Great Neck News 12.26.14 by The Island 360

Friday, december 26, 2014

tHe PULSe OF tHe PeNiNSULA

vol. 89, no. 52

Guide to ing New Year’s Din 2014

NeW yeAR’S diNiNg gUide

POSteUR-LiNe CLOSed, dAN’S CLOSiNg

PaGe 23-34

PaGe 2

CARVeR SLAmS de BLASiO PaGe 6

26, 2014 special section • december a blank slate media

arrests in alleged drug pipeline to L.I. Investigation into route said to begin in G.N., Manhasset The defendants have been accused of trafficking drugs throughout New York City and Nine people have been ar- Long Island out of residences rested and charged as part of in Astoria, Queens, and the an alleged multi-million dollar narcotics pipeline that ran from Mexico to New York and distributed heroin, cocaine, ecstasy and anabolic steroids to Nassau County communities, Nassau County prosecutors Bronx from vehicles driven to the United States from Mexico said Thursday. The arrests come follow- and “mules” that flew east from ing an 18-month investigation California, prosecutors said. Proceeds from drug sales by the Nassau County District attorney’s office and multiple were transported by “mules” law enforcement agencies at who carried cash onto planes various levels across multiple and in vehicles as well as states that began with under- through money orders and wire cover police officers purchasing transfers, prosecutors said. “The investigators on this heroin from dealers in Great Neck and Manhasset, prosecu- case stopped at nothing, and these are dangerous defentors said.

By B i LL SAN ANtONiO

Nassau County District Attorney Kathleen Rice (at lectern) described an alleged heroin pipeline that transported drugs to New York from Mexico for distribution throughout the area.

dants,” Nassau County District Attorney Kathleen Rice said during a news conference detailing the investigation, which she described as still ongoing. “...I hope that it will put some dent [into the Nassau County drug trade], but it’s not going to stop the [heroin] epidemic.” There were 44 fatal heroin overdoses in Nassau County in 2013, according to county figures, as well as 115 deaths to prescription drug overdoses. “Heroin is a scourge on our society. It’s a national problem and there’s no exceptions here in Nassau County,” Nassau County Executive Edward Mangano said during the news conference. “...There are far too many funerals, far too many families broken up, and Continued on Page 42

Groups join together to battle anti-Semitism By A dA m L i d g e t t

help combat what they say is a growing number of anti-SemitA group of Jewish advo- ic incidents both in New York cacy organizations on Long Is- and abroad, Steven Markowitz, land have joined together to chairman of the Holocaust Me-

morial and Tolerance Center of Nassau County, said in a press release. “We need to show people what to do and that this is a serious problem,” Markowitz said. “We need to show people they can participate in the stand against antiSemitism.” Markowitz said the

groups that make up the coalition besides the Holocaust Center include the American Jewish Committee, the Anti-Defamation League, the Jewish Community Relations Council, the Long Island Board of Rabbis and the Suffolk Center on the Holocaust, Diversity and Human Understanding, he said. He said the idea for the

group, known as the Long Island Coalition to Combat Anti-Semitism, began about two months ago. The Holocaust center, he said, had been talking with other Jewish advocacy groups and police organizations about what they could do to not feel helpless in the fight against growing antiSemitism. Continued on Page 42

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

The Great Neck News, Friday, December 26, 2014

Dan’s beauty salon Postur-Line shoes to close at year end closes its doors Owner to retire, merchandise will go on sale Business to be missed: officials Adam Lidget t

By A da m L i d g e t t

After 38 years under the ownership of Paul Litner, Dan’s State of the Art Beauty salon will be closing its doors for the last time on Dec. 31. Litner’s daughter in-law Rachel said Litner had many fond memories of the store, but felt it was time to retire and close the store at 86 Middle Neck Road. “Of all the wonderful moments I’ve had over the years, what means the most to me is the people,” Rachel quoted her father-in law as saying. “Watching my customers grow from teenagers to adults and then seeing their own children grow up has been something I truly treasure.” Rachel said there will be a sale from Dec. 23 through Dec. 31 to dispose of the store inventory. During that time, she said, merchandise will be 50 percent off. Litner said through Rachel that he expects all the inventory to be gone by the end of the year. Litner will continue to live in Great Neck, Rachel said, and is looking forward to spending more time traveling with his wife, Judy, who operates Travel Express International in Great Neck. Rachel said Paul, 83, is also looking forward to spend time with his three children and seven grandchildren.

After serving the Great Neck community for more than 60 years, Postur-Line Childrens Shoes has closed. Jay Corn, vice president of the Great Neck Business Improvement District, said the shoe store – which was known as the place where parents went to buy their small children’s shoes – had been in business since 1947. He said Postur-Line, which was located at 58 Middle Neck Road, is a business that will be missed. “It’s another bullet to the downtown area,” Corn said. Steven Dann, owner of Steven Dann, a shoe store located at 81 Middle Neck Road, said he had spoken to a former employee at Postur-Line who said the business closed for personal issues, not because of a lack of business. However, that doesn’t stop some from missing one of the staples of the downtown business community. Village of Great Neck Plaza Mayor Jean Celender said it’s always sad to see a store that has been in the town so long close. “I have recollections of tak-

Paul Litner will close Dan’s State of the Art Beauty, located at 86 Middle Neck Road, at the end of the year “Now is the perfect time to retire and to travel,” Paul said according to Rachel. “I’ve always loved to travel, both in the states and overseas – whether it’s exploring a new region of Italy or visiting my grandchildren, who live all over the country.” Paul bought the business in 1976, when it was a wholesale

beauty supply store, Rachel said. He eventually transformed it into a retail boutique for specialty beauty products, she said. The business has been in Great Neck since 1952, Rachel said. “I saw the opportunity to expand the business with a specialty boutique approach,” Paul said Continued on Page 50

ing [my daughter] for kids shoes for the first time there,” Celender said. “It’s an unfortunate thing an institution like that has to close.” The business’ phone line had been disconnected when called. “It’ll have a negative impact for a short amount of time,” said Ron Edelson, executive director of the Business Improvement District. “It was a strong, reputable place and a trusted place.” Corn said Postur-Line is one of many businesses that has closed in Great Neck in recent years including La Rotonda Pizza Restaurant, an Italian restaurant located at 8 Bond Street in Great Neck Plaza, which closed its doors in June after 14 years of business. Corn said the Business Improvement District and the Village of Great Neck Plaza have been in discussions to try to get people to shop in Great Neck – not only from Great Neck itself but from outside Great Neck -- to help keep older businesses alive. Corn said not as many people are shopping in Great Neck as they used to. “There are a number of difContinued on Page 50

CLARIFICATION In a Dec. 18 article that ran in the Great Neck News and the New Hyde Park Herald Courier, “Great Neck South student named science finalist,” several paragraphs lacked attribution. All the information in the final paragraph can be attributed to a press release provided by the Great Neck Public School District. Additionally, the quote taken from Carol Hersh, a science research teacher at Great Neck South High School, was also provided in the release.

Postur-Line, which has been in business since 1947, has closed.

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The Great Neck News, Friday, December 26, 2014

Plaza seeks to ban smoking businesses Village of Great Neck Plaza asks permission from county to put ban into practice By A da m L i d g e t t The Village of Great Neck Plaza voted Wednesday to seek permission from Nassau County to ban businesses that profit primarily from on-site smoking. “Anything associated with smoking anything that encourages that use in a business is not something I want to be associated with,” Village of Great Neck Plaza Mayor Jean Celender said. “This goes a long way to promote a healthy lifestyle in this village.” The request, made at the trustees’ scheduled meeting, comes in the form of a negative declaration to the Nassau County Planning Commission, saying the village wishes to ban businesses such as smoking bars and hookah lounges. Great Neck Plaza’s attorney Richard Gabriele said the planning commission’s permission was needed because the ban involved a modification to zoning, which first requires a negative declaration from the county. Gabriele said the trustees didn’t vote on the ban Wednesday as laws are typically read

Mayor of Great Neck Plaza Jean Celender twice before the board. Celender said the trustees will next discuss the issue at the trustees’ meeting on Jan. 21. The trustees approved a moratorium in June on businesses that profit from on-site smoking, so the trustees could

study the health effects of hookah smoking before deciding if the village would enact a permanent ban on smoking-related businesses. Gabriele said the village has had time now to review the materials on smoking and hookah

lounges. Trustees were in agreement that on-site smoking businesses caused unwanted negative health effects in the village. Trustee Pamela Marksheid said she is glad the village is moving forward with this law,

as she recently read that many electronic cigarettes are made in China, where the production is not regulated. “There are carcinogens in the products to make them much more dangerous than we thought it was,” Marksheid said. The issue of smoking-related businesses came into the public eye of Great Neck after The Fountain Blue Hookah, located at 435 Middle Neck Road, was given approval by the Village of Great Neck in June. The owners of the lounge later came under fire from Village of Great Neck trustees who claimed the business’ owner made “misrepresentations” during their conditional-use permit application process. The Village of Great Neck said they may impose sanctions on the hookah lounge, but have since decided not to. Last month, the Village of Great Neck decided to ban all businesses that profit from onsite smoking, but Fountain Blue Hookah was grandfathered into the law.

The Great Neck News, Friday, December 26, 2014

School supers build ideal ed. commish BY B I LL SAN ANTONIO North Shore school superintendents said this week they want the next state education commissioner to focus on the “nuts and bolts” of preparing students for college and the work force, rather than what one called a “one-size-fits-all” approach that was instituted under former state Education Commissioner John B. King. “Someone says we want to have a brand new car that is really stylish and has these features and gets 55 miles-per-gallon, the next question is what do you do to make that happen?” said John Bierwirth, Herricks’ superintendent of schools. “We as a state set some goals but we don’t have the steps in place to realize those goals.” Bierwirth was among the most critical school administrators on Long Island of King, who earlier this month accepted an advisory position within the U.S. John B. King speaks during a Common Core forum last year. Department of Education, for his acquisition of a $700 million standards that educators have a brand new math program, federal “Race to the Top” grant said focuses more on test scores teachers need to know what the program is and how it works,” and subsequent implementation than learning. “If you want to bring in Bierwirth said. “If you set stanof the Common Core benchmark

dards and no one meets them that doesn’t accomplish much of anything.” Charles Cardillo, the superintendent of schools in Manhasset, said King was “passionate about his belief system as it relates to closing the gap and notion of equity,” but criticized the former commissioner for ignoring the large-scale requests and suggestions from high-performing school districts in setting testing standards and teacher evaluations. “The idea would be to find someone to fill that position that has extensive public school field experience, preferably as a school superintendent and is able to take that experience and deal with significant issues that are out there and also be much more willing to listen to the leadership in the field and other educators on these key issues and move away from a ‘one size fits all’ approach,” Cardillo said. East Williston Superintendent of Schools Elaine Kanas echoed Carillo’s and Bierwirth’s remarks, saying King’s successor should be someone “who has a view and commitment in supporting our students in the state” as well as “someone

who will understand the various needs of different school districts across the state.” King is expected to join the Obama administration in early 2015, according to a news release earlier this month from the U.S. Department of Education. The state Board of Regents has begun a nationwide search for King’s successor. Elizabeth Berlin, the executive deputy commissioner, will serve as interim commissioner in accordance with state law. “I want to see kids be successful. I think that the conceptual goals all make absolute sense,” Bierwirth said. “We need to have students who graduate from high schools in New York State go on to college and be successful but the steps are not in place. The new commissioner needs to be somebody who is going to focus on the nuts and bolts of actually making this happen” Reach reporter Bill San Antonio by e-mail at bsanantonio@ theislandnow.com, by phone at 516.307.1045 x215 and on Twitter @ Bill_SanAntonio. Also follow us on Twitter @theislandnow and Facebook at facebook.com/ theislandnow.

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Nassau PBa chief blasts de Blasio By B i LL SAN ANtONiO Nassau County Executive Edward Mangano and county Police Benevolent Association President James Carver both lamented the shooting deaths of two New York City police officers in Brooklyn on Saturday and offered condolences to the slain patrolmen’s families. “The thoughts and prayers of my wife Linda and I are with the NYPD officers and their families,” Mangano said in a statement issued through his Twitter page on Saturday evening. “Today’s shooting is a tragedy.” Carver in a statement Sunday called the shooting a “horrendous and horrific act,” saying, “This kind of violence against our police officers cannot be tolerated or forgotten across the nation.” He went on to express support of statements made by Patrick Lynch, the president of the NYPD’s Patrolmen’s Benevolent Association, who blamed the deaths of officers Wen Jian Liu, 32, and Rafael Ramos, 40, on anti-police sentiment stemming

Rafael Ramos

Wen Jian Liu

from recent protests against a recent grand jury decision to not indict a police officer in causing the death of Eric Garner, an unarmed black man in Staten Island. Lynch told reporters outside Woodhull Hospital Saturday night that “There’s blood on many hands tonight – those that incited violence on the street under the guise of protests, that tried to tear down what New York City police officers did every day. That blood on the hands starts on the steps of City Hall, in the office of the mayor.”

Carver said the Nassau County PBA “support[s]” Lynch “in his condemnation for [New York City] Mayor [Bill] de Blasio’s anti-police statements,” adding “No elected official should not fully support the men and women that serve to protect our citizens every day.” At a press conference following the Garner verdict, de Blasio expressed surprise at the verdict and said that in the past he had advised his son Dante, who is half black, to “take special care in any encounters he has with the police officers who are there

to protect him” because of his race. Liu and Ramos were gunned down in their patrol car on Saturday afternoon while stopped outside housing projects near Myrtle and Tompkins avenues in Bedford-Stuyvesant, Brooklyn, city police officials said. The shooting suspect, Ismaaiyl Brinsley, 28, of Brooklyn, allegedly approached the passenger side of their vehicle at around 2 p.m. and fired shots into the car at the officers’ heads and upper bodies, police said. Officers then pursued Brinsley as he fled to a nearby subway station and fatally shot himself on a train platform, police said. Brinsley allegedly made threats against police officers in since-deleted social media posts in which he said he planned to avenge the deaths of Michael Brown in Ferguson, Mo., and Garner. Like Garner, Brown was a black man whose death was caused by a white police officer who was later cleared of criminality by a grand jury, inciting nationwide protests. “I’m putting wings on a pig today. They take 1 of ours…..

Let’s take 2 of theirs #ShootThePolice #RIPErivGardner [sic] #RIPMikeBrown This may be my final post, I’m putting pigs in a blanket,” Brinsley allegedly wrote in a caption of an Instagram photograph of a handgun that police said matched a handgun removed from Brinsley’s person at the subway station. According to reports, Brinsley had an extensive criminal history and was wanted in Baltimore for shooting a former girlfriend earlier in the day. Police later said law enforcement in Maryland tried to notify police in New York that Brinsley was potentially violent and traveling to New York, but the message was received at around the time of the shootings. “Today, two of New York’s finest were shot and killed with no warning, no provocation,” NYPD Commissioner William J. Bratton told reporters Saturday at Woodhull Hospital in Williamsburg, where the two officers and Brinsley were taken following the shootings. “They were, quite simply, assassinated – targeted for their Continued on Page 45

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The Great Neck News, Friday, December 26, 2014

Mumps blocks visit of Islanders to Cohen BY B R YA N A H R E N S Visits to Long Island hospitals, which included Cohen’s Children’s Medical Center in New Hyde Park, by the New York Islanders were postponed on Dec. 16 due to a mumps outbreak among National Hockey League teams, according to a news release from the team. Toys, which were purchased through donations from Package All Corp. and the New York Islanders Children’s Foundation, were given to Cohen’s to distribute to children on Dec. 16, the release said. “We’re extremely disappointed that the event has been postponed, but understand the circumstances,” Islanders forward Kyle Okposo, one of the players scheduled to visit the hospital, said in the release. “This has always been one of our favorite events to take part in because seeing a child smile when we give them a gift or take a picture with them is what the holiday season is all about.” The visit of six of the teams players, including Okposo, forward Matt Martin, team captain John Tavares, al-

ternate captain Frans Nielson, defensemen Travis Hamonic and Johnny Boychuck, originally scheduled for 1:45 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 17, was postponed in the interest of the children’s safety, the release said. According to the release, Islanders players, coaches, hockey operations and traveling team personnel all received the mumps vaccine and have shown no symptoms of infection as of Dec. 16. “Nonetheless to assure the health and wellness of hospitalized children, the organization has decided to be extremely cautious and postpone this important event,” the release stated. The release said information on a new date will be made available once it has been rescheduled. “We’re happy the children will still receive the gifts and look forward to visiting the local hospitals soon,” Okposo said in the release. Reach reporter Bryan Ahrens by e-mail at bahrens@theislandnow.com or by phone at 516.307.1045 x204. Also follow us on Twitter @theislandnow and Facebook at facebook.com/theislandnow.

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The Great Neck News, Friday, December 26, 2014

Cuomo outlines regs for medical marijuana By B i LL S A N A N tON i O Gov. Andrew Cuomo on Thursday detailed proposed regulations in creating a registry with the state Department of Health that would oversee New York’s forthcoming medical marijuana program. The proposed regulations, which will be published on Wednesday in the New York Register for approval in mid February, would require physicians who wish to prescribe medical marijuana to undergo a training program through the state health department and patients to receive a stateapproved medical marijuana registry identification card. Entities that wish to manufacture and distribute medical marijuana would have to provide extensive plans of their infrastructure and operations and pay a $10,000 application fee for review and a $200,000 registration fee if selected as one of five distribution sites approved by the state. “Today we take another step forward to provide much-needed relief to New Yorkers living with extraordinary pain, while balancing the need to safeguard general health and safety,” Cuomo said. “These proposed regulations are designed with that in mind, so that we can alleviate suffering for patients with serious conditions while also ensuring that medical marijuana is dispensed and administered responsibly.” New York last June became the 23rd state to legalize medical marijuana through legislation called the Compassionate Care Act, which received approval from the state Assembly and state Senate prior to the con-

clusion of the summer’s legislative session. Cuomo signed the bill into law in July. The law limits eligibility to purchase medical marijuana to patients with cancer, HIV/AIDS, Lou Gehrig’s disease, muscular dystrophy, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, spinal cord damage, epilepsy, inflammatory bowel disease, neuropathy and Huntington’s disease. It also prohibits patients from smoking medical marijuana and possessing more than a 30-day supply at a time. Cuomo on Thursday said patients would have to first be certified by their physicians to apply for the registry identification card, which would last up to one year. The state would also allow patients to designate a caregiver to purchase medical marijuana on their behalf, but caregivers would also have to register with the state health department and pay a $50 application fee. The proposed regulations also require organizations approved as distributors maintain separate facilities for manufacturing and dispensing medical marijuana and undergo regular independent laboratory testing of the drug to ensure consistent potency. Licenses for distributors would last two years. The state health department would also set the pricing and advertising on medical marijuana products. “Our goal is to ensure that New Yorkers have access to the treatment they need through a controlled, regulated process,” said acting State Health Commissioner Howard Zucker.

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Nassau County Leigslator Ellen Birnbaum (D-Great Neck) has secured approximately $130,000 in county funding for the Manhasset-Lakeville Fire District and for renovations to Manhasset Valley Park, her office said last Wednesday. Birnbaum spokesman Daniel J. Small said Monday that the fire department will receive $30,000 for the purchase of portable radios for emergency responders, while $100,000 will be put toward renovations to the park’s restroom facilities as part of an inter-municipal agreement with the Town of North Hempstead. “The new athletic fields at this beautiful park are being frequented by Great Neck and Manhasset residents who enjoy playing soccer and softball,” Birnbaum said in a statement. “Consequently, visitors are staying for longer periods of time and adequate restrooms are more important than ever.” The Nassau County Legislature approved the funding requests during recent hearings, according to news releases from Birnbaum’s office. Birnbaum said the radios were necessary to ensure the safety of residents living within the fire district, which covers

Manhasset and portions of Great Neck and New Hyde Park. “Helping to keep our community safe is one of the most important parts of my job,” she said. “I am glad the ManhassetLakeville Fire District will be receiving funds which will be used to equip their firefighters with portable radios so that they can quickly communicate during emergency situations.” The park funding was received as part of an inter-municipal agreement between the Legislature and the Town of North Hempstead, Birnbaum’s office said. The funds were the latest in a series of initiatives in the last year to restore the park. In March, the town appropriated $4.5 million in bonding for renovations to the park, and the park was also received funds through a joint fundraising effort from Macy’s department store and National Recreation and Park Association. “Manhasset Valley Park is such a wonderful facility utilized by so many children and young athletes in our Town,” said North Hempstead Councilwoman Anna Kaplan, whose 4th district covers the park, at the time. “With this partnership, we now have the potential to add to and Continued on Page 43

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The Great Neck News, Friday, December 26, 2014

COMMUNITY news

Winthrop earns ‘Baby Friendly’ designation Winthrop-University Hospital has been awarded Baby-Friendly Designation by Baby-Friendly, USA. Winthrop is the first and only hospital on Long Island to achieve this distinct honor. Currently, there are only 222 BabyFriendly hospitals and birthing centers in the United States. “On behalf of Winthrop-University Hospital, I am proud of the ongoing effort that was put forth to achieve this prestigious designation,” said John F. Collins, president and CEO of Winthrop-University Hospital. “Certainly many mothers and babies will benefit from the hard work and dedication of every Winthrop nurse, physician and support staff member who made this possible. This is one more example of how Winthrop continues to raise the bar on Long Island for maternal-fetal medicine.” Baby-Friendly USA Inc. is the accrediting body and the national authority for the Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative in the United States. The Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative is a global program that was launched by the World Health Organization and the United Nations Children’s Fund in 1991 to encourage and recognize hospitals and birthing centers that offer an optimal level of care for infant feeding and mother/ baby bonding. Hospital’s that achieve the BabyFriendly Designation must undergo a rigorous onsite survey as well as implement all of the 10 Steps to Successful Breastfeeding, which represent evidencebased practices that have been shown to increase breastfeeding initiation and duration, and meet the requirements of purchasing breast milk substitutes. “The criteria are challenging, as they are designed to set the standards for the best possible breastfeeding support for mother and infant in the maternity setting, ensuring high quality of care in this critical area of mother/baby care,” said

Some of the members of Winthrop-University Hospital’s maternal child health team who were instrumental in helping the Hospital earn the Baby-Friendly Designation by Baby-Friendly, USA. Trish MacEnroe, executive director of Baby-Friendly USA, Inc, in an award letter recently presented to Winthrop. According to Baby-Friendly USA, “providing infants with human milk gives them the most complete nutrition possible. Human milk provides the optimal mix of nutrients and antibodies necessary for each baby to thrive. Scientific studies have shown that breastfed children have far fewer and less serious illnesses than those who never receive breast milk, including a reduced risk of SIDS, childhood cancers and diabetes. Recent studies also show that women who breastfeed enjoy decreased risks of breast and ovarian cancer, anemia, and osteoporosis. They are empowered by

their ability to provide complete nourishment for their babies. Both mother and baby enjoy the emotional benefits of the very special and close relationship formed through breastfeeding.” “Becoming a Baby-Friendly facility is a comprehensive, detailed and thorough journey toward excellence in providing evidence-based, maternity care with the goal of achieving optimal infant feeding outcomes and mother/baby bonding,” said Eileen Magri, vice president, Nursing, at Winthrop-University Hospital, who spearheaded the Baby Friendly initiative. “It was an effort that involved support from many areas of the Hospital and we wear this designation proudly.” More than 5,000 babies each year

begin their lives in Winthrop’s New Life Center, a modern facility that offers 16 labor-delivery-recovery rooms, each attractively decorated to provide a comfortable, homey environment. While the ambiance is tranquil, expectant moms and dads can also feel secure in the knowledge that the sophisticated technology and vast resources of a major, university-affiliated medical center are close at hand should a complication develop. For more information about Maternal/Child Care at Winthrop, visit www. winthrop.org or call 1-866-WINTHROP.

Wood available to public at Long Island state parks The state Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation has advised that wood is available to the public at various state parks on Long Island. A wood permit must be obtained from the park office before any wood is removed from the facility. The permit is for the removal of wood from downed and/or fallen trees that park staff would have had to remove. At some parks there will be a deposit of $10 (exact change only). Some of the wood available is already cut and some may need cutting according to your needs. This wood is ideal for firewood usage. Please be advised that this permit is for wood removal only, dumping of any material on state land is strictly prohibited. This policy is in place to prevent the spread of wood-boring beetles and invasive plant species.

Park staff will strictly enforce that no woodchips, logs, soil, or any organic matter will be brought into any state park participating with the wood removal program. A regulation is in effect by the Department of Environmental Conservation that limits the transportation of untreated firewood to less than 50 miles from its source. Quarantines exist which further restrict firewood transportation. For further information on the rules and regulations, please contact the DEC at 1-866-6400652 or visit their website www.dec. ny.gov. For further information please call the park office or the Long Island State Park Headquarters - Permit Department at (631) 321-3514. For more information about our New York State Parks, please visit our website www.nysparks.com.

PARK Gov. A.E. Smith Sunken Meadow (631) 269-4333

DAYS/HOURS DEPOSIT Monday-Friday* No Deposit 8:30 a.m. – 4 p.m.

SPECIAL CONDITIONS Small pick-up/ commercial plates allowed

Heckscher (631) 581-2100

7 Days/week* $10 Deposit 8 a.m.– 3 p.m.

Small pick-up/ commercial plates allowed

Hempstead Lake (516) 766-1029

7 Days/week* No Deposit 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Small pick-up/ commercial plates allowed

Planting Fields Arboretum State Historic Park (516) 922-8600

Monday-Friday* No Deposit 9 a.m.-3 p.m.

Small pick-up/ commercial plates allowed

Valley Stream (516) 825-4128

7 Days/week* No Deposit 8:30 a.m.– 3:30 p.m.

No commercial vehicles

Wildwood (631) 929-4314

7 Days/week* No Deposit 8 a.m.-4 p.m.

Small pick-up/ commercial plates allowed

*Please call in advance for specific times/dates permits are available.

12 The Great Neck News, Friday, December 26, 2014

Opinion

OUR VIEWS

Cuomo caves Column captured loss of to fracking foes community institution When he made his long-awaited decision to ban hydraulic fracturing or, as it is better known, fracking, Gov. Cuomo demonstrated that he lacks the courage to make a politically unpopular decision. The governor procrastinated for more than a year while his campaign for re-election was underway claiming that he didn’t have enough information about the potential risks of fracking. Then last week, with no new scientific information about the potential dangers of fracking, Cuomo decided to ban the practice statewide that has created in a financial windfall just across the border in Pennsylvania while wiping his hands clean of any responsibility. Unfortunately towns along New York’s southern tier will not enjoy that fracking windfall. In Pennsylvania non-skilled workers employed in fracking-related industries are earning on-average $80,000. In New York’s southern tier there is widespread unemployment and now the one ray of hope they were clinging to has disappeared thanks to Cuomo’s decision. Cuomo, who, as far as we know, has never collected an unemployment check, did not show that he appreciates the impact of his decision. He killed the dreams of thousands of New Yorkers who hoped they would soon be part of a profitable industry already flourishing in other states. He gave in to hysteria and unfounded fears and without scientific evidence decided to ban fracking. He rejected an industry that has proven potential based on risks that have yet to be proven. According to the governor, state Environmental Commissioner Joe Martens, and state Health Commissioner Dr. Howard Zucker, have decided that the health and environmental risks of fracking are too high. Are we suggesting there is no risk involved in hydraulic fracturing? Not at all. For that reason we think the state should move forward carefully with the process carefully monitoring the impact on the environment. But hydraulic fracturing is not new. The technique was first used in 1947 and re-emerged 1998 with the advent of horizontal drilling. During that time there have not been large-scale disasters caused by fracking, no mass contaminations of water supplies, no cities turned into ghost towns. We don’t make light of the potential for serious problems, but we believe that the risks must be balanced against the potential of fracking to help America become energy independent and its potential to create new jobs in New York’s southern tier. The devastating impact of low energy prices on such bad actors as Russia, Iran and Venezuela is just the icing on the cake. While fracking may never be a good idea for the heavily populated New York metropolitan area, the benefits of hydraulic fracturing would have reached every corner of the state, including Nassau County. Energy prices would have gone down and industries have found new money for expansion and hiring. Although there is considerable debate about the risks, no one doubts the potential economic benefits of fracking. Pennsylvania is proof of this. Cuomo should have searched for a middle road that could have carefully controlled and limited the risks while allowing the financial windfall to begin. Instead he took the politically safe and cowardly way out.

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

READERS WRITE

ovely article by Judy Epstein re the demise of our local Port Washington King Kullen supermarket. Of all of our local supermarkets, King Kullen consistently has had the most pleasant help in every department and I will

miss them. Also, I’d like to mention that the local Long Island Cullen family was the originator of this chain. I almost forgot to mention the wonderful service King Kullen provided in the aftermath of

Sandy and our loss of power. They provided tables in our Port Washington store with charging stations for us to be able to use our cell phones, etc. Anne Brown Port Washington

GOP majority a boon to big business, special interests

f anyone who voted for Republicans expected new and positive ideas and legislation, disappointment has already begun. In order to keep the government open, provisions added to the funding bill revealed business as usual. They returned to the same policies that gave Wall Street the power to engage in practices that nearly destroyed our economy, putting taxpayers on the hook. Also, ultra-wealthy donors are to be allowed to increase their contributions to political parties tenfold. Sen. Mitch McConnell, who will ascend to the post of Senate Majority Leader in January,

has already announced his first priority. He aims to pass a bill to build the Keystone XL pipeline. The pipeline, which would carry low-grade crude from the tar sands of Canada to the Gulf Coast in Louisiana to be refined and shipped. He added that it will be a very important jobcreator. That contention is highly questionable and the possible effect on the environment is extremely worrisome. Obviously the biggest beneficiaries will be the huge interests that lobby heavily and make huge political contributions. Next, U.S. District Court Judge, Arthur Schwab, a federal judge in Pennsylvania who

has a history of being removed from cases on charges of bias, has ruled that President Obama’s actions on immigration are unconstitutional. His ruling is not likely to have any effect. This is only a beginning. Stay tuned for the predictable activity we can expect from those who certainly have little regard for most of us. Be prepared to make your opinions known to our representatives, early and often. In the meantime, best wishes for a happy, healthy and prosperous New Year. Esther Confino New Hyde Park

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

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

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The Great Neck News, Friday, December 26, 2014

READERS WRITE

Liberty survivors will not surrender

can understand why Mr. Bruckheimer wants us to just go away and stop talking about the USS Liberty however he relates an account about the alleged 1991 Senate investigation that is factually incorrect and which cannot go unchallenged. It has not gone unnoticed that in relating his account he totally ignores the account of USS Liberty survivors and relies entirely on the account of the originator of the “Myth of the 13 Congressional investigations of the attack on the USS Liberty” and apparently is asking others to do the same. While it is true that we had a meeting with Congressman Nicholas Mavroules in which we advocated for a complete and comprehensive public Congres-

sional investigation of the attack on our ship there is absolutely no evidence that any effort was made by any of Mr. Mavroules’ staff to determine what happened during the attack other than the question he asked Jay Cristol. USS Liberty survivor John Hrankowski was in almost daily contact with Mr. Mavroules’ staff and at no time did anyone on Mavroules’ staff indicate an interest in obtaining the account of USS Liberty survivors. At no time were we invited to provide sworn testimony to anyone on Mavroules’ staff. Other than the documentation we provided to Congressman Mavroules during our meeting with him at no time were we invited to provide any further evidence or testimony about the

attack on our ship. I don’t know how to state it any clearer. At no time has any Member of Congress or Congressional Staff Member solicited the account of any USS Liberty survivor. How do you conduct an investigation without soliciting sworn testimony from those of us who were there? If Mr. Bruckheimer would do as we did and ask the historians of both the US House and U.S. Senate if the attack on the USS Liberty was the subject of Congressional scrutiny he will learn that they cannot find any evidence in the records available to them that any member of Congress has subjected the attack to any level of scrutiny at all. I also visited the Congressio-

nal Research Service and asked the researcher to whom such questions would be addressed and asked him, “Has the US government conducted an investigation of the June 8, 1967 attack on the USS Liberty.” His response was immediate and unequivocal. “No.” Perhaps Mr. Bruckheimer would be willing to ask him Congressman to pose the same question to the CRS. Somehow I think not but maybe others will be. I hope that Mr. Bruckheimer is interested in hearing our account of the attack. If he or anyone else is interested in talking with us we hold an annual memorial service at noon on June 8 at the Navy Memorial located at 701 Pennsylvania Ave., NW., Washington, DC.

lic.

The event is open to the pub-

What he won’t see at the memorial service is any member of Congress, any official representative of the American Legion, any official representative of the Navy League, any official representative of the U.S. Navy or any official representative of the Department of Defense. For some reason we are such an embarrassment to them that even giving the public appearance of honoring the sacrifice of 34 Americans who gave their lives for our country is not a risk official representatives of those organizations are willing to take. Joe Meadors USS Liberty Survivor Director of Operations, USS Liberty Veterans Association

Proof of greedy, mean-spirited Republicans

hank you for printing Emery Rose’s letter in the Dec. 12th “Great Neck News.” It confirms everything I’ve learned over a lifetime, namely that many Republicans are greedy and mean-spirited. Rose uses the pronoun “they” to conjure up an image of a monolithic group of predators whose goal in life is to steal from the affluent, but he never spells out who the “they” are. I can only assume he has blacks and Latinos in mind.

He certainly isn’t referring to those of us receiving Social Security and Medicare because we have contributed to these lifesustaining programs over the decades when we were part of the workforce. I don’t know whether it’s fair to think of Rose as a bigot, however, one of his lines points in that direction. He writes: “They cannot pay for any aspect of their lives, so the rest of us are stuck with the bill.”

Again,the ubiquitous but undefined “they.” The implication here is that these unnamed people do not have jobs, do not pay taxes and spend all their time supping at the public trough. This would, indeed, be shocking, if true, but it isn’t. According to the United States Department of Commerce, the percentage of whites on welfare is 38.8 percent and for blacks it’s 39.9 percent. The number for Hispanics

comes in at only 15.7 percent. This means that the vast majority of all Americans are gainfully employed, taxpaying citizens. Finally, Rose and I are paying our hard-earned dollars to, only, the 4.1 percent of the population which receives welfare. It is sad that the most advanced and powerful nation in history is one of the last to adopt social welfare programs to improve the lives of those amongst us most in need.

Here, I fault the Republican party which in the 1930s opposed Social Security and today tries to derail the Affordable Care Act. We need to remember the words of Tom Paine who wrote at the time of the American Revolution.... “The world is my country, all mankind are my brethren...to do good is my religion.” Amen! Dr. Hal Sobel Great Neck

Sharpton, de Blasio fail to Liberty theory show NYC police respect doesn’t hold water This truly is a most sad time for the city of New York and the country as two police officers were executed in cold blood while in their patrol car serving the community. They were officers Wenjian Liu and Rafael Ramos. This took place in Bedford-Stuyvesant, Brooklyn and this heinous act was perpetrated by a most deranged individual who hated police named Ismaaiyl Brinsley. My heartfelt prayers go out to their fellow officers, friends and families as they grieve for two fine officers. There is although an atmosphere of hate generated by certain community leaders like Al Sharp-

ton and others like him at protests across the country. Mayor de Blasio and certain members of the city council have further fueled the fire of mistrust, disrespect, and a complete disregard what our brave men and women do everyday. The members of the NYPD risk their lives each and ever day protecting and serving the community with honor and distinction. And yet there are those in these communities who seek to harm them. It’s time to stand up for the NYPD in their support. I’m a member of the Republican Club of Queens Village and is the oldest in the country and was

started in 1875 and we will be holding a rally in their support. This will take place on Tuesday Jan. 13, 2015 at 12:00 noon, in front of Queens Borough Hall. This is located at 120-55 Queens Blvd. in Kew Gardens. For more information contact Captain Joseph Concannon at jconcannon@joe4ny.org. Let all concerned law abiding citizens show up in support of our finest on that day. These attacks upon our Finest must stop. Remember this too: Evil thrives when good people do nothing ! Frederick R. Bedell Jr. Glen Oaks Village

he anti-Israel faction may be interested to know that Israel cannot possibly have deliberately attacked the USS Liberty with an attempt to blame it on the Arabs. All the Arab air forces were totally destroyed by Israeli air strikes on the first day of the Six-Day War on June 6, 1967. The attack on the USS Liberty

occurred two days later. Israel therefore cannot possibly have attempted to blame the attack on the Arabs as they were without any air power on that day. The Israelis are not that stupid. This attack was an unfortunate tragic error. Period. Mark Karim Great Neck

For the latest news, visit us 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at www.theislandnow.com

14 The Great Neck News, Friday, December 26, 2014

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

What’s in a name? Money! A few years ago, while sharing a room with a sports broadcast, I caught the phrase “at the Staples center” out of the corner of my ear. I vaguely knew that it referred to some kind of arena - but where? And why name a building after staples, of all things? I asked my husband, “If they’re going to use a silly name like that, why not ‘Toaster’? That, at least, would be something warm.” “It’s a company, Judy - you know, the store that sells office supplies?” Now I was even more baffled. “So, what do office supplies have to do with sports?” “Nothing. They have nothing to do with anything, except money. Staples, the company, paid millions of dollars to have the building named after them. Nobody is going to spend millions of dollars to name someplace after a toaster.” “Well, why not? I would.” “Yes, I believe you would. Which is why you don’t have millions of dollars.” He’s right. I have absolutely no understanding of many things, in-

cluding the whole concept of naming rights. They just annoy me. Whenever somebody “buys” a name, all it means is I have to relearn some geography. Even when it happened decades ago. What’s the Avenue between Fifth and Seventh - Sixth Avenue? No, it’s Avenue of the Americas — even though only Wikipedia has the faintest idea why. ( “To honor ‘Pan-American ideals and principles,’” it says. Whatever that means.) Now, it’s just another way to befuddle tourists. In my town, every time they have a parade, they rename the streets — but at least they usually return to the names I know, when the parade is over. But quick - Where’s the Ed Koch bridge? It’s a bigger mystery than Grant’s tomb. (A: It’s the bridge otherwise known as the Queensboro or the 59th Street. Now it has three names to argue about.) As for the recently re-named RFK Bridge, even the road signs forget, half the time, and still call it the Triborough. “And a good thing, too, because

Judy epstein

A Look on the Lighter Side if they didn’t, nobody could find it. Proving my point,” I add. “What is your point, anyway?” “That naming rights are stupid.” Besides, “Staples” Center is so generic! It could be anywhere. At least with Yankee Stadium, you know you’re in New York City, with the Yankees. If it’s Fenway Park, you’re in the Fens of Boston. But if you’re listening to a game at Petco Park, well, where are you? Or in AT&T Park (San Fran-

cisco), AT&T Stadium (Arlington, Texas), or AT&T Field (Chattanooga, Tennessee)? How can you know which is which, when a phone service is something that’s either everywhere, or nowhere? Or take FedEx Center, named for a company whose sole function is to get things from anywhere, to anywhere else, overnight. So where are they? Heck if I know. The worst of this naming business is that, even when somebody spends millions of dollars to name something, it doesn’t stay named. Look at Avery Fisher Hall, in Lincoln Center. The New York Philharmonic and Lincoln Center just paid the Fisher Family $15 million to take their name back off the building, so that “naming rights” could be sold again to someone else. Someone with deeper pockets. Whoever that is, however, should be warned — they’re only likely to last until someone with even deeper pockets wanders by. Never mind carving your name in stone; nowadays they just scrib-

ble your name on a sticky note and slap it up over the door. For that matter, why even call it Lincoln Center? At this rate, the Lincoln Memorial and Washington Monument had better watch out, too. Gosh, maybe we’ll all wake up one morning and find out we’re living in David Koch City, in the state of Bloomberg, in the United States of Simoleon. What won’t money buy next? Children? Actually, it’s nothing new to name your child after a rich relative, in hopes that someday they’ll bequeath your darling a little something. But now, you can name and rename them, as you up the ante. In this spirit, I am entertaining bids for the naming rights to MaxA-Million and MegaBuck, my boys. Who knows? Cough up enough, and I might even find it in my heart to start writing A Look On The Lighter Side of Your-Name-Here. At least until Your-BetterName-Here comes along

from the d es k of se n ator j ac k marti n s

Where have George Baileys gone? I’ve always loved this time of year. The holidays hold an awful lot of magic and memories for me. Virtually everything, from watching old black and white movies (I can’t watch them colorized!) to untangling impossible clusters of Christmas lights, possesses the astonishing ability to charge up my ol’ Christmas spirit. But as a state senator, there doesn’t seem to be a whole lot of free time for much of that these days. While I savor being part of our community celebrations, there are days that the grittier, everyday business of state politics sucks that joy right out of me. It’s a challenge not to become jaded and as each of us deals with the push and pull of the holiday rush, I’m sure I’m not alone. That’s what this column is about. When I started writing it last week, all of my themes were geared toward exposing some recent political boondoggle or another. In fact, I couldn’t decide which of the many I would touch upon first.

While I knew that I usually reserve this week’s column for some compelling observations about the spirit of the season, I just wasn’t seeing or even feeling it this year. I tried some Christmas music, driving around to look at lights, and finally stared at our own beautiful Christmas tree into the dark, wee hours of the night. Nothing happened. I even brought out the big guns and watched one of my favorite films, “It’s a Wonderful Life,” with hopes it might jolt a more sympathetic Christmas message out of me. Here was the protagonist, George Bailey doing the right things time and again his entire life: saving his brother who fell into a frozen pond, preventing the drunk pharmacist, Mr. Gower from accidentally poisoning someone, taking over his father’s Savings and Loan to keep it out of the clutches of the greedy Mr. Potter who wanted to throw people out of their homes. To be sure, the whole movie is an homage to human goodness, the story of a man whose

jack m. martins State Senator

own interests continually take a back seat to his helping others. Let’s be honest. When was the last time Hollywood produced a script about an everyday, self-sacrificing, family man whose only reward was his own sense of gratitude? It left me further discouraged and wondering, “Where have all the George Baileys gone?” Selflessness is truly a rare commodity in today’s world and in government some would say it’s gone the way of the dinosaur. Can it be that in a world where everything is spun and marketed, integrity and righ-

teousness just no longer have a place? I dutifully watched until its end - until “an angel gets his wings” – then clicked it off and retired for the night as I had a long day ahead of me. Early the next morning I set out with my staff to collect some donations for our annual Holiday Toy Drive benefiting children at Winthrop-University Hospital. You can probably guess what happened next. We were bowled over by the generosity of treasure, time and spirit that was waiting for us. At numerous locations from Port Washington to Mineola to Herricks we were met by dozens of children, parents and educators eagerly waiting to send more than 2,000 new toys to the kids at Winthrop! When we arrived at the hospital, we dropped off a virtual mountain of toys to children and parents who could not have been more awestruck and thankful. It became apparent to me that these were much more than playthings for these families.

It was confirmation that good, everyday, self-sacrificing people still exist and that they are our neighbors, right here on Long Island. Here were the George Baileys I was seeking, right under my nose the whole time. Here was the spirit of Christmas. Truth be told, I feel pretty lucky too. As your senator, you allow me to deliver that Christmas cheer and the hope that comes with it. Then I get the added benefit of soaking in all the goodness that comes as a result of your kindness. So on behalf of all of us who benefit from innumerable acts of kindness and charity, including those children and families who’ll be spending their holidays in the hospital, I offer you our sincerest gratitude. And for those of you whose quiet kindness, like George Bailey’s, goes unrecognized or is intentionally anonymous, I especially thank you during this Holiday Season. God bless you, one and all. Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, and Happy Holidays!

The Great Neck News, Friday, December 26, 2014

REAdERS WRITE

tamarin’s work slimed by letter-writer

uth Tamaron’s legacy as Great Neck Park Commissioner will shine brightly. We strongly resent the defamatory letter Elizabeth Allen wrote about Ruth Tamarin in the Great Neck News, issue Dec. 5. While ostensibly extolling the virtues of Ms. Tamarin’s great work as a park commissioner, the main thrust of her remarks suddenly turn dark, vitriolic and malicious, attacking Ms. Tamarin on a personal basis and impugning her integrity in general. What makes these charges especially ludicrous is that they spring from the thoughts of a trusted friend and a staunch campaign

supporter who helped Ms. Tamarin get elected from the beginning of her tenure some 16 years ago. Surely, therefore, Ms. Allen certainly should know better both professionally and personally than to attack Ms. Tamarin’s motives in endorsing a candidate. Indeed, it wasn’t until some months after her retirement that, after painstakingly weighing which candidate is the most qualified to best serve on the board and the park district, did Ms. Tamarin decide to announce her support of Sharon Epstein. That motive, based on what’s best for the parks, was the sole and only reason for Ms. Tamarin’s endorsement of Ms. Epstein.

Park. (Who consequently lost her election bid). Which begs the question. No words full of weeds can damage her Would Ms. Allen’s vindictive letter have legacy. been written if Ms. Tamarin had endorsed Ms. Allen’s candidate? We all know the anBob and Shelly Sobel, swer. Norman and Doris Elman, Arlene and The nasty letter speaks for itself. In the Gerry Donowitz, Ruth and Cal Ellis, end it will be tossed into recycle pails, and Cindy (Cecile) Gold, Ms. Allen will have achieved nothing except Rose Grabelsky, to harm herself. Gus and Sue Klein, As for Ms. Tamarin, besides all her nu- Carolyn and Paul Knepfer, Barbara and merous accomplishments as park commisRichard Shapiro, Golda Shapiro, and sioner, her gifts to our district will remain Pat and Herb Zibulsky. and grow much like one of her achieveGreat Neck ments, the planting of those beds of beautiful perennials that decorate Steppingstone

No free lunch for mass transit riders

ny Long Island Rail Road riders and elected officials who oppose proposed fare hikes to be implemented in March 2015 missed the reason why fare hikes occur. Prior to 1965, the Long Island Rail Road derived almost 100 percent of its funding for both capital and operating expenses from fares. Chartered by the state Legislature in 1965 as the Metropolitan Commuter Transportation Authority, it was created to purchase and operate the bankrupt Long Island Rail Road. The MCTA changed its name to the Metropolitan Transportation Authority in 1968 when it took over operations of the New York City Transit Authority. Over the past 49 years, billions of dollars in combined county city, state and federal taxpayers generated dollars have subsidized both the capital and operating costs for the LIRR. Fare hikes are periodically required if the MTA and operating agencies such as the Long Island Rail Road are to provide the services millions of New Yorkers on a daily basis count on. They are inevitable due to inflation along with increasing costs of labor, power, fuel, supplies, materials, routine safety, state of good repair, replacement of worn out rolling stock, upgrades to stations, yards and shops along with

system expansion projects necessary to run any transit system. For those public officials who oppose any fare increases and are quick to demagogue on this issue (for political purposes to win upcoming primary or general elections), just how would you assist the MTA in balancing current financial shortfalls? Which capital improvement projects would you propose the MTA cancel to help balance the budget and avoid fare increases? Which route(s) would you support service reductions to save operating dollars? Would you volunteer to reduce service, cancel or delay any capital projects benefiting constituents in your district? MTA services continue to be one of the best bargains in town. Since the 1950s, the average cost of riding either the bus, subway or commuter rail has gone up at a lower rate than either the consumer price index or inflation. The Metro Card introduced in 1996 affords a free transfer between bus and subway. Prior to this, riders had to pay two full fares. Many Great Neck, New Hyde Park, Herricks, Williston Park, Searingtown, Albertson, Mineola, Manhasset, Roslyn and other Long Island residents purchase either a weekly or monthly LIRR pass and or New York City Transit bus/ subway Metro Card to further reduces

Check us out on facebook at www.facebook.com/ TheIslandNow

the cost per ride. Many employers offer transit checks, which pay even more of your costs. In the end, quality and frequency of service is dependent upon secure revenue streams. We all will have to contribute - be it at the fare box or tax revenues generated by different levels

of government redistributed back to the MTA. TANSTAFFL or “There Ain’t No Such Thing As A Free Lunch” or in this case a free ride. Larry Penner Great Neck

David E. McClean, PhD Philosophical Counseling & Life Coaching

Certified Member, American Philosophical Practitioners Association • 99 Hillside Avenue, Suite F,Williston Park 516-680-6630 For more information, visit: www.sprplacements.com

16 The Great Neck News, Friday, December 26, 2014

COMMUNITY news

Planting Fields given $250K grant

M A R A G O S , S A N TA V I S I T G AT E W AY

Planting Fields Foundation has been awarded $250,000 from the state Environmental Protection Fund through the Long Island Regional Economic Development Council to construct a comprehensive outdoor Educational Center within the newly built Sensory Garden. The outdoor Education Center will provide a spacious accessible area to host school groups, garden club meetings, continuing educational workshops and seminars as well as serve the needs of our daily visitors. It will feature programming that focuses on gardening, horticulture, environmental stewardship, and sustainability. The educational center will

include an observation deck that will serve as an outdoor learning laboratory. A fresh water pond and rain garden will be installed which will exhibit some of Long Island’s unique ecology of native grasses, trees, plants and wildlife, and the Main Greenhouse Classroom deck will be renovated to accommodate larger groups and create a more cohesive natural environment for lectures, demonstrations, and performances. This is an invaluable addition to the arboretum and will be another step that Planting Fields is taking toward serving a broader audience.

Korean American Day celebration on Tuesday, Jan. 13, at 12 p.m. in the Theodore Roosevelt Executive and Legislative Building. The celebration will commemorate the proud heritage of Korean Americans and their

hancing Nassau County’s culture, economy, and the founding ideals of independence and democracy. Three prominent KoState Sen. Jack M. Marrean Americans who have made tins (R-7th Senate District) is significant contributions in their reminding residents that the field will be honored. deadline to file applications for New York State’s School Tax Relief program and other property tax exemptions with the Nassau County Department of Assessment is Jan. 2. Basic STAR is available to all New Yorkers who own and live in their own home, condominium, or cooperative apartment whose adjusted gross income does not exceed $500,000, regardless of age. Enhanced STAR is available to senior citizen property owners whose adjusted gross income (less any taxable IRA distribution) is under $83,300 and

Nassau County Comptroller George Maragos recently visited Gateway Youth Outreach in Elmont, where Santa Claus arrived with gifts for children. Gateway serves youth in Elmont, Floral Park, Franklin Square, New Hyde Park, North Valley Stream and Stewart Manor. It is located at 534 Elmont Road and runs after-school programs at Elmont elementary schools. Pictured from left: (back row) Sister Evelyn, Gateway Youth Outreach executive director Pat Korean American Day Celebration Boyle, Elmont Fire Department Chief Ralph Esposito, and Maragos, and (front row) Santa Nassau County will host a invaluable contributions to en- with children who participate in Gateway’s programs.

STAR program deadline approaching

www.facebook.com/TheIslandNow

who will be age 65 or older by Dec. 31, 2015. If the property is owned by a husband and wife, or by siblings, only one of them must be at least 65 years old to qualify for this exemption. Residents who already receive the Basic STAR exemption or who participate in the Enhanced STAR Income Verification Program do not need to re-file. Residents who moved to a new house and had the STAR exemption at their previous address need to file a new application. The STAR exemption is not automatically transferred to a new address. In addition, Nassau County also offers other property tax exemptions, including:

• Senior citizens • Veterans • Cold War veterans • Volunteer firefighters or ambulance service workers • Persons with disabilities & limited incomes • First-time homebuyers of newly constructed homes Residents who would like to obtain applications or more information about any of these property tax exemptions can do so by calling the Nassau County Department of Assessment at (516) 571-1500 or visiting www. nassaucountyny.gov, clicking on “Departments”, and then clicking the link for the Department of Assessment. Applications must be filed by Jan. 2.

Veterans’ exemption applications due The Town of North Hempstead Town reminds residents that all school districts in the town have opted to adopt the Veterans’ Exemption for those veterans who are currently receiving the Alternative Veterans’ Exemption under New York State law. Each school district has until Jan. 2 to pass a resolution allowing the exemption to be applicable for the 2015-2016 school tax year. The following Town of North Hempstead school districts that opted in are: Carle Place, East Williston, Great Neck, Herricks, Manhasset, Mineola, New Hyde Park/Garden City Park, Port

Washington, Roslyn, and Westbury school districts, as well as three districts which lie partially in other towns: Floral Park/Bellerose, Jericho, and North Shore. Veterans who have been receiving the Alternative Veterans’ Exemption on their General Tax bill will automatically receive the exemption on their 2015-2016 School Tax bill. Veterans who are currently receiving the Eligible Funds Veterans’ Exemption on their General Tax bill will not automatically receive the Alternative Veterans’ Exemption on their School Tax bill. To ensure that these veterans do not miss the opportunity to re-

duce their school tax burden, the Town mailed them applications for an Alternative Veterans’ Exemption for School Tax only. Applications must be submitted to the Nassau County Department of Assessment located at 240 Old Country Road (4th floor) in Mineola prior to Jan. 2, the last day to file exemption applications for the 2015 – 2016 School Tax bill. Eligible Funds Veterans should indicate on the application that they wish to maintain their current Eligible Funds Veterans Exemption on their General Taxes. For more information, please call 311.

The Great Neck News, Friday, December 26, 2014

Academy Gardens study still ongoing By A da m L i d g e t t The expert hired by the Village of Great Neck to determine if the proposed demolition of rent-stabilized Academy Gardens would create racial disparity is still in the early stages of conducting his study, village attorney Chris Prior said Thursday. Prior told the Village of Great Neck Planning Board at its meeting that not much has changed with regard to what the expert, Queens College professor Andrew Alan Beveridge, has done with the study. “I checked with him earlier in the week,” Prior said. “He is in the process of conducting the study and will hopefully have a draft of something soon.” Prior said he did not have a specific date as to when the village will see a report. Working alongside the engineering firm Nelson, Pope and Voorhis, Beveridge has asked for no more information from the village to conduct their study, Prior said. Kings Point Gate Associates, a management company based out of Manhattan, proposed last year to demolish the Academy Gardens apartment complex and replace them with market-rate units. Many of the tenants of Academy Gardens are low-income minority families who have said they could not afford to live in Great Neck if they were evicted from the apartments. Beveridge said he is deferring all comment to the village. Beveridge was one of three experts considered by the planning board, and was the closest one that would be available to conduct the study in a timely manner. Beveridge was hired to determine if the proposed demolition of the rentstabilized apartment complex, located at Middle Neck and Steamboat roads, and the construction of market-rate units in its place would be in violation of the Fair Housing Act of 1968, which makes it ille-

gal to deny residency to a person because of their background. Academy Gardens tenants, local residents and civil rights groups have protested the proposal in the last year at meetings of the Village of Great Neck Board of Trustees and the planning board. Academy Gardens tenant association president Julie Shields has also said that the building manager, Susan Sahim, has neglected the building and “harassed” the tenants to have them move out of the building. A similar proposal to replace Academy Gardens was made in 2007 by one-time Kings Point resident David Adelipour, the owner of the property. That proposal was halted by Adelipour because the building would have required a zoning variance. Attorney Paul Bloom, a former Village of Great Neck planning board chairman who is representing Adelipour on the project, has stressed at past planning board meetings that the tenants are being treated fairly and would be paid six-years worth of rent after they would move out of Academy Gardens, if the project is approved. Beveridge is a sociology professor at Queens College, part of the City University of New York system, and was the sociology chair from 2006 to 2011. He is the co-director of the Annual Housing Survey Project at Columbia University’s Center for the Social Sciences and is president of Andrew A. Beveridge Inc. “a demographic and social science data consulting firm that provides consulting in litigation and other settings,” according to his online resume. Nelson, Pope and Voorhis, a Melvillebased engineering firm, will address environmental issues related to the project. Originally, Columbia University professor Lance Freeman was poised to study the issues related to the fair housing law, but dropped out of the study when a dispute between the planning board and the developers over the consultant’s payment left what Freeman said was insufficient time for him to do his work.

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Bold decisions on fracking, Cuba

Just when you feel that grassroots activism is no match against monied special interests, that pounding the pavement and protesting are useless to effect change, Gov. Andrew Cuomo makes New York State the first to ban fracking. This is a huge victory for New Yorkers living in communities that were threatened by fracking and for the activists across the state who have fought for years to keep the fracking industry out of New York. Overcoming the arguments that fracking is the lynchpin to economic prosperity, especially for the Southern Tier, the decision rested on public health and environmental arguments. Acting Health Commissioner Howard Zucker, who presented the state’s longawaited health review of fracking, said that, in deciding whether to recommend banning fracking in New York, he asked himself, “Would I live in a community with [fracking] based on the information we have now?” and came to the conclusion, “After looking at the plethora of reports, my answer is no...I cannot support high volume hydraulic fracturing in the great state of New York. “As the acting health commissioner, I consider the people of the state of New York as my patients. We cannot afford to make a mistake. The potential risks are too great. In fact, they are not fully known.” “This victory wouldn’t have happened without determined, uncompromising grassroots activism,” said CREDO Action from Working Assets. “Too often, environmental groups have cut bad deals that have paved the way for fracking in exchange for weak and inadequate regulation. The results of fracking expanding across the country have been disastrous: Flammable tap water, cancer-causing air pollution, earthquakes, dangerous chemical spills, exploding pipe-

lines and the wholesale toxic industrializa- of government to ban fracking, and he deserves our praise for standing up to the tion of rural communities. “But in New York, activists refused to frackers,” stated Sarah Alexander, Deputy accept anything short of a ban on fracking Organizing Director of Food & Water Watch. “Food & Water Watch was the first na– and the result is that we won outright.” Since 2011, CREDO activists submit- tional group to call for a ban on fracking ted more than 400,000 petition signatures in the U.S., and this is proof that when you fight for what you want, you and public comments against can win. We will take this fracking in New York, made victory and the example that over 10,000 phone calls to New York has set to the rest the governor, and thousands of the country to make sure attended dozens of rallies, that families in every state large and small, in every corare protected from fracking. ner of the state. But our work is not done - we They are crediting the need to ban fracking everyvictory to “the years of eduwhere.” cation, mobilization and Food & Water Watch is advocacy work to build the KAREN RUBIN now focusing on Maryland political power for holding Pulse of the Peninsula Gov. O’Malley to follow New Gov. Cuomo accountable to York’s lead and ban fracking, the people, not the oil and gas industry. New Yorkers Against Fracking, too. Obama Takes Historic Step to Normala coalition founded by Food & Water Watch, and the strong network of allies and grass- ize Relations with Cuba And just when you think that fairness, roots activists are directly responsible for justice and commonsense cannot prevail this victory.” Activists like Great Neck’s own Patty against rank politics, President Obama takes Katz, chair of Reach Out America’s Green the bold step to normalize relations with Committee, who worked tirelessly to orga- Cuba, after 50 years of trying to overthrow nize grassroots opposition. She was depend- the Communist regime of Fidel Castro using coercion and isolation. ably out and about with posters. It’s so interesting that in the precious “It’s a joyous day to be a New Yorker,” Katz said gleefully. “We joined together and time Obama had one on one with Pope let our politicians know that we wanted to Francis I was spent discussing Obama’s aspreserve the beauty and natural resources pirations for rapprochement with Cuba, and we have in our state and that it’s time to in- the intrigue of 18 months of secret negotiavest in energy that is clean and sustainable. tions, culminating with the direct talks beAll of the petitions, rallies, letters and phone tween Obama and Raul Castro. Clearly Obama has harbored the goal calls paid off. Let’s hope that this sets a precof opening ties with Cuba since the beginedent for other states to Ban Fracking.” ning of his administration - in 2009, taking She added, “I’m walking on clean air.” “Governor Cuomo’s decision will dra- important steps to loosen travel restrictions, matically increase pressure on elected offi- opening the way for more Americans - and cials across the country and at every level especially Cuban Americans with family

members there - to open people-to-people contacts and understanding. The isolation of the Bamboo Curtain and the Iron Curtain only served to incubate hatred, hostility and fear from one to another and reinforce dictatorial control, clearly were not effective. Look how Nixon’s bold move to normalize relations and open up trade to communist China and Reagan’s olive branch to the Soviet Union set into motion both the elements of capitalism and the rudiments of some democratic process and substantially lowered the constant tension of a potential nuclear holocaust (Putin, longing for the good ol’ days of Superpower status and fear, seems eager to re-start the Cold War, but it seems to be backfiring). This country even managed to normalize relations with Vietnam, and we fought a brutal, bloody war with that regime. I have personally seen the power of ordinary, individual people to infuse change - I first visited China in 1978, prior to normalization of relations with the U.S. (on a Swedish visa organized by Lindblad Travel) and returned two years later, in 1980, and the transformation was astonishing; I was in the Soviet Union in 1979, when you could trade sticks of chewing gum for Army belt buckles, and when we brought jeans as currency to Refusniks who were impoverished after losing their jobs, and I was at the Berlin Wall shortly after it’s fall - people were selling chipped pieces in an open market - that united the German people raised under a repressive Communist regime with the German people raised under Western democracy. It should be noted that the US is the only country that has these sanctions against Cuba - allies including Canada and various European countries have been free to travel there for years. Obama loosened restrictions Continued on Page 43

community n e w s

Hanukkah Lighting

Community Hanukkah Lighting at the Lake Success Jewish Center. Pictured from lef: Sen. Jack Martins, North Hempstead Supervisor Judi Bosworth, LSJC President Marc Eiseman, Nassau County Legislator Ellen Birnbaum, LSJC Rabbi Michael Klayman, Great Neck Councilwoman Lee Seeman, Great Neck Village Judge Mark Birnbaum and Treasurer, LSJCand Deputy Mayor, Village of Great Neck Trustee Mitchell Beckerman

Community Candle Lighting Students at the Lake Success Jewish Center light candles during the synagogue’s Community Candle Lighting (courtesy Barry Brown Studios)

The Great Neck News, Friday, December 26, 2014

bLAnk SLATE MEdIA December 26, 2014

Arts Center offers ‘Big Break’ to L.I. singers PHOTO COURTESY OF NEIL TANDY IMAGE PHOTOGRAPHERS INC.

Last year’s winner katie Zimmer

B y A d A m L i d g e t t acoustic guitar or sing with a backing music track. The Gold Coast Arts Center and Love Revolution Org will be looking for the next big star to come off Long Island over the course of the first few months of 2015. During three nights in 2015 – Jan. 31, March 21 and April 18 – Gold Coast Acoustic Café will present the third annual “Big Break” Showcase Series at The Gold Coast Arts Center, located at 113 Middle Neck Road, the center announced on Wednesday. The center began looking for submissions on Dec. 15 from local musicians between the ages of 15 and 25 who do not currently have a recording or publishing contract, according to a release form the arts center. Submissions can still be sent, while performer can perform with a band, solo with an

Interested participants can send one mp3, one photo and a short bio to gnacbigbreak@gmail.com for their submission before the deadline of Jan. 10. The center, according to the release, decided this year to assign mentors to all the finalists once they have completed the second semi-final round. The mentors will work with the contestants to help hone their skills before performing at the finals. Mentors include arts and producers from Long Island, such as Ryan Star from the television program “Rockstar: Supernova,” John Hampson of the band Nine Days, songwriter Ido Zmishlany and Steve Thompson, who has produced music for Guns N’ Roses, Madonna and John Lennon. The prizes include the chance to open for judge Bruce Michael at The Space at Westbury, record-

ing time with judges Donnie Klang and Matthew LaPorte at The Loft Studio, to feature at Reverbnation.com with judge Lou Plaia, the chance to participate in online TV streaming on IndiMusic TV with judge Chris Pati and the chance to win some musical equipment from All Music Inc. and judge Guy Brogna. Other judges include mentoring with judge Linda Ingrisano at Five Towns College, a photo shoot by Image Photographers, a video shoot with Kevin Wood Media, a publicity and promotion campaign from Rick Eberle Public Relations and radio appearances on WCWP and WUSB. Doors will open at 7:30 p.m., and the first act will perform starting at 8 p.m. each night. Students will pay a $5 for admission and adults will pay $10.

20 The Great Neck News, Friday, December 26, 2014

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The top seven events for the coming week Wednesday, Dec. 31, 6 & 8 p.m. New Year’s Eve Comedy The Madison Theatre At Molloy College 1000 Hempstead Ave., Rockville Centre. (516) 323-4444 • http://madisontheatreny.org The Madison Theatre hosts the 6th Annual New Year’s Laughin’ Eve, an outrageous night of live stand-up comedy featuring a full lineup of top comedians from around the country, including Maria Walsh, Stevie G.B and Frankie Pace.

Jon Fisch Friday, Dec. 26, 8 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 27, 7 & 9:30 p.m. Jon Fisch Governors’ Comedy Club 90 Division Ave. Levittown (516) 731-3358 http://tickets.govs.com/index.cfm Host of the widely popular podcast, “In the Tank,” Fisch is a prolific monologist with universal appeal, focusing on the idiosyncrasies of city living. He was chosen as one of Comedy Central’s Fresh Faces of Comedy and appeared on Last Comic Standing

Lunch or Dinner Check

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Long Island Philharmonic Wednesday, Dec. 31, 7:30 p.m. Long Island Philharmonic Annual New Year’s Eve Spectacular Tilles Center For The Performing Arts | LIU Post 720 Northern Boulevard, Brookville (516) 299-3100 • http://tillescenter.org Music director and conductor David Stewart Wiley will lead the Long Island Philharmonic, now in its 36th year, in a perfomance entitled “Broadway Favorites,” featuring music from the top five longest-running Broadway musicals, plus much more.

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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 1/1/15 • 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

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Harlem Globetrotters Sunday Dec. 28,. 2 & 7 p.m. The Harlem Globetrotters Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum 1255 Hempstead Turnpike, Uniondale (516) 794-9300 http://www.nassaucoliseum.com The iconic Harlem Globetrotters, bring their must-see, family friendly style of basketball to the Coliseum, featuring incredible ball handling wizardry, amazing rim-rattling dunks and trick shots, side-splitting comedy and unequaled on-court fan interaction. Tuesday, Dec. 30, 8 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 31, 8 p.m. Dark Star Orchestra The Paramount 370 New York Ave., Huntington (631) 673-7300, ext. 303 www.paramountny.com Dark Star Orchestra continues the Grateful Dead concert experience, building their shows off the Dead’s extensive catalog. On any given night the band will perform a show based on a set list from the Grateful Dead’s 30 years of touring or program a unique set list for the show.

Though Jan. 4 59th Annual Members’ Exhibition- Part Two Art League of Long Island 107 East Deer Park Road, Dix Hills (631) 462-5400 • www.artleagueli.org Paintings, drawings, collage, photography, printmaking, ceramics, sculpture, jewelry, and fiber arts, all handcrafted by student and professional artists will be shown on display. A reception will be held Sunday, Jan. 4, from 3 to 5 p.m.

Through April, 2015 Objects Of Witness: Testimony of Holocaust Artifacts Holocaust Memorial And Tolerance Center Of Nassau County 100 Crescent Beach Road, Glen Cove (516) 571-8040 • http://www.hmtcli.org 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.

The Great Neck News, Friday, December 26, 2014

League to host Baderian exhibit KC & Band to Works by Ruth Baderian, a well-known local artist and mentor to many at the Art League of Long Island, will be on display in the Art League’s Jeanie Tengelsen Gallery Jan. 10 through 25, Born July 2, 1927 in the Bronx, Baderian earned a scholarship to the Art Students League in New York City, becoming an artist and teacher specializing in watercolor and oil. Her florals and landscapes in watercolor and oil are celebrated both nationally and internationally. Baderian won numerous awards for her work from well-known organizations including the Salmagundi Club, American Artists Professional League and Long Island University. She studied with Jean Liberte, Harry Sternberg and Barbara Vassilieff, was a signature member of the American Watercolor Society and won the Grumbacher Gold Medal three times. She was a member of and teacher at the Art League of Long Island

and has been mentioned in Davenports Art Reference and Price Guide, Who’s Who in American Art (1973, 1976) and Who Was Who in American Art by Falk. Her works appeared in The Best of Flower Painting, Artistic Touch 2 and Artistic Touch 3 as well as in “Watercolor Magazine” Winter 1999, and in “American Artist Magazine” April 1996. Although Baderian passed away on Dec. 17, 2010, she continues to inspire people through her deep sense of awe, reverence and gratitude that is represented in her paintings. The Jeanie Tengelsen Gallery is open free of charge Monday through Thursday 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., Friday 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and weekends from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.. The Art League is located at 107 East Deer Park Road in Dix Hills. For more information call (631) 462-5400 or visit www. artleagueli.org.

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KC & The Sunshine Band,, with special guests The Sugar Hill Gang, will be performing for one night only at the NYCB Theatre at Westbury on Friday, Jan. 23 at 8 p.m. You’ll party like it’s 1975 when KC & The Sunshine Band take the stage to perform their biggest hits including “Get Down Tonight,” “That’s The Way (I Like It),” “Shake Your Booty,” “I’m Your Boogie Man,” “Boogie Shoes,” “Please Don’t Go” and many more. Lead singer and keyboardist Harry Wayne “KC” Casey led The Sunshine Band from Florida to the top of the pop and disco charts from 1975 through the early ‘80s.

The Sugar Hill Gang were the first commercially successful rap group to emerge in the late ‘70s scoring a Top 40 hit with “Rapper’s Delight.” Tickets are $69.50, $49.50 and $39.50 and available online at www.

ticketmaster.com charge by phone at 800-745-3000 or at the Westbury box office. Event, date and time are subject to change. For more information, visit www.thetheatreatwestbury.com.

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22 The Great Neck News, Friday, December 26, 2014

Arts & Entertainment Calendar LANDMARK ON MAIN STREET 232 Main Street, Suite 1 Port Washington (516) 767-1384 ext. 101 www.landmarkonmainstreet.org Friday, Jan. 16, 7 p.m. Joan Osborne Saturday, Jan. 17, 7 p.m. Josh Ritter Friday, Jan. 23, 7 p.m. The Pedrito Martinez Group Saturday, Jan. 24, 7 p.m. Judy Gold Friday, Jan. 30, 7 p.m. Jonathan Groff GOLD COAST ARTS CENTER 113 Middle Neck Road Great Neck (516) 829-2570 • http://goldcoastarts.org Thursday, Jan. 8, 7:30 p.m. “Ballet 422 at Furman Film Series An intimate, fly-on-the-wall documentary offering a rare peek into the highly-guarded world of professional ballet, BALLET 422 follows Justin Peck, the 25-year old choreographer of the New York City Ballet, as he undertakes the Herculean task of creating the company’s 422nd original piece. Through Jan. 12 Sound, Light, Movement Five artists that redefine art’s traditional parameters by engaging with a wealth of new materials, processes and technology. 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 Islanders whose collections include exceptional Chinese art in a variety of media. Many of these works have never or rarelybefore 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. 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, Dec. 28 from 1-4 p.m. Family Tour at 1 p.m. Converse, collaborate and create together during our Family Sundays from 1 to 4 p.m. 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! Not offered on Dec. 7 and 21; please plan to attend the special family programs those days! Thursdays, Jan. 8, Feb. 5 from 1 to 2 p.m. Brown Bag Lectures: Riva Ettus Bring a sandwich and enjoy lunch with friends as Museum Docent Riva Ettus presents an informative talk on the extensive range of art included in China Then and Now. Afterward, join the 2 p.m. public exhibition tour. Free with museum admission. Reservations not needed; first come, first seated. Continued on Page 35

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The Great Neck News, Friday, December 26, 2014

Guide to New Year’s Dining 2014

a blank slate media special section • december 26, 2014

24 The Great Neck News, Friday, December 26, 2014

ring in the new year with Festive Party Ideas Although New Year's Eve parties tend to be similar from year to year, hosts can explore the many ways to make their celebrations stand out from those of years past. This handy guide provides ideas to your get creative juices flowing. · Establish a color palette. Many people equate New Year's Eve with the gold and silver hues of champagne. However, you can use any festive color for your party. Use the same colors on everything from invitations to dinnerware to takehome favors. · Encourage guest input. Guests understand the cost of hosting and the amount of planning necessary to throw a festive party, and many will likely reach out to ask what they can do or bring. Figure out in advance which aspects of the party you want your guests to take care of so you have a ready answer when the inquiries start rolling in.

· Keep musical tastes in mind. A fun party usually includes an array of familiar songs and music that appeals to the masses. When compiling a party playlist, choose songs guests are sure to know and love. Mix these in with a few of your favorites. You can even ask guests to provide the names of three favorite songs when they RSVP. · Dim the lights. Bright lights can make guests feel intimidated and awkward. Set the mood by turning off overhead lights, opting for ambient lighting instead. For a fun effect, string holiday lights around the room or use a portable disco ball to spread sparkling colors on the floor and ceiling. Candles are another option for intimate affairs, but should be avoided as a safety measure if you're having a large crowd. · Set out New Year's fill-in-the-blank cards. Encourage guest participation with an entertaining idea. Print out small cards that guests have to

complete. Phrases like, "The bad habit I want to quit is ___" or "____ was the silliest thing I did last year," can be fun to do and share. Guests can take turns guessing whose card is being read. · Have the party catered. Unless you want to spend the evening in and out of the kitchen, invest in catering. Guests of a late party won't expect a three course meal. However, platters of sandwiches, appetizers and other little munchies will fit the bill. Remember, caterers may book up fast this time of year, so be sure to reserve service well in advance of your party. · Create a specialty drink. In addition to toasting champagne or sparkling wine, serve a specialty drink creation. This can be a beverage that ties into your color scheme or the theme of the party. Dessert

drinks, such as chocolate martinis or vanilla cake-flavored vodka mixers, may be the right flavor for your affair. As the host, you should remember to provide non-alcoholic alternatives as well. · Consider more substantial food after midnight. Encourage guests to eat more and drink less once the clock has struck midnight. Casseroles and other baked dishes are easy to make in advance and have on hand. A breakfast buffet of pancakes, toast and omelets also will fill guests up with something more substantial than chips and dips. New Year's Eve parties are a great way to reflect on the last year and look forward to a new one, and hosts can take steps to make their parties memorable for all the right reasons.

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The Great Neck News, Friday, December 26, 2014

GET your new year’s eve GUESTS MOVING WITH DANCE SONGS A party is often made more memorable with some music, especially if hosts want to entice guests to dance. Whether you’re hiring a DJ or simply putting together a playlist of songs, you may want to consider these tunes — all of them with “dance” in the title.

• “All She Wants to Do is Dance” Don Henley • “Bite Your Lip, Get Up and Dance” Elton John • “Can’t Stop Dancing” Captain & Tennille • “Dance, Dance” Fall Out Boy • “Dance, Dance, Dance” The Beach Boys • “Dance For Me” Queen Latifah • “Dance Like There’s No Tomorrow” Paula Abdul • “Dance On Little Girl” Paul Anka • “Dance the Night Away” Van Halen • “Dance to the Music” Sly & the Family Stone • “Dancin’ Fool” The Guess Who • “Dancing in the Dark” Bruce Springsteen • “Dancing in the Moonlight” Thin Lizzy • “Dancing in the Streets” Martha & The Vandellas • “Dancing on the Ceiling” Lionel Richie • “Dancing Queen” ABBA • “Dancing With Myself” Billy Idol • “Evacuate the Dancefloor” Cascada • “Flashdance” Irene Cara • “Humpty Dance” Digital Underground • “I Hope You Dance” Lee Ann Womack • “I Wanna Dance With Somebody” Whitney Houston • “Just Dance” Lady Gaga • “Last Dance” Donna Summer • “Neutron Dance” Pointer Sisters • “Private Dancer” Tina Turner • “Safety Dance” Men Without Hats • “Save the Last Dance for Me” The Drifters • “Shut Up and Dance” Aerosmith • “You Make Me Feel Like Dancing” Leo Sayer • “Your Mama Don’t Dance” Loggins and Messina

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26 The Great Neck News, Friday, December 26, 2014

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A new year is on the horizon and men and women across the globe are readying their New Year’s resolutions. In recent years, more and more men and women have resolved to adopt a more eco-friendly lifestyle in the year ahead. But you don’t have to wait until the new calendar year to go green. In fact, New Year’s revelers can turn their New Year’s Eve party into an eco-friendly affair in a variety of ways. Forgo paper products. New Year’s Eve festivities typically feature lots of food and beverages, and hosts can use this to get a head start on their resolutions. Instead of serving food on paper plates and beverages in disposable paper, plastic or foam cups, use reusable glassware or even plastic cups and plates that can be washed and reused. In addition, replace paper napkins with cloth napkins that can be used more than once. When forgoing paper products, don’t forget to abandon traditional invitations for e-vites. Invite guests via e-mail or through social networking sites instead of sending out traditional paper invitations that needlessly use paper and need to be transported. Embrace eco-friendly beverages. Adult beverages are a big part of many New Year’s Eve parties, and even these beverages can be ecofriendly. The growing popularity of craft breweries, or microbreweries, has made it easy for party hosts to serve eco-friendly drinks. Purchase your party’s beer supply from a local microbrewery to cut down on the beer’s carbon footprint. Buying locally reduces reliance on transportation

to get items from the manufacturer into your refrigerator, which in turn reduces fuel consumption and pollution. But beer isn’t the only way to make your beverage menu more ecofriendly. Hosts can replace traditional vodka with organic vodka and traditional wine with biodynamic wine. When the time comes to toast the past year and ring in the new one, do so with champagne or sparkling wine made from organic grapes. Encourage guests to recycle throughout the night. When guests arrive, explain to them that the night will be an eco-friendly affair. Set up a separate trash receptacle for recyclable items, including bottles and cans. Think of ways to use discarded wine and champagne bottles as decorative items, be it for table settings or vases to hold fresh flowers. And when recycling, don’t overlook the smaller items. Corks from wine bottles can be recycled and reused for a variety of products, including flooring tiles, building insulation and sports equipment. Donate food at the end of the night. Hosts often have food leftover at the end of the night. Rather than discarding all those leftovers, donate them to a local food bank or homeless shelter. Make these arrangements in advance so the following morning you can donate the leftovers before they spoil. New Year’s Eve is one of the most festive nights of the year. And with a few simple steps, hosts can make their gathering as eco-friendly as it is enjoyable.

Guide to Health, Wellness & Beauty The Great Neck News, Friday, December 26, 2014

A blank slate media special section

| december 26, 2014

EYES ON HEALTH: What your eyes can tell doctors Researchers recently discovered a link between detected retinal amyloid plaques and the onset of Alzheimer’s disease. While evidence was found in lab mice, autopsies of at least eight Alzheimer’s disease patients have also shown amyloid plaques, which are known to interfere with memory and other mental functions, present in the retinas. Doctors at Cedars-Sinai Hospital in Los Angeles, Calif., are gearing up for larger studies of humans to determine if an Alzheimer’s imaging technique can be perfected.

eople who have been putting off eye examinations may want to call their opthalmologists to schedule an appointment. That’s because vision checkups can do more than protect your eyes. By examining the eyes, doctors may have a window into health problems affecting other areas of the body.

Dementia is not the only thing that doctors may be able to detect through an eye exam. Jaundice in the whites of the eyes may indicate liver disease, and early warning signs of diabetes may be detectable in the eyes. The American Academy of Opthalmology says the eye is the only place where doctors can see veins, arteries and a nerve without surgery, and eye examinations are increasingly being relied on to gauge overall health. The following are a few additional conditions that may be detected through the eyes.

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Blockages in the smaller veins in the retina may indicate clogs caused by arterial plaque. This will show up as a retinal occlusion in a visual exam. If blood vessels in the eyes are blocked, clogged arteries may be present elsewhere in the body, so a cardiology workup may be ordered. Bell’s palsy The inability to close one eye or to control tear production in that eye may be a sign of Bell’s palsy. This is a condition of the nervous system that controls facial muscles, causing temporary paralysis in one side of the face. Sometimes Bell’s palsy follows a viral or bacterial infection.

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28 The Great Neck News, Friday, December 26, 2014

Easy ways to start living healthier every day C ontrary to popular belief, adopting a healthy lifestyle is not a difficult undertaking. In certain instances, convenience may need to be sacrificed in favor of nutrition, but many people find that living healthy is not nearly as difficult as they assumed it would be when they initially decided to make a change. When men and women decide they want to start living healthier, many mistakenly assume they must abandon their existing habits entirely and start from scratch. But the following are some easy ways to start living healthier every day.

Eat more fruits and vegetables. One of the best and easiest ways to live healthier is to begin eating more fruits and vegetables. Instead of unhealthy snacks like potato chips and cookies, snack on a piece of fruit, and never sit down to a meal unless you include some vegetables to go along with the main course. Studies have shown that men and women whose diets are high in fruits and vegetables are less likely to develop certain types of cancers, including cancers of the digestive tract. In addition, the United States Department of Agriculture notes that

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people whose diets are rich in fruits and vegetables have a lower risk for heart disease, including heart attack and stroke. Slow down your eating routine. Some people may already be eating the right foods, but they may just be eating too much of them. It takes time for your body to let you know it’s had too much to eat, so eating too fast can increase your risk of overeating. While eating, try to limit distractions that can take your attention away from how much you’re eating. If you’re always watching television or checking emails on your phone while eating, try a few days of distraction-free, careful eating, and you may find yourself eating less and feeling more energized after a meal. Skip the second glass of wine. The much publicized medical benefits of wine are somewhat misleading. According to the Mayo Clinic, when consumed in moderation, red wine can help prevent heart disease. That’s because alcohol and antioxidants found in red wine have been shown to increase levels of high-density lipoprotein, often referred to as “good” cholesterol, and protect against artery damage. But wine also contains sugars that can fatten the liver, and a fatty liver can contribute to a host of serious health problems. If you already drink wine, limit yourself to one glass per

day. If you are not a wine drinker, then it’s important to note that many doctors believe the potential benefits of drinking wine do not outweigh the potentially negative consequences associated with alcohol consumption, which include neurological problems and an increased risk for heart disease. Get more sleep. Inadequate sleep affects the body in a variety of ways. Many people are aware that one poor night’s sleep is certain to affect their energy levels the following day, but fewer may know of the link between sleep duration and chronic disease. For example, the Harvard Medical School notes that studies have linked insufficient sleep to type 2 diabetes, as the body’s ability to process glucose can be compromised by poor sleeping habits. Other medical conditions that have been linked to insufficient sleep include obesity, heart disease and mood disorders. While you might be proud of your ability to function on minimal sleep, the long-term effects of insufficient sleep can be dire, so be sure to get at least seven hours of sleep each night. Choosing to live healthier does not mean you need to completely overhaul your existing lifestyle. In fact, you can make several easy everyday changes to dramatically improve your overall health.

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The Great Neck News, Friday, December 26, 2014

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30 The Great Neck News, Friday, December 26, 2014

Make morning workouts work for you M

any men and women struggle to find time to exercise. If hectic schedules dominated by professional and personal commitments have made it difficult to make exercise part of your daily routine, you might want to consider skipping the snooze button so you can work out in the early morning hours. Early morning workouts have their ups and downs. Glucose levels in the body tend to be low in the morning, when many people wake up with a relatively empty stomach. Low blood glucose levels can cause feelings of nausea and weakness and possibly make you feel faint. In addition, since you likely aren’t moving much while you’re asleep, your joints and muscles are likely less mobile early in the morning than they are in the evening, which can make morning workouts difficult and, if you don’t allow yourself more time to warm up, put your body at greater risk of injury. But morning workouts also can energize you throughout the day, and many people find it easier to consistently exercise in the early mornings than at night, when distractions or long days at the office can affect your motivation to workout.

Early morning exercise routines can be difficult to adjust to, but there are some ways to make the adjustment to such regimens go more smoothly. Make sleep a priority. Prioritizing sleep makes it easier to get out of bed in the morning, when you will face the daily temptation to hit the snooze button and roll over. But if you aren’t sleep deprived, you will find it easier to skip the snooze phase of your morning routine and get right out of bed. Skip the late night talk shows and call it a night earlier, making sure you get between seven and eight hours of sleep each night. Once you establish a new sleep schedule, you will find it easier and easier to get up and hit the gym in the morning. Designate more time to warm up. Early morning workout routines require athletes to warm up more than they would when exercising at other times of the day. As previously noted, your body is perhaps at its least mobile right when you get out of bed, so set aside more time to warm up when you workout in the mornings. Five to 10 minutes of light cardiovascular exercise before you begin your workout can be enough to increase your body temperature and loosen your body up so it’s ready for exercise.

The Great Neck News, Friday, December 26, 2014

Go gourmet for your New Year's Soirée New Year's celebrations wouldn't be the same without food and, of course, drinks. But while you may already have the champagne on ice for when the clock strikes 12, you may not already have plans in place with regard to feeding your guests as you ring in a new year. If you really want to send the year out in flavorful style, consider the following recipe for "Cocktail Dates" from Bob Blumer's "Surreal Gourmet Bites: Showstoppers and Conversation Starters" (Chronicle Books). Cocktail Dates Yields 12 bites 12 large dried Medjool dates 1 4-ounce chunk Parmigiano Reggiano cheese 6 slices bacon, cut in half widthwise Preheat oven to 350 F.

Wrap each date with a slice of bacon. Set dates on a baking sheet, seam-sides down, and skewer each with a toothpick to hold bacon in place. Bake for approximately 20 minutes, or until bacon is crispy. Caution: These cocktail dates are like molten lava when they come out of the oven. Let cool for a few minutes before serving.

Insert a bamboo skewer or a similar facsimile in the bottom of the date until the pointy tip rests on the bottom of the pit. Push the pit out of the stem side. Reserve dates.

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Using your sharpest knife, cut ParmigianoReggiano cheese into 1/4-inch slices. Cut those slices into 1/4-x-1-inch pieces (the resulting 1-inch pieces should be approximately the same diameter as a pencil). Cut the tip of each piece at a 45-degree angle. Leading with the pointy end, stuff a stick of Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese into the pit hole of each date.

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32 The Great Neck News, Friday, December 26, 2014

What to do with all those holi-

day leftovers

With a few creative ideas, anyone can turn leftover holiday foods into new meals. The food cooked during the holidays is often enough to feed an army. Too often, hosts and hostesses prepare and serve much too much food, only to find themselves left with a refrigerator full of leftovers when guests don’t eat as much as hosts had suspected. In order to avoid wasting food, many people attempt to create new meals from their excess holiday ingredients. Putting leftovers to good use can take a little ingenuity to disguise the reality that you’re eating turkey or ham for the third consecutive night. All it may take is a little inspiration to create delicious meals with repurposed holiday foods.

The first thing to keep in mind when using leftovers is food safety. Any food remaining after the holiday meal should be packed into storage containers and refrigerated or frozen no more than 2 hours after the meal has ended. This ensures that bacteria are not able to proliferate in the food and cause foodborne illnesses. Choose shallow containers, which will enable the food to chill more uniformly and not create warmer spots that take longer to reach a safe storage temperature. Do not save any foods that have remained at room temperature for too long or seem questionable, especially dairy products. It is adviseable to discard leftovers (even if refrigerated) after 4 days. Use it or lose it! Now that leftovers are properly stored, you can think up some creative menu ideas for using them in the next few days. • Turn stuffing into croquettes or burgers by mixing chopped turkey with stuffing or adding a new meat to the equation, like sausage. • Dice ham and potatoes and add to the morning helping of eggs for a country-style omelette. • Promptly boil the turkey carcass to make homemade stock for soups and stews. • Turn leftover mashed potatoes into a creamy potato soup, with the addition of cream, bacon & scallions. • Use cranberry sauce in place of butter on bagels or toast.

• Mash up leftover sweet potatoes and bake into a moist and delicious sweet potato loaf bread. • Create open-faced sandwiches for lunch by layering ham or turkey, stuffing, cranberry sauce and gravy on top of a thick slice of bread. • Diced meats, vegetables and onion can be added to a batter of pancake mix and turned into an easy quiche. • Host Mexican night and use leftover turkey meat to make spicy fajitas, complete with sour cream and salsa. • Use stale bread to make homemade croutons for salad or use in a bread pudding recipe. • Add cranberry sauce to boxed muffin mixes for a tart treat. • Turn leftover holiday meats into an Asian stir-fry with the addition of water chestnuts, bean sprouts, soy sauce, and mixed vegetables. • Grind meats to make a hearty meat loaf. • Make leftover potatoes into hash browns. • Cube leftover cake and serve on skewers and fruit for dipping into chocolate fondue. • Use pie crust and small ramekins to turn turkey or ham into savory pot pies. There are so many ideas for using leftover holiday foods this season. Experiment with flavors your family will enjoy.

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The Great Neck News, Friday, December 26, 2014

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B.K. SWEENEY UPTOWN GRILLE 636 Franklin Avenue, Garden City (516) 746-3075 Visit our website at BKSweeneys.com

The Great Neck News, Friday, December 26, 2014

A&E Calendar cont’d Continued from Page 22 The Space at Westbury 250 Post Ave., Westbury (516) 283.5566 www.thespaceatwestbury.com Saturday, Jan. 17, 8 p.m. Electricon Saturday, Jan. 24, 8 p.m. Extreme- Pornograffitti Live 25th Anniversary Friday, Jan. 30, 8 p.m. The B-52s Friday, Feb. 6, 8 p.m. Hannibal Buress Thursday, Feb. 19, 8 p.m. Leon Russell Friday, Feb. 20, 8 p.m. Pink Floyd Experience Saturday, Feb. 28, 8 p.m. Keb’ Mo’ Band Saturday, March 7, 8 p.m. Los Lonely Boys Sunday, April 26, 8 p.m. Miranda Sings LIVE MUSIC AT ELEANOR RIGBY’S 133 Mineola Blvd. Mineol7 (516) 739-6622 • http://www.eleanorigbys. com Friday, Dec. 26, 9 p.m. Reprimand Live Music at BRASSERIE 214 214 Jericho Turnpike, New Hyde Park (516) 354-7797 • http://www.brasserie214. com Friday, Dec. 27, 9 p.m. Penny Lane (a Beatles tribute band) NASSAU VETERANS MEMORIAL COLISEUM 1255 Hempstead Turnpike, Uniondale (516) 794-9300 • http://www.nassaucoliseum.com Sunday Dec. 28,. 2 & 7 p.m. The Harlem Globetrotters Thursday, Jan. 8 through Sunday, Jan. 11 Disney On Ice Presents Princesses And Heroes Sunday, Jan. 25, 8 p.m. Fleetwood Mac Sunday, Feb. 15, 7 p.m. Marc Anthony Friday, March 27, 7 p.m. Barry Manilow Friday, May 15, 7:30 p.m. Nitro Circus Live 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. Through Jan. 4, 2015 Traveling Exhibit: Native Voices: New England Tribal Families Explore five thriving New England communities as they work to balance cultural traditions with life in a modern world. The hands-on exhibit takes visitors through four New England seasons and shares stories, songs, and cultural materials that illustrate

strong and enduring connections between tribes and their traditional homelands. Kids in the Kitchen Join us as we mix things up in the kitchen to stir an interest in kitchen creativity and healthy eating. Each week, we’ll be making an easy and yummy, kid-friendly snack that they make from start to finish. This week, kids will be making quesadillas. Ages: 3-5. Fee: $3 with museum admission ($2 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. 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. Community Connections Every day, people in the community are helping to make our lives easier. Join us each week as we explore the lives and daily routines of a different community helper. Children will build on their vocabulary as they are introduced to job specific words through songs and activities. Each class will include a hands-on, themed activity to reinforce information shared during class. Ages: 3-5. Fee: $3 with museum admission ($2 LICM members) Saturday and Sunday from 3:30 - 5 p.m. NYCB THeatre at Westbury 960 Brush Hollow Road, Westbury. (516) 247-5200 www.thetheatreatwestbury.com Sunday, Feb. 1, 1 p.m. Jack Hannah’s Into The Wild Live Saturday, Feb. 7, 8 p.m. Spandau Ballet Thursday, Feb. 12, 8 p.m. Foreigner Friday, Feb. 13, 8 p.m. Louder Than Love Valentine’s Ball Saturday, Feb. 14, 8 p.m. Kathy Griffin Saturday, Feb. 21, 2 & 8 p.m. Rain: A Tribute To The Beatles Friday, Feb. 27, 8 p.m. Wynonna and Friends Saturday, Feb. 28, 8 p.m. Masters Of Illusion Saturday, March 7, 8 p.m. The Temptations & The Four Tops Sunday, March 15, 8 p.m. ZZ Top Sunday, March 22, 3 p.m. Lily Tomlin Friay, March 27, 3 p.m. Saturday, March 28, 3 p.m. The Moody Blues Saturday, April 11, 8 p.m. Tom Wopat & John Schneider: Return Of The Dukes THE DOLPHIN BOOK SHOP & CAFE Continued on Page 37

71 Hillside Ave., Willston Park 516-246-9778

36 The Great Neck News, Friday, December 26, 2014

THE CULInARy ARCHITECT

a quiet and delicious New Year’s eve By A L e X A N d R A tROy Are you exhausted from entertaining and going to Holiday Parties? If the answer is, “yes”, then this simple and delicious New Year’s Menu is just right for you. It incorporates a succulent Filet with Mushroom Sauce and easy to make side dishes. Mashed Potatoes and Creamed Spinach are my favorites and rate #1 with my clients. Just add a simple dessert or a bowl of raspberries and you are set to enjoy a lovely repast. Don’t forget to add a chilled bottle of bubbly to ring in the New Year with great taste and style. MENU Serves 4 Oysters on The Half Shell* (available at most supermarket seafood departments) Filet with Mushroom Sauce Creamed Spinach Mashed Potatoes Raspberries* Champagne *Recipe Not Given

Filet of Beef 1/2 Whole filet of beef (approx 2 lbs.), trimmed and tied (Your butcher can do this for you) 2 tblsps. Unsalted butter at room temperature 1 tblsp. Kosher salt 1 tblsp. Coarsely ground black pepper 1. Preheat oven to 500 degrees. 2. Place the beef on a baking sheet and pat the outside dry with a paper towel. Schmear the butter on aLexaNDra TrOY the filet. Sprinkle evenly with the The Culinary Architect salt and pepper. Roast in the oven for exactly 15 minutes for rare and 18 minutes for medium-rare. 1 cup beef broth 3. Remove the beef from the 1 tblsp. Wondra Flour oven, cover it tightly with aluminum Salt and freshly ground foil and allow the filet to rest for 20 black pepper minutes. Remove the strings and 1. In a large skillet, melt the slice the filet. Serve with the Mushbutter over medium heat. Add the room Sauce. mushrooms, garlic and shallots. Mushroom Sauce Cook, stirring frequently, until the 2 tblsps. Butter mushrooms are tender, approxi2 4-oz. Packages gourmet mately 10 minutes. Add the broth blend mushrooms, sliced and the Wondra flour and bring to 2 cloves garlic, minced a boil. 1 shallot, minced 2. Reduce the heat and simmer

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until the liquid is reduced to about 1/2 cup, about 12 minutes, until sauce thickens. 3. Season to taste. Set aside and keep warm. Mashed Potatoes 3 lbs. Yukon Gold Potatoes, peeled and cut into quarters Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper 1 1/2 cups heavy cream 3 tblsp. Unsalted butter 1. Put the potatoes into a large pot, together with the salt and cover with cold water. 2. Bring to a boil over mediumhigh heat and cook until the potatoes are tender, about 20 minutes. 3. Drain them well. Meanwhile, in a Pyrex dish, heat the cream and the butter in the microwave. Put the potatoes through a ricer or food mill into a bowl. 4. Add the hot cream and butter mixture and season with salt and pepper. To Serve: I like to scoop the potatoes with an ice cream scoop.

Creamed Spinach 2 lbs. Fresh spinach (I like to use the triple cleaned organic baby lettuce) 2 tbsps. Unsalted butter 1/2cup Finely chopped shallots 1 tsp. Minced garlic 3/4tsp. Salt 1/2tsp. Freshly ground black pepper 1/4tsp. Nutmeg 1/2cup Heavy cream 1. Melt the butter in medium saute pan over medium-high heat. Add the shallots and garlic and cook, stirring, until soft, about 2 minutes. 2. Add the spinach and cook, stirring, just until the liquid is released. 3. Add the cream, salt, pepper and nutmeg and cook until the cream is reduced by half, about 4 minutes. Remove and serve immediately or place in a double boiler to keep warm. Alexandra Troy is owner of Culinary Architect Catering, a 32-year old Greenvale-based company, specializing in private, corporate and promotional parties.

The Great Neck News, Friday, December 26, 2014

A&E Calendar cont’d Shining Star – A Tribute to Earth, Wind and Fire

Continued from Page 35 299 Main St., Port Washington (516) 767-2650 • www.thedolphinbookshop. com Friday, Dec. 26, 7 p.m. Fred Hintze - originals and Retr-Folk The Paramount 370 New York Ave., Huntington (631) 673-7300 ext. 303 • www.paramountny.com Friday, Dec. 26, 8 p.m. Get the Led Out Saturday, Dec. 27, 8 p.m. Rusted Root Tuesday, Dec. 30, 8 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 31, 8 p.m. Dark Star Orchestra Saturday, Jan. 3, 8 p.m. The Paramount Comedy Series Presents: Frank Caliendo Friday, Jan. 9, 8 p.m. Yacht Rock Revue Saturday, Jan. 10, 8 p.m. The Paramount Comedy Series Presents: Pablo Francisco Friday, Jan. 16, 8 p.m. Back to the Eighties Show with...”Jessie’s Girl” Sunday, Jan. 18, 8 p.m. Umphrey’s McGee Friday, Jan. 23, 7 & 10 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 24, 7 & 10 p.m. Criss Angel – Mindfreak Live! Tuesday, Jan. 27, 8 p.m. Marilyn Manson Friday, Jan. 30, 8 p.m. The Paramount Comedy Series Presents: Demetri Martin – The Persistence of Jokes Sunday, Feb. 8, 8 p.m. Black Veil Brides Friday, Feb. 13, 8 p.m. Misfits: St. Valentine’s Day Massacre Saturday, Feb. 14, 7:30 and 10:30 p.m. The Paramount Comedy Series Presents:

GOVERNORS’ COMEDY CLUB 90 Division Ave. Levittown (516) 731-3358 • http://tickets.govs.com/ index.cfm Friday, Dec. 26, 8 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 27, 7 & 9:30 p.m. Jon Fisch Folk Music Society of Huntington Continuing on the third Thursday of each month, the Cinema Arts Centre’s Sky Room will be home to the Folk Music Society of Huntington’s Hard Luck Café series. The 8:30 p.m. concerts, usually featuring a split bill with two acts, will be preceded by open mics at 7:30 p.m. Admission will be $7 for Cinema Arts Centre and Folk Music Society of Huntington members; $10 for nonmembers. For more information call (631) 4188548 or go to http://fmshny.org index.htm

Rusted Root Jim Breuer Thursday, Feb. 19, 8 p.m. Chris Robinson Brotherhood Tuesday, March 3, 8 p.m. Wednesday, March 4, 8 p.m. Dropkick Murphys Saturday, March 7, 8 p.m. Magic! Saturday, March 21, 8 p.m. The Marshall Tucker Band Tuesday, March 24, 8 p.m. Taking Back Sunday / The Menzingers & letlive Sunday, March 29, 7 p.m. New Found Glory Saturday, April 4, 8 p.m. Michael Bolton Saturday, April 11, 8 p.m. Citizen Cope Thursday, April 16, 8 p.m. Friday, April 17, 8 p.m. Jeff Beck Sunday, May 17, 8 p.m.

Whitney Cummings Thursday, Aug. 20, 8 p.m. Creedance Clearwater Revisited BJ Spoke Gallery 229 Main Street, Huntington (631) 549-5106• www.bjspokegallery.com Poets Aloud Attention local poets: Poets Aloud is held the second Friday of each month. Open mic, just show up, sign-up and read your poem or other works. A $3 donation is suggested for this evening of insightful works and discussions. Time: 7:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. The madison theatre at molloy college 1000 Hempstead Ave., Rockville Centre. (516) 323-4444 • http://madisontheatreny. org. Wednesday, Dec. 31, 6 & 8 p.m. New Year’s Eve Comedy: Maria Walsh, Stevie G.B, Frankie Pace Saturday, Jan. 31, 8 p.m.

Holocaust Memorial and Tolerance Center of Nassau County 100 Crescent Beach Road, Glen Cove 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. TILLES CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS | LIU POST 720 Northern Boulevard, Brookville (516) 299-3100 • http://tillescenter.org Wednesday, Dec. 31, 7:30 p.m. Long Island Philharmonic Annual New Year’s Eve Spectacular

Community Calendar 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. FREE LEGAL ADVICE FOR SENIORS 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 Thursday, Jan. 15, 9:30 to 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. BREATH, BODY, BALANCE Winthrop-University Hospital’s Breast Health

Center will offer “Breath, Body, Balance,” a sixsession program combining Yoga, Tai Chi and QiGong for women with breast cancer. The free program will be held from 6 to 7 p.m. in the Pediatric Conference Center located in the lower level of the hospital at 259 First Street in Mineola. Classes will be held on the following Thursdays: Jan. 8, 15, 22 and 29; Feb. 5 and 12. Women who have a history of breast cancer or who are in current treatment are welcome to attend. The sessions will begin with breath work, and continue with soft stretches. The workshop is finished with a time of sitting quietly, to use visualization and relaxation to enhance calm and well-being. Sessions are taught by Helen Lein, A certified Kripalu Yoga Teacher. Registration is required. To register, please call Ms. Lien at (516) 465-2452 or e-mail thinkanddo.net@gmail. com. For information about the Breast Health Center at Winthrop, please call (516) 663-2556. 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) 6756513. For information about the Breast Health Center at Winthrop, please call (516) 663-2556.

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.

HOW TO CHALLENGE YOUR PROPERTY ASSESSMENT Join Charles Berman, Town of North Hempstead receiver of taxes, on Thursday, Jan. 29, at 1 p.m. as he presents a Property Assessment Grievance Workshop. He will briefly review the assessment process, explain how to fill out the grievance application, and provide tips on filling out the form. Please bring your 2016/2017 BREAST CANCER SUPPORT GROUP Notice of Tentative Assessed Value that you will Winthrop-University Hospital’s Breast Health receive from the Nassau County Department Center is offering a support group for patients with metastatic breast cancer from 10:30 am to of Assessment in early January 2015. Staff 12 pm on the following dates: January 15 and 29; members will be on hand with applications for February 12 and 26; March 12 and 26. Sessions your convenience. will be held at 222 Station Plaza North, Suite FOR TRIVIA LOVERS 438 in Mineola. Meetings will include a variety At 7 p.m. Two Wednesday nights each month at of topics including, but not limited to: dealing Page One Restaurant, 90 School St. Glen Cove. with the side effects of treatment; managing Call (516) 625-8804 for information. fluctuating emotions; finding balance; intimacy and relationship issues; the significant of

38 The Great Neck News, Friday, December 26, 2014

Great Neck Library Library Closings All Great Neck Library locations will open at 9 a.m. and close at 1 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 31 for New Year’s Eve. All locations will be closed on Thursday, Jan. 1 for New Year’s Day. Baby Romp and Wiggles and Giggles at Temple Israel Registration begins on Jan. 21 for Baby Romp and Wiggles and Giggles, both

a series of six classes that will be held at Temple Israel, 108 Old Mill Rd., Great Neck. Baby Romp will be held on Tuesdays, Jan. 27 to March 10 (no classes the week of Feb. 16) for ages 12 to 23 months with parent/caregiver. Class A is from 10:15 to 10:45 a.m., and Class B is from 11:15 to 11:45 a.m. Come for movement and interactive play with your little one. Wiggles and Giggles will

be held on Thursdays, Jan. 29 to March 12 (no classes the week of February16) for ages 2 to 4 with parent/caregiver. Class A is from 2:15 to 2:45 p.m., and Class B is from 3:15 to 3:45 p.m. We’ll hop and bop, jump and jive, and wiggle and giggle with an interactive time full of fun activities and silly songs. Children’s program registration begins on Wednes-

day, Jan. 21 at 9:30 a.m. online and at 10:01 a.m. in person or phone at (516) 466-8055. Adult library card is not valid for registration. Participating child’s library card is required for registration. For any further information, please call the Library Children’s Dept. at (516) 466-8055, or contact Temple Israel at (516) 4827800.

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 Great Neck Park District Bears Hockey Team The Great Neck Park District Bears Hockey Team is looking forward to Session II which begins on Monday, Jan. 5 and runs through April 17. Children ages 5- 12 are welcome and experience is not necessary. For interested participants, there is still room to join the team. Call (516) 487-2976, ext. 128 for more information. Early Bird Registration for Summer 2015 Now is the time to plan The Bears Hockey Team welcomes new students for the second Spend some time at the Andrew Stergiopoulos Ice Rink over the an amazing summer for session which begins January 5. holiday break. your child and save! Camp Parkwood registration has Commuter Parking your new window decal p.m., join us for a Winter Safety Council Defensive December, 30 from 6-7:45 begun with an early bird Window Decals are as of December 1, 2014 Seasonal Stroll in Kings Driving Class on Saturday, p.m. and Thursday, Jan. deadline of December 31. Expiring! at Great Neck House, 14 Point Park. Meet in the Jan. 3. The classes run 1, from 6:15 to 7:45 p.m., Find necessary registraIf you are a Great Neck Arrandale Avenue. Please first lot at the Redbrook from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 for all ages. Park residents tion material on-line at be sure to have your cur- Road entrance. Regisp.m. To sign up for class $10; non-residents $15. www.greatneckparks.org Park District resident with a commuter parkrent car registration and a tration is not required. or for more information, The public session skate or at Great Neck House, ing window decal on valid park card with you. Children under 16 yrs. not please call Great Neck schedule for the rest of 14 Arrandale Avenue. All Call Great Neck House at permitted to attend. House at (516) 482-0355. the vacation break can completed forms must be your car, your decal is expiring! All residents are (516) 482-0355 for more Defensive Driving Puck Shoots at the be found on the Park submitted to Great Neck entitled to a free registra- information. Classes at Great Neck Andrew Stergiopoulos District website at www. House by the deadline to tion for the first car per Nature Program: Winter House Ice Rink greatneckparks.org. For receive the discount. Call Great Neck House will Puck Shoots will be further information please (516) 482-0355 for more household; the second car Seasonal Stroll is $12. You can pick up Sunday, Dec. 28 at 12:30 have the next Empire offered on Tuesday, call (516) 487-2976. information.

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) 8673580. 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) 4875844.

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 Lions club hearing that accept donated eyeaid program glasses to accept used The Great Neck Lions hearing aids as well. Club is pleased to anNote: The hearing aids nounce their participation should be placed in the in “Lions Lend An Ear,” eyeglass collection boxes a program of the Nassau located in all the Great County district of Lions Neck Libraries as well as Clubs International. The offices of the Village of program provides hearing 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 The club meets on the first and third Tuesday of each month at Bevanda Restaurant, 570 Middle Neck Road at 12 p.m. If you would like to attend or become a member of the Lions Club, contact fernweiss@aol.com or (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.

The Great Neck News, Friday, December 26, 2014

School marks release of prisoner

BY B R YA N A H R E N S When the Schechter School of Long Island heard on Wednesday about the release of Alan Gross, a Jewish businessman who has been detained in Cuba for the past five years, they said it was their first Chanukah gift of the year. The school held a celebration at its Jericho campus Thursday morning in celebration of Gross’ release from Cuba, after exchanging letters with him last year while he was detained in Cuba. “I couldn’t imagine a miracle would happen like what happened yesterday,” said Schechter head of school Cindy Dolgan, who oversees the school’s Williston Park and Jericho campuses. Cantor Marcey Wagner, principal of the Schechter K-5 lower school in Jericho, read a letter to a gymnasium full of students received Wednesday evening from Gross’ lawyer, Richard Shore in Washington D.C. “Your students should be very proud of themselves and they have every reason to share in the joy of Alan’s release,” Shore said in the letter. “I hope that you know it has meant a lot.” Gross, who lived in New Hyde Park for the first 10 years of his life, was released on “humanitarian

grounds” on Wednesday around the same time President Obama announced the restoration of full diplomatic relations with Cuba and the opening of an embassy in Havana for the first time in more than 50 years, according to published reports. Obama Administration officials, according to the New York Times, maintained that Gross was not part of a prisoner swap in which three imprisoned Cuban spies were exchanged for a Cuban who had worked as an agent for American intelligence for years and had been in prison for nearly 20 years - a distinction disputed by critics of Obama’s restoration of ties with Cuba. Gross later received a call from Obama, according to published reports. “He’s back where he belongs, in America with his family, home for Hanukkah,” Obama reportedly said later. Gross was released to the United States in exchange for three Cuban’s who were imprisoned in the U.S. Last year, fifth grade students at the Jericho campus sent letters to Gross, who had been detained since 2009 for bringing cell phones, wireless technologies, personal computers and other computer network devices into the country for Jews

Alan Gross in Cuba as part of his work with the U.S. Agency for International Development. On Jan. 17, Wagner received a letter from Gross responding. “I was deeply moved by the warmth and encouragement of their messages,” Gross wrote. Please share with them how much I appreciate their prayers and good wishes. Assure them that these are truly felt and that they are a meaningful source of hope for my family and me.” Gross, went on the thank the students for “a real mitzvah” - a Hebrew word for good deed. “I very much look forward to regaining my freedom and hope when that day arrives, or shortly thereafter, that I will be able to join

with Schechter School to celebrate that occasion,” Gross wrote in the letter last year. He went on to say that he would like to once again visit his home in New Hyde Park. Wagner said that 34 fifth grade students at the school wrote personal letters of hope and encouragement to Gross after she found out a lawyer from her Huntington temple was traveling to Cuba to learn about the country’ law system. The lawyer told her congregation she would be stopping in Havana temple, she said, so she asked him if she’d be willing to take letters to Gross - knowing it was against the law. The lawyer agreed to help, and taped the letters to her itinerary to hide them, she said. “She handed the letters off to a security guard,” Wagner said. “It was up to him whether he threw them in the trash or delivered them.” The students sang a song at Thursday’s celebration composed by Schechter students to honor Gross. Sixth grade student Ben Hakim who now attends the school’s Williston Park campus, which houses students in grades six through 12, was responsible for composing the piano piece alongside Jacob Gottesman, Noah Kantor and Rachel Shlefstein, lead the students in song.

The song, called “PeacefulSound” is posted on Schechter LI’s Youtube channel. The lyrics say, in part, “Freedom means to be free/To be whatever you want to be/Not to be in captivity/Far away from your family.” “The children are really aware and active to right the wrongs of injustice and to get the word out,” Ben’s mother Janet Hakim said. “It doesn’t matter if you’re five, you can make a difference.” The song was also originally dedicated to Capt. Bowe Bergdahl, an American soldier who was captured by the Taliban in Afghanistan several years ago and released in May of 2014. Before the students embraced the cause of Gross, Wagner said the students had been praying for Gilad Shalit, an Israeli soldier also captured by the Taliban, who was released about three years ago. “All of these people are free now,” Dolgan told students. “Prayer combined with action can truly make a difference.” Dolgan and Wagner said they both look forward to when Gross can visit the Schechter school but said that he is currently recovering his health. “Our mission is to teach children from a very young age not to stand by injustice,” Dolgan said.

Port Washington golf pro dies at 53 BY B I LL SAN ANTONIO Guna Kunjan, a Bellerose, Queens resident who worked for the last decade as the golf pro at Harbor Links Golf Course in Port Washington, died on Dec. 12 due to complications from stage 4 soft tissue sarcoma. He was 53. Kunjan underwent surgery on Nov. 4 at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in Manhattan to remove tumors from his lungs following months of chemotherapy and other treatments but “didn’t come out of surgery well” and remained hospitalized, said friend Larry Fox, a Great Neck resident who in August co-chaired a golfing event that donated funds toward Kunjan’s treatments. Fox said Kunjan, who emigrated to the United States from Malaysia in 1981, “was beloved by everybody.” “He was a terrific golf teacher, No. 1, and I think he was a terrific human,” Fox said. “Everyone who ever came into contact with him came away with the fact that when you met the guy, he endeared himself toward you. I don’t think anybody could say anything bad about this guy. We’re all going to

miss him.” Kunjan seemed in good spirits prior to going in for surgery, and hopeful that he could soon return to the club, but Fox said he wasn’t sure if he was totally honest with his golf buddies about the severity of his illness. “I think he sort of knew things were very critical for him,” Fox said. “He was looking at it, at least to us, from the brighter side.” Kunjan was not married and had one sister in Malaysia who Fox said visited him in the hospital last month. “He was coming to work after chemo treatments. That’s how tough he was,” said Bob Lipiello, the general manager at Harbor Links. “Regardless of how much pain he was in, there were times we carried his bags and computer for him, but he showed his heart was here with the staff and customers. It was really something to see.” Lipiello said Kunjan’s personality was unlike that of the “traditional” Long Island golf pro. He said he felt an “instant bond” with Kunjan when they first met. “He would say anything on his mind. I think it was just from being from a different part of the world, he brought a different culture and a

Guna Kunjan (center) with Larry Fox (left) in early September, following the Harbor Links Golf Club’s member-guest event that raised $3,000 toward Kunjan’s cancer treatments. different way of going about things that was outside the New York realm. It was a welcomed personality here,” he said. In his decade-plus-long tenure as the head Harbor Links golf pro, Kunjan helped expand the club’s juniors program and held clinics for breast cancer survivors through the American Red Cross’s “Swing for the Health of It” initiative. Kunjan was diagnosed with stage 4 soft tissue sarcoma in February, which he said in August originated in his thigh and spread

throughout his body, rendering him unable to play golf. He said one of his biggest concerns in battling the disease was that he lacked a support group during treatments, but that there had been “a great response” from Harbor Links members who offered to help him run errands. “It scared me, that I’d be alone, because I’m not married and I don’t have family here,” Kunjan said. “I thought this would be my struggle.” The golf club donated more than $3,000 for Kunjan’s treat-

ments in August as part of its annual member-guest event, an annual fundraising event for Arnold Palmer Golf, which runs Harbor Links. At the time, Kunjan said the tumors in his lungs had shrunk by about 50 percent since he began chemotherapy treatments, and he looked forward to continuing to train golfers. But his condition worsened during the fall, prompting the need for surgery. “It was a rough month for most of us. He didn’t really come out of surgery well and we couldn’t visit him because of how far Sloan Kettering is and because he was hooked up to a respirator,” Fox said. “Fortunately, he had a sister overseas who did come in the last weeks,” he added. “She was with him at the end.” Kunjan was cremated on Dec. 13, Lipiello said. A hearse carried his body around the Harbor Links campus before making its way to a crematory. Half of Kunjan’s ashes were spilled into San Francisco Bay, where Lipiello said he began his golfing career, while the other half was sent back to Malaysia.

40 The Great Neck News, Friday, December 26, 2014

school n e w s

G.N. North middle hosts ‘Rachel’s Challenge’ Rachel Joy Scott was the first victim of the Columbine School tragedy in 1999. A national program, Rachel’s Challenge was started in her memory by her father and stepmother, Darrell and Sandy Scott, based on her writings and drawings. Though just 17 when she died, Rachel left a legacy of reaching out to those who were different, who were picked on by others, or who were new at her school. Shortly before her death she wrote, “How many of us have enough trust, strength, and faith to believe that we could do

the impossible?” On Wednesday, Jan. 7, North Middle School will be hosting Rachel’s Challenge, dedicated to creating safe, connected school environments where learning and teaching are maximized. The program helps to motivate and equip students to start and sustain what Rachel called a “chain reaction of kindness and compassion” that transforms schools and communities. For weeks leading up to the day of the challenge, students heard daily announcements with inspiring quotations and remind-

ers that the challenge was coming. On the two days before the event, they will learn the historic context of the challenge and review some of Rachel’s essays. During the day of the challenge, students will attend special assembly programs where they will hear the story of Rachel Scott and her important message. Following the assemblies, students will hold class discussions on what they learned. The evening of Jan. 7, beginning promptly at 7 p.m., parents and community members are invited to a free community event

at the school, located at 77 Polo Road. The one-hour evening assembly, delivered by a certified Rachel’s Challenge facilitator, will introduce Rachel using stories from her life and writings. Participants will experience first-hand the impact Rachel’s story had on their children. They will be encouraged to start their own “chain reaction of kindness and compassion,” and to understand how they can support their children and North Middle in their efforts to promote respect and kindness. Two days after the challenge,

students will make their pledge to accept Rachel’s Challenge and sign a commemorative banner. Monthly follow-up activities will be held that echo the sentiments of Rachel’s powerful story. Rachel’s Challenge at North Middle is being presented through the efforts of the school’s Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) and the school’s faculty under the guidance of Assistant Principal Jason Mach. For additional information,contact Mr. Mach at (516) 441-4500 or jmach@ greatneck.k12.ny.us.

community n e w s

PATV offering TV production workshops in the new year PATV Director of Technical Operations, Erica Bradley at the controls in the TV studio.

This New Year starts with PATV Channels 20 (Cablevision) 37 (Verizon) offering the community TV production workshops during daytime hours from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Fridays, Jan. 16, 30 and Feb. 6 at the TV studio facility located at 1111 Marcus Avenue, Suite LL-27,

Lake Success. PATV Director of Technical Operations Erica Bradley will instruct participants on TV production using state-of-the-art equipment. If you are interested in learning all about TV production and how to create your own show, contact Erica

Sled Hill

at ebradley@patv.org for further information and registration. Check the Facebook page PATV Great Neck – North Shore and our website www.patv.org, for information on cablecast dates and time and for the latest updates at PATV.

Sled Hill, located on the corner of Red Brook and Kings Point Roads in Kings Point Park, has always been a family favorite for Park District residents and does not operate until after a snowfall has ended. It is open from first to last snowfall during the winter season from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on holidays, weekends and snow-related school closings; 3 to 5 p.m. on school days. There is always Park District staff on hand, overseeing the activities. Kings Point Park has more than five acres of the 175-acre preserve also available for hiking or cross-country skiing. Only Park District residents with a valid park card will be admitted to all parks and facilities in the Park District. For more information call (516) 482-0355 or visit www.greatneckparks.org .

The Great Neck News, Friday, December 26, 2014

school n e w s

G.N. schools offer community classes in winter When it’s cold outside, take a class inside with the Great Neck Public Schools Community Education Program at Cumberland. Stay active throughout the winter months in one of the many exercise and dance classes, including Basic Ballet, Yoga, Zumba, Cardio Fit, Body Workout, Aerobics and Line Dancing. Water Exercise is also offered three

times a week at the South Middle School pool and numerous art and craft courses such as Paint Like VanGogh, Printmaking, Stone Sculpting and Jewelry Making are available at facilities equipped with all that is need to hone your skills. Get ready for spring training in Talking Baseball: History and Memories. Or, perhaps, a course on Supreme Court Decisions will peak your interest. Both of

these courses, new this past fall, and their instructors, have quickly become favorites. Get your game on in Canasta, Mah Jongg, Bridge and Chess. Learn to speak one of seven languages, ranging from beginner to advanced levels or join the Cumberland Chorus, Singing for Fun or Piano. For K–12 students, Beginner through

Advanced Chess is offered, as is PSAT/ SAT/ACT test preparation and Driver Education. The schools are also hosting a Parent/Child Pottery class on Wednesday afternoons. Registrations are currently being accepted for winter classes that begin on Monday, Jan. 12. Call (516) 441-4949 or e-mail gncontinuinged@greatneck.k12. ny.us for information.

E.M. Baker students learn to ‘pay it forward’

Assisting with iPads

Reading to younger children

Sorting through donations

Making thank-you notes for staff members

Fifth-graders at the E.M. Baker School are being challenged to “pay it forward” and make their mark through activities that give back to the school and the community. The project kicked-off with a “Choose Kind” assembly held at the beginning of the school year. The next major event was “Habits for Life (H4L) Day,” held on Dec. 16. The goal of the Day was to raise student’s awareness about the many ways they can help others and turn their ideas into actions. As an introduction for H4L Day, students saw three videos about paying it forward

Photos by Jeff Barlowe and Christopher Lynch

and choosing kind. For days prior to H4L Day, students, faculty, and staff contributed toys, clothing, toiletries, and food. On H4L Day, fifth-graders sorted through the donations that would go to help support local food pantries, Midnight Run and a local children’s hospital. Additionally, fifth-graders made art/craft projects to beautify the school, read to younger children, assisted custodians and teachers and made thank-you cards for staff members, among other activities. A follow-up “Reflection Project” asked students to write an

essay, make a poster, or do a visual project about the things they learned as a result of experiencing H4L Day. They were asked to incorporate such information as: the community service activities they participated in and how they felt about them, why these activities were important, and future ways that they can “pay it forward.” H4L Day was made possible through the efforts of fifth-grade teachers Anne Alexandrou, Michelle Bell, Tara Georges, Kazu Hoshino, Christopher Lynch, Nicole Peres, Debra Silverman and Tina Tomasello and teaching assistant Ivy Miller.

42 The Great Neck News, Friday, December 26, 2014

Arrest in alleged drug pipeline to L.I.

Continued from Page 1 today we put a dent in that pipeline.” The district attorney’s office said they first became aware of the ring in the summer of 2013, when investigators began tracking Astoria residents Ajay Carter, 38, also known as “Jay” and “Jose Zambrano,” and Miguel Tormo, 42, who prosecutors said sold heroin through dealers in the New York area. Carter also dealt cocaine, ecstasy and steroids on Craigslist. The investigation - which officials said included the sale of one pound of heroin to undercover officers in Great Neck and Manhasset - soon led the district attorney’s office to Cesar RomeroAstudillo, 24, of the Bronx, who, prosecutors said, was found to have received narcotics shipments directly from Mexico and provided Carter and Tormo with

the drugs. Rice’s office also alleged Romero-Astudillo received three kilograms of heroin through a series of “mules,” including Vincent Belmontes, 24, of Riverside, Calif., who swallowed packets of the drug and passed them in RomeroAstudillo’s Bronx apartment. On Aug. 14, 2014, investigators said they discovered that black tar heroin was transported to Romero-Astudillo via Luis Alberto Mendoza Rosas, 34, also known as “Panzon,’ of the Bronx, who hid the drug in the engine of a gray Dodge Durango with falsified California license plates that he drove from Mexico with two unnamed associates - described as a 57-year-old from Chula Vista, Calif. and a 21-year-old from Los Mochis, Mexico - who posed as a family in the United States on vacation, prosecutors said. The Durango, which had a red kayak and bicycles mounted

to the vehicle’s exterior, was taken to an auto body shop in Astoria owned by Santiago Juela, 33, of Brooklyn, who prosecutors said recovered and sold the heroin and funneled money made from drug sales between Romero-Astudillo and Mexico. Upon learning in September that Mendoza Rosas and the two unnamed defendants were suspected of transporting drugs from Mexico to New York in the same vehicle, Rice’s office advised New Jersey State Police to monitor the vehicle, the DA’s office said. On Sept. 23, New Jersey state officers stopped the same Durango in Warren County and recovered five kilograms of black tar heroin hidden in the engine. “It just looks like a couple of guys on vacation,” said Rick Whelan, chief of Rice’s Narcotics Bureau. “...That car blends in...it’s unassuming.” Romero-Astudillo and Bel-

montes are being held without bail. Manhattan Supreme Court Judge Larry Stephen set bail for Mendoza Rosas at $1 million bond or $500,000 in cash, for Reyes at $100,000 bond or $75,000 in cash and for Juela at $100,000 bond or cash. Romero-Astudillo, Mendoza Rosas, Reyes, Juela, Belmontes and the two unnamed defendants each face felony conspiracy charges. Romero-Astudillo was also charged with first-degree, A-I felony operating as a major trafficker, an A-I felony criminal possession of a controlled substance and A-I and B felony counts of attempted criminal possession of a controlled substance in the first degree. He faces a maximum life sentence if convicted of the top charge, prosecutors said. Mendoza Rosas, Reyes and Juela were each also charged with first-degree, A-I felony crimi-

nal possession of a controlled substance. The two unnamed defendants each received two A-I and one B felony charges of criminal possession of a controlled substance. Belmontes faces up to 25 years in prison, while the remaining defendants face up to 20 years in prison. Carter and Tormo each face A-I and B felony counts of criminal sale of a controlled substance. Carter also received additional first and third-degree counts of criminal sale of a controlled substance. Nassau County Court Judge Teresa Corrigan set their bail at $5 million bond or $2.5 million cash. Carter faces up to 40 years in prison and Tormo faces up to 20 years in prison if convicted of the top charges. They are due back in court on Jan. 8.

Groups join together to battle anti-Semitism Continued from Page 1 Markowitz said that each individual group brings different skills and resources to aid in the coalition’s actions. Some groups have more of a finger on the pulse of the Jewish community worldwide, while some are legal experts and some – such as the Holocaust Center – have a better viewpoint to view anti-Semitism throughout history. “The American Jewish Committee clearly is the worldwide watchdog on issues affecting the Jewish community,” Markowitz said. “The members of the AntiDefamation League are experts on specific strategies to deal with specific acts of anti-Semitism.” The coalition will organize and co-sponsor programs to inform the public about antiSemitism and what they can do to be proactive about the issue, Markowitz said. He also said the coalition be working with state and local government officials as well as police departments in Nassau and Suffolk counties to help combat anti-Semitic acts. Evan Bernstein, New York regional director of the AntiDefamation League, said even though the league has not compiled all the specific data for 2014, the number of incidents of anti-Semitic acts perpetrated on Long Island is very apparent. Each year, Bernstein said, the Anti-Defamation league compiles an audit of anti-Semitic incidents, which they collect from police reports, news stories and

chairman of the Holocaust Memorial and Tolerance Center of Nassau County stories told directly to them. The Anti-Defamation League’s 2013 audit found 62 total incidents on Long Island – 26 in Nassau County and 36 in Suffolk County. In 2014, the Anti-Defamation League said, the incidents include two swastikas being drawn on a street in Great Neck, a man being arrested for sending an anti-Semitic letter with white powder in the envelope to an office in East Garden City, a swastika being etched into brick at a Jewish Community Center in Plainview, a swastika painted on a post office sign in Roosevelt and anti-Semitic graffiti being

spray painted on the rear wall of a business in Oceanside. Bernstein said the number of anti-Semitic incidents the antiDefamation League sees every year varies with the number spiking when the PalestinianIsrael conflict heats up, such as it did this past summer. He said the anti-Israel sentiment often leads to more antiSemitic sentiment. “For many years the two ideas did not cross, and we are allowed to have a discourse about the [Palestinian-Israel] issue,” Bernstein said. “You are allowed to critique Israel but it’s when it turns from critiquing

into anti-Semitism that we have to watch. There have always been cases of that but this summer we saw them much more frequently.” But, Markowitz said, he saw an increase in anti-Semitic acts even before the fighting in Gaza, such as in May when a gunman opened fire in the Jewish Museum of Belgium in Brussels killing four people. “People like to point to war in Gaza over summer as pretext to what started as being anti-Israel and anti-Zionist, but which quickly melded into anti-Semitism,” Markowitz said. “There became for some very little distinction between the three.” Markowitz said he believes anti-Semitism is becoming more acceptable, as more mainstream groups and religious affiliations come out with anti-Israel positions, which eventually turn into more general anti-Semitism. Robert Socolof, American Jewish Committee director of the Long Island region, said the problem of anti-Semitism – and hate crimes in general – are not the problem of one single group, that it is a social problem. “There’s always been a certain amount of hate and vitriol in any society,” Socolof said. “Anti-Semitism gives a platform to those who want to spread hatred.” Socolof said anti-Semitic expression always starts out small and escalates. “It comes in the form of indi-

vidual violent acts or communities turning a blind eye,” Socolof said. “Hate is not just a Jewish crime, but it tears away at the democracy of our society.” Markowitz said the escalation of anti-Semitism is what is frightening. “The Holocaust did not start with concentration camps. It started with bullying, namecalling, graffiti and the perversion of the press,” Markowitz said. “All those things led up the concentration camps and mass genocide.” He said the times now are not all that dissimilar to 1930s Europe, when one considers the recent images of Jews being chased through the streets of Paris and the windows of Jewishowned stores being destroyed. “I’m definitely not saying we’re seeing another Holocaust,” Markowitz said. “I’m saying people didn’t speak out strong enough against those acts when they were happening.” Socolof said the coalition is a good way to address hatred in all its forms. “There are times and moments in history where society takes a turn, and we’re at a moment that is going to define us, and how we respond to antiSemitism is one of those things people will look back on and say ‘why did you not you do something about it,” Socolof. “In these defining moments, people need to be empowered in their community to address hatred.”

The Great Neck News, Friday, December 26, 2014

Bold decisions on fracking, Cuba

Continued from Page 18 on travel to Cuba - some 92,300 U.S. citizens visited Cuba in 2013, according to Cuban tourism data. The 50-year policy of isolating Cuba through economic sanctions, trade embargo, and designation of Cuba as a State-sponsor of terrorism designed to punish Fidel (and now Raul) Castro was supposed to so impoverish the country that the people would rise up and rebel, while giving Americans the sense of superiority in seeing how 12 million Cubans suffer under communism (yet have free universal education and health care). But the 50-year policy has simply not worked - the Castros have seen different U.S. Presidents and still remain in power - and more likely has had the opposite effect of bolstering the Castro regime because they can blame the misery and deprivation on US sanctions (as Putin is now doing). Sen. Rand Paul (Ky), likely a Republican candidate for President said much the same thing (while actually agreeing with Hillary Clinton): “The 50-year embargo just hasn’t worked,” Paul said. “If the goal is regime change, it sure doesn’t seem to be working and probably it punishes the people more than the regime because the regime can blame the embargo for hardship. In the end, I think opening up Cuba is probably a good idea.” Paul (who never misses an opportunity to blast Hillary Clinton), actually echoed the former secretary of state’s views, who write in “Hard Choices,” that the embargo was a failure that gave the Castro regime “a foil to blame for Cuba’s economic woes.” But frankly, the Cuban animosity against the United States is justified, going back to Teddy Roosevelt’s assault on San Juan Hill, and the 1961 Bay of Pigs Invasion. Americans are so myopic in that they never see the U.S. aggression - same with Iran and Chile, where the US toppled democratically elected leaders in order to replace them with leaders who would do America’s bidding. By what right has the US to dictate another country’s leaders, let alone their political structure? Though that was the underlying policy going back to the Monroe Doctrine up to the Bush/Cheney approach. I’m still bewildered by what harm or threat Cuba poses to the U.S. that warrants Cuba being one of only four countries on the list of states that sponsor terrorism with Iran, Sudan and Syria (North Korea was removed). What is the risk that Cuba poses to us? Can Cuba bring down our govern-

ment? invade? Is the purpose of our sanctions to spread democracy? That is an oxymoronic notion, and one fraught with hypocrisy. We seem not to have any problems tolerating - even installing and propping up - brutal dictators (Shah of Iran, Saddam Hussein, Hosi Mubarak, Augusto Pinochet, just to name a few) - and seems fine to turn a blind eye to human rights violations when it suited our national (oil) interests, or when it is politically expedient. And that’s what the Cuba policy is all about - politics and the key role that Florida plays in the Electoral College (literally installing George W. Bush in the Oval Office). And I can’t understand why Cuban Americans are so vindictive they would see their relatives (even distant ones) suffer needlessly under sanctions that also prevent Cuban doctors on humanitarian mission to fight Ebola from accessing international banks or purchase supplies. These are the same individuals who so virulently oppose immigration reform, even to provide a lifeline to Central American children fleeing certain death, yet benefitted from the quirk that gave special status to any Cuban who could touch US shore. Take Sen. Marco Rubio, for example, whose family did not actually escape Communism, but left Cuba in 1956, before Castro, yet he still claims the mantel of victimhood. He had the audacity to charge that Obama never should have made a rapprochement with Cuba because of that regime’s political oppression and human rights abuses. “It is just another concession to a tyranny by the Obama administration rather than a defense of every universal and unalienable right that our country stands for,” Rubio said. “It will significantly set back the hopes of freedom and democracy for the Cuban people,” he said. “It is disgraceful for a president who claims to treasure human rights and human freedom.” And Cuban-Canadian-American Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas), another presidential wannabee despite the fact he is not actually a “natural born citizen,” without betraying irony in his voice, said “Their government can continue to detain individuals like Alan Gross indefinitely without process - as the many political prisoners still languishing in Castro’s prisons can attest.” I guess Rubio and Cruz were forgetting that the prison at Guantanamo Bay is operated by the United States, not the Castros, along with black sites around the

world, which engaged in torture, in detention without charges or the opportunity to prove innocence. But Rubio and Cruz are not representative of their generation of Cuban-Americans, who are much more supportive of opening up ties. Great Neck’s Gloria Nachmanoff, who was born in Cuba and left there at the age of 12, living in Montreal for 10 years until her marriage to Dan Nachmanoff, commented, “It’s wonderful that they are talking - this is first step - wasn’t working at all, and the people were suffering terribly. It gave a good excuse for the government there to blame us for everything that was going wrong. I don’t know if will go through because of Congress. This is first step. Let’s hope it brings a little relief to the people - that’s the important thing. I think it will - they understand the situation. They like the Americans. And it would be a mutual improvement for them and us. I am very pleased. Nachmanoff has been back to Cuba several times, most recently, two years ago at the insistence of her grandson. “I was leery to go because I had heard stories about how terrible it was, but my grandson’s heart is with Cubans - he loves music, baseball. So I took him to Cuba - we went to baseball games (he saw his heroes play). It was a lot of fun. “On the other hand, my father’s generation is torn - because they built businesses from scratch and everything was taken away [by the Castro regime]. People get so ingrained...It’s a generational thing - that’s why the numbers are pretty much equal. It used to be 65 percent of Cuban Americans were against.” President Obama also answered the Rubio-Cruz objections stating, Now, where we disagree, we will raise those differences directly - as we will continue to do on issues related to democracy and human rights in Cuba. But I believe that we can do more to support the Cuban people and promote our values through engagement. After all, these 50 years have shown that isolation has not worked. It’s time for a new approach.” And in contrast to Rubio’s insult that Obama is “the worst negotiator,” Obama has proved a realist in recognizing that an American that is not willing to use violence to install the regime and the politics of its choosing in other country. “Given Cuba’s history,” he said. “I expect it will continue to pursue foreign policies that will at times be sharply at odds with

American interests. I do not expect the changes I am announcing today to bring about a transformation of Cuban society overnight. But I am convinced that through a policy of engagement, we can more effectively stand up for our values and help the Cuban people help themselves as they move into the 21st century.” Meanwhile, Florida - where the epicenter anti-Cuba animosity - will be the biggest beneficiary of trade, particularly agricultural products and will be a boon to travel companies, especially cruise lines that sail from Florida ports are salivating at the prospect of calling at Cuba. “Today, the United States is taking historic steps to chart a new course in our relations with Cuba and to further engage and empower the Cuban people. We are separated by 90 miles of water, but brought together through the relationships between the 2 million Cubans and Americans of Cuban descent that live in the United States, and the 11 million Cubans who share similar hopes for a more positive future for Cuba,” the White House stated. “It is clear that decades of U.S. isolation of Cuba have failed to accomplish our enduring objective of promoting the emergence of a democratic, prosperous, and stable Cuba. At times, longstanding U.S. policy towards Cuba has isolated the United States from regional and international partners, constrained our ability to influence outcomes throughout the Western Hemisphere, and impaired the use of the full range of tools available to the United States to promote positive change in Cuba. Though this policy has been rooted in the best of intentions, it has had little effect – today, as in 1961, Cuba is governed by the Castros and the Communist party.

“We cannot keep doing the same thing and expect a different result. It does not serve America’s interests, or the Cuban people, to try to push Cuba toward collapse. We know from hard-learned experience that it is better to encourage and support reform than to impose policies that will render a country a failed state. With our actions today, we are calling on Cuba to unleash the potential of 11 million Cubans by ending unnecessary restrictions on their political, social, and economic activities. In that spirit, we should not allow U.S. sanctions to add to the burden of Cuban citizens we seek to help. “Today, we are renewing our leadership in the Americas. We are choosing to cut loose the anchor of the past, because it is entirely necessary to reach a better future – for our national interests, for the American people, and for the Cuban people.” (See more details at: http:// www.whitehouse.gov/the-pressoffice/2014/12/17/fact-sheetcharting-new-course-cuba) Obama has taken the same approach in overturning decades of hostility with Iran which was only leading to the possibility of a nuclear-armed Iran. But now the Republican-controlled Senate may use their ire at Cuba (and immigration, and every other area where Obama is using executive action to accomplish what Congress refuses to attempt) to derail the talks. “If Congress kills the negotiations by imposing new sanctions or unworkable terms for a final agreement, Iran will unfreeze its nuclear energy program, and voices will grow louder among those eager for the United States to fight yet another war in the Middle East. The way to avoid that awful outcome is to let diplomacy work!” said Monique Teal, Daily Kos.

M-L fire district, parks receive county funds Continued from Page 10 enhance the outstanding amenities this park already offers.” In September, sporting goods retailer City Sports also pledged to donate $1,000 to the park for the construction of a children’s playground. The park was reopened in April 2013 after it was closed for renovations to a baseball field and multi-purpose athletic field that was later renamed in

honor of Manhasset native and Pro Football Hall of Famer Jim Brown. Brown, who starred in five sports while a student at Manhasset High School in the 1950s appeared at the park’s reopening and as part of a ceremony organized by the National Football League’s Hometown Heroes program. The school district also honored Brown during an assembly days later.

44 The Great Neck News, Friday, December 26, 2014

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uniform and for the responsibility they embraced to keep the people of this city safe,” Bratton added. In an expanded Twitter post Sunday, Mangano said he “stands in solidarity with the brave men and women of law enforcement throughout this nation.” He said he has ordered that all Nassau County buildings fly flags at half staff for one week. “May God watch over the families of officers Wen Jian Liu and Rafael Ramos as well as all those who keep our cities, communities and nation safe,” he said. Kenneth Lack, a spokesman for the Nassau County Police Department, said in a statement that the department “is taking the appropriate precautions” in wake of the shootings. President Obama, Gov. Andrew Cuomo and de Blasio were among the elected officials who also offered condolences to Liu and Ramos’ families. The Silver Shield Founda-

tion, an organization founded by late New York Yankees owner George Steinbrenner to finance the education of police officers and their families, will pay for the college tuition of Ramos’ 13-year-old son Jaden and another son who is currently in college, according to a New York Daily News report. Liu was recently married and had no children, according to the Daily News report. “When a police officer is murdered, it tears at the foundation of our society,” de Blasio said during a news conference Saturday night at Woodhull Hospital. “It is an attack on all of us. It’s an attack on everything we hold dear.” According to published reports, NYPD officers turned their backs to de Blasio as he entered the hospital in an apparent act of defiance for sympathizing with protestors who held marches and demonstrations throughout the city in wake of the Dec. 4 grand jury decision not to indict officer Daniel Pantaleo in criminal

connection with Garner’s death in Staten Island. Video was taken and uploaded to YouTube purportedly showing Pantaleo putting Garner in a chokehold while other officers held down Garner, who officers alleged was resisting arrest for selling loose cigarettes. de Blasio later said he was “astonished by the [grand jury’s] decision” and called it a “very painful day for so many New Yorkers.” Following the start of protests, officers began circulating a petition requesting de Blasio not attend the funerals of cops killed in the line of duty due to his lack of support for police in the aftermath of the Pantaleo decision. A petition calling for de Blasio’s resignation was formed Saturday on the website MoveOn.org. 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.

community n e w s

holid a y b a s k e ts fo r s e nio r s

tutor t

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 ing ritical Read C 25+ Years Writing Experience Grammar Essays

LYNNE: 6 2 5 - 3 3 1 4

Nassau County Executive Edward P. Mangano (second from left) thanked everyone who worked together this holiday season to put together and distribute baskets for Nassau County’s homebound seniors. Mangano thanked Tim Fuger of North Bellmore’s “A Taste of Home” bakery who donated all of the baked goods used to fill the baskets. This year’s team of Santa’s helpers also included Donna Reed from the Nassau County Office of the Aging, Commissioner of Human Services Lisa Murphy, Town of Hempstead Councilman Ed Ambrosino, and Jill Dayney, community service representative at the Department of Human Services.

46 The Great Neck News, Friday, December 26, 2014

buyer’s guide ▼ antiques

antiques

$$ Top Cash Paid $$

We Buy Asian Antiques

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

cleaning

computers

SYL-LEE ANTIQUES

AntiqueAssets.com

Immediate Cash Paid

RUTH

Family Business for over 40 years

Why scrap your car when you can sell it for parts value? • Late Model Wrecks Wanted • Used Cars Bought and Sold • Quality Recycled Auto Parts

place your ad

demo/ junk removal

advertise with us!

COMPLETE JUNK REMOVAL/DEMOLITION

To place your ad, call 516.307.1045 or fax 516.307.1046

Moving Forward By Recycling The Past www.sambuccibros.com www.facebook.com/sambuccibros home improvement

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

home improvement

• We haul anything & everything • Entire contents of home and/or office • We clean it up and take it away Residential - Commercial Bonded Insured / Free Estimates

STRONG ARM CONTRACTING, INC.

516-538-1125

516.472.0500

www.computerteach.net

home improvement

LAMPS FIXED $ 65 In Home Service Handy Howard 646-996-7628

home improvment

Home improvement

Elegant Touch Remodeling

Tel: (516) 747-0250

Fax: (516) 747-5446 Serving the community for over 60 years

• Home Tutoring • Computer Repair • Virus Removal • iPhone/iPad Repair • iMac/MacBooks Fixed

www.ComputerRepairForce.com 39 Great Neck Rd., Great Neck Open 7 Days • Patient & Friendly

Buying and Selling over 40 Years / Member New England Appraisers Association

auto recycling

(516) 650-0098

• Professional Team • Honest, Reliable & Experienced • Materials & equipment provided • Save $100 - Call for details Great References Free Estimates Bonded & Insured

718-598-3045 or 516-270-2128

CALL JOSEPH OR

For Home and Office

Promotion Expires 12/30/14

Marion Rizzo and Gary Zimmerman www.Syl-LeeAntiques.com 516-671-6464 or 516-692-3850

wanted

GARDEN CITY

CLEANING SERVICES

“Quality Construction with a Personal Touch”

Complete Home Renovations Dormers - Extensions Kitchens - Bathrooms and Basements

516.486.8100

www.maximbuilders.com

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

Garden City, NY 11530

Licence #H18H2680000

home HOME inspections INSPECTIONS

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

Milo Balcerzak [917] 681-6736 F [516] 327-3199 NYS# 16000056207

advertise with us

place your ad with us!

To place your ad, call 516.307.1045 or fax 516.307.1046

The Great Neck News, Friday, December 26, 2014

buyer’s guide ▼ Homeheating Heating Oil home oil

junk removal

Sage Oil

JUNK REMOVAL and DEMOLITION

ADVERTISE HERE

5% off any job

516.307.1045

516 485-3900 Quality Oil at a Great Price Since 1960

No Fee For Visa/MC/Discovery or Debit Cards lawn sprinklers LAWN SPRINKLERS

moving & storage N.Y.D.O.T.#10405

• • • • •

Fall Drain Outs Backflow Device Tests Free Estimates Installation Service/Repairs

Joe Barbato (516) 775-1199

MOVING & STORAGE INC.

Long Island and New York State Specialists

• Residential • Commercial • Piano & Organ Experts • Boxes Available FREE ESTIMATES www.ajmoving.com

516-741-2657

114 Jericho Tpke. Mineola, NY 11501

PAINTING/POWERWASHING PAINTING/POWERWASHING

Residential and Commercial • Free Estimates References Any 2-3 pieces to entire house Bonded and insured Senior discount Delivery service available

Henry 516-523-0974

www.riosremoval.com

PAINTING/POWER WASHING painting & powerwashing

SWEENEY PAINTING

ADVERTISE HERE 516.307.1045

of Garden City

Interior/Exterior Painting Carpentry • Powerwashing Licensed & Insured

516-884-4016

ADVERTISE HERE 516.307.1045

renovations

ADVERTISE HERE 516.307.1045

roofing

resd/Comm cleaning

tree service

STRONG ARM CLEANING

ADVERTISE HERE 516.307.1045

Residential and Commercial Cleaning Specialist • Post construction clean ups • Stripping, waxing floors • Move ins and move outs

ADVERTISE HERE

Free estimates / Bonded Insured

516-538-1125

www.strongarmcleaningny.com

516.307.1045

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

ADVERTISE HERE 516.307.1045

48 The Great Neck News, Friday, December 26, 2014

n a ss a u

COMMUNITY CLASSIFIEDS to advertise call: 516.307.1045 ▼ Employment, Marketplace, pets, Real Estate 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 LEGAL: Process Server, full time, seeking well organized, detail oriented individual for office assistant in Mineola. Position entails phones, data entry and working with several commonly used computer programs. Quick Books a plus. Email resume to: LRadler@ courtsupportinc.com 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

Situation Wanted BABYSITTINGCOLLEGE STUDENT Available for babysitting. Flexible hours. 5 yrs experience. Solid references. Has car. Call 516-404-1045 CARE GIVER: NEED A COMPANION or nursing assistant for your loved ones? Fear of your loved ones being alone at night or even eloping & need overnight companion care at home or in a health care facility? Call 516-410-9943 for a NY State certified nursing assistant with excellent references. CAREGIVER / COMPANION Loving & trustworthy Filipino woman with a wealth of experience available for Full Time Live In position. Licensed driver. References available. Call Aimie 706-814-1129 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 CLEANING SERVICES FOR OFFICES OR HOMES. Available 7 days a week. Excellent references. Own transportation. Gift Certificates available! Call 516-974-8959

Situation Wanted DIRECT HOME CARE AIDE currently seeking night position FT/PT 11pm to 7am (no daytime hours) to care for your elderly. Over 20 years experience including Alzheimers or CP cases. Excellent references. Own car. Call Nicola 516-670-2975 ELDER CARE AVAILABLE Honest, reliable mature woman seeking live-in position to care for your sick or elderly loved one. Experienced. References available. Call anytimeMadge 917-815-7412 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 FT ELDER CARE available for sick or elderly adults. Live in or out. Certified w/ 12 yrs exp. Experience in all areas. Highly recommended. Please call 347-517-3349 NURSE’S AIDE / COMPANION available full time with 20 yrs experience. Seeking position to care for your elderly loved ones, with light housekeeping. Excellent references. Flexible hours. Call Gloria 347-777-5808 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 RELIABLE FULL TIME BABYSITTER available immediately. Impeccable references from Garden City family. Can drive. Infant CPR certified. Can help with reading, writing, math. Over 10yrs. experience. Call 347-654-9274 SONIA’S CLEANING SERVICE We clean offices, houses, apartments. Experience driver w/ car, own supplies. References available. Please call 516-319-9783

Business Opportunities

CLEANING SERVICES I clean houses and offices. I have affordable rates and great references. I do it allmove ins and move outs, all rooms and facets of home and office cleaning. No job too big or small. Contact Luis 516-451-6225

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

CLEANING: I CLEAN your house and leave it spotless. Vacuum, clean the bathrooms and bedrooms, your kitchen, mop and dust. Please contact me at 516943-7124. Excellent references and free estimates.

announcements

COLLEGE STUDENT HOME for break available full time from December 13 through February 1. Garden City area. Has car, drivers license, CPR certification, experience. Please call Emily 516-232-6256

Adoption UNPLANNED PREGNANCY? Caring licensed adoption agency provides financial and emotional support. Choose from loving preapproved families. Call Joy toll free 1-866-922-3678 or confidential email: Adopt@ForeverFamiliesThroughAdoption.org

marketplace

pets

automotive

Wanted to Buy

Pet Services

Auto For Sale

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

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

TOYOTA SEQUOIA LTD 2003 85k miles. Black exterior, Tan leather interior. Fully loaded. Immaculate. DVD. $12,500. Call 516-672-0592

CASH BUYER! Used Men’s Clothing: T-Shirts, Sweatshirts, Sneakers from 70’s, 80’s, 90’s. Preferably Music/Sports related. Will travel to your home. Greg 516-782-6066 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 *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 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 8am8pm 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 516-279-6378 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 WILLISTON PARK: Christmas specials from The Thrift Shop sponsored by Resurrection and St. Aidan Churches. Jewelry, fine clothing, some designer labels, good condition, reasonable prices, household items. Thursdays 9:30am-1:00pm. Saturdays 10:00am-2:00pm. Resurrection Church, corner Campbell Avenue and Center Street. Please call 516-746-5527

Autos Wanted

DO YOU HATE KENNELS? ORSTRANGERS 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.

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!

Pet CPR & first Aid Certified. Numerous referrals and references. Limited availability. Book early! Annmarie 516-775-4256

real estate for rent

EXPERIENCED DOG WALKER available. Garden City resident. Animal lover will also visit and feed your pets. Caring and reliable. Garden City and surrounding communities. CALL ANNE MARIE 516-326-7860 PROFESSIONAL DOG TRAINING Doggie Day Care & Walks Backyard Clean-up GC Resident 516-382-5553

Apartment For Rent ATRIUM PLAZA TOWNHOUSE LR/DR, EIK, 2 Bedrooms, 2 1/2 baths, EE garage. Credit check required. $2,600 per month. Carmel Quill, Broker. Call for appointment 516-732-6049

DONATE YOUR CAR Wheels For Wishes benefiting

x % Ta 100 tible c u 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

The Great Neck News, Friday, December 26, 2014

▼ real estate, services Apartment For Rent MINEOLA 2 bedrooom off Mineola Blvd. Clean, excellent condition, second floor, sunny, parking, quiet, suitable one or two. Convenient to transportation, Courts, hospital, Churches, etc. Excellently maintained. $1,650. Telephone 516-7476392 or 516-280-4870

Condo/Co-op For Rent GARDEN CITY 7TH ST Luxury building, doorman, elevator, no pets. Includes gas/heat/hot water. Monthly rents from $2,700-3,975. Indoor parking available. Immediate occupancy. Broker Fee. 516873-6464/ 516-850-4468/ 631748-8044 Christine

real estate for sale

Condo/Co-Op For Sale THE WYNDHAM WEST Mint duplex. 2 Bedrooms, 2 1/2 Baths. Efficiency Kitchen, 1 car garage. 24 hr concierge, 24 hr valet, health club, pool, exercise classes, office facilities. $810,000. Carmel Quill, Broker. Call for appointment 516-732-6049

Lots for Sale BLACK LAKE! 100 acres $69,900. Deeded access on Blake Lake. Borders State forest. Ice Fishing! PRIVATE! John Hill, RE Salesperson 315-657-5469. NY LAND QEUST nylandquest.com

Out Of Town Real Estate HAMPTON BAYS, NY HOUSE FOR SALE BY OWNER Prestigious “Old Harbor Colony” Private Community with bay beach rights. Single family with 3 bedrooms, 3 baths, finished basement, 20x40 pool. Great family home. $769,000. Call Owner 516-351-2975. No Brokers Please SEBASTIAN, FLORIDA Beautiful 55+ manufactured home community. 4.4 miles to the beach, 2 miles to the riverfront district. Homes starting at $39,000. 772-581-0080, www. beach-cove.com.

service directory

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

HANDYMAN 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 516-2382112 anytime E-mail Frankcav@ optonline.net

HANDYMAN

Services

HAS YOUR BUILDING SHIFTED OR SETTLED? Contact Woodford Brothers, Inc. for straightening, leveling, foundation and wood frame repairs at 1-800OLD BARN. www.woodfordbros.com. Suffolk Cty- License #41959-H Nassau Cty- License #H18G7180000

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

LAMPS FIXED $65 In home service. Handy Howard 646-996-7628 SKY CLEAR WINDOW and Restorations Inc. Window Restorations, Outdated Hardware, skylights, Andersen Sashes, new storm windows, wood windows, chain/rope repairs, falling windows, fogged panes, mechanical repairs, wood repairs, restorations, all brands. Call Mr. Fagan, 32 years experience. 631-3857975 www.skyclearwindow.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 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

Instruction 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 PRIVATE MUSIC LESSONS Flute, Clarinet, Saxophone. NYSSMA expert with 30+ years experience. Totally individualized instruction. In my home or yours. Call 516-437-7173

NEW YORK MARRIAGE AND FAMILY THERAPISTS: Joan Atwood, PH.D. An experienced therapist makes all the difference. Teen anger management groups now forming. Individual, couple, family therapy and anger management. 516-764-2526. jatwood@ optonline.net www.NYMFT.com TEEN ANGER MANAGEMENT AND SOCIAL SKILLS GROUPS FORMING. Experienced therapist. Call 516-770-4085

Tutoring CURVEBREAKERS TEST PREP provides customized one-on-one tutoring and small classes for the SAT, ACT, PSAT, CHSEE and more. Gain a competitive advantage. Call for free consultation 516-728-1561 email info@curvebreakerstestprep.com 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 LongIslandTutor.com Providing one-on-one professional support to build confidence, knowledge and skills in every student. MATH, SAT, ACT TUTOR: Algebra, Geometry, Algebra 2 plus Trig, PreCalc, AP Calculus. Norm 625-3314 ENGLISH, ACT, SAT TUTOR: 25+ years experience. Critical reading, writing, grammar, essays. Lynne 625-3314 SCIENCE, SCIENCE, SCIENCE! AP & Regents Physics, AP & Regents Biology, Earth Science & Mathematics. Sol 516-384-9865

Painting & Paperhanging 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

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

To Place Your Ad Call: 516.307.1045

community n e w s

Kwanzaa celebration to take place on Dec. 29 Nassau County’s 5th Annual Kwanzaa Celebration will take place on Monday, Dec. 29 at 12 p.m. at Roosevelt Field Mall, North Court which is by Dick’s Sporting Goods and Bloomingdale’s Furniture. “I invite all residents to take some time from their busy schedules to enjoy this wonderful holiday

celebration,” said Nassau County Executive Edward P. Mangano. Kwanzaa has emerged as a significant celebration during which residents can both commemorate and reflect upon Africa roots, as well as the awe-inspiring impact it has had on the American experience. Kwanzaa is a family-friend-

ly celebration involving a candle lighting including a festive, educational, and inspirational program that beautifully reflects the principles of UNITY. For more information, please contact Ray Thomas at (516) 227-9675 or Shelley Brazley at (516) 5722244.

New Year’s Eve run to take place at midnight A 5K New Year’s Eve DASH to support the Long Island Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence (LICADD) will take place in Eisenhower Park, starting at the Twin Rinks Ice Center at midnight on New Year’s Eve. Race check-in begins at 9:30 p.m. on Dec. 31. The race begins at the stroke of midnight when the ball drops in Times Square (shown on large screens at the starting line) and takes participants around Eisenhower Park on a fully-lighted race course with startto-finish sound track and then into the New Year’s Eve Party at our new indoor party venue located inside of the all new Twin

Rinks Ice Center. The event starts before midnight with the Twin Rinks Ice Center’s “Skatin’ New Year‘s Eve” event beginning at 9 p.m. All New Year’s Eve DASH participants are invited to come early and take part in “Skatin’ New Year‘s Eve” - included with registration. Children under 16 can take part in the Twin Rinks’ “Skatin’ New Year‘s Eve” event for a discounted rate exclusively for New Year’s Eve DASH participants’ family members. Upon crossing the finish line, participants will enter the Twin Rinks Ice Center where the New Year’s Eve DASH New Year’s Eve party

continues until 2:30 a.m. complete with a DJ, a buffet, provided by the Main Event in Plainview, beer, wine, non-alcoholic drinks and sodas, provided by Snapple, and dessert provided by All Round Foods. Fees for the First Annual New Year’s Eve Dash and party are as follows: $65 for Runners and Revelers, and $45 for Revelers only. There is a 16 & under Reveler Only Special of: $18, payable upon entry. Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult participating in the New Year’s Eve DASH. To register, please visit the website at: www.newyearsdash. com.

50 The Great Neck News, Friday, December 26, 2014

▼ LEGALS

LEGAL NOTICE PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that the Final Assessment Roll of the Village of Thomaston for the fiscal year March 1, 2015 to February 29, 2016 has been filed with the Village Administrator. Effective January 2, 2015 the Final Assessment Roll may be seen and examined by any person during regular business hours, Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. All applications for grievance review must be filed on specific forms with the Village Administrator on or before January 31, 2015. BY ORDER TO THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES, VILLAGE OF THOMASTON Barbara J. Daniels, Village Administrator Dated: December 19, 2014 GNN 140908 1x 12/26/ 2014 #140908

# 354 GARDEN CITY PARK, NY 11040. The principal business address of the LLC is: 2417 JERICHO TURNPIKE # 354 GARDEN CITY PARK, NY 11040. Purpose: any lawful act or activity. GNN 140774 6x 11/28, 12/05, 12, 19, 26, 2014, 1/02/2 015 #140774

LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY Notice of Formation of Limited Liability Company (LLC) Name: 111/113 FIFTH LLC Articles of Organization filed by the Department of State of New York on: 10/21/2011 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: Coritsidis & Lambros, PLLC Trinity Place, 4th FLR New York, NY 10006 GNN 140770 6x 11/28, 12/05, 12, 19, 26, 2014, 1/02/2 015 #140770

Notice of Formation LAKSHMI PT, OT, SLP, MASSAGE CONSULTANTS PLLC Arts. of Org. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 11/10/2014. 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, 865 MERRICK ROAD STE # 201 BALDWIN NY 11510 Purpose: any lawful purpose. GNN 140795 6x 12/05, 12, 19, 26, 2014, 1/02, 9, 2015 #140795

Notice of Formation of STERLING SRF I LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 11/12/14. 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 140769 6x 11/28, 12/05, 12, 19, 26, 2014, 1/02/2 015 #140769 Notice of Formation of Royal East Group LLC. Art. of Org. filed Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 10/14/2014. Office location: Nassau County. SSNY Designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail copy of process to: The LLC, 14 Lake Road, Great Neck, NY 11020. Purpose: any lawful activity. GNN 140772 6x 11/28, 12/05, 12, 19, 26, 2014, 1/02/2 015 #140772 Notice of Formation of Hudson Hill Management LLC. Art. of Org. filed Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 11/12/2014. Office location: Nassau County. SSNY Designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail copy of process to: The LLC, 30 Melbourne Rd, Great Neck, NY 11021. Purpose: any lawful activity. GNN 140773 6x 11/28, 12/05, 12, 19, 26, 2014, 1/02/2 015 #140773 NOTICE OF FORMATION OF BLISTERING BARNACLES LLC Arts of Org. filed with the Secy of State of NY (SSNY) on 09/30/2014. Office location: NASSAU County. SSNY has been designated as agent upon whom process against it may be served. The Post Office address to which the SSNY shall mail a copy of any process against the LLC served upon him/her is: 2417 JERICHO TURNPIKE

Notice of Formation of STERLING IH 1 LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 11/14/14. 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 140788 GN, 11/28, 12/5, 12, 19, 26, 1/2/15 #140788

Notice of Formation of Marquis Business and Technology Solutions, LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 7/28/11. Office location: Nassau County. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: c/o United States Corporation Agents, Inc., 7014 13th Ave., Ste. 202, Brooklyn, NY 11228, the registered agent upon whom process may be served. Purpose: any lawful activity. GNN 140801 6x 12/12, 19, 26, 2014 1/02, 9, 16, 2015 #140801 Notice of Formation of Gould 28 West 26 Street LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 11/25/14. Office location: Nassau County. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: 60 Cutter Mill Road, Ste. 303, Great Neck, NY 11021. Purpose: any lawful activity. GNN 140850 6x 12/12, 19, 26, 2014, 1/02, 9, 16, 2015 #140850 Notice of Formation of Sterling SRF Internal I LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 11/26/14. 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 1408851 6x 12/12, 19, 26, 2014, 1/02, 9, 16, 2015 #140851 Notice of Formation of STERLING GP SRF I LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 11/26/14. 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, 111 Great Neck Road, Ste. 408, Great Neck, NY 11021. Purpose: any lawful activity. GNN 140852 6x 12/12, 19, 26, 2014, 1/02, 9, 16, 2015 #140852

Notice of Formation of Sterling Barwis Method LLC amended to Sterling Barwis Methods LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 11/25/14. 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, 111 Great Neck Road, Ste. 408, Great Neck, NY 11021. Purpose: any lawful activity. GNN 140858 6x 12/12, 16, 26, 2014, 1/02, 9, 16, 2015 #140858 Notice of Formation of Apple Adjustment Group, LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 12/4/14. 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, 505 Northern Blvd., Ste. 309, Great Neck, NY 11021. Purpose: any lawful activity. GNN 140909 6x 12/26, 2104, 1/02, 9, 16, #140909 23, 30, 2015 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, January 21, 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 #19921 - Henry Famularo, variance 70-100.2.A.2 to construct fence in a front yard; N/side #30 Wilwade Rd., 40’ E/ of Soundview Rd., Great Neck, Sec. 2, Blk 28301, Lot 90, R-B District. APPEAL #19922 - Andrew Siciliano, variances 70-49.C, 70-102.C.2 & 70-100.1.A to construct a two-story addition exceeding permitted floor area, erect a pool barrier forward of rear building line and a pool in a required side yard; S/side #14 Roger Dr., 114.2’ E/of Glen Ln., Port Washington, Sec. 5, Blk 160, Lot 46, R-C District. APPEAL #19923 - Arthur Fellin, variance 70-100.2.H to maintain an A/C unit within a required side yard setback; NW/cor. #901 N. 6th St. & Bryant Ave., New Hyde Park, Sec. 8, Blk 17, Lot 181, R-C District. APPEAL #19924 - Trpimir Ivkovic, variances 70-30.B, 70208.F & 70-31.B to construct a second story addition and portico in a required secondary front yard, and maintain a deck in a required side yard; NE/cor. #92 Greenway West & South Dr., New Hyde Park, Sec. 8, Blk 209, Lot 22, R-C District. APPEAL #19925 - Jon Kreiss, variances 70-50.C & 70-51.A to maintain a terrace in a required front yard; and a second-story addition in a required side yard; S/side #524 Maple Drive West, 286.05’ E/of Wilton St., New Hyde Park, Sec. 8, Blk 336, Lot 32, R-C District. APPEAL #19926 - Babar Temoor, conditional use and variance 70-231 to convert a single-family dwelling to a mother/ daughter, a conditional use, with the apartment and kitchen exceeding permitted floor area; S/side #106 Second St., 580’ E/of Central Ave., Garden City Park, Sec. 9, Blk 250, Lot 634, R-C District.

COMMERCIAL CASES APPEAL #19927 - Clarence Weigold, conditional use 70126.A & 70-225.B(7)(a) to modify kitchen equipment at an existing restaurant; E/side #440 Plandome Rd., 50.16’ N/of Orchard St., Manhasset, Sec. 3, Blk 71, Lot 102, B-A District. APPEAL #19928 - Lisa Yeung (Sylvan Learning Center), variances 70-103.A.1 & 70-103.F convert retail space to a tutoring center with insufficient parking and loading; N/side #23 Main St., 102.12’ E/of N. Maryland Ave., Port Washington, Sec. 5, Blk 26, Lot 63, B-B District. APPEAL # 19929.A - D.F. Allen & Co., Inc., conditional use 70-187, variances 70-103.B, 70-189.1, 70-192.B, 70-229.A to maintain an addition to a commercial building used for storage of refuse with insufficient parking in a required rear yard not in compliance with a prior decision of the Board, E/ side of 114 Sylvester St., 500’ N/of Main St., Westbury, Sec. 11, Blk. 180, Lots 11-13, 15-21, I-B District. APPEAL #19929.B - D.F. Allen & Co., Inc., appeal for determination, or in the alternative, conditional use 70-187.K, variances 70-186, 70-191, 70-192.A, 70-192.B, 70-189.1, 70-103.B to construct a covered, open-sided addition to a commercial building to be used for the storage of refuse with insufficient parking in required front and rear yards, E/side of 114 Sylvester St., 500’ N/of Main St., Westbury, Sec. 11, Blk. 180, Lots 11-13, 15-21, I-B District. APPEAL #19929.C - D.F. Allen & Co., Inc., variances 70103.B, 70-103.M, 70-103.P, 70-189.1 to convert a building used for storage to indoor parking with an insufficient number of spaces and stall dimension and with parking in a required front yard, W/side of 91 New York Ave., 500’ N/of Main St., Westbury, Sec. 11, Blk. 180, Lots 22-25, 56-61, I-B District. APPEAL #19626.A - 120 Voice Road Realty LLC, variances 70-103, 70-194, and 70203.1(C) to renew an appeal permitting a day care center with insufficient off-street parking and drop-off area and a fence exceeding the permitted height; S/side #120 Voice Rd., 764.39’ W/of Glen Cove Rd., Carle Place, Sec. 9, Blk. 663, Lot 14, I-B District. ADJOURNED CASE APPEAL #19890 - Scott Shafranek, variances 70-29.B and 70-208.F to construct additions to a nonconforming dwelling exceeding the permitted floor area; SE/cor. #12 Orchard Farm Rd. & St. John Pl., Port Washington, Sec. 6, Blk. 23, Lot 24, R-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 140910 1x 12/26/2014 #140910 Notice of Formation of STERLING VC VII LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 12/11/14. 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 140911 6x 12/26, 2014, 1/02, 9, 16, 23, 30, 2015 #140911

Dan’s beauty salon to close Continued from Page 2 according to Rachel. “We offered a full array of merchandise that included basics as well as exclusive brands in cosmetics, fashion hair accessories and other distinctive products that were not previously available to customers in Great Neck.” Before buying Dan’s, Paul worked for 20 years in the consumer product business on the manufacturing side, Rachel said. He was executive vice president of a housewares company that made oven broilers, rotisserie ovens and other cooking appliances. Rachel said meeting his customers while travelling abroad was one of Paul’s more memorable experiences. “I was in Hong Kong many years ago in front of the Peninsula Hotel, when a customer recognized me and ran over to say hello,” Paul said according to Rachel. “The same thing happened on another overseas trip when I was in Italy.” Paul also credits Dan’s manager Silvia Zeller with the success of his business, and its reputation for attention and service. “Silvia has been with more for more than 20 years, and has forged very deep relationships with our customers throughout the years. I am so fortunate to have worked with her,” Paul said according to Rachel. Paul is a former member of the Great Neck Business Improvement District and in 2011, and he was given the Robert E. Freedman Retailer Award from the Great Neck Chamber of Commerce, Rachel said. He was given the award for bringing a “New York” caliber of shopping to Great Neck, Rachel said. She said Paul wanted to take the brands shoppers often found in Manhattan and the experience that comes with shopping for them to people’s backyards in Great Neck. “I love seeing customers enjoy the store as well as the whole shopping experience – especially when that enjoyment is carried over from one generation to the next,” Paul said according to Rachel.

Postur-Line closes doors Continued from Page 2 ferent reasons, such as catalog and internet shopping making it more convenient to shop from home now,” Corn said. “The demographics are changing in the area.” Corn said merchants have to be able to compete with online retailers if they want to stay in business. “We also need merchants that want to help themselves,” Corn said. “That means merchants that will combine their efforts, that will stay open uniform hours, that will spend some money on advertising.” He said the days where a business could thrive on having a couple of people who know their business in town are long gone. He said the world is much more competitive, and businesses need to act in such a manner. Edelson said the economy is different than it was 20 years ago, and that has had a negative impact on many local stores. He said local businesses should develop an online presence and a mobile presence as well. “There are few downtowns that can exist solely on their own communities anymore,” Edelson said. “

Sports

The Great Neck News, Friday, December 26, 2014

Post rallies to best Southern N.H, 71-65 B y Max i m e D e v i lla z The LIU Post men’s basketball team traveled to Manchester, N.H.,on Saturday, Dec. 20, for an East Coast Conference tilt at Southern N.H. After being under 50 percent for the most part of the afternoon, the Pioneers sharpened their shots in the latter stanza to find the basket 54.2 percent of the time and secure a 71-65 win. The Pioneers went on a 10-1 run to take the lead at the end of the second half as junior guard Dilion Burns opened the run with a layup. The Penmen went on to try and close the gap, but the Pioneers kept it all the way through. Senior forward Charles McCann and junior guard Chris Orozco secured LIU Post’s first win in a month, with back-to-back lay-ups in the last minutes. McCann scored 14 points, one more than senior forward Tyuan Williams, who added in 13. McCann grabbed a contestbest 11 rebounds. While most students have taken the route home for the holidays, head men’s basketball coach Erik Smiles will gather his team again on New Year’s Eve, when they will face Adelphi University in a nonconference match in Garden City. The game is scheduled at 2 p.m. The LIU Post women’s basketball

team visited St. Petersburg, Fla. on Saturday, Dec. 20, and fell short to Eckerd College in a non-conference tilt. The hosts were sharper from start to finish with a 57 percent shot rate from the floor, including 44 percent from the three-point area. The Pioneers shot 26 percent for the contest, and lost 79-49. Eckerd scored the game’s first six points and never looked back. Eckerd kept increasing the gap between the two teams, with a consecutive 13-0 rally at the start of the second half. LIU Post’s Nyasia Davis attempted to lift the team, as she led all players with her 19 points and seven rebounds, but her 7-of-13 from the floor and 5-of-8 from the free throw line was not enough. Head women’s basketball coach Deirdre Moore and the Pioneers will also return to action on Dec. 31, when they take on Stonehill College in a non-conference battle at LIU Post’s Pratt Recreation Center in Brookville. Tip-off is set for 1.30 p.m. This story was originally published in the Pioneer, the award-winning student newspaper of LIU Post, www.liupostpioneer. com, and is republished by Blank Slate Media with permission of the Pioneer.

MERILLON OFF ICIALS HONORED

Outgoing Merillon Athletic Association Board member Bill Donovan, who has served in that position since 2004, was presented a proclamation by North Hempstead Town Supervisor Judi Bosworth at the Merillon Athletic Association’s Holiday Party at Crabtree Restaurant in Floral Park on Tuesday, Dec. 16. Bosworth also recognized President Jim Shanter and Chairman of the Board Tony Camelleri for all they do all year long to teach young athletes in the community the principles of teamwork and sportsmanship, as well as commitment and dedication to their team.

Charles McCan

Photo / Kimberly Toledo

Cosmos sign Flores, Mulligan The New York Cosmos announced this week that the team has acquired El Salvadoran international Andrés Flores from Turín-FESA Fútbol Clube (El Salvador), with the midfielder signing a multiyear contract. “I really enjoyed my stay with the team last season,” Flores said. “It’s a great coaching staff with an attacking philosophy and I had very good chemistry with my teammates. Coming back to New York permanently was something that I was always wanted to do.” Flores, 24, spent the 2014 NASL Fall Season with the Cosmos on loan from Turín. He appeared in 8 league games, recording one goal and one assist and helping the team to its second consecutive postseason appearance. A San Salvador native, Flores has also made 39 appearances for the El Salvador senior national team. He also serves as captain for the national team, most recently during the 2014 Copa Centroamericana tournament. Flores originally made

his debut for El Salvador in 2008 against Trinidad & Tobago. Flores began his youth career with Academia Chelona and moved to Argentina’s River Plate in 2006, where he spent three years before joining A.D. Isidro Metapán in 2009 and Viborg FF in Denmark in 2012. “We’re delighted to bring back Andrés to our squad,” Cosmos head coach Giovanni Savarese said. “He’s a key player for the El Salvador national team and his pace and ability provides us with another attacking threat.” The Cosmos also announced that the team has signed fullback Jimmy Mulligan to a contract extension. Mulligan, 23, made two starts in the 2014 Fall Season, making his professional debut on Oct. 25 against the Tampa Bay Rowdies. A Medford native, Mulligan played at St. John’s University from 2009-2013, earning both third team NSCAA AllNortheast Region accolades and second team All-BIG EAST honors as a senior.

52 The Great Neck News, Friday, December 26, 2014