while the city completes a $1.5 billion investment in its water delivery network from its upstate watershed.

This plan presents serious concerns for our Sole Source Aquifers here on Long Island, including possible new chemical contamination from sources in Queens, alterations in the course of existing groundwater contamination plumes, and irreversible saltwater contamination to coastal wells.

Moreover, the schedule that was presented by [city Department of Environmental Protection] DEP Commissioner Emily Lloyd at the Feb. 23 briefing to Long Island stakeholders did not include a date for de-activation of these wells; it is clear that we cannot plan for the City to utilize these wells only for the duration of their repair efforts, after investing $200 million in their

rehabilitation.

Since this project was proposed, my staff and I have worked with many stakeholders, convened by the Great NeckPort Washington Aquifer Committee of Residents For A More Beautiful Port Washington, to ensure that all possible impacts to Long Island’s water supply are identified and addressed.

In addition to the Town of North Hempstead, other stakeholders include the City of Long Beach, County and State officials, villages, water suppliers, and water experts. We requested the assistance of the United States Geological Survey, an independent third-party federal agency, to identify the information that is needed to predict the potential impacts to our water supply.

A calculation of this type is possible only by using stateof the art hydraulic modelling programs, based on accurate, current-day groundwater data.

judi bosworth North Hempstead Town Supervisor

A major concern that emerged from our consultation with USGS is that due to declining municipal budgets in recent years, the groundwater data that is needed to serve as the basis for a hydraulic modelling effort does not exist today.

This bears repeating: New York City and Long Island stakeholders do not have the data that is necessary to calculate the po-

tential for saltwater intrusion or chemical contamination of Long Island’s drinking water if this project is approved. Creating a hydraulic model of our aquifers will mean nothing if it is not based on current information; good intentions will only go so far.

As a result, the city must take steps to secure the necessary information, if it expects to address our concerns. This proposal was submitted to the NYCDEP, and we await their comment on it.

The city’s briefing of Long Island officials on Monday was a good first step in the dialogue that must continue.

Of course, we all support New York City’s right to invest in its infrastructure and to provide clean drinking water to its taxpayers. But we must all be cognizant of the shared nature of the water resources which lie beneath our feet, and New York City must recognize that Long

Island has much more to lose if these “temporary measures” result in permanent damage to our only source of drinking water.

I and my colleagues ask that only a small percentage of this project’s $1.5 billion price tag be directed to conduct an impartial scientific evaluation of the risks to Long Island’s groundwater supply, including the installation of necessary groundwater monitoring wells, the collection of groundwater data, and the creation of an up-to-date, publicly accessible groundwater model.

It is imperative that this effort is completed before any reactivation of these wells is approved by the state.

I will continue to be a voice of opposition to this project until that time, and I encourage representatives from all levels of government to work with us to ensure that our sole source of drinking water is protected.

20 The Great Neck News, Friday, March 6, 2015

GN

Celebrating Our 1st Anniversary!

Threading Salon

since 1996

• Threading • Body Waxing • Henna Tattoo • Eyelash Extensions • All Skin Type Facials

50% OFF

Any One Waxing Service W/coupon. Exp. 4/15/15 Great Neck Location Only

“Take Control of Your Financial Future…Today” Barry Cohen, CPA, CFP®, CIMA® Financial Advisor

For over 25 years I have provided my clients with sound financial advice and management to help them achieve their financial goals and attain financial well-being.

Call and let's discuss how I can help you.

(516) 622-2220

Available for Special Occasions

$5.00

Eyebrow Threading W/coupon. Exp. 4/15/15 Great Neck Location Only

Great Neck: 37 Middle Neck Rd. 516-487-2742

Bayside: 718-281-4700 • Whitestone: 718-746-1801 Little Neck: 718-281-0007 • Wantagh: 516-804-0103 www.ashathreading.com

www.bcwealthadvice.com

Wealth Advice and Management, LLC

Financial Planning, Tax, and Investment Advisory Services

1979 Marcus Ave., Suite 210 Lake Success, NY 11042 Tax preparation services provided

A Common Cause of Pelvic Pain: What You Need to Know

If you feel an urgent or frequent need to urinate, along with pain or discomfort coming from the bladder, you may have interstitial cystitis, also known as bladder pain syndrome or IC/BPS. Robert Moldwin, MD, FACS, and Sonia Bahlani, MD, urologists at the Arthur Smith Institute for Urology, part of North Shore-LIJ Health System, discuss what you need to know about this condition.

How common is IC/BPS? We used to believe that IC/BPS was relatively rare.

However, new studies suggest that the condition may affect 3 million to 8 million women, and 2 million men, in the United States.

Are there different types of IC/BPS? Yes. About 5 to 10 percent of IC/BPS patients have inflammation (called “Hunner’s lesions”) that can be seen on the bladder surface. In most patients, the bladder wall looks perfectly normal. Further testing will make sure you don’t have signs of infection or any other obvious bladder disease.

How can IC/BPS affect me?

In mild cases, you may only have to deal with the discomfort and urinary frequency. However, moderate to severe symptoms can include the constant need to have bathroom access, limited ability to travel and lack of sleep due to the pain and constant need to urinate. Pain with sexual activity is common and often adds another dimension of misery.

Who gets IC/BPS? Anyone in any age group can get IC/BPS, but it’s usually found in people in their late 20s through their 70s. Heredity may also play a role: if your parent or sibling has IC/BPS, you are about 17 times more likely to also get the condition.

What causes this condition?

The etiology of IC/BPS is unclear but appears to be multifactorial. The various causes of IC/BPS may include changes in the surface lining of the bladder, nerve abnormalities of the bladder wall and autoimmune problems.

The symptoms may also be related to diseases affecting other parts of the body, because 40 percent of patients have other disorders such as irritable bowel syndrome, fibromyalgia, migraine headaches and even depression.

If you or a loved one have any of these symptoms, make an appointment today by calling (516) 734-8500. For more information visit NorthShoreLIJ.com/icbps.

How is IC/BPS diagnosed?

A doctor will review your medical history and physical, including a urine test to rule out problems like urinary tract infection. Other tests such as cystoscopy (viewing the bladder surface with a special telescope) may be performed if abnormalities of the bladder wall are of concern.

How is IC/BPS treated?

Because every IC/BPS patient can have a different range of symptoms, our pelvic pain experts at the Smith Institute for Urology will develop a unique plan for you. Therapy generally progresses from the most conservative forms of care (dietary changes and physical therapy) to more “aggressive” management (oral medications, medications placed directly into the bladder and even surgery). Using a variety of approaches significantly improves quality of life in the vast majority of our patients.

*paid advertising

The Great Neck News, Friday, March 6, 2015

GN

A Free Community HeAltH eduCAtion ProgrAm

Sleep problemS in Children: more Common Than You Think

Does your child suffer from daytime drowsiness or have trouble staying asleep? Studies have shown that sleep disorders can occur in children and adolescents, leading to deficits in school performance and adverse health consequences. Come and learn what you need to know about normal sleep patterns, and sleep disorders in children and teens.

Christina Valsamis, MD, Pediatric Pulmonologist at Winthrop and Board Certified Sleep Physician, will discuss normal sleep patterns, the signs and symptoms of a sleep disorder, the evaluation process, and the latest advances in treatment.

Question and answer period will follow.

Tuesday, March 24, 2015 6:45 PM Registration; 7 PM Program Winthrop-University Hospital Research and Academic Center 101 Mineola Blvd., Mineola Admission is free, but seating is limited Please call (516) 663-3916 for reservations

21

Protect Your Precious Eyesight If you have symptoms affecting your eyes, timely diagnosis and treatment are important.

Blurred vision, pain, flashes of light, redness and other symptoms could signal a serious condition.

Andrew Gewirtz, MD is now offering Same Day and Walk-In Appointments • • • • •

Comprehensive eye exams Evening & Saturday hours Exams for eyeglasses Contact lens fittings Children’s eye exams

Don’t delay. Call today.

(718) 225-5656

Most insurance plans accepted.

North Shore Queens Eye Medicine and Surgery 52-21 Little Neck Parkway, Little Neck, NY www.northshorequeenseye.com

US Treasury Dept. Real Estate Auction Wed. March 25, 12 Noon CONDO UNIT: 100 Riverside Blvd., Unit 7E

7th floor condo unit located in The Avery in the Lincoln Square section of Manhattan.

743 sq.ft. w/1 bedroom, 1 bath, kitchen, living/dining area, walk-in closet, in-unit laundry, hardwood floors.

The bldg. offers 24-hour concierge, doorman, resident manager, elevators, fitness center, resident lounge & conference center, billiard room, outside terrace, etc!

Auction Location:

TYRP by Wyndham Hotel: Times Square South, 345 W. 35th Street Inspection by Appointment only Deposit: $50,000 Cashier’s check payable to CWS Marketing Group, Inc. www.treas.gov/auctions/treasury/rp nrobbins@cwsams.com

703-915-2388

AU Lic# 2056

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY SEIZED REAL ESTATE

AUCTIONS

22 The Great Neck News, Friday, March 6, 2015

GN

Society touts historical home plaques

By A da m L i d g e t t The home at 1 Cove Lane in Kings is famous not only for its former owner Cord Meyer, a real estate developer who helped develop Forest Hills and Elmhurst in Queens, Great Neck Historical Society Alice Kasten said Wednesday at the Great Neck Village Officials Association meeting.

But for the wife of one of Meyer’s sons who reportedly had an affair with President John F. Kennedy.

“Right after Kennedy was assassinated, Mary [the wife] went to the Secret Service in fear for her life,” Kasten said. “She was later found dead in Georgetown.”

The home at 42 Farm Lane in Lake Success was the first house in Great Neck to have electricity and indoor plumbing, she said.

The home at 49 Cedar Drive was designed by Gustav Stickley, a famous furniture maker who was leader of the American Craftsman movement.

Kasten told village officials that the three homes are among the 10 private homes and six public buildings that have been honored as part of the historical society’s Heritage Recognition Program. The program honors homes and public buildings that have a unique story to tell or have had a noteworthy person live in them.

“Our goal as an organization is to learn about the history of the peninsula and to share that history and preserve that history,” she said. “Understanding the past helps us understand the community in which we live.”

Other properties the society has honored include Great Neck House – which served as the original Great Neck Library – and Great Neck Estates Village Hall, Kasten said.

“Our goal as an organization is to learn about the history of the peninsula and to share that history and preserve that history,” she said. “Understanding the past helps us understand the community in which we live.”

Kasten said the society is also consid-

President of the Great Neck Historical Society gave residents a lesson in local history at the Great Neck Village Officials Association meeting last week ering a program that would honor faithful reproductions of historical homes.

She said the Heritage Recognition Program has been very successful, but the historical society has had some setbacks as well.

The historical society, she said, failed to gain support for a program to fill empty storefront windows with old photos of Great Neck.

“We put them in closed store windows of the stores for rent thinking it would help beautify windows and it would also teach

us something,” Kasten said. “It turned out the landlords got told that the signs in window detract from building for rent.”

But, she said, the society is undeterred from its efforts to promote the history of Great Neck.

Kasten said the society is currently looking to hold virtual tours of Great Neck, or post bike tour routes on their website as well as finding a permanent home.

“I get two or three phone calls a day for people asking to come visit the historical society. This would be such a great home,”

she said, referring to the building in which the meeting was held - Great Neck Village Hall.

The Village of Great Neck plans to move its Village Hall at 61 Baker Hills Road and Department of Public Works facility at 765 Middle Neck Road to a new location at 265 East Shore Road.

“People offer us artifacts and we have to say there is no where we are going to put it,” Kasten said.

Counterfeit Out of district groups to suspect sought pay more for park use

BY B I LL SAN ANTONIO Authorities are seeking a suspect who made a purchase from the Lord & Taylor store in Manhasset using counterfeit money.

The transaction took place on Feb. 10 at approximately 8:15 p.m., police said. The suspect is wanted on possession of a forged instrument charges.

The suspect, photographed

on surveillance cameras, is a black male with an Afro and thin mustache who was wearing a black, puffy coat during the incident.

Nassau County Crime Stoppers is offering a reward of up to $5,000 for information regarding the incident.

Authorities have requested that anyone with information regarding the incident contact 1-800-244-8477. Calls are free and anonymous.

By A da m L i d g e t t Groups who want to use Great Neck Park District fields that don’t have a majority of its members in the district will now have to pay even more to use the facilities.

The Great Neck Park District Board of Commissioners voted Thursday to increase the fees outside groups pay for use of the park from $75 a session to $100, matching that of the Great Neck School District, park district Superintendent Peter Renick said.

Renick said non-resident groups were categorized as those groups with 70 percent of its members living outside the Great Neck Park District.

“We’re still keeping $75 fee for groups that don’t exactly meet the requirement but the bulk [of the members] are still park district residents,” Renick said.

Renick said at a park district work session last week that even though the district charges nonresident groups to use the fields, the main issues were congestion

of the fields and added wear and tear.

Park district Chairman Bob Lincoln said the board wanted to ensure that park district members maximized the park facilities.

Last year the district generated $7,000 in revenue from nonmembers using the fields.

The Great Neck Park District includes all Great Neck villages and unincorporated areas with the exception of Great Neck Estates, Harbor Hills, Lake Success, Saddle Rock and University Gardens.

The Great Neck News, Friday, March 6, 2015

GN

23

$9.6 M draft library budget presented

By A da m L i d g e t t Great Neck Library Business Manager Neil Zitofsky on Tuesday presented a $9,644,700 draft budget for the 20152016 fiscal year - an increase of $909,000, or 10.4 percent, more than last year.

Zitofsky said the proposed budget, which he described as a work in progress, would not requires a tax increase as currently presented.

The budget isn’t scheduled to be adopted until April 14, according to the library calendar.

Board President Marietta DiCamillo questioned $300,000 included in the budget to pay for increased staffing at Main Branch when it reopens in 2016.

“I’m not grabbing onto the logic,” DiCamillo said. “Theoretically we still have money in the budget to allocate it to cover whatever wanted to do.”

Zitofsky said he put the $300,000 in the proposed budget as a jumping off point.

a new sprinkler system for the libraries.

Dominic Calgi from Calgi Construction - the library owners’ representative on the renovation project - said the work on the sprinklers could be done for less depending on what was requested by the library board.

The draft budget presented by Zitofsky also included $500,000 for future maintenance requirements at the Main Branch and $150,000 to purchase new technology at the libraries.

He said he did not account for any increases for salary that might result from a new collective bargaining agreement.

The only provision Zitofsky did not account for when preparing the draft budget, he Great Neck Library Board of Trustees President Marietta DiCamillo took issue Tuesday with the inclusion of $300,000 to be placed in the budget for any future staffing needs at the Main said, was the collective bargaining agreement, as negotiations Branch when it reopens for the agreement have not yet “I’m not comfortable with 159 Bayview Ave., will be closed funded by a $10.4 million bond taken place.

A second budget workshop having a pool of money just sit- for a year during an extensive approved by voters in 2013. ting there,” DiCamillo said. renovation of the building.

Zitofsky said he included is scheduled for March 17.

The Main Branch, located at The improvements will be $400,000 in the budget to fund

Port bond vote School district seeks to set for Tuesday acquire G.N. village hall

BY B I LL SAN ANTONIO Port Washington voters on Tuesday will decide the fate of a $69.9 million school capital bond that Board of Education officials have said would be used primarily toward expanding the district’s seven school buildings and making various repairs.

The $69,877,198 bond is comprised of projects the board has defined as meeting “facility needs” and “spatial needs.” The Board of Education approved the final figure during a meeting in mid January.

“Facility needs” make up most of the capital plan, officials said.

The projects consist of minor repairs, reconstruction efforts and renovations, as well as the construction of two multipurpose athletic fields, upgrades to science labs at Carrie Palmer Weber Middle School and Paul D. Schreiber Senior High School and the formation of at least one science lab at each elementary school, various technological and security upgrades and the installation of air conditioning in at least one large common space

at each school.

The capital plan was first introduced in May 2014. Information sessions, public meetings and facilities tours have been offered in the time since, officials said.

Projects were considered based on the suggestions of the board, the district’s professional and administrative staffs, community groups and the Patchogue architectural firm BBS Architects & Engineers.

Trustees have said the bond would be paid over a 20-year period and that homeowners would see a median $101 increase on their school taxes during the first seven years of the bond.

The vote on the bond will take place in the all-purpose room at Carrie Palmer Weber Middle School.

The capital plan was approved unanimously in January amid skepticism expressed by residents who questioned why the work could not be included in annual budgets.

“It’s just a way to circumvent the budget, and that’s wrong,” Frank Russo, the president of the Continued on Page 58

BY A M A N DA B E R N O CC O The Village of Great Neck has reached a tentative agreement to sell its current Village Hall building at 61 Baker Hill Road to the Great Neck School District, Village of Great Neck trustees said Tuesday.

“They [Great Neck schools] have a number of perspective uses for this building,” Village of Great Neck Mayor Ralph Kreitzman said at the trustees’ regularly scheduled meeting. “They indicated they would preserve this building, there’s the potential for additional parking, and I think it’s good because it won’t interfere with the school. If something else were here it could interfere with the school in some way, so I think it’s good if there’s a community benefit for our public schools as well.”

School board Vice President Larry Gross confirmed Wednesday that the school district is interested in Village Hall and is actively looking to acquire it.

“In order for school district to buy it has to go through a series of legal processes, one of final ones being a public referendum,” Gross said.

He said the school district hasn’t started the legal process yet to acquire Village Hall, as they have to look at the property and make sure it is up to all the standards required of a school building.

The financial details of the proposed agreement were not disclosed during the village board meeting, as village officials said the school district is in the process of having the building appraised.

Village Trustee Mitchell Beckerman said the biggest issue with selling to the school district would be the possibility of the district submitting an appraisal lower than the village’s expectation. Kreitzman said the village would probably not agree to sell the build-

Village of Great Neck trustees approved the appraisal for the potential sale of Village Hall Tuesday night. ing for less than what the board would consider fair.

But, he said, the school district is “very interested” in purchasing the building.

“They have looked at the building, they had their architect look at the building. This is not just ‘we think it’s a good idea.’ They want this,” Kreitzman said.

The board last month approved a resolution to purchase property at 265 East Shore Road, for the construction of a new Village Hall building.

Village trustees said they would not rule out other interested buyers emerging to purchase the current Village Hall building, but said selling to the school district would likely be the most beneficial option for the village.

Stephen Limmer, the village’s attorney, said the village is not obligated to sell the building to any particular buyer.

24 The Great Neck News, Friday, March 6, 2015

GN

Town violated environment act: activist

BY B I LL SAN ANTONIO

Mount Olive Baptist Church, located near the site pegged for development

An environmental activist from Roslyn’s Village of East Hills filed a lawsuit Wednesday challenging a North Hempstead Town Council vote to approve a change in zoning for a proposed senior housing development on a portion of the Mount Olive site in Manhasset.

In a Feb. 25 petition filed in state Supreme Court, Richard Brummel alleged the council violated the State Environmental Quality Review Act by failing to “properly analyze all the known issues connected with the zoning change” in reducing the minimum parcel size from five acres to two acres in its Oct. 21, 2014 vote.

Brummel alleges the zoning change enables G&G Acquisitions, which has plans to construct a 72unit senior housing complex at the 3.19-acre site and rid the property of contaminants that have deemed it a “brownfield” site by various environmental agencies, to demolish a wooded area near the adjacent Spinney Hill development.

He also alleges the town ignored testimony that a rezoning of the site would be illegal under the State Environmental Quality Review Act unless it first conducted an environmental review of Spinney Hill.

He is seeking an annulment of the decision.

In a statement, North Hempstead Town Attorney Elizabeth Bot-

win said: ““We are confident that the recent change in zoning law to make it easier to build affordable senior housing was done in a thoughtful process that fully complied with the requirements of the State Environmental Quality Review Act.” Efforts to reach G&G Acquisitions, which has an office in Jericho, were unavailing.

Brummel is also currently involved in litigation against the town over an air stripper project approved for construction within Christopher Morley Park in North Hills that is meant to rid the contaminant Freon-22 from the Roslyn Water District’s well in the neighboring Village of Roslyn Estates.

Officials tour Church of St. Mary schools

BY B I LL S A N A N TON I O

Nassau County Legislators Ellen Birnbaum and Rich Nicolello (second and third from left) and North Hempstead Town Supervisor Judi Bosworth (right) participate in an open house at the St. Mary’s schools on Friday.

Several elected officials and their aides toured the Church of St. Mary schools in Manhasset early Friday during an open house for the parish’s elementary and high schools.

Among the invited politicians were Hempstead Town Supervisor Kate Murray (R-Levittown), North Hempstead Town Supervisor Judi Bosworth (D-Great Neck) and Nassau County legislators Rich Nicolello (R-New Hyde Park) and Ellen Birnbaum (DGreat Neck).

“All education is important – public education is important but parochial education is also important,” said Bosworth.

She said she appreciated the idea of parents having the option of “being able to send your children to a school that doesn’t just promote education but also shares the religious values taught at home.”

The elected officials joined school ad-

ministrators from Long Island and New York City as well as various school board members and parents for walking tours led by St. Mary’s students.

There are 927 students enrolled in the St. Mary’s elementary and high schools.

St. Mary’s is one of two Catholic parishes on Long Island whose education programs run from nursery school through 12th grade.

Parish officials said the day’s festivities were meant to provide a look at the daily life of St. Mary’s students and showcase its education initiatives, including its iPad program.

“I always love getting invitations to visit Catholic schools,” said Murray, who acknowledged the many students and faculty from Hempstead who attend the North Hempstead parish schools.

Added Bosworth: “St. Mary’s plays a vital role in the Manhasset community.

We’re so proud to have you as a part of the Town of North Hempstead. We think of you as family.”

c o m m uni t y ne w s

Former schoolmates meet after 40 years Nine dear friends who graduated from E.M. Baker School in 1974, recently met for a mini-40th reunion at the Great Neck Diner (formerly Fredericks). Growing up, all lived within a few blocks of each other and the school. Seated left to right: Sarah Atlas, Steve Belfer, and Mike Smolens. Standing, left to right: Karen Heuman Schwaeber, Mindy Alpert, Joyce Belfer Paseltiner, Andy Rubenstein, Lisa Cherno, and Billy Fleshel.

GN

bLAnk SLATE MEdIA March 6, 2015

authored the book “The Hammersteins: A Musical Theatre Family,” will be accompaThe hills of Great Neck will be alive nied by Broadway actors Teri Dale Hansen with the sound of music March 15 when and Sean MacLaughlin.

Hammerstein the Stephen C. Widom Cultural Arts at Temple Emanuel will present a tribute con- has devoted a cert to the musical team Rodgers and Hammerstein.

The Rodgers and Hammerstein Celebration will kick off at 3 p.m. and feature Oscar Hammerstein III, the grandson of the librettist Oscar Hammerstein II, according to a release from the temple.

The concert will feature music from the famous musicals “The Sound of Music,” “Carousel,” “The King and I,” “South Pacific,” “State Fair” and “Oklahoma!”

Hammerstein, who also

By A dA m L i d g e t t

The Great Neck News, Friday, March 6, 2015

lot of his time to being his family’s historian, lecturing at universities and civic organizations about the role his grandfather and his musical partner, composer Richard Rodgers, had

25

on modern musical theatre and entertainment, the temple said. He also teaches graduate theatre history and musical theatre history at Columbia University as an adjunct professor.

Hansen has appeared on both Broadway and in London’s West End. In England she stared in “Show Boat,” and made her Broadway debut in “The Boys From Syracuse.”

She also toured with Marvin Hamlisch in 2002 before doing two seasons at the Boston Pops Orchestra, and starred in the national tours of “The Music Man” and “Showboat,” the release said.

MacLauglin appeared offBroadway in a slew of shows including “South Pacific” before playing the part of Raoul in “The Phantom of the Opera” on Broadway.

26 The Great Neck News, Friday, March 6, 2015

GN

The top seven events PLAY DINE UNWIND for the coming week Over 5,000 Games.

Minutes Away!

tony Awards, including Best musical Revival and Choreography. Peppering this Cole Porter first-class comedy are some of musical theater’s most memorable standards, including “i get a Kick Out of you,” “you’re the top,” and “Anything goes.”

Saturday, March 7, 8 p.m.

David Broza Landmark On Main Street 232 Main Street, Suite 1 Port Washington (516) 767-1384 ext. 101 www.landmarkonmainstreet.org israeli superstar david Broza has been considered one of the most dynamic performers in the singer/songwriter world, fusing the three different countries in which he was raised: israel, Spain and england. His music ranges from flamenco-flavored rhythmic and percussion techniques, whirlwind finger picking and a signature rock and roll sound.

Friday, March 6, 8 p.m.

Saturday, March, 7 & 9:30 p.m. tom papa Governors’ Comedy Club 90 Division Ave. Levittown (516) 731-3358 http://tickets.govs.com/index.cfm With more than 20 years as a standup comedian, tom Papa has found success in film, television and radio as well as on the live stage. His’s second hour stand-up special, “tom Papa: Freaked Out,” was named one of the 10 Best Comedy Albums of 2013 by Laughspin.com and will host the new FOX tV game show, Boom!.

110-00 Rockaway Blvd. Jamaica, NY 11420 rwnewyork.com • 1-888-888-8801 In Queens Near JFK Airport.

Locate Your Free Shuttle: RWRedExpress.com MUST BE 18 YEARS OF AGE OR OLDER TO PLAY THE NEW YORK LOTTERY GAMES. PLEASE PLAY RESPONSIBLY. 24-hour Problem Gaming Hotline: 1-877-8-HOPENY (846-7369).

Saturday, March 7, 8 p.m. magic!

The Paramount 370 New York Ave., Huntington (631) 673-7300 ext. 303 www.paramountny.com Led by grammy Award-winning songwriter and producer Nasri, magic! is a Canadian reggae fusion ban that also includes mark Pellizzer, Alex tanas and Ben Spivak. the band released its international smash debut single, “Rude,” in 2013,followed by their first album “don’t Kill the magic,” last year.

Sunday, March 7, 2 p.m.

Anything Goes Tilles Center For The Performing Arts | LIU Post 720 Northern Boulevard, Brookville (516) 299-3100 • http://tillescenter.org All aboard for this saucy and splendid production of Anything goes, winner of three 2011

Saturday, March 7, 8 p.m.

Russian National Ballet: Romeo & Juliet and Chopiniana The Madison Theatre at Molloy College 1000 Hempstead Ave., Rockville Centre (516) 323-4444 http://madisontheatreny.org. the Russian National Ballet Company’s performance will include a full length production of Chopiniana, along with the original, full-length production of Petipa’s Romeo and Juliet, featuring the music of Chopin and tchaikovsky, making for an unforgettable experience at the madison theatre.

Sunday, March 8, 3 p.m. laura Benanti: In Constant Search of the Right Kind of Attention Adelphi University Performing Arts Center Westermann Stage, 1 South Ave., Garden City (516) 877-4000 http://aupac.adelphi.edu/ this show knits together theatre standards with pop hits and original songs, delivered with Broadway star Laura Benanti’s unique blend of humor and vocal nuance, and promises an unforgettable afternoon. enjoy a performer critics call “brilliantly funny,” with an “exquisite voice,” and whose mother calls “very, very good.”

Sunday, March 8, 8 p.m.

An Evening with Gov’t mule and Special Guest John Scofield The Space At Westbury 250 Post Ave., Westbury (516) 283.5566 www.thespaceatwestbury.com Rock torchbearers gov’t mule, featuring former Allman Brother Band sideman Warren Haynes, are celebrating their 20th anniversary with an extensive tour and a series of dynamic live archival releases that highlight the group’s versatility and live performances. they will be joined by guitarist John Scofield at the Space.

The Great Neck News, Friday, March 6, 2015

GN

27

THE CULINARY ARCHITECT

Preparing for a Pan Asian feast A few weeks ago I had the opportunity to eat at David Chang’s Momofuku Peche, a wonderful restaurant with many interesting Pan Asian twists.

We enjoyed an unusual Broccoli Salad; I took a photo of it and posted it on Facebook.

Many people asked for the recipe. I immediately started to experiment and came up with the following recipe.

The Broccoli Salad needed a main entree...enter Coconut Chicken Soup. This is a hearty and healthy soup that can be a welcoming, warming entree.

Finish off this meal with a peeled and sliced ripe mango (plentiful in produce sections of supermarkets this time of year).

I promise you will enjoy an easy to prepare and warming winter dinner. Delicious!

Menu Serves 4 Coconut Chicken Soup Momofuku-Inspired Broccoli Salad Sliced Mango *Recipe Not Given

Coconut Chicken Soup I like to use homemade defatted chicken stock and light coconut milk to keep the calorie count low. This is also a great entree for people who are not eating dairy.

1/8 cup fish sauce (available in Asian markets) 1/2 onion, sliced thinly 4 carrots, peeled and cut on diagonal 1 lime, zested and juiced 1 garlic clove, crushed in a press 1 tblsp fresh ginger, finely chopped 1 13.5 oz can light coconut milk 3 cups defatted chicken stock 1 bundle vermicelli rice noodles (available in Asian grocery stores) 3 oz organic baby spinach 1/2 red pepper, cored and cut into squares 2 scallions, greens only, chopped 1. In a large pot, add fish sauce and heat on medium heat.

Momofuku-Inspired Broccoli Salad

ALEXANDRA TROY The Culinary Architect

Add onion, carrots, lime, garlic and ginger and saute until soft, about 5 minutes.

2. Add chicken stock and bring to a boil. Whisk in coconut milk. Keep whisking until combined.

3. Add vermicelli and continue cooking until soft. Add red pepper, cook for 1 minute, then add spinach and cook until barely wilted.

4. Garnish with chopped scallion and serve.

Fundraiser to tee off for Nassau art museum The Art of Golf, on March 26 from 6 to 9 p.m., will be a fun evening of networking, golf and games to benefit education programs at Nassau County Museum of Art. The event will be held at the PGA Tour Superstore, 1254 Corporate Drive, Westbury.

Organized by members and friends of the Museum’s Corporate Committee, The Art of Golf features an open wine bar, food tastings, entertainment, auctions and golf contests with fabulous prizes.

Guests will be able to test their golf techniques at simulators and putting greens and work on their games with a PGA Golf Pro. The evening also features discounts on golf clothing and equipment for all participants.

Tickets are $75 per person. To reserve tickets or to find out about ticket packages and sponsorship opportunities, visit the Museum’s website at http://nassaumuseum.org/support_the_museum.php.

1 head of broccoli, cut into very small florets.

The stems peeled, and cut into small circles.

1/2 cup Japanese Mayo (Available at Asian grocery stores) 4 tblsp white miso paste 1 tblsp rice wine vinegar Pepper to taste 1/4 cup roasted sunflower seeds

(You can make this, to this point, up to 12 hours ahead of time.)

Add pepper to taste.

3. Just before serving, toss with sunflower seeds and serve.

Alexandra Troy is owner of Culinary Architect Catering, a 32-year old Greenvale-based company, specializing in private, corporate and promotional parties. She lives in Manhasset with her husband and son.

1. In a large bowl, whisk the mayo, miso and rice vinegar until well combined.

2. Add raw broccoli and toss.

Asian chic soup and broccoli

Broccoli salad at momofuku Peche

28 The Great Neck News, Friday, March 6, 2015

GN

James Van Praagh:

CROSSwORd pUZZLE

An Evening of

Spirit Queensborough Per forming Arts Center

Saturday, March 21, 2015, 8pm TICKETS: $65, $55, $40

718-631-6311 WWW.VISITQPAC.ORG

: Queensborough Performing Arts Center - QPAC : @visitQPAC 222-05 56TH AVENUE, BAYSIDE, NY 11364

Gold Coast International Film Festival

SPRING FILM SERIES THURSDAY, MARCH 12, 7:30 PM

MARIE’S STORY BOW TIE SQUIRE CINEMAS 115 MIDDLE NECK ROAD, GREAT NECK

PRESENTED WITH THE This is the moving true story of Marie, a deaf and blind girl in 19th century France, and her remarkable teacher who takes Marie under her wing and helps her to communicate with the world around her.

Visit goldcoastfilmfestival.org/furman or call 516-829-2570 for tickets. Tickets $15/$10 for students when purchased in advance, $20 at the door.

29

The Great Neck News, Friday, March 6, 2015

GN

Artists Trading Cards “Voted Best Pizza by exhibit to raise funds Wall Street Journal” b. j. spoke gallery, 299 Main Street, Huntington, is hosting an exhibition and sale from March 3 through March 29 of Artists Trading Cards for the benefit of the work of Victims Information Bureau of Suffolk.

All Artists Trading Cards will be for sale, with 50 percent of the proceeds going to VIBS. An opening artists’ reception will be held March 7 from 2 to 5 p.m. with a 3 p.m. welcoming address by Kevin Larkin, gallery president, for Clarice Murphy, interim executive director and Patrick Barry, development office of VIBS Family Violence and Rape Crisis Center.

Artists participating in the event include: Richard Anello, Phyllis Baron, John Bell, Eleanor Berger, Katherine Criss, Karen Cunningham, Lis Dreizen, Liz Erhlichman, Barbara Grey, Judith Huttner, Pattie Kern, Kevin Larkin, John Macfie, Lili Maglione, Dianne Marxe, Barbara Mille, Min Myar, Nicolette M. Pach, Ilene Palant, Sue Runkowski, Patricia Russac, Karen Schmelzer, Cindy Shechter, Irwin Traugot, Constance Wain, Bert Winsberg and others.

The Best Kept Secret In Mineola!

TRY OUR GLUTEN-FREE PIZZA, PASTA, RAVIOLI & MOZZARELLA STICKS

LUNCH | DINNER | CATERING

Call: 516-248-6390 www.plumtomatoesrestaurant.com

DINNER SPECIAL

15% Off

YOUR DINNER CHECK SUN. THRU WED. (DOES NOT INCLUDE BEVERAGES) PLUM TOMATOES - Dine In Only 3.6

$2 Off

ANY LARGE PIE PLUM TOMATOES Pick-Up or Delivery

3.6

Follow Us On…

2 LARGE PIES 12 GARLIC KNOTS 2 LITER SODA

24

$

99

PLUM TOMATOES Pick-Up or Delivery 3.6

BUY 3 HEROES

GET 4TH

FREE (Excluding Shrimp & Veal)

PLUM TOMATOES Pick-Up or Delivery

3.6

FREE DELIVERY

228 Old Country Rd., Mineola

(Next to Chase Bank) Ample Parking In Rear and Chase Bank Lot Hours: Mon-Thurs. 11am-10pm, Fri.. & Sat. 11am-10pm, Sun. 12 Noon-10pm

30 The Great Neck News, Friday, March 6, 2015

LEO’S Join Us St. Paddy’s Day for Irish Specials & Live Music

SATURDAY, MARCH 7TH • 9:30PM LIVE MUSIC FEATURING “ S ONS OF S ANFORD ” Friday Only 25% Off Entire

Lunch or Dinner Check

Cash Only • Alcohol not included Lobster Dishes & 14 oz. Black Angus Steak not included • Not available at the bar Coupon Must Be Presented At Time of Ordering Expires 3/12/15 • Dine In Only • Good for parties of 8 or less May only be used on day specified. Not to be combined w/any other offer

Saturday Only 25% Off Entire

Lunch or Dinner Check

Cash Only • Alcohol not included Lobster Dishes & 14 oz. Black Angus Steak not included • Not available at the bar Coupon Must Be Presented At Time of Ordering Expires 3/12/15 • Dine In Only • Good for parties of 8 or less May only be used on day specified. Not to be combined w/any other offer

Sunday Only 25% Off Entire Dinner Check

Cash Only • Alcohol not included Lobster Dishes & 14 oz. Black Angus Steak not included • Not available at the bar Coupon Must Be Presented At Time of Ordering Expires 3/12/15 • Dine In Only • Good for parties of 8 or less May only be used on day specified. Not to be combined w/any other offer

Monday Only 30% Off Entire

Lunch or Dinner Check Cash Only • Alcohol not included Lobster Dishes & 14 oz. Black Angus Steak not included • Not available at the bar Coupon Must Be Presented At Time of Ordering Expires 3/12/15 • Dine In Only • Good for parties of 8 or less May only be used on day specified. Not to be combined w/any other offer

Tuesday Only 30% Off Entire

Lunch or Dinner Check Cash Only • Alcohol not included

Lobster Dishes & 14 oz. Black Angus Steak not included • Not available at the bar Coupon Must Be Presented At Time of Ordering Expires 3/12/15 • Dine In Only • Good for parties of 8 or less May only be used on day specified. Not to be combined w/any other offer

Wednesday Only 30% Off Entire

Lunch or Dinner Check Cash Only • Alcohol not included Lobster Dishes & 14 oz. Black Angus Steak not included • Not available at the bar Coupon Must Be Presented At Time of Ordering Expires 3/12/15 • Dine In Only • Good for parties of 8 or less May only be used on day specified. Not to be combined w/any other offer

Thursday Only 25% Off Entire

Lunch or Dinner Check Cash Only • Alcohol not included

Lobster Dishes & 14 oz. Black Angus Steak not included • Not available at the bar Coupon Must Be Presented At Time of Ordering Expires 3/12/15 • Dine In Only • Good for parties of 8 or less May only be used on day specified. Not to be combined w/any other offer

190 Seventh St., Garden City 742-0574 • www.leosgardencity.com

GN

Arts & Entertainment Calendar LANDMARK ON MAIN STREET 232 Main Street, Suite 1 Port Washington (516) 767-1384 ext. 101 www.landmarkonmainstreet.org Saturday, March 7, 8 p.m.

David Broza Friday, March 13, 8 p.m.

Ben Vereen Sunday, March 15, 2 p.m.

Curious George Friday, March 20, 8 p.m.

The Nick Tangorra Band Friday, Apr. 17, 8 p.m.

Rhiannon Giddens

The Who Hits 50!

Saturday, June 20, 7:30 p.m.

New Kids On The Block with special guests TLC and Nelly

The Space at Westbury 250 Post Ave., Westbury (516) 283.5566 www.thespaceatwestbury.com Saturday, March 7, 8 p.m.

Los Lonely Boys Sunday, March 8, 8 p.m.

An Evening With Gov’t Mule and Special Guest John Scofield Saturday, March 14, 8 p.m.

EBI in Concert Thursday, April 23 8 p.m.

Steve Winwood Sunday, April 26, 2 & 8 p.m.

Miranda Sings Saturday, May 2, 8 p.m.

The Fab Faux with the Hogshed Horns and the Crème Tangerine Strings Friday, May 15, 8 p.m.

Saturday, May 16, 8 p.m.

Dark Star Ochestra Tuesday, May 19, 8 p.m.

Jason Isbell and Special Guest Craig Finn

NYCB THeatre at Westbury 960 Brush Hollow Road, Westbury.

(516) 247-5200 www.thetheatreatwestbury.com Saturday, March 7, 8 p.m.

The Temptations & The Four Tops Sunday, March 15, 8 p.m.

ZZ Top Saturday, March 21, 3 & 7 p.m.

Spring Doo Wop Extravaganza Sunday, March 22, 3 p.m.

Lily Tomlin Thursday, March 26, 8 p.m.

Michael W. Smith Friay, March 27, 8 p.m.

Saturday, March 28, 8 p.m.

The Moody Blues Thursday, April 9, 8 p.m.

Zebra / The Mystic Saturday, April 11, 8 p.m.

Tom Wopat & John Schneider: Return Of The Dukes Sunday, April 12, 4 p.m.

The Price Is Right Live Stage Show Friday, April 17, 8 p.m.

Bob Saget Friday, April 24, 8 p.m.

Saturday, April 25, 8 p.m.

Bob Saget Saturday, May 2, 8 p.m.

Bill O’Reilly & Dennis Miller Saturday, May 9, 7 & 10 p.m.

The truTV Impractical Jokers “Where’s Larry” Tour Saturday, May 16, 8 p.m.

Don Rickles Saturday, May 30, 8 p.m.

70’s Soul Jam Friday, June 5, 8 p.m.

Glays Knight Friday, June 19, 8 p.m.

The Midtown Men Friday, June 27, 8 p.m.

Happy Together Tour Saturday, July 11, 8 p.m.

Dion Saturday, Aug. 8, 8 p.m.

Air Supply

NASSAU VETERANS MEMORIAL COLISEUM 1255 Hempstead Turnpike, Uniondale (516) 794-9300 • http://www.nassaucoliseum.com Wednesday, March 4 - Sunday, March 8 Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey: Circus Xtreme Saturday, March 21, 12:30 - 4 p.m. & 5:30 - 9 p.m.

Spring Craft Beer Festival Friday, March 27, 7 p.m.

Barry Manilow Thursday, April 16, 7 p.m.

Friday, April 17, 3 & 7 p.m.

Disney Live! Presents Three Classic Fairy Tales Friday, May 15, 7:30 p.m.

Nitro Circus Live Wednesday, May 20, 7:30 p.m.

Nassau county museum of art 1 Museum Dr., Roslyn (516) 484-9338 • http://nassaumuseum.org MAIN GALLERIES Through March 8, 2015 China Then and Now China Then and Now brings together exemplary Chinese works of art from the classical, early modern and contemporary periods. The exhibition explores three millennia of one of the world’s most important artistic traditions from the perspective of American collectors on Long Island, such as Childs and Frances Frick and Dr. Arthur M. Sackler. The exhibition opens on Nov. 22, and remains on view through March 8.

SECOND FLOOR GALLERIES Through March 8 Long Island Collects the Arts of China An exhibition drawn from the holdings of Long

GOLD COAST ARTS CENTER 113 Middle Neck Road Great Neck (516) 829-2570 • http://goldcoastarts.org Saturday, March 21, 8 p.m.

Your Big Break: Young Musicians Showcase Join the Gold Coast Arts Center for the first round of up-and-coming talent — chosen from online submissions — who will perform for music business execs, producers, radio and TV personalities and more.

The Great Neck News, Friday, March 6, 2015

GN

D

A&E Calendar cont’d Islanders whose collections include exceptional Chinese art in a variety of media. Many of these works have never or rarely-before been seen by the public.

PERMANENT COLLECTION GALLERY Through March 8 Louis Comfort Tiffany: Works on Paper Tiffany artworks from the museum’s permanent collection CONTEMPORARY COLLECTORS GALLERY Through March 8 Gavin Rain A native of Cape Town, South Africa, Gavin Rain works primarily in a neo-pointillist style.

He cites two main narratives in his work: Hidden in plain sight, in which the subject cannot be seen until the viewer takes a few steps back; and Pseudo digital, in which the artist uses rows of dots in a pattern similar to television or computer screens. He credits Seurat, Russian avant garde art of the 1900s and the work of many architects as his main artistic influences. Rain’s work has been seen in solo and group exhibitions throughout the world.

March 21 to July 12 Out of the Vault: 25 Years of Collecting In celebration of its 25th anniversary, Nassau County Museum of Art presents its first comprehensive exhibition of permanent collection works in Out of the Vault: 25 Years of Collecting.

This presentation highlights patrons’ numerous gifts to the Museum over the last quarter century that have never, or rarely, been exhibited.

ONGOING Sculpture Park More than 40 works, many of them monumental in size, by renowned artists including Fernando Botero, Tom Otterness, George Rickey and Mark DiSuvero among others are situated to interact with nature on the museum’s magnificent 145-acre property.

Walking Trails The museum’s 145 acres include many marked nature trails through the woods, perfect for family hikes or independent exploration.

Gardens From restored formal gardens of historic importance to quiet little nooks for dreaming away an afternoon, the museum’s 145 acre property features many lush examples of horticultural arts. Come view our expanded gardens and beautiful new path to the museum.

EVENTS Through March 8(with exceptions for specific programs) FILM: The Other Eye The Other Eye is the first film about artist Liu Dan, China’s major modern-day exponent of ink painting. A selection of the artist’s work is on view in the museum’s current major exhibition devoted to the arts of China, from earliest times to the present. In The Other Eye we see a remarkable glimpse into Liu Dan’s creative process as he creates a large-scale landscape.

Filmmaker Fan Xiaochun, has customized a 15-minute excerpt for the Museum from her longer documentary film about Liu Dan’s work.

Free with Museum admission. Reservations not needed; first come, first seated.

Sundays, March 8, 22, 29, Family Tour at 1 p.m.

Family Sundays at the Museum Converse, collaborate and create together during our Family Sundays from 1 to 4 pm. Each week be inspired by exhibition based gallery conversations, and explore new art materials, vocabulary and ideas with our museum educator. Family Sundays provide children and the adults in their lives the opportunity to take time from their busy lives to reconnect while talking about and making art together. New Projects are featured every week!

Saturday, March 7, 3 p.m.

Chinese Art and Long Island Collectors: A Curator’s Perspective Amy G. Poster, co-curator of China Then and Now, is Curator Emerita, Asian Art of the Brooklyn Museum. She presents highlights of the exhibition, focusing on extraordinary works collected by some of Long Island’s great aesthetes from yesteryear and today. A recognized expert of Asian art and culture, Poster is an independent curator and consultant who has published numerous scholarly catalogues and articles, including recent studies of early American collectors of Chinese art. Admission is $15 (members, $5) and includes museum admission. Register at nassaumuseum.org/ events.

Thursday, March 26, 6-9 p.m.

The Art of Golf Nassau County Museum of Art presents a fun evening of networking, golf and games to benefit education programs at the Museum. To be held at the PGS Tour Superstore in Westbury, NY. For details and to arrange tickets, call (516) 484-9338, ext. 16.

Long island children’s museum 11 Davis Ave, Garden City (516) 224-5800 Museum Hours: Daily from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. (unless otherwise indicated). Museum admission: $12 for adults and children over 1 year old, $11 seniors, FREE to museum members and children under 1 year old. Additional fees for theater and special programs may apply. For additional information, contact (516) 224-5800.

Fridays, 11:30 a.m. – 12 p.m.

Kids in the Kitchen Join LICM as we introduce kitchen fun in our newest Early Childhood workshop. Each week, we’ll be making an easy and yummy, kid-friendly snack that they make from start to finish. They’ll practice using real cooking tools like small mixers and toaster ovens in their recipes -- of course, adult help will be required.

Join us as we mix things up in the kitchen to stir an interest in kitchen creativity and healthy eating. Ages: 5 and under. Materials Fee: $4 with museum admission ($3 LICM members).

Tuesdays 11:30 a.m. - noon. stART (Story + Art) Join us each week as we read childhood classics and introduce new favorites; followed by literature-inspired activities and crafts. Ages 3 to 5. Fee: $3 with museum admission ($2 LICM members).

Wednesday from 11:30 a.m. – 12 p.m.

A Mineola Landmark…

AVENPORT RESTAURANT

PRESS

• Aged Steaks • Prime Rib • Rack of Lamb • Pot Roast • Chilean Sea Bass • Sauerbraten • Bronzini • Fresh Maine Lobster • Fresh Seafood • Pasta Dishes • Daily Grilled Specialties • And Much More!

COMPLETE EASTER DINNER

$

36 Adults

95

dinner packages starting at…

19 Children $

19

95

per person

Now Accepting Easter Reservations

95

under 10

$

30

prix fixe $ menu…

95

Complete Bridal & Baby Shower Packages

$

30

3095

per person Sunday-Friday, Anytime Saturday Before 5pm includes: appetizer, entree & dessert

for holiday parties, rehearsal dinners, anniversaries, engagement parties, business functions or any other special occasions banquet rooms available for 20-120 people

Weekday $ Luncheon Parties…

95

per person

Call today to book your celebration in one of our private party rooms

15% OFF DINNER CHECK

70 MAIN ST., MINEOLA 516-248-8300

Valid for Dinner only - Sun.-Fri. anytime, Sat. before 5pm. For parties of 6 or under w/coupon only - Cash only. Not valid w/other promotions, on holidays, party packages or prix fixe menu. Exp. 3/31/15

70 MAIN ST., MINEOLA • 516-248-8300 www.davenportpress.com

CULINARY ARCHITECT CATERING® specializes in elegant affairs.

Private, corporate and promotional events, as well as spectacular weddings.

We will create and design a menu tailored to make your next event unforgettable!

Music and Movement Join us for a musical morning that gets little bodies moving; pick up a musical instrument and add your voice to our sing along songs session. Ages: 5 and under. Fee: $3 with museum admission ($2 LICM members).

Friday 11:30 a.m. - noon.

Saturdays & Sundays, 3:30 to 5 p.m.

Messy Afternoons We’ll be up to our elbows in oobleck, clean mud and slime … and we hope you’ll join us for the type of artistic activities that everyone loves, but not one likes to clean-up after.

Except us!

Ages: 18 months to 4 years. Free with museum admission.

Sunday, March 1, 2 to 4 p.m.

Amazing Airplanes March is Women’s History Month! Amelia Earhart was the first female aviator to fly solo across the Atlantic Ocean. Come and Continued on Page 33

31

28 Chestnut Street, Greenvale, NY 11548 | 516-484-7431

culinaryarchitect.com follow us on Facebook

32 The Great Neck News, Friday, March 6, 2015

GN

Richard Harris New Year! New Clothes! New You!

A great savings opportunity

20% Off every item in the store *In addition to the coupons!

Suits, Sportcoats, Top Coats, Shirts, Sweaters, Pants, Ties, Shoes & Accessories

Large selection “Made in Italy”

$50 OFF *

Purchase of $200.00 or more Cannot be combined w/any other coupon. Exp. 4/11/15

$100 OFF

*

Purchase of $500.00 or more Cannot be combined w/any other coupon. Exp. 4/11/15

Monday thru Saturday 10am-6pm Sunday By Appointment Only

234A Jericho Turnpike, Mineola, NY 11501

(Across From Jericho Terrace)

FREE PARKING

516-743-9696 516-414-2244

Gladys Knight to play Westbury in June Gladys Knight will be joined by the Spinners at the NYCB Theatre at Westbury for an exciting evening of classic R&B on Friday, June 5 at 8 p.m.

Known the world over as the “Empress of Soul,” Knight has endured in a career spanning more than 50 years.

As the lead singer of Gladys Knight and the Pips, she sang lead on 10 No. 1 R&B hits and more than 50

Top 40 R&B Singles.

Best known for “I Heard It Through the Grapevine,” “Midnight Train To Georgia,” “Neither One of Us,” and “Best Thing That Ever Happened To Me,” The seven-time Grammy awardwinning songstress released “Where My Heart Belongs,” her chart topping Gospel Album in 2014 and her brand new single, “Soon,” is now available to preview on

iTunes.

The Spinners’ performances are best described as sophisticated up-tempo R&B with precision choreography.

With more than 60 million records sold in their lengthy career, the Spinners have performed for Presidents, received six Grammy nominations, and have appeared on TV numerous times. Their hits include “Then Came You,” “Working My Way Back To You/Forgive Me Girl,” “The Rubberband Man,” “I’ll Be Around,” “Could It Be I’m Falling In Love” and “One of A Kind (Love Affair).”

Tickets for the Friday, June 5 show are priced at $69.50, $59.50 and $49.50 with a limited number of VIP Seats at $129.50. Tickets are on sale now at Ticketmaster.com, charge by phone at (800) 745-3000 or at the NYCB Theatre at Westbury box office. For information, visit www.thetheatreatwestbury.com.

The Great Neck News, Friday, March 6, 2015

GN

A&E Calendar cont’d Continued from Page 31 celebrate her legacy by creating a miniature clothespin bi-plane! All ages. Free with museum admission.

Tuesday, March 10 - Friday, March 15, 2:30 - 4 p.m.Cool Cat Masks The Children’s Museum loves Dr. Seuss so much that we’ll be celebrating his birthday (March 2) all month long. Stop by and create a “Cat in the Hat” mask inspired by his popular book! All ages. Free with museum admission.

Wednesday, March 4 - Friday, March 6, 10:15 a.m. and 12 p.m.

Saturday, March 7, 11:30 a.m., *2 p.m. (*French-speaking performance) Sunday, March 8 at 11:30 a.m. and 2 p.m.

Des mots d’la dynamite presents “Where I Live” Montreal’s acclaimed theater company explores the wonder of the places we inhabit in “Where I Live,” a wildly imaginative production aimed at very young audiences. Characters Téqui and Téoù invite audience members to examine big questions about their place in the world — from their own body to their family, their community, and finally to the planet we share. Props and scenic elements used in this production are easily relatable to children: cardboard and wood blocks form houses, rags become puppets and flashlights are used to highlight items and create shadow games. Ages: 18 mos. – 4 years. Fee: $9 with museum admission ($7 LICM members), $12 theater only.

Saturday, March 14, 2 to 4 p.m.

Lucky Leprechauns Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with leprechauns!

Leprechauns are mischievous fairies in Irish folktales that are able to grant wishes. Create adorable leprechaun finger puppets and bring some luck o’ the Irish into your home!

All ages. Free with museum admission.

Friday, Jan. 23 through Sunday, May 3 Traveling Exhibit - Healthyville® Healthyville is a place for everybody. This bilingual (English/Spanish), interactive exhibit teaches health and wellness lessons through play-filled activities and educational messages that foster learning by doing. The young “residents” of Healthyville present fun facts about nutrition, fitness, safety, hygiene and the functions of the body. The exhibit encourages healthy living and making smart decisions.

Through Sunday, April 26 KaleidoZone Gallery – Paint Me a Story: The Art of Javaka Steptoe Javaka Steptoe is an award-winning artist and book illustrator. The Harlem born, Brooklyn raised visual artist uses diverse and eclectic materials -- from candy wrappers to 14k jewelry -- to create playful images with three-dimensional qualities. Explore the different materials he uses to collage images that tell stories that delight children and their grownups.

All ages. Free with museum admission.

ADELPHI UNIVERSITY PERFORMING ARTS CENTER Westermann Stage, 1 South Avenue, Garden City (516) 877-4000 • http://aupac.adelphi.edu/ Friday, March 6, 7:30 p.m.

Paul Iacono: Where’s the Effin’ Kid?

Sunday, March 8, 3 p.m.

Laura Benanti: In Constant Search of the Right Kind of Attention Thursday, March 12, 6 p.m.

Reelabilities Film Festival: Autistic Like Me: A Father’s Perspective Friday, March 13, 8 p.m.

Adelphi Symphony Orchestra The madison theatre at molloy college 1000 Hempstead Ave., Rockville Centre.

(516) 323-4444 • http://madisontheatreny.org.

Saturday, March 7, 8 p.m.

Russian National Ballet: Romeo & Juliet and Chopiniana Sunday, April 12, 3 p.m.

The Gershwin Project Featuring Grammy Award Winner Peter Nero TILLES CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS | LIU POST 720 Northern Boulevard, Brookville (516) 299-3100 • http://tillescenter.org Sunday, March 7, 2 p.m.

Anything Goes Holocaust Memorial and Tolerance Center of Nassau County 100 Crescent Beach Road, Glen Cove (516) 571-8040 • http://www.hmtcli.org Nov. 2 through April, 2015 Objects Of Witness: Testimony of Holocaust Artifacts These artifacts have been lent or donated to the Center by the families of Holocaust victims and survivors, or by the survivors themselves.

Many of these artifacts were kept hidden during the Holocaust, at great risk to those who hid them. They will be on view beginning on in the exhibit gallery.

Nassau community college One Education Drive, Garden City (516) 572-7676 • https://www.ncc.edu Thursday, March 12 - Sunday, March 15; Wednesday, March 18 - Sunday, March 22 8 p.m., except Sundays at 3 p.m.

Jesus Christ Superstar The Paramount 370 New York Ave., Huntington (631) 673-7300 ext. 303 • www.paramountny. com Saturday, March 7, 8 p.m.

Magic!

Friday, March 13, 8 p.m.

Young Thug & Travis Scott: Rodeo Tour 2015 with Special Guest - Metro Boomin Saturday, March 14, 8 p.m.

Big Bad Voodoo Daddy Thursday, March 19, 8 p.m.

Howard Jones Friday, March 20, 7:30 p.m.

Kalin and Myles Saturday, March 21, 8 p.m.

The Marshall Tucker Band Tuesday, March 24, 8 p.m.

Taking Back Sunday / The Menzingers & letlive Thursday, March 26, 8 p.m.

Blackhawk & The Outlaws – Rockin’ Country Tour Saturday, March 28, 7:30 p.m.

The Get Up Kids with Special Guests - PUP & Restorations Sunday, March 29, 7 p.m.

New Found Glory Friday, April 3, 8 p.m.

Black Label Society Unblackened with Special Guest - Wino

33

34 The Great Neck News, Friday, March 6, 2015

GN

Arts council to present Community Calendar Alice Riordan exhibit The Huntington Arts Council will feature the works of Alice Riordan in a solo exhibit entitled “A Lifetime of Art” Drawing, Paintings, Sculpture.” The public is welcome to attend the artist opening reception on Friday March 6, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Main Street Gallery, 213 Main Street Huntington.

“A Lifetime of Art” Drawing, Paintings, Sculpture will be on display from the artist opening on March 6 through April 4.

Riordan will also be doing an artist demonstration on Saturday, March 21, 2015 at 2:30 p.m. in the Main Street Gallery.

“I am extremely excited about bringing my “Lifetime” of work to such a special space as the Main Street Gallery,” Riordan said. “I am so very grateful to have my art and feel very lucky to be able to paint a still life one day and sculpt a figure the next. I find there are two elements to creating a painting or a sculpture: concentrating on what

moves me and then establishing the technical means to fully express that emotion.”

Riordan has had a love of art her entire life. It was an elementary school teacher who “discovered” her passion and encouraged her parents to look for an art class for the young artist.

Every Saturday from the elementary years through high school, Riordan spent blissful hours painting and drawing. She was always drawn to sculpture and found that passion over 30 years ago.

The quote under her picture in her high school yearbook was “Nature I loved and next to nature, art”. That has not changed for the artist. As a sculptor, she enjoyed a successful career and her work can be found in collections all over the world.

Riordan has been the recipient of numerous awards and honors including the Chaim Gross Foundation Award from the Allied Artists of America, The Joel Meisner Award at the Pen and Brush Club Annual Exhibit in NY, Audubon Artist Richard L. Marini Memorial Award, the President’s Award and the Philip Isenberg Award from the American Artist’s Professional League’s Annual Exhibit.

Riordan’s work can be found in private collections and galleries all over the world. For more than 15 years Riordan’s sculptures have been exhibited at Art Expo NY, the biggest art show in the US. She teaches sculpture workshops on Long Island and in Tuscany, Italy.

“A Lifetime of Art” will be on display in the Main Street Gallery through April 4. The Main Street Gallery hours are Monday - Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday from 12 to 4 p.m.

For additional information on the exhibit and other Huntington Arts Council events please visit www.huntingtonarts.org or contact HAC at (631) 271-8423

Project Independence Care Giver Support Group Learn new ways of coping with demands of care giving and gain a better understanding of your relationship with your loved one (over age 60). Meetings take place on the first and third Thursday of each month from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Located at 80 Manorhaven Blvd., Port Washington. Registration required. Please call 311 or (516) 869-6311 to register for the presentation or for more information.

AMERICAN CHRONIC PAIN ASSOCIATION NASSAU COUNTY SUPPORT GROUP Have you been suffering from pain that has lasted for over 3 months? This could be the first sign of chronic pain. Fear not because you are not alone! Come join Long Island’s first Chronic Pain support group on Tuesday March 17 from 3 to 4:30 p.m. Meeting will take place at: Metro Physical & Aquatic Therapy, 800 East Gate Boulevard Garden City.

The meeting is free of charge and refreshments will be served. We will come together to share information and discuss strategies for dealing with chronic pain. RSVP by calling Cynthia Johnson at (516) 304-9297.

ANTI-CRIME FORUM The Town of North Hempstead will be hosting an Anti-Crime Forum at Clinton G. Martin Park, 1601 Marcus Avenue, New Hyde Park on Wednesday, March 11 at 7 p.m. to address community concerns about crime trends, police precinct consolidation and robbery patterns. Attendees will have the opportunity to meet their local police representatives and ask questions.

North Hempstead Supervisor Judi Bosworth; Members of the North Hempstead Town Board and the Nassau County Legislature; Inspector Sean McCarthy, commanding officer of the Third Precinct, will be in attendance.

FREE LEGAL CONSULTATION CLINIC FOR SENIOR CITIZENS The Nassau County Bar Association (NCBA) provides free monthly legal consultation clinics for Nassau County residents 65 or older. Seniors have the opportunity to meet one-on-one with an attorney who volunteers to provide a half-hour private consultation on any topic of concern. The next Senior Citizen Free Legal Consultation Clinic will be held Wednesday, March 18, from 9:30 – 11 a.m. at NCBA, 15th and West Streets, Mineola. This popular free program regularly fills up quickly. Registration is required by calling (516) 747-4070.

RE-ENTERING THE WORKFORCE The Town of North Hempstead is presenting an employment workshop for resident job seekers age 60+ at the Clinton G. Martin Park. Topics will include resume preparation, job search techniques and interviewing skills. Services are free of charge. The date is Wednesday, March 11. The facilitator is Sari Flesch, employment specialist. For further information please call (516) 869-6311, Project Independence.

“Irish Morning” oil painting by Alice Riordan

STRENGTH TRAINING Winthrop-University Hospital’s Breast Health Center will offer a new Strength Training program facilitated by a Certified Cancer Exercise Specialist from the non-profit organization, “Strength for Life.” The free program is open to women who have a history of treatment for breast cancer or who are in current treatment.

Sessions will be held from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Dr. Martin Spatz Conference Center Room A, located in the lower level of the main hospital at 259 First Street in Mineola. Classes are held once a week on Mondays from Jan. 12, through March 2. Equipment will be provided.

“Strength for Life’s” Certified Cancer Exercise Specialist’s mission is to empower, inspire and strengthen by using exercise as a method of healing. Sessions are taught by Jacqui Errico, a Certified Cancer Exercise Specialist. To register for the program, please call Ms. Errico at (631) 675-6513. For information about the Breast Health Center at Winthrop, please call (516) 663-2556.

BREAST CANCER SUPPORT GROUP Winthrop-University Hospital’s Breast Health Center is offering a support group for patients with metastatic breast cancer from 10:30 am to 12 p.m. on March 12 and 26.

Sessions will be held at 222 Station Plaza North, Suite 438 in Mineola. Meetings will include a variety of topics including, but not limited to: dealing with the side effects of treatment; managing fluctuating emotions; finding balance; intimacy and relationship issues; the significant of integrating wellness activities into your lifestyle. Individuals joining the group are invited to talk, share and learn in a safe, warm and confidential environment. The support group is free, but registration is required. For information and to register, please call Michelle DeCastro, LMSW at (516) 663-2556.

FOR TRIVIA LOVERS At 7 p.m. Two Wednesday nights each month at Page One Restaurant, 90 School St. Glen Cove. Call (516) 625-8804 for information.

Singles Association of Long Island For information on events, please call (516) 825-0633 or (516) 333-2851 or e-mail singlesassociationofli@yahoo.com.

YOUR WIDOWED SOCIAL GROUP The group meets on the third Wednesday of the each month (except July and August) from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. at St. Joseph’s R.C. Church on Franklin Ave. and Fifth Street, Garden City. There is a $5 fee for members and a $8 fee for non-members. For additional information, please call (516) 481-9280.

WELL SPOUSES OF THE Chronically ILL AND DISABLED Meets the second Wednesday of each month at St. Charles Rehab Center, located at 201 I.U. Willets Road (corner of Searingtown Road) in Albertson at 7 p.m. Free admission.

Call Rose at (516) 829-8740 or e-mail at rosebirdlady@aol.com for more information.

CANCER SUPPORT FROM A CHRISTIAN PERSPECTIVE Notre Dame’s Cancer Support Group meets every other Friday at 9:15 a.m., and lasts approximately two hours. It is located at 9 Aberdeen Road, New Hyde Park (sign says: Emmaus House of Prayer). This is about one block north of Hillside Ave. and slightly east of New Hyde Park Road. The group facilitator is Judy Coste. Admission is free.

If you will be attending, kindly call Coste at (631) 523-5406.

The Great Neck News, Friday, March 6, 2015

GN

35

Comedy show seeks Planting Fields to to promote peace exhibit classic toys Nassau Community College will present the “Laugh in Peace Comedy Show,” featuring Muslim, Jewish and Christian stand-up comedians Ahmed Ahmed, Rabbi Bob Alper and Reverend Susan Sparks on Monday, March 9 at 11 a.m. in the Multipurpose Room of the College Center Building.

The comedians bring a message of respect and friendship that is extremely funny.

Ahmed Ahmed is an Egyptian-American actor, comedian, producer and director.

He starred as “Ahmed” in the TBS comedy series Sullivan and Son. After getting his break in the action film “Executive Decision,” Ahmed appeared in the feature films “Swingers,” “Iron Man” and “You Don’t Mess With the Zohan,” a well as the television shows “Tracy Takes On, Weeds” and “Roseanne,” among others.

He also performs stand-up comedy at many comedy venues.

An ordained rabbi who holds a doctorate from Princeton Theological Seminary, Rabbi Bob Alper’s bits appear several times daily on Sirius/XM satellite radio. He has performed at the Montreal Comedy Festival, the Improv and The Comedy Store, among

other locations.

Alper has appeared on “The Early Show,” “The Today Show” and “Good Morning America.”

In addition to his act, he is author of three books: Life Doesn’t Get Any Better Than This, A Rabbi Confesses and Thanks.

I needed That.

Reverend Susan Sparks is a trial lawyer turned stand-up comedian and Baptist minister. After ten years moonlighting as a stand-up, she left her practice and spent two years on a solo trip around the world, including working with Mother Teresa’s mission in Calcutta, climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro and driving the Alaska Highway. Sparks is currently the senior pastor of the Madison Avenue Baptist Church in New York City.

She has been featured in O (The Oprah Magazine), The New York Times and ABC. Sparks has been described as “a combination of Reba McIntyre and Jody Foster with a wicked sense of humor.”

For more information about the Laugh in Peace Comedy Show, which is free, open to the public and accessible to the disabled, call (516) 572.7148.

Nassau Community College will present the Laugh in Peace Comedy Show, featuring Muslim, Jewish and Christian stand-up comedians Ahmed Ahmed, Rabbi Bob Alper and Reverend Susan Sparks on Monday, March 9 at 11 a.m.

Whaling Museum to hold Superhero day In honor of National Superhero Day, The Whaling Museum and Education Center of Cold Spring Harbor is celebrating with its own National Superhero Day Celebration.

The family-friendly event takes place on Saturday, May 2, at 301 Main St. in Cold Spring Harbor from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. $10/child; $6/adults; $4/face painting. All ages.

The day includes: * Superhero Meet and Greet * Photo souvenir with your favorite superheroes * Learn how to become an Ocean Hero * Design your own “Save the Whales”

poster * Meet real-life heroes from local EMS, fire and police departments * Mask making * Face Painting * Hero-bration Ceremony to honor the everyday heroes in our lives * Door prizes to everyone who comes in costume PLUS… Nominate the hero in your life. Know someone who has made a difference in your life or the lives of others? Tell us about it and you could win $100 Amazon gift card. Enter online at www.cshwhalingmuseum.org

Planting Fields Foundation opens its new exhibition, “Heels and Wheels: The Big Noise Around Little Toys” on Saturday March 28 at the Manor House, open every day from 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., through Sept. 7.

This summer, fashion conscious Barbie dolls and sleek Matchbox cars will be strutting and cruising at Planting Fields.

The exhibition, “Heels and Wheels: The Big Noise Around Little Toys” chronicles the history of these toys.

The show is revealing about the broad culture of American life, particularly in the 1950s, 60s and 70s during the initial heyday of Barbies and Matchbox toys.

This period of huge, post-World War II suburban expansion with massive new interstate road projects, car manufacturing and an explosion of the fashion industry, is directly reflected in the toys exhibited.

The show will be held in the 1957 Manor House with its stylish rooms, making a perfect backdrop for the glamorous Barbies.

Planting Fields opened as a New York State Park in 1972, at a time when ever increasing numbers of Long Islanders were driving to State parks for recreational activities. With more and more new and exciting models of cars being produced every year, finely detailed versions of these cars were produced for children, by Mattel.

These stylishly made miniature vehicles and the gorgeous Barbies make the show appealing to, not just boys and girls, but to men and women too.

For the exhibition guest curator, Matthew Bird, an associate professor of industrial design at the Rhode Island School of Design, bought more than 300 dolls and miniature cars on eBay, spanning the late 1950s through 2009, the year Barbie marked its 50th Anniversary.

“Barbies and Matchbox cars are just as valuable today as they were in the 1950s for one reason: they helped, and still help kids imagine themselves as grownups,” Bird said.

“They made for personal empowerment”.

In the exhibition the dolls and cars are grouped chronologically, diorama-style, on individual stands. The dolls are accompanied by vintage print advertisements. An old issue of Life magazine features Hollywood star, Grace Kelly, whose dress on the cover inspired the inaugural run of Barbies in 1959.

“The toys make a stunning show and tell a compelling history of how toy manufacturers used contemporary fashion and design to create a new phenomenon in popular culture - fabulous toys”, said Henry Joyce, executive director of Planting Fields Foundation.

Events & Public Programs Opening Night & Preview Party Heels and Wheels: The Big Noise Around Little Toys Friday, March 27 at the Manor House 5:30 - 7:30 p.m.

Celebrate the opening of our new exhibition! A fun look at two iconic toys, the Barbie Doll and the Matchbox car that revo-

lutionized play and the toy industry Post World War II. Tour the exhibition featuring compelling three dimensional arrangements with astounding levels of craftsmanship that speak to children and adults alike. Creative dress is encouraged. Wine and cheese will be served. Reservations are required; Tickets $20 Non-Members/$10 Members, for more information or reservations call Michelle Benes (516) 922-8682 or email mbenes@ plantingfields.org Rip the Runway: Fashionista Design Workshop Saturday, March 28 at the Manor House 2 - 3:30 p.m. / Free with $8 Parking Fee Calling all fashion enthusiasts ages 8-14!

We have partnered with Abrakadoodle to bring you, a fashion forward, drawing design workshop. Come and learn the core essentials of fashion design and create your very own outfit. This is the perfect event for starting or adding to a portfolio, as drawings will be mounted on professional backing paper with the option of having your work hung to go along with our Heels & Wheels exhibit!

All supplies are provided. Reservations required, call Andrea Crivello (516) 922-8688 or email acrivello@plantingfields.org Playdate: Author/Illustrator Program for Children Sunday, April 12 at the Manor House 2 p.m. / Free with $8 Parking Fee Husband/wife duo Greg Attonito (The Bouncing Souls) and singer/songwriter Shanti Wintergate have written and illustrated a unique and evocative chapter book for the precocious pre-schooler. Join them as they read from their book I Went For A Walk.

Families will be taken on a fantastic voyage in this special Author/Illustrator program where you will travel the deserts and oceans of Earth before suddenly becoming airborne – flying above the Earth into an amazing landscape of space where “The view was more beautiful than I could imagine.” Following the reading there will be an encore acoustic musical performance where Play Date will perform songs from their awardwinning family music album Imagination.

Contact Michelle Benes at (516) 922-8682 email mbenes@plantingfields.org.

36 The Great Neck News, Friday, March 6, 2015

GN

Great Neck Library Take Two Film Series at Station Branch All film matinees are now held at the Station Branch while the Main Library prepares for renovations.

The next film matinee in the winter Take Two film series will be shown on Thursday, March 12 at 2 p.m. at the Station Branch, The Gardens at Great Neck, 26 Great Neck Road, 2nd level (near Waldbaum’s).

Everything old is new again. These films with similar themes made years apart – endure, captivate and delight over and over again.

Refer to the Library Newsletter, film brochure or website for information on the films scheduled. Doors open at 1:30 p.m. Arrive early as seating is limited.

Priority seating is given to Great Neck School District residents. Please bring your Library card, driver’s license or other ID showing your Great Neck School District address.

Socrates Salon with Ron Gross How Superstitious Are We? Explore how superstitious we still are and why at the next meeting of Socrates Salon on Friday, March 13 at 3 p.m. at the Station

Branch Library, 26 Great Neck Road, Gardens at Great Neck (2nd level).

Are you as free of superstition as you would like to think? Do you ever fear jinxing your good fortune by talking about it? Is one person’s religion another person’s superstition?

Are we superstitious in areas like health and medicine, personal relationships and psychology, and politics? (Conspiracy, anyone?) Think about these questions and let’s discuss them together at the Salon.

Socrates Salon sessions are informed by Ron Gross’ work at Columbia University as co-chair of the University Seminar on Innovation, and inspired by his book about the patron saint of conversation, Socrates’ Way, which has been published in 26 countries including China, Russia, Mexico, and Greece. Enjoy light refreshments and stimulating conversation. Topics are announced one month before the Salon.

Please Note: Seating is very limited. Please arrive early. First-come, firstserved. For everyone’s safety, there will be no admittance past 3:15 p.m.

Tax Forms and Information at Your Library Selected Federal and State tax forms and publications are available at the Station, Parkville and Lakeville Branches of the Library to take or to photocopy.

This year the IRS is only providing libraries with Form 1040, 1040A and 1040 EZ. All other federal forms will be printed from the IRS website, www.irs. gov. The Reference staff will print needed forms at a charge of 10 cents per page. Call the Library at (516) 466-8055 ext. 218 for further information.

Multiple copies of TurboTax tax preparation software for PCs and MACs circulate at the three Great Neck Library branch locations. The tax preparation software will also be available on one computer at all three branches. You may place a hold on the TurboTax Home & Business Software for the 2014 tax year.

Tax Guides in print are available to help you prepare your taxes. These include CCH U.S. Master Tax Guide, CCH State Tax Handbook, Ernst & Young Tax Guide, Guidebook to New York State Taxes, J.K. Lasser’s Your Income Tax, RIA Federal Tax Handbook

and Your Federal Income Tax: for Individuals.

AARP Tax Help at the Parkville Branch AARP Tax Preparers will be at the Parkville Branch each Wednesday through April 8 to assist in preparing and filing simple State and Federal tax returns online only. You must have an appointment and bring all relevant tax papers. Registration for Tax Assistance appointments continues. Call the Parkville Branch at (516) 466-8055, ext. 273 for more details or to make an appointment.

SAT Prep Course Registration SAT Prep Course The SAT Prep Course, taught by NYS certified math and verbal skills experts, is being offered on Mondays, March 9, 16, 23, 30, April 13, and 20 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Station Branch Library, 26 Great Neck Road, Gardens at Great Neck (2nd level).

Telephone registration for any remaining openings is ongoing at (516) 4668055, ext. 218. Advanced registration is required.

High school juniors and seniors, and those who have not taken this course

in the past will be given priority. Students should bring a calculator, pen or pencil, and a notebook to class. There is a $25 fee per student for the course (fee includes the textbook), which consists of six sessions. A minimum enrollment of thirteen students is required for the course to take place. Contact Courtney Greenblatt, Young Adult Librarian at (516) 466-8055, ext. 218 for further information.

Top Five Mistakes Students Make on Their College Application Essay Learn the secrets that will set you apart from all other applicants so that you may become a highly desirable college candidate when Randy Levin presents the Top Five Mistakes Students Make on Their College Application Essay on Tuesday, March 31 at 7 p.m. at the Parkville Branch Library, 10 Campbell Street (off Lakeville Road), New Hyde Park.

Discover the importance of the essay and what admissions officers are looking for. Randy Levin is a speaker at national college fairs. He holds an MA degree in English and an MFA in Creative Writing.

Register online, in person, or by phone at (516) 466-8055, ext. 218. There is a separate registration for teens and parents.

Parental attendance is encouraged, not required.

For more information, contact Courtney Greenblatt, Young Adult Librarian, (516) 466-8055, ext. 218.

Great Neck Library Closing/Cancellation Information Online Library patrons connected to the Internet are asked to check the website: www.cancellations.com for Library weather related closings/program cancellations.

In order to access this service, Library District residents can log on to cancellations.com, type in their zip code or Great Neck Library and obtain information on program cancellations or Library closings. In addition, at no charge, residents can request automatic e-mails from cancellations.com when the Library has posted any information.

This is a great way for Library District residents who are connected online to be advised of weather related changes in Library hours or programs.

Great Neck Park District programs Adult Tennis Party Parkwood Indoor Tennis Center offers a wide variety of tennis programs for adults, tots and juniors as well as a great family friendly environment in which to develop or perfect your tennis skills. Whether you’re interested in group or private lessons, social play or league tennis, Parkwood has something for you. Our expert tennis instructors create a fun environment and are motivated to take your game to the next level whether you are new to tennis or a tournament player. There will be an adult tennis party at Parkwood Tennis Center on Saturday, March 21 from 7:30 to 10:30 p.m.

For ages 21 and over, this is an ideal opportunity to meet others, socialize and play tennis! Singles $20; couples $35 ($5 additional for non- residents). Price

Register for Parkwood Family Aquatic Center 2015 membership now and save! includes food, soft drinks and tennis. Call (516) 8299050 to RSVP. Nature Program: Winter Water Walk Saturday, March 14, at 11 a.m. to approximately 2:15 p.m., we’ll leisurely observe winter fowl and seashore life at Caumsett State Park in Huntington.

We will also have the opportunity to relax and socialize during a moderately-paced, hilly, 5-mile hike to and from Long Island Sound. Binoculars are recommended. Call (516)

482-0355 to register as soon as possible and request directions, if needed.

No children under 16 years of age are permitted to attend.

Weekend Movie at Great Neck House Gone Girl (2014) will be shown at Great Neck House Friday, March 6 at 8 p.m.; Saturday, March 7 at 5 & 8 p.m. and Sunday, March 8 at 7:30 p.m. The film is directed by David Fincher and stars Ben Affleck, Rosamund Pike and Neil Patrick Harris. With

The film, “Gone Girl” (2014), starring Ben Affleck, will be shown at Great Neck House this weekend. his wife’s disappearance having become the focus of an intense media circus, a man sees the spotlight turned on him when it’s suspected that he may not be innocent. It is rated PG13 and runs 98 minutes.

Admission requires a park

card.

Sunday @ 3 Series The Encore Duo led by Tom Costello, will perform at Great Neck House on Sunday, March 8 at 3 p.m.

Admission requires a park card.

Spring and Summer

Employment in the Park District The Park District is currently looking for lifeguards, sailing instructors, Camp personnel, gate attendants and more at tennis and the pool for Continued on Page 37

The Great Neck News, Friday, March 6, 2015

GN

37

Great Neck Community Calendar FREE ESL/CITIZENSHIP CLASSES Free access to legal counsel at St. Aloysius R. C. Church, 592 Middle Neck Rd. Great Neck. Classes run on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. To register, please call (516) 867-3580.

MIND AEROBICS Presented by Janet Golon, RN, Project Independence/ NSLIJ Nurse. Come and challenge yourself to activities that will stimulate your brain. Please join us at Great Neck Social Center, 80 Grace Ave, Great Neck

on Monday, March 16, from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

North Hempstead Project Independence invites all Town residents 60 and over. Please call 311 or (516) 869-6311 to register or for more information.

WOMANSPACE A discussion group devoted to issues concerning women. Weekly meetings are held every Wednesday from 1 to 3 p.m. at the Great Neck Senior Center, at 80 Grace Ave, Great Neck. New members welcome. For more info call Joan Keppler at (516)

487-5844.

LIONS CLUB HEARING AID PROGRAM The Great Neck Lions Club is pleased to announce their participation in “Lions Lend An Ear,” a program of the Nassau County district of Lions Clubs International.

The program provides hearing aids and related products and services at no cost to hearing impaired individuals who qualify based on financial need and communication need.

Great Neck Lions Club is asking the local places that accept donated eyeglasses

to accept used hearing aids as well. Note: The hearing aids should be placed in the eyeglass collection boxes located in all the Great Neck Libraries as well as offices of the Village of Russell Gardens, Village of Great Neck Plaza and the Village Hall on Baker Hill Road.

FREE EXERCISE CLASSES Ongoing Program - FREE Silver Sneakers Exercise Classes For All Levels: Balance, agility, strengthening, endurance and osteoporosis for eligible seniors.

Monday through Saturday.

Garden City, Roslyn and Great Neck. Call for more details, including seeing if you are eligible and class times, (516) 745-8050.

LIONS CLUB OF GREAT NECK Lions Club of Great Neck meets the first Monday of each month at Pearl East Restaurant, 1190 Northern Blvd., Manhasset at 12 p.m.

If you would like to attenda meeting and learn more about our club, please contact fernweiss@aol.com or call (516) 829-5192.

ROTARY CLUB MEETINGS The Rotary Club of Great Neck currently meets every Wednesday from 8 to 9 a.m. in the boardroom of TD Bank, 2 Great Neck Road. Community residents and business members are welcome to visit Club meetings and discover how meaningful and satisfying it is to give back service to the community while networking through Rotary.

For further information please see: www.clubrunner.ca/greatneck/ or call (516) 487-9392.

Great Neck Park District Continued from Page 36 the 2015 season. Those wishing to apply may do so by picking up an application at the Parkwood Administration office, 65 Arrandale Avenue, (516) 487-7665; or at the 5

Beach Road office, (516) 482-0181; or by going to greatneckparks.org. Time to apply is now!

Parkwood Family Aquatic Center Early Bird Registration!

Register now at Great Neck House, for your

Parkwood Family Aquatic Center 2015 membership and receive the discounted early bird rate. To qualify for early bird rates, applications must be postmarked or received in person by 6 p.m. on Friday, May 11, 2014.

Great Neck Synchronized Skating The Andrew Stergiopoulos Ice Rink will be open until June 7, 2015. Join the Great Neck Synchronized Skating six-week skills and drills clinic.

This clinic is open to team

Come visit our “ General store” filled with over 1000 retro candies and toys…and see why we were voted

5 YEARS IN A ROW

members or any skater interested in giving synchronized skating a try!

Ice Pops (ages 6-8) will be skating on Tuesdays, April 28 through June 2 from 4:30 to 6 p.m.

Levels: Alpha through Gamma. The Icicles

(ages 7-9) and Icettes (ages9-12) will be skating on Thursdays, April 30 through June 4 from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Levels: Gamma through FS 5. For clinic pricing and information contact gnsynchro@gmail. com.

Yup! We have fun stuff for: Kids’ Party Favors, Family/School Reunions “ Going to Someone’s House”, Bar/Bat Mitzvahs, Sweet16s, College Survival Kits, “ Thank You” Presents, Business Baskets, Weddings/Showers

FEATURED IN: Newsday, Parent Magazine HEARD & SEEN ON: Fox 5 News, KJoy 98.3, News 12 & Fios 1

We Create Memories For Your Special Event

38 The Great Neck News, Friday, March 6, 2015

GN

sc h o o l ne w s

Transport available to private schools In accordance with New York State Education Law, free transportation for the 2015–16 school year will be available to children attending private or parochial school who meet these walking distancefrom-school requirements: To be eligible for free transportation, the walking distance from a pupil’s home to a private or parochial school must exceed 0.5 mile

for students in grades K–5; 0.75 mile for students in grades 6–8; and 1 mile for students in grades 9–12. Transportation is limited to a maximum distance of 15 miles. Other rules may apply for children with disabilities (please consult with the office of Pupil Personnel & Psychological Services, at 516-441-4970).

Residents of the Great Neck school

district who seek free bus transportation for their children to private or parochial school in September, and who meet the walking-distance requirements above, must submit an application, hand-delivered or postmarked, by April 1, to the Transportation Office, Great Neck Public Schools, 345 Lakeville Road, Great Neck, NY 11020. This April 1 deadline is de-

termined by State law. The “Non-Public School Transportation Request Form” is available on the district Web site at www. greatneck.k12.ny.us. Click on “Forms” in the blue left-hand column, then on “Transportation.”

For more information, please call the Transportation Office, Great Neck Public Schools, (516) 441-4060, on schooldays.

G.N. kindergarten registration begins soon Enrollment for the Great Neck Public Schools Kindergarten Program for the 2015–2016 school year will begin on Monday, March 16, and run schooldays through Friday, March 27.

All children who will attend public or private school kindergarten in September 2015 need to be registered. In order to be eligible to enroll, children must have been born between Dec. 2, 2009, and Dec. 1, 2010. Please note that students currently enrolled in the district’s Universal Prekindergarten program do not have to be registered for kindergarten.

Residents who do not receive a kindergarten registration packet in the mail may pick one up on schooldays at the Office of Registration and Attendance, located in the Phipps Administration Building, 345 Lakeville Road, or the registration forms can be downloaded from the district Web site at www.greatneck. k12.ny.us.

Registering your child during this designated registration period will ensure that you receive all important school and district mailings. It will also enable the district to plan for the number of classes

and teachers needed for the 2015–16 school year.

Registration will be held at the Office of Registration and Attendance. You may register your child weekdays from 8:30 a.m.–4 p.m. during this special registration period.

Please bring the following information to registration (please note that it is not necessary to bring your child): (1) Proof of district residency (deed, current tax bill, or closing statement if ownership; current signed lease or current rent receipts, if rental). (2) Three pieces

of current, official mail. Online mail is not acceptable. (3) Child’s original birth certificate. (4) Parent or guardian valid photo ID. (5) Parental control papers (if applicable). (6) Immunization certificate signed and stamped by a physician or other authorized health agency.

For more information about registering your child for kindergarten, please contact the Registration Office at (516) 441-4080, or e-mail residency@greatneck.k12.ny.us.

School district schedules budget hearings Budget Meetings on the Great Neck Public Schools Preliminary 2015–2016 Budget will be as follows (weekday Meetings follow student recognitions, which begin at 7:30 p.m.): Monday, March 16, 7:30 p.m., North High, 35 Polo Rd. (informal budget hearing).

Saturday, March 21, 9:30 a.m., South High, 341 Lakeville Rd. (budget discussion with administrative staff).

Monday, March 30, 7:30 p.m., South High, 341 Lakeville Rd. (informal budget hearing).

Tuesday, April 21, 7:30 p.m., North Middle, 77 Polo Rd. (official budget hearing and adoption of Proposed 2015–16 Budget).

Monday, May 11, 7:30 p.m., South Middle, 349 Lakeville Rd. (budget discussion only).

Residents are encouraged to attend

the Budget Meetings and to respond to the Preliminary Budget. Firm decisions on the Budget will not be made until the Board listens to the community’s concerns.

View the Preliminary Budget at www. greatneck.k12.ny.us. Copies will also be available at the Meetings.

Budget Vote Voting on the Proposed 2015–16 Budget will be held on Tuesday, May 19, from

7 a.m.–10 p.m., for qualified residents of the school district. Voting will take place at the Baker School, 69 Baker Hill Rd., in the multi-purpose room (for voters who reside north of the LIRR), and at South High School, 341 Lakeville Rd., in the west gym (for voters residing south of the LIRR).

For additional information, please call the assistant superintendent for business at (516) 441-4020.

Schools verifying School to raise funds student residency for music department The Great Neck Public Schools is again undertaking the process of residency reverification for all students entering ninthgrade in September 2015. This is done in an effort to collect documentation that will assist in assembling students’ records for high school, and to verify that all students who enter the district high schools are residents of the district and thus entitled to attend.

Parents/legal guardians of all current eighth-grade students were recently sent a mailing that explains the documentation required and the method for submission.

Additional information may be obtained by calling the middle school which your child presently attends, or by visiting the district’s Web site at www.greatneck.k12.ny.us where

updated information is posted under a section labeled “Residency Re-Verification.”

This process must be completed before a current eighth-grade student will be admitted to high school. Early submission of the necessary documents will facilitate this process. Therefore, all families with a current eighth-grader are urged to submit the required documents before Tuesday, March 31.

The Board of Education considers residency to be an important component in confronting the district’s fiscal challenges.

Re-verification is one tool to insure that every child who is being educated in the district’s schools is entitled to that education.

South High School’s Instrumental/ Vocal Music Fundraiser Concert will take place on Friday, March 6, at 7:30 p.m., at the school, 341 Lakeville Road.

This special Concert performance is a fundraiser for the Music Department to help defray the cost of the restoration of one of South’s two Steinway Grand Pianos. The piano was built in 1958 and is used primarily in the Choral Room. Over many years of use, the piano’s condition has deteriorated to the point where it now needs to be restored so that it will last for many years to come.

Admission to the Concert is $10 for adults and $5 for senior citizens and

students. The fee includes a Potluck Dinner that will take place on the auditorium stage, at 6:30 p.m., an hour before the Concert begins. Patrons are asked to please bring a favorite maincourse dish with serving utensils.

An RSVP for the Potluck Dinner is requested. Please e-mail Michael Schwartz, performing arts department head, at mschwartz@greatneck.k12. ny.us, with your name and the number of people in your dinner group.

For further information, please contact Mr. Schwartz, at (516) 4414851, or at mschwartz@greatneck. k12.ny.us.

GN

C o m m uni t y ne w s

The Great Neck News, Friday, March 6, 2015

39

Temple students talk peace with Muslim teens Students at Temple Israel of Great Neck’s Waxman High School and Youth House did their part recently to plant seeds of peace with fellow teens from the Islamic Center of Long Island. In a way that many adults cannot, the teens found common interests and spoke honestly of their feelings--purposely staying clear of the topic of Israel.

The meeting featured Temple Israel Director of the Waxman High School and Youth Engagement Danny Mishkin, who aptly spoke to the interfaith group about how “planting a seed is the first step towards bearing a beautiful fruit, even a fruit we might not see in this generation.

Sometimes just breaking down an invisible wall for one evening is an important step to building a meaningful relationship,” he said.

The meeting, on January 27, consisted of Temple Israel students breaking into small groups with their Islamic Center counterparts. The teens were asked to talk until they found a common interest.

Shortly, they were talking about basketball, history, tennis--and their religion.

Each group was asked to think of a question they would like the imam from the Islamic Center and Mr. Mishkin to answer.

The two religious leaders spoke

about sports, human rights, speaking out against violence—and hope. A question about their reaction to recent events in Paris was an opportunity for each leader to talk about the value of human life.

Waxman Youth House teacher Orrin Krublit put together texts from both faiths that the religious leaders mentioned in response. Quoting the Quran (5:32) they said: “We decreed for the Children of Isra-

el that whosoever kills a human being for other than manslaughter or corruption in the earth, it shall be as if he had killed all mankind, and whoso saves the life of one, it shall be as if he had saved the life of all mankind.”

From Mishnah Sanhedrin 4:9, they said: “It was for this reason that man was first created as one person (viz. Adam), to teach you that anyone who destroys

a life is considered by Scripture to have destroyed an entire world; anyone who saves a life is as if he saved an entire world.”

Following each leader’s statements, the teens wrote joint letters of solidarity and hope, to be sent to the mayor of Paris.

“If this were to be the only joint program for the two youth programs it would be a great step towards breaking stereotypes, but the overwhelming sentiment in the room was that this event should be the first of several meetings,” Mr. Mishkin said. “In other words, we hope that this program is a seed that grows into a fruitful dialogue among our youth.”

The Waxman High School and Youth House, one of three schools operated by Temple Israel of Great Neck, is an afterschool program offering teens a wide variety of religious educational opportunities and activities. Temple Israel also operates a pre-school nursery school and a Religious School for children in public school through grade six, as well as a range of adult education programs. For further information about Temple Israel education programs call 482-7800. Temple Israel, the largest Conservative Jewish congregation in the region, is located at 108 Old Mill Road, Great Neck.

Lake Success businessman named society chair Joseph G. Milizio, managing partner at Vishnick McGovern Milizio LLP based in Lake Success and a resident of Fort Salonga, has been named Governance Chair of the National MS Society, Long Island Chapter. In this capacity, he leads the committee that establishes and administers the proper procedures for the board of trustees; interviews and approves board candidates; and oversees board member obligations.

During his 15 year tenure on the Society’s board of trustees, Milizio has served as its chairperson and chair of Walk MS. He is the captain of Vishnick McGovern Milizio’s Walk MS team, which participates annually and is consistently one of Long Island’s top fundraising groups at the event. He is also an MS Society Leadership Award recipient, which recognizes

Long Island’s business leaders.

Milizio has significant experience in all areas of transactional law, with an emphasis in general business transactions including acquisitions, sales, entity and owner representation, franchising, leasing and transactional real estate matters.

Milizio represents a wide range of business entities, including retailers, manufacturers, healthcare providers and other professional entities. His diverse corporate and real estate finance experience includes the representation of both borrowers and lenders, regularly advising clients on corporate governance matters, dispute resolution and estate planning for business owners.

He leads the Exit Planning practice at Vishnick McGovern Milizio LLP and works with business owners as a consul-

tant and legal advisor in planning for and implementing exit strategies.

Milizio also heads the LGBT practice group at the firm, offering legal counsel and representation on key issues in the LGBT community, including estate planning, health care proxies/living wills, employment law/discrimination, preand post- nuptial agreements, domestic partnership agreements, co-owner agreements, spousal rights and obligations, and adoptions.

Milizio is a member of the New York State and Nassau County Bar Associations, where he serves on the latter’s Lawyer Referral Committee, as well as the Corporation Law and Real Estate Committees. He received his Juris Doctor degree from Brooklyn Law School and graduated magna cum laude from St. John’s Univer-

sity. He is admitted to practice law in the State of New York.

The Long Island Chapter of the National MS Society, located in Melville, New York, works to improve the quality of life for people affected by MS in Nassau and Suffolk counties and to raise funds for critical MS research.

Mobilizing people and resources to drive research for a cure and to address the challenges of everyone affected by MS, the Society offers many services and resources to help people affected by MS in the areas of health and wellness, family and relationships, financial assistance, employment, insurance and financial planning, social and emotional support, mobility and accessibility, MS education and research and clinical trials.

Y’s to honor businesswomen in Lake Success luncheon The Samuel Field Y and Central Queens Y Business Council will honor Lina Scacco of Parker Jewish Institute for Health Care and Rehabilitation and Helen Keit of Keller Williams Realty Landmark at its annual business networking breakfast on Wednesday, March 11, 2015 at the Village Club at Lake Success from 8:30 to 10 a.m.

The SFY/CQY Business Council is comprised of leaders in the business community who support two exceptional multi-service community agencies - the Samuel Field Y and the Central Queens Y. The focus of the council is to provide the greater Queens and western Nassau communities with resources, services and programs for people of every age and stage

of life. This annual event gives council members and the greater business community the opportunity to network with like-minded professionals, community leaders and elected officials.

For reservations and sponsorship information, contact Jana Goldman Ryan at (718) 2256750, ext. 238 or email jryan@ sfy.org.

Lina Scacco, Parker Jewish Institute for Health Care and Rehabilitation

Helen Keit, Keller Williams Realty Landmark

40 The Great Neck News, Friday, March 6, 2015

GN

en t er tain m en t ne w s

Adult Ed concert to feature Broadway tunes

PATV Cablecasts “Ma Va Shoma TV: Special Persian New Year Program” GNPS Community Ed Performance Series: Broadway in Your Backyard!

Hear the beloved melodies and learn the enchanting backstories from your favorite musicals, featuring Berlin, Kern, Gershwin, Rodgers & Hart and Arlen. Join Ken Grossman (standing, left), with Steve Belfer at the piano (right), for five Wednesday afternoons, 1:30–3 p.m., at Community Education at Cumberland 30 Cumberland Ave. Fee: $79. Call (516) 441-4949 for more information and/or to register.

On Friday March 20, at 6:45 to 11 p.m. PATV Great Neck Producer and Host Yafa Soleimani will host a special Persian New Year program that will cablecast on PATV Channels 20 (Cablevision), Channel 37 (Verizon) and www.patv.org/livestream to celebrate the Persian New Year 2574. Nowruz (or Norooz) is celebrated around the world to welcome spring with a feast of seven traditional foods. This program brings music, dance and entertainment to celebrate the holiday. Please check our Facebook page: PATV Great Neck – North Shore, website: www.patv.org, and Twitter: @infopatv.

C o m m uni t y ne w s

Children bring home projects from winter camps

PHOTO BY Michele Siegel

The Winter Break camps at Great Neck House were a success. The children who participated in each program designed awesome daily projects to take home. Pullback Car Frenzy stimulated creativity and problem-solving while learning concepts such as gravity, potential energy and kinetic energy. Robots And Reactions was a mix of chemistry and robotics; teaching the difference between physical and chemical change. If you are interested in finding out more about these programs for your child, call Great Neck House at (516) 482-0355.

The Great Neck News, Friday, March 6, 2015

GN

41

Cuomo tightens screws on schools, local control

Continued from Page 12 made no secret of giving incentives to force consolidation.

“The freeze also addresses one of the primary drivers of the state’s high property taxes by incentivizing local governments and school districts to seek efficiencies and share services,” Cuomo stated.

And yet, people choose to buy homes in villages and towns, and choose their neighborhoods based on the quality of the schools, parks and libraries. Kensington, Kings Point, Lake Success choose to fund their own police force.

Cuomo’s attack on property tax is really an assault on public school spending, suggesting that the amount of money they spend has no correlation to student success - some 100,000 students are trapped schools that have been failing for years - and suggests that school districts have slush funds of reserves.

The property tax cap and its incarnations are designed to “starve the beast” of public education and notably, the teacher’s union.

The first phase of Cuomo’s scheme was to impose a property tax cap - the revenue raised from property taxes could not increase by more than 2 percent or the CPI, whichever was less - regardless of how many more children attended school, or whether there were more children in secondary schools (higher cost than elementary school), or special needs students and don’t exempt from calculations the mandated increases in contributions for pensions and health benefits. (Adams was not aware of these factors.)

So the CPI has been less than 2 percent, and our school districts have been unable to increase their budgets to keep pace with the mandated increases in pension and health benefits, security and testing regimens.

Let’s say the economy really heats up, workers are getting increases, housing prices rise and inflation grows by 5%. Well, tough luck for school districts because they are still limited to 2 percent cap.

Each year, the budget is dependent upon the prior year. School districts that were in a bad way when the cap first was implemented will forever be stuck.

Adams said that the vast majority of municipalities have stayed below the cap, as if that is to say that this proves there is no harm.

But around the state, school districts have had to cannibalize - eat their own young, as it were - in order to stay below the cap.

In the years following the Great Recession of 2008, there was even greater urgency, but that sense of desperation has passed, and school districts have slashed all they possibly can, even as they are being mandated to increase allocations for pension and health benefits (I’m sure this will be the next target for Cuomo), increased security, and academic interventions.

Everything that makes school satisfying and fulfilling has been eliminated - schools are more like prisons and factories than places to nurture and fulfill personal potential.

The second phase was to “freeze” budgets - a carrot and stick approach - so that if your school district stayed below the cap, the amount of increase in property tax would be refunded back as a check (this is why any district that did not increase its budget up to the cap was doing a disservice to its residents).

The state is claiming that through the first three years of the cap, the average property tax payer will have saved more than $800 compared to if taxes had continued to grow

at the previous average rate of growth. Those savings will increase to $2,100 in local property taxes by 2017 if this trend continues.

Now Cuomo is proposing a third “phase”.

Under this new scheme, homeowners with incomes below $250,000 whose property taxes exceed 6 percent of their income, will be able to receive a credit of up to 50 percent of the amount by which property taxes exceed the 6 percent burden threshold, depending on household income.

Based on this calculation, some 1.3 million homeowners (renters, too) would be entitled to $1.66 billion in tax relief.

In Nassau, 207,250 homeowners are expected to benefit from Cuomo’s credit scheme in Nassau, receiving an average credit of $1,208, for total tax relief of $250,500,000; in Suffolk, a projected 125,167 homeowners would receive an average credit of $1,148 for total of $143,700,000 in tax relief.

Altogether, 332,417 Long Island homeowners would receive an average tax credit of $1,186, totaling $394,200,000.

(A statewide county-by-county breakdown of 1.3 million homeowners can be viewed here. More details about the program can be viewed here.)

The credit is being phased in over four years, and only school taxes will apply in the first year. More than half of the full benefit will be phased-in by Tax Year 2016, and 81 percent will be phased-in by Tax Year 2017.

That’s because you only get the credit if the school district stays below the cap. If the district pierces the cap, no credit.

But this “third phase” of Cuomo’s property tax cap is more insidious, designed to attack public education (and teachers) and removing local control over what schools and other local districts are able to accomplish.

It doesn’t just mitigate the hardship of property taxes for lower-income property owners (which could be accomplished by expanding STAR exemptions), but incentivizes the 40 percent to defeat school and library budgets - the only budgets that go before voters - because they don’t get the credit unless the district stays below the cap, and for a budget that pierces the cap to pass it requires 60 percent approval, rather than the 50% plus one.

“That’s democracy,” Adams tells me smugly. No it isn’t. Democracy is when the majority get to decide, not the tyranny of a minority who are given financial incentives to go against the greater good.

And who is the 40 percent who vote against the school district?

They are the empty-nesters, who bought their suburban homes because the schools were great. Now their kids have gone off to college and career. They resent having to pay taxes to support schools. But that is absolutely wrong, and government policy shouldn’t be to incentivize people to stay in homes that were built for families to raise their children. And under this new formula, they are also renters, who are likely not to have children in public schools.

“Our district has adhered to cap since its inception,” said Dan. “This year, they are facing situation where they may have to pierce the cap.” What does that mean for eligibility for the credit? It means they won’t get the credit.

Where is the money coming from? Adams says it comes from the general fund. But the general fund comes from income taxes, which isn’t an unlimited pot. In fact, Cuomo is

also extremely proud of cutting income taxes and slashing business taxes.

So if state revenues are spent in this way, what is getting short shrift?

If you think about it, the income-based tax credit is an extension of the Starr reimbursement, which is designed to mitigate the expense of paying for school taxes for senior citizens (and was supposed to lessen emptynesters’ reflexive opposition to school taxes), and is tied to income. So the property tax problem could be solved by a more ambitious Starr reimbursement.

But property tax relief is a byproduct of the strategy to force school districts to stay below the cap, and in the process undermine school districts and public education. That is the endgame.

Adams slipped at one point, remarking how many districts there are on Long Island, and suggesting that consolidating into fewer but larger districts would be more cost-efficient.

But I pointed out that New York City is one school district, and there is no one on Long Island who would prefer New York City schools over ours. “Bigger isn’t always better,” I said, and he reluctantly conceded. (It bears noting that New York City, which gets 50 percent of its school budget financed from the state, is not subject to the state’s property tax cap.)

Cuomo has taken aim at property taxes as the reason why businesses don’t come to New York, and retirees leave. And yet, the state’s population has not declined, and you don’t see our young people turning down jobs at Google in San Francisco because of the astronomically high rents and cost-of-living there, and the second-highest taxes in the nation. But what lure does Long Island offer freshly minted college graduates?

Indeed, attending this soiree was a young woman from South Carolina who had just moved here with her husband, who took a job as a professor at Farmingdale University.

She was a teacher, but couldn’t get a teaching job on Long Island - but found a job with the Chamber.

The biggest reason for the outflow of young people isn’t property taxes, it’s the lack of quality jobs. Our kids get educated and then get recruited elsewhere.

What is the solution to the property tax conundrum? Well paying jobs. Sustainable economic development. More mixed use developments and yes, higher density downtowns, better public transportation, more affordable housing, and senior housing that offers an alternative to staying in a home designed for a family with school-age children.

This would result in dividing up the

property tax pie into smaller, more easily consumed pieces.

Communities which are hardest-pressed for property taxes are those which are solely bedroom, without a commercial tax base (Great Neck actually has a low property tax rate compared to housing values because of a commercial tax base).

But why should Albany be dictating what our community wants from its schools, libraries, parks, water quality, sewage treatment, garbage collection or police? This is the very definition of a “Nanny State.” People make their own decision to buy a house in a village that maintains its own police force, offers parks and first-rate schools.

People have the ability to dissolve their villages and consolidate their school districts (that’s what Cuomo is hoping for) - but they choose not to.

Cuomo’s premise behind the property tax cap, the freeze, and now the incomebased tax credit is that somehow school districts impose taxes because they can, without any sense of responsibility to the wider constituents of taxpayers, and that somehow, these districts are flush with reserves.

In actuality, the school district determines how much money it needs to operate, how much of that money needs to come from property tax, and then the property tax “pie” is cut up by the number and value of property owners. If a neighborhood declines and people abandon homes, that leaves fewer people to pay into the “pie”. But if there is a vital community, with businesses and homeowners to share the expense, the tax rate - and the property tax bill - can go down.

But the property tax cap is no guarantee against misspending, cronyism or any of the bad things that waste taxpayer money - if anything, the cap system provides an incentive to never cut a budget (because you can never replace the spending). Residents still need to be vigilant over who they elect and how their tax money is spent.

They should demand transparency and the opportunity to participate in the budget process.

People should believe their property taxes provide value for service - good schools, parks, libraries, roads, sanitation, police protection - and should not begrudge paying for those services that not only make our communities livable, but a community.

And if you are an empty-nester in the home where you raised your children but begrudge paying the property taxes, you should have the ability to sell to the next generation, and be able to find affordable housing that keeps you within your community.

c o m m uni t y ne w s

School board wants to visit community organizations The current school year, 2014–15, marks the 200th Anniversary of the Great Neck Public Schools. As part of the district’s celebration, members of the Board of Education and Superintendent Thomas Dolan would like to visit Great Neck community organizations to offer a “snapshot” of the school district.

If your community organization would like a brief presentation made at one of your meetings, please contact Jessica Vega, school district public relations coordinator, at (516) 441-4940, or at jvega@greatneck.k12.ny.us, to arrange for a visit.

42 The Great Neck News, Friday, March 6, 2015

GN

North Shore-LIJ opens new rehab center

BY B I LL SAN ANTONIO

Members of the North Shore-LIJ Health System physical medicine and rehabilitation team cut the ribbon for their new Manhasset rehabilitation center.

It’s all just a click away Roslyn T imes

The North Shore-LIJ Health System announced Tuesday it has opened a new rehabilitation center in Manhasset near its sports therapy and outpatient neurological treatment facilities.

“Offering all of these services under one roof allows for high-quality and comprehensive rehabilitation care at a convenient location for our patients and their families,” said Dr. Adam Stein, the health system’s chair of physical medicine and rehabilitation.

An open house for the new facility, located at 1554 Northern Boulevard, was held Thursday.

The center’s services include spinal injections, electrodiagnostic testing, diagnostic and therapeutic musculoskeletal ultrasound, botulinum toxin injections and intrathecal baclofen pump management, evaluation for rehabilitation therapies, prescriptions for assistive devices, orthotics and prosthetics, health system officials said.

Health system officials said the center’s six physicians specialize in neurological disorders - including stroke, brain injury and spinal cord injury - in addition to cancer treatments, spine care and musculoskeletal disorders.

State of county reset for March 11

BY B I LL S A N A N TON I O

and be carried live on television on News12 Long Island and FiOS 1 News The second “State of the County” ad- Long Island, the county executive’s office dress of Nassau County Executive Edward said.

Mangano, a Republican from BethMangano’s second term in office is set to take place Wednesday at the Twin Rinks page, was elected in 2009 and re-elected in Eisenhower Park in East Meadow, his in 2013, defeating former Democratic County Executive Tom Suozzi in both office announced Thursday.

The speech will take place at 7 p.m. races.

et Times

Manhass

Want to subscribe to the award-winning Blank Slate Media newspaper of your community?

Or subscribe to our Free Try-Us-You’ll-Like-Us 3-month trial subscription.

Want to place a classified ad for a job opening, an apartment for rent or garage sale?

It’s all just a click away on www.theislandnow.com.

Theislandnow.com has long been the No. 1 source of news and information for the communities served by Blank Slate Media.

And now it is the most convenient way to shop for a subscription or classified ad.

www.theislandnow.com

105 Hillside Ave., Williston Park, NY 11596 516.307.1045

Handmade One-Of-A-Kind Crystal Wrap Pendants, Rings, Bracelets & More!

Start Your Shopping Now!

Corey’s Crystal Works www.etsy.com/shop/coreyscrystalworks

The Great Neck News, Friday, March 6, 2015

GN

43

Pictured from left: (front row) Typher Yom, Emma Jing Dong, Tiffany Sun, David Michael Jaslow, Robbin Jang, Abhinav Arunabh Talwar, Rachel Lauren Mintz, Tim Tse, Monica Beeferman, Jessy Lin, and Monika Dharia (back row) Councilman Angelo Ferrara, Councilwoman Anna Kaplan, Councilman Peter Zuckerman, Supervisor Judi Bosworth, Town Clerk Wayne Wink, Councilwoman Lee Seeman, Councilwoman Vivian Russell, and Councilwoman Dina De Giorgio.

Town honors Intel Science Seach semifinalists

The Town of North Hempstead continued its tradition of honoring semifinalists from the Intel Science Talent Search during a ceremony before the regular Town Board meeting at Town Hall on Feb. 24.

The Intel STS is the nation’s most prestigious science research competition for high school seniors and requires students to present original research to nationally recognized scientists.

Town Supervisor Judi Bosworth and the Town Board honored 18 semifinalists who all attend schools in the Town of North Hempstead.

This accounts for 6 percent of the 300 semifinalists nationwide.

Honorees came from Manhasset, Paul D. Schreiber (Port Washington), John L. Miller Great Neck North, William A. Shine Great Neck South, Herricks, Mineola, Roslyn and Wheatley (East Williston) High Schools. This year, one of the students from North Hempstead, Tiffany Sun from Roslyn, moved on to the finals.

Dozens of proud family members and faculty looked on as Supervisor Bosworth presented certificates of recognition to the extraordinary young students who also briefly explained their innovative projects.

“Having the opportunity to honor such exceptional students is truly one of

the best parts of my job,” said Bosworth.

“The amount of time, effort and dedication necessary to complete projects of this magnitude is truly incredible.” Bosworth also went on to say that the achievements would not be possible without the support of the teachers, parents, and administrators who were all on hand to share in the moment.

The 12 of the 18 semifinalists who were in attendance were presented certificates of recognition by the Town Board and gave brief explanations of their projects.

The semifinalists are: Paul D. Schreiber High School Caitlin Ferris - The Trajectory of the New York State Achievement Gap: Possible Factors and the Results of No Child Left Behind.

Great Neck North High School Monica Beeferman - Intracellular crosstalk in protein aggregation of E. coli cells: An examination of the proteostasis network.

Jessy Lin - Top-Down and Bottom-up interaction in spoken word recognition.

Great Neck South High School Robbin Jang - Synthesis and Observations of Novel- Acetyl- CoA Carboxylase inhibitors: Precursors to Bivalent com-

joint forces in vivo. pounds.

Jay Zussman - Zip1 C-terminal phosMineola High School phorylation promotes Zip1-Sgs1 interacMonika Dharia - Evaluating the Estion in meiotic cells. trogenicity, androgenicity, and toxicity of urban-use pesticides using a saccharoManhasset High School Emma Jing Dong - Custom multi- myces erevisiae Bioluminescent reporter layered nanoparticles in targeted hyper- system. thermia for cancer treatment using COMRoslyn High School SOL multiphysics modeling and near David Jaslow - Saving for the Good infrared plasmonic photothermal therapy.

Jessica Kim - Enhancing the power Life: A study of how to increase savings conversion efficiency of inverted organic for retirement.”

Rachel Lauren Mintz - In vitro prophotovoltaics with gold-functionalized reduced graphene oxide and phase-sepa- tection of renal cells by alternative formulations of magnesium: A potential rated polymer morphology.

Typher Yom - Fabrication of n-doped method to abate cisplatin-mediated acute graphene coated over silicon carbide as a kidney injury. cathode in improving metal air cells via Jordan Rosen - Get Smart: An examithe acidic 4-electron pathway oxygen re- nation of intelligence beliefs of elemenduction reaction. tary teachers and students.

Tiffany Su - The Effect of SES, Beauty, Herricks High School and disability in the trolley problem.

Abhinav Arunabh Talwar - Evaluating the capacity to generate and preserve The Wheatley School nitric oxide bioactivity in earthworm Arjun Kapoor - The construction of erythrocurourin: A giant polymeric he- low entropy quasi-optimal interconnecmoglobin with potential blood substitute tion network topologies. properties.

Kuan Yu - Purification, assessment, Jim Tse - The effects of biomechanical and structural analysis of anti-oxidative dosage on osteoarthritis knee bracing us- compounds from the mushroom hericium ing a novel total knee replacement pros- erinaceus, which mitigates rotenone-inthesis (e-tibia) to measure compressive duced Parkinson’s disease.

Hofstra to host conference on ‘thriving in the workplace’ Hofstra University Continuing Education will host a conference, “Thriving in the 21st Century Workplace,” on Saturday, March 14 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

In today’s rapidly changing, hyper-connected, global economy, the skills needed to thrive in today’s workplace are very different than the skills needed just a few years ago.

Skills like flexibility, agility, risk-taking, open-mindedness, storytelling, creative problem solving, critical thinking, cultural sensitivity, and information and media literacy—to name just a few—are cropping up with more and more frequency in job descriptions and listings.

In this conference, participants will learn about how the current workplace has evolved and which skills they’ll

need to stay relevant and marketable in today’s high-tech knowledge economy.

The conference is targeted to recent graduates, individuals in career or life transition and those re-entering the workforce, as well as business owners, future entrepreneurs, and those looking to reinvent themselves in order to advance in their current organizations.

A full day of unique panels and workshops are planned. Keynote speaker Ernie Canadeo, president and CEO of The EGC Group, will deliver an entertaining and eye-opening presentation, “The Workplace Has Evolved … Have You?” Additional panelists and workshop facilitators include Gary Alan Miller of the Hofstra University Career Center, Debbi Honorof of Hofstra University Con-

tinuing Education, Phil Rugile of LaunchPad Huntington and e-Gifter, Mark Lesko of Accelerate Long Island, Arthur Germain of Communication Strategy Group, creative director Scott Wadler and career coaches Francine Fabricant, Richard Gluck and Gerry Laytin. Long Island’s top comedy improv duo, Isaacs & Baker, will demonstrate the importance of improvisation skills in the workplace.

The conference takes place in the Plaza Room of the Hofstra University David S. Mack Student Center. The cost of the full-day conference, including continental breakfast and buffet lunch, is $45.

To register or for more information, including a full agenda and speaker bios, visit ce.hofstra.edu/21 or call (516) 463-7200.

44 The Great Neck News, Friday, March 6, 2015

GN

C OMM U N I TY ne w s

Town app helps you dig out of the snow With the winter season in full swing, North Hempstead Town Supervisor Judi Bosworth would like to remind you that the “My North Hempstead” mobile app allows you to contact North Hempstead’s 311 Call Center 24/7 about any snow related issues.

The app, which launched in 2014, has a ‘Snow Removal Issues’ service request option where you can report a street that has not been plowed, or a street that needs to be replowed. You can even take a picture of an unplowed street to include in your request. After you submit your service request through the “My North Hempstead” app you will receive a tracking number so you can follow up with the Town regarding your request.

“The ‘My North Hempstead’ app is a valuable resource for Town residents during snow events and emergency situations,” Bosworth said. “I encourage everyone with a mobile device to download the app and take advantage of all it has to offer not just during the winter season, but all year long.”

The comprehensive “My

Attendees look on at a BTDC seminar last year.

North Hempstead” app provides a myriad of services to Town residents including recycling and garbage pick-up schedules based on your location.-- you can even sync thoseschedules to your smartphone calendar.

It also allows for photos to be submitted with service requests when reporting a pothole or a non-functioning streetlight.

The “My North Hempstead” app is now available for FREE in the iTunes and Google Play app stores. You can download the app by logging on to www.northhempsteadny.gov/mynhapp.

Film shows highway crews battling storm Town of North Hempstead Supervisor Judi Bosworth and the Town Board this week announced the release of North Hempstead TV’s (NHTV) latest production titled “Snow Removal.”

The video, which was directed by NHTV Studio Director Alan Ginsberg and Associate Director/Producer Samantha Hollinde, follows Town Highway Department crews as they race against the clock to pretreat the roads prior to a recent January snow storm, and as they work through the night to plow snow from North Hempstead’s roads.

“The men and women of the Highway Department are a tremendous example of municipal employees dedication to the communities they serve,” Bosworth said. “These workers stay on duty for days at time and work throughout the night to ensure that the roads are

safe and clear so residents can move about safely. The film is a great behind the scenes look at what goes on at the Town of North Hempstead during a snow storm.”

This program will air on NHTV each night at 7:00pm through March 9th and at varying hours after that. NHTV is Channel 18 and 63 on Cablevision and Channel 46 on Verizon FIOS. The video can also be found online via the icon on the homepage at www.northhempsteadny.gov or by visiting NHTV’s official website at www. mynhtv.com.

Town of North Hempstead seminar to focus on ACA

The Town of North Hempstead this week announced the latest in an ongoing series of seminars helping North Hempstead’s business community.

This seminar, “Part II – The Affordable Health Care Act, Its Tax Implications & Health Benefits – One Year Later,” will help businesses navigate the law’s ever-continuing nuances and changes, as well as their required responsibility under the Act, costs, health plan options, expanded coverage and tax implications.

The seminars are hosted by the North Hempstead Business and Tourism Development Corporation.

The seminar will be held March 20 at the Harbor Links Club House and will begin at 8 a.m. A free continental breakfast is included with registration.

A panel of experts will clear up any misconceptions about the Affordable Care Act and detail what the federal requirements are, how it can affect a business owner and employees, what impact it could have on a busi-

ness’s bottom line, what the tax implications are, and what the covered benefits are.

“The Town of North Hempstead is committed to helping local businesses to not only survive, but to thrive in our exceptional business environment,” said Town Supervisor Judi Bosworth. “With this seminar, we reaffirm that commitment to our neighbors by offering the opportunity to converse with experts about cost effective ways to use state and federal laws to take the best care of their employees and their businesses.”

Bosworth also serves as the Chair of the Business and Tourism Development Corporation.

The seminar will feature our returning panel of experts, Kenneth Laks and Kyle Sloane. Laks is the tax principal at Albrecht, Vizziano, Zureck and Company, and specializes in tax law. Sloan is the senior vice president of Insurance for Newtek Insurance Agency, LLC, with degrees in Insurance Economics and Finance Economics.

Laks and Sloane will be

available to advise local business owners on how to reduce costs and maximize the benefits from the new health care exchanges and if you own a business with 25 employees or less, you may be eligible for a Small Business Health Care Tax Credit.

“Business owners must now provide coverage for their workers or pay penalties,” BTDC Executive Director Kim Kaiman said of the seminar. “Unfortunately, very few business owners know exactly what the new ACA is going to mean to them, or who qualifies as a ‘Small Business,’ and this lack of understanding has sparked a lot of debate. Our returning panel of experts will detail the expanded coverage of benefits, the NY Health Benefits Exchange, options for employers with 50 or fewer full-time employees, and the costs and tax implications for all.”

The seminar is free and all business owners are welcome to attend. Pre-registration is required. To register, call (516) 869-7614, or visit online at www. btdc.biz/onlineregistration.asp.

Adelphi to host breast cancer forum On Thursday, March 26, people who are recovering from breast cancer can learn stress management techniques at a free two-hour forum at Adelphi University, sponsored by the Adelphi NY Statewide Breast Cancer Hotline & Support Program.

The forum, which is held at The Alumni House at 154 Cambridge Avenue, Garden City, begins at noon and ends at 2 p.m.

“Stress is the number one

complaint we hear from breast cancer patients,” said Erin Nau, program and counseling coordinator, “but there are simple techniques that participants can learn that can help them to relax and handle stress better.”

Jonathan Jackson and Lauren Fisch will be presenting information and stress management techniques. Jackson is the director of the Center for Psychological Services at Adelphi and

Fisch is the founder of Mederi, a wellness service for stress relief.

The forum is free, but reservations are required. Call (516) 877-4325 to reserve a space.

Those who are unable to attend, can watch our livestream of the forum on the YouTube channel: www.youtube.com/user/ AUBreastCancer The forum is sponsored by a grant from the Manhasset Junior Coalition.

The Great Neck News, Friday, March 6, 2015

GN

45

C OMM U N I TY ne w s

‘Sopranos’ stars to host JCC auction Event raises funds for the JCC’s vital social services, including special needs programs, Alzheimer’s day programs and cancer support groups “The Sopranos” stars Tony Sirico (Paulie “Walnuts” Gualtieri) and Steve Schirripa (Bobby “Bacala” Baccalieri) with host this year’s Sid Jacobson Jewish Community Center Auction for Excellence, An Epicurean Event on Thursday, March 19 at Glen Oaks Club, 175 Post Road, Old Westbury. The event, which celebrates its 20th anniversary this year, benefits vital social service programs and scholarship opportunities at the JCC. Well-known for their turn as mobsters in HBO’s hit show “The Sopranos,” Sirico and Schirripa have also starred in numer-

ous roles on both the small and silver screens.

Sirico is a veteran actor who has starred in more than 45 feature films, including “Goodfellas” and “Bullets Over Broadway.”

Schirripa has held roles in “Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas” and the hit ABC Family Series “The Secret Life of the American Teenager.”

A night of food and fun, the Auction for Excellence, An Epicurean Event brings together flavors of the area’s best gourmet restaurants and the excitement of live and silent auctions.

The evening benefits essential programs for those going through life crises, including cancer, loss of a job and caring

Contestants sought for Ms. NY Sr. Pageant Nassau County Executive Edward P. Mangano announced this week that the 2015 Ms. New York Senior America Pageant is seeking contestants, over the age of 60, with stage talent.

The 2015 Ms. New York Senior America Pageant will take place on May 3 at Hofstra University. The pageant returns to Nassau County for a second year in a row after having been held in Suffolk County for many years.

The New York Senior America Organization features 15 women contestants aged 60 years or older, who best exemplify the qualities of the modern dynamic senior. The winning 2015 Queen will receive a $1,000 cash prize.

An array of talent will be on display, including singers, dancers, and musicians. The pageant consists of four categories: a

personal interview; a recitation of their philosophy of life; an evening gown presentation; and a talent performance. The judges will select the “Queen and her Court” and the winner will go on to Atlantic City in October to compete with queens from other states for the coveted national crown and title of Ms. Senior America.

To participate, please contact Director Marleen Schuss at (516) 678-3242 or marleenschuss@aol.com.

Reserved seating for the 2015 Ms. New York Senior America Pageant is available for $25 per person. Group rates are available.

To purchase tickets, please call Dolores Meglio at (631) 249-0258. For more information please visit the website www.newyorksenioramerica. org.

FCA tries crowdfunding with ‘Spring Into Change’ Celebrated each March, National Professional Social Work Month is an opportunity to highlight the important contributions social workers make to society.

In recognition of the invaluable work being done by its staff of social workers and counselors, Family & Children’s Association, Long Island’s human service organization, is celebrating National Professional Social Work month by launching a “Spring Into Change” campaign on crowd-funding site Go Fund Me: www.gofundme.com/ SpringintoChange

The Spring Into Change campaign will showcase the work being done by FCA through stories of client achievements while also inviting site visitors to donate to help carry on the agency’s mission.

The FCA has a staff of close to 200 social workers committed to helping Long Island’s neediest children, seniors and families take a step forward to a better life.

To support Long Islander’s in need, visit www.gofundme. com/SpringintoChange or visit FCA’s website www.FamilyandChildrens.org

for those with autism, Alzheimer’s or related dementias and also provides vital scholarships to individuals and families in the community.

The 20th Annual Auction for Excellence, An Epicurean Event will once again feature samples from the area’s best eateries, including 388 Restaurant, Abeetza Pizza & Abeetza Next Door, Bagel Boss, Bar Frites, Bella Christie and Lil Z’s Sweet Boutique, Café Continental Manhasset, Cakes with Character, Cardinali Bakery, Center Cuts, Centro Cucina, Chris & Tony’s, Cipollini, Coffee Distributing Corp., Elegant Eating, Eric’s Italian Bistro, Glen Oaks Club, Heavenly Tea Leaves, Hendrick’s Tavern, Il Bacco Ristorante, Joseph Craig Caterers, La Bottega, La

Ginestra, Lederman’s Caterers, Magnolia Bakery, Mamma Chia , Mim’s Restaurant, Nisen Sushi, Pearl East, Prime Time Butcher, RAM Caterers of Old Westbury, Sangria 71, Stresa Italian Restaurant, Tocolo Cantina, Tastings by Chef Tom Schaudel, The Lake House Restaurant, Trattoria Di Meo, True American Kitchen, Wild Lizzy’s and Wines, Etc. Musical entertainment will be provided by FiveStone Band.

For more information on the 20th Annual Auction for Excellence, An Epicurean Event or to register for the event, contact Bridgette Adair, Development Coordinator, at (516) 484-1545, ext 141, badair (at) sjjcc (dot) org or visit www. sjjcc.org/auction.

13 shops to participate in Nassau County yarn crawl Thirteen yarn shops from Montauk to Port Washington will be participating in the first annual Long Island Yarn Crawl March 19 through March 22. Over the course of the long weekend, yarn crafters - knitters, crocheters, weavers and spinners - are invited to participate in this self-guided tour of our Long Island yarn shops.

Participants are invited to get their Long Island Yarn Crawl Passport and have it stamped as they “crawl” from shop to shop. Crawlers who collect stamps from at least 12 stores can enter to win our grand prize: a $100 gift card from each of the participating stores.

Special edition Long Island Yarn Crawl bags can be purchased at participating shops, or are available as a free gift with a $20 minimum purchase (as supplies last).

Each store has specials planned and will have drawings for door prizes during the crawl. Details

will be made available closer to the Yarn Crawl weekend here on our website: http://longislandyarncrawl.com/ This year’s Yarn Crawl features shops from all over Nassau & Suffolk counties, sure to hit every knitter’s palette: Altman’s Needle & Fiber Arts - Mattituck Infinite Yarns – Farmingdale Long Island Livestock Co. – Yaphank Knit – Roslyn The Knitted Purl – Oyster Bay The Knitting Corner – Huntington The Knitting Garden – Huntington The Knitting Place – Port Washington The Knitting Store – Oceanside Purl by the Sea – Montauk Sew What’s New & Yarn Too! – Islip The Village Knitter – Babylon a Yarn Garden – Plainview

Pal-O-Mine receives 2 grants Pal-O-Mine, a private, not for profit organization providing a comprehensive therapeutic equine program using horses to facilitate growth, learning and healing for children and adults with disabilities, received a $10,500 grant from the Michael Scotto Memorial Foundation.

The grant to Pal-O-Mine will be applied toward adopting “Vinnie” one of Pal-OMine’s therapy horses and also to support its “Adopt a Rider” program.

Pal-O-Mine also received a $20,000 grant from New York Community Bank Foundation to support the continuation and expansion of its J-STEP Program for 2015.

It is the second such grant the Foundation has provided in

support of Pal-O-Mine’s J-STEP program.

The primary focus of the J-STEP Program is to provide meaningful employment op-

portunities to adults with disabilities and to establish an organic farming and horticulture program as well as a recycling program at Pal-O-Mine.

46 The Great Neck News, Friday, March 6, 2015

GN

C OMM U N I TY ne w s

Mangano commemorates Hofstra North Shore-LIJ School of Medicine opening

Nassau County Executive Edward P. Mangano presented a citation to Hofstra University President Stuart Rabinowitz to commemorate the opening celebration of The Hofstra North Shore-LIJ School of Medicine. Pictured from left: New York State Health Commissioner Dr. Howard Zucker, School of Medicine Founding Dean Lawrence Smith, Town of Hempstead Supervisor Kate Murray, NYS Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli, County Executive Edward P. Mangano, Hofstra President Stuart Rabinowitz, North Shore-LIJ CEO Michael Dowling, Councilwoman Dorothy Goosby, and NYS Senator Kemp Hannon,

Red Cross seeks March donors The American Red Cross encourages eligible blood donors to become everyday heroes by giving blood in celebration of Red Cross Month this March.

Since 1943, every president has designated March as Red Cross Month – a time to recognize those who support the Red Cross. Local communities depend on the Red Cross, which relies on donations of time, money and blood to fulfill its humanitarian mission.

It doesn’t take a cape or superpowers to be a hero. By donating blood, eligible donors can help save the lives of patients in need. Those who are unable to give blood can support blood donations by organizing a blood drive, volunteering to assist with Red Cross activities, or creating a SleevesUp virtual blood drive online at redcrossblood.org/ SleevesUp and asking others to make a lifesaving donation.

To make an appointment to give blood, download the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit redcrossblood.org or call (800) RED CROSS (800-733-2767).

Massapequa March 18, 10:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m., Westfield Sunrise Mall, 1 Sunrise Mall Roslyn March 17, 11 a.m. - 4 p.m., Rallye Mercedes Benz, 1600 Northern Blvd.

Westbury March 16, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., Rallye BMW Westbury, 1 Brush Hollow Road Northport March 26, 3 - 8 p.m., Norwood Avenue School, 25 Norwood Road Stony Brook March 24, 11:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m., Stony Brook University, Stony Brook

The Great Neck News, Friday, March 6, 2015

GN

47

Sisters reunite after 50 years apart Continued from Page 3 Valle, 67, both said they remember crying before leaving, saying they did not want to leave their family behind. “[It was] extremely emotional, especially when we were separated from our mother and siblings and sent to a Catholic orphanage in Rome until we were cleared to come to the U.S.,” the sisters said. “While at the orphanage, Amy, Rose and Maria were housed in one section and Marguerite was placed in the

nursery section.”

Rose said she remembers saving pennies and mailing them to her mother so she could come to them in the U.S. The four sisters who came to the United States encountered more hardship when their aunt Martha died just two years after the sisters’ arrival in the United States.

Two yeas laer, the sisters’ mother died in Italy.

Michael married another woman, Rosaria, in Italy two

months after their mother died.

Rosaria did not speak English and, the sisters said, they needed to readjust to calling a new woman “mother.”

“It was difficult to call a stranger ‘mother’ in less than two months of losing our biological mother,” the sisters said.

The sisters said they went back Italy at various. The first time they went, in 1964, they visited their mother’s family in Naples and saw Lina and brother Rocco.

Since then, the sisters had only seen their siblings individually from time to time.

In 2001 Rose saw Lina – who had moved to Melbourne, Australia in 1968 and gotten married - and Marguerite saw Rocco in 1992.

Maria saw Rocco in July 1998.

Amy, the eldest sister to move to the U.S. never returned to Italy however. She said it would have been too emotional for her to return.

The sisters said the had not reunited because of the distance from Australia, marriages, family responsibilities, careers and illness. Amy was also diagnosed with cancer in 2008.

But one of the biggest factors, they said, was their collective fear of flying.

When the sisters did reunite, they were overwhelmed and overjoyed.

The sisters made Lina promise that she would visit them again within two years.

Stein charge draws heated response Continued from Page 1 portunity this contested election presents to discuss and debate the important issues facing our village.”

Stein’s allegation that he was urging a payoff by the board was libelous, Schneiderman said, and should be retracted immediately.

Stein responded to Schneiderman’s call for an apology by saying village trustee meeting minutes support his claims and challenged Schneiderman to explain what he found libelous in his statements.

Stein is opposing Schneiderman and fellow village Trustee Lawrence Katz in a race for two trustee spots in the Village of Great Neck Plaza elections March 18.

In a release titled “Trustee Schneiderman Caught Urging $2,500 Payoff by Plaza Board” on his campaign website, Stein said Schneiderman would “rather pay-out $2,500 in taxpayer dollars than take responsibility, and blame, for upcoming, and unpopular, actions about to be taken by the Board that will further burden Plaza Residents and shoppers financially by making it more costly to live and do business in the already faltering Great Neck Plaza.”

Stein said in the statement online he was referencing recommendations made by the consulting firm Level G Associates to the village trustees about ways to alleviate parking congestion downtown.

Stein spoke at a trustee meeting in January saying that he was concerned a parking report given the month prior would not to made public.

Village Mayor Jean Celender said at the meeting no official report was ever given, at that a representative only came before the trustees to show them his preliminary findings – a meeting that was publicly advertised before.

Changes suggested to the board by Level G included shortening parking time on Middle Neck Road from a two-hour limit to an hour and a half, increasing parking fees to 50 cents per hour and shortening the parking limit in Gussack Plaza from its current four hours. “[The trustees] know inductively what they want to do,” Stein said. “[Schneiderman] said it three times on record, the board wants to hire [Level G] to take the blame. This is how this board operates, they should be taken to task for that.”

Stein sent a letter back to Schneiderman Tuesday, urging Schneiderman to apologize to the public for the comments made about the parking recommendations. “...if you want to meter on Sundays, hike parking fees, change metering times and durations, do so – and take responsibility for doing it,” Stein wrote in the letter. “That’s proper behavior from a public servant.”

Schneiderman who along with Katz challenged Stein to a debate, said Stein has a pattern of misstatements about the Plaza.

“Mr. Stein has made various assertions regarding village taxes, the village budget, pedestrian safety, parking proposals, construction and building inspection requirements and procedures in the village and downtown business activity which are misleading and demonstrate an alarming lack of knowledge of the operation of the village on the part of one who is seeking a seat on the village board,” Schneiderman said. “There is no place in Plaza politics for the tactics Mr. Stein has employed. Our residents deserve better.”

“I am ready to meet Mr. Stein in a debate any time between now and the day of the

village election and any place within our village,” Schneiderman added. “ I ask Mr. Stein to contact me immediately so that arrangements for this debate can be made.

Stein, who said he would welcome a debate with Schneiderman and Katz, has said village trustees focus too much

Stein acknowledged that he has only been to two open meetings on the village board of trustees.

“Nothing happens of note at meetings,” Stein said. “They do what they want to do, there’s no real interaction. The public comment scene is a sideshow.”

Stein said he would debate

Gerry Schneiderman

Jonathan Stein

on parking turnover and not enough on the character of the village. He also questioned the effectiveness of the Great Neck Plaza Business Improvement District, saying he did not believe they were effectively spending the money they receive from district property owners.

He also said the reason for the village trustee meetings low public attendance is due to people feeling they don’t have a voice. People who have recently moved into the village and younger people do not feel like they have their voices heard, he said.

“As trustee I’d be in the minority but I would represent the voice of a minority not being represented,” Stein said. “My victory would show that this machine can be beaten. If I were to win others would follow, and maybe people would take more of an interest in local government.”

both Schneiderman and Katz any time.

“I’d like to debate what [Schneiderman] has done for the past 10 years,” Stein said.

Stein went on to say that nobody in the village even knows who Katz is.

“As I was going around petitioning, a lot of people said his name doesn’t ring a bell,” Stein said. “Or they said he was one of two things...the rubber stamp, or the absentee trustee.”

Efforts to reach Katz were unavailing.

Schneiderman has been a trustee since 2000, and served as chairman of the Board of Zoning Appeals from 1982 until 2000.

Katz has been a trustee since 2012, and served as a member of the Board of Zoning Appeals from 2010 until 2012.

Both said they were running to continue the work they had begun on the board.

“[I’m working with and overseeing the Public Works Department I put into fruition, a program that provides an extra five free minutes when the time expires on our parking meters,” Schneiderman said. “I am also very active in the beautification of the village and work directly with our landscapers to pick the right plants for our beautiful seasonal planters.”

Schneiderman, who has lived in the Plaza for 44 years, also serves as a representative to the Nassau County Village Officials Association as a director on the Great Neck Plaza Business Improvement District and is the village representative to the Great Neck Business Circle, and is a member of the Village Public Art Advisory Group and the Vigilant Fire Liaison Committee He said he also helped organize the restaurants needed for the village’s first restaurant week.

Katz said he is running to continue his efforts to support the growth of the downtown business district, which he said is one of his greatest contributions to the village.

“Promoting Restaurant Week, advocating for our existing businesses and other efforts to attract shoppers and new businesses to the Plaza are paramount,” Katz said. “Many new merchants have joined the Plaza in the last several years.”

Katz said he and his wife moved to the Plaza in 2000 after being attracted to the beauty of the village as well as its small town feel, shops and restaurants and proximity to Manhattan.

A certified public accountant, Katz said he now has two young daughters and enjoys taking advantage of things in the Plaza such as its parks, summer concerts and family-friendly restaurants.

48 The Great Neck News, Friday, March 6, 2015

GN

Developer’s history not scrutinized

Continued from Page 1 Organization, which according to an organization called the Croman Tenants Alliance educated tenants of Shalom-owned properties of their rights.

Five years later, then-state Sen. Eric Schneiderman - now the state attorney general called Ohebshalom “arguably among the worst [landlords] in the city” and co-sponsored a meeting of the Shalom Tenants Alliance to curb what he called Sky Management’s practice of “harassment, lack of services, illegal and dangerous construction, robberies and many other conditions which make their homes uninhabitable.”

But Warner said approval for the proposed co-op complex, to be called The Rose, came following a nearly two-year public hearing process during which Ohebshalom and associates agreed to comply with various amendments to the project as suggested by village trustees.

“We held their feet to the fire on a lot of things,” Warner said.

“It really wouldn’t matter what the history was.”

Efforts to Ohebshalom and Paul Bloom, the attorney representing GN Properties, were unavailing.

The development marked the second proposal made before Great Neck Estates officials by a developer with an alleged sordid past seeking to develop property on Middle Neck Road.

Less than half a mile from Ohebshalom’s property, at 104

The property located at 212-230 Middle Neck Road in Great Neck Estates is scheduled to become a 41-unit senior housing complex Middle Neck Road, stands the First Playhouse Theater, whose chief executive officer, Ely Sakhai, of Old Westbury, plans to redevelop the site with an apartment complex. Sakhai also owns “The Art Collection” gallery at 39 Cutter Mill Road.

In 2004, an Old Westbury resident named Ely Sakhai pleaded guilty to federal fraud charges in a 15-year art forgery operation that resulted in a 41-month prison sentence and $12.5 million fine.

But the Sakhai who owns the First Playhouse Theater said

in an interview with Blank Slate Media that he is not the same Ely Sakhai that pleaded guilty to the art forgery, despite having an Old Westbury address.

Great Neck Estates Mayor David Fox said he was unaware of the art forgery incident and was not aware of Sakhai’s background when the First Playhouse Theater proposal was introduced to the village, under the applicant name First Playhouse of Great Neck Corp.

He said the board has not even communicated with Sakhai directly on the proposal, as the

applicant’s representative in public hearings has been Jan Soleimani, identified as First Playhouse of Great Neck Corp.’s vice president.

The name Ely Sakhai does not appear on the First Playhouse’s application to the Village of Great Neck Estates. Soleimani signed the application made by First Playhouse of Great Neck Corp. in March 2013. He also signed the affidavit of the application and the affidavit of property owner.

Fox declined to comment on whether an applicant’s criminal

history would influence a board’s decision on whether to approve a proposal.

“No one does background checks [on the application], ever – they just don’t do it,” Fox said at the time. “It’s not the policy of the village.”

The Village of Great Neck Estates trustees adjourned a public hearing on the proposed First Playhouse Theater project in September, saying the developer has not answered some of the trustees’ questions about the demolition.

An ongoing public hearing on the proposal is scheduled for March 9.

Warner said the village has not conducted a background check on Ohebshalom or his family despite being questioned about his history during public meetings.

Ohebshalom’s representatives have also dodged questions about the project’s costs.

During an October 2014 hearing on the application, a resident asked the board whether financing for the proposal had yet been finalized, as well as the total estimated cost of the project.

“Only to the extent that the total cost of the project is an irrelevancy. I’m not quite sure I want to address it,” Bloom replied, according to meeting minutes.

“Whether or not financing is in place is yet a second irrelevancy.

The project will be built and construction will be done as soon as approvals are obtained.”

Friedman suit against Rice dismissed Continued from Page 2 Rice who resigned as district attorney in January after being elected to Congress in November, said at the time her office’s investigation confirmed Friedman’s original conviction, which took place under another district attorney.

Friedman and his father Arnold Friedman were arrested and pleaded guilty in 1988 to sexually abusing young boys en-

rolled in a computer class in his family’s Great Neck home. Friedman was released on parole in 2001 and soon retracted on his guilty plea, saying his confession was coerced from law enforcement officials and that police manipulated false abuse claims from the alleged victims. His father died in prison.

Friedman’s claims of actual innocence were later chronicled in the documentary “Capturing

the Friedmans.”

Supreme Court Justice Dana Winslow ruled in August 2013 that Rice hand over “every piece of paper” of the DA’s case file on Friedman, except the victims’ names. This ruling came after Rice’s three-year re-investiation.

The DA’s office appeared in the Appellate Division in Brooklyn in mid-February to argue against Winslow’s order ruling requiring the office to turn over

case files related to Friedman’s conviction. The DA’s office argued that releasing the material would invade the privacy of Friedman’s victims and possibly make future victims of molestation hesitant to come forward.

Friedman’s attorney Ronald Kuby argued that the information Winslow ordered to be turned over is favorable to the defense.

In December, Nassau County

Supreme Court Justice Teresa Corrigan approved the motion for an evidentiary hearing in Friedman’s claims of actual innocence.

Corrigan denied Friedman’s motions to overturn his convictions based on what Friedman’s lawyers said was the prosecution knowingly using false testimony and a coerced guilty plea to gain the conviction.

Candidates focus on Colonial Road Continued from Page 4 things people look for in a trustee is making sure the village has a safe environment and that the roads are plowed, she said.

“I just like to be part of pro-

cess,” she said. “I’m open minded in what the mayor has presented on the agendas, the railroad project and the beautification of the village.”

Monoson said was ap-

proached to served as a trustee because of her record of pubic service as a village justice from 1999 through 2009.

“I liked being in public service but the court closed,” Mono-

son said. “When I was given the opportunity to serve again I was happy to do it.”

Monoson is an attorney with the Great Neck firm Kestenbaum & Mark and has been practicing

law since 1991, she said.

Even though she is new to the village board, she said, she likes the day-to-day business of the village.

GN

School & camp directory

The Great Neck News, Friday, March 6, 2015

Our 66th Summer!!

OPEN HOUSE: SUNDAY, 3/15 | 11am - 2pm

185 Colonial Springs Road, Wheatley Heights, NY 11798

America’s Premier Arts Day Camp: Music | Art | Dance | Theater | Nature | Writing | Chess | Swim | Recreation Whether your child is a beginner or has experience in the arts, Usdan welcomes all students ages 5-18.

The Center has a professional faculty of artist-teachers and is situated on a beautiful woodland campus in Huntington, Long Island. Choose from 40 classes in: Music, Theater, Dance, Art, Creative Writing, Nature, and Chess. A/C buses from all neighborhoods. Weekdays: 3, 4 or 7 weeks. Tuition: $2,310 $4,175 plus transportation and fees.

Usdan

Usdan Center for the Creative and Performing Arts

www.usdan.com

631-643-7900 | 212-772-6060

49

The Great Neck News, Friday, March 6, 2015 50 2015 Summer Adv AD-sports BS_BS 2/26/15 8:57 AM

GN

Page 1

School & camp directory

Got Summer Plans?

SUMMER TRADITION FOR 54 YEARS JOIN US FOR AN OPEN HOUSE PARTY SUNDAY, MARCH 15th, Noon to 3 pm (NO APPOINTMENT NECESSARY)

March 8 Open House and Sports Clinic 10 am - noon P O R T L E D G E S C H O O L

E

X

PL

OR

E

C R E AT E

EX

C

E

L

Meet our teachers and coaches, explore free hands-on activities, and discover our exceptional programs including: Programs for Little Ones The Arts Science Chess/Gaming Sports Academy Summer Academic Institute Learn more by calling Melissa Worth at 516-750-3104, email mworth@portledge.org, or visit www.portledge.org/ summeradventures

355 Duck Pond Road, Locust Valley, NY 11560

131 Brookville Road, Brookville, NY 11545 www.LuHiSummerCamps.org • 516-626-1100

GN

School & camp directory 647 Franklin Ave, Garden City

516 798-4070 Insurance Accepted

“You Can’t Sit Here”

Lunch Tables Can Be Rough We Can Help

Social Survival Skills for Kids

How to Make and Keep Friends Skills Taught Include: • How to Start & Sustain Conversations • How to Choose Potential Friends • How to Join into Groups • How to Deal with Teasing/Gossip • Steps to Change a Negative Reputation

GROUPS ARE NOW FORMING FOR SPRING Please Call Dr. Laura Cohen for more information

MATH • SAT • ACT

TI-84 TI-89

Algebra NYS Licensed Geometry Grades 7-12 Algebra 2 + Trig Pre-Calc AP Calculus

NORM: 625-3314

ENGLISH • ACT • SAT eading R l a c i t i r C

25+ Years Writing Experience Grammar Essays

LYNNE: 6 2 5 - 3 3 1 4

The Great Neck News, Friday, March 6, 2015

p r o fessi o na l direc t o r y

51

SAVE THE MEMORIES TRANSFER SERVICE

Everyone has old photo albums, VHS videos, 8 mm, Super 8, and old 16mm films. We transfer them to DVD bringing old memories back to life. We also transfer 35mm slides and negatives to DVD. Plus we also transfer LP records, 45’, 78’s, audio cassettes and reel to reel tape to CD. Plus much more!

So Don’t Delay. Call Joe Labo now

718-835-2595

Save the Memories

Free pick-up available in most areas. Min. $100 order

CPA/TAX BUISINESS ADVISOR

ANTHONY BASILE CPA, P.C. Certified Public Accountant 401 Franklin Ave., Suite 105

Garden City, NY 11530 V: (516) 741-5100 x11 F: (516) 741-1690 www.basilecpa.com

Tax Planning/Preparation • Financial Consulting • Forensic Accounting • Business Valuation •

abasile@basilecpa.com

Sport Psychology Dr. Tom Ferraro

has specialized in sport psychology for 20 years and works in the fields of golf, tennis, soccer, baseball, football, wrestling, lacrosse, figure skating, gymnastics, softball, fencing and more. He has helped professional teams, Olympians and elite young athletes learn how to manage the intense pressure of competitive sports. He appears on both TV and radio and has sport psychology columns in 5 different newspapers and has been featured in The New York Times, Wall street Journal and the London Times. Golf Digest includes him in their list of top mental game gurus in America. For a consultation see below: Williston Park Professional Center 2 Hillside Ave, Suite E. Williston Park NY 11596 (building parallel to E. Williston railroad station)

drtomferraro.com drtferraro@aol.com

(516) 248-7189

52 The Great Neck News, Friday, March 6, 2015

GN

GN

The Great Neck News, Friday, March 6, 2015

53

54 The Great Neck News, Friday, March 6, 2015

GN

buyer’s guide ▼ antiques

cleaning

$$ Top Cash Paid $$

GARDEN CITY

HIGH END ANTIQUES HIGH CASH PAiD Oil Paintings, Mid-Century Accessories 1950s/60s, Porcelain, Costume Jewelry, Sterling Silver, Gold, Furniture, Objects of Art, etc.

• 1 Pc.or entire estates • Premium prices paid for Tiffany, Damaged Meissen Porcelain, Bronzes, Quality Pieces Marble, etc. also

wanted

CALL JOSEPH OR

RUTH

718-598-3045 or 516-270-2128 Family Business for over 40 years

AntiqueAssets.com

Buying and Selling over 40 Years / Member New England Appraisers Association

home improvement

home improvement

COMPLETE JUNK REMOVAL/DEMOLITION

CLEANING SERVICES For Home and Office

• Home Tutoring • Computer Repair • Virus Removal • iPhone/iPad Repair • iMac/MacBooks Fixed

(516) 650-0098

• Professional Team • Honest, Reliable & Experienced • Materials & equipment provided Great References Free Estimates Bonded & Insured

516.472.0500

• We haul anything & everything • Entire contents of home and/or office • We clean it up and take it away

www.ComputerRepairForce.com 39 Great Neck Rd., Great Neck Open 7 Days • Patient & Friendly

STRONG ARM CONTRACTING, INC.

www.computerteach.net

home improvement

LAMPS FIXED $ 65

Residential - Commercial Bonded Insured / Free Estimates

516-538-1125

home improvment

Elegant Touch Remodeling

In Home Service Handy Howard 646-996-7628

“Quality Construction with a Personal Touch” Deal direct with owner - Serving li over 25 years

• • • •

All Types of Home Improvements Free Estimates • Free design service extensions • Kitchens dormers • bathrooms decks • siding

631.281.7033 Licence #H18H2680000

Home improvement

DEVLIN BUILDERS

home improvement

Finer Interiors, Inc. Custom work at its best

Since 1979

We do all types of improvements including HANDYMAN REPAIRS No job too small

Complete Home Renovations Dormers - Extensions Kitchens - Bathrooms and Basements

516.486.8100

Bob Devlin @

www.maximbuilders.com

516-365-6685

Garden City, NY 11530

Insured, License # H18C730000

Sage Oil

516 485-3900 Quality Oil at a Great Price Since 1960

No Fee For Visa/MC/Discovery or Debit Cards junk removal

JUNK REMOVAL and DEMOLITION Residential and Commercial • Free Estimates References

516-330-2226 lawn sprinklers LAWN SPRINKLERS

MB Home Inspections Inc. Professional Home & Building Inspections Servicing NYC, LI and Upstate counties Your family’s safety is our priority 29 Fairmount Blvd.

Garden City, New York 11530 www.mbhomeinspections.com mbhomeinspections@gmail.com moving & storage N.Y.D.O.T.#10405

MOVING & STORAGE INC.

Any 2-3 pieces to entire house

• Residential • Commercial • Piano & Organ Experts • Boxes Available

Bonded and insured Senior discount Delivery service available

516-741-2657

FREE ESTIMATES www.ajmoving.com

www.riosremoval.com

In business over 40 years

home HOME inspections INSPECTIONS

Long Island and New York State Specialists

5% off any job

• Kitchens and bathrooms start to finish • All type floors stripped, waxed, installed or repaired • Painting • Sheet Rocking • Carpets cleaned and repaired • Upholstery cleaning Richard Lopez, President

Homeheating Heating Oil home oil

Henry 516-523-0974

demo/ junk removal

computers

114 Jericho Tpke.

Mineola, NY 11501

Milo Balcerzak [917] 681-6736 F [516] 327-3199

• • • • •

Fall Drain Outs Backflow Device Tests Free Estimates Installation Service/Repairs

Joe Barbato (516) 775-1199

NYS# 16000056207

PAINTING/CARPENTRY/POWER WASHING painting, carpentry & powerwashing

SWEENEY

PAINTING and CARPENTRY Interior/Exterior B. Moore Paints Wallpaper Faux Finishes

Renovations New Mouldings Doors Windows

Licensed & Insured

516-884-4016

GN

T:4.313”

The Great Neck News, Friday, March 6, 2015

buyer’s guide ▼ PAINTING/POWERWASHING

resd/Comm cleaning

STRONG ARM CLEANING

Residential and Commercial Cleaning Specialist • Post construction clean ups • Stripping, waxing floors • Move ins and move outs

Free estimates / Bonded Insured

516-538-1125

www.strongarmcleaningny.com

renovations

tree service

Who insures you doesn’t matter.

Until it does.

hiram cohen & son, inc.

Insurance Since 1919

26

Bill Spitalnick 486 Willis Avenue, Williston Park, NY 11596 516.535.3561 • Fax: 516.742.7209 A 2013 Chubb Personal Cornerstone Elite Agency

window repairs

631-385-7975

WINDOW REPAIRS & RESTORATIONS

Outdated Hardware • Skylights •Andersen Sashes • New Storm Windows • Wood Windows • Chain/Rope Repairs • Falling Windows • Fogged Panes • Mechanical Repairs • Wood Repairs

ALL BRANDS

W W W. S K YC L E A RW I N D OW. CO M Call Mr. Fagan • 32 Years Experience Lic. # H080600000 Nassau

Financial Strength and Exceptional Claim Service Property | Liability | Executive Protection | Workers Compensation | Marine | Surety Homeowners | Auto | Yacht | Jewelry | Antiques | Accident & Health Chubb Group of Insurance Companies (“Chubb”) is the marketing name used to refer to the insurance subsidiaries of The Chubb Corporation. For a list of these subsidiaries, please visit our website at www.chubb.com. Actual coverage is subject to the language of the policies as issued. Chubb, Box 1615, Warren, NJ 07061-1615. ©2013 Chubb & Son, a division of Federal Insurance Company.

55

56 The Great Neck News, Friday, March 6, 2015

nassau

GN

COMMUNITY CLASSIFIEDS to advertise call: 516.307.1045

▼ Employment, Marketplace To Place Your Ad Call Phone:

516.307.1045

Fax:

516.307.1046

e-mail:

hblank@theislandnow.com

In Person:

105 Hillside Avenue Williston Park, NY 11598

We’re Open:

Mon–Thurs: 9am-5:30pm Fri: 9am-6pm

Deadlines

Tuesday 11:00am: Classified Advertising Tuesday 1:00pm: Legal Notices/ Name Changes Friday 5:00pm Buyers’s Guide Error Responsibility All ads placed by telephone are read back for verification of copy context.

In the event of an error of Blank Slate Media LLC we are not responsible for the first incorrect insertion. We assume no responsiblity for an error in and beyond the cost of the ad.

Cancellation Policy Ads must be cancelled the Monday before the first Thursday publication. All cancellations must be received in writing by fax at: 516.307.1046 Any verbal cancellations must be approved by a supervisor. There are no refunds on cancelled advertising. An advertising credit only will be issued.

• Great Neck News • Williston Times • New Hyde Park Herald Courier • Manhasset Times • Roslyn Times • Garden City News • Bethpage Newsgram • Jericho Syosset News Journal • Mid Island Times • Syosset Advance

Employment

Help Wanted AIRLINE CAREERS BEGIN here​​ Get FAA approved Aviation Maintenance Technician training. Financial aid for qualified studentsHousing available. Job placement assistance, Call AIM 866-296-7093 F/T NANNY NEEDED Looking for a caring, energetic and responsible nanny to take care of our 3 children (8,6 & 3). Mon-Fri from 7:15a.m. to 6:15 p.m. in Garden City. Must drive (do not need to own car) and have excellent references. Spanish speaking a plus but not required. Please call Pia at 917-860-8014 MARKETING DEMONSTRATOR PART TIME Talk with homeowners at various venues about their kitchen remodeling needs. No experience necessary. Will train on products and services. Competitive hourly + unlimited bonuses.

Reliable transportation needed.

Email resumes@kitchenmagic. com or call 631-240-4151 MOBILE ADVERTISING OFFICERS Needed. Drive with an ad and earn $300 weekly. We place ad on your vehicle for free and you earn $300 weekly when you drive your vehicle to your normal routine places. Contact: conceptcarwrap@gmail.com or text “Name and Email address” to 267-8885244 to apply NEW YEAR-NEW CAREER GROUP SALES REPRESENTATIVE Fortune 500 company, voted top 30 places to start a career in USA by Business Week magazine, looking for individuals to grow with the largest provider of voluntary employee benefits in the country.

Must be enthusiastic and have strong work ethic. Sales experience is welcome but not necessary. Extensive management opportunities available. Unlimited earnings potential. Office located in Garden City. Call Bill Whicher 516-574-1064

Help Wanted SITTER NEEDED Wednesdays from 7:00 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. as well as additional part time hours. Must have own transportation and clean driving record. Please email me your experience with references if interested at gcbabysitter@gmail.com WARM, LOVING GARDEN CITY FAMILY seeks reliable and fun individual to help during the week with our two children (ages 7 & 9) Monday through Friday (3-8pm​/​ F3-6pm) and possibly 2-3 mornings (7-8am). Please call 516-410-5279

Situation Wanted 45 YEAR GARDEN CITY resident is looking to run errands, grocery shop, drive to doctor, take to airport or anything else you need done. Cathy 516-741-1318 ALPHA & OMEGA CLEANING Services. We will clean your home from top to bottom using the best cleaning products! We clean houses, apartments and offices. Call Mayra 516-225-1612 CAREGIVER / HHA VERY HAND ON LOVING, CARING, PASSIONATE HHA with over 10 years experience seeking FT live out position.

Great references. Licensed driver.

Please call Shawn 516-424-0091

Situation Wanted

CERTIFIED HHA with LIJ​/ Regioncare experience seeking part time position to care for elderly.

Flexible hours. References. Call 347-525-6999 or email JJKafarski12@gmail.com

EUROPEAN HOME CARE attendant available for live in or live out.

Garden City resident with 12 years experience. Excellent references.

Very reasonable rates. Please call Jeanette 516-741-6347 or cell 516-710-7271, leave message.

HOME HEALTH AIDE Experienced woman with excellent references seeks FT live in position to take care of your sick or elderly. References available. Call Claudette 347-595-5491

CLEANING SERVICES FOR OFFICES OR HOMES. Available 7 days a week. Excellent references.

Own transportation. Gift Certificates available! Call 516-974-8959 CNA / HHA Certified, seeking employment day or night hours to take care of elderly. Honest, dedicated, many years experience. Driver’s license. Excellent references. Call 516-252-8965 CNA COMPANION seeking position to care for elderly (male).

Available immediately PT​/​FT live in or live out. Flexible hours. Hardworking, kind, compassionate.

Licensed driver. References available. Call 305-785-1871 ELDER CARE / HOME CARE Mature woman w/ experience and excellent references seeking position to take care of the elderly or ailing. Light cleaning, cooking also.

Flexible days. Has own car. Local excellent references available.

Please call Luisa 516-485-9215 or 516-451-1781. Leave message.

ELDER CARE: CERTIFIED HOME HEALTH AIDE Nice, loving, caring and sharing home health aide looking for work to take care of the elderly. Live in. Experience and references. Please call Orlene 201-932-4152

CERTIFIED CNA / HHA Seeking F/T Live In position for elderly care. Light housekeeping, cooking, laundry. Experienced. References available. Call Lynette 718-6542315 or 914-751-9714

ERRAND GIRL SERVICE offering pick-up, drop off service for groceries, laundry, dry cleaning, pharmacy, etc. Tidy service, etc. Light cleaning, in-home meal planning and preparation. 516-902-5624

COMPANION/AID WANTED 516 328-7126 Agency seeks experienced workers who love working with the elderly.

Part time and Full time hours available.

Must have clean driver's license.

PT AFTER SCHOOL NANNY needed. Looking for responsible, energetic and caring sitter to care for my two children in GC from 2:30-6:30 M-F. Must have excellent references and driving record. Please email nyc212mom@yahoo.com

RECEPTIONIST P/T NIGHTS needed for church in Garden City.

Hours are Friday 6:00-10:00 pm and Sunday 5:30-9:30 pm. No experience necessary. Perfect for college student or retiree. Please call Liz 516-746-1700

Situation Wanted

CAREGIVER AVAILABLE Experienced woman seeks full time position to care for your sick or elderly loved one. Live in. Very reliable, non driver, references available.

Call May 516-292-2662

OFFICE ASSISTANT: Part time 2030 hours per week, computer skills needed. Office experience a must.

Williston Park. Call 917-821-5435

QUALITY DRIVE AWAY is adding drivers to its driver family. Quality drivers enjoy speed-of-light settlements and competitive rates. With Quality’s nationwide network of ickup locations, Quality Drivers enjoy the best reload opportunities in the industry! Call 866-764-1601 or email recruiter@qualitydriveaway. com today to take your driving career to the next level.

Situation Wanted

DONATE YOUR CAR Wheels For Wishes benefiting

x % Ta 100 tible uc Ded *Free Vehicle/Boat Pickup ANYWHERE *We Accept All Vehicles Running or Not *100% Tax Deductible

WheelsForWishes.org

Suffolk County

Call: (631) 317-2014

Metro New York

Call: (631) 317-2014

EXCELLENT HOME HEALTH AIDE Seeking FT​/​PT, live in or out position, flexible hours. Have worked with many prominent people. Excellent references. Driver w/car. Will do errands, doctor appts, housework, light cooking. Call Lorna 347-425-2804 F/T COMPANION AVAILABLE Looking for someone to take care of your elderly parents in the comfort of your own home for peace and tranquility? 18 yrs. experience, references, driver w/ reliable vehicle. Please call 516-410-1892 HOME HEALTH AIDE / ELDER CARE Loving reliable woman seeking FT position to take care of your loved one. Experienced with ALS, dementia, diabetes, etc.

Great references​​highly recommended. Call 646-575-8217 HOME HEALTH AIDE Certified, hardworking reliable mature woman with 15 years experience seeking full time live out position as companion. References available upon request. Please call 347-613-7623

HOUSE AND APARTMENT CLEANER with many years experience and good references available 7 days with flexible hours.

516-632-0169, 516-499-1384 HOUSE CLEANER AVAILABLE Good references. Monday​​Saturday. Experienced. Own car.

Will provide own supplies. Free estimates. 516-485-3543, cell 516-661-5282 HOUSECLEANING Young Ukranian woman seeking cleaning​/​ housekeeping jobs. Years of experience. References available.

Call 516-567-5003 NANNY​/​BABYSITTER FT​/​PT w/ 10 yrs experience. Excellent references. Elementary teaching experience. See review in mommybites.com. Please call Angela 516-330-0230 or email: angelamargoth@yahoo.com NURSING ASSISTANT Seeking position full time, live out as a companion, care taker for the elderly or infants. 10 years experience.

Driver w/ car. Call 347-357-8216

FULL TIME POSITION

Front Desk/ Financial/ Insurance Care Coordinator General Dental Office Great Neck, New York

The ideal candidate is professional with an upbeat attitude, loves working in the Dental field and has an “I CAN” attitude. We are looking for a dedicated long term employee who will bring a strong positive personality to our practice to maintain existing patients and to help increase our new patient base too.

• Do you have an upbeat telephone voice?

• Do you meet challenges with enthusiasm and passion?

YOU MUST HAVE AT LEAST TWO YEARS OF DENTAL FRONT OFFICE AND FINANCIAL/INSURANCE EXPERIENCE. You should be self motivated, patient oriented, computer and dental software literate and have strong communication skills. This position involves working on Saturdays from September through June and comes with a good starting salary and benefits. This job encompasses the following responsibilities: Filing and following up on Dental insurance claims, accepting payments, scheduling appointments and more.

To apply for this position you must e-mail your resume along with a cover letter to passesdental.marji@gmail.com Please include the following: 1. Explain why this position appeals to you.

2. Explain what you feel your special qualifications are. Be specific about your talents, experience or skills and what makes you uniquely qualified for this position. In other words, why should you be selected for an interview over all the other qualified candidates?

3. Include your salary requirements.

4. Include all your contact information and when is the best time to reach you should you be selected for an interview.

We are looking forward to hearing from you.

The Great Neck News, Friday, March 6, 2015

GN

57

▼ real estate, service directory situation wanted PRIVATE CASE WORKER seeking position to take care of elderly full time Monday through Friday.

BABYSITTING also offered. Honest, trustworthy, caring, very attentive, dependable. Lots of experience. References available.

Please call 516-508-8528 RETIRED MAINTENANCE TECHNICIAN looking for part time work building your stores. Please call John 516-328-8924 TO ALL EMPLOYERS We offer the following services: Companions, Home Health Aides/Elder Care Nights, Days Child Care and Housekeeping Live In or Live Out Laborers, Housekeepers No Fee to Employers Evons Employment & Services 516-505-5510

business opportunities WELDING CAREERS : Hands on training for career opportunities in aviation, automotive, manufacturing and more. Financial aid for qualified students. Job placement assistance. CALL AIM 888-205-1735

AnnoUnCEmEntS

adoption A DREAM IS A WISH your heart makes. Our wish is a baby to love.

We’re a loving, educated, close family. Expenses paid. Danny/Lorraine 1-866-997-7171 CHILDLESS YOUNG MARRIED COUPLE (she-30-he-37) seeks to adopt. Will be hands on mom/ devoted dad. Financial security.

Expenses paid. Call/text Mary & Adam 1-800-790-5260

mARKEtplACE FURNITURE FOR SALE GARDEN CITY Dark double dresser and matching night table ($400), Beige chenille sofa ($400) matching Lazy-Boy recliner ($200), 2 striped club chairs ($250), ProForm treadmill, pilates reformer.

Excellent condition. Negotiable.

516-742-0725 MOVING SALE GARDEN CITY March 7 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

161 Rockaway Ave Brand new couches, entertainment center, kitchen sets, desk, end tables, coffee table, hall tree, large screen TVs, writing desk, collectibles and much more!

PRIVACY HEDGE SPRING BLOW OUT SALE. 6’ Arborvitae’s reg. $129 NOW $59. FREE installation/ delivery. Call TODAY. Limited supply 518-536-1367. www. lowcosttrees.com

auctions

tag sale

homes For sale

handyman

tutoring

AUCTION CHEMUNG COUNTY Real property tax foreclosures.

100+ properties. March 25 @ 11a.m. Holiday Inn, Elmira, NY 800-243-0061 HAR, Inc. & AAR, Inc. Free brochure: www.

NYSAUCTIONS.com

*BROWSE *SHOP *CONSIGN A.T. STEWART EXCHANGE CONSIGNMENT SHOP 109 Eleventh Street Garden City 11530 516-7468900 China, Silver, Crystal, Jewelry, Artwork, Furniture, Antiques, Collectibles Tues-Fri 10-4 Sat 12-4 Every Tuesday: 10% Senior Citizen Discount. All proceeds benefit The Garden City Historical Society email: store@atstewartexchange.org www. gardencityhistoricalsociety. org

MATTITUCK BE WATERFRONT

BY SUMMER!! 4 bedrooms, 3 baths, finished basement with outside entrance. Marble fireplace, granite kitchen. Totally updated! 1.5 car garage. Dock, new bulkhead, expansive deck.

Best view on Mattituck Inlet!

Owner moving. Reduced to $799,000. 631-521-6586

Meticulous & Reliable Serving GARDEN CITY & Surrounding Area since 2003 Repairs & Installations of all Types Built-in Bookcases, Woodworking, Carpentry, Crown Moldings, Lighting, Painting, Wallpaper and More. 30-year Nassau County Resident. Many References Lic #H01062800 Insured Call Friendly Frank 516-238-2112 anytime E-mail Frankcav@optonline.net

ITALIAN & SPANISH LANGUAGE tutor available for one-on-one instruction. Teacher for over 25 years; middle school, high school and college level courses. Also, certified to teach Social Studies all levels. Call 516-384-5736

POINT LOOKOUT On beach block. For sale by owner. Totally renovated. Ready to move in. 3 bedrooms, 2 full baths, LR w/ cathedral ceiling, skylight, fireplace. Granite kitchen w/ ss appliances. DR w/ sliding doors to wrap around deck.

Large den. Sunroom / Office. All Anderson windows. Hardwood & Tile flooring. Gas heat. CAC. Alarm system. Full storage attic, large storage closets. Principals only. Asking $795,000.

Call 516-805-8193

LAMPS FIXED $65 In home service. Handy Howard 646-996-7628

lots For sale

painting & paperhanging

wanted to buy CASH BUYER! Buying ALL Gold & Silver coins, Stamps, Paper Money, Comic Books, entire collections, Estates. Travel to your home. Call Marc in NY 1-800-959-3419 CASH FOR OLD COMICS! Buying 10c and 12c comic books or MASSIVE quantities of after 1970. Also buying toys, music and more! Call Brian: 1-800-617-3551

looking to buy!

Records, oriental items, clothing, art, old & modern furniture, estates, jewelry, silver, glassware, dishes, old photos, coins & stamps, flatware. Call George 718-386-1104 or 917-775-3048 TOP CASH PAID: JEWELRY, Furniture, Art, etc. Please call 718598-3045 or 516-270-2128. www. iBuyAntiquesNYC.com

tag sale AUCTIONS, TAG SALES & CONSIGNMENTS INVITED SALES by TRACY JORDAN Live and Online Auction House, Estate Sales, Appraisals and Consignment Shoppe. 839 Stewart Avenue Garden City 11530 516-279-6378 www.invitedsales.com Mon-Fri 10-6pm Sat 10-5pm, Sun 12-5pm Located next to the La Quinta and behind the Garden Gourmet Deli. Live Auctions Monthly! Free walk-in evaluations for items to be considered for Live Auction every Thursday 10am-2pm. No appointment necessary. Auctions are live every Wednesday from 8am-8pm and pre-bids are accepted at anytime. Visit www.invitedsales. com and click on the online auctions tab. Visit www.invitedsales. com to see pictures and information regarding our upcoming tag sales and estate sales. Our 50% off room is open everyday and includes items that have been in our shoppe for more than 60 days.

To receive discount coupons and promotional information, join our email list. Text “invited” to 22828 and enter your email address when prompted. Consignments are taken by appointment to provide you with the best service.

Please call the shoppe at 516279-6378 to schedule an appointment or email pictures of your items to info@invitedsales.com.

We can provide fair market values on any item that you may want to sell, consign or enter into auction.

If you need advice on hosting a sale, selling an item or liquidating an estate, please call Tracy Jordan at the shoppe or directly at 516-567-2960

pEtS

pet services A GARDEN CITY ANIMAL LOVER doesn’t want to leave your precious pooch or fantastic feline alone all day. I’m reliable, dependable and will walk and feed your pet while you work or travel. Please call Cheryl at 516-505-9717 DO YOU HATE KENNELS? OR STRANGERS IN YOUR HOUSE? HOME AWAY FROM HOME will care for your dog in my Garden City home while you are away. Dog walking also available. Pet CPR & first Aid Certified. Numerous referrals and references. Limited availability. Book early! Annmarie 516-775-4256 PROFESSIONAL DOG TRAINING Doggie Day Care & Walks Backyard Clean-up GC Resident 516-382-5553

AUtomotIVE

autos wanted DONATE YOUR CAR to Wheels For Wishes, benefitting Make-aWish. We offer free towing and your donation is 100% tax deductible.

Call 631-317-2014 Today!

REAl EStAtE FoR REnt GARDEN CITY HOUSE SHARE Large Master Bedroom beautifully decorated & furnished. Use of all common areas of house. Cable tv, utilities, washer/dryer included.

Walking distance to LIRR. No smoking, no pets. No overnight guests.

Females only. $850/month. Call 516-477-4240

homes For rent FRANKLIN SQUARE Bordering Garden City. 3 bedroom, 2 bath, 2 car garage, patio, washer/dryer, CAC, walk to LIRR, no smoking. $2,650 + utilities. 1 month security.

Call 516-382-7905

vacation rental OCEAN CITY, MARYLAND Best selection of affordable rentals. Full/partial weeks. Call for FREE brochure.

Open daily. Holiday Real Estate.

1-800-638-2102. Online reservations: www.holidayoc.com

REAl EStAtE FoR SAlE

homes For sale GARDEN CITY TUDOR Mid block.

4 bedrooms, 3.5 baths. CAC, fireplace. Walk to park and railroad. $959,000. NO BROKERS PLEASE. Call 516-382-1850

ABSOLUTE LAND SELL OFF! March 14th & 15th ! Cooperstown, NY. 60-70% below market prices from $19,900 or $254/month. 26 tracts! Waterfront! Views! Woods!

6 miles from village, low taxes, town rd, tuils, 100% g’tee! Call: 888-905-8847 to register! newyorklandandlakes.com

SERVICE DIRECtoRy

services HOME CARE INSURANCE: Protect assets, assisted living, care in your own home, free guide.

Master Choices LTC, Long Term Care Specialists. 516-877-2704.

Please see ad in Professional Guide or more details.

NEW YORK MARRIAGE AND FAMILY THERAPISTS: Joan Atwood, Ph.D. An experienced therapist makes all the difference. Individual, couple, family therapy and anger management.

516-764-2526. jatwood@optonline.net www.NYMFT.com

home improvements AMBIANCE PROFESSIONAL SERVICES *Repairs & Maintenance *Handyman & Remodeling *Vanity & Kitchen Cabinet Installations *Furniture Assembly & set up *Finish Carpentry *Minor Electrical & Plumbing 22 year GC Resident Lic & Ins H18E2170000 Owner Operated Call BOB 516-741-2154 BEAUTIFY YOUR HOME WITH SHUTTERS Now you can get them at an amazing discount!

Call DESIGN SOLUTIONS for a free estimate. Can’t beat our prices. Call 516-491-8446 DEVLIN BUILDERS Since 1979.

We do all types of improvements including HANDYMAN REPAIRS. No job too small. Bob Devlin 516-365-6685. Insured License H18C730000 FINER INTERIORS: Kitchens, bathrooms start to finish; floors stripped, waxed, installed or repaired; painting, sheet rocking, carpets cleaned and repaired, upholstery cleaning. Richard Lopez 516-330-2226

health & Fitness IASO in Home Physical Therapy.

Great physical therapists, excellent results. Outpatient physical therapy services in your home.

Medicare covers the cost. We treat: balance problems, debility, joint replacements, CVA, back pain, vertigo, dizziness, etc. Free consultation. 800-803-3385 www. iasorehab.org

JV PAINT HANDYMAN SERVICES Interior-Exterior Specialist Painting, Wallpapering, Plastering, Spackling, Staining, Power Washing. Nassau Lic#H3814310000 fully Insured Call John 516-741-5378

party help LADIES & GENTLEMEN RELAX & ENJOY Your Next Party! Catering and Experienced Professional Services for Assisting with Preparation, Serving and Clean Up Before, During and After Your Party Bartenders Available. Call Kate at 516-248-1545

tutoring CHEMISTRY Tutor. NYS Certified Teacher with arts background can explain concepts for all learners. Curriculum gets harder in spring. Call or text the Chem Lady @ 516-469-6864 ENGLISH TUTOR: Diane Gottlieb M.Ed., M.S.W. SAT/ACT, College Essays, AP, Regents, ELA Test Prep, Reading comprehension and writing proficiency. 917-5998007 or email: dianegot@gmail. com LongIslandEnglishTutor.com Providing one-on-one professional support to build confidence, knowledge and skills in every student.

ENLISH / WRITING TUTOR Great writing is a learnable skill. One-onone coaching for admissions essays, school papers, writing tests, etc..... Grades 6-12, college, adult.

Call Ruth at 917-340-6142

SPANISH TUTOR: High School, College, Spanish Grammar Specialist, Trimester/Comprehensive, FLACS (Regents) Exams. William Cullen, M.A., M.B.A., S.D.A. Chaminade, Fairfield University Alumnus. 516-509-8174 wdctutor06@aol.com

instruction MATH, SAT, ACT TUTOR: Algebra, Geometry, Algebra 2 plus Trig, Pre-Calc, AP Calculus. Norm 625-3314 ENGLISH, ACT, SAT TUTOR: 25+ year experience Critical Reading, Writing, Grammar, Essays. Lynne 625-3314 PIANO LESSONS By Ira Baslow.

Experience the joy of playing the piano. Private lessons in your home, free no-obligation piano lesson, all levels, all styles, all ages. Beginners a specialty. 516-312-1054 www. iwantmypianolessons.com

cleaning STRONG ARM CLEANING: Residential and commercial cleaning specialist, post construction clean ups, shipping and waxing floors, move ins and move outs. Free estimates. Bonded and insured.

516-538-1125 www.strongarmcleaningny.com

services A & J MOVING & STORAGE: Established 1971. Long Island and New York State specialists. Residential, Commercial, Piano & Organ experts. Boxes available. Free estimates. www.ajmoving.com 516-741-2657 114 Jericho Tpk, Mineola NYDOT# 10405 COMPLETE JUNK REMOVAL/ DEMOLITION SERVICE: Strong Arm Contracting Inc. We haul anything and everything. Entire contents of home or office. We clean it up and take it away. Residential /Commercial.

Bonded/Insured.

Free estimates. 516-538-1125 JUNK REMOVAL AND DEMOLITION: 5% off any job, any type, any 2-3 pieces to entire house.

Residential, commercial. Free estimates. References. Bonded and insured. Delivery service available.

Henry 516-523-0974

To place a legal notice in one of Blank Slate Media’s 5 weekly newspapers, please call 516-307-1045x201 or e-mail us at legals@theislandnow.com.

Prompt service, low prices, convenient deadlines, easy-to-understand instructions and free online distribution and affadavits guaranteed.

Great Neck News New Hyde Park Herald Courier Williston Times Manhasset Times Roslyn Times 105 Hillside Avenue, Williston Park, NY 11596 516-307-1045 • email: legals@theislandnow.com

58 The Great Neck News, Friday, March 6, 2015

▼ LEGALS LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY Notice of Formation of Limited Liability Company (LLC).

Name: BMW EQUITIES LLC Articles of Organization filed by the Department of State of New York on: 12/15/2014 Office location: County of Nassau. Purpose: any and all lawful activities. Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served.

SSNY shall mail a copy of process to: BRG Management LLC 150 Great Neck Road, Suite 402 Great Neck, NY 11021 GNN 141153 6x 3/06, 13, 20, 27, 4/03, 10, 2015 #141153

Notice of Formation of 260 Court LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 1/22/15. Office location: Nassau County. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: 111 Great Neck Road, Ste. 408, Great Neck, NY 11021. Purpose: any lawful activity.

GNN 141063 6x 2/06, 13, 20, 27, 3/06, 13 #141063

Notice of Formation of LINEA USA CONTRACT EUROPEAN KITCHEN & CABINETRY LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 01/23/2015.​Office location: Nassau County. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: The LLC, 5 Clent Rd #3-0, Great Neck NY 11021. Purpose: any lawful purpose.

GNN 141075 6x 2/13, 20, 27, 3/06, 13, 20, 2015 #141075

Notice of Formation of KBZ Developers LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 2/11/15. Office location: Nassau County. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: The LLC, 103 Cedar Drive, Great Neck, NY 11021. Purpose: any lawful activity.

GNN 141124 6x 2/27, 3/06, 13, 20, 27, 4/03, 2015 #141124

GN

GN

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING Town of North Hempstead​—​ Board of Zoning Appeals Pursuant to the provisions of the Code of the Town of North Hempstead, NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Board of Zoning Appeals of said Town will meet at Town Hall, 220 Plandome Road, Manhasset, New York, on Wednesday, March 18, 2015, to consider any matters that may properly be heard by said Board, and will hold a public hearing on said date to consider applications and appeals.

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

APPEAL #19945​—​Jacqueline Fowler, variance 70-100.2.A(2) to maintain fencing beyond the front building line; SW​/​cor.

30 Clark Dr. & Summer Ave., Great Neck, Sec. 2, Blk. 113, Lot 31, R-B District.

APPEAL #19946​—​Joseph Losquadro, variance 70-100.1 to install a generator within a required front yard; SW​/​cor.

94 Payne Whitney Ln. & Mill Spring Rd., Manhasset, Sec. 3, Blk. 160, Lot 198, R-A District.

APPEAL #19947​—​Florence and Christopher Teh, variances 70-41, 70-42.3.B, and 70-101.B to construct a new dwelling with insufficient front and side yard setbacks and encroaching into the sky exposure plane; N/side 5 Guilford Rd., 153.89’ E/of Lowell Rd., Port Washington, Sec. 6, Blk. 64, Lot 20, R-B District.

APPEAL #19948 ​—​ Shah Giashaddin, variances 70-202.1.C & 70-202.1.E to construct a retaining wall exceeding permitted height; N/side #77A Powerhouse Rd., 330.91’ E/of Jefferson Ave. Roslyn Heights, Sec. 7, Blk. 47, Lot 224, R-C District.

APPEAL #19949​—​Marzena Potrapeluk, variances 70-102.C(5)(a), 70-102.C(2), 70-100.2.A.2, 70-102.L(1) to maintain light piers exceeding the number permitted within a required front yard setback and fencing beyond the front building line and the installation of a pool within required side and rear yard setbacks, pool fencing beyond the rear building line, and fencing beyond the front building line; E/side 58 Barnyard Ln., 140.87’ N/of Arbor Ln., Roslyn Heights, Sec. 9, Blk. 542, Lot 1, R-AA District.

APPEAL #19943​—​Great Neck Public Library, variance 70-103.A(1) to construct additions and renovations to a public library with insufficient off-street parking; E/side #159 Bayview Ave., 514.5’ N/of Bluebird Dr., Great Neck, Sec. 1, Blk. 203, Lot 5, R-AA District.

APPEAL #19950 ​—​Just Green Foods, conditional use 70-187 to convert retail space to a restaurant; NW​/​cor.​/​of #11 Old Country Rd. & Glen Cove Rd. Carle Place, Sec. 9, Blk. 670, Lots 27-28, 31, 46-50, 52-55, I-B District.

APPEAL #19951 ​—​ First Hartford Realty, variances 70-231 & 70-196.K to construct a convenience store exceeding the permitted floor area and to install canopy signs; SW​/c​ or. of #2201 New Hyde Park Rd. & Marcus Ave. New Hyde Park, Sec. 8, Blk. B18, Lot 326, B-A District.

APPEAL #19905​—​Yu Yu Chen, variance 70-210.B to maintain the conversion of summer bungalow to a yearround dwelling; E/side #35 North Maryland Ave., 50’ S/of Delaware Ave., Port Washington, Sec. 5, Blk. 25, Lot 32, R-C District.

APPEAL #19935​—​Grand Boulevard Realty, LLC, variances 70-195.16.A(2) and 70-195.16.D to maintain a finished cellar with partitions and an interior stairwell with insufficient distance to a perimeter wall; SE​/​cor. 225 Monitor St. & Grand Blvd., Westbury, Sec. 11, Blk. 3901, Lots 51 & 53, R-C District; New Cassel Urban Renewal Overlay District.

APPEAL #19795.A ​—​ DKA Properties, variances 70-125, 70-103.A, 70-103.B, 70-103.F, 70-103.O, 70-229.A, 70-135, and 70-231 to maintain an addition to an auto body shop (not a permitted use) with insufficient off-street parking, parking stall dimensions, number of loading zones, access (10to a street, and access aisle width, fencing exceeding the permitted height, and noncompliance with pervious decision #12879; W/side 363 Great Neck Rd., 478.99’ S/of Water Mill Ln., Great Neck, Sec. 2, Blk. 42, Lot 319, B-A District.

APPEAL #19795.B​—​DKA Properties, variances 70-125, 70-103.A, 70-103.B, 70-103.F, 70-103.O, 70-103.M, and 70-208.F, to construct additions to an auto body shop (not a permitted use) in a non-conforming structure, with insufficient off-street parking, insufficient stall dimensions, loading area, and parking in a required front yard setback; E/side #362 Great Neck Rd., 319.39’ N/of Broadway, Great Neck, Sec. 2, Blk. 43, Lots 41, B-A District.

All interested persons should appear and will be given an opportunity to be heard at such meeting and​/​or hearing.

DAVID MAMMINA, R.A., Chairman; Board of Zoning Appeals GNN 141145 1x 3/06/​2 015 #141145

To Place Your Ad Call: 516.307.1045

Artificial turf sparks debate at meeting Continued from Page 2 “Even if their kids aren’t playing on it now, they go to an away game and they’ll be playing on artificial turf there already,” Lincoln said. “The problem with natural turf is that when it rains everything gets wet and you can lose a whole weekend.”

Lincoln said some parents were worried about the prospect or artificial turf, with one resident pointing out that it may be harmful to wildlife.

Park district commissioners said they had yet to reach a final decision on the use of artificial turf.

“We were trying to get idea from the community of what they want and trying to get an idea of how important it is to the playing public,” Park Commissioner Dan

Nachmanoff said. “There’s always going to be some conflict no matter what you do.”

Lincoln said he had written to Israel’s office in February asking him what he had considered doing in terms of asking for a study.

“It’s very frustrating,” Lincoln said. “As we’ve said, we’re not engineers...we need to rely on federal or state or health agencies and none have taken a firm stand one way or the other.”

The Great Neck Park District includes all Great Neck villages and unincorporated areas with the exception of Great Neck Estates, Harbor Hills, Lake Success, Saddle Rock and University Gardens.

Port Washington bond vote set for Tuesday Continued from Page 23 Port Washington Educational Assembly, said during the hearing.

Russo was among several residents who cited a Jan. 12 Newsday editorial that said winter bond votes are “blatantly disrespectful to taxpayers, who are not paying attention but still must foot the bill.”

Trustee Alan Baer, whose board assignments include coordinating the district budget, disputed the accusations, saying more than $36 million of the proposal would go toward expanding space to accommodate projected enrollment increases.

“We need to lose the idea that this is just patching roofs,” Baer said.

Trustee William Hohauser said he was offended by e-mails he had received from residents critical of the board’s process in formulating the proposal, alleging that trustees had been accused of conspiring with organized crime syndicates.

“It is remarkable the spite of the emails that we received and frankly considering the time and effort this board and administration have put into [the proposal], it is also incredibly disrespectful for people to say we haven’t invited participation from the community, because nothing could be further from the truth,” Hohauser said.

Sports

GN

The Great Neck News, Friday, March 6, 2015

59

Post lacrosse shines on Florida trip B y A l e x B i ll i n g t on The LIU Post men’s lacrosse team traveled to Florida last week to take part in the North Florida College Lacrosse Face Off at St. Augustine High School.

The Pioneers stormed past Saint Leo College in the first of the two games on Friday, Feb. 27, by a score of 15-6.

Leading this thunderous start to the season was junior attacker Matt Bellando, who scored a game-high six points. Junior attacker Matty Baccaris and senior midfielder Connor Drost notched three goals each, while junior attacker Ryan Slane added two.

The score may have been even more lopsided if not for the play of Saint Leo goalie Dave Moore, who registered an impressive game-high 16 saves.

The second game of the weekend came on Sunday against Lynn College.

Again the combination of Bellando and Drost topped the goal tally for the afternoon, as the Pioneers scored a 13-10 win.

Although the score line suggests a very close affair, the Pioneers led 13-4 with just seven minutes left to play.

Lynn rallied furiously down the stretch, scoring six goals to narrow the gap, but falling short of closing it competely.

Despite this last ditch effort, LIU Post owned a 37-28 advantage in shots, a 3225 edge in ground balls and won 15 of 27 face offs, topping off a successful road trip. These two wins on the road served as the Pioneers’ third and fourth of the season.

Although off to a flying start, the Pioneers return to action for a re-match of last year’s NCAA Division II semifinal against ECC foe and close neighbor, Adelphi University on Saturday, March 7 in Garden City. Faceoff is set for 1 p.m.

This article was originally published in the Pioneer, the award-winning student newspaper of LIU Post, www.liupostpioneer. com, and is republished here by Blank Slate Media with the permission of the Pioneer.

Kimberly Toledo

LIU Post men’s lacrosse won both games on a recent trip to Florida.

Cosmos conquer Sacramento Republic FC, 3-1 Propelled by striker Raúl’s first goal for the Cosmos in North America, the New York Cosmos defeated the Sacramento Republic FC 3-1 on February 28 in front of 20,231 fans at a sold-out Hughes Stadium in Sacramento, California.

“It was a great atmosphere and a good game,” said Cosmos head coach Giovanni Savarese after the match. “A lot of people came. It was a great night and a good result for us in the preseason again.”

It was Sacramento who created a handful of quality scoring chances in the first half, but goalkeeper Jimmy Maurer and the Cosmos back line were able to keep a clean sheet. In the seventh minute Republic FC defender Emrah Klimenta made a darting run up the right sideline and fired in a cross that earned his side a corner kick. Cosmos midfielder Marcos Senna cleared the ensuing attempt, but just four minutes later Sacramento was threatening again through midfielder Gabe Gonzalez, who shuffled past Maurer before having his ball narrowly cleared off its line.

The opportunities continued for Sacramento. In the 25th minute forward Justin Braun had a headed attempt near the left corner of Maurer’s goal, but the Cosmos goalkeeper was able to hold on for a save. In the 37th minute Republic FC midfielder Octavio Guzman blasted a shot barely high of the crossbar, and two minutes later another narrow miss came from Sacramento forward Adnan Gabeljic.

Photo / Sacramento Republic FC

Walter Restrepo “They’re a great team and this is a great environment,” said Cosmos winger Leo Fernandes after the match. “We really enjoyed being in Sacramento and playing this game.”

The Cosmos’ best look at goal in the first half came when forward Lucky Mkosana found himself alone and onside just before stoppage time. His run was stopped short of payoff by Republic FC goalkeeper Pat McLain, who made an important one-on-one save to keep the match level heading into the half.

Sacramento would make wholesale changes out of the gate in the second half.

Braun, Gabeljic, Guzman, Gonzalez, defender Bilal Duckett, midfielder Rodrigo Lopez and midfielder Ivan Mirkovic gave way to forward Richie Cardozo, midfielder Gabe Gissie, defender Chad Bartlome, forward Joaquin Rivas, midfielder Ahmad Hatifie, defender Alfonzo Motogalvan and midfielder Agustin Cazarez.

Tempo slowed in the opening quarter hour of the second half as both sides looked to probe holes in the opposing defense. Cosmos midfielder Sebastián Guenzatti replaced Mkosana in the 63rd minute, and five minutes later Raúl broke the deadlock and opened his account in earnest with New York. Former Spain international teammate Marcos Senna started it off with a free kick to the far post, which center back Samuel Cáceres directed toward Raúl for a headed finish.

“I think it was a very difficult match, in the first half we had some problems defensively and they had chances to score,” said Raúl. “But we improved a lot offensively in the second half and were much more compact on defense.”

From there the Cosmos kicked up the pace. Raúl had another attempt saved by McLain in the 73rd minute, and winger Leo Fernandes tallied his first Cosmos goal three minutes later to open a 2-0 lead.

“In the locker room after the first half, [coach Savarese] told us to come out and

pressure them higher up the field,” Fernandes said. “We did that and were able to create a few turnovers. I got a nice ball from Seba on the outside, and I was just able to get a hold of it. It felt really good to score my first goal with the Cosmos.”

In the 77th minute Raúl, midfielder Danny Szetela and winger Walter Restrepo came off for Adam Moffat, Andrés Flores and Mads Stokkelien. Flores scored his second goal in three preseason matches, making it 3-0 Cosmos in the 81st minute. Both goals for the El Salvadoran international have come as a substitute – his first was an 88th-minute strike against South China FC that forced penalties in the Lunar New Year Cup. A foul from Sacramento defender Sola Abolaji in his side’s box created a penalty kick opportunity for Stokkelien in the 87th minute, but McLain was up to the challenge. He made a diving save from Stokkelien to keep the match at 3-0.

Rivas put Republic FC on the board just before second-half stoppage time with an unassisted effort, but the hosts were unable to rally further in the final three minutes tacked on. The Cosmos left Hughes Stadium with a 3-1 victory.

New York finished its preseason California tour unbeaten. The Cosmos earned a 1-0 win over Ventura County Fusion on February 25 via an Adam Moffat score in the 15th minute. Next up will be a trip to El Salvador for a friendly against C.D. FAS at Estadio Cuscatlán on March 14.

60 The Great Neck News, Friday, March 6, 2015

If You Could Save Your Neighbor’s Life, Would You?

VOLUNTEER VIGILANT FIRE COMPANY 516-487-1086 www.vigilantfd.com

GN