Great Neck News 2024_06_07

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G.N. Library to investigate director

Anonymous employees allege toxic work environment, favoritism

BY CAMERYN OAKES

The Great Neck Library Board of Trustees voted to conduct an independent investigation after a letter from an anonymous employee alleged Director Denise Corcoran has fostered a “toxic and fearful work environment” amid other accusations.

The letter, addressed to the Great Neck Library Board of Trustees, saysthe author wanted to be anonymous due to fear of retaliation.

The current employee said this toxic culture has persisted throughout Corcoran’s tenure, both when she was initially hired in 2018 before leaving in 2019 and again when she returned in 2021. But they said the culture has worsened since she rejoined the library.

Blank Slate Media spoke with two anonymous individuals, one a current library employee and another who no longer working there. Blank Slate Media confirmed that they both have been or are employed by the library.

The anonymous employee still working at the library, with whom Blank Slate Media spoke, wrote the letter. They said it was based on personal experiences and what other employees shared with them.

The letter was sent to the board of trustees, which later voted at a special meeting Thursday night to conduct an

independent investigation.

The employee who penned the letter said its purpose is to bring awareness to the board about how much power the director has and what she contends is causing abuse and a toxic work environment.

Efforts to solicit comment from Library Director Corcoran and Assistant Director Kathryn Baumgartner were unavailing. Board President Rory Lancman declined to comment on the letter.

The letter included complaints against Corcoran and the library, including hiring underqualified employees, preferential treatment and larger raises to administrators, secret meetings to keep Corcoran after she resigned last fall, and failure to deliver on a promised diversity audit.

The employee called the culture “demoralizing” for staff as certain employees are favored in hiring and higher-ups receive greater raises.

Both sources said staff shortages have plagued the library, exacerbated by turnover they attributed to the work environment and inability to advance.

The current employee said the staff feels disposable due to a lack of personal connections. The former employee said Corcoran mostly interacts with staff in negative moments, like when members are being reprimanded.

Continued on Page 34

Great Neck South High’s baseball field was renamed the Teresa Prendergast Memorial Field in honor the late superintendent. See story on page 2.

Bral says Jewish students should still pursue college

BY CAMERYN OAKES

Great Neck Mayor Pedram Bral said he is concerned about his children going to college and that he is “done” with the universities amid

campus protests against the war in Gaza, but that he still believes they should be able to attend these schools.

“But they should never stop our children or discourage our children

from striving higher and going to Harvard,” Bral said. “Not only that, I think we should really encourage them.”

Bral shared these comments

Continued on Page 35

PHOTO BY CAMERYN OAKES

Town commish alleged in booze skimming

DeSena said vetted, cleared at hiring, investigated

BY CAMERYN OAKES

The Town of North Hempstead’s newly hired commissioner of public safety was allegedly involved in an alcohol skimming scheme while a New York City sheriff, according to The City publication.

One resident questioned the town board’s hiring of Derek Skuzenski as the town’s commissioner of public safety in May with an annual salary of $140,000.

North Hempstead Town Supervisor Jenniffer DeSena declined to comment on the public safety commissioner because it is a personnel issue. but his hiring.

“I can say that Mr. Skuzenski was vetted and cleared by New York City,” DeSena said. “And he is a Town of North Hempstead resident.”

According to The City, Skuzenski was one of the dozen Department of Finance sheriffs allegedly involved

in a scheme where they drank liquor confiscated during pandemic bar raids.

The bottles were stored in a storage container in Long Island City, with boxes blocking surveillance cameras. The Department of Investigation said the alcohol was then used for “personal use or gain,” The City reported.

The City obtained the investigative file on the incident via a Freedom of Information Law request.

Skuzenski was one of the 12 sheriffs suspended for 30 days without pay due to their involvement, according to The City.

The Department of Investigations substantiated the evidence, but the Queens District Attorney declined to prosecute the case, The City reported.

The District Attorney spokesperson said they did not have “legally sufficient evidence to bring criminal charges” after an investigation, The

City reported.

The City reported that Skuzenski resigned before his internal disciplinary case was presented to an administrative law judge.

North Hempstead spokesperson Umberto Mignardi said the town conducted its “customary due diligence” in hiring Skuzenski. This included checking employment records, calling references and interviewing Skuzenski multiple times.

Mignardi said his letters of recommendation were impressive and that the town felt comfortable hiring him at the time of his employment.

“At no time did we note any cause for concern,” Mignardi said, also mentioning Skuzenski’s recent promotion from lieutenant to chief. “Nonetheless, we do take any allegations about town employees very seriously and we investigated these reporter’s claims.”

Continued on Page 34

Prendergast Field honors Mets fan

Named in memory of superintendent

BY CAMERYN OAKES

It may be a coincidence that the Great Neck Public School’s colors are the same as the New York Mets’, but the coincidence carried a greater meaning Wednesday afternoon when administrators and staff played on the newly named Teresa Prendergast Memorial Field named after the late superintendent and dedicated Mets fan.

“Teresa was a lifelong educator who made a remarkable impact on so many lives, including countless students, staff and community members in Great Neck,” Superintendent Kenneth Bossert said. “I know everyone here has such fond memories of their interactions with her, whether through personal conversation at a school function or within our beautiful community.”

Prendergast died from a ruptured brain aneurysm on June 10, 2023, at the age of 60. She had been the district’s superintendent for eight years. She was set to retire just a month prior to her death to become principal of Sacred Heart Academy in Hempstead.

Dozens gathered before the faculty North vs. South baseball game for

the dedication of the Great Neck South High School baseball field Wednesday, including Prendergast’s family, students, community members and district employees.

Faculty members were adorned in blue-and-orange baseball jerseys customized with their names and numbers on the backs and “Great Neck P.S.” written across their chests.

A portion of the jersey sale proceeds go directly to the Dr. Teresa Prendergast Foundation for Children and faculty members vowed to wear them every Friday. More than $1,000 was donated.

Her daughter, Megan Prendergast, wearing a jersey with “Prendergast” written on the back, threw the first pitch of the game.

In tandem with the field being renamed after her, a plaque was unveiled dedicated to the late educator.

The plaque, which was built by Director of Buildings and Grounds Alfredo Cavallaro, paid homage to Prendergast’s love in identifying her not just as a dedicated educator and devoted to her family but also as an ”avid New York Mets fan.”

Continued on Page 34

The Prendergast family stands on the newly dedicated Teresa Prendergast Memorial Field in memory of the former Great Neck School District superintendent.

x214 • coakes@theisland360.com

Roslyn Times: Taylor Herzlich 516-307-1045 x215 • therzlich@theisland360.com

Williston Times: Taylor Herzlich 516-307-1045 x215 • therzlich@theisland360.com

Port Washington Times: Cameryn Oakes 516-307-1045 x214 • coakes@theisland360.com

PHOTO BY CAMERYN OAKES

North Hempstead Town Supervisor Jennifer DeSena, left, defended hiring of new public safety commissioner.

PHOTO BY COLLEEN BOWLER, COURTESY OF THE GREAT NECK SCHOOL DISTRICT

Dems applaud, GOPers blast conviction

BY TAYLOR HERZLICH

Public officials’ reactions to the historic conviction of former President Donald Trump Thursday fell along party lines.

A New York jury found the controversial businessman-turned-politician guilty on 34 felony counts Thursday, making him the first former U.S. president and likely major-party presidential nominee to be convicted of a crime.

“This was a rigged, disgraceful trial,” Trump said after the conviction Thursday. “The real verdict is gonna be Nov. 5 [Election Day] by the people and they know what happened here.”

Trump was found guilty of falsifying business records to cover up a $130,000 hush money payment to porn star Stormy Daniels in a scheme to silence her story of an alleged sexual encounter prior to the 2016 presidential election.

The 34 counts consisted of 11 related to invoices from Trump’s thenpersonal counsel Michael Cohen, who paid Daniels the hush money; 11 related to checks signed by Trump or the use of his business’ funds to repay Cohen; and 12 related to accounting records of the reimbursements in Trump’s books.

The former president claimed he was an “innocent man” targeted by the Biden administration and a “Soros-backed DA,” referencing progressive Jewish billionaire George Soros who is often invoked in antisemitic right-wing conspiracy theories.

President Joe Biden slammed Trump’s comments.

“It’s reckless, it’s dangerous, and it’s irresponsible for anyone to say this was rigged just because they don’t like the verdict,” he said.

“The American principle that no one is above the law was reaffirmed.

Donald Trump was given every opportunity to defend himself,” Biden said. “After five weeks, the jury reached a unanimous verdict. They found Trump guilty on all 34 felony counts.”

He also noted that the charges were heard in state, not federal court.

Republican officials, from the House Speaker to Long Island representatives, echoed Trump’s sentiments of a rigged trial.

“The weaponization of our justice system has been a hallmark of the Biden Administration, and the decision today is further evidence that Democrats will stop at nothing to silence dissent and crush their political opponents,” Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson said in a state-

ment.

Johnson said it was a “shameful day in American history” and called the trial a “purely political exercise” in a post on X.

Republican Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman also decried the conviction.

“I think this is the biggest miscarriage of justice that I have witnessed in my life,” Blakeman said. “As a lawyer, I can’t see any basis for a conviction.”

The county executive is facing his own set of controversies, including an upset among Nassau residents and legislators over his proposed citizen militia, an unsuccessful attempted ban on transgender women and girl athletes and his attacks on Hofstra President Susan Poser, accusing her of colluding with competing casinos to derail a contentious Las Vegas Sands proposal at the Nassau Coliseum.

Rep. Anthony D’Esposito (RIsland Park) said the trial was unfair and politically motivated.

“The corrupt District Attorney of Manhattan, Alvin Bragg, and his left wing allies have completed their shameful witch hunt against President Trump by railroading a conviction through a partisan New York

Continued on Page 35

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE WHITE HOUSE

Former President Donald Trump was convicted on 34 felony counts Thursday.

G.N. board OKs Millbrook Court revisions

Redevlopment plan changed to remove third floor addition, no underground parking

BY SAMUEL GLASSER

The Village of Great Neck Board of Trustees on Tuesday night approved further modifications to the proposed redevelopment of the Millbrook Court garden apartment complex, including the elimination of a third floor and removing underground parking.

The 240-250 Middle Neck Road project initially received approval in August 2018 and was amended in 2019 and 2022.

The garden apartment complex now has 119 units. The plans call for the demolishing of 34 units and the construction of 101 new apartments, giving the completed complex 186 apartments.

The previous iteration would have added a third story to the remaining 1948 vintage garden apartments and proposed three new buildings: two of four stories and a two-story amenity building.

The plans also included an underground automated parking system.

The revisions accepted at the board’s regular monthly meeting eliminate the third floor for the original structures and connect one of the proposed four-story buildings to the amenity building, now reduced to three floors. The other four-story building is unchanged. The underground parking system was dropped.

In addition, the developer, Northshore Millbrook LLC, proposes to build nine individual rooftop amenity areas and increase the height of the buildings by three feet.

Millbrook wants to change its waiver for the required number of parking spots for the third time, this time to 101, down from a high of 144.

construction cost environment. We are highly motivated and hope to start in the next number of months,” he said.

He said that for this to happen he needed the board to grant approval to the latest iteration of the project.

In other business, the board granted a permit for the Don Joe auto body shop at 247 East Shore Road to operate a paint spray booth.

The board also agreed to purchase four new garbage trucks for approximately $1.5 million to replace vehicles that are as much as 20 years old. The new fleet is expected to be delivered by spring or summer of 2025.

The board appointed Grace Lin as deputy treasurer from June 17 to June 30 to fill the unexpired term of Denise Mordente. She will then begin a one-year term on July 1. Mordente left Great Neck to take the position of village clerk treasurer for Westhampton Beach.

The village will hold its annual Music Festival and Street Fair on Saturday, June 8, from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. and Sunday, June 9, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

The event will be held at the Village Green, Middle Neck Road and Beach Road, and along Middle Neck Road from Hicks Lane to Baker Hill Road.

The bands will be Get Poison’d, a tribute to Poison, and Side Car Band, a tribute to The Cars, performing on Saturday evening.

The new plans also include rush-hour shuttle bus service to and from the Long Island Rail Road station.

Jason Schlesinger, the managing member of

Northshore Millbrook, told the board, “we are diligently working” on beginning construction despite several challenges.

“Tough interest rate environment. Difficult

Sunday’s performances starting at noon will be 1 Wild Night, a tribute to Bon Jovi; New Kindred Soul, playing hits from the ‘60s, ‘70s, and ‘80s; New York’s Finest, a tribute to Sting and The Police; and The Gathering Gloom, a tribute to The Cure.

Sewanhaka changes mascot to the Ravens

BY TAYLOR HERZLICH

Sewanhaka High School officials announced May 28 the mascot will be changing from Indians to Ravens to comply with a New York State mandate that requires schools to replace Native American mascot imagery by next June.

The announcement follows a yearlong process involving a committee of 34 alumni, students, faculty and community members tasked with deciding on a new school mascot.

“I know this is an announcement that everyone’s been waiting for. I’ve received many, many texts and emails and phone calls,” Principal Nichole Allen said. “The desire of the committee was to honor the traditions of Sewanhaka and pay homage to the Native American culture for which we are named.”

The raven was chosen from a large group of community suggestions, which included Aviators and Wolves, because of its ties to native culture, Allen said. The raven was often invoked during healing rituals and it represents metamorphosis, transformation, clarity, health and harmony, the principal said.

The committee first met in August 2023 with a marketing representa-

tive who sent a survey to community members asking for mascot suggestions. The initial survey received more than 500 responses.

The committee met multiple times, narrowing the 500 responses down to just two. Community members voted between the final two options, Ravens and Wolves, and results were tallied on May 24.

Sewanhaka is not the only high school on Long Island racing to replace native imagery before the June 30, 2025, deadline.

Manhasset students and community members are still awaiting a decision on a new mascot for Manhasset High School, which officials previously said would be announced by the end of the 2023-2024 school year. The school is choosing from three options: Eagles, Mavericks or Manhasset, also called “Set.”

“This was a decision that was, in fact, imposed upon us,” Interim Superintendent Thomas Dolan said, “Because of that, we were able to reach out to some of our elected officials.”

Assemblywoman Michaelle Solages (D-Elmont), a Sewanhaka district alum, secured $200,000 in grants for renovations at the school, such as changing the mascot logo on

Sewanhaka High School in Floral Park.

the football turf and basketball court.

“The work that will go into the rebranding of the school as the Sewanhaka Ravens has begun in some subtle ways, but over the next few weeks and months, the school community

will see this new emblem adorned in numerous other spaces,” Dolan said. Officials presented mockups of new logos at the May 28 board meeting, which maintain the same school colors of purple and gold and depict

ravens from a front-profile with wings spread and a side-profile.

“We honor those students and alumni who attended as Indians, and we welcome those who will now be known as the Ravens,” Dolan said.

PHOTO BY JANELLE CLAUSEN

Village of Great Neck Mayor Pedram Bral.

PHOTO COURTESY OF FUTURE ENGINEERS

Port pizza oven fired up once again

Serra Provisions resolves permit issue with Village of Manorhaven after prolonged battle

BY CAMERYN OAKES

Pizza has returned to Manorhaven’s Serra Provisions, ending a battle over permits between the Italian establishment and the village government that resulted in the pizza oven closing last month.

“It feels good,” owner Jesse Olson said. “Obviously our business suffered financially from losing the oven, but we made other adjustments that now are part of the mix as well.”

Serra Provisions shut down its pizza oven in April after the village more than a year.

Olson decided to close his pizza oven to bring the issue to an end. The village was not responsible for shutting it down.

His decision to close the pizza oven was met with disappointment from the community and anger directed toward the village over losing a beloved local cuisine.

But that anger has now shifted to rejoicing as the community embraces Serra Provisions’ pizza return.

This month Olson met with Manorhaven officials to find a resolution to the issue, which Mayor John Popeleski said was achieved

through submitting all the proper paperwork. The Manorhaven Board of Trustees granted them approval to use the oven at its May 22 meeting.

Popeleski said he is a strong supporter of small businesses and was glad to be able to assist in allowing the pizza oven to resume operations in Manorhaven so that it could serve pizza.

Serra Provisions opened on 7 Sintsink Drive East in Manorhaven in November 2021. About six months later, the business installed a pizza oven to expand its menu.

Olson said the decision to start selling pizza was made to cater to its growing customer base and offer food options that were better for dinner meals. He said pizza was the best option to limit the amount of construction that would be needed.

While the owners admitted they had installed the pizza oven without village approval, they did seek approval from the Nassau County Fire Marshal, which determined there were no fire hazards. They said the failure to go through the village for approval was an oversight.

Popeleski previously said at the root of this issue was safety, say-

ing that bypassing the required permits posed a risk to the public without proper oversight.

Olson denied accusations that he refused to work with the village government, contending he consistently sought clarification on the permit process and provided all the documents that were requested.

He said he also emailed the mayor multiple times but never received a response.

Olson said he had already submitted permit applications for his business, and to resolve this issue he just resubmitted the same ones again. Olson, who said his permits were stamped by the village with a date from three years ago, said a village employee told him the original documents were likely lost by the village.

He said issues have persisted throughout the process of opening his business and after, which he chalked up to turnover in the village’s Building Department.

Olson said the dispute between him and the village was rooted in politics, noting that a resolution to the issue came just weeks before the village’s election.

But Olson said he has now moved on from it and is looking to conduct business as usual.

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE ISLAND 360 ARCHIVES

The Port Washington Business Improvement District presenting a grant to Serra Provisions in 2022.

Suozzi lauds Biden of border action

BY TAYLOR HERZLICH

President Joe Biden’s executive order that places temporary holds on asylum-seeking migrants crossing the U.S.-Mexico border elicited mixed reactions from officials Tuesday, with Democrats praising the act and Republicans calling it “too little, too late.”

The order caps the number of migrants seeking asylum at 2,500 per day and calls for the border to be closed to asylum seekers when the limit is exceeded. Since daily totals are above 2,500 entries per day, the restrictions could go into effect immediately.

“[People at the U.S.-Mexico border] don’t have time for the games played in Washington and neither do the American people, so today, I am moving past Republican obstruction and using the executive authorities available to me as president to do what I can on my own to address the border,” Biden said during a press conference.

The president said the border is not a “political issue to be weaponized” and criticized Republican members of Congress for their inability to pass a bipartisan border bill introduced earlier this year, which Republicans said was not strong enough.

Republican senators scuttled a bipartisan border deal in February that was called the toughest in a generation after former President Donald Trump expressed opposition. House Speaker Mike Johnson said that legislation was required before he considered a fund-

port of the executive order.

“The system is broken, and the president has to take this action because the Congress has failed to act,” Suozzi said.

we have a debate coming up in three weeks.

Speaker Mike Johnson agreed, calling Biden’s move “window dressing” at a news conference Tuesday morning.

ing bill for Ukraine, Israel, and the Far East.

Under Biden’s executive order, migrants can still seek asylum through legal routes, such as booking an appointment with a border official.

Rep. Tom Suozzi (CD-3) spoke out in sup-

The congressman said millions of asylumseeking cases have been “backlogged,” taking up to eight years to be adjudicated, and a large majority of the cases are denied.

Suozzi said only 9% of asylum cases in the first quarter of 2024 and 13% of cases in all of 2023 were granted.

The Glen Cove Democrat, who won the 3rd Congressional District seat of disgraced former Rep. George Santos in a special election in February, echoed Biden’s criticisms of Congress.

“Now it’s time for the Republicans in Congress to step up and pass, right now, laws to secure the border,” Suozzi said. “President Biden has taken this action. Now, the GOP needs to stop acting out. No more excuses.”

The Democrats for Border Security Task Force publicly supported the order, saying they “commend” the president for bringing “order to the border.”

Republicans criticized Biden’s order, saying it is still not strong enough and that it comes after too much delay.

“After nearly four years of his failed weak leadership – pathetic leadership – Crooked Joe Biden is pretending to finally do something about the border,” Trump said in a video posted to his social media site, Truth Social. “But in fact, it’s all about show, because he knows

“If he was concerned about the border, he would have done this a long time ago,” Johnson said.

Other Republicans shared this concern over Biden’s bold, election-year move.

“President Joe Biden’s reversal of President Donald Trump’s effective border security executive orders led to the current migrant crisis plaguing our nation, and Biden’s new election-season stunt is too little, too late,” Republican Rep. Anthony D’Esposito (CD-4) said in a statement. “House Republicans passed our H.R. 2 comprehensive border security plan over a year ago, and if President Biden was serious about seeking solutions to the border crisis he fomented, he would support our Republican legislation and reinstate all of President Trump’s 64 border security executive orders.”

The Island Park representative, who is running for re-election, publicly endorsed Trump in February. Trump endorsed D’Esposito in a social media post last week.

Biden said the executive order will remain in place until the number of asylum-seeking migrants illegally crossing the border decreases.

The American Civil Liberties Union said it will challenge the executive order in court, just as it successfully challenged Trump’s asylum-blocking policy during his presidency.

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W I T H I N 1 8 M O N T H S

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE WHITE HOUSE

President Joe Biden issued an executive order Tuesday placing temporary holds on asylum-seeking migrants.

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Reach Out America welcomes state comptroller

Reach Out America, celebrating its 20th year as a Great Neck organization that promotes participatory democracy through education and advocacy, holds monthly from fall until spring.

This season the roster highlighted speakers with environmental expertise. In May it hosted a leader who has a long history of service to this community and now to the whole state, New York State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli.

Speaking to a large audience at Great Neck House, DiNapoli recognized the challenges we face but was upbeat in his assessment of New York State’s overall fiscal health. He reported that unemployment has decreased, sales tax receipts are strong, and inflation is on the decline.

Thanks to recommendations from his office, the state’s rainy-day reserve funds have been increased, providing a cushion for unpredictable events. The reserve fund now stands at $6.3 billion.

He is especially proud that New York’s Common Retirement Fund is one of the best-funded in

tember 2023 saw the estimated value of the fund at $246.3 billion.

While the comptroller’s office goes after unearthing fraud and public corruption, having recovered over $85 million since the initiative began in 2010, DiNapoli is committed to assisting state agencies, public authorities and local governments in setting up controls to prevent waste and fraud as well as improving efficiency and effectiveness.

DiNapoli is also supportive of communities that are taking steps to address climate change by planning projects that protect localities from dangers such as increased flooding and storm damage. While this is an expensive capital expenditure for local governments, it is an important investment for the future.

the threats of data breaches, identity thefts, and the growing ransomware attacks that threaten governmental agencies, as well as corporations and small businesses.

One of DiNapoli’s job perks is traversing upstate and downstate, talking with New Yorkers, and visiting villages, towns, and cities from the majestic mountains of the Catskills and Adirondacks to the Atlantic Ocean’s beaches.

He said he also takes great pleasure in hearing that constituents have discovered money due them in “Unclaimed Funds.” In 2024, $214,693,436 has been returned to New Yorkers.

Go to the state comptroller’s website to search; it’s very easy to navigate.

the nation.

His office is responsible for investing in the fund, and he explained that the positions taken are conservative ones, protected from dramatic stock market ups and downs. The fiscal year ending Sep-

The reports generated by his office cover a broad range of concerns, from the attention being directed toward improving the quality of life for vulnerable people to analyzing cyberattacks with recommendations for steps to safeguard against

ROA resident Patty Katz said, “More elected officials should have the generosity of spirit, knowledge and true desire to serve the people as Tom DiNapoli. He has the back of every New Yorker, so we can rest easier knowing that our state’s finances are in very good hands.”

Town’s Senior Recognition Awards held at Harbor Links Spring Into Summer festival in Glen Cove

The City of Glen Cove and its volunteer special events committee members are kicking off the summer season with Spring into Summer, which will be held on Friday, June 21, from 6:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. at the city’s Ferry Terminal at Garvies Point.

Featuring food, drinks, music, raffles and entertainment.

“This will be an exciting way to begin the summer! The residents of Glen Cove and the local communities have an opportunity to enjoy an evening of delicious food, wonderful music, raffle chances, and so much fun,” said Mayor

Pamela Panzenbeck.

With generous sponsorship support and the help of our amazing volunteers, we are able to organize an awesome day for family and friends to come together for a special day of celebration.

The evening’s menu includes Sid’s All American, Zozzo’s Pizza, Gelato Cart, Cousins Maine Lobster, Gooseberry Grove Desserts, and Souvlaki Joint Truck. There will also be music, entertainment, raffles, and the best waterfront sunset.

Admission is free, with food, beverages, and raffles available for purchase.

2024 Senior Recognition Awards winners.

North Hempstead Town Supervisor Jennifer DeSena and members of the Town Board recently hosted the 50th Anniversary of North Hempstead’s Senior Recognition Awards at Harbor Links Golf Course.

The ceremony honored 18 seniors from across North Hempstead whose community and volunteer work improves the day-to-day quality of life of seniors in North Hempstead.

This year’s honorees included Sara Sima Alvandi, Dot Beck, Lucinda (Cindy) Benigno, Theresa Bruno, Clara Crawford, Marion Fitzpatrick, Peter Graven, Debbie Greco Cohen, Robert Guillo, Deedar Keshwani, Abdul Haleem Khan, Bimla Kumar, Adrienne Lieberman, Janet Navaei Livian, Threasa Parsons, Vincent Pignatelli, Eric Spinner, and Kathleen Theisen.

State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli

North Hempstead Supervisor Jennifer DeSena, Town Councilmembers Robert Troiano and Christine Liu, Town Clerk Ragini Srivastava, and Receiver of Taxes Mary Jo Collins with North Hempstead’s

PAKISTAN

Mental health treatment fundraiser

Despite recent strides in how our society approaches mental well-being, many Americans still lack access to the high-quality, comprehensive treatment and care they need. Recent statistics on mental health in the United States paint a challenging picture:

• 1 in 5 U.S. adults experience mental illness each year

• Only 47.2% of U.S. adults with mental illness received treatment in 2021

• 50% of all lifetime mental illness begins by age 14, and 75% by age 24

CN Guidance, whose mission includes providing accessible and innovate mental health treatment, to children, youth, adults, Veterans, and seniors, is holding an event focused on mental health awareness and support this summer.

The 24th Annual Golf Outing will raise awareness and funding for its vital services on Monday, July 22 from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm at Stonebridge Golf Links & Country Club, 2000

Raynors Way in Smithtown.

Featured speakers:

Arnold Drucker, Deputy Minority Leader, Nassau County Legislature (Honoree)

Liz Burke, assistant professor, Hofstra University & Reporter, News12 LI (Honoree)

Greg Cergol, Long Island Reporter, NBC 4 NY (Host)

Jeffrey Friedman, CEO, CN Guidance

In the face of rampant mental illness among Long Island adults (530,000 face mental illness each year), and alarming emotional disturbance levels among the next generation (~1 in 5 youth ages 1217 had a past-year major depressive disorder), the 24th Annual Golf Outing event will raise vital funds and awareness for mental health treatment services.

Port Washington Farmers’ Market opens June 8

The Port Washington Farmers’ Market will open for its 22nd season on Saturday, June 8, from 8 a.m. to noon.

The market at the Town Dock will be open every Saturday morning through the end of October.

Founded in 2002 by lifelong Port residents Patti and Doug Wood, the market is a project of their national non-profit, Grassroots Environmental Education, which is also based in Port.

“We felt it was important for people to have access to seasonal and local organic food and food-related products and to meet the people who grow it, harvest it, make it, cook it, bake it, and bring it to the market,” says Grassroots Executive Director Patti Wood. “And the support from the community has been terrific.”

Anchored by Demetra’s Bio Farm, a NOFA-certified organic farm from Southold, the market also includes purveyors of fish, pasta, flowers, bread, olive oil, honey, gluten-free baked goods, and other artisanal foods.

“It’s hard to overestimate the importance of eating nutritionally-dense whole foods in today’s processed food world,” said Patti. “So we look for vendors who are passionate about food and offer really high-quality wholesome produce and products. This year we are excited about increasing the number of vendors.”

Being community-centric also plays an important role in the market’s mission. The market has a small area with café tables, an expansive view of Manhasset Bay, and live music.

It’s a great place to meet, relax, and enjoy the very best of Port Washington. From the beginning, the market has participated in the important New York State Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program for seniors and the WIC program for women, infants, and children.

More information about the market is available at the market website, www.pwfarmersmarket.org, and on various social media channels.

LI Hispanic Chamber Latina Hat Luncheon

and Town

Town, LI Nets partner to host Summer in the Park basketball

Hempstead Town Supervisor Jennifer DeSena and the Town Board are again partnering with the Long Island Nets to host four free basketball clinics throughout the town this summer.

Ed Scott recently attended the Long Island

Chamber of

18th Annual Latina Hat Luncheon.

During the ceremony, town officials presented honorees with Certificates of Recognition on behalf of the town, acknowledging their tremendous contributions to their cultural communities and to the Town of North Hempstead.

Hempstead Supervisor Jennifer

and Town Councilmember Ed Scott with members of the Long Island Hispanic Cham-

of Commerce at their 18th Annual Latina Hat Luncheon

“The Nets have hosted these in years past so we’re thrilled that our kids have another opportunity to learn from the pros this summer,” DeSena said. “But the team has established itself with our town in other ways too. They purchased a new scoreboard and shot clocks for the Yes We Can Community Center basketball court and sponsored back-to-school “Stuff-ABus” campaigns for low-income families. They even donated to North Hempstead’s annual Veterans Donation Drive.”

Clinics are designed for children ages 8 to 14, pre-registration is required, and attendees must be residents of the Town of North Hempstead.

Clinics to take place:

Saturday, June 8 from 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Manorhaven Beach Park, Port Washington

Saturday, June 22 from 10:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Whitney Pond Park, Manhasset

Friday, July 12 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Donald Street Park, Roslyn Heights

Saturday, August 17 at 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Broadway Park, Garden City Park

Space is limited. To register for the clinic, please visit: linets.leagueapps.com/camps.

For more information, including rain dates, please call 311.

North Hempstead Town Supervisor Jennifer DeSena

Councilmember

Hispanic

Commerce’s

North

DeSena

ber

North

endorses Port activist as Dem state Senate candidate in upcoming primary election

Keiserman gets Planned Parenthood nod PAC

BY CAMERYN OAKES

State Senate District 7 Democratic candidate Kim Keiserman, a Port Washington resident campaigning for greater school funding, reproductive rights and lowering taxes, has been endorsed by the Planned Parenthood Empire State Votes Political Action Committee.

“At a time when our health, rights, and freedoms are being relentlessly attacked around the country – we need state leaders who will advance bold policies and further New York’s legacy as a leader in the fight to protect and expand reproductive autonomy,” Robin Chappelle Golston, Chair of the Planned Parenthood Empire State Votes PAC, said in a release.

Chappelle Golston said Keiserman would be an “enthusiastic champion” of reproductive health care and defend reproductive rights.

“I am deeply honored to receive this endorsement, which is personal to me as a longtime fighter for reproductive freedom,” Keiserman said in a release. “I look forward to championing initiatives that expand access to reproductive services and medication, defend reproductive autonomy, and work to ensure the New York Equal Rights Amendment is successfully ratified this November.”

Keiserman faces fellow Democrat Brad Schwartz in the race to challenge state Sen. Jack Martins, a Republican, who is running for reelection.

Keiserman and Schwartz are the only Democrats in the race, and the primary winner will

Political Action Committee’s endorsement of Keiserman comes a week after Everytown for Gun Safety’s endorsement.

Keiserman has also garnered endorsements from a slew of local Democratic leaders of the past and present.

This includes Rep. Tom Suozzi (NY-03), Nassau County and New York State Democratic Party Chairman Jay Jacobs, state Assemblymember Gina Sillitti, former state Sen. Anna Kaplan, Democratic National Committeeman Robert Zimmerman and Nassau County Legislature Minority Leader Delia DeRiggi-Whitton.

Keiserman is an education consultant, a commissioner for the North Hempstead Housing Authority Board of Commissioners, and 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.

Her campaign platform encompasses advocating for reproductive rights, investing in public education, fostering gun safety legislation, lowering taxes and bolstering affordability, protecting the environment and standing up against bigotry.

face off against Martins.

Schwartz, who ran in the 2018 race but dropped out before the primary against former state Sen. Anna Kaplan, is a former television editor and producer with a Ph.D in public policy.

The district, which includes much of the North Shore and the Town of Oyster Bay as far east as Woodbury, is currently represented by Martins, who flipped the district red in 2022. Planned Parenthood Empire State Votes

Keiserman’s intent in running is to give Long Island a seat at the table at the state level to ensure their voices are heard, according to her campaign.

The primary election for party nominees is June 25. The general election will then be held on Nov. 5.

PHOTO COURTESY OF KEISERMAN’S CAMPAIGN

State Senate District 7 Democratic candidate Kim Keiserman was endorsed last week by Planned Parenthood Empire State Votes Political Action Committee.

OUR VIEWS Editorial Cartoon Opinion

Nassau officials join attack on rule of law

Two Nassau County Republicans condemned former President Donald Trump’s conviction last week on all 34 counts of falsifying records as part of a scheme to cover up a sexual encounter with a porn star that threatened to derail his 2016 presidential campaign.

Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman and Rep. Anthony D’Esposito were not alone. They joined a solid block of national Republican leaders who rushed to defend the GOP’s 2024 standard bearer.

That was not surprising, but it was disappointing. And dangerous.

The Republicans, who have traditionally run as protectors of law and order, joined Trump in attacking without merit the verdict and, by inference, New York’s legal system — from Justice Juan Merchan and his family, to Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg and to even the jurors.

The attack on the verdict and those who participated in it threaten the rule of law, a major pillar of our democracy.

Blakeman had criticized Bragg in April 2023 for indicting Trump on the felony charges – five days before the sealed indictment was opened and him not knowing the contents.

The county executive, who served as the Nassau County Republican Party’s liaison to the 2020 Trump presidential campaign, called the expected indictment a “political and malicious prosecution.”

Blakeman’s opinion did not change last week after a Manhattan jury of Trump’s peers that his legal team helped select found the Republican Party’s presumptive presidential nominee guilty of all 34 felony charges.

“I think this is the biggest miscarriage of justice that I have witnessed in my life,” said Blakeman, who campaigned for county executive as a protector of law and order. “As a lawyer, I can’t see any basis for a conviction.”

D’Esposito (R-Island Park) sidestepped Trump’s expected indictment in 2023.

“While our office continues to monitor the situation, Congressman D’Esposito’s focus remains on delivering meaningful tax relief to New Yorkers and fighting for safe streets,” spokesman Matt

Capp said at the time.

But D’Esposito, who is running for re-election against former Hempstead Supervisor Laura Gillen, was far more critical of the verdict last week than Blakeman.

“The corrupt district attorney of Manhattan, Alvin Bragg, and his left-wing allies have completed their shameful witch hunt against President Trump by railroading a conviction through a partisan New York court in an attempt to help Joe Biden’s failing campaign,” D’Esposito said.

“I have testified in court against countless convicts during my time as an NYPD Detective, and it is clear to me that Democrats are so afraid of engaging in a fair fight against President Trump that they continue to weaponize the justice system in an attempt to stop him,” he went on to say.

This statement should be of great concern to voters for a candidate whose seat could determine which party controls the House of Representatives.

D’Esposito is making serious allegations with no proof and little regard for the truth while standing the truth on its head. The Manhattan jury found Trump guilty of interfering with the outcome of the 2016 election.

Where is the evidence that Bragg is “corrupt?” The former detective doesn’t say.

Who are Bragg’s “left-wing allies?”

Same answer.

The investigation into the hush-money payments began in 2018 under Bragg’s predecessor, Cyrus Vance, and was conducted by New York City police, the FBI, and Trump’s own Justice Department.

Trump was then indicted by a grand jury, and a jury of 12 New Yorkers found Trump guilty of 34 felony counts of a crime commonly prosecuted in New York.

How is this a “witch hunt?”

How was the conviction railroaded “through a partisan New York court” to help the Democratic presidential campaign after a five-week trial conducted in public in which Trump was granted more leniency than perhaps any other defendant?

And exactly how are Democrats weaponizing the justice system?

This week a federal trial began against President Joe Biden’s son, Hunter.

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And Robert Menendez, a Democratic U.S. senator from New Jersey, is also in federal court facing bribery charges.

D’Esposito’s fact-free attack on New York’s legal system – from the DA to the judge to the jurors – and his defense of a convicted felon should raise large red flags about his qualifications to serve in the House as well as his time as a New York City policeman.

Like those of his Republican colleagues, they also raise questions about D’Esposito’s motivation.

The Republican congressman endorsed Trump in February. In a social media post, Trump returned the favor, endorsing D’Esposito last week. This is no small thing for Republican candidates across the country.

In his endorsement, Trump said, “Anthony is working hard to Uphold the Rule of Law.” We beg to differ.

D’Esposito’s comments, like those of other Republicans in the House and Senate, echo those made by Trump during the trial and following the verdict last week.

In his comments after the verdict, Trump falsely claimed the trial was “rigged,” the judge was “conflicted” and “corrupt” and called the DA “Soros backed.”

This is a reference to George Soros, a Jewish philanthropist who backs liberal causes and has been the whipping boy of right-wing extremists and antisemites.

Trump went on to claim “We didn’t do anything wrong” despite a unanimous verdict from the 12 jurors on all 34 counts of the indictment.

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COLUMNIST Karen Rubin

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES

He also claimed the verdict was “done by the Biden administration,” even though it took place in state court where President Joe Biden has no authority.

Biden slammed Trump’s comments.

“It’s reckless, it’s dangerous, and it’s irresponsible for anyone to say this was rigged just because they don’t like the verdict,” he said.

“The American principle that no one is above the law was reaffirmed. Donald Trump was given every opportunity to defend himself,” he said. “After five weeks, the jury reached a unanimous verdict. They found Trump guilty on all 34 felony counts.”

Biden is right

Republican officials, including House Speaker Mike Johnson, echoed Trump’s words.

“The weaponization of our justice system has been a hallmark of the Biden administration, and the decision today is further evidence that Democrats will stop at nothing to silence dissent and crush their political opponents,” Johnson said in a statement.

Johnson went on to call for the U.S. Supreme Court to “step in,” adding “I know many of them personally.” These are not comforting words to anyone who believes no one is above the law.

The House speaker had been among a contingent of Republican legislators and vice presidential hopefuls who made a pilgrimage to the courthouse in Manhattan during the trial to express their outrage with the trial.

D’Esposito and Blakeman are now marching in lockstep with Trump.

Stacy Shaughnessy, Melissa Spitalnick, Barbara Kaplan, Bill Lucano, Angela Shirian

ART DIRECTOR

Yvonne Farley

The hush-money conviction did not happen in a vacuum. Trump was found liable for sexual assault in a civil suit in May 2023 brought by writer E. Jean Carroll and ordered to pay an $83 million judgment for slandering Carroll in March.

The slander verdict came after a New York judge ordered Trump to pay more than $450 million for fraud committed by his businesses.

And then there are the 54 remaining felony charges in a state case and two federal cases in which he is accused of trying to overturn the 2020 election and unlawfully taking classified secrets.

Trump said three days before the 2016 presidential election that his thenDemocratic opponent, Hillary Clinton, should be disqualified because she was under FBI investigation.

“We could very well have a sitting president under felony indictment and ultimately a criminal trial,” Trump said at the 2016 rally. “It would grind government to a halt.” He also called for Clinton to be locked up, apparently skipping the part of her being charged and convicted.

This weekend, Trump denied ever calling for Clinton to be locked up in 2016. Multiple videos showed that he did. Several times. In public.

By the logic Trump applied to Clinton back in 2016 — not to mention every other candidate who has run for office — he should withdraw from the 2024 presidential election.

And if he refuses, Republicans like Blakeman and D’Esposito should show respect for the law and demand Trump resign.

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The art of self-discipline, Response Cost

Many patients ask me: “How do I stop procrastinating?”

The tendency for all humans to procrastinate, postpone, avoid, put off and forget what they know they ought to do is exceedingly common. And the result of procrastination is a failure to achieve their dreams.

Most of the things people procrastinate about include eating the proper diet, exercising on a regular basis, failing to make nerve-racking phone calls and delaying plans to travel to all the bucket list destinations you have longed to see.

There are many causes of procrastination. You might feel too tired to exercise or maybe you don’t have enough time. You may feel too anxious to make that phone call out of fear you may hear the word ‘no’. You may feel too weak-willed to resist that piece of cake, candy or bowl of ice cream.

The primary cause of procrastination is our ability to make up excuses on the spot. I once heard an expert on alcoholism say that the alcoholic can find many excuses to have a drink. It may be time to celebrate or because they are anxious or lonely and need some comfort in the form of Southern Comfort. It may be raining outside or maybe it’s sunny. Any old excuse will do.

If you look at all these conflicts you can describe them as a battle between will power and laziness, the right way vs. the wrong way, the choice between taking the hard path vs. the easy path. Everyone knows the easy path is comfortable and more fun, and the hard path is arduous, longer, scarier and more painful.

The problem with the easy path is it doesn’t get you anywhere. It’s the bridge to nowhere, to weight gain, to flabbiness and to failure. Whereas the hard path usually leads to better looks, better health, more money, more power and more pride. And the hard path is the road far less traveled.

Well, I bring you good news. There is a technique created by those who call themselves behavior modifiers that actually works very well in these matters of procrastination. Whether you are guilty of a sin of omission (not doing something you should do like exercising) or a sin of commission (doing something you should not do like having ice cream), there is a tool that works wonders and its called “Response Cost.”

I will explain how Response Cost works, but it’s important to understand why it works. It works because it removes the idea of will power, which apparently weakens as we age.

Response Cost is surprisingly simple. Let’s take the need to lose weight

DR. TOM FERRARO Our Town

as an example. You have tried all the diets in the world and yet the weight does not come off and you give up on the diet. With the Response Cost technique you would list the foods you should not be eating. This almost invariably relates to sweets like ice cream, soda, cookies, cakes, donuts or candy. All the things that taste so good.

After the list is written down, you agree to penalize yourself a certain dollar amount that you will then have to give to your spouse or place in the poor box at church or synagogue if you eat any sweets that day. Usually $20 is a good number, but you may choose more or less. You then agree to do this for a minimum of 90 days.

This can be written down so that you will recall the date and it’s good to put a bowl on the table with $20 visible as a good reminder of the deal.

The tool is effective for many reasons. It gives you freedom to eat the sweets if you want, but when confronted with the realization that it will cost you an extra $20 if you do, one tends to be able to resist the temptation pretty well. Will power does not come into the equation anymore, just cold hard cash.

You need to agree to the regiment for at least 90 days in order to begin to see the results. The new habit may then become functionally autonomous, but if not you can renew the contract for anther 90 days.

This can be done for behaviors

that involve things you must not do like eating sweets, but it can also be done for things you need to do like making those phone calls, finishing the dissertation or novel or exercising each day. When you make those lists and contract to act each day, make sure you are reasonable. You are not going to be able to run 10 miles a day. Start with a 15-minute walk instead and increase the task over time. If you are a salesperson, you will not be able to make 20 cold calls per day. Keep it reasonable.

Response Cost is a good technique for anyone who has suffered from the dreaded disease of procrastination, that common human trait that causes weight gain, flabby muscles, a small bank account and, worst of all, shame.

How does one find the willpower to choose correctly?

There must be a better way to run this ship

In a matter of hours or days, the New York State legislature will have adjourned for the year. In its final days, it will pass upwards of 500 or more bills that will land in the lap of Gov. Kathy and that is the problem worthy of discussion.

I served in the State Assembly for 23 years and during that time I was the chairman of the Ways and Means Committee. During an average year as many as 4,000 bills were sent to the committee, because they all had a cost for the residents of the state. In the final hours of the session, we would review hundreds and hundreds of bills, then send many to the floor for a vote.

This year there is a rush to get the session over because there are primary election contests and the members are anxious to go home. Because of that rush, some of the bills that would have an impact on some businesses or individuals get passed, without the kind of deliberation they deserve.

I love the legislative process and am proud to have served in government, but somehow the system needs to be changed so that a multitude of bills that become law get some further serious debate. There are 150 members in the Assembly and there are quite a few who are capable of understanding most of bills that come before the House. But there are also many new members, who don’t have the experience to digest so many issues in such a short period of time.

Because of the flurry of last-minute legislating, some of the bills contain items that even the sharpest eye could miss. I remember an occasion when we received a 700-page bill making changes in the titles of executives working for the Metropolitan Transportation Authority. Every page looked the same, except on page 601, there was a change in the salary of the MTA Chairman. As committee chair, I stopped the bill from passing without further discussion.

JERRY KREMER Kremer’s Corner

Another issue that arises in the final hours is the role of legislative staff. Both the Senate and the Assembly have a large number of professional staff. Their job is to evaluate all bills that are

under consideration and provide a critique of the contents. These people do a very good job, but sometimes because the staff member is new, they suggest holding up a bill over an issue that had been resolved by a previous staff member.

The next issue that should be resolved relates to how long the Legislature should be in session. Can the business of the people be done in just five months? Should the Legislature have longer sessions so that there is more time for evaluating bills? It may not be a popular suggestion, but it seems with the volume of bills it may be time for holding split sessions, one in the early part of the year and another in September.

Another issue for discussion is whether there should be public hearings on the key bills that are often rushed through at the last minute. Many of the major bills that pass are very carefully vetted, but some could

use additional discussion at a public hearing. Frequently bills that pass could use modifications that would make them more effective and a public hearing could make for better legislating.

The last issue is transparency. The legislative leaders make it a point to promptly provide information on major bills that pass. But it is also important that there be more information provided on any bill that has passed which imposes a cost on any business, local government or individuals. Because of the volume of bills this type of summary can’t be done overnight, but in time it could be made available.

Some of these suggestions will not make me popular with the Assembly members, but there have to be changes made in the current way we legislate. Making changes in deep- rooted practices is like trying to turn an aircraft carrier around, but it is worth the effort.

PHOTO BY TOM FERRARO

The plastic nightmare continues worldwide

The worldwide scourge of plastic as a human health issue is reaching epic proportions. Not only have tiny pieces of plastic been found in human placentas, but last week a new study reported the presence of plastic particles in testicles. If that makes you squirm in your chair, it should.

We’re witnessing a historic decline in sperm counts in males, and the remnants of plastic bags, plastic bottles, plastic diapers, plastic food packaging, synthetic fabric clothing, and vehicle tires that are showing up in our most sensitive organs may be partly to blame.

It stands to reason, of course. As we’ve written before in these pages, all plastic items, from your plastic laundry detergent bottle to the wrapping of your favorite candy bar, are made from a mixture of chemicals and fossil fuels. Many of those chemicals are known to be toxic to humans. Some cause cancer, some disrupt the endocrine system, mimicking or interfering with the body’s hormones in ways that have serious implications.

Endocrine disrupting chemicals, or EDCs, are particularly worrisome for children. In a little body that has been contaminated with tiny bits of plastic, some of which contain chemicals that mimic hormones, all kinds of chaos can result. A growing number of studies are suggesting that EDCs can contribute to

early puberty (especially in girls), as well as obesity and diabetes.

Prenatal exposure to EDCs can affect fetal neurodevelopment resulting in attention deficit disorder, autism spectrum disorder, and cognitive and behavioral dysfunction. The most susceptible time frame begins during the third trimester of pregnancy and continues through the first two years of life. Do pregnant women know this?

To be fair to the plastic industry, the pieces of plastic that we ingest from eating fish or hot dogs or tofu and the plastic that we inhale whenever we breathe are not our only source of EDCs.

These same chemical toxins can be found in cosmetics, food and beverage packaging, toys, carpet, pesticides, building materials, personal care products, cleaning products, clothes, and cooking pans. So why am I picking on plastic?

Epidemiologists studying toxic chemicals look for “pathways.” In other words, how does an exposure actually occur? Exactly how does the toxin find its way into the body? Some pathways are more direct than others. In the case of plastic, it couldn’t really be more direct. We eat it. We drink it. And we breathe it.

Every day. According to a study by the World Wildlife Fund, the average adult consumes about 2,000 tiny pieces of plastic each week, which is roughly the

DOUG WOOD Earth Matters

equivalent of eating a credit card. More recently, researchers at Columbia University found an average of 240,000 microscopic pieces of plastic in every 16-ounce bottle of water they tested.

So we know exactly how we’re being exposed to plastic and the chemicals that it contains.

And yet, the use of plastic is expanding. Plastic is the last, desperate lifeboat for the oil and gas industry as the world eschews the use of fossil fuels for energy.

Researchers at the University of California Santa Barbara estimate that global annual plastic production will rise 22%

by 2050 and plastic pollution will jump 62% during that time.

Industry experts predict that 25 years from now, the world will be producing three times as much plastic as it does today.

I have to wonder about the testicles of the men (and the placentas of pregnant women) who sit on the boards of the petrochemical industries and devise new ways to increase the production of plastic while they simultaneously thwart government regulation at every step.

Is it that they don’t believe the science? Do they think they know better? Or do they have some secret way of avoiding the personal plastic contamination that the rest of the world is being subjected to?

I also wonder what people are thinking when I see them stocking up on shrink-wrapped plastic bottles of water ahead of a long summer weekend or putting their kitchen garbage out in neat white plastic bags. Do they not realize their bodies are being polluted with plastic, and they are unwittingly contributing? Or are they just busy with their lives, hoping and expecting that the government is regulating all the dangerous things in the world and that they can concentrate on living.

Well, that is the way it’s supposed to be. It’s not supposed to be the responsi-

bility of every individual in the world to navigate the obstacle course of life, trying to reduce their exposure to all the different toxins in the environment that can cause harm. That’s the government’s job. And it’s what legislation and regulations are for.

Right now, as I write this, an army of oil and gas industry lobbyists is busy in Albany trying to stop a bill that would limit single-use plastic production.

The Packaging Reduction & Recycling Infrastructure Act would save taxpayers and municipalities money, force polluting companies to pay for the cost of their packaging waste, get many of the most toxic chemicals and substances out of packaging (such as lead, PFAS, formaldehyde, cadmium, and many more), and require companies to reduce single-use packaging by 50% over 12 years.

The industry is claiming this will cost jobs, and that the legislation isn’t necessary.

Well, if your state representatives start talking about defeating “job-killing” legislation or opposing “unnecessary” regulations, think about the plastic floating around inside your brain, your lungs, your heart, your eyeballs or your testicles, and then decide if you think tough government regulations on plastic pollution and toxic chemicals is a good thing or not.

Treat gun violence as the public health crisis it is

June 7 is Gun Violence Awareness Day – absurd on its face that we aren’t made aware enough by daily headlines more tragic and outrageous than the day before. Perhaps it means to be sensitive on that day instead of numb to the evidence of pervasive, ubiquitous gun violence that is uniquely American.

It comes just after Memorial Day when we honor and mourn the 1.3 million who died in America’s wars – for the freedoms we enjoy today, we like to say. Paramount among them for a minority of Americans is the right to have a gun. But over 660,000 have died (more than in America’s deadliest war, the Civil War) just since Republicans let the Assault Weapons Ban lapse in 2004. In that time, the number of weapons of war increased exponentially to 24.6 million (one in 20) in the civilian population.

The ChristoFascist majority Supreme Court has decided guns have more rights than children to live (guns the No. 1 killer), more rights than women have over their body, more rights than Blacks have to vote, overturning centuries of precedent and law to declare an individual’s virtually unregulated “right” to carry a gun (Second Amendment says “well-regulated militia” and “arms” not “firearms” or “guns”).

The rate of gun violence has exploded, increasing the number of gun deaths a year from an unimaginable 33,000 to the mind-blowing 48,830 in 2021 with 116 killed each day. t

Even more horrifying is the number of mass shootings, directly correlated to the number of assault weapons: 273 in

2014, increasing to 690 in 2021.

While we tend to focus only on the dead, millions of Americans live with physical, mental and emotional injuries after surviving a gun assault, costing the nation $557 billion a year in medical care not to mention lost productivity. And what about the orphans and widowed?

What should outrage every American is that the assault weapons exponentially murder random innocents – not like those pesky handguns that are used in gang violence and intentional killings. Schoolchildren in Columbine, Sandy Hook, Parkland, Uvalde are now forced to “learn” in prison-like “secure” settings. People watching a July 4th parade, attending a concert, shopping at the mall, going to a movie or nightclub, church or synagogue are potential targets.

On the other hand, the Brady Campaign estimates that during the 10 years the ban was in effect, mass shooting fatalities were 70% less likely to occur, but after the ban expired, mass shootings in which six or more people were killed increased by 347%.

The ubiquity of guns also factors into the 1,000 killed by police each year (13% higher rate in states with permitless concealed carry laws, with unarmed Black people three times more likely to be killed by police) because they can claim they feared for their life.

And Stand Your Ground Laws in so many of the states with the most permissive gun laws (permitless and open carry) are having tragic consequences, where the perpetrator knows to shoot first and kill in order to claim self-defense. Indeed, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott just pardoned a

and voting. Here’s what needs to be done:

Manufacturers:

Ban assault weapons, high-capacity ammo, bump stocks for civilian use, mechanisms that turn guns into machine guns, and ghost guns. Give a deadline and institute a buy-back program.

End the unprecedented exemption for product liability.

Require the $28 billion guns and ammo industry to pay into a Victims Compensation Fund to defray the $597 billion/year that gun violence costs society.

helps recompense law enforcement. No online purchases of guns or ammo.

Gun Owners:

Gun owners must be certified as having gone through training and knowing laws regarding safe storage, licensed to carry and registered as the owner of that specific gun (just as for a car), renewed every five years, and insured.

Universal background check, national registry.

man who murdered a Black Lives Matter protester who was said to be carrying an AK-47 style gun (and pushing his fiancee’s wheelchair), because “Stand Your Ground” law “cannot be nullified by a jury or a progressive district attorney.”

Tell me how we as a society stand for this? How we allow our “culture” to be defined by guns? How is that acceptable?

The Biden administration has been successful in passing some of the most significant gun violence prevention regulations in 30 years. And last fall, the ATF issued a long overdue rule expanding background checks to more gun sales, which Republican gun extremists in Congress want to overturn. Now the Supreme Court majority may well rule in Rahimi that Red Flag laws are unconstitutional.

If we are to end the scourge of gun violence, guns should be regulated at least as much as women’s reproductive rights

Require gun manufacturers to build in Smart ID so that a gun stolen from a house, car, soldier or police officer cannot be used by a criminal. (FBI crime data indicates one gun is stolen from a car every nine minutes.)

Institute advertising/marketing controls just as the government did for Big Tobacco.

Retailers:

Require all guns to be sold by a licensed retailer who is required to do background check and register ownership of that gun, including guns that otherwise would be traded, sold or gifted among family or friends. Retailers would have to pay fines or if multiple incidents, lose license.

Regulate WHERE, HOW and WHO can sell guns.

Harden penalties for retailers who do not do proper background checks or allow straw purchases (criminal penalty if gun improperly sold used in a crime; loss of retail license, fines.)

Put a hefty tax on purchase of guns, ammo and gun paraphernalia, which

Red Flag laws to prevent anyone who is adjudicated a threat to self or others from possessing a gun.

Tax license, registration, guns and ammunition and supplies — money goes to Victims Fund;

Civil and criminal penalties for failing to safely store weapons, ammunition; severity increases if gun used in violent crime. If guns are going to be everywhere, there has to be accountability: Negligent homicide for anyone whose gun is used in murder, felony prosecution for anyone whose gun is used in crime, including parents, guardians of minor who uses gun.

Stand Your Ground defense? Prove actual mortal threat and no way to mitigate.

We may think because we live in New York State which, in spite of the Supreme Court, still has some sensible gun control (and safest big cities in the country), but that really depends on who is governor and in the Legislature’s majority.

See also: https://www.preventioninstitute.org/focus-areas/preventing-violence-and-reducing-injury/preventingviolence-advocacy

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KAREN RUBIN

View Point

L.I.G.H.T. for Charity: Long Island Cares helps many

L.I.G.H.T. FOR CHARITY™ (‘Long Island Giving Help Together For Charity’) is my column where I shine a light on a different Long Island-based charity each month. For this column, I focus on Long Island Cares, which is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to serving hungry and food-insecure populations throughout Long Island.

Long Island Cares was founded in 1980 by the late singer-songwriter Harry Chapin with a budget of just $75,000. As more people on Long Island experienced food insecurity, it became clear that more work was needed on a broader scale to address the needs of the hungry.

Long Island Cares provides food

pantries and soup kitchens for those in need, distributing over 14 million pounds of food (equivalent to 11.5 million meals) to the over 230,000 people facing hunger on Long Island each year. Dealing with hunger is only one of several problems facing those battling food insecurity. Long Island Cares also offers a wide variety of other important services such as job training, job placement, outreach to the homeless, and veterans’ service programs.

Long Island Cares also operates a specialized youth program. Through this program, Long Island Cares created a unique mobile food truck program, which travels throughout Nassau and Suffolk Counties, delivering

Jeff Stone is a man of the people

Ihave known Jeff Stone for about seven years. In these years, I have found him to be trustworthy, hard-working, caring, honest, and ready to help anyone, no matter if he is at a Kiwanis outing or anything else

— Jeff is a man of the people. I am honored to support him as a candidate for Mayor for the people of Manorhaven.

Carol Dunphy Port Washington

Jeff Stone will be an amazing mayor

Jeff Stone is an honest, upstanding gentleman who gives of himself unconditionally. Since our first meeting four years ago at Toms Point, I have been impressed with his devotion and concern for people, especially their mental and physical well/being. He is the ultimate volunteer, as no task is too

daunting for Jeff to undertake. Jeff will be an amazing Mayor of Manorhaven, bringing his integrity, intelligence and foresight to the town. Cast your vote for Jeff Stone on June 18th at the Village Hall.

Patricia Mulholland Port Washington

Manorhaven needs fresh faces on board

Once again, Manorhaven is having a mayoral election. What is so important about this one is the ability to put the past behind and start over with a new team with new ideas. The Jeff Stone team represents are new faces with no baggage, no favors owed and a willingness to seek solutions that

benefit all residents. To make this point, I collected signatures for Jeff Stone and his team. I found a yard sign for the other candidate in front of my house without even the courtesy to ask.

Pat Valente Port Washington

KAYLA DONNENFELD

Shining a L.I.G.H.T. for Charity

READERS WRITE

over 65,000 food-insecure Long Island kids and their families healthy breakfast options. The service has also been extended to cater to veterans, seniors and Long Island’s homeless population to ensure these vulnerable populations also have access to nutritious meals.

Long Island Cares also operates Baxter’s Pet Panty to ensure all members of the family — including pets — have enough to eat. Baxter’s Pet Panty operates by appointment only, Monday-Friday at 161 North Wellwood Avenue in Lindenhurst. Interested individuals can make an appointment by calling (631) 991-8106.

Recognizing that ending hunger is not something that food banks can do

on their own, Long Island Cares created the Chapin Center for Public Policy, which advocates for long-term public policy solutions at the local, state and federal levels. The Chapin Center facilitates advocacy through letters, petitions, providing legislative testimony and by serving on public policy committees. Additionally, the Chapin Center provides education through local newspapers, social media platform updates, and advocacy training sessions. If you’d like to help Long Island Cares, you can do so by donating funds, hosting a food drive, or attending a fundraising event. For more information, please visit Long Island Cares’s website at https://www.licares.org/.

Stone for Manorhaven mayor

Ihave known Jeff and Ginny Stone for many years and have enjoyed as well as learned from our many conversations. Jeff is a principled gentleman who gives freely of his time to many quality-of-life organizations dealing with addiction and mental health issues. He is also a dedicated member of the International Kiwanis Society.

As a public servant, Jeff also makes his contribution as a member of The Manorhaven Board of Trustees where his sense of right and wrong and desire for justice serves the community very well indeed.

Jeff would bring this plus his tireless work ethic to the office of mayor and I support him in his pursuit of this position.

Fred C. Capobianco Port Washington

School board elections and Islamophobia on Long Island

Having lived on Long Island for nearly three decades and volunteered for various initiatives, I recently had the privilege of advising Muslim candidates running for school and library boards across Long Island.

These candidates were nothing short of exceptional—highly talented, professional, and deeply committed to giving back to their communities. One candidate was even a valedictorian of the very school district they sought to serve.

Their passion and dedication inspired me to support their campaigns. However, I was deeply shocked to learn that five out of the seven candidates faced targeted attacks and harassment simply because of their faith.

Islamophobia reared its ugly head in our own neighborhoods, with candidates receiving hate messages and, in one disturbing instance, a candidate’s fence was ripped out just two days before the May 21 elections. Remarkably, she still won her seat.

The recent attack on the Melville Islamic Center, coupled with the antiMuslim bigotry seen during the school board elections, raises an immediate concern that more needs to be done on Long Island.

Islamophobia is not just an isolat-

ed issue but a pervasive problem that threatens the very fabric of our society. When qualified and dedicated individuals are targeted for their faith, it undermines our community values and the principles of equality and justice that we strive to uphold.

It creates a climate of fear and division, discouraging others from stepping forward to serve and contribute to the common good.

Despite the fact that 100,000 Muslims call Long Island their home, there isn’t a single Muslim elected to serve in the county Legislature.

The bias against Muslim candidates makes it exceedingly difficult for them to run for office. This blatant bigotry is unacceptable and highlights the systemic barriers that prevent equal representation in our local government.

The impact of Islamophobia extends beyond the immediate victims. It fosters an environment of intolerance and ignorance, eroding trust and cohesion within our communities.

It teaches our children the wrong lessons about diversity and respect, perpetuating cycles of prejudice and discrimination. If left unchecked, such hatred can escalate into more severe forms of violence and exclusion, threatening the peace and stability of our society.

We must not only condemn all

forms of hate but actively confront and dismantle them whenever and wherever they appear.

Our elected officials must do more to protect and support Muslims who are being repeatedly targeted. They must implement policies and initiatives that promote inclusivity and safeguard the rights of all citizens, regardless of their faith.

As members of this community, we have a responsibility to stand up against Islamophobia and all forms of discrimination. We must speak out, educate others, and foster a culture of acceptance and mutual respect. By doing so, we can ensure that our neighborhoods remain safe, welcoming, and vibrant places for everyone.

We cannot allow fear and prejudice to undermine the spirit of volunteerism and community service. It’s time for all of us to stand up, speak out, and demand better from our leaders and from ourselves.

Together, we can build a stronger, more inclusive Long Island where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.

Ali Z. Mohammed Woodbury

The writer is a long term resident of Long Island and served as a trustee of Long Island Power Authority

A place for women to help women in Nassau

Imoved to this Long Island suburb from Manhattan eight years ago. In the midst of all the greenery and walks along the beautiful harbor, I can still feel lonely and isolated.

I would like to change that – for myself – and other women who may feel as I do. My experience in supporting women through various life transitions has taught me to treasure the small group and its incredible power.

My own life has included many transitions.

My two-decade career on Wall Street was nonstop, I made industry friends all over the world. Then running the Principle Quest Foundation for 12 years was another joyful journey. Then I retired (again).

My own experiences over 40-plus years taught

You don’t have to be a Bronx resident to appreciate and enjoy all the borough offers. Several retired friends and I periodically visit various Bronx locations. My wife and I also do the same on our own separate trips. Our senior Metro Card discount $1.35 fare offers both a subway ride and free transfer to one of many NYC Transit buses in the Bronx.

Every year, we make several visits to both City Island for great seafood and Arthur Avenue for tasty Italian meals and incredible

desserts. After eating, we take a relaxing walk along City Island or Arthur Avenues. City Island reminds us of life in a small upstate town. Arthur Avenue is like Little Italy in downtown Manhattan.

There are also visits to the Bronx Botanical Gardens for the holiday train show and the Bronx Zoo. We also enjoy walking around Riverdale Park with its great Hudson River views. There are visits to Yankee Stadium. When sitting in Great Neck Steppingstone Park’s Pier, we can see the Bronx. Too bad

Iagree with Donald Trump. The presidential election was stolen. Hillary should have been president in 2016. Most of the presidential polls had predicted a Hillary Clinton victory ranging from 70% to the New York Times’ 85%. But then how did Trump manage to win?

In the 2020 presidential election, Trump claimed it was stolen from him. What does that have to do with the 2016 presidential election result? “I just want to find 11,780 votes.” Trump could have made that claim because he knew how it was done since there was a high probability that he had successfully pulled it off in the previous 2016 presidential election. All he had to do was flip three states to become president.

Three states that Trump flipped in 2016, when compared to 2012, Michigan, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin, flipped right back to the Democrats and Biden in 2020. The Democrat and Republican presidential nominees’ percentage of votes and the percentage margin of victory or (loss)for each of those three years are shown below:

The above chart shows the relatively high percentage margin of victory for those three states in 2012 covering President Obama’s victory. Overall, President Obama won by almost 5 million votes. In 2016, although Hillary Clinton received almost 2.9 million more votes than Trump, she lost the presidency and the electoral votes due to losing the above three states. In each of those states, the percentage margin was less than 1%. The electoral count in 2016 for the two candidates was as follows:

Trump 304

Clinton 227

Difference 77

The electoral votes of those three states were as follows:

Michigan 16

Pennsylvania 20

Wisconsin 10

Total 46

Assuming Clinton could have won those states, the electoral count would have been:

Clinton 273

Trump 258

Difference 15

Since 270 electoral votes is needed to claim victory, Clinton would have won. Analyzing the numbers shows that there is a good possibility that the numbers could have been manipulated or controlled in not only the 2016 presidential election but also in the 2020 presidential election with both favoring Donald Trump.

For example, in 2012, President Obama had almost 5 million more total votes than Mitt Romney. Obama’s margin of victory in

me so much about how a group works, the importance of feeling safe, and how important it was to not go past my own capabilities. In my view gurus are not actually helpful because, in fact, each woman has the answers inside herself, if only someone could listen without giving advice or trying to “fix” her. We honor a covenant of confidentiality and learn from hearing the other women’s stories. That’s why on June 11 at the First Congregational Church of Manhasset, I am hosting a small group to explore the possibility of a local gathering making a real difference.

there is no ferry connection to the Bronx. It would probably take less than 20 minutes instead of an hour or more by public transportation via Manhattan.

While working for the Federal Transit Administration, I visited dozens of MTA NYC Transit subway, Manhattan and Bronx Surface Transit Operating Authority bus, MetroNorth Rail Road and MTA Bus (former Liberty Lines Bronx Express and New York Bus private NYCDOT franchised bus operators) depots, yards, shops, stations and rode many of the routes.

Charlotte Beyer Port Washington cbbeyer@gmail.com

This gave me an excellent understanding of the Bronx public transportation network. I always used mass transit when visiting. At the end of the day, regardless if you live in the Bronx, another NYC borough, Nassau or Westchester County, we are all neighbors. We have more in common than what may divide us. Our economic success and enjoyment of what life has to offer is interdependent.

the three states Pennsylvania, Wisconsin and Michigan was 5.38%, 6.94% and a whopping 9.46% respectively.

In 2016, although Clinton lost, her total votes exceeded Trump’s total by almost 3 million votes. Nevertheless, Trump won in those three states by margins of 0.23%, 0.72% and 0.77%, which by itself only shows that the votes were very close.

However, when we look at the results for the 2020 presidential election, we see that President Biden received more than 7 million total votes than Trump, but check out the margin differences in each of those three states comparing these 2020 numbers to those from 2012 as shown above.

In Michigan, the margin of victory dropped from 9.46% to 2.78%.

In Pennsylvania, the margin of victory dropped from 5.38% to 1.17%.

In Wisconsin, the margin of victory dropped from 6.94% to a minimal 0.62%.

These reductions took place despite the fact, to repeat, that Biden’s margin of victory of 7 million votes in 2020 was 2 million more than Obama’s margin of victory of 5 million votes.

Once again, these lower percentages in the three states in 2016 and 2020 for Clinton and Biden, respectively, by themselves mean little. But sometimes in investigations by the police or others, something that is interpreted one way at the moment, when subsequently looked at can generate a totally different conclusion.

Once again we focus in on Georgia, where Trump lost the vote in 2020 by 11,779 votes, when he said to the Georgia Secretary of State, Republican Brad Raffensberger, ” I just

want to find 11,780 votes.”

This insinuates that there apparently was a way to manipulate the vote count, and if that’s the case in Georgia, the same could be true in other states such as Michigan, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin, not only for 2020 but also for 2016. To repeat, if you’ve done it already, to do it again is a lot easier since you already know how to do it. Numbers do tell stories. It’s a matter of how the numbers are looked at and by whom. Where are the accounting firms when you need them?

Putting all that aside, it’s possible that Trump can win the 2024 presidential election despite having lost one legal case and having three other legal cases unresolved. If he is victorious, the three unresolved cases would suddenly disappear. Can you imagine if we attempted to do anything similar? The judge would say, “Go directly to jail. Do not pass Go.” Is there anything that can be done to assure that his legal cases get resolved before he takes office and attempts to destroy democracy?

“Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” This Golden Rule should also be applied in politics. In the event that Trump is victorious, to ensure that Trump’s legal cases get resolved before he takes office, Vice President Kamala Harris should do what Trump wanted his Vice President Pence to do. Do not certify the election result until those cases are resolved. And if Trump loses some of the legal cases and is sentenced to jail, then it will be one less problem or one more problem that our current democracy will have to solve.

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YOUR GUIDE TO THE ARTS, ENTERTAINMENT AND DINING

Cedamarmere to host day of the arts

of at

The 3rd annual Summer Celebration of the Arts at Cedarmere, the former estate of William Cullen Bryant in Roslyn on Saturday, will be held on June 8 from 4:30 to 7:00 pm (rain date, Sunday, June 9th).

The event will feature contemporary dance, live world beat music, art installations, paintings, spoken word, and an interactive dance jam in the sunken garden, all inspired by the theme “Water”.

Pack a picnic supper and come enjoy the beautiful historic grounds and landscape of Cedarmere.

Explore the pond, gardens, and trails, and take in the sunset over Hempstead Harbor. This year’s event will premiere new nature-inspired works choreographed by Nancy Brier, set to a new musical composition by Edgar “Bass Monk” Patterson Mills and new original poetry written by senior residents of Sea Cliff.

New site-specific sculptures by John Cino and a water-inspired art exhibit by Firefly Studios of Northport will also be on display.

sing a water song and display wam-

Carl Safina, an author, eco-activist, and drummer, will host the event. Tecumseh Ceasar, a cultural representative of the Montauketts, will sing a water song and display wampum carvings.

Bring a picnic supper and remember to carry out all trash as no garbage facilities will be available. Some chairs will be provided.

This family-friendly event is made possible with funds from the New York State Council on the Arts and additional support from the Chris Crosby Foundation.

rary dance, live world beat music, art jam

senior residents of Sea Cliff.

Wednesday Jun 12th

Silk Scarf Painting in Hot Batik Workshop with Oksana Danziger Friday, June 7, 10am-1:30p @ 10am / $81-$90

Silk Scarf Painting in Hot Batik Workshop with Oksana Danziger Friday, June 7, 10am1:30pm Adults and Teens 16+ Location:

The Manes Art Educa‐tion Center $81 mem‐bers | $90 non-members Manes Education Cen‐ter at Nassau County Museum of Art, One Museum Drive, Roslyn. events@nassaumu seum.org, 516-4849337

The Rocket Man Show @ 8pm / $30-$65

The Paramount, Huntington

Sat 6/08

LIFE CENTER OF LONG ISLAND 5K RUN/WALK

4 LIFE @ 8:45am / Free-$30 3340 Merrick Rd, Seaford

4th Annual Empire State Ride Long Island & Street Fair @ 7am / $25

Join us for a beautiful day of cycling and a post ride Street Fair in support of cancer re‐search at the 4th annual Empire State Ride Long Island on June 8, 2024! Downtown Oyster Bay, 1 Shore Avenue, Oyster Bay. esrlongisland@ roswellpark.org, 833465-1730

Empire Safety Council Driver Safety Course @ 10:30am

A check or money order in the amount of $30, payable to Empire Safety Council, is due at time of in person registration. 195 Mar‐cellus Rd, 195 Marcel‐lus Road, Mineola. 516746-8488

3rd Annual Exotics & Classics Car Show

(bene�tting Shriners' Hospitals for Children) @ 9am

Judged car show with trophies given in multi‐ple categories. Fundraising event for Shriner's Hospitals for Children. Port Washing‐ton LIRR Train Station, South Bayles AVenue, Port Washington. adam_bernstein@opti mum.net, 516-458-9666

Deep Roots Farmers Market at Village Square June 8th @ 9am

Deep Roots Farmers Market at VILLAGE SQUARE Saturday June 8th, 9AM-1PM. (Greek Festival is at Garvies Point) Village Square, 100 Village Square, Glen Cove. info @deeprootsfarmersmar ket.com, 516-318-5487

Crisis Crayons @ Nostalgia @ 7pm

Nostalgia, 380 N Wantagh Ave, Bethpage

Lovesong The Band: Salt Shack @ 7pm Salt Shack, 100 Ocean Pkwy, Babylon

James Hunter @ 8pm

Flagstar at Westbury Music Fair, 960 Brush Hollow Road, Westbury South

Appetite for Destruction @ 8pm / $20 The Paramount, Huntington

Summer Celebration of the arts @ 4:30pm / $20

Contemporary Dance, Live Music, Sculpture, Art Installation, and Spoken Word converge at Cedarmere Cedarmere Park, 225 Bryant Avenue, Roslyn. synergydancecollec tiveny@gmail.com, 516672-3842

Sun 6/09

Great Neck Farmers Market @ 10am

Shop small and shop local at the Great Neck Farmers Market Fire‐�ghters Park, 30 Grace Avenue, Great Neck. info@deeprootsfarmers market.com, 516-3185487

Nate Bargatze: The Be Funny Tour @ 7pm / $33.75-$93.75 UBS Arena, Belmont Park

New Perspectives in Wildlife Photography @ 7:30pm

Port Washington Public Library, 1 Library Drive, Port Washington

Dr. Ivan Rothman will present "New Perspectives in Wildlife Photog‐raphy”. Dr. Rothman’s presentation is about the celebration of wildlife in southern Africa.

Turtle Time @ 1pm Do you like turtles? 1450 Tanglewood Rd, 1450 Tanglewood Road, Rockville Centre. helpdesk@cstl.org, 516-764-0045

'Concert Against Hate' feat The Toby Tobias Ensemble @ 7pm

Temple Or Elohim, A Commu‐nity Reform Congregation, 18 Tobie Ln, Jericho

Krush The Band NY @ 8pm The Inn, 943 W Beech St, Long Beach

Mon 6/10

FAST Sports - After Camp Club - Week 1 (6/10-6/13) @ 1pm / $160 Jun 10th - Jun 13th

Childs World Nursery, Middle Neck Road, Port Washington. 516-801-3533

ICC Twenty20 World Cup - Pakistan vs Canada @ 10:30am Nassau County International Cricket Stadium, New York

Aventura - Cerrando Ciclos @ 8pm / $61-$201 UBS Arena, Belmont Park

Wed 6/12

Nate Charlie Music @ 7pm The Local, 7 Depot Pl, Babylon

New York Mets vs. Miami Marlins @ 7:10pm Citi Field, Flushing A Bronx Tale @ 7:30pm The Argyle Theatre at Babylon Village, Babylon

Thu 6/13

Tessa Bailey Author Event @ 6:30pm / Free Join us for this special author event. Tessa Bailey will discuss her latest novel Fangirl Down with a book sale and signing to follow. Books may be pur‐chased at this event. Mineola Memorial Li‐brary, 195 Marcellus Road, Mineola Tue 6/11

Kelli Baker ft. PJ LaMariana LIVE on the Shoreline Cruise @ 5pm Shoreline Trading CompanyLive Sunset Cruise, 99 Maple Ave, Bay Shore

Cuthbert Live: Solo John Mayer Night @ 7pm Beginnings, 1986 Park St, At‐lantic Beach

Hasan Minhaj: Off With His Head @ 8pm / $49.50-$99.50 The Paramount, Huntington

Fri 6/14

Mad Agnes Show @ 7:30pm Our Times Coffeehouse, 38 Old Country Rd, Garden City

Back To The Eighties with Jessie's Girl @ 8pm / $25-$45 The Paramount, Huntington

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.

Lecture, flute recital on French Impressionism

Great Neck Library is having a special Sunday musical performance French Impressionism in Music, Art & Literature: lecture and Flute Recital.

It will be held at the Main Library Community Room at 159 Bayview Ave. in Great Neck on Sunday, June 9, 2024, at 2:00 p.m.

Caryn Block will present a live performance and discuss the flute composers of the Impressionist period, their lasting contributions, and 20thcentury contemporary works for solo flute influenced by this school.

Through viewing art prints and listening to live flute per-

formances of such works as Debussy’s “Syrinx” based on themyth of Pan, Honegger’s “Danse de la Chèvre,” Jacque Ibert’s “Pièce,” and two works by Caryn Block, “Dream,”based on a Greek myth as depicted in a poem by Edith Wharton, and“Garden Music,”based on paintings by Robert Zakanitch, along with short impressionist works for the piano, a portrait of impressionism in art and music will be painted for the audience.

Block is an accomplished Flutist, conductor, and music director of the critically acclaimed Encore Chamber Players. Her award-winning music has been performed both regionally and nationally.

Registration is required. Great Neck cardholders and residents have priority for seating. Sign up online, in person, or via phone. Non-residents are welcome as walkins, as space allows. For more information, please contact Great Neck Library at (516) 466-8055 or email adultprogramming@greatnecklibrary. org.

Health

Caryn Block

COME NETWORK WITH NASSAU COUNTY’S TOP BUSINESS LEADERS 2024 HONOREES

THURSDAY, JUNE 20, 2024 • 6PM LEONARD’S PALAZZO OF GREAT NECK

Jean-Marie Addeo Levantini

Senior Director, Ambulatory Care Garden City NYU Langone Health

Dr. Neva Alexander

CEO & Founder Nevalliance Co-Director Ascend Long Island

Phil Andrews

President Long Island African American Chamber of Commerce

Bob Bernard

Senior Vice President, Debt & Equity Northmarq Capital

Adam Boll

Senior Vice President, Strategic Business Initiatives Northwell Health

Jerome J. Bost

Director of External Affairs IBEW Local 1049

Lisa Burch, MPH

CEO & President EPIC Family of Human Service Agencies

John Burke

Global Head, Business & Professional Services, Managing Director Citi Commercial Bank

Dr. Martin R. Cantor, CPA Director Long Island Center for Socio-Economic Policy

Mary Conway CEO & Founder MKC Strategies

Dr. Maria P. Conzatti Chief Administrative Officer Nassau Community College

Armando D’Accordo President CMIT Solutions of South Nassau

Roy DiMarco

President & Founder RGD Marketing

Dr. James R. Dolan, Jr.

Executive Director CEC Health Care

Jose Dominguez CEO American Red Cross Long Island

George Duffy

Executive Director & CEO SCOPE Education Services

Andrea Elder-Howell Vice President, Legal Services PSEG Long Island

Cherly Fajardo

Senior Vice President ExpanseFT

Sari Friedman, Esq.

Managing Partner Long Island

Friedman & Friedman, PLLC Attorneys at Law

Thomas J. Garry

Office Managing Partner Harris Beach PLLC

Louis C. Grassi, CPA, CFE

CEO

Grassi Advisory Group, Inc.

David Green, Esq.

Partner

Campolo, Middleton & McCormick, LLP

Jeffrey M. Kimmel

Managing Partner & CEO Salenger, Sack, Kimmel & Bavaro, LLP

Adam H. Koblenz, Esq. Member & Partner

Sahn Ward Braff Koblenz Coschignano PLLC

Howard Kroplick Co-President

Roslyn Landmark Society

Donna LaScala President Financial Planning Association of LI

Maqsood A. Malik

Founder, President & CEO M&J Engineering P.C.

Nancy Marie-Thérèse Manigat, MBA, LCSW COO CN Guidance & Counseling

Services

Edna Mashaal

Founder & Managing Partner

Edna Mashaal Realty

David P. McKelvey, CPA Tax Partner Marcum LLP

Vinny Muldoon Owner Old World Quality Corp.

Louis M. Panacciulli

President Mineola Chamber of Commerce

Michael Pfaff

President & Chief Business Officer Long Island Ducks

Michael Recco

President & CEO Friends For Life Home Care

Michael Reed, CCM CEO & Managing Member Elite Construction Company of NY, LLC

Michael N. Rosenblut

President & CEO

Parker Jewish Institute for Health Care and Rehabilitation

Josephine Savastano Chief Banking Officer New York

Frank Scalese CEO

Blue Ocean Wealth Solutions

JB (Jeff) Schwartzberg Co-Founder & Managing Principal Premier Commercial Real Estate

Sheldon L. Shrenkel

CEO & Executive Director Nassau County Industrial Development Agency

Howard M. Stein

Managing Partner Certilman Balin Adler & Hyman, LLP

Mark Stempel CEO & Co-Founder Blue Island Homes

Linda Stuurman

President Last Hope Rescue, Inc.

Katie Swanson

Executive Director Bethany House

Sherry Tucker CEO WellLife Network Inc.

Luis Vasquez

President & CEO Long Island Hispanic Chamber of Commerce

Devon Zappasodi, MSW Director PFY, A Division of Long Island

THE BRISTAL ASSISTED LIVING INVITES YOU TO A

SATURDAY, JUNE 8 & SUNDAY, JUNE 9

Stop by the community of your choice between 10:00AM - 2:00PM

Take advantage of our spring savings special this weekend only!

Join us at any of The Bristal communities for a festive spring weekend. Take a tour, view our beautifully appointed apartments, meet our team and learn more about The Bristal’s amenities and lifestyle.

To let us know you’re coming, give us a call at 877-978-1088 or scan the QR code to visit: thebristal.com/gardenparty

Business&RealEstate

Does education lead to homeownership?

Over the years a defining factor for the majority of homebuyers has been location, location and the school district. This was understandable, especially if you already had or planned on having children in the future.

Today’s high prices of homes, condos and co-ops dictate who has the wherewithal to afford to move to a highly rated school system. Moreover, the availability and diversification of Special Education programs is another asset to consider when choosing a town.

This is a dilemma for many who want the best education for their children, but may be limited due to high interest rates and prices as well as their defined budgets and qualifications to be approved for a mortgage.

Paying high rents as opposed to buying to be in better schools is a trade-off in reducing your future wealth, but temporarily may be worth it in exchange for a better learning environment and opportunities for your kids.

Unfortunately, those with higher paying jobs or lucrative businesses have an advantage and are in a more beneficial position to purchase and choose better school systems.

The price of public education has escalated over the last decade to an unprecedented average level of $36,523 per student for the 11 school districts in the Town of North Hempstead, up an estimated $1,000 plus from the previous year as

reported in last week’s Blank Slate Media.

Since approximately 65% of your real estate taxes are related to your school taxes, there appears to be no end in site.

The majority of school budgets passed as education is still a priority for voters and their families as the most important and worthwhile facet and commodity of a topnotch community I need to change direction for a moment to provide some explanation. My personal and professional opinion: if you are currently residing in a school system that needs improvement, there is only one path that you must take as a homeowner.

It should be an utmost priority for you to be as involved as possible in your schools and the programs they offer that will be of the greatest benefit to your children’s education. There is power in numbers and the more proactive you are in participating in all meetings with school administrators, the greater the likelihood that changes will occur.

To start, this can be accomplished at home by setting ground rules at an early age as to what you expect of your children as far as doing their daily homework, studying and most important after-school activities to keep them healthier, building strong character qualities and teamwork.

Sacrificing some of their free time and becoming disciplined will assist them in their future development and advancement later on in life. Consistent conditioning and guidance will reap the rewards in

their future endeavors.

Increasing the scholastic scores in math, science and English will raise the statistics and profile of that school.

Hopefully, this will also lead to better grades, going on to higher education and a successful career and/or business. You as a parent are a critical and crucial component in order to have a successful outcome.

The end result could lead to opportunities that would not normally be available without an education. A society is stronger and more successful when a family structure is solid and complete.

But what we are experiencing today is

a divergence from what is truly needed. It does start and begin with how the parents guide, teach and bring their children up, while simultaneously, the teachers and the school system also come into play.

This should be somewhat of a seamless process, but it is easier said than done. The bi-product of a quality school district are higher and more stable real estate prices. There is a correlation between towns having higher home prices and appreciation and their statistically stronger scoring schools.

If you are lucky and fortunate and born with the ability to be creative, have natural talents and ideas that most do not, this will potentially enable you to be successful without any more than a high school or college education.

Although this is not the norm, college may or may not be a necessity for everyone, especially with todays’ exorbitant costs. Succumbing to student debt for the foreseeable future may not be in the cards for many going forward.

This unfortunately has been a detriment to homeownership. I believe college is no longer a guarantee for a better job, as there are many educated unemployed people with Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science degrees.

Today, the bare minimum requirement for many companies is earning a Master’s Degree to get your foot in the door to compete for a higher paying position in corporate America. Twenty-plus

years ago, both my daughter and son, only earned undergraduate degrees.

Fast forward to today when both would have needed a minimum of a Master’s Degree to be considered entrance into their very ambitious professions. Competition is fierce and even having a Ph.D may soon be the standard to secure a higher paying position. However, today opting or dropping out of college and becoming an entrepreneur can start with just one single idea as some notable individuals have had.

Mark Zuckerberg of Facebook, Bill Gates of Microsoft, Steve Jobs of Apple, dropped out of Harvard to start their massively successful corporations.

Even Sergey Brin and Larry Page dropped out of their P.hD programs at Stanford University to start Google. However, Michael Dell of Dell Computers started his company in his college dorm room at the University of Texas.

The bottom line is the higher scoring school district, generally the better the education and the stronger the housing prices will be and the greater appreciation over the long run.

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) 6474289 or by email:Phil@TurnKeyRealEstate. Comor via https://WWW.Li-RealEstate. Com

Phishing: A Real and Present Danger to Small Business

Phishing is a form of cyber fraud that uses bogus emails in order to lure victims to part with something of value, such as passwords and credit cards. It does this by mimicking a trusted sender, convincing an employee to click a link. This immediately installs malware like viruses and ransomware to the company’s network where it can access invaluable data.

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Phishing emails are becoming increasingly difficult to spot, a trend that sees no end. Today, nearly every major data breach begins with a successful attack.

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PHILIP A. RAICES Real Estate Watch

Lecture on the fate of art in Nazi Germany

Dictators of both the left and the right persecuted modern art in the early 20th century.

Join the Great Neck Library in part 2 of this 3-part series, Art Under the Dictators and Under the Democrat, as we explore the reasons for both its unpopularity with the demagogues and its eventual triumph in America during the postwar period.

An international faculty of distinguished modernists taught at the Bauhaus School of Art and Design in liberal Germany during the 1920s, but Hitler organized modern art seized from museums into his “Degenerate

Art Exhibit” of 1936, which ridiculed modernism as an unhygienic symptom of miscegenation that needs to be outlawed.

As a result, most of Central Europe’s best artists, designers, and architects moved to the United States.

Presenter Dennis Raverty is a speaker, author, and art historian who, for decades, has delighted audiences with lively presentations at libraries, churches, synagogues, hostels, and business lunches on a variety of topics in the history of art, from the Italian Renaissance to the Harlem Renaissance.

His articles and criticism have appeared in Art Journal, Art in America, The International Review of African American Art, Art Criticism, The New Art Examiner, Prospects: An Annual of American Studies, Source: Notes in the History of Art, and Art Papers, where he was a contributing editor.

He authored four entries for the most recent edition of the Grove Encyclopedia of American Art, published by Oxford University Press (2011).

The Fate of Art in Nazi Germany lecture will be at the Main Library Community Room at 159 Bayview Ave. in Great Neck on Tuesday, June 11 at 2:00 p.m. Registration is not required.

First come, first seated. For more information, please contact Great Neck Library at (516) 466-8055 or email adultprogramming@greatnecklibrary.org.

Dr. Tom Ferraro has specialized in sport psychology for 20 years and works in the fields of golf, tennis, soccer, baseball, football, wrestling, lacrosse, figure skating, gymnastics, softball, fencing and more. He has helped professional teams, Olympians and elite young athletes learn how to manage the intense pressure of competitive sports. He appears on both TV and radio and has sport psychology columns in 5 different newspapers and has been featured in The New York Times, Wall street Journal and the London Times. Golf Digest includes him in their list of top mental game gurus in America. For a consultation see below:

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Homeowner Exemption Liaison Program lecture

Join us at the Great Neck Library on June 10, for an exclusive event brought to you by the Nassau County Department of Assessment’s HELP program!

Are you a homeowner looking to understand your property assessment better? Do you have questions about exemptions and how they can benefit you? Look no further! Our Homeowner Exemptions Liaison Program is here to assist you.

At this special event, you’ll have the opportunity to engage one-on-one with knowledgeable staff who are ready to help you:

• Learn about the various homeowner exemp tions available to you.

• Gain insights into how assessments impact your property taxes.

view Ave. in Great Neck on Monday, June 10, from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. and unlock the secrets to maximizing your homeowner benefits!

No registration is required; it is first come, first served. For more information, please get in touch with Great Neck Library at (516) 466-8055 or email adultprogramming@greatnecklibrary.org.

• Receive assistance with filling out exemption applications.

Don’t miss this chance to take advantage of a mobile experience right in your community! Join us at the Main Library Community Room at 159 Bay-

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Memorial Day aid to troops at G.N. North High

North Hempstead Town Supervisor Jennifer DeSena recently attended Great Neck North High School’s Aid to Troops Memorial Day event, during which Marine Corp Sgt. Jessica Weiss was honored for her selflessness and bravery in service to the United States of America.

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and U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Jessica Weiss at Great Neck North High School’s Aid to Troops Memorial Day event.

The Great Neck Library Board of Trustees Meeting will be on Tuesday, June 18 at 7:00 p.m. at the Main Library at 159 Bayview Ave. in Great Neck.

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If an executive session (not open to the public) is needed, it will be held at 6:00 p.m. Please refer to the library’s website at greatnecklibrary.org for any changes or updates before coming to the meeting.

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DeSena

Continued from Page 1

The former employee described the library work environment as a “culture of fear” and “sterile” due to the administration.

“They feel that they are underpaid, understaffed and treated poorly,” the former employee said.

The letter also alleges that after Corcoran received a new contract in the fall, a job posting for assistant director was revised to lowerthe requirements. This posting was for an internal-only hire.

The letter says this was done to make assistant director Baumgartner eligible to apply, along with other alterations to the hiring process.

Library patron Rebecca Gilliar, who was named in the letter, described Baumgartner’s hiring as one of nurturing executive succession by employing a young assistant director to train her to assume the director role someday. She said this is common with other libraries.

The letter also claims Baumgartner fosters a negative work environment, alleging she has a history of scolding staff.

The anonymous employee alleges Baumgartner’s treatment led to multiple employees leaving the Parkville Branch while she was serving as branch head.

“Rewarding her with the assistant director position has demoralized the staff tremendously,” the letter says. “Denise and Kathryn are two peas in a pod. They are identical in their cold treatment of staff.”

The letter also claims that Baumgartner was involved in interviews that led to the hiring of her friend.

The letter also says library patron Gilliar has been made privy to private information at the library and criticized her correspondence with library employees.

Gilliar said she has been a library patron for 55 years and has “[watched] the patterns and [listened] to the words.”

“The letter writer who intends me harm is in hiding (wearing camouflage and taking aim from a crouched position) and therefore deserves no reply,” Gilliar wrote to Blank Slate Media.

The letter writer said the issue would be resolved if Corcoran was no longer director but said they see this as unlikely.

“For this place to ever change, she’s got to go,” the current employee said. “I think that would be the thing that could really, hopefully, get staff morale back up, but I don’t see it happening.”

The former employee said change could also be achieved if the administration had greater and more positive engagement with staff, but also said they didn’t think it would happen.

Gilliar cautioned against the anonymous letter due to the harm it could cause the library.

“The post is intended to push the board into making a hurried decision to investigate the library director, thereby bringing the library to a standstill,” Gilliar wrote, referencing a social media post about the topic. “Given the current lineup of newcomers and ill-wishers that comprise the current library board majority, I expect they will act to the detriment of the library.”

Continued from Page 2

He said the town was not aware before the initial reporting by The City publication.

While Mignardi said the town is further investigating the issue, he said Suzenski’s actions were never substantiated previously.

At the public portion of the town meeting, another resident complained about the town’s decision not to fly the pride flag for the entire month of June,

The resident asked the board if the pride flag, which represents the LGBTQ+ community, would be flown

for the entire month after being raised just moments before the meeting Tuesday night.

For the first time in years, DeSena said it won’t. Instead, DeSena said the flag will fly for a few days.

DeSena said the flag wouldn’t fly for the full month to create continuity with other recognized holidays, which have a shorter duration. She compared it to Organ Donation Month in April when the flag associated with it was not flown for the entire month.

She said the town flag pole is primarily for the American and POW/

MIA flags.

DeSena said in flying the pride flag for a few days it still recognizes Pride Month for the LGBTQ+ community.

The resident who asked the question disagreed and said it should fly the whole month. She said she was not happy with the decision.

Town Councilmember Mariann Dalimonte agreed with the resident. She said it has flown for the entire month for the last three years.

Town Councilmember Dennis Walsh defended the decision.

PHOTO BY JANELLE CLAUSEN, CIRCA 2018

The Great Neck Library Board of Trustees voted to conduct an independent investigation into allegations made against the library director.

Queens booze skimming

“Shouldn’t it be consistent with what everybody else gets?” Walsh asked.

In other news, the board approved various resolutions Tuesday night.

These included paying $2.5 million for a personal injury lawsuit settlement, awarding a bid for lot reconstruction at Tully Park in New Hyde Park, and establishing an agreement with a veterinarian for a voucher program to spay and neuter cats.

The board did discuss a resolution authorizing a memorandum of understanding with the Long Island Rail

Road but opted to table the decision until July.

The memorandum would permit the Long Island Rail Road to conduct a survey at the Port Washington station to determine changes needed. Dalimonte asked to table the decision after multiple residents contacted her hours before the meeting to question the resolution. She suggested a community meeting to inform residents before a decision is made.

The North Hempstead Town Board will convene again at 10 a.m. on June 11 for its public hearings.

G.N. Library to investigate director allegations Prendergast Field honors avid Mets fan Commish

Continued from Page 2

Multiple members of the Great Neck community exchanged words honoring Prendergast’s memory.

“We had the privilege of sharing in the daily energy and encouragement that Teresa exuded for almost eight years here in Great Neck,” Board of Education Trustee Donna Peirez said. “One only needed to hear the ‘click click click’ of her high heels or see that mane of luxurious red hair to know that she was entering a room. Once she entered, she exuberantly greeted each person with warmth and joy.”

Assistant Superintendents of Curriculum and Instruction Stephen Lando described Prendergast’s cabinet as a family that worked together towards accomplishments while still having fun.

“At one cabinet meeting she provided a glimpse into Teresa – her sense of humor and fun – when she challenged us to guess her middle name,” Lando said. “Even after being provided with the initial ‘V,’ none of us came close and I bet no one here would come close either.”

Although Lando never shared Prendergast’s middle name with the

crowd, he did share a plethora of other fond memories he and many others had of her.

Lando held back tears as he recollected the moments, which extended beyond her professional accomplishments and showed the care and deep connections she fostered with those around her.

For Lando, he remembered the conversations he had with Prendergast sharing their excitement for their children’s weddings and grandchildren on the way.

“Children first, family first,” Lando said in describing Prendergast and

the day’s event.

Multiple elected officials also presented awards and honors to Prendergast’s family, including a staff representative for Rep. Tom Suozzi, who gifted the family an American flag that flew over the United States Capitol in memory of Prendergast.

Town of North Hempstead District 4 Councilmember Christine Liu read a quote from former Ford Motor Co. President Lee Iacocca: “Apply yourself. Get all the education you can, but then, by god, do something. Don’t just stand there, make it happen.”

“And Teresa, by god, she made it

happen here in Great Neck,” Liu said. Although Bossert never got to work alongside Prendergast, he said he has learned about her in the past months by sitting in the office she once occupied.

“It can be an overwhelming task,” Bossert said of the superintendent position. “But what I hope for Teresa is that she found it to be as rewarding as I do, and I hope she had occasions like today to see the impact she had in the time she gave up herself to this district and this community. This is a better place for her having served as their leader.”

Bral says Jews should still pursue college

Continued from Page 1

in a forum Thursday night which promoted a flier that asked “Should Jewish students pursue higher education despite violence on campus?” and “Can enacting new laws help reduce these violent incidents?”

The forum was criticized before panelists convened Thursday night at Congregation Kol Israel Achim in Great Neck, with one resident saying it was intended to platform Republican politicians – the only political party represented on the panel – and to incite fear.

Panelists include Nassau County District 10 Legislator Mazi Pilip (NY-10), Rep. Anthony D’Esposito (NY-04), state Sen. Jack Martins, Village of Great Neck Mayor Bral and Stand With Us Northeast Director Avi Posnick.

It was framed around whether Jewish students should pursue higher education, which was not asked outright to the panelists. Attendees submitted questions to the panelists.

Some panelists, like Bral, addressed the question despite not being asked.

Pilip said the events of Oct. 7 and the proceeding months have been difficult for the Jewish community, which have been exacerbated by protests occurring nationwide on college campuses.

Martins said university leaders failed to protect students amid these protests.

“In order to change the trajectory, we have to differentiate between free speech and hate speech,” Bral said. “Until we do that, this thing can continue for a long time. Differentiate between hate speech and free speech. Stop the hate speech, allow the free speech and I think we’ll be okay.”

Panelists offered a variety of solutions to combat antisemitism on college campuses and in general.

D’Esposito said the first step in combatting antisemitism is holding discussions. He attributed the growing conversations on the topic to there being a Republican majority in Congress, citing the hearings with university presidents on antisemitism on campuses.

Before and after making these comments, D’Esposito said the forum was not political.

The politicians said antisemitism on college campuses can also be combatted through legislation.

Martins said the state government has the ability to defund state and city universities and their programs if they do not take action to combat antisemitism. He also called for making hate crimes bail ineligible and state and city universities to defund antisemitic campus clubs.

He said legislation has been introduced that would prevent students from receiving funds from the state’s Tuition Assistance Program or expel students who commit hate crimes.

But none of this legislation has made it to the floor for a vote, which Martins condemned as they approach the end of their legislative session.

D’Esposito said federal legislation has also been introduced that would require the Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights to consider the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance’s definition of antisemitism when reviewing discrimination complaints that concern federally funded programs.

He said there are plans to invite Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to speak at a joint Congressional session within the next two months. He said he was texting House Speaker Mike Johnson about this moments before the forum.

Another method offered was bolstering education on Israel and Palestine as well as Jewish history.

Posnick said StandWithUs was established to educate and empower students and communities, support Israel and fight antisemitism. He said these pursuits are even more important now.

Bral said students need to be educated on the issues before arriving and be “brainwashed.”

Pilip echoed this, saying they need to be taught the “real facts” of the issue and provided a greater breadth of knowledge on the Holocaust.

Martins called for antisemitism to be included in colleges’ required diversity, equity and inclusion training, which he said is not provided.

But overall, the panelists called for the broader community to unite to combat antisemitism.

“It’s very simple, and I think we’ve learned

A forum on antisemitism on college campuses featured a panel of local officials.

this lesson time and again through history, and that is that evil grows when good people remain silent,” Martins said. “We see things happening in this world time and again, whether it’s outside of the U.S., whether it’s here, whether it’s on our campuses, whether it’s in our commu-

nities, and we have a responsibility to act, we have a responsibility to respond and we have, first and foremost, the responsibility to make sure in this particular case that our children, our students, professors have a safe place when they go to school.

GOPers claim Trump’s trial rigged after conviction

Continued from Page 3

court in an attempt to help Joe Biden’s failing campaign,” D’Esposito said.“I have testified in court against countless convicts during my time as an NYPD Detective, and it is clear to me that Democrats are so afraid of engaging in a fair fight against President Trump that they continue to weaponize the justice system in an attempt to stop him.”

The Republican congressman, who is running for re-election in NY-04, endorsed Trump in February.

Trump recently returned the favor, endorsing D’Esposito on May 26 in a social media post.

“Congressman Anthony D’Esposito is a fantastic and highly effective representative for the people of New York’s 4th Congressional District,” Trump wrote in a social media post. “A retired NYPD police detective, Anthony is working hard to Uphold the Rule of Law, Create Jobs and

Lower Inflation, Secure the Border, and Support our Incredible Military and Police Officers. Anthony D’Esposito has my Complete and Total Endorsement!”

Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg denied Republican claims of a rigged trial.

“While this defendant may be unlike any other in American history, we arrived at this trial, and ultimately today at this verdict, in the same manner as every other case that comes through the courtroom doors – by following the facts and the law and doing so without fear or favor,” Bragg said.

Democrat officials are praising the results of the trial. While Republicans repeated phrases like “rigged trial” and the “weaponization” of the justice system, Democrats Gov. Kathy Hochul, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and New York Attorney Letitia James repeated the same phrase that “no one is above the law.”

“The clear evidence presented in this case warranted a guilty verdict on all 34 counts,” Minority Leader Delia DeRiggi-Whitton (D-Glen Cove) said in a statement. “Yesterday’s decision is an example of our system working in a fair and honest way.”

Yet the communications director of the Biden campaign, Michael Tyler, said the threat Trump poses to American democracy and freedoms “has never been greater.”

“Donald Trump has always mistakenly believed he would never face consequences for breaking the law for his own personal gain. But today’s verdict does not change the fact that the American people face a simple reality,” Tyler said. “There is still only one way to keep Donald Trump out of the Oval Office: at the ballot box.”

Some are hoping the conviction results in blue votes come November.

“Over the last two years, House Republi-

cans have pushed a radical agenda that seeks to defund law enforcement and endanger Americans,” House Majority PAC President Mike Smith said in a statement. “By standing with a nowconvicted criminal, House Republicans are doubling down on their extremism – and it will cost them the House in November.”

Now that the jury delivered a guilty verdict, Trump awaits sentencing in July, at which point he will officially be a convicted felon.

Judge Juan Merchan will decide his sentencing. It could include fines, probation, or even prison time, though Trump was convicted of the least serious felonies under state law and has no prior criminal record.

Trump can appeal the sentence. But even if he does not appeal, the former president can still run for office as a convicted felon. And if he is sentenced to time in prison, he can still campaign behind bars.

PHOTO COURTESY OF FRED BASSALI

LEGAL NOTICE VILLAGE OF GREAT NECK

PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that the General Village Election will take place on Tuesday, June 18, 2024, between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m. prevailing time, and the following nominations for the offices set forth below will be voted upon:

FOR TRUSTEE - Two (2) year term - Eli Kashi 11 Poplar Court

Great Neck, N.Y. 11024

FOR TRUSTEE - Two (2) year term - Barton Sobel 8 Beach Road Great Neck, N.Y. 11023

NOW BE IT RESOLVED, that the Village shall be considered a single Election District and the polling place is at the Great Neck House, 14 Arrandale Avenue, Great Neck, New York.

TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that there are no propositions to be voted upon.

Dated: May 29, 2024 Great Neck, New York

BY ORDER OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES

VILLAGE OF GREAT NECK ABRAHAM COHAN, VILLAGE CLERK-TREASURER

VILLAGE ELECTION INCORPORATED VILLAGE OF LAKE SUCCESS LAKE SUCCESS NEW YORK

PLEASE TAKE NOTICE THAT, the Village of Lake Success, New York will conduct its Annual Village Election at the Community Building, 318 Lakeville Road, Lake Success, New York, in said Village on the 20th day of June, 2024 with the polls open between the hours of 12 noon and 9:00 p.m. and that the following are candidates for election to the following offices for the terms specified:

CANDIDATES OFFICE TERM

Adam Hoffman Mayor 2 Years

51 Old Field Lane Great Neck, NY 11020

Fred Handsman Trustee 2 Years 17 Briarfield Lane Great Neck, NY 11020

Spyro Dimitratos Trustee

37 Meadow Woods Rd. Great Neck, NY 11020

Robert Gal Trustee

4 Horseshoe Lane Great Neck, NY 11020

Mark Mermel Village Justice

35 School House Lane Great Neck, NY 11020

Dated: May 29, 2021 Lake Success, New York

Notice of Formation of AMCPA Advisors LLC. Articles of Organization filed with Secretary of State of NY (SSNY) on 05/06/2024. Office location: Nassau. SSNY designated as agent of Limited Liability Company (LLC) upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY should mail process to Alex Mathew: 85-20 248th Street, Bellerose, NY 11426. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

BY ORDER OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF THE VILLAGE OF LAKE SUCCESS

PATRICK E. FARRELL, ADMINISTRATOR/TREASURER

PUBLIC HEARING INCORPORATED VILLAGE OF LAKE SUCCESS

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT a public hearing will be held by the Board of Appeals, Incorporated Village of Lake Success, NY in the Board Room of the Village of Lake Success, 318 Lakeville Road, on Monday, June 17, 2024 at 7:30 P.M. to consider the following application for a variance from the village zoning code.

Case No.2024-0065 a request submitted by the owners, Susan & Robert Lopatkin, 11 Grenfell Dr, Lake Success, NY 11020 also designated as Section 2, Block 342, Lot 11, for an appeal to construct a 1st floor addition with established insufficient front yards, not permitted, pursuant to Section 105-194C(2)(d)[1][a], Article XIX Chapter 105 of the Code of the Village of Lake Success.

The application and accompanying exhibits are on file in the office of the Village Clerk and may be inspected by interested parties during business hours.

At the time and place of the public hearing, all persons will be given an opportunity to be heard.

Those persons planning to attend any meeting of the Board of Appeals of the Village of Lake Success and who require listening devices and/or a sign language translator are requested to notify the Village Clerk no less than 48 hours prior to the meeting.

BY ORDER OF THE BOARD OF APPEALS OF THE VILLAGE OF LAKE SUCCESS

David N. Milner, Chairperson Patrick E. Farrell, Administrator

Dated: June 6, 2024 Lake Success, NY

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SCOPE Education Services is now hiring for the 2024–2025 school year in all of the Before and After School Programs located in the Garden City Elementary Schools!

We are looking for energetic applicants who love working with children! Looking to fill multiple Director, Assistant Director, Group Leader and Substitute positions. All positions are part time and can accommodate flexible schedules.

Competitive Wages • Signing Bonus Referral Bonus • Scholarship Program

Please call Renee Mercer at 631-360-0800 ext. 149 or send a resume to cc@scopeonline.us

EMPLOYMENT HELP WANTED

BOOKKEEPER WANTED Twice a month-6 hours daily. $18p/h. Comfortable with numbers. Will train. Please call 917-705-7564. Leave message.

CUSTOMER SERVICE: PT/FT Manhasset State Farm. Handle customer inquiries and much more. No insurance experience necessary but 5 years office experience is. Send resume: joinourteam@nancymorrisagency. com

SITUATION WANTED

A HOME AIDE/CAREGIVER Caring, Honest & Reliable woman with 10 years experience available to care for your elderly loved one. Personal grooming, dispense medications, cooking, cleaning. Checkable references. Licensed driver with own transportation. Please call 516-383-7150

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BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES

A Non-profit organization in Nassau County is seeking sealed bids for sale and installation of security related enhancements. The project includes: CCTV System and related equipment. Selection criteria will be based on knowledge of surveillance and security, adherence to projected work schedule, prior experience, references, and cost. Specifications and bid requirements can be obtained by contacting us at: 758saradoba@gmail. com. All interested firms will be required to sign for the proposal documents and provide primary contact, telephone and e-mail address. Bids will be accepted until 6/30/2024 and work is to commence by 8/1/2024 and be completed by 12/31/2024.{F 3

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SHINING IN DEFEAT

Roslyn boys tennis team 2nd best despite tragic loss of 2

BY MICHAEL J. LEWIS

It was a season whose purpose was known from the start.

“Win it for the boys.”

The Roslyn boys tennis team has had to deal with so much trauma over the past 14 months after losing team members Drew Hassenbein and Ethan Falkowitz in a car accident on May 3, 2023.

And so from the start of this year, seniors Justin Sherman and Cayden Shen recalled Wednesday, everyone on the Bulldogs squad had all the motivation it needed.

And at Hofstra University Wednesday in the Large Schools team championship against Syosset, and backed by dozens of family and alumni, Roslyn tried to complete a magical season.

Unfortunately, the juggernaut Syosset program proved to be just a touch better. Winning two singles matches and three doubles tilts, the Braves captured their seventh Nassau title in the past nine years, beating Roslyn 5-2.

“It’s a great rivalry because we push each other and each team wants to do better,” said Roslyn coach Kerriann Jannotte-Hinkley. “I don’t want to speak for their team, but I feel that the way we usually feel is that if we can’t win (the county title), we’re happy it’s them winning it.”

For Roslyn, this season was all about starting to feel whole again. Junior Ethan Solop, the No. 1 singles player, was in the crash that killed Hassenbein and Falkowitz and suffered a serious leg injury.

But he came back healthy this season and dominated, winning all but one singles match. Wednesday, he cruised to a 6-1, 6-2 win over Syosset’s Nikhil Shah.

“On and off the court, he’s the toughest kid I’ve ever met in my life,” Roslyn senior Justin Sherman said. “He’s an inspiration to us all, how well he’s come back and played, and just how strong he is.”

Roslyn entered the title match off a close 4-3 win over Herricks on Tuesday in the semifinals, and when Solop won easily, followed shortly by the second doubles team of Brian Toh and Kyle Law grabbing a win, it looked like the Bulldogs might pull it off.

After all, Roslyn (14-3) had defeated Syosset in a team match earlier this season, so it knew it could be done.

But Syosset was able to rally to win at fourth doubles and third doubles, taking the lead, and Roslyn wasn’t able to recover.

“They just had a little more firepower to-

day,” said Jannotte-Hinkley. “But I’m so proud of our group of seniors, six altogether, five of them in the starting lineup. They’re really special kids who had a great season.”

A sign of the culture Jannotte-Hinkley has built was seen in the alumni at the match, all staying connected to the program. The 2011 Roslyn team returned to the school and hit with the current squad, helping mentor them and keeping them connected to the program.

“They just had a little more firepower today...I’m so proud of our group of seniors, six altogether, five of them in the starting lineup. They’re really special kids who had a great season.”

— Kerriann

Jannotte-Hinkley

ROSLYN COACH

“She’s incredible in that she keeps the former players connected and is always there for the (current) team,” said Roslyn athletics director Mike Brostowski. “We’re very luicky to have her, and these great kids who come through the program.”

For Roslyn senior Cayden Shen, the entire season has felt like a battle, but he’s thrilled at how well his team fought.

“We know everyone’s gunning for us, and we were motivated to win as much as possible this season for Ethan and Drew,” Shen said. “We knew everyone on the team was going to battle, and today we battled but just came up a little bit short.”

Syosset advanced to play Commack in the Long Island Championship on June 3, with the winner advancing to states.

Three local singles players are competing in the state singles competition, which started on May 31: Roslyn’s Solop, Herricks’ Samarth Deepudass, and Manhasset’s Maxim Golubenko are all vying for a state title.

PHOTO CREDIT: MICHAEL J. LEWIS

Roslyn No. 2 singles player Bartek Dziedziach prepares to serve during the May 29 county championship match vs. Syosset, at Hofstra.

SPORTS

COMEBACK FALLS SHORT

Manhasset girls’ slow start costs team 6th straight title

BY MICHAEL J. LEWIS

The powerful scent of déjà vu permeated Motomed Field at Adelphi University Thursday afternoon.

Manhasset girls lacrosse coach Jackie Williams felt it. So did senior defender Maddy Chun. Many of the spectators surely experienced it as well.

For the second year in a row, Manhasset was down big near the end of a county championship game. And for the second year in a row, a miraculous comeback was about to be complete.

In 2023, ‘Set was down 12-9 with six minutes to go against North Shore before rallying to tie in the final minute and winning in overtime, 13-12. That win gave the best lacrosse program in Nassau a fifth straight county crown.

And now, here, one year later, history was repeating itself. In a game played over two days due to a lightning storm stopping play midway through the third quarter Wednesday night, Manhasset had again dug itself a big hole.

This time it was Wantagh, knocked out of

the playoffs by Manhasset three straight years, that had the major upper hand. The Warriors led 11-7 with five minutes to go, and it looked like Manhasset’s dominant streak in Class C would end.

Yet here it came, the comeback that its fans had been waiting for.

Holly Newman ripped a high shot into the twine to make it 11-8, with 4:38 left. Then Newman scored again off a draw-control win by Lauren Perfetto, making it 11-9. Then fellow senior Shea Panzik scored a museum-quality goal, racing through the Wantagh defense and blasting a low shot past goalie Amanda Copppola, making the score 11-10 with 1:43 to go.

It was all setting up so perfectly, even more so when Wantagh was called for a penalty with 82 seconds remaining, giving Manhasset an extra-man chance and a golden opportunity to tie the game.

“I felt like it was all set up to be a repeat of last year,” Chun said afterward. “At least, I was trying to feel that.”

With its fans roaring, though, the comeback fell just short.

Manhasset committed a turnover on a pass with about:40 left, and Wantagh ran out the clock and won the county title, 11-10.

For Manhasset, the deficits it had to erase all game were just too much to overcome.

“It seems like we keep getting in these situations where the girls start off slow and dig themselves a hole, and it takes an (end of) quarter speech or a halftime speech to get them going,” Williams said. “We have come back a lot this year, but it’s hard to keep digging out.”

Manhasset (11-6) started slowly Wednesday night, falling behind 7-2 at halftime as Wantagh repeatedly ran set plays through the Manhasset defense to get open looks.

“We had a lot of miscommunications, honestly,” Chun said. “They had a really good twoman game down low, setting picks, and there were things we didn’t recognize in time to stop them.”

Manhasset had beaten Wantagh 11-10 earlier this season, so when a comeback started midway through the third quarter, all seemed OK. Manhasset scored three goals in the span of 59 seconds to cut the deficit to 7-5.

But that’s when Mother Nature stepped in; thunder and lightning began, and the game was stopped with 6:56 left in the third.

The delay annoyed Williams and Manhasset, who were already bothered that the original game start time of 6 p.m. was moved back two hours a few days earlier to accommodate Wantagh parents who wanted to watch their school’s boys LIC played earlier that day.

“It definitely stopped our momentum, but we told the girls we had to re-focus and be ready to come out strong (Thursday),” Williams said.

Unfortunately, the Warriors again got the jump, stretching its lead to 11-7 before the big Manhasset comeback.

Newman led Manhasset with three goals, while Perfetto, Nicole Giannakopoulos and Harper Lambert each scored twice.

The game was a tough way to end their careers for the Manhasset seniors.

“Super proud of our group and how hard we fought all year,” Chun said. “I have total confidence the young players who were so great this year will be back here next year and doing great things.”

PHOTO BY KRISTIN PERFETTO

Manhasset girls lacrosse sophomore Harper Lambert (in white) looks to make a move during the team’s semifinal win over North Shore.

WHEATLEY BEST ON LI

Defeat Babylon for title, but lose to Spackenkill in regionals

BY MICHAEL J. LEWIS

There’s not a lot of chatter around the Quinn family breakfast table on certain days.

Those are the days when Connor Quinn, ace of The Wheatley School baseball team, pitches. Hurlers are notoriously cranky and moody when it’s their turn to throw, so Connor’s brother Casey, a sophomore outfielder, and their parents are well aware of the routine on game days.

“We don’t say much to him at all; just leave him alone and let him get ready,” Casey Quinn said with a laugh. “Let him get right and just get ready for the day.”

That routine has been working for years, and it sure as heck worked on May 30 for the brother duo that powered the Wildcats to a Long Island championship.

Connor Quinn was his usual masterful self on the mound, throwing a complete game and allowing just one run and two hits while striking out eight, and he and Casey combined to reach base all seven times they came up.

That, some timely hitting by others and

some solid defense, powered Wheatley to a 3-1 win over Suffolk County champ Babylon and a Long Island championship.

It is the Wildcat’s first LIC since 2021 and the first under second-year head coach David Burke.

The win advanced Wheatley to the Class B regionals on June 1 against Spackenkill (Dutchess Co.) in Saugerties, but that’s where their fabulous season ended. Section IX’s Spackenkill jumped out to an 8-0 lead and won, 8-3.

“These kids buy into what I’ve asked them to, which is to have a great work ethic, come to the field every day committed to getting better,” Burke said a few minutes after a joyous dogpile on the mound following the LIC.

“I told them the other day that this was our 63rd (practice or game) together, and they couldn’t believe it. They have so much fun together that it doesn’t feel like a long season.”

Quinn, headed to SUNY-Brockport to play next season, kept the Babylon hitters off balance all day. He struck out five batters in the second and third innings, starting off most hitters with off-speed pitches.

“Just work backward, start them off with strikes, and get ahead in the count,” Connor Quinn said. “And I knew our offense would get going.”

That offense was able to get going in the third inning. Casey Quinn, who had a single and two walks, started off with an infield dribbler down third, which he beat out, and advanced to third on a wild throw to first.

After scoring on a balk, Connor Quinn (a single and three walks on the day) walked, and after a hit by pitch, senior Danny Gillette poked a single into right for a 2-0 Wheatley lead. A sacrifice fly by Anthony Saulino made it 3-0, and that was more than enough for Quinn.

He allowed only one extra-base hit, a triple in the first inning from Aidan Kistner, and wasn’t scored upon until the sixth.

The defense behind Quinn was stellar; in a strange sequence in the fifth inning, Wheatley recorded all three outs at third base.

“I know the defense will be there; all year, they’ve been great,” Connor Quinn said. “Going into the playoffs I knew every game could be my last one of my career here, so it’s

so great that we get to keep playing at least one more time.”

In the Class B regional game Spackenkill jumped out to a 5-0 lead in the third inning, scoring five runs in the third off Wheatley starter Andrew Asaro, and stretched it to 8-0 in the fifth.

The Wildcats staged a rally in the sixth, getting three runs off an RBI single from Anthony Saulino and a two-run base hit from Noah Filorillo.

“We had a hard time catching up to his fastball. He was really good,” Burke said of Spackenkill starter Dan Collins, who threw a no-hitter until the fifth. “And they’re a really good club. They attacked us and got timely hits.”

Still, Burke emphasized the positive, noting seven of the nine Wheatley lineup regulars return next season.

“It was a great year, and obviously, we wanted to go (to the state semis), but we accomplished a lot, and I’m really proud of all of them,” Burke said.

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE WHEATLEY SCHOOL

Wheatley senior first baseman Danny Gillette is one of the big reasons the Wildcats won the LI Championship in Class B last week.