GREAT NECK NEWS 2023_12_08

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Friday, December 8, 2023

Vol. 98, No. 49

HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE

PILIP CALLS FOR SUOZZI GETS BACKING HOFSTRA PREZ TO RESIGN OF N. SHORE MAYORS

PAGES 21-32

PAGE 2

House votes to expel Rep. George Santos

PAGE 6

3D-PRINTED GAMES

Disgraced congressman becomes 6th member to get boot in history

BY B R A N D ON D U FF Y

Rep. Tom Suozzi (D-Glen Cove), who did not seek re-election in pursuit of a The United States House of Rep- failed gubernatorial run.

Santos was seen leaving the U.S. resentatives Friday morning voted to expel New York’s 3rd Congressio- Capitol Building before Johnson finalnal District Representative George ized the vote amid a large gaggle of Santos, making him the sixth House reporters. Santos did not stop to commember ever to be ousted from Con- ment on the vote when heading to his car. gress.

Friday’s vote was the third atA special election will be held to replace Santos and finish out his cur- tempt in six months to expel Santos and the first since the bipartisan rent term in the next 70 to 80 days.

House Ethics CommitThe resolution to tee released its longexpel Santos, which Additonal Santos awaited 56-page report needed at least 290 from investigators that votes, passed with a coverage found “substantial evitally of 311-114, with PAGE 6 dence” Santos violated 105 Republicans voting federal law. in favor.

Investigators concluded that SanTop House Republican leaders, including newly-appointed Speaker tos used campaign funds for personal Mike Johnson, voted to keep Santos purposes, defrauded donors and filed false or incomplete campaign and fiin Congress.

Santos’ expulsion is the first since nancial disclosures.

Santos, who represents northern 2002 when Ohio Democrat Jim Traficant was convicted on federal corrup- Nassau County and a portion of northtion charges. Santos is also the first east Queens, sought to “fraudulently Congressman to be expelled since the exploit every aspect of his House canCivil War without first being convict- didacy for his own personal financial profit,” the report said, adding that his ed of a felony.

Santos, 35, has been subject to campaign was maintained “through a much criticism for lying to voters constant series of lies to his constituabout himself in turning the district ents, donors, and staff about his backred after winning the seat in 2022 ground and experience.”

Continued on Page 42 that was left vacant by former U.S.

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE GREAT NECK PUBLIC SCHOOLS

Students at E. M. Baker School craft inventive solutions for 3D printed tic-tac-toe to be gifted to local community organizations.

Alan Dershowitz targets Iran in temple speech

BY C A M E RY N O A K ES Alan Dershowitz, a high-profile American lawyer and political commentator, spoke at a pro-Israel rally in Great Neck offering some advice to the State of Israel in the wake of the Oct. 7 attacks and war with Hamas: denuclearize Iran.

Dershowitz is a former Harvard constitutional law professor with notable celebrity clients, including Jeffrey Epstein, Donald Trump for his first impeachment trial, Harvey

Weinstein, O.J. Simpson and Julian Assange.

In tandem with his legal career, Dershowitz is also a legal analyst who has written numerous books about politics, law and the State of Israel.

He spoke at the event against the backdrop of Israel’s war with Hamas where he was joined by human rights attorney Brooke Goldstein, diplomat Shahar Azani and an Israel Defense special force reservist.

It was hosted by the Iranian

American Jewish Federation of New York, a nonprofit based in Great Neck to address matters concerning the Iranian Jewish community and the State of Israel, at Temple Israel of Great Neck on Tuesday night.

Videos of Dershowitz’s speech were provided to Blank Slate Media.

Dershowitz outlined four goals for Israel: completely destroy Hamas, eliminate Iran’s nuclear capacity, liberate hostages taken by Hamas and make peace with the Saudis.

Continued on Page 43

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The Great Neck News, Friday, December 8, 2023

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Mazi Pilip calls for G.N. heads to polls Hofstra’s Poser to quit for two districts Joins Blakeman in claiming failure to condemn Hamas

GNWPCD, park district seats on ballot

BY B R A N D ON D U FF Y

BY C A M E RY N O A K ES

Nassau County Legislator Mazi Melesa Pilip (D-Great Neck) joined Executive Bruce Blakeman last week in calling for the resignation of Hofstra University President Susan Poser.

Earlier this week, Blakeman said on Facebook that Poser failed to condemn Hamas and called into question Poser’s judgment and ability to lead Nassau’s largest private university after issuing a statement on the IsraelHamas conflict.

“President Poser sought equivalence between Hamas’ terrorist slaughter of innocent women and children with the contested political agenda of the Palestinian people,” Blakeman said on Facebook. “She is wrong, misguided and her judgment puts into question her ability to lead Nassau County’s largest private university and guide Hofstra University.”

Pilip, who served in the Israeli Defense Forces, said she was incensed by Poser’s inability to denounce the Oct. 7 attack where Hamas, an Iran-funded terrorist group that controls Gaza, launched a surprise attack storming Israeli towns across the border where at least 1,200 people were killed and 240 were taken hostage.

“Dr. Poser’s tepid reactions to date not only tells these students they are not welcome on campus, but also puts a target on their backs. This is unacceptable. I join with many other Jewish leaders in calling on Dr. Poser to resign her position immediately,” Pilip said in a statement. “She has proven that she does not have the interest of students at heart and is unable to lead this college. I will continue to use my platform to condemn Hamas and stand for Israel and the Jewish community worldwide.”

Poser, who has been with Hofstra since 2021, issued two letters to the community on Oct. 9 and Oct. 18 regarding the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict.

“The world woke up on Saturday morning to news of the horrific and brutal attack by Hamas on Israel and the unspeakable, organized violence and hostage-taking against men, women, and children,” Poser said on Oct.

Great Neck residents will be going to the polls Dec. 12 to vote in two special district elections – the Great Neck Water Pollution Control District and Great Neck Park District – in two competitive commissioner races.

Mark Berger and Robert “Bob” Welner, are racing to fill one of the seats on the Great Neck Water Pollution Control District’s Board of Commissioners. The two contenders are vying to fill the seat held by Jerry Landsberg, who is retiring from the board after 16 years of service.

Berger has been a resident of Great Neck since 2010. He is a public interest attorney, currently supervising a team of 50 attorneys, support staff and paralegals.

Berger said three reasons motivated his bid for Great Neck’s water commissioner: a desire to give back to his community, his passion for environmental protection and his legal and managerial experience.

“I have had an opportunity to serve the community to some extent so far,” said Berger, who has been a soccer coach for his son and served on a school board committee. “But I’ve always felt like I really need to

PHOTO COURTESY OF THEISLAND360 ARCHIVES

do more. It’s never enough for me.”

Welner, a Great Neck resident of more than 40 years, is a professional civil engineer and executive vice president of Jobco Incorporated, a realty development and construction services company based in Lake Success.

As a civil engineer, Welner said he has already worked with the district in prior projects. One such included his designs for a sewer connection and disconnection. Welner said his background is in construction, development and funding, which he said will be an asset to the district.

The election will be held from 1-9 p.m. on Dec. 12 at the Great Neck Water Pollution Control District headquarters on 236 East Shore Road. Voters can enter through the Vista Hill Road entrance.

Incumbent Park Commissioner Tina Stellato and longtime resident Gordon Charlop are squaring off for the seat on the park district’s board.

Stellato, a former employee of the district and nearly 20-year resident of Great Neck, was elected to the Park District’s Board of Commissioners in 2017 and is seeking her third term in the December election.

Continued on Page 45

Nassau County Legislator Mazi Melesa Pilip.

9, two days after Hamas’ attack. “The death toll now is over 1,200 and will undoubtedly climb.”

“Hofstra University mourns the loss of life, and we fear that the situation will move this part of the world even farther from lasting peace,” Poser said in her first message. “On our campus, we have students and employees who are directly affected by this tragedy. Please know we are here to support you.”

Poser called Hamas’ attack “horrific and brutal” in a second letter and said “there is a complex history and conflicting views about the causal underpinnings of the current crisis.” The president added that Hofstra would hold a “Vigil for Peace” following the attack.

Blakeman, who has taught business law at Hofstra, had a back-and-

forth exchange with Hofstra’s Board of Trustees calling for Poser’s resignation in a letter due to her “callous and unconscionable statement,” according to Fox New Digital.

The university said they stand by Poser, a first-generation Jewish American, and that she was the first to provide resources for the Hofstra community which has been deeply affected by the conflict.

Blakeman called the board’s response to his initial letter “disappointing and disturbing.”

State Assemblyman Charles Lavine (D-North Shore) said Blakeman’s calls were a partisan political threat to “please his MAGA base.” Lavine continued to say that he supports Poser and the university.

Continued on Page 45

PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE CANDIDATES

Robert Welner, left, and Mark Berger, right, are running to fill the vacant commissioner seat on the Great Neck Water Pollution Control District’s Board of Commissioners.

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The Great Neck News, Friday, December 8, 2023

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Stellato, Charlop vie for park district Commissioner candidates clash on park maintenance, recently-signed Kings Point Park lease

BY C A M E RY N O A K ES

Great Neck Park District residents are voting on who they want as one of their park commissioners on Dec. 12, with both incumbent Park Commissioner Tina Stellato and longtime resident Gordon Charlop vying for the seat on the park district’s board.

Stellato, a former employee of the district and nearly 20-year resident of Great Neck, was elected to the park district’s board of commissioners in 2017 and is seeking her third term this December election.

She said she has a “dual perspective” she brings to the board from being both a resident and a former employee of the district.

Stellato said she initially ran in 2017 to bring a unique perspective to the board being a woman and a mother of two kids, saying the board had not included a commissioner with either of those characteristics when she ran.

Some highlights Stellato shared from her time as commissioner included keeping parks open and services available during the pandemic – and doing it safely she said. She said she also helped establish pickleball at Allenwood Park and helped acquire additional parkland for the first time in years “Nobody will ever be able to take it away from the park district,” Stellato said. “Our community is growing and the numbers are growing, and we’re really grateful to have had the opportunity and been able to secure more parkland.”

She said she is seeking re-election to continue her efforts in progressing the district, bringing

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE GREAT NECK PARK DISTRICT

A map of the Great Neck Park District.

further engagement between the residents and the district and its parks.

“I think I’ve been a great catalyst for change,” Stellato said.

Charlop, a lifelong resident of the Great Neck Park District, is a Wall Street Broker Dealer, serving as the Managing Director of Rosenblatt Securities. He has a PhD in business, specializing in organization and management, that he received from Capella University.

He said he would bring his financial experience to the district if elected.

He said he was raised playing at Cutter Mill Park and is looking to bring his passion for neighborhood parks to the board to serve his community.

“Just like the volunteer fireman does what he can hauling ladders and hoses, and the ambulance drivers do what they can as volunteers… I figured it was time for me to re-engage with the community,” Charlop said.

He said that he was inspired to run for the position of park commissioner after witnessing what he said were questionable ethics within the park district.

Charlop said that the neighborhood parks had attendants, especially during the spring and summer months, but that this year was the first time he observed no local attendants. He said this made him furious as more and more kids came to enjoy the parks without any supervising attendant.

Stellato said the district has never had attendants at all of the district parks, mainly focusing that service at the major parks.

Continued on Page 43

ELECT ROBERT WELNER P.E.

Water Pollution Control Commissioner

E X P E R I E N C E M AT T E R S • Professional Civil Engineer • Master of Business Administration • Construction & Business Executive • Longtime Resident • Concerned About the Protection of Our Environment

VOTE

December 12 • 1 - 9 pm at 236 East Shore Road, Great Neck

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G.N. board thanked for resolving gas issue Village stepped in after resident Judy Yu’s reported gas leak in rental unit was ignored

BY C A M E RY N O A K ES After nearly two months with no gas in her home due to a prolonged gas leak, Judy Yu thanked the Great Neck Board of Trustees Tuesday night for their efforts in helping her get the gas turned on Friday.

“All the children are so happy to take a bath,” Yu told the board. “So today I’m coming to… thank [you] for all your help.”

Yu moved into her rental home with her two children in August and said that within the first day of living there, she smelled gas.

When she first brought the issue up to her landlord, Yosef Shemtov, Yu said he disregarded the issue and didn’t look into it.

In October, after two months of living with her windows opened and needing to shut them due to the colder weather, the smell was still persistent and Yu took the issue into her own hands.

She called National Grid who upon inspecting her home immediately turned off her gas due to a leak.

But it was not immediately fixed, with her landlord a week later turning it back on without conducting a pressure test of the gas lines, she said.

“I feel unsafe,” Yu said.

Yu’s gas was turned off again on Nov. 3 by National Grid, leaving her again with no gas and no hot water as the weather got colder.

Multiple pressure tests were then conducted, all of them failing due to a persisting leak in the gas pipes.

Yu, with the help of fellow resident David Zielenziger, began contacting anyone who

PHOTO BY CAMERYN OAKES

The Great Neck Board of Trustees convened Tuesday night where resident Judy Yu thanked them for their help in getting her gas leak fixed. could help, including the Red Cross.

“But no one can help me,” Yu said.

But a solution was finally made achievable after Yu spoke at the last Great Neck Board of Trustees meeting where she explained her issue and the village stepped in to help.

“Then things [were] changing,” Yu said.

The village assisted in getting the pipes fixed in Yu’s home and connecting her back to the gas lines. A pressure test finally passed on Thursday, bringing heat back into her home

by Friday.

But then a water leak flooded her basement Friday evening, delaying the resolutions to her problems until Monday.

While Yu’s months-long gas leak has found resolution, Zielenziger told the board that the village needs to step in and increase its oversight of rental units by regularly inspecting them.

“If we have enough staff and personnel, that perhaps many of these rental units should be inspected as Shemtov now has a summons because a rear part of that cottage was illegally converted,” Zielenziger told the board. “I mean how many other things are there?”

In other news, the Great Neck Board of Trustees approved a new stop sign at the intersection of William Penn and Old Pond

Road.

Village Clerk-Treasurer Abraham Cohan said the village had received letters regarding speeding at the William Penn and Old Pond Road intersection, with no stop signs currently present.

Two stop signs will now be added to the intersection to create a three-way stop.

The village also approved a change in the parking restrictions on the east side of Church Street to permit two-hour parking from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. It previously had no parking restrictions.

The Great Neck Board of Trustees will convene again on Dec. 19.

Town Dems OK $3.8M for bay dredging

BY B R A N D ON D U FF Y

North Hempstead Town Hall in Manhasset.

North Hempstead Democrats voted Tuesday night to allocate $3.8 million in federal American Rescue Plan Act funds for dredging in Manhasset Bay in a resolution opposed by all three Republicans on the Town Council.

The board also approved a fouryear collective bargaining agreement with the CSEA Unit 7555, which represents over 80% of the town’s workforce, continued a public hearing on the expansion plans for for New Hyde Park’s Hillside Islamic Center and bid farewell to Council Members Peter Zuckerman and Veronica Lurvey.

Democrat Mariann Dalimonte said there is an emergency in Manhasset Bay that needs to be tended to urgently when offering a resolution to use the $3.8 million for dredging work in Manhasset Bay. Dalimonte added that the dredging area is by Toms Point Marina, Manhasset Bay Sportsmens Club and La Motta’s Marina, which is the northeast side of the bay where the Village of Manorhaven is located “We are applying for permits, as PHOTO BY KARINA KOVAC of right now we have some FEMA money,” Dalimonte said. The council member called the issue urgent and

said if the dredging does not take place soon then future construction could be at risk.

Republicans on the seven-member town board, who starting in January will have a 4-3 majority, said more time should be spent on evaluating the situation, similar to how the board spent multiple meetings to consider bonding $3.1 for the Plandome Road sewer project earlier this year.

“This could have been used for many different projects and maybe we should have had a discussion on this,” Republican Council Member Dennis Walsh said. “But this is what we’re doing in the 11th hour of a lame-duck session of the outgoing board.”

Dalimonte said resolutions have been approved already by the board at previous meetings related to the ongoing town dock renovation, which the dredging will fall under.

Dalimonte also said aside from ARPA funds, which need to be used by 2026, capital plan funding from the town could be put toward the project.

“We need to secure that sandbar,” Dalimonte said. “If don’t secure that sandbar then there are not going to be marinas in Port Washington.”

DeSena said she is not opposed to the project but would have liked to see and discuss more related to the

project.

“I think this is rushing to get this vote in while you have the majority,” DeSena said.

North Hempstead received $10,114,021.27 total in ARPA money, which was received in two installments in the summers of 2021 and 2022.

Since then the Town Board voted to allocate $3.1 million for the Plandome sewer project in Manhasset, $2 million for sidewalks on Westbury Avenue in Westbury and $446,000 for the Port Washington Public Parking District.

In other town news, the board unanimously voted to approve the four-year collective bargaining agreement with the local CSEA unit.

CSEA Unit #7555 President Tom McDonough thanked DeSena and her team for being able to agree to a new deal that he said lets North Hempstead remain competitive with other municipalities to attract talent.

The four-year contract will run from Jan. 1, 2023, to Dec. 31, 2026.

“I would first like to thank the supervisor and her negotiating committee and the members of my negotiating committee for the time and work they have put into this fair and Continued on Page 45

The Great Neck News, Friday, December 8, 2023

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North Shore mayors endorse Suozzi Bipartisan group backs ex-congressman in bid to reclaim District 3 seat he left in run for guv

BY B R A N D ON D U FF Y A bipartisan group of mayors from the North Shore has endorsed former U.S. Rep. Tom Suozzi to vie for his old seat and replace George Santos in the 3rd Congressional District amid reports that he will be the Democrat Party’s choice in a special election next year.

Suozzi, 61, held the seat from 2017 to 2023 and did not seek re-election last year while running in the Democratic primary for governor.

“Today’s endorsement makes it clear that this race is not about Democrat vs. Republican or Republican vs. Democrat,” Suozzi said in a statement. “These mayors understand that this race will be about who knows the district best and who will deliver results for the people in the 3rd Congressional District.”

On the Republican roster, the mayors include Ralph Ekstrand of Farmingdale, Bob Fagliola of Lattingtown, Marvin Natiss of North Hills, Larry Z. Schmidlapp of Centre Island, Tom Zoller of Cove Neck and John Popeleski of Manorhaven.

“As a mayor for the past 20 years, I have had the opportunity to interact with Tom when he was county executive and then as a congressman,” Natiss said. “As a former mayor, Tom has always had concern for his constituents and has had periodic meetings with local officials to address their concerns and needs. I look forward to working with him again.”

The Democrat mayors to endorse Suozzi include John Durkin of Roslyn, Elena Villafane of Sea Cliff, Nora Haagenson of Baxter

PHOTO COURTESY OF WIKIMEDIA COMMONS

Former U.S. Rep. Tom Suozzi.

Estates, William Warner of Great Neck Estates and Leone Peters of Roslyn Estates.

“With his background as a mayor, Tom Suozzi has always been aware of the needs of the villages in his district. In my years in office, no one has made himself more accessible or available than Congressman Suozzi,” Durkin said. “I look forward to having a voice in Washington again.”

Suozzi was challenged by Santos during the Republican’s first campaign in 2020, when Suozzi defeated him by over 12 percentage

points.

Santos, 35, became the sixth House member last week to be ousted from Congress Friday after the resolution passed 311-114, with 105 Republicans voting in favor. Santos’ expulsion is the first since 2002 when Ohio Democrat Jim Traficant was convicted on federal corruption charges. Santos is also the first congressman to be expelled since the Civil War without first being convicted of a felony.

The special election to replace Santos will happen early next year after members of the county party committees nominate a candidate to run in the election to finish out Santos’ current term, which ends Jan. 3, 2025.

The Nassau County Republican Committee chairman is Joe Cairo and the County Democratic Committee chairman is Jay Jacobs.

The Democrats are expected to pick their candidate, which is most likely to be Suozzi, sometime this week, according to multiple reports.

Other Democrats vying for the seat include former state Sen. Anna Kaplan, Austin Cheng, Scott Livingston and Darius Radzius.

Kaplan said on social media Monday that if Suozzi is the party’s choice, it will do “irreparable harm to national Democrats in 2024.”

Kaplan went on to say Suozzi’s record on abortion is “further to the right” than the Republican candidates to replace Santos, pointing at his initial support for the Hyde Amendment years ago, which banned federal funds from covering abortion care.

Suozzi had a 100% approval rating from Planned Parenthood, an abortion advocate, during his three terms.

Next year’s ballot for multiple states will include constitutional amendments to protect abortion access. In New York, the state’s ballot will ask voters to add “pregnancy, pregnancy outcomes and reproductive healthcare and autonomy” as areas where discrimination would be barred.

“There is no compromise on this issue for me—not as the mother of two daughters,” Kaplan said on X, the social media app formerly known as Twitter. “Women’s equality demands that women have the right to control their own bodies.”

Among the Republican candidates mentioned or announced are state Sen. Jack Martins, Nassau County Legislator Mazi Pilip, Afghanistan war veteran and former J.P. Morgan Vice President Kellen Curry, retired NYPD Det. Mike Sapraicone and Air Force veteran and personal injury lawyer Greg Hach. Other candidates include Queens small business owner Daniel Norber, Jim Toes, president & CEO of the Security Traders Association; and Thomas Charles Ludwig, a resident of Farmingdale and retired special forces officer.

Santos himself said on X that Sapraicone should be the Republican Party’s nominee, citing his resume as a police officer, business leader and his “fund-raising and infrastructure to go head to head with Suozzi.”

Cairo pushed back at Santos’ endorsement, saying none of the potential candidates want his support.

“George Santos has no place in the Nassau Republican Party and he has zero credibility among our candidates,” Cairo said in a statement.

Santos targets GOP colleagues for payback

BY B R A N D ON D U FF Y Ex-Congressman George Santos said on X, the social media app formerly known as Twitter, that he is filing House Ethics complaints against several of his colleagues.

Santos, 35, became the sixth House member ever to be ousted from Congress Friday after the resolution passed 311114, with 1-5 Republicans voting in favor.

His threats in the late Friday night posts were targeted toward Republican Reps. Nicole Malliotakis, Mike Lawler, Nick LaLota–all of New York–and New Jersey Democrat Robert Menendez.

Menendez is the song of New Jersey Senator Bob Menendez, who was charged earlier this year with conspiracy to commit bribery and act as a foreign agent, among other things.

New York Republicans led the push within the party to expel Santos, which Santos’ Congressional neighbor, Anthony D’Esposito (R-Island Park) in the 4th Congressional District, submitted a resolution earlier this year.

Santos has been charged with 23 federal counts of wire fraud, money laundering and theft of public funds, among other things.

As of writing, Santos has not said he

will make an ethics complaint Monday against D’Esposito.

Santos said the complaint against Malliotakis, who took office for the state’s 11th Congressional District in 2021, is regarding “her questionable stock trading since joining the Ways and Means committee this Congress.”

“Before joining the committee the congresswoman didn’t have an active trading habit or a high volume stake,” Santos said at 11:48 p.m. Friday, nearly 12 hours after being expelled. “The question is, what set of information is she trading with?”

Malliotakis purchased $15,000 in stock from Community Bancorp after meeting with federal regulators earlier this year about the impending collapse of Signature Bank, The Hill reported. Malliotakis’ shares considerably increased in value once it was announced that Bancorp will acquire Signature.

A spokesperson for Malliotakis denied the claims and told the New York Post “we don’t respond to expelled George Santos because he is a scorned and known serial liar.”

The complaint against Lawler, who is a freshman representative in the 17th Congressional District, is related to his “questionable campaign finance violations,” Santos said.

PHOTO COURTESY OF WIKIMEDIA COMMONS

Ex-U.S. Rep. George Santos.

“Congressman Lawler owns portion of Checkmate Strategies and he uses the same firm that he is a beneficiary of to pay for services related to his campaign,” Santos said. “The concerning questions are; is Mr. Lawler engaging in laundering money form (sic) his campaign to his firm then

into his own pocket?”

A spokesperson for Lawler told the Post “being attacked by a serial liar and con man like George Santos is a badge of honor.”

The third ethics complaint will be regarding whether or not LaLota, another freshman representative in the 1st Congressional District, was able to work at the Suffolk County Board of Elections while he was getting his law degree.

“Did Rep Lalota no-show to his tax pay funded job while going to school and if so he can potential have stolen public funds form the tax payers of NY,” Santos said.

A spokesperson for LaLota told the Post Santos is “just mad the congressman has three actual degrees while he lied about having one.”

The final ethics complaint against Menendez, who has not been named in the investigation looking into his father, New Jersey Sen. Robert Menendez, is to “seek clarification from the freshman congressman on his involvement with his fathers overseas dealing over the years and any potential compensation he received.”

A spokesperson for Menendez told The Hill that “George Santos is neither Rep. Menendez’s colleague nor a constituent so we will not expend any energy responding to his Botox-fueled fits of rage.”

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Hochul won’t pursue Johnson in N.Y. to back D’Esposito and others housing mandates

BY B R A N D ON D U FF Y Gov. Kathy Hochul said Thursday that she is dropping her controversial plan to spur housing growth across the state next year after previous attempts were panned by elected officials.

“I’m not going to head down the same path we did last year with the exact same plan in a year that is an election year for members,” Hochul said after a student mental health announcement at a Manhattan high school, according to City and State. “They have a different focus and priorities, and I’m going to make sure we get there.”

Hochul tried to include the contentious New York Housing Compact in this year’s budget before deciding not to include it after strong pushback. Hochul’s plan called for a 3% increase in housing units over three years, the possibility of the state stepping in if the 3% goal was not met and the use of transit-oriented developments to achieve that objective. The plan was intended to address a shortage of 800,000 housing units in the New York metropolitan area.

PHOTO COURTESY OF WIKIMEDIA COMMONS

Gov. Kathy Hochul.

Included in the plan were local participation requirements and incentives to achieve housing growth along with requiring municipalities with MTA stations to rezone for higher-density residential development.

Democrats are trying to flip congressional seats across the state, including the now-vacant 3rd Congressional District, which ex-Rep. George Santos turned from blue to red in 2022.

Hochul went on to say there was not enough support for her proposals.

“At the end of session, it became apparent to me there was no interest in what I was proposing, which was bold, it was ambitious, we knew that from the start,” Hochul said, according to City and State.

North Hempstead Supervisor Jennifer DeSena, along with Hempstead Supervisor Don Clavin, Oyster Bay Supervisor Joseph Saladino and a myriad of local mayors and trustees led the charge in Nassau County against Hochul’s plan. Pushback from Long Island spanned both sides of the aisle while multiple civic and business organizations were critical of the proposal.

“It’s high time the governor realized that overriding local zoning and imposing more unfunded state mandates without offering local government a seat at the table to advocate for the best interest of those we represent was the absolute wrong approach to solving the affordable housing crisis,” DeSena said April to Blank Slate Media.

Data from the 2020 Census showed there were more than 78,000 households in North Hempstead. A total of 2,364 housing units would have to be constructed in the town over the next three years to meet Hochul’s 3% goal.

Nassau’s population has also decreased by more than 32,000 since 1970, with 1.35 million residents reported in the 2020 Census.

In 2022, Hochul rolled out a $25 billion, five-year housing plan aimed at creating and preserving 100,000 affordable homes throughout New York, 10,000 of which would have support services for vulnerable populations.

Hochul also called last year for changing zoning laws for Accessory Dwelling Units, which include basements, attics and garages, but it was criticized by Long Island officials.

Proponents of the legislation have claimed establishing ADUs could help senior citizens on fixed incomes remain in their homes, enable younger people to afford homes and be a new source of income for homeowners who live in high-cost areas.

BY B R A N D ON D U FF Y Speaker of the House Mike Johnson (R-LA), spent the weekend fund-raising in New York, helping to bring in over $1 million for state Republicans, according to the New York Post.

New York will be pivotal in either maintaining the House for Republicans or swinging it to Democrats in 2024. Along with the special election to replace ex-Rep. George Santos in the 3rd Congressional District, Anthony D’Esposito of the 4th Congressional District and fellow freshman representatives Mike Lawler, Marc Molinaro and Brandon Williams are expected to face competitive races. Each congressman represents a district that was won by President Joe Biden in 2020.

Without Santos, the party now has a 221213 majority in the House.

On Johnson’s schedule Saturday was a fund-raising event for D’Esposito at The General, a private steakhouse and cigar club in East Meadow. Included in the invitation from Nassau County Republican Committee Chair Joe Cairo was the opportunity for attendees to be an “event host” for $13,200, an “event sponsor” for $6,600 or a “patriot” for $3,300.

Johnson told the audience at one of the weekend’s events in Manhattan that he will become “an honorary New Yorker” in the upcoming election cycle, according to the Post.

Laura Gillen, the former Democratic Town of Hempstead supervisor who lost to D’Esposito last year in the 4th Congressional District, was critical of D’Esposito’s ties to Johnson.

“Anthony D’Esposito’s decision to support and campaign with election denier Mike Johnson shows he has fully embraced the extreme MAGA agenda,” Gillen said in a statement.

“Johnson is raising money for D’Esposito to protect his far-right majority so that together they can ban abortion with no exceptions, slash Social Security and Medicare, and destroy our democracy.”

Gillen was also critical of D’Esposito’s connection to Santos and questioned what D’Esposito knew about Santos’ embellished life before it came under scrutiny.

“Santos’ lies were so prolific and over-thetop that ultimately, Anthony D’Esposito either knew something and turned a blind eye or he’s the worst former detective ever,” Gillen said.

Nancy Marks, the former campaign treasurer for Santos who pleaded guilty in October to conspiring to commit wire fraud, also worked

PHOTO COURTESY OF WIKIMEDIA COMMONS

Speaker of the House Mike Johnson, of Louisiana. with D’Esposito’s campaign.

Marks served as treasurer for the Santos D’Esposito Nassau Victory Fund, a joint fundraising committee between the two representatives, and both made filings with the FEC with Marks serving as treasurer of the fund.

D Esposito’s campaign previously denied having a working relationship with Marks to Blank Slate Media, saying the campaign “never received any funds from the now defunct joint account in question.”

D’Esposito was one of Santos’ fiercest critics who pushed to expel him, submitting a resolution to do so earlier this year and voting him out last week.

Through three quarters of the year, D’Esposito has outraised his Democrat challengers, according to the FEC. At the end of September, D’Esposito reported having $1.1 million cash on hand while Gillen reported $391,336 and state Sen. Kevin Thomas (D-Levittown) reported $111,115 in the bank.

The Great Neck News, Friday, December 8, 2023

GN

9

Sauvigne unopposed for M-L commish Fire, water district have $9.7M, $11.2M budgets for next year as commissioner runs uncontested

BY B R A N D ON D U FF Y Residents in the Manhasset-Lakeville Fire and Water District and Manhasset Park District will be voting on two uncontested incumbents during the special election next week.

Manhasset-Lakeville Commissioner Mark Sauvigne and Park District Commissioner Kenneth Weigand will both be unopposed in seeking another three-year term each.

The Manhasset-Lakeville Fire and Water District takes in all of Manhasset except for Plandome, half of Great Neck and some of northern New Hyde Park.

Though the commission oversees both the fire and water districts, which cover the same geographic area, the two are technically independent of each other.

They serve approximately 45,000 people, who use 7.4 million gallons of water a day, according to the water district’s website.

The fire district has a $9.7 million budget next year and the water district has a $11.2 million budget, according to the North Hempstead 2024 budget.

The Manhasset-Lakeville Water District serves approximately 45,000 customers who use 7.4 million gallons of water a day within the service area of 10.2 square miles, according to the water district’s website. Eighteen wells at 13 locations provide water to Manhasset and portions of Great Neck and North New Hyde Park.

Sauvigne, who was first elected in 2014, also serves as Manhasset Park District treasurer alongside Weigand. If re-elected, he would serve alongside Manhasset-Lakeville Commissioners Brian Morris and Steve Flynn.

District residents in October voted to approve a $10 million bond to build a new ambulance unit building in Lake Success.

PHOTO COURTESY OF THEISLAND360 ARCHIVES

Elections for the Manhasset-Lakeville Fire and Water District commissioner will take place Tuesday, Dec. 12.

The vote ended a years-long search to move the 40-person ambulance unit out of the department’s Company No. 3 firehouse in Great Neck, where it shared a space since 1988.

Voting for the Manhasset-Lakeville Fire and Water District commissioner will take place at the Company No. 1, 3, 4 and 5 firehouses on Tuesday, Dec. 12, from noon to 9 p.m.

Weigand, a second-generation Manhasset resident, is running for a fourth threeyear term as park commissioner. If re-elected, Weigand would serve alongside Sauvigne and David Paterson.

The park is responsible for running the area’s parking lots and maintaining parks like Patriot’s Park and the World War II memorial

on Plandome Road, among others. Its budget for next year is $1.7 million, according to the town’s budget.

Voting for the park district commissioner will take place at Manhasset-Lakeville Fire Department Company No. 1 at 35 Bayview Ave. in Manhasset on Tuesday, Dec. 12, from noon to 9 p.m.

Horn to lead Nassau County Museum of Art

BY C A M E RY N O A K ES The Nassau County Museum of Art has a familiar face roaming its halls as the institution brings in former Sands Point Preserve Executive Director Beth Horn to lead the Roslyn Harbor art museum as its newest director.

Horn announced her new position on social media Sunday. Efforts to contact Horn were unavailing.

Horn, a Port Washington resident, was the Sands Point Preserve Conservancy’s executive director for more than five years. She stepped down from the position in 2022.

Herresume is filled with museum and leadership experience, according to her LinkedIn account, working as the associate director of public information for the Museum of Modern Art, senior director of special events and projects at the New York Botanical Garden and a trustee, treasurer and secretary for the Science Museum of Long Island.

Horn is a graduate of Duke University, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in theater, and Columbia Uni-

versity, where she received a a master’s in theatre management.

In an interview with the Long Island Weekly, Horn said that she is excited to be in the position and has been welcomed by staff in her first few weeks in the position.

The hiring of Horn comes four months after the museum’s Board of Trustees opted not to renew the contract of Charles A. Riley II, who served as the museum’s director for six years.

Fernanda Bennett, who was appointed as interim director while the museum searched for a new director, previously told Blank Slate that Riley and the museum’s Board of Trustees did not “see eye to eye” on the museum’s future goals and activities. Thus the board decided not to renew his contract in August.

Bennett said the decision was made by the board but was uncertain whether the decision was made mutually with Riley.

Riley’s termination as the museum’s director sparked an uproar in the community, with hundreds petitioning to reinstate him as director.

PHOTO COURTESY OF NASSAU COUNTY MUSEUM OF ART

The Nassau County Museum of Art located in Roslyn Harbor.

10 The Great Neck News, Friday, December 8, 2023

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Business&RealEstate

11

Interest rates, credit crisis hit housing Right now for some everything looks rosy. Home prices, although not increasing at the same excessive pace, are still going up on Long Island. But in other locations around the U.S., prices have moderated, especially where much of the new construction has occurred.

But for a majority of others, things may look downright challenging and dismal with our national debt at $32 trillion, credit card debt increasing to a stifling level month after month and student debt of $1.77 trillion owed by 45.3 million borrowers, down from 45.4 million students in the second quarter of 2021. But 0.63% of student loans were 90 days or more delinquent as of the second quarter of 2023, down from 4.55% in the second quarter of 2022.

President Biden tried his best to assist in a small way by allowing $10,000$20,000 of student debt to be waived. But the Supreme Court nixed that possibility, so don’t blame him. Now, student debt payments had to be resumed as of the last day of November. In 2023, people have been spending like there would never be a reckoning that it had to eventually be paid back.

TikTok and Instagram videos and posts spew false and inaccurate information, as usual, about our economy, which for the most part has re-emerged from the catastrophic effects of the pandemic

to a stronger economic position than any other industrialized nation pre-pandemic.

It is very easy to point fingers at presidents as if they are the ones who cause all our economic problems. However, the Federal Reserve has a much greater influence over our economy. Our housing is being directly affected by interest rates.

To curb inflation, rates had to rise, but then again I believe it was done a year too late and too many increases (11) since 2022 have caused a severe slowdown in housing sales with the lack of inventory.

In my opinion, luck occurs when you are in the right place at the right time. As an example, looking back when President Clinton left office, he provided the largest surplus in history (given to then President Bush, who spent it all on a war), as well as a balanced budget and no deficit.

Much of it was from increased taxes from the wealthy and increased Social Security taxes, all assisted by a booming economy.

Check out how the economy has done since LBJ: https://finance.yahoo.com/ news/economy-performed-under-president-since-120038478.html The current dilemma is that we are “damned if we do lower rates and dammed if we don’t.” We are sort of in a checkmate situation in continuing to ease inflation, which has receded from the high of 9% down to 3.2% as of Oct. 31, according to https://www.Statista.com

PHILIP A. RAICES Real Estate Watch

The issue I have is that the Fed doesn’t account for the costs of energy and food in their inflation numbers, as they are volatile commodities. So depending on whether or not you truly believe their CPI numbers and their honest and accurate effect on inflation is up to what you read and how you extrapolate them. So as the saying goes, “Figures don’t lie, but liars figure.”

I as well as almost everyone else cannot know, predict or anticipate how our housing market will come back to a more normal and balanced inventory of

6-7 months and with reasonable interest rates for the majority of people to be able to afford to purchase. Will a possible recession in the foreseeable future cause a reduction in interest rates as the economy falters and slows? Will demand possibly slow, causing prices to continue to moderate lower or will continued high rates also decrease demand and force prices down?

Fed Chair Jerome Powell seems to playing his cards to keep rates where they are or as he says “pausing” as inflation lately has been declining ever so slowly. I am quite sure that he would love to bask in the sunshine of success if Fed rates came back down to 2% as they were before the pandemic.

But if mortgage rates were lower in the purchasing of homes and demand began escalating, then what would happen with prices? Would they continue to increase even at a faster pace? Also, would the continued lack of inventory also have a profound effect on prices? Currently, the U.S. is deficient in approximately 2.3- 6.5 million homes if you include single and multi-family homes and rental units.

The main reason is the lack of construction over the last 10 years, due to the past fears of the bubble and implosion in the 2008 housing market. Builders are still afraid of over-producing and being stuck with inventory as is occurring in certain areas out West. Long Island’s

suburban desirability, access to NYC and its resilience and growth have created an environment that is very different than other areas throughout the U.S. With student debt and other forms of debt piling up, how many Americans will be shut out of the market forever and only be able to reside in rentals? 2024-2025 will be defining years as to what changes will occur. But one thing is for sure: Rates need to come down for more buyers to enter the market, or much larger down payments must be attained to secure a piece of the American Dream.

Philip A. Raices is the owner/Broker of Turn Key Real Estate at 3 Grace Ave Suite 180 in Great Neck. He has 42 years of experience in the Real Estate industry and has earned designations as a Graduate of the Realtor Institute (G.R.I.) and also as a Certified International Property Specialist (C.I.P.S) as well as the new “Green Industry” Certification for eco-friendly construction and upgrades. For a “FREE” 15-minute consultation, value analysis of your home, or to answer any of your questions or concerns he can be reached by cell: (516) 647-4289 or by email: Phil@TurnKeyRealEstate.Com or via https://WWW.Li-RealEstate.Com Just email or snail mail (regular mail) him with your ideas or suggestions on future columns with your name, email and cell number and he will call or email you back.

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Opinion

OUR VIEWS

Editorial Cartoon

Blakeman’s shameful attack on Hosfrsta’s president

W

e would like to believe County Executive Bruce Blakeman was not trying to use Israel’s war with Hamas as payback for Hofstra University’s challenge to Nassau’s 99-year lease with the Las Vegas Sands to develop a casino, hotel and resort at the Nassau Coliseum that he favored.

Or that Blakeman was not trying to use a war that has already claimed the lives of 1,200 Israelis and as many as 13,000 Palestinians to gain political favor in Nassau from supporters of Israel’s far-right government under Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his political ally, former President Donald Trump Or that Blakeman was not trying to distract focus from his role in promoting settlements in the West Bank of Israel that many in Israel and the United States believe played a major role in the intelligence failure that allowed the slaughter of Israeli men, women and children by Hamas on Oct. 7.

But Blakeman’s demand that Susan Poser resign as president of Hofstra University, a private college, leaves us with no other choice.

“Rather than take a stand against evil and clearly condemn Hamas, President Poser sought equivalence between Hamas’ terrorist slaughter of innocent women and children with the contested political agenda of the Palestinian people,” Blakeman said in a release issued by his office on Nov. 28, six weeks after Hamas’ attack on Israel. “She is wrong, misguided, and her judgment puts into question her ability to lead Nassau County’s largest private university and guide Hofstra University alumni.”

What did Poser say that required Nassau’s top elected officials to demand the resignation of the county’s largest private university? Nothing.

On Monday, Oct. 9, two days after Hamas’ attack, Poser, who like Blakeman is Jewish, addressed Hofstra’s students and staff.

“The world woke up on Saturday

morning to news of the horrific and brutal attack by Hamas on Israel and the unspeakable, organized violence and hostage-taking against men, women, and children,” Poser said. “The death toll now is over 1,200 and will undoubtedly climb.”

Exactly how does that statement seek “equivalence between Hamas’ terrorist slaughter of innocent women and children with the contested political agenda of the Palestinian people?’

Answer: it doesn’t.

Poser is clear in blaming “Hamas for a “horrific and brutal attack” and “the unspeakable, organized violence and hostage-taking against men, women, and children.”

Poser went on to say in her first message that “as a community, we must abhor violence. At the same time, individuals can have differing political views, particularly given the complexity of the politics and history of this region of the world.”

She said in a second message “there is a complex history and conflicting views about the causal underpinnings of the current crisis. This is one of the reasons that lasting peace in that part of the world has been so elusive and contested. But what is not contested is the tragic loss of life of innocent Israelis, Palestinians, and many others.”

These are reasonable statements in light of the violence that took place on college campuses across the country targeting Jewish students and the mission of a university to support civil debate.

Blakeman appears to be trying to falsely link Poser’s response to the disgraceful silence about Hamas’s attack by university presidents at such prestigious schools as Harvard, Columbia and Stanford. And destroy Poser’s reputation and career in the process.

The reality is that Poser’s response has helped Hofstra avoid the divisive rhetoric and violent attacks seen at those schools.

And if Poser’s response was so inappropriate, why did Blakeman wait

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six weeks to air his criticism publicly?

Blakeman did make earlier calls to the Hofstra University Board of Trustees for Poser’s resignation, saying he was “shocked” by her comments.

“Dr. Poser’s callous and unconscionable statement is completely out of step with the vast majority of Nassau County residents,” Blakeman said in one letter to the Hofstra board. “With no allies in business, labor or government, Hofstra would be wise to part ways with Dr. Poser.”

In effect, Blakeman was telling the Hofstra board, mobster-style, you have a lovely university here — I would hate to have something happen to this.

Blakeman, who was the Nassau County Republican Party’s liaison with the 2020 Trump campaign, did not express any similar outrage when the former president echoed Adolf Hitler in a Labor Day speech calling those on the other side of the aisle “vermin” and railing against “communists, Marxists, fascists and the radical left thugs” Or when Trump said in 2017 there were good people on both sides when protesters confronted neo-Nazis in Charlottesville defending a statue of Confederate General Robert E. Lee and chanted “Jews will not replace us.”

By applying Blakeman’s standard to Poser, shouldn’t he resign as county executive?

To its credit, the Hofstra Board of Trustees was not cowed by the implied threat in Blakeman’s letter.

REPORTERS Brandon Duffy, Cameryn Oakes COLUMNIST Karen Rubin ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES Stacy Shaughnessy, Melissa Spitalnick, Wendy Kates, Barbara Kaplan ART DIRECTOR Yvonne Farley

“Indeed, under President Poser’s leadership, Hofstra University has remained an academic center of mutual respect and peace, even in these difficult times,” Hofstra Board Chair Donald Schaeffer said in a letter to Blakeman on Nov. 3.

No mention was made during this time of the lawsuit filed by Hofstra in April claiming the Nassau County Planning Commission violated state open meeting laws when it held a meeting in March to discuss the fate of the proposed Las Vegas Sands event center and casino.

A State Supreme Court judge in November voided the 99-year lease agreement that permitted Las Vegas Sands to develop a $4 billion casino and entertainment project at the site of the Nassau Coliseum property in Uniondale based on Hofstra’s lawsuit.

Blakeman has been joined in his campaign to oust Poser by Nassau County Legislator Masi Pilip, a former member of the Israeli Defense Force who is now being discussed as the Republican candidate for former Rep. George Santos’ seat now that he has been ousted.

Sadly, this probably improves Pilip’s chances of becoming the Nassau Republican Party’s pick to run in the 3rd Congressional District. This is, after all, the same party that made Santos its standard bearer. Twice. And Pilip has marched in lockstep with Blakeman during her first two years as

a Nassau County legislator.

State Assemblyman Charles Lavine, who serves as president of the New York chapter of the National Association of Jewish Legislators, correctly said Blakeman’s demand that Poser resign was “calculated to please his MAGA base” and “another partisan political threat to academic freedom.”

Lavine went on to say that “contrary to Blakeman’s ideation, her statement explicitly damned Hamas.

It is beyond obvious that Blakeman’s manufactured attack was intended as revenge for Hofstra’s resistance to his plan to redevelop the hub.”

This is not the first time that Blakeman attempted to exploit conflict in Israel for political reasons.

In May 2022, he announced that Nassau County had signed an economic and cultural agreement with “Judea and Samaria,” an Israeli-designated administrative territory that encompasses the Israeli-occupied West Bank.

It is here that Netanyahu’s extreme right-wing government has financially supported and armed Israeli settlers in taking land occupied by Palestinians in violation of international law.

Many in Israel and the United States say that Netanyahu’s focus on supporting the settlers and bringing extreme ideologues into his cabinet to replace seasoned professionals were behind Israel’s failure to identify the threat posed by Hamas in Gaza.

Continued on Page 40

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13

OUR TOWN

How does one describe the 2020s?

T he 1960s were defined by hippies, pot, acid and free love. San Francisco’s Haight Ashbury was the epicenter of flower power, things were groovy and the entire culture loosened, allowing for the sexual revolution, women’s liberation and the movement toward racial equality.

The 1960s were so dramatic that it may have been easy to describe them.

Among the handful of American writers who were able to take the pulse of the 1960s, Joan Didion wrote long-form magazine pieces for Vanity Fair, Esquire and The Saturday Evening Post and her style produced a new way of reporting referred to as the New Journalism or immersive journalism, which meant you virtually would live with your subject in their environment for weeks at a time to discover the reality of the story.

Tom Wolfe, Hunter Thompson, Truman Capote and Gay Talese also created this new genre.

Didion’s “Slouching Towards Bethlehem” was a compilation of her articles written between 1965 and 1969 while living in California. The title of this compilation comes from the famous W.B. Yeats poem “The Second Coming,” which was written in 1919 and begins with the

lines: “Turning and turning in the widening gyre The falcon cannot hear the falconer: Things fall apart, the center cannot hold: Mere anarchy is loosed upon the world,…

And what rough beast, its hour come round at last, ’Slouching towards Bethlehem, to be born?”

And to read her essays from that decade is to sense her growing concern and paranoia about “things falling apart” and how “the center cannot hold.” Didion wrote that the definitive end of the 1960s came on Aug. 9, 1969, when members of Charles Manson’s cult killed the pregnant Sharon Tate, Jay Sebring, Abigail Folger and others at her home in Los Angeles.

The ’60s were a wild and crazy time, obviously too crazy for its own good and with the shutdown of that decade, America slowly sobered up. It is now 60 years later and it’s a shame we don’t have any writers who are able to capture the tone and tenor of the 2020s. My sense is that the New Journalism died a slow death due to the speed of our brave new TikTok, YouTube , internet world which

DR. TOM FERRARO Our Town

has neither the time, patience nor the attention span for long-form, immersive essays.

And that’s a shame because we need someone to assess these stressful, speedy, angry times we now live in. I’m privy to the world of competitive youth sports and that world is a good microcosm of the world at large. There is not a day goes by where I am not asked about the loss of fun, joy and playfulness in sports.

Sports is supposed to be primarily about play, but play is the last thing kids are thinking about. Thanks to the pres-

ence of social media, rankings, scouting, analytics and the grim business of earning scholarship money to get into a college, fun and play are the last thing on anyone’s mind. Many athlete players talk to me about quitting the game they once loved because of pressure created by social media, overzealous coaches and over-involved parents.

Burnout is as common occurrence in youth sports, but it’s my guess that burnout is a common occurrence in America overall. Income inequality has turned middle-class America into an overworked, angry group, desperate to find some joy and fun and at the same time trying to get their kids into college. Information overload has everyone exhausted and sleepless. Artificial Intelligence is a force to be reckoned with and if films like “The Terminator” are in any way predictive, we as humans have much to be concerned about.

My guess is the strange evaporation of manpower after COVID is a sign that large numbers of folks have already given up.

We need a new poet on the level of a W. B. Yeats to write a poem which may in turn inspire a writer to write about this stress filled life of the 2020s. I cannot

write poetry, but if I could, it would be titled “The Third Coming” and go like this: “Speeding and speeding into the shrinking void The human can no longer hear his fellow man, Things implode upon themselves, falling into some heavy black hole: Mere nothingness loosed upon the world,…

And what giant Stay-Puff Marshmallow Man, its hour come round at last, Gazing at a cell phone, demanding its right to be born or at least entertained?”

PHOTO BY TOM FERRARO

The future has arrived and it ain’t pretty.

KREMER’S CORNER

Joe Biden and Rodney got no respect

M

ost of you out there have never heard of Rodney Dangerfield. We old-timers know who he is as a wellknown comic back in the 1980’s.

He told many jokes, but always started his comedy by stating “I get no respect.” Somehow I keep thinking about President Joe Biden as being in that same category.

While his detractors spend time talking about his age, Biden racks up success after success in multiple places and gets little or no recognition for his efforts.

The most current situation showing leadership is his strong support and help to Israel since the Oct. 7 massacre of innocent people.

The president has engaged in aggressive diplomacy to make sure that the Israel-Hamas conflict does not erupt into a world war.

If you watch the reaction of Republican senators and House members, you would think that the president was out on some golf course paying no attention to this diplomatic challenge.

When asked if the president is

doing a good job, each Republican Congress member starts to choke out words rather than bestow the slightest compliment on the president.

Former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie gave an almost kind word, then coupled it with more criticism.

Candidate former Ambassador Nikki Haley has spent each day on the campaign trail attacking the president as her way of showing she has foreign policy experience.

Once upon a time when politics was a more civil business, politicians in the opposition party would give the president the benefit of the doubt and refrain from any criticism when a war was active anywhere on the globe, but those days are long gone.

Another situation where the president made great history was the bi-partisan passage of an infrastructure bill. Billions of dollars have been given out to local officials around the country for road and bridge reconstruction and hundreds of other public works projects.

Republican Congress members

JERRY KREMER Kremer’s Corner

who voted against the bill, are showing up at public events taking credit for the actions of President Biden with no mention of his involvement.

If you recall the biggest joke during the Trump administration, it was his weekly statements that he would pass an infrastructure bill, and none was ever produced.

Another bill that has had a pro-

found impact on people all over the country is the American Rescue Plan.

When we were emerging from the Covid health crises, public and private agencies were begging for financial relief. President Biden proposed his plan to stabilize the economy and bring back jobs.

Thousands of local governments were flooded with cash to improve health care delivery, child care, food assistance, small business stipends and many other programs to revitalize local economies. Almost all Republican elected officials grabbed the money, without a word of thanks to anyone in Washington.

The public has been clamoring for help from gun slaughters of innocent people.

President Biden was the force behind the bipartisan Safer Communities Act, which provides incentives for states to pass red flag laws, expanded the law that prevents people convicted of domestic abuse from gun ownership, expanded background checks on young people between 18 and 21 who wish to buy a

gun and allocated money for youth mental health programs. Many have taken the money and few have ever said thanks.

Most people have never heard about the Inflation Reduction Act. It was passed with the full backing of President Biden.

It made health insurance plans more affordable, helped lower the cost of many drugs such as insulin, and helped prevent millions of Americans from losing their Affordable Care Insurance coverage.

Despite bitter opposition from the drug industry against Medicare negotiating to lower drugs, the president prevailed.

We are living at a time when we are inundated with political polling and its results do not look good for President Joe Biden.

When you are an incumbent, the public totally disregards the good things you have done because they have a current gripe. But it will either be the 2024 voters or the historians or both, who will decide whether Joe Biden gets any respect for historic deeds done.

LETTERS POLICY Letters should be typed or neatly handwritten, and those longer than 750 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 submitted online at theisland360.com/submit-opinion/ or mailed to Blank Slate Media, 22 Planting Field Road, Roslyn Heights, NY 11577.

14 Blank Slate Media Newspapers, Friday, December 8, 2023

E A R T H M AT T E R S

Owls of Long Island offer beauty at home

O

ne of the more difficult-tofind species on Long Island, or really most places, are Owls. Because of their nocturnal habits and our inability to see well in the dark, most of us only get to hear a muffled call on occasion There are several species that live on Long Island year-round and we frequently have northern visitors during the winter months. Because they are exciting birds to see, many birding groups ban the listing of locations to prevent birds from being harassed.

Owl viewing protocol is not to disturb or come close. That means stay as far away as possible, be quiet and leave once you have taken a look – and No getting up close to take a cell phone photo.

Owls share certain characteristics.

They eat their prey whole and about 8 hours later regurgitate a pellet of hair, bones and any other indigestible bits.

Their eyes are fixed so to look around, their heads can turn an amazing 270 degrees. They have hooked bills and impressive talons. They don’t have the stiff primary wing feath-

ers of most birds; their coat of fluffy down-like feathers allows them to fly silently.

Our most common owls are the large and the small; Great Horned Owls and Screech Owls.

The Great Horned is one of the larger owls with a wingspan of 4 and a half feet, but they are mostly feathers with a weight of about 3-4 pounds.

Like many birds of prey, the female is larger than the male.

They are found throughout North America up to the tundra and in Central and South America. They are not migratory. They eat a wide range of prey including birds, small mammals, and reptiles. This is what allows them to succeed in such a range of habitats.

Their “horns” are feathered tufts.

Like most owls, their ears are placed asymmetrically on their heads, allowing them to triangulate sounds.

At this time of year they begin to look for mates or reestablish bonds with a mate. They can be heard calling at night, often dueting. They will find a place to nest in January or February.

JENNIFER WILSON-PINES Earth Matters

They don’t build nests but will use nests built by other large birds like Osprey and Red-tailed Hawks, tree cavities or even a tree crotch. Like most larger birds, the chicks take time to fledge and then stay with their parents while they learn to hunt.

Eastern Screech Owls are tiny 8,” 6-ounce fierce bundles of fluff. They are not as widespread as other spe-

cies, being confined to the woodlands of the eastern U.S. They nest and roost in tree hollows and other cavities. They are a bit misnamed as their call is a high whinny, not the truly terrifying shriek of their cousin, the Barn Owl. The Barn Owls are found worldwide in the US and South America, Europe, parts of Africa, India and Australia. They are in a family separate from other owls, with a heart-shaped face and lack of “ear” tufts. Providing nesting boxes to replace the tree cavities they need for nesting has helped the population.

The Northern Saw-whet Owl is smaller, shyer and rarer than the Screech. It prefers dense pine woods.

Like other small owls, they will eat insects as well as small mammals like mice and voles.

Winter visitors include Longeared, Short-eared and Snowy owls.

All three are found throughout the northern hemisphere, hunting over open grasslands and tundra.

While the Snowy and Short-eared prefer open tundra and grasslands, of-

ten nesting on the ground, the Longeared prefers to nest in the pines and spruces of the boreal forests but to hunt over open grasslands.

All Owls are declining in population, mostly due to loss of habitat.

They are also seriously threatened by the use of rodenticides.

All owls eat rats, mice, voles and other small mammals and one that is dying from poison is easy prey. Being at the top of the food chain, the poisons can quickly build up in their systems leading to a painful death. Physical traps are preferable to poisons.

I’ve had not too close encounters with most of these owls on Long Island, and it’s an inspiring experience.

Last week we heard a pair of Great Horned Owls calling to each other in our backyard. A golden short-eared owl floating over the marsh grasses at sunset. A tiny Screech owl peeking out of a hole in a tree.

A magnificent Snowy perched on a sand dune. Each encounter is unexpected and special and makes me appreciate the amazing beauty to be found right at home.

VIEW POINT

Historic expulsion brings relief but not cure

T

he House finally, on its third attempt, expelled George Santos, ridding us in NY-03 of this do-nothing, national disgrace and laughingstock who so maligned and blighted our district.

He denied our 750,000 souls fair, equal representation in Congress, tainting the House with corruption and undermining public confidence and trust in government.

The historic vote to expel George Santos from Congress would not have happened but for the extraordinarily effective Concerned Citizens of NY-03. The ad hoc, nonpartisan group of constituents came together in their anger at his deception, doggedly dedicated to the sole purpose of having Santos removed from Congress.

Led by Jody Kass Finkel, whose articulate, reasoned, legalistic arguments in the form of press releases and her effective organizing of a steady stream of rallies, the group kept up the pressure on congressional Republicans. The organization forced Republicans – most specifically, the Long Island Republicans – to take action.

“For nearly a year, the residents of NY’s Third Congressional District have been saddled with the fraudster George Santos as our congressman — all because the GOP needed his reliable vote to shore up their political weakness,” Kass said in a press release. “Finally, when they could no longer hide behind the House Ethics Committee’s months-

long ongoing investigation, the GOP relented and decided it was time to support the expulsion of George Santos. The final vote tally was 311 for expulsion (206 Democrats and 105 Republicans); 114 against expulsion (112 Republicans and two Democrats); and two Democrats voting present.”

But the fact that a majority of congressional Republicans, including all four top Republican leaders, still voted to keep Santos in Congress and all that he stood for despite the “unprecedented” offenses documented in the damning report by none other than the House Ethics Committee, says everything.

Notably, Elise Stefanik, representing NY’s 21 District, has risen to top leadership by becoming a major MAGA champion, 2020 election denier and Trump enabler, who was disclosed to have known of Santos’ frauds before the 2020 campaign.

She never stood up for honest government, public service or upholding the oath of office. Stefanik is in the camp of politicians-to-keeppower-and-profit at all costs, even their soul.

Here’s the thing: Those who used such excuses as “wait for the courts to rule,” “voters should decide” and “it’s bad to overturn an election” have been shown to be effective purveyors of delay tactics as they manipulate both the judicial process and elections.

There is kind of a “unvirtuous circle” perfected by former Presi-

KAREN RUBIN View Point

dent Trump in the way he used the “voters should decide” tactic to escape two impeachments, while his enablers have worked diabolically to make sure voters don’t get to decide – through voter suppression, election subversion, and extreme gerrymandering. At the same time the Trump circle is frustrating his criminal and civil prosecutions through strategic delays and intimidation of judges, attorneys, prosecutors, witnesses and jurors.

And yet Republicans have shown they will censure, recall, remove, impeach or even ignore Supreme Court decisions, at the drop of a hat, and nullify or neuter the powers of the president or governor – for example, holding up nominations and confirmations — when it suits. And no doubt they will use the Santos expulsion as precedent to go after

Democrats in an unbalanced tit-fortat.

It’s not coincidence that just days after expelling Santos, Republicans are pushing forward with a formal vote for an impeachment inquiry against President Biden, holding up critical votes for defense aid to Israel, Ukraine and Taiwan in what is being called a “dramatic escalation of impeachment as a political weapon.”

Santos’ expulsion while historic does not for a second discount the forward motion of the Republican Party, now totally dominated by a fascist, authoritarian movement to end democracy. Santos was important only because of the narrow, now narrower Republican majority, but he is such small potatoes, an insignificant prickly insect whose biggest offense was posing a distraction and a symbol of the wholesale rot running through what is left of the Republican (MAGA) party. Yet it took “unprecedented” overt, outrageous antics and egregious flaunting of the system as well as a committed grassroots coalition to expel him.

“At some point, there needs to be a reckoning over how and why the NY Republicans engineered and supported Santos’ candidacy, as well as his ability to remain in Congress for nearly a year after he admitted on national TV that he lied because he knew it was the only way he could get elected,” Kass wrote. “And that reckoning should start with Republican Conference Chair Rep. Elise Ste-

fanik and Nassau County GOP Party Chair Joe Cairo. At a minimum, the Nassau County and NYS Republican Committees owe the residents of NY03 an apology.”

The key is to prevent another George Santos from ever becoming a candidate in the first place.

Concerned Citizens of NY-03 is advocating passage of legislation — H.R.350: the SANTOS Act: Stopping Another Non-Truthful Office Seeker Act — aimed at protecting against future imposter candidates.

That bill, which was introduced Jan. 12 by Rep. Dan Goldman and Rep. Ritchie Torres, would create new reporting requirements about a candidate’s educational background, military service and employment history.

To date, the bill has 12 Democrats but no Republicans (big surprise) co-sponsors.My bet is that the bill will be quashed now that Santos is gone. (Just as the DISCLOSE Act and Voting Rights bills have been.)

It will now be up to party leaders to select the candidate for the special election to be held in February 2024 to fill the unexpired term (a primary will be held in June to set the candidates for the 2024 Congressional election).

The key criteria for Jay Jacobs, who is chairing the Democratic committee, is who is in the best position to win (and beat the likely Republican candidate, who I’m betting will be Jack Martins). This is a must-win election.

Blank Slate Media Newspapers, Friday, December 8, 2023

15

READERS WRITE

Enjoying Cucumbers and Olives It was a hot summer. There was no breeze.

That morning we found the olive trees locals told us about in their generous dialog. Off the beaten track.

You translated; an ancient grove Plato would have liked.

Then they began exchanging a joke but stopped upon realizing you were fluent too.

I was glad you spoke the language.

The scent of sage all around, all living things were praying for rain but these roots run deep.

At sunset we sat in a café on a hill overlooking the harbor dipped in golden brilliance.

Completely disposed to ourselves.

We talked and sipped wine, ate cucumber slices dipped in yogurt sauce with a little dill and pinch of salt.

Warm bread sprinkled with olive oil.

Dark Kalamata olives.

All was fresh, intimate, local, as if the custom lived on here.

At night we watched fishing boats swaying in the moonlight.

Things had the shiny edged quality of black and white film featured in shadow that throws off the light in starbursts.

We relished tender calamari with a dash of lemon and hint of parsley.

The story as I remember it—the sweetness and timelessness of our art. Without pseudonym, rediscovered!

How the shape of the dream becomes more distinct— keeps arriving wheeling constellations to happiness and life.

Unencumbered by torment. Surrounded by summer.

Evolving into poetry.

Stephen Cipot Garden City Park Author’s note. This creative work was composed decades ago, revisited during a writing residency in Montauk awarded by the Edward F. Albee foundation, for which I am always grateful.

Running through these works is a general theme of alternating narrative and reflection, with remarks, asides, notes, a nexus of the inner and outer, picturing a world of meaningful landscapes that we move through and participate in.

A world that is both timebound and not timebound. This works well with poetry and seems necessary.

It’s the kind of epistemological inquires Wittgenstein detailed in the Preface to his “Philosophical Inquires,” where he spoke of the necessity of depicting thought by images and landscapes from different directions making new sketches.

Also spoken to by the philosopher and economist John Maynard Kenes as an attempt at a struggle to escape from the habitual modes of thought and

expression having a mechanistic emphasis and determinism.

Here we can include things like politics, economics, medicine, the sciences which I also relish. Probably the worst being the brutal reality of violence and war.

The works are a metaphysical organization and an alternate approach to the world. They also wander, question, beckon and experience. May they offer a little joy and comfort in these troubling times.

Great Palestinian joke behind the creation of state of Israel

G

iven recent events, I feel compelled to write this. There has been much distortion lately over the circumstances and history of the foundation of the State of Israel, some claiming that it was an act of colonialism.

The facts are the opposite is true. It was an act of decolonization as the remnant of the Ottoman Empire and the Levant having been broken up by the great powers into spheres of influence, and later, the unwinding of the British Empire.

After WWII, millions of people were stateless and displaced. Entire ethnic populations were relocated.

In Europe alone, over 40 million people were displaced from their home countries. After the war, it has been estimated that over a million people could not be repatriated.

Many simply died waiting. The annexation of eastern Poland by the USSR forced the expulsion of over 2 million Poles to other lands.

Finns, Romanians, Greeks, Estonians, Serbs, and Crimeans were forcibly expelled. The settlement of these people, many who languished in displaced persons camps, took years to resolve.

But the glaring hypocrisy that stands out in all this is the Partition of the Indian Subcontinent in 1947.

Founded on the notion that Muslims could not tolerate living in a place where they would be a religious minority in a largely Hindu nation, the Islamic Republic of Pakistan was born.

The results of partition were horrific.

We will never know the true number killed, but estimates are as high as 2 million murdered.

Over 5 million were uprooted, up until Ukraine, the greatest forced migration in human history. Rape and pillaging were common acts. Trains of fleeing refugees arrived filled with butchered corpses, blood still dripping on the sides from the smashed windows of rail cars.

The refugees on both sides of the border lost everything, not that these impoverished backwaters were prosperous in the first place.

To this day, there has been no reckoning of this enormous tragedy by either side. And an uneasy peace remains.

Those seeking an understanding of the magnitude of this tragedy, almost buried by history, should search for the “1947

Partition Archive.” Like Steven Spielberg’s Holocaust Project, they are assembling testimony from those who survived.

But who is among the leaders of the moral outrage against Israel today? Pakistan.

This is what we call the soft racism of low expectations. You see, when Muslims fear being a minority in their own country, we westerners need to be understanding. We need to be sensitive. If anyone else, like the Jews, feels the same way, well, they should be held to higher standards. After all, they’re an educated, cosmopolitan bunch.

Right?

Odder still, is how no one complained when Assad bombed his own hospitals.

There’s more: A decree issued by the Pakistani government ordered that all ethnic Afghans must be repatriated to their own country, into the arms of the Taliban.

Not only the ones from the American invasion after 9/11 but all those who fled the Russian invasion in 1979. People who have lived there for 40 years.

That’s an expulsion of 1.7 million people. No one is crying “Nakba.” Not then. Not now.

But the Palestinian joke has gone on for decades. Imagine being warehoused in refugee camps by your own countrymen for 75 years, based on the Arab/Muslim

world writing checks it could never cash.

There is a picture, that I cannot reproduce here due to copyright laws, of an elderly woman in a wheelchair in Gaza holding a placard that says “72 years in refugee camp. My wish to see my land before I die.”

Hey lady, let me tell you something. I can’t even go back to East Flatbush, and chances are your land has some Class A office space sitting on it. And here’s some advice: if some cataclysm, be it political, environmental, or economic ever moves you the distance from Whitestone to Coney Island, don’t waste your life, and that of your offspring’s, in a refugee camp for seven decades trying to get back to Whitestone. It’s not worth it.

The Palestinians should have accepted partition. Period.

Let me end by saying that I agree with President Obama’s position that “nobody has clean hands.” We’ve all known it for years. The political intrigues in the region, the settler movement, have done nothing to bolster security or peace.

It backfired badly on Israel politically: protestors who rightfully detest the occupation are up in arms about a conflict where no occupation exists.

But that’s politics.

Donald Davret Roslyn

Why I run for G.N. water commish

I

would like to take this opportunity to introduce myself for the Dec. 12 Great Neck Water Pollution Control District Commissioner election.

I am a longstanding resident of Great Neck with my children attending its excellent school system and have served on the boards of local synagogues, the advisory boards of the Grove School of Engineering and Foundation for City College. I believe my skills and educational background as a

professional civil engineer, master of business administration and construction executive would be a valuable addition to the GNWPCD as they pursue growth and increased capacity, particularly considering the Town of North Hempstead’s recent approval of a $46 million bond for district improvements.

Admittedly, I am a neophyte in running for an elected office, so I am surprised the current commissioners have made a public endorsement in a contested election and not

provided a more open field for residents to decide.

The motto of the American Society of Civil Engineers is “a people serving profession.” I trust you will consider me to serve you as a commissioner.

Robert Welner Great Neck Letters Continued on Page 40

16 Blank Slate Media Newspapers, Friday, December 8, 2023

Holiday Tree Lightings across the North Shore

Over the last two weekends, villages across the North Shore held tree lighting ceremonies.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE VILLAGES OF FLORAL PARK, MINEOLA AND STEPHEN TAKACS

BLANK SLATE MEDIA December 8, 2023

YOUR GUIDE TO THE ARTS, ENTERTAINMENT AND DINING WWW.THEISLAND360.COM

Port Washington Play Troupe to perform clasic as radio show The Port Washington Play Troupe is thrilled to announce that its production of “It’s A Wonderful Life – A Radio Show” will be performed live at the Port Washington Public Library on Dec. 15 and 17, 2023!

This production of Frank Capra’s beloved 1946 film, a holiday season classic, was adapted by Bob Nissen in the style of a radio drama.

Each performance is presented free to the public.

Performances take place at 7 pm on Friday, December 15, and 2 pm on Sunday, Dec. 17.

We are also proud to announce that the Port Washington Play Troupe was awarded the Gina Farasciano Community Theater Grant by HEARTS PW for these performances.

This show has a special resonance for both the Play Troupe and the community and is dedicated to the memory of Gina Farasciano, a Port Washington native and theater lover.

She performed in the Play Troupe’s last stage production of the American film classic in 2019, just months before her untimely passing.

Nearly a century old, the Port Washington Play Troupe is the community’s oldest theater organization, presenting high-quality musicals, plays, and special musical performances.

More information is available at The Port Washington Play Troupe Website or on our Facebook page. We look forward to seeing you at the Port Washington Public Library in December!

It’s a Wonderful Life”

18 Blank Slate Media Newspapers, Friday, December 8, 2023

Unitarian Universalist annual Messiah Sing The Unitarian Universalist Con- at 2:00 PM. and accompanied by the Orchestra at gregation at Shelter Rock announces Under the baton of music director Shelter Rock, David Marks concertits popular annual Messiah Sing will Stephen Michael Smith, Messiah Sing master. take place on Sunday, Dec. 10, 2023, will be hosted by the UUCSR Choir The roster of acclaimed soloists

Messiah Sing

World-Class Luxury for Long Island Sands New York is aiming to redefine Long Island hospitality.

Through a proposed flagship resort and entertainment venue featuring a state-of-the-art Canyon Ranch spa and fitness center, indoor and outdoor pools, celebrity chef establishments such as Rao’s and Estiatorio Milos, as well as favorite Long Island restaurants, plus a world-class performance venue, luxury hotel rooms, meeting and conference facilities, casino gaming, public attraction spaces and so much more.

Sands New York is poised to create thousands of career opportunities, unparalleled recreational enjoyment, and billions of investment dollars for Long Island and its residents.

SANDSNEWYORK.COM

includes soprano Sarah Moulton Faux, mezzo-soprano Leah Wool, tenor Brian Jeffers, and bass-baritone Brace Negron. Accompanying the arias and

recitatives of Handel’s famous oratorio will be harpsichordist Nathaniel LaNasa and cello continuo Evelyn Wadkins.

Christopher Creaghan, former Music Director of Riverside Church in New York City, will be at the Jaekel mechanical action pipe organ accompanying the gathering.

First performed in Dublin on April 13, 1742, it received its London premiere nearly a year later, George Frederick Handel’s Messiah has become one of Western Music’s best-known and most frequently performed choral works.

One of its sections, the Hallelujah Chorus, has been featured in countless movies and television commercials, and known throughout the world.

Shelter Rock’s performance will invite members of the audience to sing along with the chorus, and musical scores will be provided to those who wish to sing.

The concert will take place at the Congregation’s facility at 48 Shelter Rock Road, Manhasset, which is fully handicapped accessible.

Onsite parking is ample and free.

A suggested donation of $5 will be requested at the door. A reception to greet the artists will be held in the Shelter Rock Art Gallery following the COURTESY OF UUCSR performance.

For more information about UUCSR, please visit uucsr.org.

Blank Slate Media Newspapers, Friday, December 8, 2023

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20 Blank Slate Media Newspapers, Friday, December 8, 2023

Billy Joel exhibit at LI Music HOF opens The Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame has officially opened its longanticipated exhibit—‘Billy Joel: My Life, A Piano Man’s Journey.’ This exhibit is the first of its kind, as it is dedicated exclusively to a LIMEHOF inductee.

The attraction opened to the public on November 24th and had a strong opening weekend with eager visitors who flocked to visit the Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame, located at 97 Main Street in Stony Brook, NY. “It was a thrill to see a long line of eager fans at our opening,” said LIMEHOF Chairman Ernie Canadeo. “Over 500 fans of all ages, many from out of state, enjoyed the exhibit this past weekend, from families with young children to middle age and older adults.

The smiles on everyone’s faces after they experienced the exhibit and the Hall of Fame was priceless. Billy Joel truly touches people of all ages, and this exhibit is testament to his legacy as Long Island’s favorite entertainer.”

This exclusive exhibit showcases over 50 years of Billy Joel’s most cherished items, which include rare memora-

PHOTO COURTESY OF LONG ISLAND MUSIC AND ENTERTAINMENT HALL OF FAME

Fans from near and far turned out to be the first to see “Billy Joel: My Life, A Piano Man’s Journey.” bilia, behind-the-scenes video footage, dozens of awards, rare audio and video recordings, vintage instruments, and historic photos—many of which were donated by Billy Joel himself and have never

before been displayed for public viewing.

Billy Joel fans from near and far arrived to see the exhibit, which appeals to families and visitors of all ages.

‘Billy Joel: My Life, A Pia-

TELECHARGE.COM OR 212-239-6200 SCAN FOR TICKETS

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340 W. 50th St.

no Man’s Journey’ was created by renowned designer and LIMEHOF board member Kevin O’Callaghan, who designed the Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame and this current exhibit to great acclaim.

“It has been a thrill and an honor to work with Billy in creating this extraordinary testament to his life and music,” said Kevin, who also serves as the creative director at LIMEHOF. “It is one of the highlights of my long career, and I’m sure visitors will be thrilled with the result.”

First in line were longtime Billy Joel fans, Joe and Jenn Mammina from Wading River.

“Really well done,” said Jenn. “There’s a lot of stuff.

It’s laid out great. You can get right up to it. We really enjoyed it.”

Her husband, Joe, said he particularly enjoyed the interactive elements of the exhibit.

“In each of the albums’ sections—starting from the early years to the later years— you put the headset on, and you can hear snippets of some of the songs, and it brought

back memories from back in that time frame in our lives,” he said.

Scott Wood, from North Carolina, visited New York to see Billy Joel perform at Madison Square Garden and stayed on to check out the opening of the exhibit.

“It was fantastic,” Wood said afterward. “I saw in a news article recently that when Billy came through, he was pretty touched and said: ‘This is a lot more personal than I thought.’ And while I get it, there’s a huge gap between his personal and my personal. This was personal for all of his fans who came here, too. We’re reliving a lot of the memories he gave us over the years, and the things we were doing when those albums came out.”

As further proof that this event is an experience that genuinely appeals to all ages, Dan Bod and his family came from East Northport to see the exhibit. His eight-year-old son, Jared, said that he himself was thinking about learning to play the piano and was amazed by everything that was on display.

“My favorite thing that I got to see was the screen with the spinning piano. I got to see lots of the concerts on the screen,” Jared said.

“The layout and all the items are just fantastic,” said Dan. “I loved to see The Hassles and the music kit and the drum kit and the organ—that’s fantastic. For the average fan, it’s definitely a learning experience and a walk down music history lane.”

Marni Alexis Thomas, from Massachusetts, arrived at the exhibit where she showed off her license plate that reads ‘JOELFN’ after having seen him perform at Madison Square Garden. “I said: ‘I’ve got to be there the first day that it opens.’ He’s like the greatest show on Earth. Billy Joel rocks my world and soothes my soul,” Thomas said. Upon walking into the exhibit and seeing so many pictures of him, she joked: “This is like walking into my bedroom as a teenager.”

This exhibit is a once-ina-lifetime opportunity where families and visitors from all walks of life may experience Billy Joel’s life-spanning career—from his roots in Hicksville/Levittown through his albums, tours, inspirations, and personal experiences.

The exhibit is being supported and sponsored by Catholic Health, The Joel Foundation, Madison Square Garden Entertainment, Jake’s 58 Casino Hotel, The Haugland Group, M&T Bank, The EGC Group, D’Addario and Lessing’s Hospitality.

LIMEHOF is open WedSun 11 am-6 pm.

Tickets are available for sale at www.TheBillyJoelExhibit.com or may be purchased in person at LIMEHOF. This is a timed entry exhibit, so tickets will be sold by time block availability.

There is also the option to purchase VIP ’any time‘ tickets—which may be presented at any time for the duration of the exhibit. For more information about LIMEHOF and ‘Billy Joel: My Life, A Piano Man’s Journey,’ visit www.limehof. org.

Festive Feasting

Great gifts for the family foodie

The Gift of Getting Up and Going What to know about different types of experiential gifts

Down to the Wire

Last-minute holiday shopping tips

A Blank Slate Media Special Section • December 8, 2023

Tips for organizing a Tips for organizing a workplace gift exchange workplace gift exchange

22 HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE • Blank Slate Media Newspapers, Friday, December 8, 2023

• Decide on a spending limit. Set a firm spending limit. A range of $15 to $20 may be affordable to most, and ensures a nice gift.

However, if yours is a laid back environment and everyone is lighthearted, you can have gag gifts or set a silly amount for laughs, such as purchasing gifts only at the local dollar store.

T

he average person will spend around eight hours at work each day, and do so roughly five days a week. Over time, relationships with coworkers may grow, and many people become friendly with their colleagues. In such settings, it can be customary to celebrate holidays with coworkers at company-sanctioned events.

Personnel tasked with organizing the sharing of gifts across departments or the company can employ the following tips to make things run smoothly.

• Defer to company rules. Companies may have guidelines in place that govern gifting. Check employee handbooks or company policies, which may dictate spending limits or even prohibit giftgiving.

• Keep it holiday nonspecific. Companies

feature staff from various cultures, ethnicities and religious backgrounds. Therefore, resist any urge to affiliate the gift exchange with a specific holiday.

Keep terms generalized, avoiding the use of “Secret Santa” or references to Christmas or Chanukah. Specify that gift wrap be generic as well.

• Recognize that gift-giving flows downward.

The general rule of the workplace is that people at the same employment level can give gifts among themselves, but employees should not feel pressured to give gifts to their supervisors or bosses. Should one choose to do so, it could be misinterpreted and may cause rumblings across the company. If supervisors and managers want to gift their subordinates, then that is fine so long as everyone is treated fairly.

• Do not pressure participation. Engaging in a company-wide gift exchange should be completely voluntary. Only those who choose to participate will exchange with others. The easiest way to do this is to collect the gifts, then hand out grab bag numbers, enabling all participants to grab a random gift from the bag or table. Also, gifts should not be highly personal or anything that may be viewed as offensive.

• Keep some spare gifts on hand. It’s happened before when someone has become ill or simply forgotten to bring a gift to the exchange. Human resource managers or department heads may want to use an expense account to have a spare gift or two on hand so that no participant walks away empty-handed.

• Decide on a spendin • Exchange at the party. If an office party is part of the plan, the gift exchange can take place there spending limit. A range o at a certain point in the festivities where it will be affordable to most, and e convenient for all involved.

However, if yours is a la

Office gift exchanges are common during the everyone holiday season. A few guidelines can keep such is lighthearted, exchanges festive and fun. set a silly amount for lau

gifts only at the local do

• Do not pressure part company-wide gift exch voluntary. Only those wh will exchange with other this is tostaff collect thevariou gifts he average person will spend around eight feature from * at work each day, and do so roughly numbers, all paT hours religious enabling backgrounds.

Express your appreciation for clients, RESTAURANT BEVERAGE CENTER gift fromthe thegift bagexchang or table week. Over time,ethnicities relationships affiliate he average person will spend around eight feature five staffdays froma various cultures, and colleagues, and associates with Advertiser Here Advertiser Here personal or anyth Keep terms generalized with coworkers may grow, and many people hours at work gifts each day, andlove. do so roughly religious backgrounds.

Therefore, resist any urge to highly gourmet business they’ll offensive.

“Secret Santa” or refere become friendly with theirwith colleagues. such Use codeaffiliate NORTH20 a specificInholiday. five days a week.

Over time, relationships the gift exchange Hurry, order now for holiday delivery.

Specify settings, it can be customary to celebrate holidays Offer valid through •Chanukah.

Keep some sparethat gif Keep terms generalized, avoiding the use of with coworkers may grow, and many people December 31, 2023. well. with coworkers at company-sanctioned events. before when someone ha “Secret Santa” or references to Christmas or become with their colleagues.

Visit friendly HarryandDavid.com or In such Personnel tasked with organizing thegeneric sharingasof forgotten to bring gift t Chanukah.

Specify that gift wrap be settings, it can be customary to celebrate holidays • Recognize thata giftcall 800-547-3033 and save 20% gifts across departments or the company can resource managers dew well. with at company-sanctioned The general rule oforthe withcoworkers code NORTH20 at checkout. events. the following tips to make things run employ to an expense accoun Personnel tasked with organizing the sharing of theuse same employment le •smoothly.

Recognize that gift-giving flows downward. two on hand so no p gifts across departments the company can For corporate orders callor800-248-5567 themselves, butthat employ The general rule of the workplace is that people at employ the following tips to make things run • Defer company level rules.can Companies have empty-handed. pressured to give gifts to the same to employment give gifts may among smoothly.

Should one part choo guidelines inbut place that govern gifting.

Check •bosses.

Exchange at the themselves, employees should not feel misinterpreted and may employee handbooks or company policies, which of the plan, the gift exch • Defer to company rules. Companies may have pressured to give gifts to their supervisors or supervisors may dictate spending limits or even prohibit giftatcompany. a certainIfpoint in the f bosses. Should one choose to do so, it could be guidelines in place that govern gifting. Check their subordinates, then giving. misinterpreted and may cause rumblings across the convenient for all involv employee handbooks or company policies, which everyone is treated fairl company. supervisors and managers want to gift may dictate spending limits or even prohibit gift• Keep it If holiday nonspecific.

Companies Office gift exchanges are their subordinates, then that is fine so long as giving. *Save 20% on your purchase of regularly priced product when you place your order using the holiday season. A few gu redemption methods listed above and enter or mention promotion code NORTH20. Product everyone is treated fairly. purchase is exclusive taxes, custom and nonspecific. personalization fees, and shipping and processing exchanges festive and fu • Keep itof holiday Companies

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charges, and excludes sale, discounted, and clearance-priced items as well as the purchase of gift cards and products containing alcohol. Fees and surcharges may apply. Shipping and processing charges are based on the regular price of merchandise. Not valid with other offers or coupons and cannot be applied to in-store purchases or previous purchases. Not valid on orders of $10,000 or more; for orders of $10,000 or more, contact the Corporate Sales Division at 800-248-5567 for any applicable discounts or promotions. Void where prohibited by law. Not valid if transferred, copied, purchased, sold, or bartered. No cash value. Offer valid through December 31, 2023.

Harry & David is a registered trademark and DBA of Harry and David, LLC. ©2023, Harry and David, LLC

Save

% T 20

Blank Slate Media Newspapers, Friday, December 8, 2023 • HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE

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24 HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE • Blank Slate Media Newspapers, Friday, December 8, 2023

• PAGE 9

Gift ideas for college students

C

ollege is the natural next step for many graduating high school students. According to Best Colleges, in 2022 there were 17.9 million students enrolled in degree-granting colleges and universities in the United States.

Many other students began their college careers in the fall 2023 semester, joining the ranks of people working toward their degrees.

Holiday gifts that aim to meet the needs and interests of recipients can ensure presents will be enjoyed and utilized. Modern college students likely can use a few things to simplify life on campus.

Laptop or tablet

Most, if not all, assignments are posted online and then completed and submitted through various portals or cloud services. Therefore, college students will require a laptop or high functioning tablet with the right processing speed and memory capacity to handle the demand.

Student card funds Colleges utilize different programs for paying for meal plans and incidentals purchased on campus.

This likely involves funds linked to a proprietary card that functions similarly to a debit or credit card.

Savvy gift givers can deposit funds into students’ accounts so that they’ll have a little extra spending money to put toward books or that mocha latte at the campus coffee shop.

Gone are the days when students primarily utilize pen and paper for school assignments. Students are often introduced to tablets and other Parking pass digital devices to complete assignments and take notes as early as Although freshmen may be restricted from bringing cars to campus unless elementary school. This reliance on paperless communication continues at they are commuter students, sophomores and upperclassmen may the high school and2023_Print.pdf university level.

Halcyon_Holiday 1 12/3/23 12:22 PM

be able to park in campus lots.

Parking typically is an extra cost for students, meaning friends or relatives can gift the cost of annual parking passes to the college students in their lives.

Dorm gear College students who opt to live in campus housing often want to make their dorm rooms a home away from home. They will need to outfit these tight quarters with items that won’t take up too much space. Small podtype coffee pots, compact microwaves, mini fridges, under-bed storage shelving, area rugs, cozy comforters, and bathroom essentials can make college kids’ dorm rooms feel more like home.

College students may want to venture away from campus, and what better way to enjoy the sights and offerings of what nearby venues have to offer than by attending various events?

Gift-givers can offer tickets to art shows, music festivals, comedy club nights, amusement parks, or other events in college towns.

Travel assistance

Event tickets

Attending college far from home means that students will take planes, trains or automobiles to return home for holidays and other special events.

Gifting college students airline or train fare, or providing gift cards for gas station fill-ups, means students will be able to afford trips home when needed.

Not every moment should be spent in classrooms or residence halls.

College students can benefit from gifts geared to the college lifestyle.

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26 HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE • Blank Slate Media Newspapers, Friday, December 8, 2023

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ood features prominently throughout the holiday season.

Family meals around the holiday dinner table are a cherished tradition in millions of households, and food also plays a central role during seasonal gatherings with friends and colleagues. Food also can feature prominently throughout Chanukah and on Christmas Day, particularly if a loved one qualifies as a full-fledged foodie.

Many families feature at least one foodie. Foodies always know the best place in town to grab a bite or when a trendy new restaurant will open its doors. But such individuals also enjoy making meals at home, and the following gift ideas can make this holiday season more flavorful for the family foodie.

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• Tabletop firepit: Shoppers who want to impress their food-loving loved one with something truly unique can give a tabletop firepit.

Safe for indoor use, tabletop firepits enable s’mores-loving foodies to indulge in a traditionally summertime favorite all-year-round.

Tabletop firepits are small enough to be stored on a kitchen countertop or in a cabinet. When in use, the s’mores-friendly accessory is smokeless, removing perhaps the lone disadvantage to making this beloved treat.

• Club subscription: Monthly subscriptions are a gift that can keep on giving all the way until next holiday season. Sweets lovers will undoubtedly appreciate receiving a box of fresh chocolates each month, while those with more unique tastes may anxiously await the day their monthly shipment of pickles arrives at their doorstep. The options are

endless, ensuring there’s a monthly subscription out there to tickle every foodie’s fancy.

• Sauce sampler: Amateur sauciers may find inspiration in a sauce sampler set. Sampler set options abound, so shoppers can find something for foodies who love a spicy sauce, something more sweet or even in between. Of course, sampler sets also provide a range of sauces, making them ideal for foodies who want something spicy tonight before pivoting to a sweeter dish tomorrow. Flavored olive oil sampler sets also can be a great gift for cooks who love to experiment with new flavors.

• Charcuterie board and knife set: Foodies who love to host their fellow food fanatics will no doubt fall in love with a new charcuterie board and knife set. A 2023 report from Kroger revealed that the supermarket chain expected charcuterie boards to remain popular over the course of the year. That popularity makes sense, as anything from meat to cheese to fruit to crackers has a home on a charcuterie board, making the item especially appealing to foodies who routinely share their homes and love of food with friends and family.

• Espresso maker: Of course, foodies aren’t just about food.

Beverages also figure prominently in many foodies’ lives. A high-end espresso maker can ground fresh beans and brew multiple cups in no time at all, making it an ideal addition to any foodie’s culinary arsenal.

Food is a vital component of the holiday season and can even be incorporated into holiday shopping.

Holiday gifts for the family artist Holiday gifts for the family artist

Holiday gifts for T the family artist

he feeling of giving a gift and Lessons watching the recipient smile Classes with an artistic master can broadly after peeling away help artists hone their craft. the wrapping is part of what the Masterclass.com offers annual makes holiday season such a special subscriptions or monthly sessions time of year. Matching presents to during which people can learn from heisfeeling of giving giftwhen and Lessons people not always easy,abut the world’s best instructors in their watching the recipient smile shoppers pull it off, the smile on a Classes withfields. an artistic respective Localmaster artistscan also broadly after peeling away loved one’s face is quite the reward. help artists hone their craft. may be willing to serve as mentors the wrapping is part of what the Masterclass.com offers annual Creative individuals or instructors, and sessions with makes holiday season and suchresident a special subscriptions or monthly sessions artists are continually these people also can make perfect time of year.

Matching honing presentstheir to during which crafts.isThis season holiday gifts.people can learn from people not holiday always easy, butcould whenbe the world’s best instructors in their the perfect to tune shoppers pullopportunity it off, the smile oninto a respective fields. Local artists also theseone’s artistic pursuits loved face is quiteand thegive reward. may be willing to serve as mentors Shopping experience something that lets artists take their Creative individuals resident or instructors, and sessions with creativity to the nextand level.

The Many artistsalso alsocan aremake entrepreneurs artists are continually honing these people perfect following are some gift ideastheir for to others. You who sell their wares crafts.

This holiday season could be holiday gifts. artistic individuals on holiday can help promote that passion by perfect lists. opportunity to tune into the shopping funding an online shopping website these artistic pursuits and give or paying experience for table or booth fees at Shopping something that lets artists take their area craft festivals and other vendor creativity the basket next level. The Suppliestogift Many artists also are entrepreneurs events around town. following are some gift ideas for who sell their wares to others. You Each artistic pursuit artistic individuals on requires holiday its own can help promote that passion by array of materials and tools to shopping lists. funding online Displayantheir artshopping website perfect the craft. For example, or paying for table or booth fees at painters will rely on canvases, oils If ancraft artist you know has a vendor area festivals and other and paintbrushes to create particularly beloved collection or Supplies gift basket events around town. masterpieces, while those who piece of art, arrange for a he feeling of requires giving a its giftown and Lessons Each artistic pursuit engage in ceramics may needsmile professional framing or purchase a watching the recipient array of materials and tools to master Classes with an artistic bisques, clays and firing tools.

A high-end display case. This waycan the broadly after peeling away Display their art their perfect the craft.

For example, help artists hone craft. mix of supplies can fuel upcoming artwork will remain pristine for the wrapping is part of what the painters will rely on canvases, oils Masterclass.com annual Ifothers an artist you know a ahead. projects. years to enjoy in offers thehas makes holiday season such a special particularly and paintbrushes to create subscriptions or monthly sessions beloved collection or time of year. while Matching thosepresents who to masterpieces, during people piece of which art, arrange forcan a learn from peopleinisceramics not always easy, but when professional engage may need the world’s best instructors in their Museum or exhibition visit or purchase a Gift cards framing shoppers pulland it off, the tools. smile A on a bisques, clays firing respective fields.

Local artists also high-end display case.

This way the Artists may be inspired by loved one’s face is fuel quiteupcoming theothers reward. artwork Though giftremain cards may seem mix of supplies can may bewill willing to serve as mentors pristine for who engage in the arts.

Purchase impersonal, they can be theahead. means projects.

Creative individuals and resident or instructors, and sessions years others to enjoy in the tickets to a museum that has always by which an artist is able to with artistsa are continually their these people also can make perfect been favorite for the honing gift recipient. purchase supplies or travel to art crafts.

This holiday season could be holiday gifts.

Entry to aorlocal art installation or shows to sell their offerings. Don’t Museum exhibition visit Gift cards the perfectalso opportunity tune into exhibition figures totobe a hit. discount the utility of gift cards these artistic give Artists may bepursuits inspiredand by others Though giftholiday cards may seem come the season.

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Purchase creativity the next level.

Artists can from a number of tickets to a to museum that has The always by Many artists alsoisare entrepreneurs which an benefit artist able to following are some for different gifts that to to propel been a favorite for thegift giftideas recipient. to others. who sellsupplies their wares purchase orhelp travel artYou artistic on holidayor their creative pursuits.

Entry to aindividuals local art installation can help promote that passion by shows to sell their offerings.

Don’t shopping also lists.figures to be a hit. exhibition fundingthe an online shopping website discount utility of gift cards or paying for table or booth fees at come the holiday season. area craft festivals and vendor Artists can benefit from aother number of Supplies gift basket events around town. different gifts that help to propel Each artistic pursuit requires its own their creative pursuits. array of materials and tools to Display their art perfect the craft. For example, painters will rely on canvases, oils If an artist you know has a and paintbrushes to create particularly beloved collection or

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Blank Slate Media Newspapers, Friday, December 8, 2023 • HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE

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easoned holiday shoppers know it’s not always so easy to find the perfect gift. When shoppers find it PAGE 10 • especially difficult to pick the right present, it can help to consider what recipients may want. And recent

The different types The different types of experiential gifts of experiential gifts

surveys have found•that more individuals interested in experiences rather than physical gifts.

GIFT GUIDE Blank Slate and Mediamore Newspapers, Friday,are December 8, 2023 28 HOLIDAY A 2022 survey from the travel booking platform GetYourGuide found that 77 percent of individuals surveyed preferred to receive experiences over more traditional physical gifts during the holiday season. Such gifts are now categorized as experiential gifts, and there’s seemingly no end to the possibilities when holiday shoppers choose to give experiences to their loved ones.

S

easoned holiday shoppers know it’s not always so easy to especially difficult to pick the right present, it can help to surveys have foundgift. thatWhen more shoppers and morefind individuals are in easoned holiday shoppers know it’s not always so easy to find the perfect it

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from therecipients travel booking platform 2022tosurvey especially difficult to pick the right present, it canAhelp consider what may want.

AndGetYourGuide recent preferred to receive experiencesrather over more traditional physical g surveys have found that more and more individuals are interested in experiences than physical gifts. categorized as experiential gifts, there’s seemingly found that 77 percent of and individuals surveyed no end to A 2022 survey from the travel booking platform GetYourGuide to give experiences loved ones. Such gifts are now preferred to receive experiences over more traditional physical gifts during to thetheir holiday season. categorized as experiential gifts, and there’s seemingly no end to the possibilities when holiday shoppers choose Outdoor adventures Food Entertainment toTravel give experiences to their loved ones.

Experiential gifts related to travel are wildly popular. In fact, 63 percent of respondents to the GetYourGuide survey indicated they would most enjoy surprise travel as a gift, making it the most popular category among participants. Travel-related experiential gifts include everything from airline miles to unique activities at a loved one’s eventual destination, such as a parasailing adventure at an island resort.

Outdoor adventures need not be exclusive to vacations in parts unknown. Holiday shoppers can examine local attractions that will ensure their loved one enjoys an adventurous day close to home. Such experiences are popular, as 43 percent of respondents to the GetYourGuide survey indicated they would most enjoy outdoor activities like skiing, boating or hiking. An adventure with a local company that offers hot air balloon rides or a guided hiking tour through scenic local mountains are just a couple of ways to gift an outdoor experience loved ones won’t soon forget.

Food-based experiences were the fourth most desirable experiential gift among GetYourGuide survey participants. Such experiences can include food tours, cooking classes, a night out at a local hotspot known for its appetizing menu, or even a meal at home prepared and cooked by a private chef. Beverage-related experiences also merit consideration, as many a food fanatic would undoubtedly love a course on wine tasting or even home brewing lessons from the brewmaster at a local brewery.

Exactly half of the GetYourGuide survey respondents indicated they would enjoy tickets to a concert or show. Shoppers can scour the websites of a loved one’s favorite musicians to see when they’re in town. Live theater fans may appreciate a night out to enjoy dinner and a show at their local theater.

There’s no end to the experiences holiday shoppers can gift to their loved ones. And such gifts have become wildly popular in recent years.

Travel Outdoor adventur Wishes To All For A Healthy Happy Holiday Season

Experiential gifts related to travel are Outdoor adventures ne wildly popular. InThank fact, 63 exclusive to vacations Travel Outdoor adventures Food of youpercent respondents tofor thevoting GetYourGuide unknown. were Holiday us Food-based the Experiential gifts related to travel are Outdoor adventures need not be experiences the sho BEST PAIN most survey indicated theyIN would examineexperiential local attractio wildly popular. In fact, 63 percent of exclusive to vacations in partsMANAGEMENT fourth most desirable gif enjoy surprise travel as a gift, making ensure their loved one respondents to the GetYourGuide unknown. Holiday shoppers canin Nassauamong GetYourGuide survey it the most that popular category among adventurous daycan close County 2023! participants.

Such experiences surveyhe indicated wouldgift most examine local attractions will search forthey the perfect tends to be easier when shoppers are participants.

Travel-related experiences populaa include food tours, cookingare classes, enjoy surprise travel astrends, a gift,and making ensure loved enjoys an aware of the latest perhaps no currenttheir gifting trend one is more to thefor G experiential gifts include of respondents popular than giving experiences. to a 2022 survey from night out at a local hotspot known it the most popular category amongAccording adventurous day closetheto home.

Such everything airline to unique surveyorindicated they aw travel bookingTravel-related platform GetYourGuide, 77 percent of individuals surveyed itsactivities appetizing menu, even a meal participants. experiences arefrom popular, asmiles 43 percent attoathe loved one’s eventual destination, outdoorbyactivitie indicated they would rather receive experiences physical gifts come the everything GetYourGuide home preparedenjoy and cooked a experiential gifts include ofthan respondents holiday season.

Travel experiences are the most sought-after experiential such as a parasailing adventure at an boating or hiking.

Your pain might complicated from airline miles to unique activitiesbesurvey indicated they would most private chef. Beverage-related An a gifts, as 63 percent of individuals surveyed indicated surprise travel is the island resort. a local that o atexperience a loved one’s eventual destination, enjoy aoutdoor activities like skiing, experiences also meritcompany consideration, they would most enjoy receiving.

However, trip to parts unknown is not but ourshoppers solution is simple. or a guid such as aexperience parasailing adventure at an boating or friends hiking.and Anfamily adventure as many a foodballoon fanaticrides would the only can give, nor is it the only one would with through scenic island athat local company that or offers undoubtedly love a course on local wine m love toresort. receive.

The GetYourGuide surveyfor found tickets toand a concert show (50 air We use state-of-the-art methods treating acute chronic pain.hot a couple of lessons ways to percent); outdoortreatments activities, such or hiking (43or percent); andhiking a food tour balloon rides a guided tasting or evenjust home brewing We provide for:as skiing, boating MEDICINE outdoor lov tour or cooking class (36 percent) also made forthrough desirablescenic experiential gifts. local2023 mountains areINNOVATIVE from thePAIN brewmaster atexperience a local l Neck Pain l Herniated Disc Live Pain Free soon forget. l Low Back Pain l Knee Pain Bestto gift an just a couple of ways brewery.

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Last-minute holiday shopping tips

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hough devotees of early holiday shopping do not hesitate to point out how convenient it can be to get all their gifts long before the arrival of Chanukah and Christmas, scores of shoppers still wait until the last minute to begin checking names off their lists. It might be beneficial to shop early, but it’s easy to procrastinate.

off-peak hours, such as on weekday mornings and afternoons when most people are working.

• Shop local. Last-minute shoppers may be flocking to malls and busy downtown shopping districts as they hurry to get gifts for friends and family members with different interests. Shopping at small, local businesses can help last-minute shoppers avoid such crowds. And with less on their shelves and smaller storage rooms, small business owners and their staff also tend to know their inventories inside and out. That can ensure a shopping trip is not spent wandering numerous aisles in search of the rightoff-peak gift. hours, such as on weekday

Last-minute holiday shopping might not be as enjoyable a custom as family dinners or office parties, but scrambling to find the right gift in the waning days of the holiday season is a familiar situation for millions of shoppers. Shoppers who find themselves with someoflasthough devotees early minute shopping on their to-do list mornings when most holiday shopping do not • Bag it, don’t and wrapafternoons it. Shoppers can utilize these tips to make the arethe working. hesitate to point out how who people wait until very last minute frantic search it forcan thebe right gift all go their likely won’t have time to wrap all convenient to get • Shop local. Last-minute shoppers smoothly. gifts long before the arrival of the gifts they pick up for loved

T

may be flocking to malls and busy

Chanukah Christmas, scores Gift bags conceal gifts just as as they • Work with and store personnel.

If a ofones.downtown shopping districts well as wrapping paper, but it takes shopping list is lengthy but the time shoppers still wait until the last hurry to get gifts for friends and gift a fraction of the time to place a before the holiday arrives is minute to begin checking names off family members with different dwindling, directly with store to in a bag as it does to wrap it in their lists.speak It might be beneficial interests.

Shopping at small, paper.

Quality gifts bags also are local personnel, who may offer shop early, but it’s easy to businesses can appeal help last-minute reusable, which can to suggestions but can also help procrastinate. shoppers avoid suchless crowds. anyone looking to create waste And shoppers find what they need. Inwith less on their shelves and Last-minute holiday shopping might this holiday season. person shoppers can speak with a smaller storage rooms, small not be as enjoyable a custom as store clerk immediately upon • Don’t forget food. If it’s truly or office parties, butimpossible business owners and their family adinners entering store, while online to find something latestaff in also shoppers can utilize tend toand know their inventories scrambling to findchat thefunctions right gift in the season a gift card feels too inside onthe retailers’ and out.

That a shopping waningwebsites days offor thehelp holiday impersonal, give thecan giftensure of food. finding that’s in stock for Adulttrip is not spent wandering seasonsomething is a familiar situation recipients also can be gifted a and deliverable before theShoppers big day. whobottlenumerous in search of the millions of shoppers. of wine oraisles another spirit that

right gift. during a holiday find themselves with Though some last- can be enjoyed • Expect competition. skilled in the online shopping would minute shopping on seemingly their to-do list meal.• Shoppers Bag it, don’t wrap it. Shoppers kitchen can whip up a homemade make last-minute relics the of can utilize theseshoppers tips to make who wait until the very last minute while those without such a frantic bygone search era, thatfor was really thenot right giftthe go treat,likely won’t have time to wrap all a store-bought case in 2022. A survey of more than talents can give smoothly. the gifts they pick up for to loved delicacy or even a subscription a 1,000 shoppers conducted by the ones.

Gift bags conceal gifts just as • Work with store personnel.

If a monthly food club or service. retail industry publisher Best Black well as wrapping paper, but it takes shopping list is lengthy but the time Friday found that just about 16 Last-minute shopping may look a fraction of the time to place a gift beforeofthe holiday arrives is they different percent consumers estimated than it used to, but scores in a bagstill as wait it does to wrap dwindling, speak directlyduring with storeof shoppers would finish their shopping to buy gifts itforin the week of Christmas. paper.

Quality gifts bags personnel, who may Last-minute offer their loved ones. A handful of also are shoppers who want to avoid crowds strategies reusable, which can appeal to suggestions but can also help can simplify last-minute should consider shopping during anyone looking to create less waste shoppers find what they need. In- shopping.

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• Expect competition. Though online shopping would seemingly make last-minute shoppers relics of a bygone era, that was not really the case in 2022. A survey of more than 1,000 shoppers conducted by the retail industry publisher Best Black Friday found that just about 16 percent of consumers estimated they would finish their shopping during

• Don’t forget food. If it’s truly impossible to find something late in the season and a gift card feels too impersonal, give the gift of food.

Adult recipients also can be gifted a bottle of wine or another spirit that can be enjoyed during a holiday meal. Shoppers skilled in the kitchen can whip up a homemade treat, while those without such talents can give a store-bought delicacy or even a subscription to a monthly food club or service.

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With its newest office located on Plandome Road in the heart of Manhasset, Cotter Law Group continues to extend its reach as one of the most prominent litigation firms in the Northeast.

MEET OUR TEAM

MeetESQ., OurManaging Team Attorney JESSE C. COTTER, Jesse C. Cotter, Esq. C. Cotter, Esq., has more than a Cotter Law Group’s Managing Attorney, Jesse decade of experience litigatingManaging a wide Attorney variety of commercial matters. Jesse’s dual in finance andJesse law, withhas hismore years ofaexperience in the Cotterbackground Law Group’s Managing Attorney, C.along Cotter, Esq., than decade of experience financial industry, particularly in the investment banking division of a global litigating a wide variety of commercial matters. Jesse’s dual background in finance and law, along financial institution, hasinbeen instrumental in litigating securities claims against with his years of experience the financial industry, particularly in the investment banking division financial institutions. of a global financial institution, has been instrumental in litigating securities claims against financial institutions.

SCOTT B. MACLAGAN, ESQ., Lead Appellate Attorney Scott B.appellate MacLagan, Esq. Spearheading Cotter Law Group’s practice, Scott has prevailed Lead Appellate Attorney countless times in the appellate division, cementing his reputation as one of theSpearheading most experienced and successful appellate attorneys the State Cotter Law Group’s appellate practice, Scott has prevailed in countless timesof in New the York. appellate division, cementing his reputation as one of the most experienced and successful appellate attorneys in the State of New York.

THALIA GAVRIEL, Client Relations

PRACTICE AREAS Securities Litigation (FINRA Arbitrations) Employment Law Consumer Class Actions Commercial Litigation Mergers & Acquisitions Appellate Litigation Real Estate Transactions

As head of Cotter Law Group’s Client ThaliaRelations Gavriel and Human Resources Department, Thalia serves as an intermediary Client Relations connecting clients with the firm’s attorneys, and also plays a crucial role in internal organization and managing As head of Cotter Law Group’s Client Relations and Human Resources Department, Thalia serves as lines of communication. an intermediary connecting clients with the firm’s attorneys, and also plays a crucial role in internal organization and managing lines of communication.

SALVATORE A. MONELLO, J.D., Associate

Salvatore A. Monello, J.D.Associate in the firm’s Salvatore Monello is Cotter Law Group’s newest Associatepassed the July 2023 New York State Employment Law practice group, having Bar Exam.Monello While isinCotter law school, Salvatore was recognized for his oralLaw advocacy Salvatore Law Group’s newest Associate in the firm’s Employment practice and legal writing abilities, receiving the CALI Excellence for the Future Award group. While in law school, Salvatore was recognized for his oral advocacy and legal writing abilities, for Best the Appellate Brief, for and the for position of Editor-in-Chief of Touro Law receiving CALI Excellence theholding Future Award Best Appellate Brief, and holding the position Center’s Moot Court Honors Society. of Editor-in-Chief of Touro Law Center’s Moot Court Honors Society.

LATEST INSIGHT Expanding our Securities Litigation practice to become the leading FINRA Arbitration & Dispute Resolution law firm. Committed to recovering our clients’ losses, and holding investment professionals accountable. We recover losses for all money market and individual retirement accounts.

NOTABLE FIRM DEVELOPMENTS Cotter Law Group Commences Lawsuits Against Marriott International, Inc., and Affiliates, Seeking $100M For Its Clients

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Employees Trust Cotter Law Group’s Employment Law Practice To Represent Them In Matters Ranging From Breach of Contract, Discrimination, Sexual Harassment, Hostile Work Environment, Wrongful Termination, Wage Disputes, Retaliation, to Other Employment Related Matters Cotter Law Group Commences Several Shareholder Derivative Lawsuits Arising From Disputes Between Partners, and Other Closely-Held Entities Cotter Law Group’s Cases Featured In More Than 100 News & Media Outlets In 2023

Blank Slate Media Newspapers, Friday, December 8, 2023

33

Pancake breakfast with Santa at museum The American Airpower Museum (AAM) will hold its annual Winter Hangar Pancake Breakfast on Sunday, Dec. 17 from 9:00 until 11:00 a.m.

Come and participate in a fun community event for the entire family. Hangar 3 will be decked out with Christmas decorations, plus they’ll be photo ops with Santa and Mrs. Claus all day, so bring your cameras!

Enjoy hot pancakes with butter, maple syrup, sausages and beverages.

The AAM Holiday Tram will also take adults and children for rides around the Hangar’s ramp, weather permitting. Breakfast is $15 for adults and $10 for children.

Breakfast is from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. only, not all day. Advance ticket sales only, so please call to make reservations for one of two seatings.

For reservations call (631) 293-6398, Wednesday through Sunday, 10:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., visit our website at www. americanairpowermuseum. org, or visit AAM at Han-

gar 3, 1230 New Highway, Farmingdale during normal working hours. Join our breakfast fundraiser and support the Museum’s mission to preserve American military aviation history!

After breakfast, your family can discover the history of military aviation and explore dozens of exhibits, including five of America’s most famous WWII military aircraft, the North American B-25 Mitchell Bomber and P-51 Mustang, the Curtiss P-40 Warhawk (Flying Tiger), Grumman’s TBM Avenger Torpedo Bomber and the Douglas C-47B Skytrain, plus Cold War era jets by Republic Aviation like the F-105 Thunderchief and A-10 Thunderbolt or Warthog, also known as the “Tank Buster!”

Reservations not needed to visit AAM and take photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus until 3:30 p.m. In that case, admission is $15 for adults, $12 for seniors and veterans, $10 for children ages 5-12. info@americanairpowermuseum.org — www. americanairpowermuseum. org

PHOTO BY AAM

Santa Claus welcomes guests by AAM’s Curtiss P-40 “Flying Tiger” Warhawk

Sport Psychology

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Dr. Tom Ferraro has specialized in sport

psychology for 20 years and works in the fields of golf, tennis, soccer, baseball, football, wrestling, lacrosse, figure skating, gymnastics, softball, fencing and more. He has helped professional teams, Olympians and elite young athletes learn how to manage the intense pressure of competitive sports. He appears on both TV and radio and has sport psychology columns in 5 different newspapers and has been featured in The New York Times, Wall street Journal and the London Times. Golf Digest includes him in their list of top mental game gurus in America. For a consultation see below: Williston Park Professional Center 2 Hillside Ave, Suite E. Williston Park NY 11596 (building parallel to E. Williston railroad station)

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34 Blank Slate Media Newspapers, Friday, December 8, 2023

powered by

Fri 12/08 Jefferson Starship @ 8pm The Space at Westbury, 250 Post Ave, Westbury

The Paramount, 370 New York Ave, Huntington

Sun 12/10

Featured

Hopeful Steps for Israel 5K Run/Walk and Kiddie Fun Run

@ 8pm / $37 Celebrate the holidays with the jazz trumpeter and his ensem‐ ble as they perform unique in‐ terpretations of seasonal clas‐ sics from the Caribbean, Ameri‐ can and European songbooks.

Tilles Center, LIU Post College, 720 Northern Boulevard, Greenvale

Eisenhower Park Field 2, Park‐ ing Lot 2, East Meadow. events @elitefeats.com

Bring the kids for holiday tales and much, much more for an after‐ noon that is �lled with fun. See a puppet show and make your very own puppet with Mango Moon. Meet and take a photo with Santa and Mrs. Claus. Be sure to visit the Dreidel Corner. Enjoy seasonal crafts, and a “nutty” holiday scavenger hunt. And spend time at the reading nook and discover holiday and winter stories. Stop by Rosie’s Grilled Cheese Truck for lunch or simply a hot festive bever‐ age.

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Peppa Pig's SingAlong Party! @ 2pm / $29.50-$59.50 Tilles Center Concert Hall, 720 Northern Boulevard, Brookville

NABC Brooklyn Showcase @ 11:30am / $29.50-$448.50 Barclays Center, 620 Atlantic Ave, Brooklyn

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Wrap & Ribbon Holiday Market

Kevin Hart - Brand New Material

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Sat 12/09

Sands Point Preserve brings Holiday Tales to the Castle @ 1pm / $5-$15 Sands Point Preserve, 127 Middle Neck Road, Sands Point. info@sandspointpreserve.org, 516-571-7901

@ 10am / $36 ////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

JALC: Etienne Charles Creole Christmas

Sunday Dec 10th

Editor's Voice

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Christmas at Westbury House @ 10am / $15 Dec 9th - Dec 10th THREE WEEKENDS ONLY! Join us for some holiday cheer! Old Westbury Gardens, 71 Old Westbury Road, Old Westbury. mramirez @oldwestburygar dens.org, 516-333-0048 Back To The Eighties with Jessie's Girl @ 8pm / $25-$45

Edwardian Enchantment: A Children's Puppet Show—and More! @ 5pm / $25 Children, wear your special out�ts for a fes‐ tive holiday party as celebrated in the early 1900s. Old Westbury Gardens, 71 Old West‐ bury Road, Old West‐ bury. mramirez@old westburygardens.org, 516-333-0048

@ 12pm / Free With 50+ vendors, the Holiday Market cele‐ brates local businesses and showcases our community's entrepre‐ neurship, �avors, and diversity with incredible products and foods.

58-20 Little Neck Pkwy, 58-20 Little Neck Park‐ way, Queens. jvladimir @common pointqueens.org, 718225-6750

Featured

@ 7pm / $104.50$254.50 NYCB Theatre at West‐ bury, 960 Brush Hollow Road, Westbury

Mon 12/11 Wrestling - Winter

Family Animal Show

My Sinatra Starring Cary Hoffman

@ 7pm / $15 Looking for something different to do with your family on a Friday night??? 1450 Tangle‐ wood Rd, 1450 Tangle‐ wood Road, Rockville Centre. helpdesk@ cstl.org, 516-764-0045

@ 7:30pm / $44 Celebrate Frank Sina‐ tra’s birthday with Featured America’s premier Sina‐ //////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////// tra interpreter, Cary Hoffman. Tilles Center, LIU Post College, 720 Circus Vazquez Northern Boulevard, Queens NY Greenvale @ 7:30pm / $30-$90 @ 6:30pm / $60 Dec 11th - Feb 5th Herricks Community Center Gym, 999 Herricks Rd., New Hy

Circus Vazquez - Citi Field, 12301 Roosevelt Ave, Flushing

Wed 12/13

////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

Tue 12/12 Super Seniors

@ 1pm Join us for our special holiday-themed ceram‐ ics workshop! Gold Coast Arts Center, 113 Middle Neck Road, Great Neck. info@gold coastarts.org, 516-8292570

@ 8pm / $49.50-$129.50 NYCB Theatre at Westbury, 960 Brush Hollow Road, Westbury

Owl Prowl Family Workshop on the Leeds Pond Preserve

@ 7pm / $20 Join us after dark as //////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////// we seek the silent �iers of the night: owls! Sci‐ ence Museum of Long Andrew Weiss and ////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////Island, 1526 North Friends Live at Still Plandome Road, Man‐ Partners hasset. info@smli.org, Jewish Learning Series @ 8pm 516-627-9400 @ 12:30pm Still Partners, 225 Sea Cliff Ave, @ 11:30am Sharing challenges and �nding our collective strength. A sixweek series. Mid-Island Y JCC, 45 Manetto Hill Road, Plainview

Ceramic Cheer: Join Us This Year!

Bret Michaels "Fall Holiday Parti-Gras" with Adam & The Metal Hawks

Join the Mid Island Y JCC and a host of guest presenters for in‐ teresting and relevant lectures and discussions related to Ju‐ daism and Jewish Culture. MidIsland Y JCC, 45 Manetto Hill Road, Plainview

Thu 12/14

Sea Cliff

The Galway Boys: ////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

Fri 12/15

Christmas With The Boys

@ 7:30pm Knights of Columbus, 45 Heitz @ 7pm / $50 Pl, Hicksville It's December 1945. The war is //////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////// ////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////// �nally over, the holidays are right around the corner... and Long Island Nets Vs. YOU are invited to Westbury Calendar information is pro‐ House to celebrate in style. Old Capital City Go-Go vided by event organizers. All Cherish the Ladies Westbury Gardens, 71 Old events are subject to change @ 7pm / $12-$102 or cancellation. This publica‐ @ 7pm Westbury Road, Old Westbury.

Nassau Veterans Memorial Col‐ tion is not responsible for the Landmark on Main Street, 232 mramirez@oldwestburygar iseum, 1255 Hempstead Turn‐ accuracy of the information Main St, Port Washington dens.org, 516-333-0048 pike, Uniondale contained in this calendar. //////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////// //////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////// ////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

Holiday VICTORY Party!

The best place to promote your events online and in print. Visit us @ https://theisland360.com/local-events/

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Blank Slate Media Newspapers, Friday, December 8, 2023

COMMUNITY NEWS

Sillitti hosts food, toy drives State Assemblywoman Gina L. Sillitti (D-Port Washington) announced she is hosting the third annual food drive with local partners to support Long Island families during the holiday season.

The three food drives and a toy drive will be taking place during the month of December.

“As your representative, I’m glad to once again join our community partners to support Long Island families this holiday season,” said Sillitti. “These food and toy drive events in coordination with valued community organizations are a great opportunity for us to support our neighbors in need, combat food insecurity, and provide some extra gifts to children this holiday season. By working together, we can build a more caring community for all.”

Please be mindful of the expiration dates of donated goods. Gift cards cannot be accepted.

Please visitnyassembly.gov/Sillitti for a comprehensive list of items most needed.

Kindly bring your donations to any of the upcoming events hosted by Assemblywoman Sillitti: Food Drives: Manhasset — Great Neck EOC —In partnership with the Manhasset Chamber of Commerce Saturday, December 9th | 10:00 AM — 2:00 PM Drop Off Location at:Herb & Olive, 172 Plandome Road, Manhasset

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St. Aloysius Interfaith Food Pantry —Monday, December 11th | 12 PM – 1:30 PM 592 Middle Neck Road, Great Neck St. Peter of Alcantara —Thursday, December 14th | 9:30 AM — 11:30 AM 1317 Port Washington Blvd, Port Washington (drop off in rear of Parish Outreach Building) Toy Drive: Sid Jacobson JCC—Sunday, December 10th |3 PM – 5 PM (during Chanukah ‘Light up the Night’ Event) 300 Forest Drive, Greenvale

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36 Blank Slate Media Newspapers, Friday, December 8, 2023

COMMUNITY NEWS

Town Thanksgiving turkey giveaway Town of North Hempstead Supervisor Jennifer DeSena, Council Members Robert Troiano, Jr. and Dennis Walsh, and Nassau County Legislator Siela Bynoe hosted a Thanksgiving turkey giveaway at the “Yes We Can” Community Center on Nov. 20.

The donations for the giveaway

were made possible by: Island Harvest, the Junior League of Long Island, Meadow Carting, Westbury Paper Stock and County Read Mix. Town officials helped hand out over 350 free turkeys and over 150 packages containing dry goods to families in the community.

Manhasset Chanukah Festival The Town of North Hempstead and Chabad of Manhasset have invited the community to join in the festivities at the Manhasset Chanukah Festival on Sunday, Dec. 10 from 3:00 PM to 4:00 PM. The event will take place at the picturesque Mary Jane Davies Green, located just across from Town Hall.

This joyous celebration promises an array of exciting activities for all ages, including a captivating live musical performance by the talented Manhasset High School Band.

The festival will feature the traditional Menorah Lighting, symbolizing the triumph of light over darkness, as well as a scrumptious selection of delicious latkes and donuts for everyone to enjoy.

Adding a modern and energetic touch to the celebration, attendees can look forward to an exhilarating breakdance performance that is sure to keep the spirits high throughout the event.

The Manhasset Chanukah Festival is made possible by the generous support of our sponsors, North Shore University Hospital of Northwell Health and Showcase Kitchens.

This event is open to all residents, family, and friends, free of charge.

It provides an opportunity for the community to come together, share in the joy of the season, and create lasting memories.

ACLD hosts Recycle Day

Staff and volunteers join North Hempstead Supervisor Jennifer DeSena, center, Council Member Robert Troiano, Jr., Executive Director of the “Yes We Can” Community Center Tyronza Murray, and Council Member Dennis Walsh host a Thanksgiving turkey giveaway.

Christmas boutique at Trinity Church Come shop for holiday gifts at a Holiday Boutique at Trinity Episcopal Church in Roslyn on Saturday, Dec. 9 and Sunday, Dec. 10. It will feature a wonderful selection of many new and gently-used items such as home goods, toys, seasonal decorations, jewelry, accessories, along with hand-crafted wood items

–cutting boards and more.

The Christmas Boutique will be held from 9-3:00 p.m. on Dec. 9 and noon to 3 p.m. on Dec. 10.

All proceeds will benefit the Camp DeWolfe Scholarship fund.

Trinity Church is at 1579 Northern Blvd. Call 516-621-7925 or email office@trinityroslyn.org

Great selection of holiday gifts at Trinity Christmas Boutique

Make room for the holidays!

Adults and Children with Learning & Developmental Disabilities, RewearAble Program, is partnering with LI Shredding & Record Destruction to host a Community Recycle Day drive on Saturday, Dec. 9.

The event will be held at ACLD’s Bethpage campus, located at 837 S. Oyster Bay Road, Bethpage. ACLD’s Recycle Day will accept clothing, e-waste and will offer record destruction (paper shredding) at this free event.

ACLD’s RewearAble Program is a clothing recycle initiative that creates employment opportunities for adults with autism, learning and developmental disabilities. Community members can come down to the Recycle Day from 9 am to 1 pm, and drop off clothes, shoes, handbags, bedding, belts, coats, hats, scarfs and gloves, household items- tablecloths (cloth), cloth napkins and placemats, bathing suits, towels, coverups, and baseball hats.

LI Shredding & Record Destruction will be on hand to

accept eWaste such as small appliances, hard drives, computers, laptops, iPads, cell phones, TVs, monitors, fax machines, video games. Shredding of personal documents will also be accepted at this drive.

Please note, RewearAble does not accept furniture, toys, games, books, cookware, pillows, appliances, rugs, cutlery or any breakable items such as china sets.

The Recycle Day cannot accept toner cartridges, DVDs, video and audio cassettes, Freon-containing appliances (refrigerators, freezers, air conditioners, dehumidifiers, etc.), large stereo speakers (extra-large wooden-box speakers) batteries, hazardous waste (mercury-containing devices, thermostats, thermometers, smoke detectors, liquids and gasses, fluorescent tubes, etc) or lightbulbs of any kind including incandescent, fluorescent, halogen, and light-emitting diode.

For more information about the Recycle Day and a full list of items we accept please visit our website.

LIJ opens Jane’s Room TheKatz Women’s Hospital at Long Island Jewish Medical Center today announced the dedication of Jane’s Room, a space devoted for families experiencing infant loss.

The suite was made possible through a generous gift from Bob and Berkley Wellstein, who founded the Illinois-based Jane’s Room after the couple lost their baby due to a stillbirth in 2012.

The not-for-profit chose to open its 14th iteration of Jane’s Room at LIJ, which marks the first in New York State.

Jane’s Room collaborates with hospitals nationwide to create private rooms where families can grieve after the loss of a newborn.

“After the loss of our baby girl, Bob and I knew we wanted to keep Jane’s memory alive and to make a difference for parents and families finding themselves in a situation similar to ours,” said Mrs. Wellstein, who attended the ribbon-cutting event. “Jane’s Room came to life out of our deep grief and we are honored to provide rooms of respite in hospitals, including at the Katz Women’s Hospital at LIJ, where families can gather and find a way forward together.”

Phone(718) 470-7000 Katz Women’s Hospital is designed to provide you, your family members and visitors with the highest level of comfort with compassionate care.

Request an appointment Jane’s Room at Katz Women’s Hospital is an approximately 500-square-foot hotel-like suite equipped with a private bathroom. LIJ is a member of Northwell Health, which is the largest health system in New York State.

Northwell accounts for 1 percent of all births in the United States annually.

“My wife and I suffered from repetitive first trimester losses before we received our gift, so I know firsthand how devastating pregnancy loss is for a couple,” said Michael Nimaroff, MD,senior vice president and executive director of obstetrics and gynecology at Northwell. “Fetal loss after 20 weeks and even into the third trimester is a catastrophe for a couple and their family. The gift of Jane’s Room is so special and important to our mission of supporting the family unit

during these difficult times,” Pregnancy loss accounts for 20 percent of all pregnancies in the first trimester nationally. About 1 percent experienced infant loss in the second or third trimester. Katz Women’s Hospital has treated nearly 92,000 maternal patients since it opened in 2012. The new Katz space was created through Jane’s Room’s “Rooms of Respite Project.”

“The patient experience is always at the forefront of what we do, and while we have places for patients, visitors and staff to deal with grief, the emotions associated with the loss of a child are uniquely painful,” said Maureen Early, senior director, patient and customer experience at LIJ. “This suite is specifically tailored for those individuals to have the personal space they need. I’m grateful to the Wellsteins for their thoughtful and purposeful generosity.”

PHOTO COURTESY OF NORTHWELL HEALTH.

Northwell Health leaders dedicate Jane’s Room, from left, Dr. Stacey Rosen, senior vice president for the Katz Institute for Women’s Health; Dr. Michael Gitman, executive director of LIJ; Berkley and Bob Wellstein of Jane’s Room; and Dr. Michael Nimaroff, executive director of OB-GYN Services, at Long Island Jewish Medical Center.

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Blank Slate Media Newspapers, Friday, December 8, 2023

COMMUNITY CLASSIFIEDS 1

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To advertise call:

The Williston Times, Friday, February 25, 2022

WT 516.307.1045

• Great Neck News • Williston Times • New Hyde Park Herald Courier • Manhasset Times • Roslyn Times • Port Washington Times • Garden City News • Bethpage Newsgram • Jericho Syosset News Journal • Mid Island Times • Syosset Advance

▼ EMPLOYMENT, SITUATION WANTED, MARKETPLACE To Place Your Ad Call

SALES REPRESENTATIVE NON REMOTE

Sales Representatives guide families through the process of making informed decisions for cemetery at-need and pre-need planning services.

Phone: 516.307.1045 x 218 e-mail:

In Person:

Catholic Cemeteries offers excellent compensation for motivated individuals which includes a base salary (not a draw) plus commissions and incentives. Benefits include medical, dental, paid vacation, sick days and 403B.

We’re Open:

Sales Representatives interact with families, funeral directors, and other personnel/departments. This is a performance based prospecting position all within the cemetery grounds. We do not visit customers at home.

dflynn@theisland360.com 22 Planting Field Road Roslyn Heights, NY 11577 Mon–Thurs: 9am-5:30pm Fri: 9am-6pm

Experience:

Experience with processes, principles, and methods for selling products and services.

Record of accomplishment in networking, developing leads, contacting referrals, setting appointments and meeting monthly sales goals Excellent interpersonal and communication skills in person, on the telephone and online Highly organized, detail oriented, and excellent time management skills Ability to work and make decisions under pressure and tight deadlines.

Proficient in the use of computers and technology Valid state issued driver’s license required.

Deadlines

Monday 2:00pm: Classified Advertising Tuesday Noon Legal Notices/ Name Changes

Job Type: Full-Time

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.

Publisher's notice: All real estate advertised herein is subject to the Federal Fair Housing Act, which makes it illegal to advertise any preference, limitation, or discrimination because of race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, or national origin, or intention to make any such preference, limitation, or discrimination.

We will not knowingly accept any advertising for real estate which is in violation of the law. All persons are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised are available on an equal opportunity basis.

Publisher’s notice: All employment advertising herin is subject to section 296 of the human rights law which makes it illegal to advertise any preference based on religion, sex, familial status, arrest record, national origin, color, age, or disability. This newspaper will not knowingly accept any advertisement for employment which is in violation of the law. Employment opportunities advertised in this newspaper are available on an equal opportunity basis.

Monday – Friday 9am-5pm and Saturdays from 9am-1pm

Salary: $65,000.00 - $100,000.00 per year. (Salary plus commission) Please send resume to cbalcarcel@ccbklyn.org

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BLANK SLATE MEDIA is a fast-growing media company with 6 award-winning weekly newspapers and a website in Nassau County, a full array of digital services and high-profile events.

We have openings in several categories that we are looking to fill immediately.

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Herald Courier Roslyn Times Great NeckNews WillistonTimes Manhasset Times PortWashingtonTimes www.gcnews.com www.theisland360com www.theisland360.com M E D I A 2 2 P l a n t i n g F i e l d Ro a d , Ro s l y n H e i g h t s , N Y 1 1 57 7 • O ff i c e : 5 1 6 .3 07.1 04 5 • Fa x : 5 1 6 .3 07.1 04 6 www.theIsland360.com 22 PLANTING FIELD ROAD, ROSLYN HEIGHTS, NEW YORK 11577 Founded September 26, 1923

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NOVENAS/PRAYERS PRAYER TO THE BLESSED VIRGIN (Never known to fail). Oh Most Beautiful Flower of Mount Carmel, fruitful vine of Splendor of Heaven, Blessed Mother of the Son of God, Immaculate Virgin assist me in this necessity. Oh Star of the Sea help me and show herein you are my Mother. Oh Mary Mother of God, Queen of Heaven and Earth I beseech thee from the bottom of my heart to succor me this necessity (make request). There are none that can withstand your power. Oh show me herein you are my Mother. Oh Mary conceived without sin pray for us who have recourse to Thee (three times).

Oh Holy Mary I place this cause in your hands (three times). Thank you for your mercy to me and mine. Amen. This prayer must be said for three days and after three days your request will be granted.

The prayer must be published. Grateful thanks. (Y.M.V.)

“A Special thank you to all the Nurse Aides and all who Save Lives.”

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SITUATION WANTED A HOME HEALTH CARE AIDE with 10 years experience and excellent checkable references available. Honest and reliable. Licensed driver with own transportation. Please call 718-634-3421 (Leave Message)

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LIST YOUR JOB OPPORTUNITIES HERE. CALL 516.307.1045

38 Blank Slate Media Newspapers, Friday, December 8, 2023

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We Have Openings for School Bus & Van Drivers

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HOLIDAY HELPING HANDS! Available to help Individuals or Businesses with all Holiday needs: Shopping, Decorating, Wrapping, etc. Will pick up/deliver Text Lauren: 917-579-7636 for more information and examples of my work.

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HOME IMPROVEMENTS AQUATEC LAWN SPRINKLERS FALL DRAIN OUTS Backflow Device Tests Free Estimates Installation Service/Repairs Joe Barbato 516-775-1199 BATH & SHOWER UPDATES in as little as ONE DAY! Affordable pricesNo payments for 18 months! Lifetime warranty & professional installs. Senior & Military Discounts available. Call: 866-393-3636 CHIMNEY KING ENT. INC. FREE ESTIMATES Stainless steel liners cleaning & repair specialists. Masonry specialist.

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Free Estimates Fully Licensed & Insured #H2219010000 Boceski Masonry Louie 516-850-4886 PAULIE THE ROOFER STOPPING LEAKS IS MY SPECIALTY! Slate & Tile Specialists All types of Roofing Local References Licensed & Insured 516-621-3869

SERVICES LEAK REPAIRS Plumbing Repairs Bathrooms, Showers, Kitchens 24 HOUR SERVICE Call 516-668-5624

Blank Slate Media Newspapers, Friday, December 8, 2023

39

▼ SERVICES SERVICES

PARTY HELP

MAGNUM SECURITY SYSTEMS, INC. Serving Garden City for 40 years. Let Magnum Upgrade Your Existing Security System. Burglar & Fire Alarms Cellular Radio 3G Upgrades Remote Access Call: 516-486-5484

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

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Contact Contact Debbie Debbie ContactFlynn Debbie ContactFlynn Flynn Debbie Flynn Classified Advertising Classified Advertising Classified Advertising ClassifiedManager Advertising Manager WANT TO FIND A JOB? Manager Manager 22 Planting Field 22Rd, Plantin 516-307-1045 516-307-1045 Ext. 218 218 LIST YOUR LOCAL SERVICES HERE CALL 516.307.1045 VISIT US WWW.THEISLAND360.COM/CLASSIFIEDS 516-307-1045 516-307-1045 Ext. 218 Ext. Ext. 218 Roslyn Heights,Roslyn 11577 He READY TO FILL A JOB? dflynn@theisland360.com dflynn@theisland360.com dflynn@theisland360.com dflynn@theisland360.com www.theisland360.com www.the 1-866-782-4069

3-year price guarantee requires credit qualification and 2-year commitment and covers core programming, local networks, and equipment. All packages, programming, and offers are subject to change without notice. New customers only. Must subscribe to AT120+ or above or DishLATINO Max by 11/13/23. Multi-Sport Pack access ends 1/11/24. Offer subject to change without notice. Local blackouts and other restrictions apply. Streaming apps require separate subscription.

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Contact 22 Planting Field 22 Road Planting Field Road 821 Franklin Avenue, 821 Franklin Suite 208Avenue, Suite 2 Debbie ContactFlynn Debbie Flynn Roslyn Heights, NY 11577Heights, NY 11577 Garden City, NY 11530 Garden City, NY 11530 Roslyn Classified Advertising (516) 294-8900 www.gcnews www.theisland360.com (516) 294-8900 www.gcnews.com Classified Advertising Manager www.theisland360.com Manager 821 Franklin Avenue, Suite 208 22 Planting Field Rd, 516-307-1045 Ext. 218 516-307-1045 Ext. 218 Garden City, NY 11530 Roslyn Heights, 11577 (516) 294-8900 www.gcnews.com dflynn@theisland360.com www.theisland360.com dflynn@theisland360.com

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COMMUNITY NEWS

www.theisland360.com

(516) 294-8900 www.gcnews.com

Dowling named one of healthcare’s most influential

Contact Debbie ContactFlynn Debbie Flynn Classified Advertising Classified Advertising Manager Manager 22 Planting Field Rd, 516-307-1045 Ext. 218 516-307-1045 Ext. 218 Roslyn Heights, 11577 dflynn@theisland360.com www.theisland360.com than just what happens Michael Dowling, dflynn@theisland360.com president and is about more CEO of Northwell Health, was once in our hospitals – it’s about how we live again named one of the most influential our lives every day. It’s why we strive to people in healthcare by Modern Health- end gun violence in our communities and to make sure our children are as care magazine.

22 Planting Field Road 821 Franklin Avenue, Suite 208 and safe as can be.”

Dowling has been Roslyn Heights, NY 11577a leader in healthy Garden City, NY 11530 www.theisland360.com 294-8900 ofwww.gcnews.com the most important issues healthcare for decades, most recently (516)One leading the fight against gun violence Dowling has addressed in his time as and combating the COVID-19 pan- CEO is the epidemic of gun violence in America. He is leading the charge to demic.

The publication released its list of treat gun violence as a public health cri“The 100 Most Influential People in sis, and is encouraging other healthcare Healthcare of 2023” in its Dec. 4 issue. leaders to join him.

To that end, Northwell created He has consistently ranked among the top leaders in healthcare in the annual the Center for Gun Violence Prevenlist, and was named the most influen- tion, has hosted multiple Gun Violence tial in 2022. This is the 17th year he has Prevention Forums and has started a wide-reaching public campaign to raise been named to the list.

This prestigious recognition is de- awareness of gun violence.

Northwell leaders were recently setermined by nominees’ peers and the editors of Modern Healthcare, and hon- lected to join a new federal office of gun ors leaders in the healthcare industry violence protection, created by President Joe Biden. based on their leadership and impact.

Northwell has also pledged $500 “It is an incredible honor to once again be named one of the most influ- million to address youth mental health ential people in healthcare by Modern in the area. Part of that includes buildHealthcare,” said Dowling. “But it is an ing a new 100-bed Child and Adoleshonor that is not mine alone. I share it cent Mental Health Pavilion at Cohen with the tens of thousands of people at Children’s Medical Center.

“The 2023 honorees on our 100 Northwell Health who work every day to not only care for our most critical Most Influential People in Healthcare patients but to raise the health of the reflect the providers, insurers, technolocommunities we call home. Healthcare gy firms, government leaders, investors

821 Franklin Avenue, Suite 208 Garden City, NY 11530 (516)others 294-8900 www.gcnews.com and who have made oversized

contributions to the industry in the past year,” said Mary Ellen Podmolik, editorin-chief of Modern Healthcare. “Our ranked list honors the C-suite decisionmakers using their clout and influence

Michael Dowling

to lead their organizations and make sweeping changes that affect patient care.”

Northwell also works to help people in need around the world. Since 2019, Northwell’s Center for Global Health

has aligned with partners in Ecuador, India and Guyana and has donated thousands of pounds of medical supplies in response to the war in Ukraine, the earthquakes in Turkey and Syria and soon to the war in the Middle East.

40 Blank Slate Media Newspapers, Friday, December 8, 2023

READERS WRITE

Vote Mark Berger for G.N. water commissioner

I

am writing this letter to encourage residents within the Great Neck Water Pollution Control District to support Mark Berger for commissioner on Dec. 12.

I know Mark personally and can speak to his character as a dedicated local resident in our community and to his capacity to serve through his background as an experienced at-

torney.

Additionally, in following the coverage in this paper, it is apparent that Mark has outlined serious plans to serve as commissioner.

Importantly, Mark has announced plans to utilize bond funding the district has obtained to make investments to improve the efficiency with which the plan operates that will help

lower the tax burden for residents.

In contrast, his opponent appears to support using that funding to “beautify” the treatment plant and improve its “curb appeal.”

Ultimately, the treatment plant is not Steppingstone Park, so I am not sure why one would want to spend the bond funding on projects that have nothing to do with its actual pur-

pose, which is to ensure residents have access to safe drinking water in the most efficient manner possible.

Mark has detailed plans to accomplish this and will serve as an excellent commissioner if elected.

Peter Fishkind Great Neck

Deutsche Bank let Trump’s financial statements slide

D

eutsche Bank loaned Donald Trump’s company hundreds of millions of dollars. The loans are a focus of New York Attorney General Letitia James’ lawsuit contending that Trump and his company deceived lenders and insurers by giving them financial statements that badly overstated his asset values and overall net worth. The defendants deny the allegations.

When a company prepares and provides the financial statements to the CPA firm which does nothing more than to simply present the numbers properly on the financial statements, without verification of any sort, that is called a “compilation.” The CPA firm expresses no

opinion on the accuracy and reliability of the numbers.

On the other hand, when an accounting firm is hired to audit the financial statements of the company, numerous procedures are performed to ensure the numbers are “presented fairly,” resulting in the issuance of an “unqualified” or clean opinion, which means others can rely on the financial statements to be materially accurate.

According to testimony, Deutsche Bank always followed its own guidelines that included checking out information that would-be borrowers provide, stating that “it’s not an industry standard for financial statements to be audited.

“I think we expect clients-provided information to be accurate.”

Perhaps the bank had different motives.

Over the years, Deutsche Bank has been involved in scandals such as laundering Russian money, an interest rate scam, violation of U.S. economic sanctions, sale of toxic securities and mortgage fraud, and paid over $9 billion in fines and settlements based upon such wrongdoings.

Trump contends that even if the financial statements were fraudulent and factually a fraud was perpetrated, the bottom line is that no one got hurt. Every participant profited from the loan transaction. No loss! No case!

Applying Trump’s theory to a similar situ-

ation, assume an individual walks into a bank with the intention to rob it and sticks a gun in the teller’s face, demanding that all money be handed over to him. However, before the money passes hands, the alleged robber sees two armed guards walking over to him and he runs out of the bank without taking the money, but he is caught.

The bottom line: Since no one got hurt. why should the attempted robber go to jail?

So many defense lawyers are now scratching their heads.

Alvin Goldberg Great Neck

In support of Mark Berger for G.N. water commish

O

n Dec. 12, I will be voting for Mark Berger to be the next commissioner of the Great Neck Water Pollution Control District. Many of us in town aren’t familiar with what the District does, but after listening to Mark speak enthusiastically about the incredible work that they do to ensure that

our local waterways stay clean, I cannot stress enough how important of a position this is. I’ve gotten to know Mark through our interactions as fellow attorneys and as neighbors. During his time as an attorney with the NYPD, Mark fought hard on behalf of the department. Now, as a supervising attorney in the public interest

sector, he successfully manages a team of over 50 attorneys and support staff, a skill that will serve him well in this new role. Mark is defined by so much more than his work, however.

Reading about his experience in Washington DC at the March for Israel and hearing about it first-hand, I know that Mark’s staunch sup-

port for Israel is an asset to our community.

The more elected officials in town that are on Israel’s side, the better. Let’s put one more in office. Vote for Mark on Dec. 12.

Andrew Laufer Great Neck

Penn Station and Grand Central Madison bloopers

T

here is nothing to celebrate concerning the opening of the Long Island Rail Road’s new $700 million entrance at Penn Station on 32nd Street and 7th Avenue.

Just like previous investments including the $1.6 billion Moynihan Station, $300 million West End Concourse and $600 million 7th Avenue 33rd Street entrance and enlarged main concourse, which total $3.2 billion, they do nothing to eliminate periodic cancellation and consolidation of LIRR, NJ Transit and Amtrak trains utilizing either the East River or Hudson River Tunnels due to signal, power, broken rails or other malfunctions.

These investments provide no improvement for reliability of service or additional platform and track capacity. Periodic overcrowding at the platform levels will continue This results

in overcrowded trains with insufficient seating capacity. Some riders end up standing in the vestibules and aisles. The mad rush to board late arriving trains for the trip home will continue..

Amtrak initiation of East River Tunnel rehabilitation starting in 2024 will result in one of four tunnels being removed from service 24/7.

If a train stalls in one of the three remaining tunnels, thousands of commuters will be late.

To preserve existing service, some LIRR rush hour trains will be canceled or combined. Until this work is over by the promised 2027 date, it is impossible to guarantee safe and reliable on time service with a full schedule of trains, including a seat, to and from Penn Station for LIRR commuters.

Ten months after the LIRR began full-time East Side Access service to the $11.6 billion

Grand Central Madison, virtually all of the facility storefronts still stand vacant. Not even a newsstand or Dunkin Donuts to be found. This is a sad commentary on MTA Chairman Janno Lieber, MTA Office of Capital Construction and MTA Real Estate in management of the Long Island Rail Road East Side Access to Grand Central Madison project.

The original completion date was 2011.

Full-time service began in February 2023. MTA Real Estate had years to find tenants for the 32 vacant storefronts. Now MTA Real Estate promises to issue a Request for Proposals in early 2024 to find a master tenant to manage all 32 vacant storefronts. By the time this process is completed, commuters should be prepared to look at the art work covering up all the vacant storefronts until December 2024.

How many other vacant storefronts are

there at other 472 NYC Transit, 125 Long Island Rail Road, 124 Metro North Rail Road and 21 Staten Island Railway stations? MTA Chairman Lieber should put out an RFP to hire a private real estate management firm. They would do a better job than MTA Real Estate in leasing all of these assets. It would generate badly needed revenue and provide riders with basic amenities.

Larry Penner Great Neck Larry Penner is a transportation advocate, historian and writer who previously served as a former Director for the Federal Transit Administration Region 2 New York Office of Operations and Program Management.

Letters Continued on Page 49

BLANK SLATE MEDIA WELCOMES YOUR SUBMISSIONS. Please visit theisland360.com/submit-news

The Great Neck News, Friday, December 8, 2023

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41

Recent Real Estate Sales in

18 Kings Place, Great Neck

3 North Drive, Great Neck

5 bd, 3 ba, Sold On: 9/15/23, Sold Price: $1,026,000 Type: Single Family, Schools: Great Neck

3 bd, 3 ba, 2,462 sqft, Sold On: 9/18/23, Sold Price: $1,400,000 Type: Single Family, Schools: Great Neck

11 Merrivale Road, Great Neck

4 Wilbur Drive, Great Neck

5 bd, 6 ba, 4,982 sqft, Sold On: 9/18/23, Sold Price: $1,870,000 Type: Single Family, Schools: Great Neck

4 bd, 4 ba, Sold On: 9/18/23, Sold Price: $2,100,000 Type: Single Family, Schools: Great Neck

Editor’s note: Homes shown here were recently sold in Great Neck by a variety of real estate agencies. This information about the home and the photos were obtained through the Zillow.com. The homes are presented solely based on the fact that they were recently sold in Great Neck and are believed by Blank Slate Media to be of interest to our readers.

42 The Great Neck News, Friday, December 8, 2023

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Rep. George Santos expelled from House Continued from Page 1 Investigators said they found Santos’ conduct to be “beneath the dignity of the office and to have brought severe discredit upon the House.”

Santos repeatedly denied any involvement himself in response to the campaign finance investigations, blaming his ex-treasurer Nancy Marks and saying she had “gone rogue.”

Marks, who previously worked for other Long Island Republicans, pleaded guilty in October to fraudulently reporting hundreds of thousands in fake loans that Santos claimed he raised during his campaign.

Investigators refuted Santos’ version of events, saying he was heavily involved in the day-to-day operations of his campaign and that witnesses told them Santos shared a close relationship with Marks.

Along with Marks, an ex-campaign aide to Santos, Samuel Miele, pleaded guilty earlier this year to wire fraud and impersonating former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy’s former chief of staff Dan Meyer as part of a plea deal.

Santos pleaded not guilty to the 10 new charges against him including identity theft, credit card fraud and conspiracy in October.

He also pleaded not guilty in May after being charged with 13 counts including wire fraud, money laundering and theft of public funds.

The congressman’s trial date is set for September 2024.

With Santos now expelled, New York State law requires Gov. Kathy Hochul to issue a proclamation for a special election within 10 days of the seat becoming vacant.

Hochul said on X, the social media app formerly known as Twitter, that she is “prepared to undertake the solemn responsibility” of filling the seat.

“The people of Long Island deserve nothing less,” Hochul said.

The special election would then occur 70 to 80 days following the proclamation, where members of the county party committees would nominate a candidate to run in the election to finish out Santos’ current term.

The Nassau County Republican Committee chairman is Joe Cairo and the County Democratic Committee chairman is Jay Jacobs.

In 2020, President Joe Biden won the district over then-President Donald Trump. In the years since, Republicans have done extremely well in local races, flipping the Nassau County executive and district attorney seats and the state Senate seat in the district while North Hempstead turned and stayed Republican in 2021 and 2023.

Republicans currently have control of both counties on Long Island and all three towns in Nassau.

The House Democratic super PAC shortly after the vote announced plans to spend big to flip the seat back from Republicans.

“House Majority PAC plans to play a significant role in the NY-03 special election, and we will do whatever it takes to flip this district blue,” House Majority PAC President Mike Smith said in a statement.

Democratic candidates include Tom Suozzi, who held the seat for six years before deciding not to run for re-election amid his gubernatorial campaign last year, and ex-state Sen. Anna Kaplan. Other Democrat candidates include Austin Cheng, Scott Livingston and Darius Radzius. Robert Zimmerman, the Democrat candidate for the seat in 2021, has been mentioned as a possible candidate.

Candidates and officials across the North Shore lauded Santos’ expulsion.

Jacobs said he, Hochul, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, of New York, and Queens Democratic Chair Gregory Meeks will work expeditiously to nominate the best can-

SCREENCAP BY BRANDON DUFFY

U.S. Rep. George Santos, who was expelled by Congress Friday. didate possible.

“With today’s House vote to finally expel George Santos from its body, this ends a sorry chapter in the history of our county and our country. His loss is a huge win for decency, honesty, and the rule of law,” Jacobs said in a statement.

Suozzi said removing Santos is a “muchneeded step in repairing a “broken system.”

“We must move beyond our petty, partisan, performative finger-pointing and address the real problems Americans face,” Suozzi said.

“Let’s fix this!”

Kaplan said an embarrassing episode can be put behind us by electing a qualified candidate.

“For too long, a liar and a grifter has held this seat, and it is people who have suffered — Long Island deserves change,” Kaplan said.

Zimmerman said Friday was a day of reflection on how to move forward and that the Republicans who defended and protected Santos must be held accountable.

“It is incumbent upon all Democrats to unite in support of a candidate committed to restoring respect and decency for our Congressional District in the upcoming election,” Zimmerman said. “However, we need to ensure we are not rewarding those who perpetuated the divisive rhetoric that led us to where we are today.”

State Assemblywoman Gina Sillitti (D-Port Washington) said the 3rd Congressional District is finally ready to move on.

“We need to learn from this experience, make sure it doesn’t happen again, and get back to work for the residents who have been without representation for far too long,” Sillitt said.

State Assemblyman Charles Levine (DNorth Shore) said Santos was a “pathetic chapter is American legislative history.”

“It has been grotesquely unfair for the people of the Third Congressional District to be represented by someone so morally and ethically bankrupt,” Lavine said. “I look forward to the near future when the national legislative interests of the people of northern Queens and Nassau County will once again be protected.”

Concerned Citizens of NY-03, a nonpartisan organization of residents from the 3rd Congressional District who advocate for the expulsion of Santos from the House, released a statement calling for a reckoning over how state officials allowed Santos to get elected in the first place, starting with GOP Conference Chair Rep. Elise Stefanik and Cairo.

“Today we rejoice at Santos’ ouster. We say

‘Good Riddance to George Santos! And, may he go to prison for his crimes against our community and our democracy,'” the group said.

Among the Republican candidates mentioned or announced are state Sen. Jack Martins, Nassau County Legislator Mazi Pilip, Afghanistan war veteran and former J.P. Morgan Vice President Kellen Curry, retired NYPD Det. Mike Sapraicone and Air Force veteran and personal injury lawyer Greg Hach. Other candidates include Queens small business owner Daniel Norber, Jim Toes, president & CEO of the Security Traders Association; and Thomas Charles Ludwig, a resident of Farmingdale and retired special forces officer.

U.S. Rep. Anthony D’Espositio (R-Island), who previously submitted a resolution to expel Santos, said the vote “has removed a stain from this institution.”

“I will continue to fight for Long Islanders in Congress and work diligently to ensure a true conservative succeeds Santos.”

Cairo also called Santos a stain on the House while saying the county committee and a representative from Queens will decide the Party’s candidate soon.

We believe that his expulsion is a necessary step in moving forward and electing a Republican representative who shares the values of the residents of the Third Congressional District,” Cairo said. “The Nassau County Republican Committee, along with a representative of the Queens County Republicans, is conducting interviews and expects to announce its candidate in the Third District in the very near future.”

Santos first came under widespread scrutiny in December 2022 when The New York Times accused Santos, then the representativeelect, of falsifying much of his resume. Santos was said to have lied about earning degrees from NYU and Baruch College as well as working for Citigroup and Goldman Sachs.

Santos later confirmed the falsehoods when he told the New York Post he “embellished parts of his resume when running for Congress.

Santos, in a previously published biography on his campaign website, described himself as “an associate asset manager” in Citigroup, but a company spokesman told The Times that they could not confirm his employment. The spokesman also said Citi sold off its asset management operations in 2005 and was unfamiliar with Santos’ job title listed on his biography.

The Times also obtained the two-page resume Sasntos submitted to the Nassau County

Republican Committee in 2020 during his first campaign in which he claims he graduated in the top 1 percent with a 3.89 GPA at Baruch College, doubled revenue growth as a project manager at Goldman Sachs in an eight-month period and tripled sales growth within the first six months as a vice president at LinkBridge Investors.

Santos’ campaign website said the Republican’s grandparents “fled Jewish persecution in Ukraine, settled in Belgium and again fled persecution during WWII.” A review of genealogy reports done by The Forward, an independent, Jewish publication, showed that his grandparents, Paulo Horta Devolder and Rosalina Caruso Horta Devolder, were both born in Brazil prior to 1930 when the Nazi Party secured more than 100 seats in Germany’s parliament.

The report claims Santos’ mother, Fatima Aziza Caruso Horta Devolder was born to Paulo and Rosalina in a suburb of Rio de Janeiro.

His mother’s Facebook page does not contain references to Judaism but several pages she “liked” were for various Catholic groups.

Other posts she has shared on her Facebook page, which include pictures of her and the congressman-elect, include depictions of Jesus and quotes from the Bible. His mother died in 2016, according to an online obituary.

Santos, in a 2020 interview, said his family converted to Christianity while living in Brazil.

Santos told the Post that he “never claimed to be Jewish” but that his “maternal family had a Jewish background,” which he meant as being “Jew-ish.”

The openly gay congressman-elect who previously said he “never had an issue” with his sexual identity during the past 10 years, divorced a woman weeks before he launched his first congressional campaign in 2019, according to the Daily Beast.

The report shows that Santos allegedly was married to Uadla Santos and divorced in September 2019.

Santos said he was married to a woman from 2012-2017 but told the Post he is now married and “very much gay,” saying the previous relationship “got a little toxic.”

The Times also reported that in 2008, when Santos was 19, he stole the checkbook of a man his mother was caring for, according to Brazilian court records. Police and court records showed that Santos used the checkbook to make fraudulent purchases, including a pair of shoes.

Two years later, Santos confessed to the crime and was later charged.

The Great Neck News, Friday, December 8, 2023

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43

Dershowitz targets Iran in temple speech Continued from Page 1 The crowd erupted in cheers after Dershowitz called for the denuclearization of Iran, with individuals clapping, whistling and shouting in support.

“The world cannot survive a nuclear Iran,” Dershowitz said.

A series of attacks at Iranian nuclear development sites have been attributed to Israel over the past decade, with Israel making plans to combat Iran’s nuclear hardening as recently as earlier this summer.

Dershowitz’s calls to destroy Iran’s nuclear power were attributed to what he said is the Persian Gulf nation’s contention that “death is no big deal,” supposedly referring to the Shia belief in martyrdom.

Iran is a Muslim-majority country, with the U.S. Department of State reporting Muslims constituted approximately 99.4% of the population of about 86.8 million people in 2022. Of the Muslim-majority population, Iran is comprised of about 90-95% Shia Muslims and 5- 10% Sunni Muslims, according to the State Department.

Shia Islam is the second-largest Islamic branch, with Iran being the country with the most Shia Muslims in number and in the percentage of its total population.

Martyrdom is at the foundation of Shia Islam and its pursuit of power and succession after the death of Mohammed has also expanded to sociopolitical issues in the nation. Today the Iranian revolutionaries of 1979, Iranian soldiers in the Iran-Iraq War and political protestors who were killed are considered to be martyrs in Iran.

Dershowitz condemned the Oct. 7 attacks by Hamas, quoting Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s statement that the state is in a time of war, saying that Israel is “fighting

for its life” against genocide. He denounced claims that Israel has enacted genocide against the Palestinian people in its campaign to eliminate Hamas, touting Israel’s compliance with human rights, civil liberties and enemy civilian laws.

In 2022 the State Department found that Israel had “significant human rights issues,” including violence or threats of violence against Palestinians as well as other racial and ethnic minority groups, and labor rights violations against Palestinians and foreign workers.

“Israel wants nothing more than to live in peace,” Dershowitz said. “As an Israeli prime minister once put it, ‘If our enemies put down their weapons, there would be peace and if we put down our weapons, there would be genocide.’”

Dershowitz blamed Palestinian civilian casualties in the war on Hamas, saying that they are the ones putting civilians in the line of fire for their political advantage. He denied that high rates of Palestinian civilian casualties have actually occurred, questioning how casualties are reported.

Gaza’s Health Ministry has reported more than 15,000 Palestinian casualties in the war without differentiating between civilians and combatants. It said about 70% of deaths were of women and children.

Dershowitz compared the displacement of Palestinians due to the establishment of the State of Israel in 1948 to the plight of Iranian Jews.

“You were displaced, you were exiled, not from lands that you were in from 20 or 30 years ago, but from lands that you were in 2,000 years ago,” Dershowitz said, with attendees erupting in applause.

“You were displaced. Nobody put you in refugee camps. You built some

SCREENSHOT FROM VIDEO PROVIDED TO BLANK SLATE

Alan Dershowitz speaks at an event in solidarity with Israel hosted in Great Neck. of the greatest communities in America today: In Los Angeles, in Great Neck, in Israel. It’s a remarkable story that every Palestinian should know about so maybe they would leave their refugee camps and start to make a damn living and work instead of being terrorists.”

Iranian, or Persian, Jews are one of the oldest communities in the Jewish diaspora with a presence in Iran pre-dating the common era by hundreds of years.

While Iran’s constitution protects the rights of non-Muslims, the exodus of Iranian Jews began in the 1950s and continued through the Iranian Revolution and into the 1990s, influenced in part by fear of religious persecution and Iran’s anti-Zionist

stance.

The Persian Jewish population in Iran dropped from 150,000 to 100,000 in 1948 and again fell to 80,000 before the Iranian Revolution, mostly attributed to immigration to Israel. Today, approximately 200,000-250,000 Iranian Jews are estimated to live in Israel – the largest population followed by the United States with 60,000-80,000.

Fewer than 10,000 Persian Jews are estimated to still live in Iran, making up a small fraction of its population today.

Persian Jews in Iran faced persecution, including forced conversion to Islam and social restrictions.

Tensions arose from 1892 to 1910 through anti-Jewish programs, cul-

minating in an event that resulted in the deaths of 13 Jewish people and the near-starvation of 6,000 Jews in the city of Shiraz.

Anti-Jewish sentiments have continued in the country, despite their minority rights being protected.

Dershowitz said he would never negotiate with terrorists over hostages. He said this would pose risks to hostages, but weighed them against the risks of negotiations.

Dershowitz expressed his support of Israel, saying that its military is what provides Jewish people with the strength to survive.

“We need all the accoutrements of power, otherwise we will be relegated to the dustbins of history,” Dershowitz said.

Stellato, Charlop vying for park district seat Continued from Page 3 Charlop said the lack of attendants has also led to the parks getting dirtier, spending his personal time helping to pick up trash in the parks.

“I take these parks personally,” Charlop said. “My children were raised there and the neighborhood kids today deserve everything that my children enjoyed – and I’m happy to take that responsibility.

Stellato said that the district has a hard-working staff maintaining the parks and that if there are issues then the district is willing to listen to resident suggestions. She said that while not every park has attendants, the district does have maintenance crews that clean the parks regularly.

But that’s just the beginning of what he is witnessing unfolding at the parks, Charlop said.

He said that park sidewalks have deteriorated, becoming cracked and posing safety concerns, as well as

park facilities and amenities.

“Our senior citizens can’t walk safely around these parks,” Charlop said. “And the mothers can’t wheel their strollers around these parks, and I want that fixed and I want it fixed now.”

Stellato said the district has plans to resurface all of the basketball courts at the district’s parks in the southern region in the spring.

Charlop also said he has noticed a discrepancy in how parks in the southern parts of the Great Neck Park District, the area where he lives, are treated compared to parks in the northern region.

“There are six neighborhood parks that are located south of the train tracks, the Long Island Rail Road train tracks,” Charlop said.

“And one is more neglected than the next… and yet in the north end of the town, it’s Shangri-la, and they spend money like it’s going out of style.”

He said if elected, his efforts

would be in servicing the entirety of the park district.

“We are one park district,” Charlop said. “We’re not two.”

Stellato, also a resident of the southern region of the district, said the park district naturally has its major “destination” parks in the northern parts of the district, but upgrades and beautification continue at the southern parks – notably Upland Park.

“We’ll continue to pay attention to southside parks,” Stellato said. “ I would hope that residents see that we’re spreading the love and we certainly are paying attention to the southside.”

Charlop also criticized the park district’s spending decisions, pointing out its high-profile concerts with Flo Rida and Ne-Yo this year.

“But one has to question the fiscal responsibility of a board of commissioners that would support lavishing those kinds of dollars while

a number of parks are in disrepair,” Charlop said.

As a financial professional, Charlop also criticized the recent lease approved by the Great Neck Park District with Kings Point Park, with a yearly lease increase jumping from $35,000 to about $350,000 with additional funding for renovations.

Stellato said there are a lot of rumors about Kings Point, with many false statements being shared. She denied sharing specifics on the lease of Kings Point Park.

She said the park district was not in a lease agreement with Kings Point Park prior to the recent lease, and issue that pre-dated her time on the board.

Stellato said that despite the park lease increasing, the district is paying below the appraised value for the lease.

She said that while some residents are worried about the lease, a majority of feedback has been posi-

tive regarding the district being in a lease with the park and being able to make improvements.

“People from all over the park district enjoy Kings Point Park,” Stellato said. “We’re happy to be back in a lease with Kings Point. We’re happy to be able to make improvements that we couldn’t make for years because we hadn’t been in a lease. And we look forward to our residents’ continued enjoyment of the park.”

Eligible voters in the park district can vote from 1-9 p.m. on Dec. 12 at one of the three available polling locations based on their residence.

Residents in the park district’s first and second districts can vote at the Great Neck House at 14 Arrandale Ave. District 3 residents can vote at the Manhasset-Lakeville Fire Dept.

Co. #3 located at 25 Prospect St. District 4 residents can vote at Manhasset-Lakeville Firehouse #4 on Jayson Ave. and Northern Boulevard.

44 The Great Neck News, Friday, December 8, 2023

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PUBLIC HEARING INCORPORATED VILLAGE OF LAKE SUCCESS

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NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT a public hearing will be held by the Board of Appeals, Incorporated Village of Lake Success, NY in the Board Room of the Village of Lake Success, 318 Lakeville Road, on Monday, December 18, 2023, at 7:30 P.M. to consider the following application for a variance from the village zoning code.

Case No.2023-244, a request submitted by the owner, Mr. Philip Argyropoulos, 36 Meadow Woods Rd., Lake Success, NY 11020, also designated as Section 2, Block 282-5, Lot 148, for an appeal to construct a Driveway exceeding 20 Ft. maximum width & exceeding 35% of front yard, not permitted, pursuant to Section 105-12.3 and 105-C2(d)[1][b] Article XIX Chapter 105 of the Code of the Village of Lake Success.

Case No.2023-206 a request submitted by the owner, Mr. Aristidis Tzannetis, 14 West Woods Rd, Lake Success, NY 11020 also designated as Section 2, Block 282-4, Lot 16, for an appeal to install a swimming pool in a required front yard setback, not permitted, pursuant to Section 105-16A, Article V Chapter 105 of the Code of the Village of Lake Success.

The application and accompanying exhibits are on file in the office of the Village Clerk and may be inspected by interested parties during business hours.

At the time and place of the public hearing, all persons will be given an opportunity to be heard.

Those persons planning to attend any meeting of the Board of Appeals of the Village of Lake Success and who require listening devices and/or a sign language translator are requested to notify the Village Clerk no less than 48 hours prior to the meeting.

BY ORDER OF THE BOARD OF APPEALS OF THE VILLAGE OF LAKE SUCCESS David N. Milner, Chairperson Patrick E. Farrell, Administrator Dated: December 8, 2023 Lake Success, NY

Blank Slate Media has partnered with LocalEdge, the digital division of Hearst Publications, to answer all of your website and social media needs.

We can now bring you state-of-the-art digital services to our award-winning newspapers and expertise in the local market to help you grow your business. l Website design l Search engine optimization l Paid search marketing l Social media l Email marketing l Full motion video l Reputation management l Geo targeting/display advertising l All controlled by your very own online

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Manhasset Times Great Neck News Roslyn Times Port Washington Times Williston Times New Hyde Park Herald Courier

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, December 20, 2023 to consider any matters that may properly be heard by said Board, and will hold a public hearing on said date to consider applications and appeals. The following cases will be called at said public hearing starting at 10:00am.

APPEAL #21479 - Ezra Sternstein; 124 Old Mill Road, Great Neck; Section 2, Block 45, Lot 22; Zoned: Residence-A Variances from §§70-100.2(K) and 70-100.2(A)(2) to install a gas generator in a front yard and to legalize fencing in a front yard.

APPEAL #21487 - Rupert Yan; 96 Oxford Boulevard, Great Neck; Section 2, Block 353, Lot 12; Zoned: Residence-A Variances §§70-29 & 70-30.A & 70-208.F to construct a foyer on a non-conforming home that is too close to the street and makes the house too big.

Plans are available for public viewing at https://northhempsteadny.gov/ bza. Persons interested in viewing the full file may do so by any time before the scheduled hearing by contacting the BZA department via e-mail at BZAdept@northhempsteadny. gov. Additionally, the public may view the live stream of this meeting at https://northhempsteadny.gov/ townboardlive. Any member of the public is able to attend and participate in a BZA hearing by appearing on the scheduled date and time. Comments are limited to 3 minutes per speaker. Written comments are accepted by email up to 60 minutes prior to the hearing. Timely comment submissions will be made part of the record. DAVID MAMMINA, R.A., Chairman; Board of Zoning Appeals

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Notice of Formation of SPARK828 LLC. Articles of Organization filed with Secretary of State of NY (SSNY) on 2023-11-16. Office location: Nassau County. SSNY designated as agent of Limited Liability Company (LLC) upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY should mail process to SSNY: 10 BOND ST. STE 1, #493 GREAT NECK NY 11021.

Purpose: Any lawful purpose

Notice of Formation of Pennie Lane LLC. Articles of Organization filed with Secretary of State of NY (SSNY) on 2023-05-31. Office location: Nassau County. SSNY designated as agent of Limited Liability Company (LLC) upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY should mail process to Yelena Zangas: 286 Northern Boulevard Great Neck NY 11021.

Purpose: Any lawful purpose

PLEASE TAKE NOTICE THAT Congregation Shaare Yashar has made an application to the Board of Trustees for public assembly use, per 575170.9 Permits for Conditional and Special Permit Uses For a structure in the Business A District of the Village of Great Neck.

To convert existing second floor dwelling unit within a synagogue into place of public assembly.

At: Street Location 813 Middle Neck Road_ Owners Name: Congregation Shaare Yashar Described on the Nassau County Land & Tax Map as: Section 1 Block___106__Lot(s)__2-116___ Zone: Business A District A public meeting will be held by the Board of Trustees on this application in accordance with the procedures described in Section 575-170.9 of the Village Code at the Village Hall, 767 Middle Neck Rd, Great Neck, NY on December 19, 2023, at 7:30 P.M. The application and associated documentation are available for inspection, upon request, at Village Hall.

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45

Mazi Pilip calls for Hofstra’s Poser to resign Continued from Page 2 “President Poser’s public comments on the October 7 pogrom were every bit as condemnatory of Hamas as were the statements of other noteworthy leading university administrators,” Lavine said in a statement.

“Contrary to Blakeman’s ideation, her statement explicitly damned Hamas.”

Hewlett-based Rabbi Mordechai Kamenetzky, of Yeshiva of South Shore, said Lavine’s attack on Blakeman was deplorable.

“As a proud Jew, and the Presi-

dent of the New York Chapter of the National Association of Jewish Legislators, your defense of the President of Hofstra University, mitigating the severity of the brutal attacks, by labeling it as a ‘complex history of conflicting views’ is deplorable,” Kamenetzky

said in a statement.

Blakeman’s call for resignation came after Hofstra Hofstra’s challenge to Nassau’s approval of a 99-year lease to Las Vegas Sands to develop a casino, hotel and resort at the Nassau Coliseum that he favored.

A State Supreme Court judge in November voided the 99-year lease agreement that permitted Las Vegas Sands to develop a $4 billion casino and entertainment project at the site of the Nassau Coliseum property in Uniondale.

G.N. heads to the polls for 2 competitive races Continued from Page 2 She said she has a “dual perspective” that she brings to the board from being both a resident and a former employee of the district.

Stellato said she initially ran in 2017 as a woman and a mother of two kids, saying the board had not included a commissioner with that background when she ran.

Some highlights Stellato shared from her time as commissioner included keeping parks open and services available during the pandemic – and

doing it safely. She said she also helped establish pickleball at Allenwood Park and acquire additional parkland for the first time in years She said she is seeking re-election to continue her efforts in moving the district forward, bringing further engagement between the residents and the district and its parks.

“I think I’ve been a great catalyst for change,” Stellato said.

Charlop, a lifelong resident of the Great Neck Park District, is a Wall Street broker dealer, serving as the

managing director of Rosenblatt Securities. He has a Ph.D in business, specializing in organization and management that he received from Capella University.

He said he was raised playing at Cutter Mill Park and is looking to bring his passion for neighborhood parks to the board to serve his community.

“Just like the volunteer fireman does what he can hauling ladders and hoses and the ambulance drivers do what they can as volunteers…I figured it was time for me to re-engage with

the community,” Charlop said.

He said he was inspired to run for the position of park commissioner after witnessing what he said were questionable inequities within the park district.

Charlop criticized what he sees as disproportionate treatment between parks in the northern region of the district vs. parks in the southern region, with the southern parks falling into disrepair while the district hosts concerts with high-profile musicians.

“We are one park district,” Charlop

said. “We’re not two.”

Eligible voters in the park district can vote from 1-9 p.m. on Dec. 12 at one of the three available polling locations based on their residence.

Residents in the park district’s first and second districts can vote at the Great Neck House at 14 Arrandale Ave. District 3 residents can vote at the Manhasset-Lakeville Fire Dept. Co. #3 located at 25 Prospect St. District 4 residents can vote at Manhasset-Lakeville Firehouse #4 on Jayson Ave. & Northern Blvd.

Town Dems OK $3.8M for bay dredging Continued from Page 4 equitable agreement,” McDonough said. “The agreement is both fair and equitable to the union members, the Town of North Hempstead and responsible to the taxpayers of the town, which a number of our employees are.”

DeSena, Lurvey and Dalimonte commended the union for their hard work and dedication to the town, with Dalimonte calling them the “backbone of the town.”

The town board also continued a public hearing over the expansion plans for the Hillside Islamic Center because town board mem-

bers did not have the most recent update to the application before them while the applicants did.

It will be re-heard at the Jan. 9 meeting next month.

Tuesday night was also the final board meeting for Democrats Peter Zuckerman and Veronica Lurvey.

Zuckerman, of East Hills, joined the board in 2014 to fill the unfinished term of Thomas Dwyer, who resigned from the board to take a job in the private sector. He will be replaced

by Republican Edward Scott to represent the town’s 2nd Councilmanic District.

“I’ve had the pleasure of being a councilman here and having the best workforce that any place could ever have,” Zuckerman said.

“I have to thank the residents of the Town of North Hempstead who put their faith in me and having me serve in a position of public trust is really the highest honor. I appreciate it very much.”

Zuckerman went on to thank all members of the town board he worked with during his time and wished the new board members, Scott and Democrat Christine Liu, the best of luck.

Lurvey, of Great Neck, has served the town’s 4th Councilmanic District since being elected in

2019. She was taken out of her current district due to redistricting last year and ran for North Hempstead receiver of taxes, which was won

by Republican Mary Jo Collins. Her vacant seat was won by Liu. “It has been an honor and privilege to serve the residents of District 4,” Lurvey said. “I want you all to know that I have taken this position very seriously and it has really been one of the most important, influential and challenging tasks that I have ever set myself to.”

46 Blank Slate Media Newspapers, Friday, December 8, 2023

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READERS WRITE

More housing, more problems? It’s time to do our part

T

his past April, the New York State Legislature decided Long Island’s housing stock is just fine.

A plan pushed by the Office of Gov. Kathy Hochul, dubbed the New York Housing Compact, would have grown the supply of homes in our communities by 3% over the first three years and led to changes allowing more homes near our commuter rail hubs.

Although proponents of local control celebrated the proposal’s demise, problems that led to the plan’s development are alive and well.

Long Island is experiencing more demand for housing than there is supply. Young people looking to build their careers are looking beyond the island’s shores for an affordable place to build livelihoods for themselves.

Gov. Hochul’s plan would have been a step in the right direction; we can’t afford to turn a blind eye to our housing crisis any longer.

New York needs to take action to make sure

the home we cherish is not out of reach for the next generation of Long Islanders.

Young people are leaving Long Island, and not necessarily by choice.

Both Nassau and Suffolk Counties recently set record high median home prices, at $730,000 and $590,000, respectively, according to appraisal firm Miller Samuel.

Only 5,000 houses across the island were for sale at that time, down from the 15,000 to 20,000 usually on the market.

Real estate agents note that homes are selling very quickly after going on the market, regardless of age or condition. Now, with mortgage rates climbing well over 7%, homebuyers already struggling with the purchase price of a home are being shut out entirely by lenders.

In a study published in 2019 by the Rauch Foundation, nearly 70 percent of young adults said they plan to leave within the next five years; cost of living was among the chief reasons for making that decision, with housing be-

ing a major component.

The U.S. Census Bureau defines being “cost-burdened” when a resident is spending over 30% of their income on housing, and according to Molloy College, over half of Long Island renters are facing that situation.

Despite the backlash the plan received, the new regulations would not have imposed a great deal of development on suburban communities.

Per the New York Times, 80% of communities close to New York City would need to add less than 50 units in three years, a modest increase.

Municipalities would have funding infusions from the onset, including $20 million in project planning grants and $250 million in infrastructure funding provided by New York State, which could kickstart long-stalled local projects.

New York City Mayor Eric Adams announced in September a plan to create 100,000

more housing units within the city, using methods like removing parking minimums and allowing accessory units.

The mayor’s goal is to create “a little more housing in every neighborhood.” Essentially, everyone must do their part.

The New York metro is not alone in its housing struggles. Nearby states like Massachusetts and Connecticut have enacted similar proposals with promising results, seeing increases in affordable housing supply and total units.

Gov. Hochul will not give up on this fight, either; her administration will bring this to the table once again when the legislature meets in 2024.

The time to do our part on Long Island is now. By supporting the New York Housing Compact, we can ensure an affordable future right here at home.

Brenden Resnick Mineola

Vote for Mark Berger for G.N. water commissioner

I

am writing this letter to endorse Mark Berger as an ideal candidate for the position of Water Pollution Control District commissioner.

Having known Mark personally and observed his dedication to environmental causes, I am confident that he possesses the qualities necessary to excel in this vital role.

Mark has consistently demonstrated a

deep commitment to environmental issues, with a particular focus on ensuring clean water for our community.

In addition to his environmental advocacy, Mark’s leadership skills have been evident in various community roles, including coaching his son’s soccer team.

I have witnessed firsthand his ability to motivate and inspire others, fostering a

sense of teamwork and collaboration.

These qualities, coupled with his genuine concern for the welfare of our community, make Mark an outstanding candidate for the Commissioner position.

I firmly believe that Mark Berger’s combination of environmental consciousness, leadership abilities, and community-focused mindset will make a significant positive im-

pact on the Great Neck Water Pollution Control District.

I wholeheartedly endorse him and encourage the residents of our community to cast their votes in support of Mark for Commissioner.

Justin Maze Great Neck

OUR VIEWS

Blakeman’s shameful attack on Hofstra’s president Continued from Page 12 The expansion of settlements is also a growing obstacle to the two-state solution that the Biden administration and most in the Middle East see as the only path toward long-term peace between Israel and Palestinians.

How do we know that Blakeman was playing politics with the agreement with Judea and Samaria? He told us.

In a press release in 2022, Blakeman said he was joined in announcing the agreement by thenCongressman Lee Zeldin, the Republican candidate for governor whose district did not include Nassau County.

Blakeman concluded his press release by noting that “Nassau County is home to approximately 230,000 Jewish residents, including some of the largest synagogues in the United States.”

And then added for good measure that he is

Nassau’s first Jewish county executive and Congressman Zeldin is one of two Jewish Republicans in Congress.

The problem with this is that Jewish MAGA supporters in Nassau, while they have grown in influence in places like Great Neck, do not represent most Jews in Nassau. Or this country.

President Joe Biden received 77% of the Jewish vote in 2020 and leads by a similar margin over Trump now. American Jews also tend to

support a two-state solution that would provide peace and dignity to Israelis and Palestinians.

Like Netanyahu, Blakeman has yet to explain how Israel can remain both a Jewish state and a democratic state with a one-state solution in which Muslims would eventually outnumber Jews.

What is clear is that Blakeman is playing politics with Israel’s war against Hamas and is willing to make Poser another innocent victim.

50 Blank Slate Media Newspapers, Friday, December 8, 2023

SPORTS WWW.THEISLAND360.COM

MANFREDI EYES TITLE Star Herricks wrestler Joe Manfredi seeks to go out on top

BY M I C H A E L J . L E W I S He could feel it. He could sense it. He could see it.

As Herricks High School senior Joe Manfredi went through wrestling season last year, he knew what other people thought.

He’s not much into music, but if he was, Manfredi’s theme song could’ve been the title of an old Tupac Shakur tune: “All Eyez On Me.” Manfredi was coming off an absolutely incredible 2021-22 season when as a sophomore he was utterly dominant. The then-112-pound grappler won all 51 of his matches and snared the first individual state title for a Highlanders wrestler in 15 years.

He was on top, and everyone knew it. Heck, his picture is on a wall in Herricks High School, reminding all who walk by on the way to biology class or the lunchroom of the epic accomplishment Manfredi achieved.

To go undefeated and win a state title is usually the culmination of a career, not the midpoint. So how do you possibly follow up a year like that?

“There was a lot of pressure, mental pressure I put on myself and pressure I felt from other people,” Manfredi said before a recent practice, as the new wrestling season got underway. “And then I wasn’t happy with my weight, and I hit some adversity, and then I made some poor choices … I just didn’t like what I was doing.”

For just about anyone else, Manfredi’s junior season would’ve been incredible. He went 41-2 at the 126-pound weight class and reached the semifinals at the Nassau County Championships in early February.

“This is a kid who’s had eyes on him since he made varsity in seventh grade, and everyone knows how good he is and therefore he gets everyone’s best shot,” said Herricks coach Eric Goldberg. “And he has set the standard so high, it became like, ‘it’s not enough just to win, he has to win emphatically, or dominate.’ It’s a lot to deal with.”

As the season wore on last year, Manfredi said he could feel himself getting tired easier in matches.

A wrestler known for his immense stamina suddenly was gasping for air on the mat. Covid tests kept coming up negative, but finally, after losing to eventual state finalist Joseph Clem of

PHOTO COURTESY OF HERRICKS HS.

Herricks senior Joe Manfredi, top, won a state title in 2022, and is looking to repeat the feat this winter.

Wantagh at counties, he knew he had to get thoroughly checked out.

Multiple tests revealed Manfredi had mononucleosis, and an enlarged spleen to go with it. Doctors told him he couldn’t have any physical activity for three months, so a chance to defend his state title was gone.

“I just felt like I had no energy and it didn’t feel good,” Manfredi said. “My stamina was destroyed.”

After a spring and summer recuperating and regaining his strength, expect Manfredi to be back to his dominating self.

Now in his sixth year on the Highlanders’ varsity team, Manfredi continues to show why he was such a highly-rated recruit. He’s got remarkable technical knowledge of the sport (asked to name something he does when he’s not wrestling, his immediate first response is “watch film and watch college wrestling matches”), and his quickness and ability to exploit any small weakness in any opponent is as good as any Herricks wrestler has had, Goldberg said.

Manfredi’s career match record is 188-8.

“Not to sound arrogant, but we know how great he is, so when he wasn’t quite himself last year, you could tell things were off,” Goldberg said. “He just knows so much about wrestling and can understand exactly what goes wrong when it does.”

This season, both Manfredi and Goldberg said the wrestler seems more relaxed, and more stress-free.

He made his college decision over the summer, choosing to compete for traditional powerhouse Arizona State, in Tempe, Ariz, with Manfredi citing the beautiful campus and great rapport he felt with Sun Devils coaches as his primary reasons for picking the school.

He’s in a weight class he’s now comfortable in (152 pounds) and has a career goal of one day working for the FBI like one of his uncles does.

“I’m in a better place, and I just want to dominate every match,” Manfredi said. “States, state qualifiers, Eastern states, everything. Just keep my training up, stay healthy, and score a lot of quick points.”

“We just want him having fun with this sport, and he seems to be having more fun right now,” Goldberg added. “We try to keep it light and he seems to have a clear head right now. I think he’s going to have a great year.”

The Great Neck News, Friday, December 8, 2023

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