Great Neck News 2023_12_29

Serving Great Neck, G.N. Plaza, G.N. Estates, Kensington, Kings Point, Lake Success, Russell Gardens, Saddle Rock and Thomaston

$1.50

Friday, December 29, 2023

Vol. 98, No. 52

HEALTH, WELLNESS AND BEAUTY GUIDE

DANIEL NACHMANOFF DIES

HOCHUL SIGNS EVEN-YEAR ELECTION LEGISLATION

PAGES 19-22

PAGE 2

PAGE 6

Restoring Civil War history

C U LT U R A L H E R I TA G E N I G H T

Local Boy Scout reveals lost tombs

BY C A M E RY N O A K ES A local Boy Scout uncovered history lost through the passage of time and the build-up of dirt over more than 150 years after recovering the tombstones of two Civil War Union soldiers buried in a Great Neck cemetery.

“I was just really amazed at first,” Boy Scout Sam Fong said upon discovering the tombstones. “When I first started this project, I didn’t even know there were Civil War veterans buried there, veterans from that far back in history.”

A Great Neck South High School student, Fong, who is 15, has been scouting since the first grade and joined the Boy Scouts in sixth grade.

His efforts to uncover these one-forgotten tombs were part of a community service project for the organization.

Fong, a Life Scout ranking, said this community service project is an initiative for him to increase in rank to Eagle Scout, the highest ranking available in the Boy Scouting program.

The scout took on this community service project after being inspired by his leader, Donald Panetta, who was aware of the need to clean these tombs. This in tandem with his appreciation for his grandfather – a Navy man in the Korean War – led to Fong’s taking on the task.

Continued on Page 37

PHOTO COURTESY OF GREAT NECK PUBLIC SCHOOLS

South High School celebrated its annual Cultural Heritage Night earlier this month. This popular event showcases student performances that reflect the many diverse cultures represented within the school community.

Attorney to review library policies Board approves hiring as part of settlement of board appointment lawsuit

BY C A M E RY N O A K ES The Great Neck Library Board of Trustees made steps in implementing its settlement agreement following its lawsuit over a vacant board of trustees seat in 2021 and the processes used to fill it.

“My goal as president was to resolve that lawsuit; it started before I got here,” Board President Rory Lanc-

man said. “And we did that.”

The dispute originated when Chelsea Sassouni resigned in September 2021, leaving a vacant seat on the board.

Under the library’s bylaws, the nominating committee that endorses candidates was required to present two or more names to the board within a 60-day window. Once names were provided by the committee, the board would then select one of the two options.

A lawsuit was filed by Trustee Barry Smith in Nassau County Supreme Court on Jan. 3, 2022, alleging that the board’s appointment of Jenni Lurman, who was not nominated by the committee, constituted “malfea-

sance, misconduct, and a breach of their fiduciary duty and contract with the library membership.”

The library filed a lawsuit against nominating committee members Marietta DiCamillo and Marianna Wohlgemuth as well as Smith.

All charges against the library were dropped, but within the settlement, the board and committee must review nomination committee bylaws with a neutral lawyer present and adopt a policy and process for removing a trustee.

The Board of Trustees Thursday night voted to approve the review of the board’s nominating committee policy by an independent lawyer pursuant to the lawsuit’s settlement

agreement.

Lancman said during litigation, one of the issues was determining whether the nominating committee’s policy to fill a vacant seat is legal.

He said the attorney will determine whether the nominating committee’s policies are consistent with the bylaws and applicable laws.

The hiring of an attorney to review the policy will cost the library $5,000.

In other news, Trustee Liman Mimi Hu presented a resolution not on the agenda to unapprove a partnership agreement between the library and community organizations, which was met with pushback from Lancman.

The resolution was ultimately passed.

Continued on Page 38

2

The Great Neck News, Friday, December 29, 2023

GN

Public servant Daniel Vigilant hires 1st Nachmanoff dies at 89 female EMS chief Former G.N. Park District commish, Russell Gardens mayor

Amanda Molina, 24, makes history

BY C A M E RY N O A K ES

BY C A M E RY N O A K ES

Daniel Nachmanoff, a public servant and dedicated family man who served in pivotal leadership roles in Great Neck, died Dec. 16. He was 89.

While the cause of Nachmanoff’s death was not specified, he was described as having passed away peacefully in his Floral Park home.

He is survived by his three children, Elena, Dara and Ari, as well as his seven grandchildren. His death follows that of his wife, Gloria, who died Feb. 9 at the age of 88.

Daniel Nachmanoff’s presence was of note in Great Neck, where he served as the mayor of the Village of Russell Gardens for six years, president of the Great Neck Village Officials Association for two years and as commissioner of the Great Neck Park District for six years until he left the office in 2017. Of note was also his commitment to and involvement with Temple Israel of Great Neck.

His public service went beyond Great Neck, though, including his position as director of inter-governmental relations for former County Executive Tom Suozzi.

Nachmanoff was born in the Bronx in 1934 where he played stickball and basketball with his brother.

He attended the Bronx High School of Science.

He later attended New York University to study history and play on their basketball team. Nachmanoff then attended dental school, also at New York University.

“Both in college and in dental school, Dan’s gregarious charm won him many lifelong friends,” his obituary states.

Nachmanoff met his wife while they both were working in the Catskills in the summer of 1953. They married four years later.

He served as an officer in the United States Army, where he used his dental skills to provide service to the military men, while stationed in Neubrucke, West Germany.

Amanda Molina made history in Great Neck’s Vigilant Engine Hook & Ladder Company this month as the department’s first woman to serve as its emergency medical services chief — a milestone in the department’s 119-year history.

Molina, 24, has been working for the Vigilant Company for seven years, becoming Sergeant of Arms after one year of service. From there she continued to work up the ranks, serving as EMS 2nd Lieutenant and EMS Captain.

But while her work in the department started seven years ago when she was 17, the Vigilant Engine Hook & Ladder Company has been a part of her life for most of it.

“I knew I wanted to do it way before then, but when I turned 17 I could finally do it,” Molina said.

Molina’s mother, Kimberly, joined the department when she was just 8 years old and she is now serving as the organization’s treasurer.

“The passion came from her,” Molina said about her mother. “If I hadn’t seen that passion when I was

younger, I probably wouldn’t have made it this far.”

Growing up within the department, Molina would attend all the social events and be around the department from a young age.

“So I kind of grew up here,” Molina said.

She described her time working for the department as a rollercoaster, but worth it all in all.

“A lot of ups, a lot downs,” Molina said. “But honestly being here I’ve met so many amazing people and I’ve helped the community in so many ways I never thought I’d be able to.”

As the first female EMS chief, Molina described being a part of the department’s history as crazy and amazing. But with the landmark appointment, she said it still has its challenges.

“It’s definitely a little difficult sometimes being the only girl in a room and having people try to listen to you,” Molina said. “People don’t really want to listen immediately.”

As a woman in a male-dominated workplace, she said it can be hard to command the attention she Continued on Page 37

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE ISLAND360 ARCHIVES

Daniel Nachmanoff, known for his various roles serving Great Neck, died peacefully in his home Dec. 16.

“Those years were among the happiest in Dan and Gloria’s life as they fed their hunger for travel and new experiences, which characterized their long and joyful marriage,” his obituary states.

Upon moving back to the States, Nachmanoff opened his own dental practice in Queens where he was known as “the painless dentist.”

Nachmanoff moved to Great Neck in 1969. This was noted as the beginning of his interest in serving his local and Jewish communities.

He was known for his love of

traveling and visited nearly every continent with the exclusion of Antarctica. He and his wife were also devoted patrons of the opera and could be seen dancing at the Lincoln Center on warm summer nights.

“He was a fun-loving husband, father, uncle, and grandfather, to whom family was of the utmost importance,” according to his obituary.

Nachmanoff’s service was held at Temple Israel of Great Neck on Wednesday. Shiva was observed at his home Wednesday and will continue through Thursday.

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE VIGILANT ENGINE HOOK & LADDER COMPANY

facebook.com/theisland360

@theisland360

Amanda Molina was appointed as the Vigilant Engine Hook & Ladder Company’s first female EMS chief.

TO REACH US MAIL: 22 Planting Field Road Roslyn Heights, NY 11577

DISPLAY ADVERTISING: Steven Blank 516-307-1045 x201 sblank@theisland360.com

SUBSCRIPTIONS: Sue Tabakin 516-307-1045 x206 stabakin@theisland360.com

CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING: Deborah Flynn 516-307-1045 x218 dflynn@theisland360.com

EDITORIAL:

Editorial Submissions: theisland360.com/submit-news/ • Deadline for submissions 5pm Mondays Event Submission: theisland360.com/local-events/ Great Neck News: Cameryn Oakes 516-307-1045 x214 • coakes@theisland360.com New Hyde Park Herald Courier: Brandon Duffy 516-307-1045 x215 • bduffy@theisland360.com Manhasset Times: Brandon Duffy 516-307-1045 x215 • bduffy@theisland360.com Roslyn Times: Cameryn Oakes 516-307-1045 x214 • coakes@theisland360.com Williston Times: Brandon Duffy 516-307-1045 x215 • bduffy@theisland360.com Port Washington Times: Cameryn Oakes 516-307-1045 x214 • coakes@theisland360.com

GREAT NECK NEWS (USPS#227-400) is published weekly by Blank Slate Media LLC, 22 Planting Field Road, Roslyn Heights, NY, 11577, (516) 307-1045. The entire contents of this publication are copyright 2023. All rights reserved. The newspaper will not be liable for errors appearing in any advertising beyond the cost of the space occupied by the error. Periodicals postage paid at Williston Park, NY. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to the Great Neck News, C/O Blank Slate Media LLC, 22 Planting Field Road, Roslyn Heights, NY, 11577.

The Great Neck News, Friday, December 29, 2023

GN

3

Suozzi takes CD3 campaign to Israel Dem nominee advocates for release of hostages, says he supports two-state solution for Israel, Palestinians

BY C A M E RY N O A K ES While on a trip to Israel to show his support for the country amid war with Hamas, Democratic candidate for New York’s 3rd Congressional District Tom Suozzi said there are two goals he has: release all the Israeli hostages and stop Hamas.

“This is not about revenge, this is not about retribution,” Suozzi said.

“This is about stopping an evil actor from continuing their evil behavior. And it’s going to be hard and we can’t lose our resolve as the weeks and months go by.”

Suozzi is running against Nassau County Legislator Mazi Melesa Pilip (R-Great Neck), in a special election on Tuesday, Feb. 13, 2024, to finish out the term of George Santos, who was expelled from Congress earlier this month.

Pilip is a former member of a Israel Defense Forces paratrooper unit who worked with weapons.

Suozzi, who arrived in Tel Aviv Thursday night, answered questions from reporters in a Zoom conference while streaming from Jerusalem Friday.

He said the purpose of his trip, which was funded by his campaign, was to show solidarity with Israel and Jewish people during the war.

“I’ve always had a philosophy that you have to go and see what’s happening on the ground, whether it’s a local issue or an international issue,” Suozzi said.

He advocated for the release of the Israeli hostage and expressed his support of Israel to stop Hamas, saying that it is the ultimate goal.

“They have to be stopped,” Suozzi said. “Hamas has to be stopped.”

Suozzi went on to denounce claims that Hamas is a thrown-together fighter group, continuing calls to stop the terrorist group. He said disinformation has been spread over the years that has contributed to sympathy and support for Hamas.

“This is a sophisticated, disciplined terror army that is set on destroying Israel and killing Jews,” Suozzi said.

“And that’s their mission.”

He said despite the humanitarian issues associated with war, he supports Israel in its efforts to stop Hamas.

“It’s awful,” Suozzi said. “But Hamas has to be stopped.

He said he supports a two-state solution for Israel and Palestinians, saying it is the “ideal” to be aspired for, but the issue lies in who will run a state of Palestine without causing further issues.

“My dream on this particular issue is that there would be a two-state

PHOTO COURTESY OF WIKIMEDIA COMMONS

Former U.S. Rep. Tom Suozzi.

solution one day,” Suozzi said. “The question is how to get there… but right now it’s not going to happen with Hamas.”

When asked about the settler violence issue in the West Bank, Suozzi denied to comment because he said he wasn’t informed enough and that there could be a disinformation campaign regarding it.

Suozzi said that while he is facing up against a Jewish candidate in the special race for New York’s 3rd Congressional District, a district with a large population of Jewish people, he said he has many campaign surrogates who are assisting him in connecting with these voters.

“I’m going to do it the way I’ve always done it,” Suozzi said, referring to his past successful campaigns in the district.

In regards to Muslim-American voters and potentially deterring their vote due to his strong stance in support of Israel, Suozzi said that he has close relationships with the Muslim community and has a history of supporting issues concerning them and hiring Muslim-American staff members.

He said he has been talking to them and will continue to talk with them throughout his campaign.

Continued on Page 38

4

The Great Neck News, Friday, December 29, 2023

GN

N. Shore schools rank at top of N.Y. exams Great Neck Public Schools No. 13 in English state tests for grades 3-8, No. 5 in Nassau County

BY B R A N D ON D U FF Y The East Williston School District earned top rankings across New York state out of 661 schools for the percentage of students in grades 3-9 who are proficient in math and English, according to data from the state Department of Education.

The district is joined by the North Shore Central School District, Manhasset, Great Neck, Herricks, Roslyn and New Hyde Park-Garden City Park as districts on the North Shore to rank highly among the state in either assessment.

The education department earlier this month reported district scores for students statewide who participated in spring tests last school year under new learning guidelines known as “Next Generation.” The new guidelines were adopted in 2017 and enacted this year, replacing the previous Common Core guidelines.

Annual testing on the new standards started in April and ended in May with the math exams.

This year’s data were released three months later than last year and a news release was not issued when it was published.

PHOTO COURTESY OF WIKIMEDIA COMMONS Statewide, 52% of students in grades 3 through 8 were proficient in math, the data The New York State Education Department released test scores on state math and shows, while 48% of students in the same English exams earlier this month. grades were proficient in English.

Because this is the first year of new learning standards, the education department said this similar statements in the previous years due to In English, East Williston was tied with year’s test results are not comparable to prior the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and re- Scarsdale for the highest percentage of proyears due to changes. The department made mote learning. ficiency in the state at 86%. North Shore and

Manhasset were tied for third with 85%, Great Neck was ranked No. 13 with 81%, Hericks was tied at No. 15 with 80%, Roslyn was tied at No. 21 with 77% and New Hyde Park-Garden City Park was tied at No. 27 with 74%.

In math, East Williston was No. 1 in the state with 93%, North Shore was tied at No. 5 with 91%, Herricks was tied at No. 9 with 89%, Roslyt and Manhasset were tied at No. 11 with 88% and New Hyde Park-Garden City Park was No. 24 with 84%.

For English proficiency in Nassau County schools, Sewanhaka is ranked No. 17 with 68% proficiency, Port Washington tied at No. 19 with 66%, Floral Park-Bellerose tied at No. 23 and Mineola ranked No. 45 with 51%.

For math proficiency in the county, Sewanhaka ranked at No. 15 with 79% proficiency, Floral Park-Bellerose tied at No. 23 with 74% and Mineola at No. 33 with 64%. Great Neck and Port did not have any data available for math proficiency.

Additional data, which breaks down proficiencies for specific schools, grades and other student variables can be found online at the education department’s website.

Queens Dem charged with submitting fake ballots

BY B R A N D ON D U FF Y

PHOTO COURTESY OF WIKIMEDIA COMMONS

Abdul Rahman, 32, pleaded not guilty to falsifying business records, criminal possession of a forged instrument and other crimes for allegedly submitting false absentee ballots.

A Floral Park man received a 140-count indictment Tuesday for allegedly casting 20 absentee ballots that belonged to other voters during the 2022 Democratic primary election, Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz said.

Abdul Rahman, 32, pleaded not guilty to falsifying business records, criminal possession of a forged instrument and other crimes related to submitting false absentee ballots.

Rahman faces up to seven years in prison if convicted.

“Every vote has to count. Election integrity is the foundation of a viable, working democracy. We will vigorously prosecute anyone who threatens in any way to undermine that integrity,” Katz said in a statement. “To investigate and prosecute anyone for voter fraud takes time and resources I am willing to commit. I thank my Public Corruption Bureau and the Board of Elections and for their important work on this case. The integrity of elections will be upheld in this borough.”

Rahman in 2022 ran an unsuc-

cessful campaign to become the judicial delegate in Assembly District 38 two months before the ballots were allegedly cast.

Prosecutors did not say who Rahman voted for with the ballots or what race the alleged fraud occurred in. Only a state Senate seat was on the ballot in Richmond Hill that primary cycle.

Authorities said they became aware of the alleged crimes once Jordan Sandke, a resident in the Richmond Hills neighborhood of Queens, tried to cast his ballot on Aug. 23, 2022, before being told he could not because an absentee ballot had already been requested in his name.

A later investigation discovered that a ballot was requested in Sanke’s name on Aug. 1 that year and designated Rahman to pick it up on his behalf, Katz said.

Sandke never submitted an absentee ballot application, met Rahman or authorized him to pick up the ballot on his behalf, Katz said.

Rahman allegedly dropped off 118 absentee ballots to the Queens County Board of Elections on Aug. 8, 2022, that all said he was designated

to pick up the ballots on the voters’ behalf, Katz said. 32 of the ballots were approved and picked up the next day.

Rahman faces 20 counts of criminal possession of a forged instrument in the second degree, 20 counts of falsifying business records in the first degree, 20 counts of offering a false instrument for filing in the first degree, 20 counts of criminal possession of a forged instrument in the third degree, 20 counts of falsifying business records in the second degree, 20 counts of offering a false instrument for filing in the second degree and 20 counts of illegal voting.

Rahman is due in court on Jan. 30, 2024.

Queens Board of Elections Deputy Supervisor Vincent Ignizio said commended the district attorney’s office for investigating the case and bringing it to an indictment.

“Protecting our democracy and the elections process is the responsibility of all Americans – and the Board is grateful to District Attorney Melinda Katz and her staff for all of their efforts in this investigation,” Ignizio said.

­

The Great Neck News, Friday, December 29, 2023

GN

5

Keiserman running for Martins’ Senate seat Port Dem screened alongside outgoing Legislator Josh Lafazan, Library President Rory Lancman

BY B R A N D ON D U FF Y

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE CANDIDATE

Kim Keiserman, of Port Washington.

Port Washington’s Kim Keiserman, a Democrat who serves on the North Hempstead Housing Authority Board of Commissioners, announced Tuesday that she is running for the 7th Senate District next year on the Democratic Party line.

The district, which includes much of the North Shore and the Town of Oyster Bay as far east as Woodbury, is currently represented by Republican Sen. Jack Martins, who flipped the district in 2022.

“Long Islanders deserve a seat at the table to make sure our voices are heard,” Keiserman said in a statement. “I am committed to ensuring that our district thrives by prioritizing great public schools, a healthy environment, women’s rights and sensible gun laws while also working to ensure that Long Island is a safe, affordable, welcoming community for all.”

Keiserman, a Port Washington resident since 2001, works as an education consultant and is the chairwoman of the Baxter Estates Planning Board. She also is co-president of the Baxter’s Pond Foundation and president of the Port Washington Democratic Club.

She plans to advocate for increased public school funding, sensible gun policies and combatting climate change to “create a future that reflects shared aspirations and ensures a fair, inclusive, and prosperous Long Island for all,” her campaign said.

Keiserman is one of many who have been recently screened by the party for the seat, according to Newsday.

Outgoing Nassau County Legislator Josh Lafazan, Great Neck Library President Rory Lancman, a former state Assemblymember in Queens, and Zak Malamed, an activist from Great Neck, have also been screened for the seat, according to Newsday.

There are currently 63 state senators with Democrats holding a 42-21 advantage over Republicans. The only Democratic senator from Nassau County, the 6th Senate District’s Kevin Thomas of Levvittown, is running for the 4th Congressional District after being redistricted out of his Senate district and will not run for re-election.

Keiserman lives in Port Washington with her husband, John, and two daughters. She has a bachelor’s and master’s degree from the College of William & Mary.

Steinway & Sons Temple Beth Sholom in opens in Manhasset solidarity with Israel COMMUNITY NEWS

BY B R A N D ON D U FF Y

Steinway & Sons, the luxury piano retailer and manufacturer, opened its new Long Island showroom on Northern Boulevard in Manhasset earlier this month.

The new storefront, which offers new and used pianos, takes the place of a location in Melville, which closed last fall after 15 years amid an effort to make the brand more modern and visible to younger consumers.

The showroom is located approximately a mile from the Americana Manhasset in the shopping district known as the Miracle Mile.

“The Long Island area is home to a vibrant musical culture, and after a brief period without a gallery in this area, it is exciting to see Steinway celebrate its New York roots with our new Long Island showroom,” Gavin English, president of Steinway & Sons Americas, said in a statement.

Steinway & Sons was founded in 1853 by German piano maker Henry Engelhard Steinway. The company has since become synonymous with expert craftsmanship and brand-new pianos from them cost about $100,000. Steinway also designs pianos for a less expensive brand name, Boston and Essex, which cost on average $35,000 and $12,000, respectively.

The new Manhasset location becomes the 17th company-owned store in the United States alongside 11 in Europe, nine in Asia and approximately 100 stores that sell Steinway’s from independent retailers.

Hours for the gallery located at 1488 Northern Blvd., in Manhasset, are Monday, Thursday,

PHOTO COURTESY OF STEINWAY & SONS

The Steinway Piano Gallery Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 5 p.m. More information can be found at 631-424-0525 or www.steinwaylongisland.com.

facebook.com/theisland360

@theisland360

Congregants from Temple Beth Sholom of Roslyn Heights will be joining members of two other Long Island synagogues on a solidarity mission to Israel on Feb. 4-9, 2024, which is open to people beyond the congregation.

TBS’s Senior Rabbi Joshua Ben-Gideon will be one of the three rabbis leading the mission. He participated in a rabbinical mission to Israel just a few weeks after Hamas’s horrific attack on Oct. 7 and said that Israelis were very grateful that the U.S. rabbis came during such a traumatic time.

“Our purpose on the February mission will be to bring love and support to the Israeli people,” he said. “We’ll visit families impacted by the massacre and contribute to the rebuilding of damaged areas by volunteering.” He added that he expects the trip to be fast paced and intense both physically and emotionally.

TBS’s Cantor Ofer Barnoy also recently returned from a cantors’ mission, where the group visited Israelis who were traumatized by the attack and toured devastated communities. They listened and empathized with heart-

Temple Beth Sholom’s Cantor Ofer Barnoy, left, and Rabbi Joshua Ben-Gideon spoke to congregants about their experiences on separate solidarity missions to Israel this fall and showed photos from their trips. broken families whose loved ones were killed, injured, or taken hostage, and tried to lift their spirits through music.

Temple Beth Sholom has engaged its congregants in writing hundreds of supportive letters to members of the Israel Defense Forces and encouraged donations to the temple’s Israel Emergency Fund.

Members have raised

$400,000 to help displaced Israelis and communities decimated by the massacre. Congregants also participated in the March for Israel in Washington, D.C., on November 14, which drew a crowd of 300,000.

For more information about the February solidarity mission to Israel, please contact Temple Beth Sholom at 516-621-2288.

6

Blank Slate Media Newspapers, Friday, December 29, 2023

Hochul signs even year election law

BY B R A N D ON DUFFY

WISHING ALL OF OUR READERS, FRIENDS AND SUPPORTERS

Happy New Year

Gov. Kathy Hochul signed a new law Friday that will change most local elections to even years to improve voter turnout.

Hochul also announced her support for a future state constitutional amendment to align all election dates.

“Every eligible New Yorker deserves the right to participate in the democratic process without unnecessary barriers,” Hochul said in a statement.

“By signing this legislation, we are taking a significant step towards expanding access to the ballot box and promoting a more inclusive democracy.”

The legislation, sponsored

by Democratic state Sen. James Skoufis (D-Newburgh) and state Assemblymember Amy Paulin (D-Westchester), goes into effect in 2025 and affects elected offices outside of New York City and all elections for which the dates can be changed through legislative action.

Officials elected after Jan. 1, 2025, would have their terms shortened to match up with the even-year election cycle.

“Studies have consistently shown that voter turnout is the highest on the November Election Day in even-numbered years when elections for state and/or federal offices are held,” according to the legisla-

tion.

Consolidating more elections together will increase voter turnout and save taxpayer money, the governor’s office said. The change does not affect village elections and other offices that are protected in the state Constitution to be held in odd-numbered years.

It is unclear at this time what races will be affected by the new legislation.

In 2021, North Hempstead town supervisor, clerk and seats for Districts 1, 3, and 5 were on the ballot. Nassau County races that year were for county executive, district attorney, comptroller, clerk and 19 seats in the county Legislature.

In 2023, North Hempstead’s races included supervisor, receiver of taxes and seats for Districts, 2, 4, and 6 while Nassau County races included the 19 Legislature seats.

Critics of the legislation say that the issue is less of a matter of turnout and more of an issue of political power.

Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman, a Republican who was elected in 2021, said on X, the social media platform previously known as Twitter, the legislation is an “assault on the suburbs.”

“The tyranny of New York City politicians on the rest of the state and especially Long Island continues We will meet this challenge squarely and forcefully,” Blakeman said Fri-

FROM THE PUBLISHER AND STAFF OF BLANK SLATE MEDIA

NEW HYDE PARK HERALD COURIER | GREAT NECK NEWS ROSLYN TIMES | MANHASSET TIMES WILLISTON TIMES | PORT WASHINGTON TIMES

WWW.THEISLAND360.COM 22 PLANTING FIELD ROAD | ROSLYN HEIGHTS, NY 11577 (516) 307-1045

PHOTO COURTESY OF WIKIMEDIA COMMONS

Gov. Kathy Hochul.

day.

Blakeman won in a race for county executive against Laura Curran, who received 140,476 votes vs. Blakeman’s 146,626 of the 286,000 votes cast – less than 14% of Nassau’s 1.1 million people eligible to vote.

The 286,000 votes for both candidates represented 26% of registered voters.

State Assembly Minority Leader Will Barclay (R-Pulaski) said the legislation pushes local races down the ballot and only benefits Democrats, who perform better in even-year cycles.

“Hochul and her political allies wholly disregarded countless local officials and organizations who strongly opposed this out of concern that local elections simply can’t compete wit the time and attention devoted to state and national campaigns,” Barclay said Friday on X. Stephen Acquario, the executive director of the New York State Association of Counties, said in a statement that the legislation buries “local issues that impact New Yorkers’ daily lives at the back of exceedingly long ballots.”

Earlier this year, Democrats performed well nationally except for Long Island, where registered Democrats in Nassau County outnumber registered Republicans by 86,000 among 981,362 registered voters, according to the Nassau County Board of Elections.

In Suffolk County, registered Democrats outnumber Republicans by 32,000 out of 1,046,068, according to the Suffolk County Board of Elections.

On election night in November, when Republicans flipped the Nort Hempstead Town Board red for the first time in decades, Nassau County and State Democratic Committee Chair Jay Jacobs attributed part of the “exceedingly low” turnout this year to it being an odd-year election.

Jacobs said similar issues were prevalent across the state and were not unique to Long Island.

“The lesson is this: It is incumbent upon us to see to it that we get a system where we can run elections like these that are important elections that have important races in even years when the voters are of a mindset to come out and vote,” Jacobs said at the Garden City Hotel at the time. “We need voters who are going to pay attention to the issues. We need voters who are going to feel engaged in an election.”

Blank Slate Media Newspapers, Friday, December 29, 2023

Washington D.C. isn’t working for us.

I will work day and night with both parties to deliver for the people to make living here more affordable, safer, and better. I delivered for this district before, and I will do it again by putting you ahead of partisanship. Let’s reject the nonsense and get back to work.

SPECIALN ELECTI,OFeb. Tuesdathy

13

Paid for by Suozzi for Congress

SuozziForCongress2024.com

7

8

Blank Slate Media Newspapers, Friday, December 29, 2023

SUBSCRIBING TO THE AWARD-WINNING NEWSPAPER OF YOUR COMMUNITY

means more!

Rich Nicolello to be town’s next attorney

BY B R A N D ON D U FF Y

Enjoy the benefits of: • Unlimited access to our award-winning website theisland360.com • Breaking News alerts • Annual Community Guides • Annual Best of Nassau County Nominees and Winners Sections • Annual Recognition Special Sections highlighting game changers of how we work, live and play • Weekly Special Sections • Weekly home delivery with your mail

Start your introductory FREE 3 month print or digital subscription today!

YES! Please send me the Blank Slate Media paper indicated below.

___ Print Edition*

___ Digital Edition

Manhasset Times

Port Washington Times

Roslyn Times

Williston Times

Great Neck News

Herald Courier New Hyde Park

Outgoing Presiding Officer of the Nassau County Legislature Rich Nicolello (R-New Hyde Park) will be appointed North Hempstead Town Attorney on Jan. 1, 2024, Supervisor Jennifer DeSena said Wednesday.

The North Hempstead Town Board, which will have a 4-3 Republican majority next year, will vote to appoint him during the Jan. 9 meeting retroactive to the beginning of his two-year term on Monday.

Nicolello did not seek re-election earlier this year after serving in Nassau County for nearly three decades—six of the last as the Republican leader. Ex-Mineola Mayor Scott Strauss was elected to fill his seat.

“I am so excited to bring Rich aboard my administration, and I know he will hit the ground running and continue his strong legacy as a dedicated advocate for the residents of the Town in this new role,” DeSena, a Republican, said in a statement. “I’m confident that as Town Attorney, Rich Nicolello will work diligently in this role to help my administration fulfill my commitment to putting our residents and taxpayers first.”

DeSena said Nicolello has an extensive background within municipal government and knowledge of the community from his time as a Legislator.

Nicolello will replace outgoing Town Attorney John Chiara, who before serving in North Hempstead was the deputy county executive for compliance with Democrat Laura Curran’s administration and then appointed as acting

county attorney.

Chiara was appointed by a 5-2 board vote in 2021, with Republican Councilmen David Adhami and Dennis Walsh voting against the resolution due to not being included in the interviewing process.

DeSena voted to appoint Chiara, joining the four Democrats of the North Hempstead Town Board citing his extensive resume, but objected to being left in the dark at the time.

Chiara’s salary at his appointment was $173,000 a year, it is unclear at this time what Nicoello’s will be.

Aside from Nicoello’s time as presiding officer, he is an original member of the Nassau County Legislator and served as the chair of the Legislature’s Rules Committee and was vice chair of the Budget Review Committee.

Professionally, Nicolello has been a practicing attorney since 1986 and started his law career as a North Hempstead deputy attorney.

He previously served as counsel to the New Hyde Park-Garden City Park Union Free School District from 1987 to 2009 and leads the insurance coverage group for law firm Congdon, Flaherty, O’Callaghan, Reid, Donlon, Travis & Fishlinger.

“Rich Nicolello has not only proven himself to be a public servant with unmatched dedication, but he has also consistently shown the ability to work across the aisle to build consensus,” DeSena said. “There is no doubt that as Town Attorney, Rich will help my administration move this Town forward, as we build a proud future for all residents.”

Name: __________________________________________________________________ Address: ______________________________________________________Apt #:_____ City: _____________________________ State: ______ Zip Code: ___________ Phone: ___________________________________________________________ Email: ___________________________________________________________

Valid email is required.

Signature: _______________________________________________________

BE A BLANK SLATE MEDIA SPONSOR FOR JUST $250

Support quality independent local journalism and receive • Weekly newspaper subscription • Unlimited access to theisland360.com • Monthly Friday zoom meetings with Steven Blank, President and Publisher, to talk about issues important to you • Ticket to one of Blank Slate Media’s Recognition and Networking events

q YES! I want to become a Blank Slate Media Sponsor Name: __________________________________________________________________ Address: ________________________________________________________________ City: _____________________________ State: ______ Zip Code: ___________ Phone: ___________________________________________________________ Credit Card:___________________________CVV______Exp. Date________ Signature: ________________________________________________________

BlankSlate MEDIA

N E W H Y D E PA R K

Herald Courier Roslyn Times Great NeckNews WillistonTimes Manhasset Times PortWashingtonTimes www.theisland360.com

22 Planting Field Road, Roslyn Heights, New York 11577 www.theisland360.com (516) 307-1045 *For print: Must reside in Nassau county.

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE LEGISLATOR

Outgoing Presiding Officer Rich Nicolello (R-New Hyde Park).

B:10" T:10"

Blank Slate Media Newspapers, Friday, December 29, 2023

9

T:12.45"

B:12.45"

10 Blank Slate Media Newspapers, Friday, December 29, 2023

SHOP LOCAL

- T H I S H O L I D AY S E A S O N -

Bruce Blakeman

Nassau County Executive

Blank Slate Media Newspapers, Friday, December 29, 2023

11

12 Blank Slate Media Newspapers, Friday, December 29, 2023

Opinion

OUR VIEWS

Nassau GOP could help stop Trump

I

n a speech in New Hampshire last week, former President Donald Trump approvingly quoted Vladimir Putin, the dictatorial Russian president who invaded neighboring Ukraine and continues to rain terror on its citizens.

Putin had criticized the 91 criminal charges, brought by four separate grand juries, against Trump and attacked U.S. democracy.

“It shows the rottenness of the American political system, which cannot pretend to teach others about democracy,” Trump quoted the Russian strongman as saying in the speech.

Trump, who is leading the race for the Republican nomination, also approvingly quoted autocrat Viktor Orban of Hungary, who has amassed power by controlling the media and changing the country’s constitution.

Trump called Orban “highly respected” and welcomed his praise as “the man who can save the Western world.”

The former president also continued to praise two other authoritarian leaders — China’s President Xi Jinping and North Korea’s leader Kim Jong Un — for ruling their nations with an iron fist.

In his speech, Trump used the term “hostages” to describe people charged with violent crimes in the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol that was part of an orchestrated campaign to overthrow this country’s 2020 presidential election.

Trump also repeated his own inflammatory language against undocumented immigrants, accusing them of “poisoning the blood of our country” — a phrase reminiscent of Adolf Hitler in his book “Mein Kampf.” Hitler told Germans to “care for the purity of their own blood” by eliminating Jews.

Trump has said in other speeches the immigrants posing threats to the United States come from Africa, Asia and South America whose populations are predominantly black, yellow and brown. Unmentioned are places where the populations are predominantly

white.

On Veterans Day in November, Trump also echoed Hitler in calling those on the other side of the aisle “vermin” and suggesting that they represent a greater threat to the United States than countries such as Russia, China or North Korea.

The threats in this case were Democrats and never-Trump Republicans, including his own attorney general, William Barr and former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs Mark Milley.

The former president’s speech in Claremont, N.H., echoed his message ofvengeance and grievance, as he continued to espouse the lie that the 2020 presidential election was rigged.

He has said if elected he would use the Justice Department to target his enemies and has threatened to investigate Comcast, the parent company of NBCUniversal, NBC News and MSNBC,over the outlet’s coverage of him.

Some have called his language racist and Trump a fascist whose election would end the rule of law and democracy in the United States.

We agree. As do many former Republican leaders, such as former U.S. Reps. Liz Cheney and Adam Kinzinger.

Both Cheney and Kinzinger sacrificed their political careers by serving on the Jan. 6 House Committee investigating the attack on the U.S. Capitol and speaking out against what they have called the clear and present danger to U.S. democracy posed by Trump.

“Tonight, I say this to my Republican colleagues who are defending the indefensible: There will come a day when Donald Trump is gone, but your dishonor will remain,” Cheney said at the end of her opening remarks to the Jan. 6 committee.

No such words have been issued by any Republican officials in Nassau County. We hope that changes.

We believe Nassau County Republicans could play a major role in helping someone other than Trump to win the GOP’s presidential nomination.

BLANK SLATE MEDIA LLC

22 Planting Field Road, Roslyn Heights, NY 11577 Phone: 516-307-1045 E-mail: hblank@theisland360.com EDITOR AND PUBLISHER Steven Blank OFFICE MANAGER Holly Blank

Editorial Cartoon

Start with County Executive Bruce Blakeman, who was the Nassau Republican Party’s liaison to Trump’s 2020 campaign and offered his full-throated support of the former president.

Blakeman’s opposition to Trump would be particularly noteworthy based on his past support of Trump.

It would also give Blakeman a chance to at least somewhat justify his shameful demand that Hofstra University President Susan Poser resign for, in his mind, not speaking out harshly enough against Hamas for its murderous assault against Israel.

How do you demand that the president of a private university resign over their language related to Israel and support a candidate who is echoing the words used by Adolf Hitler about Jews?

Trump was not specifically calling Jews “vermin” in this case. But most Jews recognize that when minority groups are being attacked, it’s only a matter of time before they are included.

Blakeman could make clear now that he opposes all those who threaten Jews and other minority groups.

The entire Nassau County Republican Party, including Chair Joe Cairo,

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

could also play a major role in opposing Trump and finding an alternative to him in the GOP presidential primary.

Cairo has orchestrated a virtual sweep of town, county and congressional seats by Nassau Republicans in recent years – in a county in which registered Democrats outnumber registered GOPers by 100,000 and in a state that is overwhelmingly blue.

So he and the party have credibility, clout and the ability to elect members of his own party.

Cairo could also use a show of independence from Trump to restore the county’s reputation after the Nassau GOP twice selected George Santos to be the party’s congressional nominee and turned Nassau into a national laughingstock in the process.

Republicans in Congress, the state Legislature, the county Legislature, town government and even village government could take a stand for democracy and the rule of law.

There are at least three reasons why Blakeman, Cairo and other Nassau Republicans will not oppose Trump.

The first is the obvious one. They agree with him.

As objectionable as we find Trump and what he represents, Nassau County’s leaders may like what Trump is offering and may even have no objection to an authoritarian running the country.

Nassau Republicans have had a reputation for being relatively moderate. Maybe the perception was wrong.

The second reason is that Nassau Republicans believe Trump is preferable to President Joe Biden even if they object to Trump’s rhetoric.

They may actually believe Trump’s lies that Biden is threatening America’s freedom or that Biden is guilty of federal crimes. There is no proof of either.

This would be a grievous error in judgment. But that doesn’t mean it isn’t true.

The third reason is that Nassau County’s Republican leaders may not support Trump privately, but believe Nassau County’s voters do. And they would pay for their opposition to Trump with their jobs.

There is plenty of evidence to support this claim. Many prominent Republicans have been chased from their party for voicing opposition to Trump — even his most extreme positions.

Continued on Page 26

PRODUCTION MANAGER Rosemarie Palacios EDITORIAL DESIGNER Lorens Morris CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING Deborah Flynn PUBLISHERS OF

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

Blank Slate Media Newspapers, Friday, December 29, 2023

13

OUR TOWN

The aura of celebrity, the burden it carries

I

f you’ve ever met a well-known celebrity, I bet you noticed their aura, that distinctive atmosphere that seems to emanate from them.

Their aura is like a halo around their head and gives off a bit of a glow. Here in sweet Williston Park, we have had plenty of chances to observe celebrities with just such auras.

Most recently Al Pacino was in town filming “The Irishman.” When I interacted with him, he came across as humble, shy, and sensitive but his aura was a palpable thing hanging there right over his head.

Naomi Watts was in town during the filming of “The Book of Henry” back in 2016 and when I spoke to her, she had that glow about her as well but when you got up close to her you could see her shyness and her exhaustion.

My wife once met the famous pianist Arthur Rubinstein and she remarked that he seemed to have a halo around his head.

The famous carry an aura that we commonly refer to as charisma but surprisingly, they all seem extraordinarily shy and fatigued when you meet them. It is almost as if they are asking themselves who am I and how in the world did I get in this predicament called fame?

I once met Wynton Marsalis after his show at the Fairmont Hotel in San Fransisco and he was as shy and sensitive as a bird.

How paradoxical that these are the two traits of celebrity. They have this aura and they all seem shy and exhausted.

Michael Jordan made a telling remark to a journalist interviewing him for a television documentary about his life.

When asked what it was like to be famous he said, “Look around this hotel room. This is my life. The moment I step onto the street I am recognized and asked for an autograph or a photo. I spend a lot of time in hotel rooms.”

I think that celebrity aura is given to them by the public. The public knows them from their cinematic or athletic or artistic achievements and therefore it is the public that projects the halo onto them.

Usually, the halo becomes a heavy burden. One of my more famous patients once said to me “Why can’t people see me for who I am? I’m just a guy that has one special craft and outside of that I’m a regular person. I do not have any special insights into anything outside of my craft.”

It’s like what Mick Jagger once said to a political question asked of him “I

DR. TOM FERRARO Our Town

don’t know anything about politics, and I don’t care to know anything about politics.”

The reality is that anyone who gets to be famous has a singular focus that consumes them and that allows them to get to the top of their field. They do not care about anything at all except for their craft.

I knew Gao Hong, the world-famous soccer goalie and I once asked her if she was going home that day to cook a meal for herself.

She said “I do not know how to drive, I do not know how to shop and I

do not know how to cook. I know how to do one thing. I know how to block soccer balls coming at me at high speeds and I’ve been doing that one thing for my entire life” Perhaps the best story about a famous person who had an intense and singular focus was Norman Rockwell.

Rockwell was a well-known American illustrator who influenced the way Americans see themselves. He is the guy who painted those homey sweet images of American families sitting around the Thanksgiving table getting ready to feast on the turkey.

His paintings were loved by everyone for their sincerity and the way they told the tale of the American family. But in his life, he never stopped painting, not even on Christmas Day. When Christmas dinner was ready and his family was gathered around the table to eat, he would call out from his studio “Go ahead and eat without me, I’m under a deadline and I have to get their painting finished.”

Fame brings fortune and this aura of love that the public happily bestows upon the celebrity. This is as it must be because the famous actor or athlete or painter have earned this love.

Ironically, these geniuses are also

isolated, consumed with a single craft, and do not care too much about people in any way. They care about their craft.

This obsession with craft and not people gives them all this bewildered, frightened deer-in-the-headlights look when you meet them.

One of my friends met Woody Allen at a party and described him as a quiet exhausted soul.

Celebrities are saintly in the gifts they give to the world and for that they all get halos but just like religious saints, they tend to sacrifice everything else in life as they do so.

PHOTO BY TOM FERRARO

Achievement brings fame and fortune but it comes with a price.

ON THE RIGHT

Long Island’s 2023 political winners, losers

H

ere’s my take on this year’s winners and losers in the game of politics.

Winners: Joe Cairo: Nassau’s Republican Party chairman can take a deep bow.

Although Democrats have a registration edge, Cairo’s well-organized ground game, once again, brought out on Election Day more Republicans than Democrats (32.2% versus 23.6%).

Cairo’s red waves elected a county executive in 2021 and this year reelected supervisors in the three townships. The GOP maintained its county Legislative majority and picked up town and city council seats.

Ed Romaine: The long-term Republican Brookhaven town supervisor won the race for Suffolk County Executive in a landslide, receiving 58% of the vote. He is the first Republican elected to the post since 1999. Romaine, at age 76, is expected to serve only one term. This means he’s beholden to no one and could govern judiciously.

Jennifer DeSena: Two years ago, Republican DeSena shocked the establishment when she narrowly won the township supervisor job in the Democratic bastion of North Hempstead. Cocky Democrats believes she would be a one-term wonder.

But, lo and behold, despite big bucks spent by her opponent, DeSena waltzed to a second term with 55% of the vote. And she had coattails. Republican Mary Jo Collins was elected Receiver of Taxes and the GOP picked may have picked up a town council seat.

Tom DiNapoli: The state Comptroller continues to be a fearless defender of the taxpayers’ money. Hopefully, his critiques of the declining fiscal conditions of the state and city of New York will serve as a wake-up call for Gov. Hochul and Mayor Eric Adams. But don’t bet on it.

LOSERS: George Santos: He was finally expelled from Congress on December 1. In my 50+ years as a political activist, the federally indicted Santos is the worst public liar I have ever come

GEORGE J. MARLIN On The Right across.

He lied about his education, employment, wealth, and ethnic background. The shameless Santos lied about having a Jewish grandmother who was a victim of the Holocaust and a mother who died of cancer.

He used campaign funds to finance a ritzy lifestyle. He spent thousands of contribution dollars at Ferragamo,

Hermes, and Sephora. Good riddance.

Jay Jacobs: Nassau Democratic Party chairman has presided over the electoral demise of his party. Since 2021, Democrats have lost congressional seats, state senate seats, the county executive office, and both the North Hempstead and Hempstead supervisor posts. Thanks to Jacobs’ insouciant leadership, Republicans now control every township and municipality in the county.

Jon Kaiman: His attempt at a political comeback was a major flop.

North Hempstead supervisor Jennifer DeSena beat him handily.

Kaiman even lost his home turf of Great Neck. Kaiman has now been rejected by voters three times in a row, including twice by Democrats in congressional primaries. Maybe, just maybe, he will finally get the message that the public is through with him.

NIFA: The stature of the Nassau Interim Finance Authority has taken a hit with the appointment of Richie Kessel as its chairman by Gov. Hochul. As Newsday pointed out, Kessel received the appointment “despite

political scandals, including criticism that he misused funds at LIPA and NIPA prompting his resignation from NYPA in 2011.”

George Maragos: The one-time Republican Comptroller of Nassau County went down in flames in his race for mayor of the City of Glen Cove.

Running as the Democratic candidate, he was pummeled by incumbent Republican Pamela Panzenbeck, who received 62.6% of the vote. Readers may recall that Maragos switched parties to run for county executive in 2017 and was handily beaten in the Democratic primary by Laura Curran.

Maragos, a political empty suit, may finally learn that being rich does not entitle him to hold elective office.

Joshua Alexander Lafazan: Last year, Lafazan lost his bid to be the Democratic nominee for congress in the 2nd CD. This year, he lost his seat in the County Legislature to Samantha Goetz, who beat him 57.8% to 42.2%. My guess is Lafazan’s presidential ambitions have been put on hold.

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 29, 2023

VIEW POINT

What Biden did in ‘23 despite GOP obstruction

I

doubt anyone but the most devoted political nerds are aware of even a fraction of what the Biden administration has accomplished this year – virtually drowned out in the tsunami from Donald Trump’s legal escapades and how the former president is likely to be the actual dictator in a second term he only fantasized about being in the first (Project 2025).

But what’s notable about this 2023 year-end review: after achieving the most consequential results in the first two years since LBJ and FDR is the sheer amount the Biden-Harris administration got done despite a Republicandominated House committed to causing chaos, dysfunction, and obstruction (passing only 27 out of 724 bills into law).

Interestingly, despite the constant drumbeat of how people are “suffering” – inflation, border crisis, Ukraine, Israel-Hamas War — holiday sales and travel are hitting records; the year-end “misery index” (the sum of the unemployment and inflation rates) is at 6.8, the lowest since before the pandemic and down from 10.7 a year ago; while the stock market has hit historic highs and companies are reporting record profits.

In fact, inflation is now sharply lower than when President Biden took office. This has contributed to a surge in consumer confidence, the Conference Board reported, while the University of Michigan reported consumer sentiment soaring 14% in December. But “suffering” has become a meme.

In essence, 2023 was so productive because of all Biden accomplished in his first two years with a Democratic Congress –Bipartisan Infrastructure Act, Inflation Reduction Act, CHIPS, Bipartisan Safer Communities Act. 2023 was a year of implementation.

But as we review all that has been accomplished, keep in mind that none of it would have happened under Trump or any other Republican president. In fact, Republicans are holding the government hostage unless these programs are repealed. Here’s a summary: Lowering Prescription Drug and Health Care Costs: • 15 million Americans now save $800 a year on health insurance. • Capped insulin cost at $35 for seniors, made recommended vaccines free; drug companies now required to pay rebates to Medicare if they raise prices faster than inflation.

• Pushed Big Pharma to finally allow Medicare to negotiate lower prescription drug prices, starting with the 10 costliest, most widely used drugs used to treat blood clots, cancers, arthritis, diabetes. • Cracked down on surprise medical bills, impacting 1 million Americans a month. • Got 42 states to expand Medicaid postpartum coverage from two months to 12. Record number of insured Americans, strongest Obamacare enrollment ever.

Tackling Inflation and Cracking Down on Junk Fees: • Inflation spurred by the pandemic has fallen 65% since last summer. • Gas prices are down more than $1.90 a gallon from the peak; grocery inflation is at its lowest level in two years; egg prices are down a $1 a dozen. • Cracked down on hidden junk fees in airline tickets, banking, investment advice, health insurance and apartment rentals, saving Americans billions of dollars a year. • Pushed banks to reduce overdraft and bounced check fees, saving consumers $5 billion a year. • Helped 22 million households save $500 million a month on internet bills.

Tackling the Climate Crisis, Lowering Energy Costs, and Protecting the Environment: • Inflation Reduc-

KAREN RUBIN View Point

tion Act, providing for largest investment in climate action ever, created 210,000 new clean energy jobs in 2023 alone. • Helped secure a historic, international agreement at COP28 to transition away from fossil fuels, triple renewable energy globally by 2030. • Spurred hundreds of billions of dollars in private sector investment in wind, solar, electric vehicles, saving families an average of $500 a year on energy costs. • Protected 21 million acres of public lands and waters while making real progress on environmental justice.

• Launched American Climate Corps.

• Executive action to cut emissions across the economy, including issuing standards to reduce methane pollution.

Investing in America: • Awarded $400 billion for 40,000 infrastructure projects across 4,500 communities. • Unleashed a manufacturing and clean energy boom spurring $600 billion in private sector investments, including $160 billion in battery and EV supply chains. • Invested $250 billion to improve transportation infrastructure: roads, bridges, airports, public transit and rail service. • Appropriated $40

billion in funding to states to build affordable, reliable high-speed Internet infrastructure. • Implemented CHIPS and Science Act strengthening US supply chains. • Improved access to clean drinking water, reliable electricity and high-speed Internet in rural communities. • Biden’s Buy America/Invest in America policy is keeping that investment in the USA. Protecting Access to Reproductive Health Care: • Signed Executive Orders to protect access to abortion, contraception and the right to travel across state lines to obtain care in reaction to state abortion bans that followed the Supreme Court overturning Roe v.

Wade. • Helped ensure that women receive emergency medical care including miscarriages. • Strengthened privacy protections for patients and doctors.

• Defending women’s ability to access medication abortion in court. • Calling on Congress to restore the protections of Roe v. Wade.

Creating Jobs and Raising Wages: • Economic policies created over 14 million jobs, including 800,000 manufacturing jobs, while unemployment has stayed below 4% for 22 straight months. • Backed unions, collective bargaining — the most pro-union president in history. • A record 14.6 million applications to start new businesses. • Wages, wealth and the share of working-age Americans with jobs are higher than before the pandemic. • US has posted the strongest economy, fastest recovery of G7 countries.

Making America Safer from Gun Violence: • Passed Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, the first significant gun violence legislation in 30 years with enhanced background checks for buyers under 21, expanded mental health programs and support for red flag laws. • Created White House

Office of Gun Violence Prevention. • Funded an additional 14,000 school based mental health professionals, a 35% increase nationwide. • Issued 40 executive actions to keep guns out of dangerous hands and off our streets.

Making Higher Education More Affordable: • Approved $127 billion in debt cancellation for 3.6 million Americans — more than any president in history – despite Republican-led lawsuits. • Launched SAVE plan which will cut undergraduate loan payments in half and prevent student loan balances from growing due to runaway interest.

• Helped 700,000 people access Public Service Loan Forgiveness. • Invested $7 billion in Historically Black Colleges and Universities.

Help for Veterans: • PACT Act, the most significant expansion of veterans’ benefits in 30 years, is getting health care to military and veterans exposed to toxic burn pits. • Policies to end veterans’ homelessness, housing 35,000 veterans in 2023 alone. • Made historic investments in mental health care, including $450 million to launch 988 suicide and crisis hotline.

Strengthening Democracy at Home and Abroad, While Restoring U.S. Leadership: • Standing up for Israel, Ukraine. • Strengthening NATO, winning congressional support to add Finland and Sweden to the Alliance. • Actions to combat hate including firstever national strategy to counter antisemitism and Islamophobia, legislation to enhance state and local law enforcement’s ability to respond to hate crimes and make lynching a federal crime. • Speaking out against discrimination, racism, anti-LGBTQI+ hate. • Advocating for stronger voting rights.

As Biden has said: “Don’t compare me to the Almighty. Compare me to the Alternative.”

E A R T H M AT T E R S

Please don’t put that tree in a plastic bag

W

rapping your Christmas tree in a plastic bag and leaving it at the curb when the holidays are over is a perfect example of our unnecessary use of singleuse plastic.

All over the country, there are likely a few million well-intentioned people who either don’t understand or don’t care about the global plastic crisis who will go to the local hardware or big box store and purchase a plastic “tree removal” bag, making the job of cleaning up after the tree “oh, so simple.”

I admit, it’s a pain in the neck to clean up all those needles after dragging your tree through the house and out the front door, but come on, it’s just once a year and that’s what vacuum cleaners and brooms are for!

That oversized plastic bag has the potential to cause a lot of damage once it leaves your home.

In case you haven’t been follow-

ing the science, plastic waste no longer just creates a litter problem that can be cleaned up.

Scientists around the world are raising the alarm about the human health impacts of plastic and its constituent chemicals (plastic is made from a simple recipe of fossil fuels plus chemicals), although their voices are often drowned out by commercials from the plastics industry showing happy homeowners recycling their plastic bottles.

The fact is, there’s a lot of unnecessary single-use plastic going into the waste stream, a lot of unnecessary toxic chemical exposure for the people who live in fenceline communities near plastic manufacturing plants, and an unnecessary introduction of chemicals into the environment as that plastic tree removal bag and other plastic items (e.g., diapers, candy wrappers, water bottles, plastic bags and bubble wrap, food packaging, straws, utensils,

PATTI WOOD Earth Matters

electronics, etc.) slowly disintegrate into tiny pieces of plastic that will eventually end up in our oceans and be swallowed by fish, or be spread with fertilizer onto farmland where our food

is grown.

Either way, it’s likely to end up on our dinner plates, where we will eat it.

This is also the time of year when millions of boats have been hauled out of the water and lined up in boat yards, all neatly shrink-wrapped in giant sheets of white plastic. Yes, it’s convenient for the boat owner.

Plastic is cheap, easy to use, and helps protect the boat from the elements. But most of it — more than 94% by some estimates — ends up in landfills or in the ocean. If the earth could scream, it would.

Manufacturers of plastic tell consumers to “recycle responsibly,” but there is no such thing as responsibly recycling plastic.

If you burn it, it releases highly toxic chemicals. If you bury it, it will eventually break down into microplastics, but they never disappear. And if you try to make new stuff out of recy-

cled plastic, you’ll find that it degrades further with each re-use and not only requires a lot more toxic chemicals but releases toxins into the environment in the process.

Recycling plastic is a lie.

Dr. Leo Trasande, an NYU professor and pediatrician, is a leading expert on endocrine disruption as well as plastic and the potential health risks of the chemicals used to make it. He calls recycling plastic “theater,” because it’s all for appearance, and none of it is real.

“We can’t recycle our way out of the plastic crisis,” he says.

If you put food into containers made from recycled plastic, Dr. Trasande points out, you actually get more toxins, including heavy metals, than if you used virgin plastic, because the chemicals leach easily into the food stored in the containers.

Continued on Page 26

Blank Slate Media Newspapers, Friday, December 29, 2023

15

MY TURN

When correct answer may be wrong response

T

he presidents of three elite universities were questioned about antisemitism on campus

by Congress Member Elise Stefanik, a Republican from upstate New York.

The three, Claudine Gay of Harvard and Sally Kornbluth of MIT, both in office for less than a year; and Liz Magill, Penn’s leader for 18 months, were prepared for questioning in a courtroom, but found themselves in a less decorous setting Afterward, they were roundly criticized for the alleged insensitivity of their testimony. They gave lawyerly responses when the occasion demanded expressions of concern for students and others on campus experiencing conflicts during a time of war.

The correct answers were the wrong responses.

It was later reported that they had been briefed by law firms on how to respond to questions from the congressional panel, especially questions related to free speech and codes of conduct.

Instead of focusing on conduct and codes alone, however, they might have considered the “context” of the hearing, not just the context of incidents on campus.

I wonder how much thought they gave to their audience. Stefanik is a MAGA Republican who was removed from a committee at Harvard because she refuses to admit that President Biden won the election.

The three presidents must have realized that people who question the teaching of American history, much less the history of the Middle East, and the science of climate change would be confrontational with academics, including demands for simple “yes” or “no” answers to complex questions.

While a university president testifying must show respect for the governmental process and the officials holding the hearing, there is no reason they cannot set the context for their message and take the high ground in their responses.

American higher education has

ROBERT A. SCOTT, Ph.D. My Turn

been the highly regarded source of knowledge and leaders for nearly four centuries. Establishing the right context would, ideally, confirm that the mission of universities is the pursuit of knowledge and the free exchange of ideas, including debates among people who learn to disagree without being

disagreeable.

The university serves as a creator of new knowledge and understanding for the benefit of society, curator of what is known and has been thought, and critic of the status quo by asking “Why?” and “What if?” and then considering ethical choices.

The context, if not the pretext, of the hearing, was the Hamas attack of October 7th that killed civilians, including women and children. The attack should have been condemned outright and the subsequent killing of innocents censured.

The focus of the hearing could have been on human rights and morality, and a university’s unique opportunity to foster dialogue and discussion.

However, that was not likely to happen in an environment where any expression of sympathy for the people of Palestine and even muted criticism of the Netanyahu government is deemed antisemitic.

Further, the context of the Hearing was shaped by the language used by

some to describe who is oppressed and who oppresses them. It should have been acknowledged at the outset that antisemitism is abhorrent and should not be condoned, just as racism and Islamophobia should be denounced.

Another part of the context is the decline in public trust in higher education, especially for institutions with billions of dollars in tax-exempt assets, relatively low enrollments, and high tuition.

Some of this is fueled by the skepticism of universities’ efforts to promote diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging initiatives that are perceived to ignore groups, especially Jews, who have faced historic discrimination at these same universities.

After acknowledging, explicitly or implicitly, these elements of the broader context in which the hearing took place, the legal discussion of free speech and campus disciplinary approaches could have become the focus of discussion.

Continued on Page 26

FROM THE DESK OF DELIA DERIGGI-WHIT TON

Blakeman’s slow release of COVID, opioid funds

T

o date, Nassau County has received approximately $385 million in COVID relief money through the federal American Rescue Plan Act and $85.2 million more in settlements from opioid manufacturers, distributors, and retailers.

Of that combined sum of approximately $470 million, Nassau County has to date only committed approximately $86 million and dispersed $7 million, respectively.

While many have wondered about the palpable lack of urgency from the administration of Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman in getting these life-enriching and life-saving funds into the community, a recent budget hearing potentially exposed the callous reason his administration continues to sit on these funds.

During the Oct. 10 hearing, administration officials confirmed that

the approximately $378 million in remaining proceeds from both the ARPA funding and various opioid settlements are being used to bolster Nassau County’s reserves, which in turn is helping to boost and maintain the county’s credit score with rating agencies such as Moody’s, S&P Global and Fitch.

Furthermore, every penny in interest that has and may be generated in the future by holding these opioid funds back was earned at the expense of a person who is struggling with the disease of addiction. All of this is simply appalling.

It is only marginally less infuriating when you consider that Nassau’s ARPA funds could be applied toward fighting hunger, combating homelessness, bolstering mental health programs, supporting small businesses, enhancing youth services, and so much more.

For months, my Minority Caucus

DELIA DeRIGGI-WHITTON Nassau County Legislator

colleagues and I have been advocating for approximately $12 million in itemized ARPA requests in support of organizations that provide vital com-

munity services.

While those requests have languished within the Blakeman administration, the transfer of $10 million in COVID relief funds, done under the facade of “tourism” to fund lavish 125th-anniversary galas, parades, and marketing, flew through the Legislature on Monday, Dec. 18.

The Minority Caucus is unified in its outrage and opposition to this latest lapse in judgment, which serves as yet another example of how County Executive Blakeman and his administration are badly out of touch with the needs of our constituents.

Federal COVID relief and opioid settlement funds were not meant to gather dust on ledger sheets, serve as an investment strategy, be used to butter up ratings agencies or soothe the ego of a self-inflating elected official.

They are meant to get into the community so that they could be applied toward addressing the challenges our constituents grapple with.

With so many people struggling and so many families facing the unthinkable crisis of losing beloved family members to addiction, the thought of spending $10 million on publicizing a 125th-anniversarycelebration before releasing these opioid settlement funds is unconscionable.

Let’s hope in the new year these lifesaving funds as well as our federal relief funds reach their intended destinations — and at least as swiftly as County Executive Blakeman’s celebration funds certainly did.

Delia DeRiggi-Whitton, of Glen Cove, is the Legislature’s Minority Leader-elect and represents Nassau County’s 11th Legislative District.

READERS WRITE

Matthew Shepard ‘Forever’ stamp campaign

A

s our nation commemorates 25 years since the brutal and senseless murder of Matthew Shepard, I write today to express my full and enthusiastic support for the campaign seeking to honor his legacy through the dedication of a Forever U.S. Postage Stamp.

I strongly believe that the visibility generated by such a gesture would dovetail beautifully with the mission of the Matthew Shepard Foundation, which was founded af-

ter his murder in 1998 to “inspire individuals, organizations and communities to embrace the dignity and equality of all people” and honor Matthew’s wish to “foster a more caring and just world.”

Not only would it be a fitting national tribute to Matthew’s legacy, but it would be an important teaching tool that can be utilized to educate the next generation about the historic impact of his life and how his tragic death was a catalyst for mak-

ing the United States and the world more just and equitable for LGBTQ+ people.

This initiative would also serve as a powerful rallying cry for the work that must be done in the present day to combat the heartless efforts afoot by bigots and self-serving politicians alike to rip away equal protections from LGBTQ+ people and transgender people especially.

As a steadfast ally of the LGBTQ+ community, I stand proudly

with the Matthew Shepard Foundation in its ongoing efforts to make a positive impact in the world and its drive to honor the legacy of a young man whose brilliant light will never dim as a beacon for equality.

Arnold W. Drucker Nassau County Legislator 16th Legislative District Letters Continued on Page 25

16 The Great Neck News, Friday, December 29, 2023

GN

COMMUNITY & SCHOOL NEWS

Baking treats at Ronald McDonald On Dec. 13, eighth-grade students from Arielle Panzarino’s Family and Consumer Science (FACS) class at North Middle School visited the Ronald McDonald House in New Hyde Park to bake treats for children and families staying at the facility.

Upon their arrival, students met with Ronald McDonald House volunteers to learn about services that the organization provides

for families of young patients in need of medical care. Students received a tour of the kitchens and various rooms in the building before making cookie bars to be enjoyed by guests at the House.

North Middle students enjoyed their visit and reflected on what it means to volunteer their time, demonstrate leadership, and give back to the community.

PHOTO COURTESY OF GREAT NECK PUBLIC SCHOOLS

G.N. School District update on meetings, tax exemptions January Board of Education Meeting Date Change Please be advised that the January Public Action Meeting of the Great Neck Public Schools Board of Education has been rescheduled for Tuesday, Jan. 16, 2024, at 7:45 p.m. at Parkville School, 10 Campbell St., New Hyde Park.

The date of this Board meeting has changed from the original date printed in the 2023–24 District Calendar. The meeting location and start time remain unchanged. For more information, call the District Clerk at 441-4007 or visit the Board meetings web page at www.greatneck.k12.ny.us/meetings.

Partial School Tax Exemptions At the Great Neck Board of Education public meeting on Dec. 13, the Board approved a resolution to continue and expand upon the partial school tax exemptions for volunteer firefighters and volunteer ambulance workers. The Board initially established a partial school tax exemption for volunteer firefighters and volunteer ambulance workers in 2006.

Consistent with recently enacted legislation by the State and Nassau County, the Board approved an exemption of 10% of the assessed valuation for real property owned by a qualified volunteer firefighter or ambulance worker with a minimum two years of service, the shortest service requirement permitted by law. Additionally, the Board approved the option to extend this partial school tax exemption to a volunteer with a minimum of twenty years of service for the remainder of his/her life. Exemptions may also be continued or reinstated for unremarried spouses of deceased volunteers who served for a minimum of twenty years, or who were killed in the line of duty with a minimum of five years of service. The modified exemptions will be effective for the 2024–25 school tax year.

Exemption requirements and qualification guidelines are explained on application forms. Forms are available in person from the Nassau County Department of Assessment, 240 Old Country Road, Mineola, NY 11501. (Open weekdays, 8 a.m.

– 4:30 p.m.) Applications may also be requested by phone at (516) 571-1500, or downloaded from the Nassau County website at https://www.nassaucountyny.gov/3575/ExemptionForms.

In addition to providing relief to volunteer firefighters and volunteer ambulance workers, the Great Neck Board of Education has also provided relief to senior citizens since 1970; to persons with disabilities and limited income since 1984; to veterans and Gold Star parents (parents of a child who died in the line of duty while serving in the US armed forces during a period of war) since 2014; and to cold war veterans since 2016.

Calendar Notices for January 2024 Tuesday, Jan. 2 • Community Education Winter Session Begins. Info: www. greatneck.k12.ny.us/ce or 441-4949.

Tuesday, Jan. 16 • Great Neck Board of Education Public Action Meeting, 7:45 p.m. at Parkville School, 10 Campbell St., New Hyde Park. Info: www.greatneck.k12.ny.us/meetings or 441-4001. Note: This meeting date is different than the date printed in the 2023-24 District Calendar.

Monday, Jan. 22 • Great Neck Board of Education Public Action Meeting (snow date, if needed), 7:45 p.m., location TBD. Info: 4414001 or www.greatneck.k12.ny.us/meetings.

Ed board lauds Caplan to be honored at Beth-El students gov On Dec. 13, the Great Neck Public Schools Board of Education recognized 30 students who are serving their school community as members of the 2023–24 Saddle Rock Student Government. During the Board meeting at Saddle Rock School, Principal Luci Bradley and Assistant Principal Sara Goldberg introduced all of the third, fourth, and fifth-grade Student Government represen-

tatives, along with faculty advisors Lauren Rio and Jessica Schatz. “In this past year, we’ve witnessed these young leaders not just participating, but truly making a difference in our community,” said Ms. Bradley, as she shared examples of the group’s leadership and service activities that include food drives, a winter clothing collection, toy drive, and more.

PHOTO COURTESY OF GREAT NECK PUBLIC SCHOOLS

Members of the Saddle Rock student government, holding their certificates from the Board of Education, are pictured here with advisors Ms. Rio and Ms. Schatz (back row, left) and building administrators Ms. Bradley and Ms. Goldberg (back row, right).

Longtime volunteer Lea Caplan, a retired CPA of 40 years who currently completes tax returns for lower-income seniors through AARP’s Tax Aide, will be honored at an enhanced Shabbat service at Temple Beth-El on Saturday, Jan/ 13, at 10:30 a.m.

The community is welcome to attend and celebrate Caplan, an active participant in sisterhood, Torah study, the rabbi’s Siddur class and the worship committee.

“Lea is always there to help out when you need her, from setting up Shabbat lunch to ensuring the technology is working properly,” said TRabbi A. Brian Stoller.

“She is a dedicated student of Torah and prayer. An accountant by trade, she brings a logical, analytical approach to our class discussions. Her curiosity and sharp intellect are matched by her warm and caring heart. Lea is a treasure to the TBE community, and I feel blessed to know her.”

Prior to joining TBE when her older son was 5, Caplan and her husband, Sandy, spent Jewish holidays with their families. Caplan grew up in Albany and attended religious school from elementary through high school at Temple Israel, a Conservative congregation; her husband grew up in Port Washington and belonged to Temple Judea, a Reform synagogue.

“When Evan started kindergarten, we wanted him to begin in an after-school Jewish education program and had to decide whether to join a Conservative

or Reform temple,” explained Caplan. “Sandy felt he would be uncomfortable at a Conservative one; I was willing to try a Reform temple, and we heard TBE had a great kindergarten program. This was 1990, and Cantor Lisa Hest had just started at TBE. I found her tunes familiar and knew it would be a great match.”

The family’s involvement began with religious school and Friday night services. Over time, Caplan and her husband joined Sisterhood, Brotherhood and the Young Couples Club, and they hosted several Hanukkah parties.

Their children participated in the annual Hanukkah plays, became bar mitzvah and continued through confirmation and senior seminar. Younger son, Seth, was co-president of TBE’s youth group.

In 2005, Caplan became sisterhood treasurer, a position she held for six years. While her boys were teenagers, she returned to her Jewish studies and became a regular at Torah Study. When Seth left for college in 2006, she joined the adult confirmation class.

“The following two years were tough for Sandy and me, as he lost his father and I lost both my mother and stepmother,” noted Caplan. “Being part of Torah study and confirmation class were very comforting to me. During confirmation class, we studied some Central Conference of American Rabbis responsa, and I was able to discuss the Reform practices/attitudes dealing with

Longtime Temple Beth-El volunteer Lea Caplan will be honored at an enhanced Shabbat morning service on Saturday, Jan. 13. death and dying with our rabbis.

Though we knew we made the right choice by joining TBE, the confirmation class truly cemented our decision.”

A couple of years later, she was asked to join the Ritual Committee, now called the Worship Committee, and has been a member ever since. During Covid, she helped coordinate and lead Shabbat morning services on Zoom.

In addition to regularly attending weekly Torah Study and Rabbi Stoller’s Siddur class, for which she works on Owl Tech, Caplan is part of the small group The Advocates, TBE’s social justice group that promotes voting; has participated in all the Whitney Pond Park cleanups since TBE partnered with the Town of North Hempstead; and is an ush-

er for Yom Kippur services.

“I know Lea through our work on the Worship Committee, our attendance at Torah Study and other classes, our participation at services and through social action and other activities,” said congregant Howard Herman. “She is an enthusiastic and perceptive participant in classes.

Her observations and questions about our community are always on point and they demonstrate her selflessness and concern for the well-being of others. She more than carries her share of the work in everything she volunteers for. Her high moral and ethical standards reverberate through all that she does. I am proud to call her a friend and confidante.”

Being involved at TBE enriches her life in many ways.

“I gain in several aspects, reflected Caplan, “Shabbat services and the joy of singing and praying; studying in chavruta at Torah Study and in adult ed classes; helping at TBE, whether it is tech for Torah Study or ushering or on committees; and the overall friendship and community in each of these.”

Join Caplan for Shabbat at the peninsula’s first synagogue, located at 5 Old Mill Road in Great Neck, when she discusses the parashah Va’Eira, which includes the first six plagues. To learn more, call 516-487-0900, visit www.tbegreatneck.org or email info@tbegreatneck.org.

BLANK SLATE MEDIA December 29, 2023

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

Dr. Mildred “Millie” DeRiggi will present the opening reception for “A Beautiful Life in Paintings,” her upcoming exhibition at the Sea Cliff Arts Council at 86 Roslyn Ave. in Seaford on Thursday, Jan. 4 at 6 p.m.

The artistic showcase reflects and illuminates the travels, interests and artistic talents of the multifaceted DeRiggi — a noted local history lecturer and professor whose scholarship includes deep dives into the origins of the City of Glen Cove, and her doctoral disserta-

tion focused on the early Quaker settlers of Long Island.

DeRiggi previously served as historian for the Nassau County Museum Division, director of its collection at the Long Island Studies Institute at Hofstra University, and question/answer writer for the legendary quiz shows “Jeopardy!” and “G.E. College Bowl” during the 1960s.

Guests are invited to join DeRiggi and her family at the opening reception. Please RSVP to Delia DeRiggi-Whitton at 516-316-9135.

Dr. Mildred “Millie” DeRiggi

18 Blank Slate Media Newspapers, Friday, December 29, 2023

Reach Out to host Councilman Bottcher

Pictured from left to right: Robert Zimmerman, Reach Out America board member; Eric Bottcher, New York City councilman; Patty Katz, Reach Out America President; Tom DiNapoli, New York State Comptroller

Since 2004, Reach Out America,a progressive, grassroots, non-profit, has been working toward fairness, humanity and fully representative democracy via actions like writing letters, conducting forums, and sometimes challenging elected officials in person.

This past year ROA tackled important timely issues including threats to the environment, gun violence, challenges to women’s rights, contentious school board elections, the opioid crisis, domestic violence, the rise in antisemitism and the spread of other forms of discrimination.

At the group’s last meeting of 2023, City Councilman Eric Bottcher shared firsthand accounts of threats and attacks to the LGBTQ community, discussed current initiatives to protect marginal groups, and addressed other concerns facing the electorate in 2024.

Reach Out America meets the second Wednesday of every month from September to May; its next meeting, Jan. 10, at 12:30 pm at the Great Neck House at 14 Arrandale Ave., will feature Mindy Germain who will speak about climate change and sustainability.

Rare book virtual talk hosted by library Kenneth Gloss, an internationally known rare book specialist and appraiser who runs the Brattle Book Shop in Boston, will give a virtual presentation for Roslyn’s Bryant Library on Thursday, Jan. 4 at 1:00 pm.

Gloss will talk about the “improbable finds” of his decades-long career and discuss the value of old and rare books. The event is open to the public.

Gloss, who is frequently seen on national TV, will talk in part about the history of his historic bookshop (www. brattlebookshop.com/about), which goes back to circa 1825.

He is a second-generation owner.

Gloss will discuss growing up in the book business, show some of his favorite finds

while enjoying “the thrill of the hunt,” and explain how he appraises books and manuscripts.

He has many fascinating anecdotes to share about private and institutional collecting as well as guidelines for building and maintaining a significant collection.

There is also a Q&A session at the conclusion of his talk. Following the talk and question-and-answer session, Ken will give free verbal appraisals of books participants have on hand or will do so at his shop in Boston at a later scheduled date.

For more information on this event, please visit https://www. e v e n t k e e p e r. c o m / c o d e / e k f o r m . cfm?curOrg=BRYANT&curID=677174.

HYPER-LOCAL NEWS ANYTIME. ANYWHERE THEISLAND360.COM

A Blank Slate Media Special Section • December 29, 2023

Long Island mom Lauren Charles has seen what respiratory syncytial virus can do to an infant. RSV is responsible for more than 50,000 pediatric hospitalizations across the United States each year.

Charles’ own daughter, struggling to breathe, landed in the emergency department at Cohen Children’s Medical Center in 2022 with RSV. The infant recovered, but the ordeal stuck with the family. Now 33 weeks pregnant with her second child, Charles, 36, of Old Bethpage, agreed to get the newly-approved RSV vaccine to confer immediate protection once her baby is born.

The Food and Drug Administration approved Pfizer’s Abrysvo in August, the first RSV vaccine approved for use in pregnant individuals to prevent lower respiratory tract disease in infants from birth through six months of age.

The vaccine, administered as a single dose injection into the muscle of the expectant mom, is approved for use at 32-36 weeks of pregnancy.

“You can get RSV over and over again, similar to influenza,” said Dr. Bruce Farber,, chief of Public Health and Epidemiology and an infectious disease expert at Northwell Health. “There are two strains of RSV and both are covered by the vaccine. The vaccine will not give lifelong immunity. You’ll be protected for at least one season – the jury is still out on a second year.”

Charles was vaccinated in front of TV cameras as part of a public health awareness event

“My first child had RSV when she was 1 ½, so this is definitely a game-changer,” said Charles, who works as a transplant nurse at North Shore University Hospital in Manhasset.

“Now my daughter is in daycare and bringing home germs every day, so we are definitely at risk for all kinds of infections. Anything we can do to help offset that once our new child arrives is beneficial.”

Another woman who decided to get vaccinated was Arianna Kaufman, 28, of Forest Hills,, now 34 weeks pregnant with her first child.

A forensic social worker, Kaufman and her husband tried to get pregnant for more than two years. Her own fertility journey made the decision an easy one.

“I trust modern medicine,” she said. “I cannot imagine doing everything I possibly can today to protect myself and my baby.”

In addition to the vaccine during pregnancy, monoclonal antibodies can be given directly to a newborn, although there’s currently a national shortage.

“Why would you not want to get the RSV vaccine when it means that you are offering so much more protection for your baby and there is no downside?” said Sarah Pachtman, MD, an PHOTO COURTESY OF NORTHWELL HEALTH obstetrician at Northwell Health who serves as Ms. Charles’ and Ms. Kaufman’s OB-GYN. Pictured from left, Dr. Sarah Pachtman, a Northwell Health OB-GYN, looks on as For more information, call (718) 470-7000 Arianna Kafuman, of Forest Hills, who is 34 weeks pregnant, receives the RSV vaccine or go to: https://lij.northwell.edu/obgyn/katzwomens-hospital from Dr. Michelle Chester.

by Katz Women’s Hospital at Long Island Jewish (LIJ) Medical Center today.

Farber said RSV cases have plateaued

at Northwell Health, New York State’s largest health system. Northwell is responsible for about 1 percent of all births nationwide.

Don’t live another year in pain Thank you for voting us the BEST IN PAIN MANAGEMENT in Nassau County 2023!

Your pain might be complicated but our solution is simple.

We use state-of-the-art methods for treating acute and chronic pain.

We provide treatments for: l Neck Pain l Low Back Pain l Fibromyalgia l Chronic Pain l Myofascial Pain Syndrome

l Herniated Disc l Knee Pain l Hip Pain l Shoulder Pain l Spine Fracture l Buttocks/Low Back Pain

2023

Best OF Nassau County WINNER PRESENTED BY BLANK SLATE MEDIA

You don’t have to live with pain any longer...Call now (917) 686-0987

ipainmed@gmail.com

www.ipainmed.com

Most insurances accepted. No fault and workers’ compensation accepted

INNOVATIVE PAIN MEDICINE Live Pain Free WILLISTON PARK 336 Hillside Ave. Williston Park, NY 11596 OFFICE HOURS

MON - FRI: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM SAT - SUN: 8:00AM - 2:00PM

Dr. Usman Saleem

Board Certified by the American Board of Anesthesiology

20 HEALTH, WELLNESS & BEAUTY • Blank Slate Media Newspapers, Friday, December 29, 2023

Managing your child’s resolutions In this monthly column, therapists from North Shore Child & Family Guidance Center answer your questions on issues related to parenting, mental health and children’s wellbeing. To submit a question, email communications@northshorechildguidance.org.

Question: With the New Year approaching, my daughter comes home from school every day with a different resolution she declares she wants to stick to. I love that she has goals she wants to accomplish, but I want to make sure she isn’t overwhelming herself with too many expectations.

How can I help her manage her long list of New Year’s Resolutions, and support her in sticking to the ones she finds important?

-Realizing Realistic Resolutions Dear Realizing Realistic Resolutions, As we approach the New Year, many of us are familiar with the enthusiasm our children bring home, declaring a myriad of resolutions they want to accomplish when the clock strikes midnight.

It isn’t uncommon for children to overload themselves with things they would like to achieve, widely ranging from eating healthy to becoming the President. Kids need to feel a sense of mastery, and having an abundance of resolutions may make that difficult.

Support is integral in helping kids stay committed to their resolutions. It’s important to begin the conversation by expressing how proud you are of her desire to make choices that will positively impact her and foster an environment of open communication on her journey.

Sit down with your child and go over the

list together, picking out one or two objectives that are particularly meaningful and realistically achievable.

Work together to create a reasonable timeline and break down the goals into smaller, actionable steps. Be sure to celebrate the progress along the way, making the experience enjoyable and enriching for your family.

Does she want to be at the top of her class this year? Explain how often she’ll have to study to make that happen and celebrate every A on a test she brings home.

Watch out for signs that your child is overwhelmed, stressed, or frustrated. If she is falling short of her goals and expresses feelings of inadequacy, it’s essential to reassess the situation.

This should be an enjoyable experience, so remind your daughter that setbacks are a natural part of growth and that she can always adjust her resolutions to become more manageable. Always prioritize progress over perfection!

Lastly, encourage making positive changes all year long, not just on New Year’s Day. There is never a bad time to start a goal, and pushing it off until January 1st can make the task more daunting.

This goes for adults, too! How often do you wait until the new year to get back into the gym instead of signing up for the membership then and there?

New Year’s resolutions can be a great source of motivation, but remember that it’s up to you to make a change in your life, not a date on the calendar.

Dr. Marlene L. Levy PhD, LCSW, DAAPM, CCBT Contact: 516.944.3885

PSYCHOTHERAPY CLINICAL HYPNOSIS *Anxiety *Stress Management *Pain Management *Individual, Couple, Family Issues, *Test taking issues

President/Faculty: The New York Society of Clinical Hypnosis [NYSCH.ORG] Diplomate/Faculty: American Academy of Pain Management: DAAPM Certified Cognitive Behavioral therapist: CCBT Certified: Telehealth Certification Institute

New York State Licensed professional for 30 years plus PhD: Human Behavior LCSW: Licensed Clinical Social Worker DAAPM: Diplomate with the American Society of Pain Management CCBT: Certified Cognitive Behavioral Therapist *Will provide receipt for out-of-network insurance plans.

• PAGE 11 Blank Slate Media Newspapers, Friday, December 29, 2023 • HEALTH, WELLNESS & BEAUTY

How the body How the body changes with age

changes with age

21

Minerals andthe thebody body Minerals and Spec Ads Are Included With Your Subscription!

Visit your MCC Creative Library to search by keyword.

V

itamins get a lot of fanfare, but are minerals worthy of more HEALTH FOODS STORE attention? The body needs both vitamins and minerals to function

A

ging is an inevitable component of life. Young children often cannot wait until they get older because of the freedoms that seemingly come with being more mature. On the flip side, adults often wish they were young again. Time waits for no person, and with aging comes many changes, many of which manifest physically.

The following are some components of healthy aging that go beyond graying hair and wrinkling skin.

Bones, joints and muscles According to the Mayo Clinic, with age bones may become thinner and more fragile. Joints will lose their flexibility, while muscles lose mass and strength, endurance and flexibility. These changes may be accompanied by a loss of stability that can result in balance issues or falls. It’s common for the body frame to shrink, and a person may lose a few inches from his or her height.

A doctor may suggest a bonedensity test or supplementation with calcium and vitamin D to keep bones as strong as possible. Physical activity that includes strength training can help keep muscles strong and flexible.

Body fat As muscle mass diminishes, body fat can increase. The Merck Manual indicates that, by age 75, the percentage of body fat typically doubles compared with what it was during young adulthood. The distribution of fat also changes, which can adjust the shape of the torso.

Heart Organs in the body also age, and cells begin to die off, making those organs work less efficiently. The heart is one such organ that changes with age. It pumps more than 2.5 million beats during one’s lifetime.

As a person gets older, blood vessels lose their elasticity, and the heart has to work harder to circulate blood throughout the body, reports Johnson Memorial Health. Exercise can help keep the heart as strong as possible.

Urinary tract and kidneys The kidneys become smaller as a person ages, which means they may not be able to filter urine as effectively. Urinary incontinence may occur due to hormonal changes or because of an enlarged prostate.

Furthermore, the bladder may become less elastic, leading to an urge to urinate more frequently.

Memory and thinking Older adults experience changes to the brain as they age. Minor effects on memory or thinking skills are common and not usually cause for worry. Staying mentally active by reading, playing word games and engaging in hobbies can help.

Following a routine and making lists (as multi-tasking may become challenging) are some additional ways to address memory issues.

These are just some of the changes that can come with aging. Generally speaking, exercising, using the brain and adhering to a balanced, healthy diet can help keep the body functioning well into one’s golden years.

Here properly. The Advertiser National Institutes of Health says that most people can get all the minerals and vitamins they need simply by eating a balanced, healthy diet. For those concerned about not meeting the daily recommended values, a multivitamin can help push vitamin and mineral numbers into the recommended ranges. While vitamins are organic substances, minerals are inorganic substances. There are two types of minerals: macrominerals and trace minerals. Individuals need more macrominerals, which include calcium, phosphorous, magnesium, sodium, potassium, chloride, and sulfur. Only small amounts of trace minerals are needed. These include iron, manganese, copper, iodine, zinc, cobalt, fluoride, and selenium, according to MedlinePlus. The body relies on minerals to help it perform various jobs, such as keeping bones, muscles, the heart, and the brain healthy. Minerals also are important for making enzymes and hormones. Calcium, for example, is a crucial mineral for bone health. Calcium also is useful in regulating blood pressure and cholesterol levels. Iron is a major component of red blood cells that helps to carry oxygen and nutrients throughout entire body.

Sport Psychology Dr. Tom Ferraro

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

drtomferraro.com drtferraro@aol.com

(516) 248-7189

22 HEALTH, WELLNESS & BEAUTY • Blank Slate Media Newspapers, Friday, December 29, 2023

$GUV 2) 0CUUCW %QWPV[ 9+00'4 35(6(17(' %< %/$1. 6/$7( 0(',$

$GUV 2) 0CUUCW %QWPV[ 9+00'4 35(6(17(' %< %/$1. 6/$7( 0(',$

Blank Slate Media Newspapers, Friday, December 29, 2023

23

powered by

Fri 12/29 Featured

The Como Brothers @ 7:30pm FIRE ISLAND VINES (FIV), 17 E Main St, Bay Shore

NYCB Theatre At Westbury, 960 Brush Hollow Rd, Westbury

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

Featured

New York Islanders vs.

Washington Capitals

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

Featured KIDS Winter Workshop

@ 6pm Tap Room, 44 E Main St #46, Bay Shore

Get the Led Out @ 8pm / $30-$75 The Paramount, 370 New York Ave, Hunting‐ ton

Celebrate the New Year with Yoga Master Legends Alan & Sarah Finger at Buddha Jams in Glen Cove

badcoandbeyond: BadCo & Beyond Corporate Show

@ 7pm Merrick Theatre and Center for the Arts, 2222 Hewlett Ave, Merrick

Featured

@ 7pm / $29.50-$354.50 Nassau Veterans Memorial Col‐ iseum, 1255 Hempstead Turn‐ pike, Uniondale

New Year's Eve with The New York Bee Gees @ 10pm / $25-$50 The Paramount, 370 New York Ave, Hunting‐ ton New Years Eve with Nicolls Road and DJ Ace @ 11pm Nutty Irishman, 323 Main St, Farmingdale

@ 7pm EGP, 2823 Long Beach Rd, Oceanside

DISCO UNLIMITED: LONG ISLAND DISCO FEVER

Mon 1/01 Featured

Magic Of Lights: Drive-Through Holiday Lights Experience

@ 2pm The Argyle Theatre at Babylon Village, 34 W Main St, Babylon

@ 7pm / $15-$80 Northwell Health at Jones Beach Theater, 895 Bay Parkway, Wan‐ tagh

New Year's Eve

Featured

Long Island Nets Vs. Westchester Knicks @ 7pm / $12-$102 Nassau Veterans Memorial Col‐ iseum, 1255 Hempstead Turn‐ pike, Uniondale

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

The Toby Tobias Ensem‐ ble: 'Journey from Johannesburg' at NOOM @ 8pm Cinema Arts Centre, 423 Park Ave, Huntington

Thu 1/04 Hofstra Pride Mens Basketball vs.

Charleston Cougars Mens Basketball @ 7pm Mack Sports Complex, Hofstra University, Hempstead

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

Mary Poppins

@ 7:30pm ////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

Wed 1/03

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

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

Nate Charlie Music

St. John's Red Storm Men's Basketball v.

Butler @ 8:30pm / $30-$75 Carnesecca Arena, 8000 Utopia Parkway, Queens

Sun 12/31

Sat 12/30

AEW Worlds End

Featured

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

@ 1pm / $59.99 Featured The afternoon will pro‐ Phil Firetog Trio & Co. @ vide participants with Mr. Beery's the tools they will need @ 10pm to align with their New Mr. Beery's, 4019 Hempstead Year's intentions in all Tpke, Bethpage aspects of life: per‐ //////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////// sonal, professional, That 90's Love: An Old Harry Connick Jr's emotional, and spiri‐ School R&B Party tual. Buddha Jams The Happy Elf @ 11pm / $15 Yoga, 192 Glen Street, @ 10:30am Amityville Music Hall, 198 Glen Cove. jason@bud The Argyle Theatre at Broadway, Amityville dhajams.com, 516-548//////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////// Babylon Village, 34 W 7168 Main St, Babylon

Featured

Meet the animals of SMLI! Get up-close with mammals, reptiles and amphibians in this day highlighting our furry and scaly friends. Learn about their unique adaptations, create fun crafts and pet each one!

Children ages four and up are welcome to join SMLI on their days off from school to enjoy hours of fun, hand-on science activities! Chil‐ dren will participate in experiments, create crafts and observe demonstrations.

@ 8pm Next Phase Sound Studio, 136 Allen Blvd, Farmingdale

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

Alex Michael

Scales and Tails Holiday Workshop at SMLI @ 10am / $90 Science Museum of Long Island, 1526 North Plan‐ dome Road, Manhasset. info@smli.org, 516-627-9400

@ 7:30pm / $60-$310 UBS Arena, 2400 Hempstead Turnpike, Belmont Park - Long Island

@ 10:30am / $45 KIDS WINTER WORK‐ SHOP 12/29/23 10:301:30 Ages 3-8 Drop Off Port Washington NY 11050 website: myspectrumschool.com info@myspectrum school.com REGISTER: winterwork‐ shop2023.eventbrite.co m 11 Sintsink Dr E, 11 Sintsink Drive East, Port Washington. info@ myspectrum school.com, 516-8838035 Ride Waves Entertain‐ ment: JULIA JEWEL @ TAP ROOM BAYSHORE

Friday Dec 29th

Editor's Voice

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

Harlem Globetrot‐ ters 2024 World Tour presented by Jersey Mike's Subs

Fri 1/05 Bad�sh - Sublime Tribute @ 7pm Mulcahy's Pub and Concert Hall, 3232 Railroad Ave, Wan‐ tagh

@ 1pm / $39-$174 UBS Arena, 2400 ////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////// Hempstead Turnpike, Belmont Park - Long Is‐ Brooklyn Nets v. //////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////// land Oklahoma City Thunder (Friday Night Live) Featured Circus Vazquez @ 7:30pm / $55-$4950 Queens NY Barclays Center, 620 Atlantic @ 9pm / $80 Mulcahy's Pub and Concert Hall, 3232 Railroad Avenue, Wantagh

@ 7:30pm / $30-$90 Circus Vazquez - Citi Field, 12301 Roosevelt Ave, Flushing

Ave, Brooklyn

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

Geoffrey Asmus ////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

Long Island Disco Fever: The Eve Of The Eve @ 7:30pm / $21.50$139.50 NYCB Theatre at West‐ bury, 960 Brush Hollow Road, Westbury

Billy Joel: New Year's Eve at UBS Arena @ 9:30pm / $49.50$1149.50 UBS Arena, 2400 Hempstead Turnpike, Belmont Park - Long Is‐ land

Tue 1/02 Speed, Agility, Quickness and Strength (SAQS Program)

@ 8pm Governor's @ The Brokerage Comedy Club, 2797 Merrick Rd, Bellmore

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

Calendar information is pro‐ vided by event organizers. All events are subject to change or cancellation. This publica‐ tion is not responsible for the accuracy of the information contained in this calendar. //////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////// @ 4pm / Free Jan 2nd - Feb 27th Coleman - Turf Field, 55 Baby‐ lon Turnpike, Freeport. 516365-6629

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

powered by

24 Blank Slate Media Newspapers, Friday, December 29, 2023

COMMUNITY NEWS

Sillitti hosts Sweats Webster Bank launches Special Purpose Credit Program for Vets clothes drive State Assemblywoman Gina Sillitti (D-Port Washington) announced she is partnering with the Military Blue Star Mothers of Nassau County for the third year of the Sweats for Vets initiative.

The annual donation drive provides warm clothes for veterans in need. The drive is being held throughout January of 2024.

“Nobody deserves to be left out in the cold, least of all the veterans who have sacrificed so much in service to our nation,” said Sillitti.

“Which is why I am grateful to once again be partnering with the Blue Star Mothers of Nassau County and our local veteran organizations for the Sweats for Vets donation drive to help local veterans stay warm this winter. Our local heroes often face a host of challenges when they return home, and this initiative ensures they have access to warm, comfortable clothes during one of the most difficult times of the year.”

Sillitti thanked the Port Washington VFW Post 1819, Manhasset American Legion Post 304 and Williston Park American Legion Post

144 for serving as 24-hour collection sites and is encouraging those who are able to donate to help a veteran in need.

For those wishing to donate to the program, you can drop-off new hats, gloves, socks, scarves, sweatshirts and sweatpants – preferably sizes L or larger – at any of the following 24/7 collection sites: Port Washington VFW Post 1819; 29 Mohegan Avenue, Port Washington (drop box located at back of building) Manhasset American Legion Post 304; 27 Bayview Avenue, Manhasset (blue mailbox in front of building) Williston Park American Legion Post 144; 730 Willis Avenue, Williston Park, (drop box in front of building) Please only donate new items.

Gift cards cannot be accepted.

Please visit nyassembly.gov/Sillitti for a comprehensive list of items you can donate. For more information on this or any other community issue, please contact Assemblywoman Sillitti’s office 516-482-6966 or by email at SillittiG@nyassembly.gov

Webster Bank has announced today the launch of its first Special Purpose Credit Program aimed at expanding homeownership opportunities for low-to-moderate income first-time homebuyers, and those who are seeking to refinance, in historically underserved areas.

The program, called “You’re Home,” provides an alternative to traditional loan program and terms, offering up to 97% financing for the purchase of properties located in defined, underserved markets.

The program is specifically designed to assist borrowers in specific demographic Geographic Assessment Areas and Majority Minority census tracts in the Bank’s footprint. Borrowers in these areas are eligible for both

purchase and rate and term refinance transactions.

“Our goal is to help reduce the barriers to traditional lending and expand the opportunities for homeownership in the communities we serve,” said James Griffin, head of consumer banking. “We want to do our part to help potential homebuyers, or those who want or need to refinance, to have more access to funding.”

“Homeownership strengthens our neighborhoods and helps individuals and families build generational wealth,” said Marissa Weidner, chief corporate responsibility officer at Webster. She added, “The ‘You’re Home’ program will create greater access to credit in economically disadvantaged communities.”

The “You’re Home” program is the most recent component of the Bank’s Community Investment Strategy, a multi-year, $6.5B commitment to expanding access to capital, providing loans, investments, technical assistance and financial services to individuals and small businesses in low- and moderate-income neighborhoods.

The bank’s dedication to supporting low- and moderate-income borrowers extends beyond financial assistance with our network of community liaison officers, actively building relationships with community-based organizations to increase lending opportunities that meet local credit needs within these regions, as well as conducting financial literacy workshops on topics such as first-time homebuying.

Rallye partners with LI Cares, Nosh Delivers to aid hungry Rallye Motor Company, partnering with Long Island Cares and Glen Cove’s Nosh Delivers, on Thursday, held a press event highlighting a holiday food drive.

The food drive was followed by a holiday party for children in the Roslyn area. Both events are examples of Rallye’s commitment to giving back to the communities that have supported them since their founding 65 years ago.

The holiday food drive, held at Rallye Lexus in Glen Cove, featured Sprinter vans filled with non-perish-

able food items donated by Rallye to Nosh Delivers.

Founded at the beginning of the pandemic, Nosh Delivers! is now serving the needs of more than 500 families in the Glen Cove area, ensuring that local food-insecure families will not go hungry.

In addition to the vans full of food, Juliana Terian, CEO of Rallye Motor Company, in recognition of Rallye’s 65th anniversary, presented a $6,500 check to Long Island Cares. This donation is part of Long Island Care’s holiday corporate matching campaign.

Since its founding by the late Harry Chapin in 1980, Long Island Cares – The Harry Chapin Food Bank has been on a mission to feed Long Island’s food insecure and put an end to the root causes of hunger.

Terian was joined by the CEO of Long Island Cares, Paule Pachter; the Chair of Nosh Delivers!, Christine Rice; and the Nassau County Executive, Bruce Blakeman. Also attending were state Assemblymember Charles Lavine, Nassau County Legislator Delia Deriggi-Whitton, and Glen Cove Mayor Pamela Panzenbeck.

PROVIDED BY ASSEMBLYWOMAN SILLITTI’S OFFICE

Flyer for the Sweats for Vets Drive

Visit us at www.theisland360.com

Juliana Terian, CEO of Rallye Motor Company, signs a $6,500 check which was presented to Long Island Cares – Harry Chapin Food Bank as part of LI Cares holiday corporate matching campaign.

Blank Slate Media Newspapers, Friday, December 29, 2023

25

READERS WRITE

Hypothesis and Conjecture

Why I’m voting Landscape and Wilderness for Tom Suozzi

There’s little I can’t find here.

Birds flying about doing their thing.

The trees and their leaves that one craves.

The voices churning in the restless sea.

The missing pages of my childhood.

If you walk long enough on this trail, in the hilly portion a clear cold spring runs artesian out of the rich dark earth,like a wound or conscience.

In the heart of summer water runs low though freely and still reaches the harbor.

Everything, depending on how you define wealth, including love and peace.

As I walk, I like the openness, this sky, so sweeping and direct.

I am thinking about bird calls and the silence more, I think of yonder.

Days are the river bridging the years, undefiled and inviolate.

I’ve pretty much learned to let go of a fraying story, yet managed to survive all the beheadings.

I’m seated at my desk on the 19th floor of a downtown building facing a blue sky west, and turn to look out the window.

The Towers are standing.

As for me, a moment of light passing through a honeycomb.

Wondering who? Where? Why? Most of all, when I lay awake nights, I can almost hear myself ask again and my mother answer, one more story then, my darling restless boy, to help you shut your eyes and go to sleep.

Lost in such a world, how can it be otherwise?

Each must have a safe place in the heart as God approaches.

The flourishing of one day’s singular existence at a time, even for a few hours.

I am ready for rewilding.

But it is hard not to imagine something else pressing from the outskirts.

It is a mystery to me how beauty is easily devoured as if it were abandoned property only subject to selfishness, paved over for traffic that has the windows and nerves shaking.

So much must be conceded: that precludes life!

I learned long ago, what I say is not important, yet there remains a lasting echo in my heart calling me home. Like the tortoise, at best.

Stephen Cipot Garden City Park

I hurry toward the beginning, because each slow morning the sky grows light at the threshold of dew and the dove sings new.

I think it’s singing, by my way of thinking.

After all, I’m the one who heard a whole new world to myself.

The word unlocks the room I live inside.

And what the days afford.

Yes, it is singing.

Sleep, child. Sleep.

Stephen Cipot Garden City Park Note: I’m sometimes reminded of a statement by the late neurosurgeon and writer Dr. Oliver Sacks: “Life is based on hypothesis and conjecture.”

The older I get I have come to see the wisdom in this.

Being retired, among a number of challenging new activities more significant is attempting to serve as a volunteer EMT, so far completing much of the coursework and training toward certification.

In my limited capacity, I have helped tend to the suicideprone, OD sufferers, those experiencing medical, trauma and other emergencies. Now even more so I believe reality can change very quickly, life is limited and more than precious.

What is reality? When young my family moved around a lot and I briefly attended school in a segregated community and city, and let me say, I began understanding that throughout our diverse country reality is perceived differently than I thought I was used to. I also learned hate is essentially nurtured within fear.

Among Dr. Sacks’ provocative and interesting writings, his non-fiction book “Awakenings” (1973) recounts the life histories of those who were victims of the 1920 sencephalitis lethargica epidemic, made into a 1990 movie featuring Robert DeNiro and Robin Williams.

Sacks’ collections of essays which are based on his patients also stand out. One collection in particular is titled after a man who suddenly mistook his wife for a hat. It is good place to begin a story. To end, thank you for taking the time to read my epistolary and creative ministrations. Wishing all the very best holidays.

PHOTO BY STEPHEN CIPOT

I

am voting for Tom Suozzi for Congress because when I introduced gun violence prevention legislation in the Assembly, I had no stronger ally than Tom as Nassau County Executive.

When I walked the halls in Albany to protect our drinking water on Long Island, Tom was with me.

Please keep in mind when you vote, every Republican

congressman voted to launch an impeachment inquiry against President Biden without competent evidence, while shirking their budget work to keep our federal government from shutting down in just weeks.

As the Suozzi sign on my lawn says, “Let’s fix this!”

Michelle Schimel Port Washington

Keep Chick-fil-A’s at rest stops

P

roposed legislation by state Assembly member Tony Simone of Manhattan and state Senate member Michelle Hinchey of the Hudson Valley supported by other proLGBTQ colleagues would require any restaurant on the New York State Thruway to be opened seven days a week.

These “politically correct” liberals want to use this as a backdoor way to close ChickFil-A stores on the New York State Thruway. There are currently 11 Chick-Fil-A stores open at the 27 New York State Thruway rest stops.

More are anticipated to open as the state Thruway Authority renovates additional rest stops in coming years.

Sponsors of this legislation know that the owners of Chick-Fil-A always close on Sundays. There are always other dining options available at other restaurants open at Thruway rest stops when Chick-Fil-A is closed on Sundays.

No motorists go away hungry. This action is to benefit hard-working employees, both a day to be with family or attend services at their house of worship.

Chick-Fil-A provides gainful employment to construction contractors and their employees to build each store as well as cooks, cashiers and food supply deliverers.

This benefits many who reside in high-unemployment communities. Some who have benefited are part of the same LGBTQ community. Many more open-minded members of the LGBTQ community work or dine there.

Chick-Fil-A provides a quality product at reasonable prices. Revenues generated

by Chick-Fil-A at Thruway stops help the State Thruway Authority pay off the $3.9 billion long-term debt that paid for construction of the Mario Cuomo Tappan Zee Bridge.

It is disappointing that after Chick-Fil-A opens a new store, we sometimes see “politically correct” progressive liberal members of the LGBTQ community throwing their lot in with political extremists on the right who use the threat of boycotts to impose their moral values on others.

If you don’t like the politics of Chick-Fil-A, don’t eat there. Don’t deny the civil liberties of others who might prefer Chick-Fil-A. In America, under the free enterprise system, this is called freedom of choice.

Chick-fil-A owners and employees are our neighbors.

They work long hours and pay taxes. True tolerance means accepting those with different values than your own.

There are plenty of other dining options at Thruway rest stops open and available if you don’t want to patronize Chick-Fil-A or if it is closed on Sundays.

Will Gov. Hochul be a profile in courage and not sign this bill into law or will she side with those liberal “politically” correct?

Let us hope she sides with those who practice freedom of choice when it comes to dining options. My stomach, my choice!

Larry Penner Great Neck

26 Blank Slate Media Newspapers, Friday, December 29, 2023

READERS WRITE

It’s TIME to replace diversity, equity and inclusion

K

aren Rubin claims that diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) “emerged out of the 1960s civil rights movement.”

In fact, the DEI triad is a much more recent coinage. As recently as within the last decade, the corporate buzzword was D&I—diversity and inclusion. Go back 5-10 years earlier, and it was simply diversity and was largely contained to college campuses.

More importantly, though, while DEI may seek to help many of the same people as the civil rights movement, its values and methods are radically different.

Martin Luther King dreamed of a future in which people “will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character.”

Yet, DEI seeks to do just the opposite. Nearly all DEI policies treat opportunity as a zero-sum game and

aim to help those groups that have not had as much success by discriminating against those groups that have been more successful, whether that be through affirmative action in college admissions, scholarships restricted to a particular race or gender, or workplace affinity groups where people are told that they are not allowed in the room because of the accidents of their birth.

The word “equity” is not what it appears. It sounds very similar to equality, and it is easy for those not familiar with the word to assume that it is a synonym. In fact, the two words have very different meanings.

Equality generally refers to equality of rights and opportunities, the right of all individuals to receive the same treatment by the government and be free from discrimination by private institutions as required by law. It is the idea codified in the Four-

teenth Amendment, the Civil Rights Act, and Title IX. Equity, on the other hand, refers specifically to equality of outcomes, the collective right of groups to receive a set percentage of jobs, offers of admission, etc., regardless of the merits of the individuals in question.

The implications of equity are problematic enough with regard to groups that have not historically faced discrimination, but they are even more problematic when applied to minorities such as Jews and Asians that have in recent years achieved greater success at the group level than the majority.

It is DEI that led to the anti-Asian racism in college admissions where Asian applicants received fewer offers than white applicants with the same qualifications, an injustice that the Supreme Court finally recognized this past summer.

If a group with a history of discrimination achieves success, DEI proponents assume that it means that the discrimination wasn’t really that bad and refuse to consider the possibility that the people in that group worked hard to achieve that success despite the injustice that they faced.

Given this mindset, is it any wonder that the same campus DEI offices that have served as the thought police when it comes to speech that might be deemed offensive to other minorities or women have failed to protect Jewish students from physical violence and threats thereof and that departments whose names end with the word “studies” have been hotbeds of anti-Semitism in the aftermath of the Oct. 7 atrocities?

How long will it take before we start hearing about “Jewish privilege” and “Asian privilege” from these people?

So, if DEI isn’t the answer, then what is? While many DEI proponents would have us believe that the only alternative is old-school racism and sexism, this is a false choice.

The values for which we should strive can be summarized by their own acronym, TIME: tolerance, individualism, meritocracy, and equality.

These are the values that inspired the American founding and the civil rights movement. Dr. King spoke of our founding documents as a “promissory note,” and while the work of keeping that promise is still not done, we have progressed further than ever before. Let’s strive to continue that progress, rather than abandoning these worthy values in favor of an alternative that is deeply unjust.

David Golub Mineola

Nassau Republicans could help stop Trump Continued from Page 12 A recent Iowa poll found that more than 42% of Republican voters were more likely to vote for Trump based on his saying immigrants were “poisoning the blood of our nation.”

Is that true of Republicans in Nassau County, who perhaps live closer to the immigrant experience than Iowa

residents and understand that this country was built by immigrants coming from all nations?

Here’s a chance to put the notion that Nassau Republicans are more moderate to the test.

History has shown that democracy dies at the ballot box, not at the barrel of a gun.

Hitler came to power in Germany democratically when the Nazi Party attained 107 seats in Germany’s parliament, the Reichstag. In July 1932, the Nazi Party with Hitler at its head became the largest political party in the Reichstag with 230 representatives.

“As a result of the Nazis’ mass sup-

port, German President Paul von Hindenburg appointed Hitler chancellor on Jan. 30, 1933,” according to the Holocaust Museum. “His appointment paved the way for the Nazi dictatorship after Hindenburg’s death in August 1934.”

You don’t think this could happen in the United States? Maybe. But

many Germans didn’t think it could happen in Germany in the 1930s.

Nassau County Republicans could help us avoid finding out if democracy could die in the United States by backing one of Trump’s challengers in the Republican presidential primary.

Or, as Cheney said, they may forever live with the dishonor.

For our sake, please don’t put that tree in a plastic bag Continued from Page 14 If you drink from a reusable plastic water bottle, especially one that’s been used for a while, your intake of chemicals can be dangerously high.

Here’s the other dirty little secret about plastic. As plastic breaks down into tiny pieces and is scattered into the environment, it reduces the ability of CO2 to be absorbed.

Algae, kelp and other tiny helpers of nature, where micro-plastics easily bind, are inhibited from doing their job. This has a knock-on effect of jeopardizing the entire food chain,

threatening wildlife and undermining biodiversity.

Compounding all these problems is the constant lure of money.

Plastic has now become a political issue, as developing nations that are looking for economic growth are easily lured by plastic manufacturers to support their expansion plans. This was evident at the recent meeting of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee established by the UN to develop an international legally binding instrument on plastic pollution, where progress on “turning off the

plastic tap” was blocked by poorer countries counting on big oil and gas companies to set up shop in their territories and spur economic growth.

But the incentive to help developing nations pull themselves out of poverty can’t be the justification for encouraging greater use of plastic.

The simple fact is that plastic is slowly killing us and the sooner we recognize plastic as the threat that it is, the better chance we have of mitigating the damage it is causing.

Government subsidies to oil and gas companies to build new plastic

manufacturing plants need to stop.

We need to stop installing plastic synthetic turf fields. No more shrinkwrapping giant boats with sheets of plastic.

Let’s use individual reusable metal bottles and coolers with paper cups to hydrate our kids at ball games, not cases of plastic water bottles shrinkwrapped in plastic. Let’s ask our stores not to wrap our fruits and vegetables in PVC plastic film.

And each of us can do our part to turn off the plastic tap. (If you want to know more about what you can do,

visit BeyondPlastics.org.)

So when it’s time to un-decorate the tree and haul it out to the curb for pickup, please reconsider purchasing a special plastic bag to wrap it in. Use an old sheet instead.

If you’re a boater, consider canvas as a responsible alternative to plastic wrap. And if your town has a tree mulching program as a way to reuse the trees that have been cut down to once again benefit the environment, please make the effort to participate.

I can’t think of a better way to start the new year!

When the correct answer may be wrong response Continued from Page 15 The opening statements might better have described the nature of campus codes of conduct and disciplinary procedures and how they are conditioned by the Constitution and legal precedents.

These panel presentations high-

lighted the precarious life of the university presidency. It can be a lonely post.

There are many constituencies, some with conflicting aims, including major donors, who demand attention and action.

During my 30 years as a campus

president, I found it useful to have outside advisors and others with whom to discuss ideas and practice approaches.

Assistance for those at the top can take many forms, both formal and informal. It can come from lawyers, yes, but also from other presidents, campus

colleagues, members of the board of trustees, professional consultants, or a long-time mentor.

These formal and informal sources of assistance are important aides to the leader who wants to broaden his or her perspective and ensure that answers to

contentious questions are the right responses.

Robert A. Scott, President Emeritus, Adelphi University and Ramapo College of New Jersey; Author, “How University Boards Work,” Johns Hopkins University Press; Eric Hoffer Book Awardee

For the latest news, visit us at w w w.theisland360.com

Blank Slate Media Newspapers, Friday, December 29, 2023

27

COMMUNITY NEWS

North Shore Historical Museum gets $6.5K grant Nassau County Legislator Delia DeRiggi-Whitton (D – Glen Cove) thanked her colleagues in the Legislature for voting unanimously on Monday, Dec. 18 to approve a $6,500 Hotel-Motel Occupancy Tax Fund grant for the North Shore Historical Museum in Glen Cove.

The funds will be applied toward ongoing renovations of the circa-1907

Justices Court Building which houses the museum.

To date, 38 of the building’s 60 storm windows have been renovated in accordance with historic preservation standards; the new grant will equip the museum to complete another five to six of the remaining windows, which will be equipped with a special film on the glass

to protect the museum’s collections and exhibits.

The Courthouse is listed on the State and National Register of Historic Places.

The museum’s mission is to preserve the history of the North Shore of Long Island through the stewardship of its collections and historic structure to engage the public and to interpret the history

of the North Shore, in particular, the area once known as the “Gold Coast”, through exhibitions, lectures, and programs.

“Growing up as the daughter of a local historian I understand the true value of having a location to display and preserve important artifacts. The leaders of the North Shore Historical Museum

have been outstanding caretakers of the Justices Building, and this ongoing project is emblematic of their devotion to preserving our historic treasures and educating the public,” DeRiggi-Whitton said. “It was a pleasure to work with them to secure these funds and I thank my colleagues for their unanimous support.”

N. Shore celebrates Bethpage Federal Credit aids Winter Wonderland vulnerable Long Island families For the first time since 2019, North Shore University Hospital (NSUH) in Manhasset hosted Winter Wonderland, a holiday celebration for employees, their families and community members.

Attendees to the day-long event on Dec. 15 enjoyed holiday treats, face painting, letters to Santa, a hot chocolate bar and cookie station, a meet and greet with Santa, Frosty and Mrs. Claus, and more.

“Winter Wonderland is a holiday tradition that we were excited to finally bring back after a three-year hiatus,” said Jon Sendach, executive director of North Shore University Hospital and deputy executive director for Northwell Health’s

Central Region. “You really want to celebrate the season and do something fun for the community while rewarding our team members for all that they do.”

NSUH is home to the Sandra Atlas Bass Heart Hospital, the Katz Women’s Hospital, neurosurgery, multi-organ transplant services and one of the busiest emergency departments in the region.

NSUH is a Magnet-recognized hospital by the American Nurses Credentialing Center, which spotlights excellence in nursing. In 2023, CMS gave the hospital its highest 5-star rating while US News & World Report named the hospital No. 1 in New York State and top 22 nationally.

PHOTO COURTESY OF NORTHWELL HEALTH

Team members at North Shore University Hospital celebrate with Santa as part of the hospital’s day-long Winter Wonderland employee appreciation and community celebration event.

Since 2021, Bethpage Federal Credit Union employees have been sending gifts to underserved families through its support of Options for Community Living’s Adopt-a-Family program.

For the third year, Bethpage Federal Credit Union is purchasing holiday gifts for vulnerable Long Island families through its support of Options for Community Living, a notfor-profit that provides high-quality housing and services for vulnerable Long Islanders.

Adopt-a-Family, which was developed by Options in 2008, invites individuals and organizations to bring holiday joy into the homes of many underserved families.

With the help of its employees, Bethpage has successfully provided holiday gifts to over 500 Long Islanders since its support of Options for

Community Living began in 2021.

Each year, Options’ family members who want to participate submit a holiday wish list usually consisting of gift cards or winter clothing, which then is provided to supporters. This year, Bethpage Federal Credit Union is purchasing holiday gifts for 60 families, totaling 187 individuals.

“We extend our sincerest gratitude to Bethpage Federal Credit Union for their unwavering and ongoing support,” said Yolanda Robano-Gross, CEO, Options for Community Living Inc. “Bethpage’s generosity will help bring joy to 60 Long Island families in need this holiday

season. Together, we are making a positive impact on our community, embodying the spirit of giving and shared goodwill. We could not be more grateful for their support.”

“Bethpage is fully dedicated to enriching lives of the communities we serve,” said Tara Labriola, vice president, retail banking, Bethpage Federal Credit Union, and board member, Options for Community Living. “This year, our Assistant Vice Presidents teamed up to shop for holiday gifts at Target and then deliver them to Options, who will then drop them off at the families’ homes.

A meaningful holiday for all.”

Drucker to host Alzheimer’s Association gets grievance workshops $5K from Burlington stores Nassau County Legislator Arnold W. Drucker (D – Plainview) is partnering with the Nassau County Assessment Review Commission to host two free online community assessment grievance workshops to inform residents about how to challenge the assessed value of their property online.

During this online workshop, taxpayers who disagree with their assessment will learn how to navigate the online grievance process and dispute their assessment. There will also be an opportu-

nity to submit via chat any questions to the representative from ARC. Questions will be answered after the presentations and/or they will contact you directly.

For additional information, please contact Legislator Drucker’s office at 516571-6216 or adrucker@nassaucountyny. gov.

When: Noon – 2 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 25, 2024 and 7 – 9 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 22, 2024 To join, visit: https://www.nassaucountyny.gov/LD16

The Long Island Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association is pleased to announce a $5,000 donation from the private non-profit organization, Burlington Stores Foundation, made possible by Burlington stores, the national off-price retailer.

The Foundation focuses on providing funds to qualifying non-profit 501(c) (3) organizations that are solely nominated by Burlington employees nationwide.

“We are incredibly thankful to the Burlington Stores Foundation for this donation,” said Douglas Davidson, executive director of the Alzheimer’s Association Long Island Chapter. “As more

people are affected by this disease, our chapter will be able to respond to the increasing needs of individuals with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementia and their family members. All of our

Alzheimer’s Association Long Island Chapter

programs and services are free to the community, and we can do that thanks to generous supporters.”

Based in Melville, the Alzheimer’s Association Long Island Chapter serves Nassau and Suffolk Counties. The chapter helps all those facing Alzheimer’s and other dementias by providing support groups and educational resources while advancing crucial research and public policy initiatives. There are currently 410,000 New Yorkers living with Alzheimer’s and even more people caring for them.

To learn more about the Long Island Chapter, visit alz.org/longisland or call our 24/7 Helpline at 800.272.3900.

28 Blank Slate Media Newspapers, Friday, December 29, 2023

Business&RealEstate

Real estate’s tumultuous, challenging year How can one describe real estate in 2023?

It was challenging, impossible, and difficult for buyers and renters. Mortgage rates being as high as they were with 11 increases over 18 months have caused a lot of pain and disruptions to so many looking for their first place to call home.

Its severity affected a good portion of purchasers who had less than stellar opportunities whether it was from battling a bidding war environment not seen before; as well as a lack of choices from a historically diminished low inventory.

Due to these bidding war situations, prices kept escalating in this artificially created atmosphere with fear of missing out rearing its ugly head for those who became way too emotional in the buying process; as if it was the end of the world if they didn’t get something.

Due to this untenable situation, this inevitably pushed so many back onto the sidelines waiting for lower rates, and prices, greater housing inventory, saving more money or just leaving New York State altogether.

I do not see the possibility of lower prices on the horizon because of continued current demand and from those entering their “purchasing years” as well as the continued lack of affordable tenant housing.

I don’t see developers catching up for between 5-10 years going forward,

as they do not want to overbuild and get stuck, as they did in 2006-2008.

Although more construction is happening, lack of affordable and buildable land on Long Island is another factor that has come into play too, causing many to jump back on the fence and wait or join the exodus out of New York State to the top 5 lower-cost states (from InsiderMonkey.com 12/22/23) like Florida, New Jersey, Arizona, Pennsylvania, and Texas.

The Federal Reserve and Jerome Powell haven’t increased rates the last meetings due to the positive outcomes of the slowly decreasing inflation numbers.

I have said in past columns, that I am a bit suspicious about the numbers that make up the Consumer Price Index making up core inflation; when energy, food, and housing are not included in the computations, due to their volatility in creating a stable inflation composite.

Although the first two have come down slightly, housing is still not costeffective for those who want to purchase, so I believe “real inflation” is higher than what they are putting out to the public.

Some economists (Forbes January 23, 2023, contributor Q.ai) say the Fed should consider using super core inflation as a barometer (CPI plus PCE-personal consumption index), stripping out the volatile aspects of food, energy, and housing from the traditional CPI. At this point, there is no clear agreed-

PHILIP A. RAICES Real Estate Watch

upon definition of super core inflation.

My professional opinion, although I am not an economist, is that true accurate inflation today should include food, energy, and housing, even though they are very volatile commodities.

But I believe that it would scare consumers from spending, which is 70% of our economy, if included, showing a higher than normal inflation number and maybe enabling it to reach the 2% rate faster, that Jerome Powell wants.

True and accurate transparency can be a very slippery slope when it comes to politics and our economy. A column

from Greg Iacurci from CNBC on Dec 12 stated the CPI index rose 3.1% in November year over year)down from 3.2% in October according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Although gasoline, natural gas, and some food prices are lower, housing to purchase and rent is considerably higher as well as motor vehicle insurance and repairs, admission to events, and many other categories of things that consumers spend their incomes on, which is part and parcel of the PCE. There are predictions that the Fed will lower interest rates by the middle of 2024, but they are not committing to any numbers.

But the stock market has been rallying over the last few weeks on the potential of it occurring. This would bode well for purchasers seeking to get back into the market. I’ll take a wait-and-see attitude.

However, a key determining factor is the high price of housing on Long Island and current high rates and affordability.

If those who have bought in the last two years, who paid a high price and interest rate, fall into any of the following categories, then major affordability issues could occur in the future: • Potentially lose their business or job • Overwhelming mortgage and credit card debt

• Disabilities and death occurrences • Marital status This may cause those homeowners to consider having to sell to potentially avoid foreclosures and poor credit scores affecting their future for purchasing or renting.

If they have sufficient equity, some banks just might consider a moderation of their mortgage interest as was done in the crisis in 2008. However, every lender has their policy and each case would be looked out, showing proof of loss of business or job and the lack of income and whatever the bank would request to show need.

But planning, knowing what your future might hold and selling right now, and taking your equity with you before a direr event occurs; and keeping your positive credit history would go a long way in securing another place to live.

Call me for a free consultation. Happy and enjoyable holidays and a more healthier and lucrative New Year to all my clients and friends Philip A. Raices is the owner/broker of Turn Key Real Estate at 3 Grace Ave Suite 180 in Great Neck. 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.Comor viahttps://WWW.Li-RealEstate.Com

TECH The “Internet of Things” and Smart Clothing You’ve probably heard of the Internet of things, but thought, “what does it mean to me?” To answer that exciting question, let’s first understand the term itself:

the future is now

The Internet of things (IoT) is the interconnection, via the internet, of computing devices into everyday objects giving them the ability to send and receive data.

IT Peace of Mind for Your Business to Thrive!

We already monitor our home security via smart camera devices and troubleshoot appliance repairs by connecting directly to technical support. But there are even cooler IoT applications in the works!

“Soon, the Internet of Things will meet Gucci in the form of smart clothing. For example, swimwear can include UV sensors to prevent overexposure to harmful radiation. Smart footwear may improve your running technique or monitor the mobility of patients with Parkinson’s disease. Manufacturers might embed haptic feedback into textiles to correct your posture or improve your yoga pose. And don’t forget the accessories, such as the Ray-Ban Stories smart sunglasses (that provide a window to social media when the user is otherwise offline).” - William Diggin, Accenture President and Founder Sandwire Technology Group

Let Sandwire Technology Group show your small business that the future is NOW.

IT SOLUTIONS FOR BUSINESS SUCCESS Managed IT

VoIP Phones

Cyber Security

Cyber Compliance

More than just IT support.

We are your IT partner!

Better service.

More flexibility.

Lower rates.

Protect proprietary data from malicious activities of cyber thieves.

HIPAA, NIST, GDPR, more.

Be secure and meet requirements for your field.

Will your sensitive company data be breached today?

It happens to businesses like yours every day.

SECURE YOUR BUSINESS with SANDWIRE

20 Hempstead Turnpike, Farmingdale, NY 11735 (516) 861-3000 • sandwire.com Serving Manhattan to Montauk

Blank Slate Media Newspapers, Friday, December 29, 2023

29

PROFESSIONAL GUIDE ▼ ACCOUNTING ▼

ACCOUNTANT ▼

ROSOVICH & ASSOCIATES, INC. Accounting & Tax Preparation Services Over 30 years experience in income tax preparation!

IRS E-Filing, Help with IRS and NYS tax issues, filing of back taxes, free review of prior years tax return.

25% OFF

TAX PREPARATION FEE *

▼

Member NATP, NSTP, AICPA,NYSSCPA

*FOR NEW CLIENTS WITH THIS AD

Call today for an appointment or for additional information

718-347-9631

261-02 Union Tpke.

Floral Park, NY 11004 www.rosovichassociates.com

INSURANCE CLAIMS ▼

FLOOD? FIRE? Get Your Life Back with Nespo Claims

EXPERT ACCOUNTING SERVICES We Specialize in: n Personal Taxes n Small Business n Estates n Trusts n Back Year Tax Returns Initial Complimentary Consultation:

516-360-1550

www.cprussocpa.com

NESPO

Cathleen P. Russo, CPA PC

PLACE YOUR AD ▼

Advertising on this page is only open to N.Y.S. licensed professionals.

Call 516-307-1045 and let us begin listing you in our Professional Guide and Professional Services pages.

LAW ▼

John E. Lavelle Law Firm P.C.

Accidents: • Car Accidents • Construction Site Accidents • Trip/Slip and Falls • Train/Subway Accidents • Medical Negligence Claims • Workplace Injuries

• We protect your interest against well trained FEMA and carrier adjusters • We have over 40k claims experience.

• Our experience will ensure preservation of your right to full recovery with maximum claim settlement!

Appellate Practice: • Civil Appeals - Motion and Post-Trial

John Lavelle, Williston Park Resident, Parishioner, St. Aidan’s Graduate (‘93) and Proud SAS Parent

630 Willis Avenue Williston Park, NY 11596

516-325-1175

718-518-7100

S2C PRACTITIONER ▼

Special needs? Minimal/Nonspeaking?

Supporting access to effective communication to promote authentic connecting with family and friends Contact:

Free Diane Collins ation Certified S2C Practitioner Consult

dianecollins97@yahoo.com

John.Lavelle@LavelleInjuryFirm.com www.JohnLavelleLaw.com

Proudly serving clients in New York & Pennsylvania

TUTOR ▼

Spelling to Communicate (S2C) Practitioner

ABCDEFG H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

Family Care Connections, LLC

Over 20 Years Experience • Serving Long Island

We represent you to insurance companies and help you maximize your claim benefit.

INSURANCE CLAIM SERVICES CORP.

HEALTH CARE MANAGEMENT ▼

MATH

• Nurse Geriatric Care Manager • Assistance with Aging at Home • Assisted Living & Nursing Home Placement • Elder Care Consulting & Counseling • Medicaid Application & Consulting Services • Real Estate & Housing Options for Aging

Nassau (516) 248- 9323

Queens (718) 470- 6300

Dr. Ann Marie D’AngeIo, DNP, CNS Dr. Frank G. D’Angelo, JD, PhD

901 Stewart Ave., Ste. 230 • Garden City, NY 11530 www.FamilyCareConnections.com

LAW ▼

D’Angelo Law Associates, PC Stephanie A. D’Angelo, Esq.

Your Trusts & Estates Attorney • Wills & Trusts • Estate Administration • Estate Planning • Asset Protection • Elder Law • Probate • Real Estate Nassau (516) 222-1122

Queens (718) 776-7475

901 Stewart Ave., Ste 230 • Garden City, NY 11530 www.DangeloLawAssociates.com

PLACE YOUR AD ▼

ALL MATH

Grade 4 - First Year College, ACT, SAT, AP, GRE, ALL Placement Tests

VERY EXPERIENCED, specializing in all Private and Public schools (Chaminade, Kellenberg, Sacred Heart, etc.)

We offer Math tutoring from experienced and award-winning teachers at very reasonable rates.

We offer a choice of on-line 30 minute “homework help” or 55 minute “test prep help”, and limited face to face (masks).

Richard 516-567-1512 educationtimeincrgs@outlook.com

Advertising on this page is only open to N.Y.S. licensed professionals.

Call 516-307-1045 and let us begin listing you in our Professional Guide and Professional Services pages.

30 Blank Slate Media Newspapers, Friday, December 29, 2023

BUYER’S GUIDE ▼ ANTIQUES

$$ Top Cash Paid $$

BATHROOMS AND KITCHENS

CARPENTRY

EXPERT BATHROOM REPAIRS

Sweeney Custom Carpentry and PAINTING

New Doors Crown Molding Old Plaster Removed Window Molding New Drywall Installed Base Molding Picture Frame Molding Rotted Wood Replaced

HIGH END ANTIQUES HIGH CASH PAiD Oil Paintings, Mid-Century Accessories 1950s/60s, Porcelain, Costume Jewelry, Sterling Silver, Gold, Furniture, Objects of Art, etc.

• 1 Pc.or entire estates • Premium prices paid for Tiffany, Damaged Meissen Porcelain, Bronzes, Quality Pieces Marble, etc. also

wanted

CALL JOSEPH OR RUTH

718-598-3045 or 516-270-2128 Family Business for over 40 years

AntiqueAssets.com

516-884-4016 Lic# H0454870000

Specializing in Bathroom Repairs & Leaks *Shower Leak Experts* *Plumbing Repairs & Tile Repairs* *Grouting * Sheetrock* Painting * Plastering *New Custom Bathrooms*

NO JOB TOO BIG OR SMALL “Old Fashioned Craftsmanship”

CHIMNEY SPECIALISTS

CHIMNEY KING ENT, INC. Done By Fighters That Care!

Since 1982 FREE ESTIMATES

STAINLESS STEEL LINERS CLEANING & REPAIR SPECIALISTS Fireplaces • Gas/011 Chimneys • Damper Repairs Stainless Steel Liners Installed • Waterproofing Chimneys Rebuilt • Chimney Caps Installed Chimneys Repaired, Rebuilt & Tuckpointing MASONRY SPECIALIST

516.766.1666 • 631.225.2600

Chimneykinginc.com • Fully Licensed & Insured

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

Lic # H3700460000

CLEANING SERVICES

COLLECTIBLES

DEMOLITION AND JUNK REMOVAL

WANTED TO PURCHASE

DEMOLITION AND JUNK REMOVAL SERVICES

1

Cleaning Service ondyisocu5o%unt r cleaninfirst g at its Best Commercial & Residential Cleaning Services

TOP CASH PAID FOR COMIC BOOK COLLECTIONS,

large and small. Interested in all eras and publishers.

Call Todd at 917.846.6279 or email portwashingtoncomics@gmail.com.

Daily • Weekly • Bi-Weekly • Monthly Fully Insured

516-369-7951

contactmzcleaning@gmail.com www.mzspotlesscleaning.com

COMPUTER REPAIR

• Screen Fix • Computer Repairs • Onsite Service • Tutoring • VHS to DVD

516.472.0500

www.ComputerRepairForce.com 33 Great Neck Rd. Ste. #5 2nd Floor, Great Neck Open 7 Days • Patient & Friendly

CHRIS

MULLINS

Specializing in General Contracting Including Churches & Cathedrals

SMALL JOBS WELCOME

Having Hardships? We’ll Help and Bring Hope

516-428-5777 Liability, Disability & W/C Ins

FREE ESTIMATES

Licensed & Insured / Lic.# H18C6020000

25 years of experience.

Respectful. Easy to work with.

Free Estimates

CUSTOM FRAMING

HOME IMPROVEMENT

15-YEAR RESIDENTIAL WARRANTY POLYUREA NOT EPOXY

JACK’S CUSTOM FRAMING Over 30 Years in Business We can frame anything!

Quality Care & Workmanship Thousands of frames to choose from

• 4X STRONGER THAN EPOXY • NO HOT TIRE PICK-UP! • WON’T CHIP OR PEEL • EASY TO CLEAN • INDOOR/OUTDOOR

516-775-9495 92 Covert Ave., Stewart Manor HOURS: Tuesday - Saturday 10-5 @jacks_custom_framing jackmccullough@me.com

CONTRACTING CJM CONTRACTING INC.

NYC Lice 2061397-0CA Nassau County Lice H0708010000, Suffolk County Lich 41048-H

ALL RENOVATIONS, EXPERT LEAK REPAIRS • Fire flood and mold remediation • Dormers & Extensions • Kitchens • Bathrooms • Flat Shingle • Roofing • Masonry • Attics • Brickwork • Stoops • Waterproofing • Painting • Windows UNTIL • Power Washing MARCH 1ST • Plumbing • Electric

20%OFF

ONE DAY FLOORS

STRONG ARM CONTRACTING INC. We Rip-Out or Remove Anything & Everything!

We Clean It Up & Take It Away!

Residential & Commercial

516-538-1125 FREE ESTIMATES ELECTRICIAN

• GARAGE FLOORS • LAUNDRY ROOMS • PATIOS • WALKWAYS • RECREATION ROOMS • BASEMENTS • SERVICE AREAS • OFFICES • SCHOOLS • SHOWROOMS • RESTROOMS • PRODUCTION AREAS • VETERINARY CLINICS

516.676.8469 iPaintFloors.com CONCRETE COATINGS

facebook.com/ipaintfloors

24 HOUR EMERGENCY SERVICE

WWW.NELLOELECTRIC.COM 516-361-2947

Blank Slate Media Newspapers, Friday, December 29, 2023

31

BUYER’S GUIDE ▼ HOME IMPROVEMENT

HOME IMPROVEMENT

JUNK REMOVAL

Elegant Touch Remodeling “Quality Construction with a Personal Touch” Deal direct with owner - Serving li over 25 years

All Types of Home Improvements • Free design service • Free Estimates • Kitchens • extensions • bathrooms • dormers • siding • decks

631.281.7033 Licence #H18H2680000

PLACE YOUR AD

HOME IMPROVEMENT

ADVERTISE WITH US

LAMPS FIXED $ 65

To place your ad, call 516.307.1045

In Home Service Handy Howard 646-996-7628

HOME IMPROVEMENT

ISA

HOME IMPROVEMENT

• New Construction & Conversions • Dormers • Extensions • Mason Work • Stone • Kitchens • Windows • Siding • Decks • Porticos • Baths • Basements • Carpentry Work

Free Estimates / 516-581-9146 Nass#HO444640000

LAWN SPRINKLERS

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

Joe Barbato (516) 775-1199 ROOFING

• Suff#HI-61446 • Insured

ALL PHASES OF RUBBISH REMOVAL & DEMOLITION • Residential • Commercial Construction Sites

Kitchens • Bathrooms Clean-Ups • Attics Basements • Flood/Fire

Bob Cat Service

516-541-1557 www.1866WEJUNKIT.com

MASONRY

PAINTING

FREE ESTIMATES LOU: 516 850-4886

FAMILY OWNED & OPERATED

DRIVEWAYS & PARKING LOTS RETAINING WALLS FOUNDATIONS DRYWELL WATER DRAINAGE WATER PROOFING

SIDEWALKS PATIOS / PAVERS BRICK / BLOCK BLUE STONE STEPS / STOOPS BELGIUM BLOCK CULTURED STONE

Contracting LLC

MASONRY • PAVING • CONCRETE

FULLY INSURED

LIC: #H2219010000

PAINTING, POWERWASHING

PAINTING & WALLPAPER est. 1978

Interior and Exterior • Plaster/Spackle Light Carpentry • Decorative Moldings Power Washing 516-385-3132 New Hyde Park

www.MpaintingCo.com

516-328-7499 Licensed & Insured

WINDOW TREATMENTS

Sweeney Custom Painting and CARPENTRY

• INTERIOR / EXTERIOR • B. Moore Paints • Power Washing • Dustless Sanding Vacuum System • Taping • Spackling • Plaster Removed • New Drywall

516-884-4016 Lic# H0454870000

SECURITY SPECIALIST

FREE ESTIMATES • BURGLAR ALARMS

• FIRE ALARMS • CARBON MONOXIDE • LOW TEMP DETECTORS • WATER DETECTORS • GAS DETECTORS

*CELLULAR RADIOS NEW & 3G UPGRADES SERVING GARDEN CITY FOR 40 YEARS

516-486-5484 LIC #: 12000014219

*CUSTOM WINDOW TREATMENTS TOP BRANDS AT DISCOUNT PRICES* WE BRING THE SHOWROOM TO YOU FREE CONSULTATION

516-426-2890

WWW.MADEINTHESHADENSLI.COM

FAMILY OWNED & OPERATED

nassau

Blank Slate Media Newspapers, Friday, December 29, 2023

COMMUNITY CLASSIFIEDS 1

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

PART TIME DISPATCHER Local Police Department Part Time Dispatcher position available

Phone: 516.307.1045 x 218 e-mail:

dflynn@theisland360.com

SCHOOL BUS/VAN DRIVERS

Best Pay Package in the Industry!

Start at $28.24* (Bus) • $24.66* (Van) Equal Opportunity Employer

FREE CDL TRAINING

RequiRements:

In Person:

22 Planting Field Road Roslyn Heights, NY 11577

We’re Open:

Mon–Thurs: 9am-5:30pm Fri: 9am-6pm

Deadlines

Monday 2:00pm: Classified Advertising Tuesday Noon Legal Notices/ Name Changes Friday 5:00pm Buyers’s Guide Error Responsibility All ads placed by telephone are read back for verification of copy context. In the event of an error of Blank Slate Media LLC we are not responsible for the first incorrect insertion. We assume no responsiblity for an error in and beyond the cost of the ad.

Cancellation Policy Ads must be cancelled the Monday before the first Thursday publication. All cancellations must be received in writing by fax at: 516.307.1046 Any verbal cancellations must be approved by a supervisor.

There are no refunds on cancelled advertising. An advertising credit only will be issued.

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.

• 3 years Police Dispatcher experience • Familiar with Central Station Village Resident Alarm Computer System • Enter Data, as directed, into the Departments E-Force computer records program, NYSPIN, and blotter • Make appropriate notifications, as directed by tour supervisor • Wear uniform prescribed by Department directives • Transfer all calls to appropriate extensions or departments • Dispatch radio messages in the prescribed manner $22.00 per hour All resumes please submit to: vlsadmin@villageoflakesuccess.com

NASSAU COUNTY NEEDS CERTIFIED HHA’S, COMPANIONS AND HOMEMAKERS. HIRING IMMEDIATELY • Competitive Pay Rate • Flexible Scheduling • All Shifts & Locations Available

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

718-850-3400

WE’RE HIRING 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.

n REPORTER. FULL TIME.

We are looking for a versatile, self-starter with good writing and reporting skills, and journalism experience.

You will report on all aspects of your communities including local government, politics, education, business and humaninterest stories.

Excellent opportunity to work with editors with many years of weekly and daily newspaper experience.

n ENTERTAINMENT. PART TIME

We are looking for engaging writers who are familiar with and able to write about music, art and features on Long Island.

n SALES. FULL TIME.

We are looking for a highly motivated. self-starter with excellent communication and customer service skills to sell newspaper advertising, digital services and event sponsorships.

To apply, send your resume to: sblank@theisland360.com.

VISIT US ONLINE TODAY!

BlankSlate

N E W H Y D E PA R K

Herald Courier Roslyn Times Great NeckNews WillistonTimes Manhasset Times PortWashingtonTimes www.theisland360com www.theisland360.com M Ee : 5D1 6 .3I07.1 A04 5 • Fa x : 5 1 6 .3www.gcnews.com 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 07.1 04 6 www.theIsland360.com 22 PLANTING FIELD ROAD, ROSLYN HEIGHTS, NEW YORK 11577 Founded September 26, 1923

Herald Courier Roslyn Times Great NeckNews WillistonTimes Manhasset Times PortWashingtonTimes N E W H Y D E PA R K

FOUNDED 1923 ■ LOCALLY OWNED AND EDITED

*Attendance Bonus Included

• 25 Hrs. Week Minimum FULL BENEFIT PACKAGE

HUNTINGTON COACH 631-271-8931

WE HAVE THE HELP YOU NEED! HHAs, LPNs, Nurse’s Aides, Childcare, Housekeeping & Day Workers

EVON’S SERVICES 516-505-5510 EMPLOYMENT

ANNOUNCEMENTS

HELP WANTED

ATTENTION OXYGEN THERAPY USERS! Discover Oxygen Therapy That Moves with You with Inogen Portable Oxygen Concentrators. FREE information kit. Call 888-514-3044

Part Time receptionist needed for Funeral Home. Qualifications. Greet visitors and direct them to the appropriate person or office. Ability to answer telephones & take messages.Light maintenance of chapels. Responsibilities. As a Funeral Assistant, you will have a diverse range of responsibilities aimed at providing support &assistance to both clients & the funeral home’s management. Your role will involve welcoming & assisting the general public with empathy & professionalism. Schedule: Mon, Thurs, Friday, flexible 9-1, possible early start & late start as needed. Park Funeral Chapels (516) 747-4300 or email info@parkfuneralchaplels.com

SITUATION WANTED CARETAKER AVAILABLE Ukrainian woman seeking position as Housekeeper, Caretaker. Available all week.

Preferred location Garden City, Uniondale, East Meadow, West Hempstead.

Hardworking and well organized. Excellent cook. Teacher. Loves Pets. Speaks Ukrainian, Russian, Polish and communicative English. Very good references. Call Catherine: 516-547-6554

CERTIFIED HHA • EXPERIENCED • EXCELLENT REFERENCES. WE WILL PROVIDE YOU THE BEST CAREGIVERS IN AMERICA. FILIPINO MEN AND WOMEN. KIND, LOVING AND CARING AT THIS VERY DIFFICULT TIME. CALL GERTRUDE

347–444–0960 LIST YOUR JOB OPPORTUNITIES AND OFFERS HERE. CALL 516.307.1045

WANTED TO BUY LOOKING TO BUY! Estates, Oriental items, Gold, Silver, Costume Jewelry, Dishes, Flatware, Watches, Clothing, Old Photos, Coins, Stamps, Records, Toys, Action Figures, Comics, Art and Furniture. Immediate Cash Paid Call George 917-775-3048 or 718-386-1104

INVITED ESTATE SALES BY TRACY JORDAN Thursday, January 4, 2024 9:30 a.m. 7 Newmarket Road Garden City, NY 11530 Public sale selling furniture, home decor, collectibles, linens, kitchen items, glassware... and much more! Visit www.invitedsales.com for pictures & details!!

SERVING THE COMMUNITY FOR OVER 20 YEARS

DENTAL HYGIENIST wanted for our patient focused private practice in Albertson, NY. Looking for a personable, hard working, caring individual who is a team player. Must be motivated and have excellent communication skills. Part Time Flexible. Call Cheryl (516) 662-6378

A.T. STEWART EXCHANGE CONSIGNMENT SHOP 516-746-8900 Antiques-Furniture-Jewelry-SilverMirrors-Lamps-Artwork Come to Consign & Stay to Shop Visit.... Our Shop 109 Eleventh St. Garden City Mon-Fri 10-4 (Wed till 6) Saturday 12-4 Shop Our Online Store ATStewartExchange.org Items to Consign? Email photos (with sizing info) to: store@atstewartexchange.org All proceeds benefit The Garden City Historical Society Like us on Facebook & Instagram

TAG SALE

No Fee to Employers

Busy Diner in New Hyde Park looking for FT or PT positions including Cashier, Servers and Grillman. Please call for more info 516-354-4666.

MARKETPLACE

DIRECTV Sports Pack 3 Months on Us! Watch pro and college sports LIVE. Plus over 40 regional and specialty networks included. NFL, College Football, MLB, NBA, NHL, Golf and more.

Some restrictions apply. Call DIRECTV 1-888-534-6918 HEARING AIDS!! High-quality rechargeable, powerful Audien hearing aids priced 90% less than competitors. Tiny and NEARLY INVISIBLE! 45-day money back guarantee! 855-598-5898

NOVENAS/PRAYERS NOVENA TO THE BLESSED MOTHER Oh Most Beautiful Flower of Mount Carmel, Fruitful Vine, Splendor of Heaven. Oh, Blessed Mother of the Son of God, Immaculate Virgin, assist me in my necessity. Oh Star of the Sea, help me herein and show me here you are my Mother.

Oh Holy Mary Mother of God, Queen of Heaven and Earth, I humbly beseech you from the bottom of my heart to succor me in my necessity (make request). There are none that can withstand your power.

Oh, Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to Thee (say three times). Holy Mary I place this cause in your hands (say three times). Amen. This prayer is never known to fail and is to be said for 3 consecutive days. In Gratitude (M.T.F.)

MARKETPLACE INVITED ESTATE SALES BY TRACY JORDAN is doing VIRTUAL TAG SALES and ONLINE AUCTIONS now!

Sell the contents of an entire house or sell just a few things! You can host your own sale on invitedsales.com and Facebook and Instagram or we can do it for you. We can photograph, advertise and handle the winning pickups for you within a week!

Don’t worry about your closing date, we can get your house ready on time! We are a one stop service for all your needs when you are moving or selling a property! Selling, donating, discarding and cleaning out services can be done to meet your time frame with minimal stress. Contact info@invitedsales.com for more information or call 516-279-6378 to schedule a consultation or receive more information. Visit us at www.invitedsales.com for a listing of our upcoming Virtual Tag Sales and Weekly Auctions!

LIST YOUR ITEMS AND OFFERS HERE. CALL 516.307.1045

AUTOMOTIVE

AUTOS WANTED ***AAA*** AUTO BUYERS $Highest$ Ca$h Paid$ All Years/Conditions! WE VISIT YOU! Or Donate, Tax Deduct Ca$h. DMV ID#1303199 Call LUKE 516-VAN-CARS 516-297-2277

REAL ESTATE FOR RENT

OFFICE SPACE Professional Office Space for Rent in Roslyn. Multiple office suites available of various sizes & configurations. Suites include reception and office(s). Optional valet parking for clientele & patients.

Located in beautiful Roslyn on a main street just 1/2 mile away from LIE. Contact: 516-773-2736 or email:willo@gouldlp.com

SERVICE DIRECTORY

SERVICES JACK’S CUSTOM FRAMING We can frame anything! Quality Care & Workmanship Thousands of frames to choose from!! Over 30 years in business!

92 Covert Ave, Stewart Manor 516-775-9495 SAVE ON YOUR TRAVEL PLANS! Up to 75% More than 500 AIRLINES and 300,000 HOTELS across the world. Let us do the research for you for FREE! Call: 877 988 7277

ATTORNEY STEPHANIE A. D’ANGELO, ESQ. Elder Law, Wills & Trusts Asset Preservation, Estate Planning, Probate & Estate Administration/Litigation 901 Stewart Ave, Ste 230 Garden City, NY 11530 516-222-1122 www.dangelolawassociates.com

HOME IMPROVEMENTS AGING ROOF? NEW HOMEOWNER? STORM DAMAGE? You need a local expert provider that proudly stands behind their work. Fast, free estimate. Financing available. Call 1-888-920-9937 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. FULLY licensed & insured. NYC NASSAU SUFFOLK 516-766-1666or631-225-2600Since1982 chimneykinginc.com

33

Blank Slate Media Newspapers, Friday, December 29, 2023

▼ SERVICES, HOME IMPROVEMENT Work For A Company That Rewards Your Experience Don’t miss an opportunity for a great job where you can serve your community and make good money too.

• Training provided to obtain your commercial drivers license

NEW STARTING SALARIES

• BUS: $28.15 hr.

• VAN: $25.76 hr.

SIGN ON BONUS $2,500 FOR CDL DRIVERS Bus & Van $500 For Non CDL Drivers Will train qualified applicants

We guarantee 30 hours per week

Equal Opportunity Employer

HOME IMPROVEMENTS

HOME IMPROVEMENTS

HANDYMAN Careful & Reliable Serving GARDEN CITY and surrounding area since 2003 Repairs & Installations of all types Carpentry, Moldings, Lighting and More 35-yr Nassau Resident References Lic#170101 Phone/Text Friendly Frank: 516-238-2112 Email: Frankcav@optonline.net

MASONRY All types of stonework Pavers, Retaining Walls, Belgium Block Patios, Foundations, Seal coating, Concrete and Asphalt driveways, Sidewalks, Steps.

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

CLASSIFIEDS.THEISLAND360.COM

FROM OUR FAMILY TO YOURS, LET’S MAKE YOUR KITCHEN

1 Omaha Steaks Seasoning (3 oz.)

INSTRUCTION

8 FREE PureGround™ Filet Mignon Burgers (6 oz.)

74222DRF separately $221.94 SPECIAL INTRODUCTORY PRICE

$

99

99

S2C PRACTITIONER Spelling to Communicate Special needs? Nonspeaking?

Supporting access to effective communication to promote authentic connecting with family and friends. Free Consultation Contact: Diane Collins Certified S2C Practitioner dianecollins97@yahoo.com

Get 8 FREE Burgers 1.877.592.1351 ask for 74222DRF OmahaSteaks.com/Deluxe8463

CLEANING

SERVICES

CLEANING SERVICES AVAILABLE ! 15yrs experience cleaning home & offices. Great references. Specializing in laundry, ironing and deep cleaning. Love animals. Own transportation. Please call Erika 516-406-5680

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

MZ SPOTLESS CLEANING Cleaning Service at it’s Best Commercial & Residential Daily Weekly Bi-Weekly Monthly Free Estimates Fully Insured 516-369-7951 * 15% discount on your first cleaning * LIST YOUR LOCAL SERVICES HERE. CALL 516.307.1045

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 PASSION FOR SENIORS Certified HHA’s, Companions & Homemakers. 24 hour care available. Also Nassau Locations. Trained in Dementia and Alzheimer’s care. Call 718-850-3400

• • • •

Medicaid SNAP SSI WIC

• • • •

Veterans Pension Survivors or Lifeline Benefits Tribal Assistance Program Housing Assistance

Savings shown over aggregated single item base price. Standard S&H applies.

Exp. 12/31/23. | Omaha Steaks, Inc.

PROFESSIONAL DIRECTORY

LIST YOUR LOCAL SERVICES HERE.

HEALTH SERVICES FAMILY CARE CONNECTIONS, LLC Dr. Ann Marie D’Angelo PMHCNS-BC Doctor of Nursing Practice Advanced Practice Nurse Care Manager Assistance with Aging at Home/Care Coordintion Nursing Home & Assisted Living Placement PRI / Screens / Mini Mental Status Exams Medicaid Eligibility and Apllications 516-248-9323 www.familycareconnections.com 901 Stewart Ave, Ste 230 Garden City, NY 11530

CALL:

516.307.1045 EXT. 218

Switch Switch to to DISH DISH forfor access access to to every every professional professional football football game game thisthis fallfall on on YouTube, YouTube, Prime Prime Video, Video, Peacock, Peacock, andand ESPN+ ESPN+ DISH DISH hashas thethe most most college college football football with with SEC, SEC, ACC, ACC, BigBig Ten, Ten, Pac-12, Pac-12, andand Longhorn Longhorn Networks.

Networks.

EXCLUSIVE LIMITED TIME OFFER!

Mon-Thurs: 8am-11pm, Fri-Sat: 8am-5pm, Sun: 2pm-8pm EST

Available at participating locations

TODAY FOR 15% + 10% + 0% ACALLFREEUS ESTIMATE APR FOR 24 MONTHS**

Promo Code: 285 FREE GUTTER ALIGNMENT + FREE GUTTER CLEANING*

CALL TODAY (877) 651-1637

1-855-478-9473

FOREVER

**Wells Fargo Home Projects credit card is issued by Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., an Equal Housing Lender. Special terms for 24 mo. apply to qualifying purchases of $1,000 or more with approved credit. Minimum monthly payments will not pay off balance before end of promotional period. APR for new purchases is 28.99%. Effective - 01/01/2023 - subject to change. Call 1-800-431-5921 for complete details.2The leading consumer reporting agency conducted a 16 month outdoor test of gutter guards in 2010 and recognized LeafFilter as the “#1 rated professionally installed gutter guard system in America.” *For those who qualify. One coupon per household. No obligation estimate valid for 1 year. Offer valid at time of estimate only. See Representative for full warranty details. Manufactured in Plainwell, Michigan and processed at LMTMercer Group in Ohio. AR #0366920922, CA #1035795, CT #HIC.0649905, FL #CBC056678, IA #C127230, ID #RCE-51604, LA #559544, MA #176447, MD #MHIC148329, MI # 2102212986, #262000022, #262000403, #2106212946, MN #IR731804, MT #226192, ND 47304, NE #50145-22, NJ #13VH09953900, NM #408693, NV #0086990, NY #H-19114, H-52229, OR #218294, PA #PA069383, RI #GC-41354, TN #7656, UT #107836585501, VA #2705169445, WA #LEAFFNW822JZ, WV #WV056912.

Plus, Plus, getget thethe Multi-Sport Multi-Sport Pack Pack on on us!us!

Sign Sign upup forfor AT120+ AT120+ or or above above andand getget 1515 additional additional sports sports channels channels with with thethe Multi-Sport Multi-Sport Pack Pack at at no no cost. cost.

SWITCH TO DISH & GET UP TO A

DS 1 OFFER EN

888-448-0421

8,000 TOUCHDOWNS O N E P L A C E T O W AT C H !

Plus, Multi-Sport Pack Included for a Limited Time

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.

SPECIAL OFFER

YOUR BATHROOM. YOUR WAY. IN AS LITTLE AS

Waiving All Installation Costs

ONE DAY

*

*Add’l terms apply. Offer subject to change and vary by dealer.

Ends 12/31/23.

CALL NOW

855.564.2680

After

Before

FREE SHOWER PACKAGE PLUS $1600 OFF

Limited Time Offer! SAVE!

50% OFF 10% OFF Up to

1-855-916-5473

FINANCING AVAILABLE WITH APPROVED CREDIT

$100

Make the smart and ONLY CHOICE when tackling your roof!

Call today and receive a

With purchase of a new Safe Step Walk-In Tub. Not applicable with any previous walk-in tub purchase. Offer available while supplies last. No cash value. Must present offer at time of purchase. CSLB 1082165 NSCB 0082999 0083445

$100 GIFT CARD! *FOR QUALIFYING CUSTOMERS

DON’T MISS ANY OF THE ACTION!

BO%GO 40 OF/3F1

CLOG-FREE GUTTERS

SENIORS & MILITARY!

4 Caramel Apple Tartlets (4 oz.)

KITCHEN REMODELING EXPERTS

855.281.6439 | Free Quotes

YOUR ENTIRE PURCHASE *

4 Individual Scalloped Potatoes (3.8 oz.)

ON YOUR FULL KITCHEN REMODEL*

Discount applies to purchase of new cabinets or cabinet refacing with a countertop. Does not apply to countertop only.

May not combine with other offers or prior purchases. Nassau: H1759490000 Suffolk: 16183-H NY/Rockland: 5642 OFFER EXPIRES 12/31/23

OFF

4 Boneless Pork Chops (5 oz.)

NEW CABINETS | CABINET REFACING | COUNTERTOPS | BACKSPLASHES

OFF

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

4 Air-Chilled Boneless Chicken Breasts (4 oz.)

Connect Anywhere, Anytime.

MAGIC

SAVE 10%

WE OFFER: • Flexible hours • 401K plans with matching funds • Health & Life insurance • Emergency family leave • Safety and attendance bonus twice a year RETIREES WELCOME!

EDUCATIONAL BUS TRANSPORTATION available for 516.454.2300 Positions Nassau & Suffolk

Positions available for mechanics and bus attendants

MADE IN THE SHADE CUSTOM WINDOW TREATMENTS Blinds, Shades, Shutters, Draperies Top Brands at Discount Prices! Family owned & operated www.madeintheshadensli.com 516-426-2890

– MAKES A –

GREAT GIFT

4 Butcher’s Cut Top Sirloins (5 oz.)

FOR LIMITED TIME*

We Have Openings for School Bus & Van Drivers

PARTY HELP

Butcher’s Deluxe Package

TAKE AN ADDITIONAL

ON YOUR INSTALLATION

Call 877-516-1160 to schedule your free quote!

Additional savings for military, health workers and first responders

FREE ESTIMATE

1.855.492.6084 Expires 12/31/2023

MADE IN THE U.S.A.

New orders only. Does not include material costs. Cannot be combined with any other offer. Minimum purchase required. Other restrictions may apply. This is an advertisement placed on behalf of Erie Construction Mid-West, Inc (“Erie”). Offer terms and conditions may apply and the offer may not available in your area. If you call the number provided, you consent to being contacted by telephone, SMS text message, email, pre-recorded messages by Erie or its affiliates and service providers using automated technologies notwithstanding if you are on a DO NOT CALL list or register. Please review our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use on homeservicescompliance.com. All rights reserved. License numbers available at eriemetalroofs.com/erie-licenses/.

34 Blank Slate Media Newspapers, Friday, December 29, 2023

▼ SERVICES

DENTAL Insurance from Physicians Mutual Insurance Company

Call to get your FREE Information Kit

1-855-225-1434 Dental50Plus.com/nypress

Product not available in all states. Includes the Participating (in GA: Designated) Providers and Preventive Benefits Rider. Acceptance guaranteed for one insurance policy/certificate of this type. Contact us for complete details about this insurance solicitation. This specific offer is not available in CO, NY; call 1-800-969-4781 or respond for similar offer.

Certificate C250A (ID: C250E; PA: C250Q); Insurance Policy P150 (GA: P150GA; NY: P150NY; OK: P150OK; TN: P150TN). Rider kinds: B438, B439 (GA: B439B).

6208-0721

Saving a Life EVERY 11 MINUTES

alone I’m never

Life Alert® is always here for me.

One touch of a button sends help fast, 24/7.

with

GPS !

Help at Home Help On-the-Go ®

I’ve fallen and I can’t get up!

Batteries Never Need Charging.

For a FREE brochure call:

1-800-404-9776

FIND A JOB? WANTWANT TO FINDTO A JOB? READY TO FILL A JOB? READY TO FILL A JOB?

Place your ad Slate in print and online with the Place your ad in print with the Blank Media and Litmor Advertising group.

BlankPublications Slate Media and Litmor Publications Advertising group. ad will appear in of all our 11 ofhyper-local, our hyper-local, award winning community newspapers and Your ad Your will appear in all 11 Post your ad yourself by going to https://classifieds.theisland360.com award-winning community newspapers.

KEEPING YOU INFORMED. TACLKING RELEVANT ISSUES. THEISLAND360.COM

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 dflynn@theisland360.com www.theisland360.com

22 Planting Field Road Roslyn Heights, NY 11577 www.theisland360.com

821 Franklin Avenue, Suite 208 Garden City, NY 11530 (516) 294-8900 www.gcnews.com

­

821 Franklin Avenue, Suite 208 Garden City, NY 11530 (516) 294-8900 www.gcnews.com

SPORTS

Blank Slate Media Newspapers, Friday, December 29, 2023

35

WWW.THEISLAND360.COM

HOOPING FOR REPEAT Manhasset girls basketball shooting for 2nd LI championship

BY M I C H A E L J . L E W I S Last spring was a dream run for the Manhasset girls basketball team.

The kind of season that for most programs comes along once every decade or so. A veteran team, led by a senior star, rolled through the regular season, battled through the Nassau County playoffs and won the Long Island championship in epic fashion, erasing a big deficit and winning in overtime.

It was Manhasset’s first county title, and first Long Island title, since 1993, and even though the magic carpet ride ended in the state semifinals with a 13-point loss to Canandaigua Academy, the memories lingered all summer.

This season there’s a whole new look for Manhasset, in many more ways than one.

First of all, the whistle-blower on the sidelines is different. Head coach Lauren Sadeh gave birth to a baby girl in late August and is currently on maternity leave; she may return in a parttime role later in the season.

The new coach is perhaps the most experienced leader in all of the Manhasset school: Chuck Collyer, a longtime assistant and head coach in various sports, moves over one chair from his assistant role.

“I think this is about my 130th season of coaching altogether with all the sports,” Collyer said with a laugh.

“And the girls knew me from last season so they’ve been great at buying in and doing what’s asked.”

Senior co-captains Mia LoPinto and Lauren Perfetto said the transition has been fairly seamless, and that while they miss Sadeh’s encouragement (and thick Long Island-accented yelling) they haven’t noticed much of a difference.

After losing its first two games this year, Manhasset (the school is currently without a nickname as a transition is made away from Indians) has won seven straight, and as of Dec. 22 stood 7-2.

“He was a big part of our success last year and he’s done a really good job asking each of us for our perspectives on the game, the team, anything that comes up,” LoPinto said. “He knows so much about basketball and honestly we know (Lauren) is still a part of things, helping plan practices and all that, so it hasn’t been much different.”

Two other big changes have affected Manhasset this season, one ex-

PHOTO BY KRISTIN PERFETTO

Mia LoPinto, front, and the Manhasset girls basketball team are hoping to return to the state semifinals this year, as they did in 2023. pected, one unexpected.

What everyone knew would happen was the departure of do-everythig guard Caitlin Barrett, who led the team in points and assists last season and now is a freshman at Duke, on a lacrosse scholarship.

Gone are the days when Manhasset could rely on “C.B.” to bail it out of a bad offensive possession, or hit clutch shots down the stretch.

“You don’t replace her, because she had unique talents,” Collyer said.

“She handled the ball so well, she was so quick. But if you were in (our) system last year, and were back this year, it’s up to you to make yourself a little better. Everyone has to do a little more, and they have.”

“It hasn’t been one person trying to do what C.B. did, it’s everybody getting better,” Perfetto said.

The other change for Manhasset

was unexpected; senior forward Nicoletta Tsiamis was a force in the paint and on defense during last season’s playoff run, and was expected to be a team leader in 2023-24. But Tsiamis tore the ACL in her knee at the end of soccer season this fall, and is out for the year.

LoPinto and Lauren Perfetto, each going to play Division I lacrosse next fall (LoPinto at Southern California, Perfetto at Loyola (Md.), both will help fill the void left by Barrett and Tsiamis. A deadly 3-point shooter, LoPinto has expanded her game this season and has poured in 11.2 points per game.

Suffering a shooting slump during the final stages of last year has made LoPinto even hungrier for success in her last go-round at Manhasset.

“Believe me, I haven’t forgotten those misses,” LoPinto said with a

smile. ” But I kept telling myself that there are four other players on the court, and everyone kept stepping up.

All you can do is use those experiences to make you better, and I think this year will be better.”

Perfetto has also emerged as a force this season, shooting from the outside more and continuing to pace the team in points (11.9 ppg) and rebounds.

“Mia’s game has expanded a little this year, she’s working to not just be a 3-point shooter,” Collyer said. “The ball looks so good coming off her hands, and she sees the court as well as any girl on the team.”

“She’s really our leader when it comes to saying what needs to be said, on and off the court,” LoPinto said of Perfetto.

Joining the starting lineup this year has been sophomore Lauren

Connolly, a 6-foot sophomore center averaging 9.7 points per game, senior Chrisi Ladopoulos, and freshman guard Danielle Perfetto, Lauren’s sister who was a reserve on last year’s squad.

With what Collyer called “better depth” on the bench this season than last, Manhasset looks to go at least as far as last season, an experience that made the seniors eager for more. Who will take the big shots that always went to Barrett come playoff time in late Feburary remains to be seen, but so far the early returns have been solid.

“That was a huge experience for us, getting to states and winning so many close games in the playoffs,” LoPinto said. “Now you just try to achieve more than you did the day before, and keep getting better so we can get back there.”

36 The Great Neck News, Friday, December 29, 2023

GN

Recent Real Estate Sales in

11 Willow Place, Great Neck

19 Terrace Drive, Great Neck

4 bd, 3 ba, 1,982 sqft, Sold On: 9/12/23, Sold Price: $1,275,000 Type: Single Family, Schools: Great Neck

3 bd, 3 ba, Sold On: 9/14/23, Sold Price: $1,350,000 Type: Single Family, Schools: Great Neck

3 Radcliff Drive, Great Neck

4 Somerset Drive N, Great Neck

4 bd, 3 ba, 2,100 sqft, Sold On: 9/15/23, Sold Price: $1,400,000 Type: Single Family, Schools: Great Neck

5 bd, 5 ba, 3,498 sqft, Sold On: 9/15/23, Sold Price: $1,400,000 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.

The Great Neck News, Friday, December 29, 2023

GN

37

Scout uncovers Civil War graves in G.N. Continued from Page 1 Three Civil War soldiers are buried in All Saints’ Cemetery in Great Neck, but decades of overgrowth overtook the tombstones of two soldiers – Samuel E. Day and Loren Brown – wiping them wiped from the cemetery’s history.

According to research conducted

by Fong, Day enlisted at the beginning of the Civil War in May of 1861 at the age of 28.

Day was initially a member of the First Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry but later became a first lieutenant to lead Black soldiers in the Third North Carolina Colored Volunteers.

Day died in Great Neck on Nov. 24, 1892.

Brown was a private who enlisted in 1865 – nearing the end of the war – in the 61st Massachusetts Volunteers Infantry at just 18 years old.

He was a member of the Grand Army of the Republic Post #330.

Brown died in Great Neck on Dec. 24, 1905.

How a headstone planted into the ground could be lost can seem baffling, but after years of thick moss and dirt buildup, the tombs can become obscured by the natural environment and no longer legible.

Fong said the scouts had records indicating the veterans were buried at the cemetery, but no indication of where they were located.

So Fong, with 28 Boy Scouts from Troop 10, scoured the cemetery on Nov. 7 to find individuals lost over time.

The scouts scraped and brushed down 115 veteran tombstones with a cleaning solution, using stainless steel sponges and toothbrushes to reveal the words imprinted upon the stones.

“By removing decades of dirt, grime and moss from each head-

stone, we were able to recognize each veteran’s service to this country,” Fong said.

As the scouts searched the vast cemetery and meticulously scrubbed the tombstones, Fong said what pushed him forward to complete the project was the motivation to honor the once-forgotten veterans.

“The sacrifice they made was great for our country,” Fong said.

“All the freedoms that we enjoy today are because veterans sacrificed their lives for the country…it was an honor to be able to do this project and to be able to honor the veterans buried there.”

Shock and amazement flooded Fong upon discovering the long-forgotten tombs, he said.

Fong is still working to finish his project, with his next step to make a map for visitors to locate veteran tombs.

To gather all the names of the veterans buried in the Great Neck cemetery, Fong had to walk through the entire grounds and write down every name he saw on the tombstones and the war they served in.

Fong said this part of the project took some extra work. Some of the details were easy to find, including the war right on the tombstone, but others had to be deciphered by the shape of the headstone.

“And so I walked through that cemetery many times,” Fong said.

After devoting what Fong estimated to be more than 120 hours of work, he still has months ahead of him. His goal is to have the project PHOTO COURTESY OF SAM FONG completed by mid-February to be ready for a ceremony by Memorial Sam Fong, right, with Troop 10 Boy Scouts at the All Saints’ cemetery in Great Neck.

Day. “This year [Memorial Day] will If anyone has a family member Already completed in his project names of the veterans and a map be extra special because it will be the first time that the names on the is the construction of a wooden dis- of where they are buried. This was who’s a veteran buried at the cemeveterans’ tombstones will be clear for play kiosk which will placed in the achieved with the help of two older tery, Fong said individuals can reach out to him at sycfong15@gmail.com. everyone to read,” Fong said. cemetery. The kiosk will display the scouts.

Vigilant makes Molina 1st female EMS chief Continued from Page 2 needs to lead her team, but she has found support through a strong relationship with the department’s Chief Scott MacDonald.

“I know he’ll always listen to me,” Molina said.

Looking forward, Molina said she is excited to make changes to the department like boosting community relationships and bettering member education.

“I can’t wait for it to fall into place for everyone,” Molina said.

As EMS chief, Molina’s work will include working with the other neighboring fire departments to address emergencies, scheduling crews and reviewing patient care reports to ensure the community is receiving adequate care.

Serving under Molina is another female leader, Daniella Salim, who serves as the department’s EMS captain.

Molina’s position ranks her just below the department’s chief, the highest-ranking position that over-

sees the entire department. She serves next to the department’s 1st Assistant Fire Chief Kenny Yang.

The Vigilant Engine Hook & Ladder Company services the peninsula of Great Neck and was started in 1904.

38 The Great Neck News, Friday, December 29, 2023

GN

Library hires attorney to review policies

PHOTO BY CAMERYN OAKES

The Great Neck Library Board of Trustees voted to implement an independent attorney to review its nominating committee policies as part of a lawsuit settlement.

Continued from Page 1 Hu said the movement to unapprove the partnership agreement was based on “community outcry and pushback,” as well as advice from counsel.

Lancman said the board had established a partnership program to formalize their engagement with the community. He said this partnership would give community groups the ability to partner with the library and its programming and services.

He said the partnership was not controversial, adding that it is an offering of many other libraries.

“It is essential for us to ensure that we are engaging with the community that we are meant to serve,” Lancman said.

Lancman and Hu went back and forth on whether Hu had the ability to present a reso-

lution to be voted on without it first being present on the agenda. Hu said she could so long as another trustee seconded the motion, whereas Lancman disagreed.

“It’s a huge disservice to the board and I believe it violates our obligation as board members to do our due diligence before we vote on things to just spring something on the board all of the sudden without giving us the opportunity to have thought about, to consider it and to use our judgment as board members,” Lancman said.

Lancman said it could be voted on at a future meeting after the board has been briefed on the subject so that they could make an informed decision. He said it is also within the interest of the community to be informed of what is going to be voted on through the agenda posted prior to the meeting.

“You never solicit our input,” Hu said in regard to the resolutions placed on the agenda.

Lancman disagreed, saying that trustees can place items on the agenda beforehand.

He said the resolution was proposed in an “ambush fashion” and that it was an inappropriate procedure done recklessly.

Trustee Scott Sontag said nobody on the board was ambushing Lancman and that it is within the abilities of the board to propose a resolution as such.

“Without any time to give any serious consideration or have any discussion…it is extremely irresponsible,” Lancman said. “And to do this on the last meeting of the year before we have a new board coming in in 10 days, it is very irresponsible and I believe anybody who votes on this is acting without consider-

ation to their obligation as board members.

It’s simply, it’s highly inappropriate.”

Hu said that the board had been discussing the agreement for months.

The agreement faced two votes at the board’s May 22 and June 20 meetings, which failed to pass. It was eventually approved with a passing vote at the board’s Sept. 19 meeting before being repealed Thursday night.

Sontag seconded the resolution to bring it to a vote.

After minutes of debate, the resolution went to vote with Lancman being the sole member to vote against the resolution. Smith was not present to vote on the resolution.

The Great Neck Library Board of Trustees will convene again at the Main Library on Jan. 2 for its annual reorganizational meeting.

Suozzi takes congressional campaign to Israel Continued from Page 3 “This is not about being Muslims, this is about terrorists,” Suozzi said. “This is not about Palestinians, this is about terrorists.”

At Pilip’s rally immediately after announcing her candidacy, she claimed that Suozzi was part of “the squad” referring to a group of progressive members of Congress including Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (NY-14) and Rep. Ilhan Omar (MN-5).

Suozzi denied the claims, saying that while he agrees with them on some issues

they differ in their support, or lack thereof, for Israel and many other issues.

He went on to say that false claims and attacks like this are what is “killing our country” and that constituents are fed up with this sort of campaign tactic.

“We’ve got real problems in our country,” Suozzi said. “ We’ve got a lot of complicated problems. You’re not going to solve complicated problems in an environment of pure anger with people just trying to do sound bites.”

On the first day of his trip to Israel, Suozzi said he met with the parents of Omer Neutra – a 22-year-old IDF soldier from Plainview who was taken hostage by Hamas.

Neutra is a recent graduate of the Schechter School of Long Island in Williston Park.

Suozzi was wearing Neutra’s dog tag whilst speaking with reporters.

He said he also visited a kibbutz, or a traditionally agriculture-based community, that was impacted by the war. He said more than 60 people from the community were killed

by Hamas and 19 taken hostage – with five still being held by Hamas.

“Awful, awful devastation of places that have been bombed by rockets, bulletholes, blood-stained dirt where people had bled to death,” Suozzi said.

He said on Saturday he plans to attend Catholic mass at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem, as well as visit a soldier from Great Neck who was injured during the war.

The Great Neck News, Friday, December 29, 2023

GN

▼ LEGALS ▼ LEGALS GN

GN

LEGAL NOTICE PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that the Final Assessment Roll of the Inc. Village of Russell Gardens for the Fiscal Year March 1, 2024 to February 28, 2025 has been filed with the Village Clerk at Village Hall, 6 Tain Drive, Great Neck, NY effective January 1, 2024; where it may be seen and examined by any person during regular business hours Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. and is available on the Village website: www.russellgardens.com.

Dated: 12/27/2023

By Order of the Board of Trustees Inc. Village of Russell Gardens David M. Miller, Mayor Danielle Pennise, Village Clerk Treasurer 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

PLEASE TAKE NOTICE THAT the Village of Great Neck Plaza will hold a public hearing on Wednesday, January 3, 2024 at 7 P.M., at the Village Hall, Gussack Plaza, Great Neck, NY to consider a local law to amend Chapter 110-6 regarding fees for commercial filming.

Notice of Formation of Rich Eye Productions. Articles of Organization filed with Secretary of State of NY (SSNY) on 202307-27. 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 Ronald Anderson: 318 Midwood Street 1 Brooklyn NY 11225.

Purpose: Any lawful purpose

PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that the Board of Trustees of the Village of Great Neck Plaza will hold a public hearing on Wednesday, January 3rd, 2024 at 7 P.M. at the Village Hall, Gussack Plaza, Great Neck, NY to consider a local law to override the tax levy limit established in General Municipal Law 3-c.

NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU, DEUTSCHE BANK NATIONAL TRUST COMPANY AS TRUSTEE FOR WAMU MORTGAGE PASS-THROUGH CERTIFICATES SERIES 2003AR10, Plaintiff, vs.

AMINA KHORDIPOUR A/K/A MINA KHORDIPOUR, ET AL., Defendant(s).

Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered on October 18, 2017 and an Order Appointing a Successor Referee to Conduct the Sale duly entered on November 8, 2019, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction on the front steps on the north side of the Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on January 22, 2024 at 2:30 p.m., premises known as 14 Farmers Road, Kings Point a/k/a Great Neck, NY 11024. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being in the Incorporated Village of Kings Point, Great Neck, Town of North Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York, Section 1, Block 156 and Lot 10.

Approximate amount of judgment is $1,593,910.81 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index # 012764/2012.

This foreclosure sale will be held on the north side steps of the Courthouse, rain or shine. COVID19 safety protocols will be followed at the foreclosure sale. If proper social distancing cannot be maintained or there are other health or safety concerns, the Court Appointed Referee will cancel the sale.

Cristina Prieto, Esq., Referee Eckert Seamans Cherin & Mellott, LLC, 10 Bank Street, Suite 700, White Plains, New York 10606, Attorneys for Plaintiff

LIKE US ON FACEBOOK AT FACEBOOK.COM/ THEISLAND360 LIKE US ON TWITTER:

PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that all people interested in the above matter will be given an opportunity to be heard at said public hearing.

Make Your Website and Social Media Work For You: INTRODUCING

Blank Slate Media Digital Media Service

BY ORDER OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES VILLAGE OF GREAT NECK PLAZA Ted M. Rosen, Mayor Patricia O’Byrne, Clerk-Treasurer

PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that all people interested with regard to the above will be given an opportunity to be heard at said public hearing.

BY ORDER OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES VILLAGE OF GREAT NECK PLAZA Ted M. Rosen, Mayor Patricia O’Byrne, Clerk-Treasurer VILLAGE OF KINGS POINT NOTICE TO BIDDERS PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that sealed bids for a contract to provide tree trimming and related services will be received by the Village of Kings Point (the “Village”) on Mondays through Fridays (except holidays) between the hours of 9:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. at the Village Hall, 32 Steppingstone Lane, Kings Point, New York 11024 until 11:00 a.m. on January 19, 2024, at which time they will be publicly opened and read.

All bids must be enclosed in a sealed envelope, addressed to the Clerk-Treasurer of the Village of Kings Point and clearly marked “BID FOR TREE TRIMMING.” If a bid is accepted, the bidder shall attend at the office of the Counsel to the Village during normal business hours or at such other agreed time within ten calendar days after the date of notification of acceptance of its bid, and there sign the Contract for the work and furnish the required security and insurance documents. Attention of the bidders is directed to the requirements as to the conditions of equal opportunity employment.

The Village reserves the right to reject any and all bids, to waive any informalities therein, and to accept the bid, which in its opinion, is in the best interests of the Village, to the extent permitted by law.

Copies of the bid documents may be obtained at the Village Hall during normal business hours.

Dated: Kings Point, New York December 22, 2023

By Order of the Board of Trustees of the Village of Kings Point Gomie Persaud, Clerk-Treasurer

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

LIKE US ON FACEBOOK AT FACEBOOK.COM/ THEISLAND360 LIKE US ON TWITTER: @THEISLAND360

FOR YOUR SUBSCRIBE LOCAL NEWS TODAY TO START RECEIVING VISIT US SUBSCRIBE TODAY TO START YOUR COPY THE OF RECEIVING YOUROFCOPY ONLINE AT GREAT NECK NEWS

@THEISLAND360.COM theisland360.comMANHASSET TIMES

@ WWW.THEISLAND360.COM

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

dashboard.

Take the first step and call us to schedule a consultation.

(516) 307-1045 ext 201

THE AWARD-WINNING

WWW.THEISLAND360.COM

Manhasset Times Great Neck News Roslyn Times Port Washington Times Williston Times New Hyde Park Herald Courier

22 PLANTING FIELD ROAD, ROSLYN HEIGHTS, NEW YORK 11577 (516) 307-1045

39

40 The Great Neck News, Friday, December 29, 2023

GN

BUYING COINS & JEWELRY H & N COLLECTIBLES WWW.HNCOLLECTIBLES.COM 40 years of experience

Buyer of All Silver & Gold Coins Old US Coins Gold Jewelry Diamonds & Watchers Sterling Silverware Sports Memorabilia Military War Relics Vintage Trains House Calls Our Specialty HOWARD FRYDMAN

516-369-4104

info@hncollectibles.com 1 Dupont St., Ste 100 Plainview, NY 11803 (appointment only) P.O. Box 4113, Sunnyside, NY 11104 (mailing address)

A U T H O R I Z E D

D E A L E R