Great Neck News 2022_12_02

GUIDE TO THE HOLIDAYS

491 complaints reported in ‘21 by Nassau PD

NYCLU calls for department to show misconduct records prior to 2020

BY ROBERT PELAEZ

A total of 491 complaints were filed against the Nassau County Police Department in 2021, the highest number since 507 were reported in 2016, according to statistics outlined in the department’s annual police reform report.

The total included 203 improper procedure complaints, 148 for unprofessional conduct, 28 for excessive force, 17 for neglect of duty, 15 for unlawful conduct, 9 for racial/ethnic bias and 9 for false arrest.

In 2017, a total of 434 complaints were reported, followed by 438 in 2018, 456 in 2019 and 291 as of October 2020. Statistics did not show how many complaints were filed from November-December 2020.

Of the 491 complaints, a total of 66 were ‘founded’ by Nassau police, the statistics showed.

From 2016 to 2021, 30 people won court judgments against the Nassau County Police Departments for 41 allegations of false arrest and excessive force, according to an article in the Gothamist, an online publication.

For 38 of the allegations, the Nassau County Attorney’s Office funded case settlements while prohibiting the accuser to publicly speak on the allegations, the story said.

No cases of false arrest and exces-

sive force were ‘founded’ from 20162021.

The statistics were released by the Nassau County Police Department in its annual police reform report submitted to the county.

The department is required to submit a yearly police reform report in accordance with an executive order signed into law by former Gov. Andrew Cuomo in 2020.

The order requires police agencies to devise plans to “reinvent and modernize police strategies” after Minneapolis police killed George Floyd two years ago.

The New York Civil Liberties Union, in ongoing litigation against the Nassau County Police Department, has sought department misconduct records.

The department has denied their requests despite the repeal of Civil Rights Law 50-a in 2020, which permitted police departments from disclosing misconduct and other personnel records.

A lower court sided with the Nassau Police Department Department, a decision appealed by the New York Civil Liberties Union.

The Civil Liberties Union, according to court documents, filed a Freedom of Information Law request with the Nassau County Police Department in September 2020.

TAKE FLIGHT

South Middle School students took a trip to the Cradle of Aviation Museum to explore and interact with exhibits.

Hu, Lancman narrowly elected to library board

BY ROBERT PELAEZ

Great Neck Library Board President Liman Mimi Hu and Rory Lancman were victorious in a contentious election against a pair of

candidates who filed challenges and a subsequent lawsuit over a handful of absentee and proxy ballots.

Hu defeated challenger Jessica Hughes 1,760-1,753 for another four-year term on the board, while

Lancman defeated Rusu 1,6831,626, according to certified election results. Fellow trustee candidate Karen Hirch Romero received 154 votes.

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE GREAT NECK SCHOOL DISTRICT

Lola owner Michael Ginor dies in Israel

Renowned G.N. chef suffers heart attack during Ironman

Herricks grad’s Jan. 6 guilty plea

Eric Gerwatowski led rioters into Capitol

BY BRANDON DUFFY

A New Hyde Park man pleaded guilty Tuesday to a felony charge for leading a group of rioters inside the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021, according to the U.S. Department of Justice.

Eric Gerwatowski, 32, was at the front of a crowd outside the upper House doors when he pulled one of them open after Capitol Police previously closed them to prevent rioters from entering, according to federal prosecutors.

After opening the doors, Gerwatowski turned to the crowd behind him and shouted “Let’s go!” as he began to direct rioters inside the building.

Gerwatowski pleaded guilty to interfering with law enforcement during a civil disorder. He faces a maximum of five years in prison when he is sentenced in early March.

While inside the Capitol, Gerwatowski was livestreamed by another rioter that showed him saying “They’re raping kids and they’re shooting kids” before leaving after being inside for about three minutes, officials said.

Eric Gerwatowski of New Hyde Park pleaded guilty last week on a felony charge for leading a group into the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6.

BY BRANDON DUFFY

Michael Ginor, a highly regarded chef and owner of Lola in Great Neck, died of a heart attack in Israel over the weekend participating in an Ironman triathlon competition, his publicist told the New York Daily News Monday. He was 59.

Ginor also owned Hudson Valley Foie Gras in the Catskills, which became one the country’s largest producers of foie gras since opening over three decades ago.

He was participating in the “Galileo by the Sea” triathlon that featured running, swimming and cycling in a 70-mile race.

Ginor got his start opening La Ver-

dad in Boston, which was awarded “The Best Casual Mexican Restaurant in the U.S.” by Bon Appetit Magazine and “One of the best 100 Restaurants in the US” by Food and Wine Magazine, according to his biography.

His first local venture was Tel Aviv in Great Neck, a Mediterranean restaurant that opened in July 2007 to critical acclaim before closing in 2011. He then opened Lola on Middle Neck Road two years later in 2009.

Ginor’s cookbook, “Foie Gras…A Passion”, earned the 1999 Prix la Mazille for best international cookbook of the year from the International Cookbook Revue in Versailles, France.

In 2001, Ginor and his business partner Izzy Yanay earned the 2001

D’Artagnan/Cervena Who’s Who of Food & Beverage Award from the James Beard Foundation for lifetime achievement.

Ginor was born in Seattle, Wash., in 1963 to Israeli expatriates who later settled in Great Neck.

He is a graduate of Brandeis University and has a master of business administration from New York University, according to his biography.

Ginor joined the Israeli Defense Forces in 1988 where he served as a captain in the Gaza Strip, patrol commander and spokesman for the IDF.

He is survived by his wife, Laurie, his two sons, Yonatan and Jordan, his daughter, Maya, and his brother, Natti. A private service was held for Ginor on Wednesday.

Gerwatowski was also interviewed outside the Capitol on camera saying “the commies are trying to steal the country” and that he believed the election was stolen, among other things.

Gerwatowski is a graduate of Herricks High School Class of 2008, according to classmates.com.

The Daily News reported he was a member of heavy metal rock bands. The website Reverberation lists an Eric Gerwatowski as a vocalist for the band The Optimist. One of the songs featured on The Optimist website is titled “Maladjusted.”

The band’s Facebook page in 2015 shared a quote from Martin Luther King Jr. saying “He who passively accepts evil is as much involved in it as he who helps to perpetrate it. He who accepts evil without protesting against it is really cooperating with it.”

Gerwatowksi was arrested in February earlier this year.

Officials said the Twitter account @SeditionHunters, which is operated by civilians to share

information to help identify suspects from the riot, posted pictures of Gerwatowski using the hashtag #lordlonghair.

The FBI was also able to find an Instagram account that is believed to belong to Gerwatowski, which has since been deleted but was still active on Jan. 6. Multiple tipsters also identified Gerwatowski, said he shared the fact he entered the Capitol and gave authorities his phone number, the FBI said.

One of the Capitol officers that day told the FBI he made a “tactical decision” not to engage Gerwatowski and other rioters.

“The Officer told the FBI that he was exhausted, outnumbered, and had already been attacked and sprayed with several chemicals by rioters earlier in the day,” the complaint said.

More than 900 people from nearly every state have been arrested for various crimes related to the Jan. 6 riots at the Capitol Building, officials said.

In October, Nassau attorney and former East Williston school board

Roslyn Times: Steven Keehner 516-307-1045 x214 • skeehner@theisland360.com

Williston Times: Brandon Duffy 516-307-1045 x215 • bduffy@theisland360.com

Port Washington Times: Steven Keehner 516-307-1045 x214 • skeehner@theisland360.com

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE ISLAND 360 ARCHIVES

Michael Ginor (left) during a 2017 food tasting event with French chef Jacques Pépin (right) hosted by the Gold Coast Arts Center and Gold Coast International Film Festival.

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE

Patty Katz unopposed in re-election bid

G.N. Water Pollution Control District commish eyes completion of five-year capital plan

BY ROBERT PELAEZ

Great Neck Water Pollution Control District Commissioner Patty Katz, who is running unopposed for re-election, is excited to see the remainder of the district’s five-year capital plan come to fruition.

Katz, in an interview with Blank Slate Media, said replacing and upgrading pump stations throughout the district’s coverage area is something she is extremely happy to see, with four pump stations remaining to be modified. Infrastructure like the ones in place throughout the district’s coverage area, she said, usually lasts for around 30 years.

Updates will allow for sewage and other wastewater to be processed back to the treatment plant more easily, she said.

Working with the community during the district’s annual Shed the Meds events, which she founded, is something she has championed throughout her six years as commissioner and means more as a lifelong peninsula resident, she said.

“I grew up in Great Neck, so Shed the Meds was one event where residents of Great Neck came and supported this and showed how environmentally conscious they are,” Katz said. “Not polluting and dumping un-

wanted or expired medications down the toilet or filling up their garbage with it makes me very happy as an environmentalist to be a part of this.” Katz, nicknamed “Commissioner

Treehugger” by her colleagues at the district, said preserving the environment has always been a great passion of hers. Katz, first elected to her position in 2016, said three years ago she

wanted to find ways to initiate more environmentally conscious programs and solutions for the water district.

Adjusting to life since the coronavirus, she said, the pandemic allowed the district to focus not only on the quality of wastewater, but how the district could also monitor it to further prevent the spread of the virus. The district recently received a grant to enhance wastewater testing and track the coronavirus, among other viruses, before a public outbreak is reported.

A Great Neck resident for nearly 40 years, Katz has facilitated environmentally progressive discussions between politicians, combatted issues such as fracking and climate change, and hosted many public forums to educate the community on the environment as part of Reach Out America’s Green Committee. Katz, who founded the committee, said the organization has partnered with officials throughout the town to improve the broader North Hempstead environment.

Under her supervision, the district was granted the 2018 New York State Environmental Excellence Award. Additionally, Katz received the Nassau County Comptroller’s Women Breaking Ground Award in 2017, and the May W. Newburger Women’s Roll of Honor in 2012.

Katz touted the importance of electing a commissioner with experience along with a variety of other environmental, ecological and general infrastructure knowledge.

“I think some people can think this can be a cushy job, but it’s really not,” she said. “We work very hard and we oversee a lot so you really have to know what you’re doing.

She touted the work of her fellow commissioners, Steve Reiter and Jerry Landsberg, along with Superintendent Christopher Murphy. Their mentoring, she said, helped her learn so much about her role and she said having someone new come into the role would require nearly two years of on-the-job training.

“This is a crucial time when we really need people with experience to be working at this job,” Katz said.

She also stressed the importance of people turning out to vote in a special election. Voting in these special elections, she said, is a privilege for residents of the area and individuals should make their voices heard on Dec. 13.

The election will take place on Dec. 13 from 1 p.m.- 9 p.m. at the district headquarters, 236 East Shore Road, Great Neck N.Y. For more information visit: https://gnwpcd. net/?page_id=18.

Dr. Amy Sapodin Au.D., CCC-A, F-AAA

Dr. Sophia Behrmann, Au.D.

Trisha Owen Patient Care Coordinator

Christine Rossi Outreach Specialist

PHOTO COURTESY OF PATTY KATZ

Patty Katz is unopposed in her re-election bid for Great Neck Water Pollution Control District commissioner.

Enhancing G.N. wastewater testing

Water Pollution Control District recieves $200K grant to help track viruses

BY ROBERT PELAEZ

The Great Neck Water Pollution Control District received a $200,000 state grant for upgrades to its environmental laboratory in continuing efforts to improve wastewater treatment.

The grant, which was secured with the help of state Sen. Anna Kaplan (DNorth Hills), will provide state-of-theart equipment so that the district can conduct public health data sampling as well, officials said. With the prominence of the coronavirus and polio, officials said, the need to ensure the quality of wastewater is imperative.

“By upgrading this important facility with the latest technology, we can better protect our bays and our groundwater, and we can deliver more efficient and cost-effective service for taxpayers,” Kaplan said in a statement. “I’m proud to be able to support this important project by delivering the funding that will get it built.”

The water district’s chairwoman, Patty Katz, said: “The laboratory upgrades it will provide will help us to continue to protect our environment and further optimize our treatment efficiency.”

The district’s laboratory has been in service for more than 15 years, officials said, and limited space inhibits the district from conducting a certain

amount of onsite wastewater testing. Surveilling the wastewater, officials said, is done by taking wastewater samples and measuring the amount of certain viruses in them.

Coronavirus, officials said, can

be detected in wastewater as long as seven days before noteworthy increases of infected individuals become tracked. Opioids, Hepatitis A and E, influenza and other resistant pathogens have been tracked by other counties

throughout the state by wastewater surveillance.

The district has been the recipient of other noteworthy grants to keep it on the cutting edge of wastewater and sewage treatment, including a

before outbreak

$12 million one to create the county’s first grease-receiving station and add a third microturbine.

The addition of grease to the digesters allows the anaerobic tanks to further break down organic matter without oxygen, with the main product being methane. The methane is then fed into the microturbines, which results in renewable energy for the facility, officials said.

District officials announced last year that their environmental efforts had also prevented more than 217,000 pounds of excess nitrogen from entering the Manhasset Bay since 2014.

The need to avoid excess nitrogen in bodies of water such as the Manhasset Bay is due to the far-reaching impact it has, along with phosphorus, on ecosystems. The combination of too much nitrogen and phosphorus allows algae to grow faster than the ecosystems can handle, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

After updating the treatment facility several years ago, the district is now able to treat waste and remove nitrogen at a much higher level. The district has also eliminated septic tank usage throughout the district by connecting businesses and residential homes. The district has connected the Americana shopping center to its system.

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE SENATOR’S OFFICE

State Sen. Anna Kaplan presents a $200,000 grant to the leadership of the Great Neck Water Pollution Control District.

Legislative heads focused on new maps

BY ROBERT PELAEZ

Nassau County Presiding Officer Rich Nicolello (R-New Hyde Park) said it is premature to anticipate litigation on the county’s redistricting process, which the Republican-controlled legislature is now tasked with completing.

Last week, the Nassau County Temporary District Advisory Commission voted along party lines for a pair of resolutions to submit maps to the county Legislature, prompting Democratic officials to predict litigation would be filed.

“The only thing that happened here is that the Republicans of Nassau County have guaranteed litigation over an illegal map,” Democratic committee member David Mejias said following the vote. “If and when they lose, it’s going to cost the taxpayers millions of dollars.”

Chairman Frank X. Moroney said Mejias’ prediction of litigation was something he had heard from the start of the redistricting process. Moroney said Republican officials asked the Democratic commission to work across the aisle, saying the Democrats “did not want to do that.”

“If we litigate it, we litigate it,” Moroney said about the maps. “It’s unfortunate.”

The 11-member committee made up of five Democrats, five Republicans and one nonvoting chairman, voted along party lines, 5-5, for each of their submissions. The county Legislature, comprised of 12 Republican officials and seven Democrats, will now be in charge of reviewing all of the maps, public input and materials obtained by the commission and drawing their own district lines.

Nicolello, in a statement to Blank Slate Media, said the work of the bipartisan commission is not the end result and the Legislature will review all the materials before making any decisions.

“With the close of the [commission], the process is now in the hands of the full Legislature,” Nicolello said. “We will carefully evaluate their work product before determining how to proceed. The [commission] work product is not the end of the process and it is premature to comment or expect any litigation.”

Minority Leader Kevan Abrahams (D-Freeport) said working in a bipartisan manner to help draw fair district lines is the goal for him and his fellow county Democrats.

“The Minority Caucus will closely scrutinize those materials and determine our next steps in this process,” Abrahams said in a statement. “Ultimately, it is our hope that we will be able to reach an agreement with the Majority Caucus on a map that is free of racial and political gerrymandering, complies with state and federal law, and ensures fair representation for all Nassau County residents.”

The map was last redrawn in 2013. Democratic officials have chastised Republicans for their lack of transparency in developing the 2023 map. They contend that the Republican proposal allows officials to select their representatives rather than the public.

“Our proposal eliminates partisan gerrymandering, complies fully with state and federal laws and enhances equity by ensuring there are five minority-majority districts where Black and Latino residents have the ability to elect the candidates of their choice,” Mejias said.

Republicans have defended their proposed map. They argue it is too late for Democrats to question the legality of the 2013 map on which their proposal is based.

“You’re way over the line and you know it,” Moroney told his Democratic colleagues during a work session. “You just don’t care because you want to sue us so bad that you’ll say anything to do it. And that’s what’s going on here. Leave [our mapmaker] alone.”

New district lines are required to be adopted by the county legislature in March, officials said.

Registered Democrats currently outnumber registered Republicans in Nassau by 100,000 –420,000 to 320,000 with 277,000 blanks (no party affiliation).

As detailed in the 2020 U.S. Census, an influx of minority populations reflects Nassau County’s growing diversity.

The county’s total population increased by over 56,000 people, or 4.2%, over the last decade. According to the data, it is less than 5,000 people short of reaching 1.4 million.

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE MAJORITY LEADER

County Legislative Majority Leader Rich Nicolello said it is premature to discuss litigation in the Nassau’s redistricting process.

Parks commissioner Cilluffo unopposed

BY ROBERT PELAEZ

Great Neck Park District Commissioner Frank Cillufo is running unopposed for reelection Dec. 13.

Cillufo is a retired NYPD community afairs public safety director and a longtime resi dent of Great Neck. Cillufo, who is married to Lisa Reis feld, has a 19-year-old daugh ter, Francesca.

An active member of the community beyond being park district commissioner, Cillufo is involved with the Rotary Club and the Lighthouse So ciety, and is a youth hockey coach and a member of the Me morial Day Parade Committee.

Cillufo was frst elected to the position of commissioner in 2014 in a special election to fll the vacant seat that had been held by Ruth Tamarin. Cillufo

Former Manhasset lacrosse coach dies

BY STEVEN KEEHNER

Bob Rule, a former Manhasset teacher, coach and lacrosse legend, died Nov. 6 at 73.

Rule died at his Rhode Island home, where he had lived since retiring from Manhasset High School in 2014. He taught history and coached for four decades at Manhasset.

“Schools like Manhasset allow kids to tap into their own resources, to fnd a niche for themselves,” Rule told Blank Slate Media in 2014. “You could see the kids have a chance to blossom here. There’s plenty of opportunity here at Manhasset, and that’s why I fnd this commu nity to be so special.”

Rule was born on Jan. 5, 1949, in Lowell, Mass.. He grew up playing hockey, but when his family relocated to Manhasset, he began playing lacrosse.

Rule fnished his high school career with an 84% save percentage and an average of 2.17 goals against. He was also named All-Nassau County in 1967.

He later joined Cornell University’s lacrosse team where he won the frst-ever NCAA lacrosse championship in 1971. A backup goaltender on the 1969-70 Cornell hockey team, he is the only athlete in Cornell history to have played on two national championship teams.

Rule was also the starting goalie for the United States Men’s National Team when they won the World Cup in 1974.

Later, as Manhasset’s lacrosse coach, Rule guided seven teams to the state fnals and four state titles. He had described returning to Manhasset as a perfect ft.

“Coming back to Manhasset was absolutely going back to the best school I could go back to, both academically and for lacrosse — I was in heaven,” he said. “I have never felt that I didn’t make the perfect choice. I loved what I did, and when you love what you do, it truly doesn’t feel like work.”

Many regarded Rule as a premier goalie coach who would share his knowledge with any one who sought it. He also wrote “Power Goal tending” and obtained several patents for new goalie stick designs.

Rule was inducted into the Cornell Athlet ics Hall of Fame in 1986, the Long Island Metro Chapter Hall of Fame in 1988, the Manhasset Lacrosse Hall of Fame in 1991 and the National Lacrosse Hall of Fame.

Rule told Blank Slate Media in 2014 that he valued his program’s reputation among top col lege coaches.

“I was able to help a lot of kids get into schools they may not have gotten into other wise,” he said. “As a lacrosse coach, that’s what I got the most satisfaction from.”

Rule’s daughter, DK, his brothers Jack, Dicky and Paul and his wife, Dorothy Conroy, survive him.

stepped in and worked with the other commissioners to see what improvements to the park could be made that would not be at the taxpayers’ expense. In 2019, he defeated Erica Beggs 993-675 to retain his seat as commissioner.

Programs and events that have been implemented over the past eight years include a holiday tree lighting, enhanced commuter parking, pickleball for children, community gar dens maintained by volunteer students and more.

If re-elected, Cillufo will serve for another three years beginning on Jan. 1, 2023. The district election will take place Dec. 13 from 1 p.m.- 9 p.m. and is divided into four sectors for polling purposes.

The 1st District encompass es the Village of Kings Point, Saddle Rock Estates and areas of the Village of Great Neck

that are east of Middle Neck Road and north of Hicks Lane and west of Middle Neck Road. The polling place for District 1 is the Great Neck House at 14 Arrendale Ave.

The 2nd District encom passes the area of the Village of Great Neck that is east of Middle Neck Road and unin corporated areas of the Town of North Hempstead that are south of the Village of Great Neck and north of the Village of Kensington. The polling place for District 2 is also the Great Neck House.

The 3rd District encom passes the villages of Great Neck Plaza, Thomaston and Kensington. The polling place is the Manhasset-Lakeville Fire Department Company #3 at 25 Prospect Street.

rated areas within the town. These areas are the Great Neck Terrace Apartments, Lakeville, Upland, Lake Success Hills and Manor sections of Great Neck, and all other areas bounded by Great Neck Road on the north and west, Northern Boule vard on the south, and Middle Neck Road on the east. The polling place for District 4 is the Manhasset-Lakeville Fire District’s Company No. 4 Fire house on 97 Jayson Ave.

Residents who are 18 years of age or older and have resid ed in the Great Neck Park Dis trict for at least 30 days prior to the election and are registered with the Nassau County Board of Elections at least 23 days prior to the election are eligible to vote.

The 4th District encom passes the Village of Russell Gardens and other unincorpo

E.W., Jericho test high in math, English

BY BRANDON DUFFY

The East Williston School District’s scores for profciency in math and English for third to eighth-grade students were the frst and second highest, respectively, in Nassau County for the 2021-2022 school year, according to the school district.

The tests, administered yearly except for 2020 due to COVID-19, measure profciency in math and English for students in grades three to eight who take the tests throughout New York. Participation numbers fuctuate between districts and scores are calculated from students who participate.

East Williston had an overall math assess ment passing percentage of 87%, good enough to tie for the top spot in the county alongside Jericho.

For the rest of the North Shore, Herricks and North Shore were tied at third with a pass ing percentage of 85%, Manhassett at ffth with 82%, Great Neck at sixth with 81%, Roslyn at eighth with 79%, New Hyde Park-Garden City Park tied at 12th with 74%, Floral Park-Bellerose tied at 15th with 70%, Sewanhaka tied at 19th with 69% and Mineola tied at 31st with 58%.

Port Washington did not qualify for the assessment percentages due to low sampling numbers. Students who took the state algebra Regents Exam did not participate in profciency tests.

East Williston and Herricks tied in English with an 83% passing percentage, putting them only behind Jericho, which had 88%.

For English, Manhasset ranked fourth with 82%, Great Neck ranked ffth with 80%, North

East Williston topped North Shore schools in math and English proficiency for grades three to eight during the 2021-2022 school year.

Shore ranked sixth with 78%, Roslyn tied at eighth with 74%, New Hyde Park-Garden City Park tied at ninth with 70%, Floral Park-Belle rose tied at 14th with 68%, Port Washington tied at 19th with 65%, Sewanhaka tied at 24th with 62% and Mineola 45th with 50%.

Edward Kemnitzer, East Williston’s assistant superintendent for instruction and personnel, said the district’s performance is impressive con sidering the circumstances students and teach ers were dealing with in recent years.

“When you look at what our students have done the past two years and these stats, you start to realize that no matter how big a defcit may be, when you put the right people in the right place, we can overcome anything,” Kem nitzer said during the Nov. 21 Board of Educa tion meeting.

Find the best local news coverage theisland360.com For

PHOTO COURTESY OF FRANK CILLUFFO

Great Neck Park District Commissioner Frank Cilluffo is unopposed in his re-election bid.

PHOTO COURTESY OF METROCREATIVECONNEC TION.COM

PHOTO COURTESY OF BOB RULE

Bob Rule. The 73-year-old former Manhasset teacher, coach, and lacrosse legend died on Nov. 6.

Manhasset Christmas tree lighting on Dec. 2

North Hempstead Supervisor Jennifer DeSena and the Town Board along with the Manhasset Chamber of Commerce, Manhasset Park District, and the Manhasset Lakeville Fire & Water District announced that the Annual Manhasset Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony will be held on Friday, December 2, 2022 at 4 p.m. at Mary Jane Davies Green in Manhasset. The event is expected to attract hundreds of local residents to celebrate the kickoff to the holiday season.

The program will feature a Pledge of Allegiance led by the Manhasset American Legion and Manhasset VFW, a blessing from local clergy, a performance from the Manhasset High School Brass Choir, awards for the winners of the Manhasset Chamber of Commerce’s Poster contest and the lighting of the tree. Girl Scouts Troop #535 will be assisting with hanging ornaments on the tree. There will also be an appearance by Santa, who will arrive by firetruck, courtesy of the Manhasset-Lakeville

Fire Department, following the tree lighting. Attendees will be treated to free hot chocolate and coffee provided by For Five Coffee Roasters along with treat provided by Herb & Olive Marketa.

“This long standing event is an eagerly awaited yearly tradition” according to the Holiday Poster Contest Chairperson Nancy Morris. “The artwork the children submit is so creative and really is a true representation of the spirit of community that Manhasset has. I have been involved with the Poster Contest for more than 15 years and look forward to it every holiday season!”

The event is sponsored by: The Town of North Hempstead, the Manhasset Park District, the Manhasset Chamber of Commerce, and the Manhasset Lakeville Fire & Water District.

Mary Jane Davies Green is located on Plandome Road across from Town Hall at 220 Plandome Road, Manhasset.

For more information, please call 311.

Gift of Life telethon raises over $114K

BY STEVEN KEEHNER

Gift of Life International cele brated Giving Tuesday by hosting its third annual Global Hearts Telethon on Facebook Live, raising more than $114,000.

The group was founded in 1975, when the Rotary Clubs of Manhasset and Kampala joined forces to bring a 5-year-old Ugandan girl, Grace Ag waru, to Roslyn’s St. Francis Hospital for a life-saving operation.

Forty-seven years later, Gift of Life has treated nearly 44,000 children in 80 countries. They also provide equip ment and training so that local doc tors can do procedures for children in their country of birth.

“We don’t do this alone,” Rob Raylman, Gift of Life’s chief executive ofcer, said. “We have put together a global network that is able to deliver care to children that otherwise would never receive it.”

The group sought to raise $150,000 during the broadcast. While they came up short, they are continu ing to take donations.

The telethon was broadcasted live from El Salvador. It featured stories from Gift of Life benefciaries and in cluded reports from Bolivia, Uganda, Romania, Korea and the Philippines.

“We should all feel proud that, as our founder, Robbie Donno talks about all the time, our fngerprints

are on the hearts of these children,” said Raylman. “And they will forever remember that there were people who loved them and cared for them.”

Robbie Donno, Gift of Life’s presi dent and founder, said he’s been for tunate to be surrounded by good work and good people.

“We’re at 44,000 children [treat ed] now,” he said. “In the next year and a half, we’ll be at 50,000. In the next three years, we look forward to 50 years of doing this. We’d like you all to be a part of it with us and feel good about the journey that we’ve taken.”

Dalimonte touts oyster restoration

BY STEVEN KEEHNER

The 1 million oysters reintroduced into Manhas set Bay in August are alive and well, North Hemp stead Councilmember Mariann Dalimonte an nounced.

“I am so excited that the reintroduced oysters

are currently fourishing in Manhasset Bay,” said Dalimonte.

This summer, oysters were planted in Manhas set Bay to help the local ecosystem by improving wa ter quality and cleaning the bay. North Hempstead approved the pilot program resolution in May.

Every 30 seconds, a baby is born with a potentially fatal but treatable congenital heart defect — about 1.3 million children each year. Yet, 93% are born in a country that cannot pro vide them with treatment.

In comparison, Raylman told Blank Slate Media in July that 40,000

infants are born in the United States alone with a cardiac abnormality yearly. He said if detected, an Ameri can newborn will undergo treatment within the frst six months of their life.

“We speak about this all the time, how the impact of our work is beau tiful in helping the children that are in front of us,” he said. “But also it’s beautiful, the fact we give hope to those that have yet to be helped, but they know that it’s possible.”

Polina Shchepaniak, 9, who made national headlines over the summer, was one of those interviewed during the broadcast. She and her family could travel to Long Island from Lviv, Ukraine for her to have a congenital condition corrected because of Gift of Life. Her surgery had been delayed because of her country’s ongoing war.

“I want to thank you for [Gift of Life and the Rotary Club],” said Kat eryna, Polina’s mother. “Because we don’t even imagine that we will be in America for three months and we will spend all that time with the beautiful people with whom are we chatting, we are talking, we are friends.”

Polina said she is feeling well. When asked what she’s doing now that her heart is healed, she said she’s running, jumping and dancing.

If one’s interested in donating, they can do so at www.giftofifeinter national.org.

2nd Precinct building destroyed by blaze

BY STEVEN KEEHNER

The Nassau County Police Department’s Second Precinct building has been closed in defnitely after a fre destroyed the structure Saturday night and sent several ofcers to the hospital for treatment of smoke inhalation, the authorities said.

The fre occurred at 10:12 p.m. in the precinct building at 7700 Jericho Tpke. in Wood bury, according to police. The fre started in the kitchen and spread to two adjacent ofces.

The Syosset Fire Depart ment and six other nearby de partments quickly extinguished the blaze Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman and other county ofcials ad dressed the situation at a press conference outside the station Sunday.

The Nassau County Police Department’s 2nd Precinct building. It has been closed indefinitely because of a fire, officials announced.

be expediting the construction of a new precinct building.”

Blakeman did not supply any details about thenew pre cinct building.

KEEHNER

Oysters are handed off to board the boats before being distributed in three distinct locations. North Hempstead Councilmember Mariann Dalimonte announced that the one million oysters reintroduced into Manhasset Bay in August are alive and well.

“At this time, we have made a preliminary assessment of the damage and we’ve determined that the building is not salvage able,” said Blakeman. “We will

Six Nassau police ofcers were inside the building at the time of the fre: a lieutenant, a sergeant, two detectives and two ofcers, according to Police Commissioner Patrick Ryder.

They were treated for smoke inhalation and have since been released from the Nassau Uni versity Medical Center.

County Chief Fire Marshal Michael Uttaro said the cause of the fre was not suspicious. But an investigation was ongo ing.

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Tighten gun laws to save lives

Agunman armed with an assault-style weapon killed 10 people and wounded three others at a Tops supermarket in a predominantly Black section of Buffalo on May 14.

The suspect, Payton S. Gendron, 18, is white, and the 10 people who died were all Black. Before the attack, Gendron had posted a nearly 200page racist screed online.

The attack in Buffalo is now one of more than 600 mass shootings in the United States so far in 2022 — 50 alone in November.

To their credit, Gov. Kathy Hochul and the state Legislature responded to the shooting in Buffalo by approving legislation that prohibits the sale of semiautomatic weapons to people under 21, bans body armor sales except for people in select professions, closes gun law loopholes and strengthens the state’s Red Flag Law to keep guns away from dangerous people.

“Gun violence is an epidemic that is tearing our country apart. Thoughts and prayers won’t fix this, but taking strong action will,” Hochul said.

The legislation strengthened the state’s already relatively strict gun laws, which are the No. 1 reason New York has one of the lowest rates of death by guns in the United States.

But it was not enough.

Just because New York has a low homicide rate does not mean you should actually feel safe.

This country has vastly more mass shootings and gun deaths than any other nation. Not one is even close. So, New York’s low rate of deaths by guns nationally is only relative to the many states with laxer gun laws and higher death rates.

Why then only prohibit the sale of semiautomatic weapons to people under 21? Why not ban the sale of automatic weapons to everyone? What is magical about under 21?

Many mass murderers are older than that.

Lee Aldrich, the suspect in the shooting at a LGBTQ club in Colorado Springs, Colo., where five people were killed and 18 wounded in less than 90 seconds in November, was 22.

Some legislators have argued against a total ban all semiautomatic weapons based on the recent record of the U.S. Supreme Court.

The six Republican-appointed Supreme Court justices ruled in June to overturn New York State’s century-old law strictly limiting carrying guns outside the home.

But so what? New York officials ought to pass laws that they believe do the most to protect the New Yorkers’ safety and take their chances with the Supreme Court

Even Justice Clarence Thomas, who wrote the majority decision in the concealed carry case, said states were free to ban guns in some sensitive places, such as schools, government buildings, legislative assemblies, polling places and courthouses.

Hochul and the Legislature responded by approving legislation that requires people carrying firearms outside the home to have firearm training, in-person interviews and reviews of applicants’ social media when they apply for a permit.

The law, which has been challenged in federal court, also prohibits those with concealed carry permits from carrying weapons in sensitive places such as Times Square, schools, government offices and hospitals.

Like many other mass shooters, Aldrich’s weapon of choice in Colorado was an AR-15 style rifle – a weapon of war designed to kill people on the battlefield with bullets flying at high velocity and then exploding upon impact.

President Biden renewed calls for a national ban on AR-15 style rifles following the recent mass shootings but the odds are against it being approved by Congress despite the continued mayhem.

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New York is one of a few states to take action on its own against assault weapons but has undermined its own laws by a failure to enforce them all.

The 2013 New York Safe Act banned the sale of assault weapons and required anyone who owned such guns to register them with state police.

The provisions were among the most controversial of a number of measures to reduce gun violence in the wake of a mass shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, CT., in 2012.

The Safe Act defined assault weapons as semi-automatics capable of accepting detachable magazines and with a military-style feature that could include protruding pistol grips, folding stocks, thumbhole stocks, a second-hand grip, bayonet mount or flash suppressor.

At the time, many gun owners scoffed at the law, and some county sheriffs said they would not enforce it.

Now, more than 40% of owners of assault weapons who did register their firearms with New York State Police under the law failed to recertify the guns five years later as the law requires.

REPORTERS

So nearly a decade after starting a registry to track assault weapons, state officials do not know how many of those guns are circulating in the state.

How about at least treating battlefield weapons the way we treat cars by requiring they all be registered and require owners to have insurance?

Assault and semiautomatic weapons only represent a small but terrifying part of the problem in New York and the rest of the United States.

So New York needs to do better than that on semiautomatic and nonsemiautomatic weapons.

This is a great challenge in a country with an estimated 390 million guns in circulation in the United States – more than one per person. Or put another way, with 4.4% of the world’s population, Americans own 42% of the world’s guns.

This will require state officials to do a much better job in talking the talk about guns as well as walking the walk.

Study after study has shown that the reason for the country’s high rate of mass shootings and gun violence is guns.

Not because American society is unusually violent. Not because of its racial divisions and polarization. Not because of a lack of mental health care.

But in an epic display of political malpractice, Hochul and Democrats around the state allowed Republican Congressman Lee Zeldin to present himself during the recent gubernatorial election as the candidate for law and order. Even as he repeatedly called for less gun regulation.

Zeldin said in the wake of the Buffalo shooting that New York should dump its red flag law, loosen permits for concealed weapons and allow New Yorkers to “stand your ground.”

He later lauded the Supreme Court’s decision on carrying guns outside the home, saying it reaffirmed a Constitutional right that “shall not be infringed.”

But Zeldin, who blamed a spike in crime in New York on bail reform, still became the tough-on-crime candidate. That sends a very bad message.

Voters need to hear the truth from their officials — that being tough on crime means restricting access to guns.

Robert Pelaez, Brandon Duffy, Steven Keehner COLUMNIST Karen Rubin

Long Island’s 2022 political winners, losers

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

Winners: Tom DiNapoli: The state comptroller, who lives in Great Neck, was elected to a fourth consecutive term. Receiving 57% of votes cast, he was, once again, the top statewide vote getter. That margin of victory probably doesn’t sit well with U.S. Sen. Chuck Schumer, who ran behind DiNapoli.

Lee Zeldin: Although he lost the governor’s race, he’s a winner in my book. Zeldin ran an excellent campaign. Unlike his tone-deaf opponent, Gov. Kathy Hochul, he grasped the key issue for voters — crime. For an off-year election, Long Island voters turned out in droves to support him and the rest of the Republican ticket. Thanks to Zeldin’s candidacy, New York’s expanded GOP congressional delegation will provide the votes that

give the party the majority needed to elect Kevin McCarthy speaker of the House in January.

George Santos: The underfunded Republican 3rd Congressional District candidate, who was abandoned by Nassau’s GOP organization, shocked the establishment by winning with 54.1% of votes cast. He owes a debt of gratitude to the top of the ticket, Lee Zeldin.

Anthony D’Esposito: The Republican machine put a major effort into the 4th Congressional District. Running against a formidable candidate, Democrat Laura Gillen, D’ Esposito squeaked by, winning 51.9% to 48.1%

Jack Martins: He is the “comeback kid.” Martins easily beat incumbent Democratic Sen. Anna Kaplan, thus reclaiming the seat he gave up to unsuccessfully run for Congress in 2016. His opposition to cashless bail struck a chord with voters.

Andrew Garbino: The congress-

GEORGE J. MARLIN

On The Right

man who succeeded political icon Peter King two years ago was re-elected in a landslide. He received 61% vs. challenger Jackie Gordon’s 39%. In Suffolk County, Garbino beat his opponent by 21% and in Nassau he won

by a whopping 45%.

Joe Cairo: The Republican county chairman can take a deep victory bow. His ground game and Zeldin’s coattails turned Nassau solid red on Nov. 8. The GOP picked up two congressional seats and three state Senate seats. That’s the best showing in years.

Losers:

Jay Jacobs: The Democratic Party chairman has had two bad years. In 2021 his insouciant leadership cost incumbent Laura Curran the Nassau County executive post. This year Democrats lost congressional, state Senate and Assembly seats throughout New York. And all the statewide candidates — Kathy Hochul, Chuck Schumer, Letitia James and Tom DiNapoli — lost Nassau County. The dismal results explain why 1,100 Democratic activists have called on Jacobs to resign.

Ed Mangano: The former Nassau executive is doing time in a federal prison.

Rob Walker: The former Nassau County deputy county executive is doing time in a federal prison.

Robert Zimmerman: The Democratic National Committeeman, friendly with many in the Nassau Republican organization, was expected to win in a walk the congressional seat Tom Suozzi was vacating. However, Republican George Santos handily beat Zimmerman because he appealed to voters opposed to cashless bail, lax enforcement of criminal codes, and prison depopulation. In the Queens County part of the district, the Asian community concerned about the surge in crime came out for Santos.

Anna Kaplan: Saddled with the New York Democratic Party’s radical leftist agenda, the two-term senator was easily beaten by Jack Martins. Kaplan learned the hard way that abortion was not the defining issue this year.

Pat Tillman, an American patriot for the ages

Another Veteran’s Day 2022 passed a few weeks ago. In six months we will commemorate Memorial Day. I don’t know if it was calculated, but I do appreciate having these two bookend observances, alternating halfway throughout each year, to honor those that served our nation.

Beyond the calendar days that have been carved out to offi cially honor and remember our veterans, I always find time to quietly reflect on the commitment, courage and sacrifice of those who served our nation.

Official observance days like these remind us of the irredeemable debt of gratitude we owe to generations of troops, many of whom made the ultimate sacrifice, to protect and preserve our democracy — our way of life – a battle we continue to fi ght mightily today against enemies foreign and, increasingly, domestic.

With the growth of social media, more and more people post photos and remembrances of their loved ones in uniform.

This allows me to get to know strangers who I fi nd myself drawn to, whose stories are captivating and worth amplifying because of the universal truths they reveal, whether tragic or heroic. The photos offer a sense of pride and, too often, heartbreak.

The story I am about to tell you is not a new one. I know. Yet, the story of Pat Tillman is one that has stayed with me for decades and won’t let go. It bears repeating. And, remembering.

Mary Tillman is the mother of Army Ranger Pat Tillman who was killed in Spera, Afghanistan in 2004. She wrote the 2008 book “Boots on the Ground by Dusk.” The book details her efforts to find the truth behind her son’s death and expose a cover-up by the Pentagon and the White House.

She dedicated the book to “all military families, who are seeking to understand the sacrifices their sons and daughters have made. They too are entitled to the truth from their government.” I am reminded of the poster: “When government lies, democracy dies.”

Pat Tillman was arguably the most famous soldier serving in Iraq and Afghanistan. He was an outstanding professional football player with the Arizona Cardinals who passed up a multi-million dollar contract to join the U.S. Army in 2002.

Tillman’s family had a legacy of military service and he felt compelled to follow in their footsteps after the September 11, 2001 terrorist attack against America. He went

MALEKOFF The Back Road

on to serve in the U.S. Army’s 75th Ranger Regiment.

Pat Tillman had movie star good looks and an incisive and curious mind. He was a free spirit. He did not subscribe to any religion, yet he was deeply spiritual.

He married his high school sweetheart Marie and, with her support, he enlisted in the Army along with his younger brother Kevin.

The day after 9/11 he spoke out on a web interview, “My greatgrandfather was at Pearl Harbor, and a lot of my family has gone and fought in wars, and I really haven’t done a damn thing as far as laying myself on the line like that,” said

LETTERS POLICY

When the United States’ invaded Afghanistan in 2002, Tillman said, regarding his decision to enlist, “Sports embodied many of the qualities I deem meaningful. However, these last few years, and especially after recent events, I’ve come to appreciate just how shallow and insignificant my role is. It’s no longer important.”

Tillman expected to serve in Afghanistan, but did not anticipate the war in Iraq where he spent his first tour of duty, all the time uneasy about fighting what he considered to be an illegal war.

Sometime later, while in a canyon in Afghanistan, he was killed by gunfire. His death on April 22, 2004 was first attributed to an ambush by enemy forces. A nationally televised memorial service was held to honor him on May 3, 2004.

As more details were known regarding the circumstances that led to his death it was clear that he was not ambushed by the enemy but was killed as the result of fratricide — “friendly fire.”

Official documents later revealed that the Army withheld this information from the family and public until sometime after the me-

morial service.

In the intervening years, Pat’s mom Mary doggedly poured through thousands of pages of heavily redacted testimony in order to get to the truth. Regarding her tireless search she observed, “This isn’t about Pat, this is about what they did to Pat and what they did to a nation. By making up these false stories you’re diminishing their true heroism.”

Although the Tillman Story is more well-known than other accounts of war, and the war in Afghanistan has come to a close, in the days, months and years to come more and more soldiers will be completing their service and returning home from wherever they may be stationed.

Sadly, there are always too many returning veterans and families that are left with only emptiness, grief and futility.

According to the 2020 U.S. Census Bureau data, NY State is home to 678,833 veterans (152,985 on Long Island). Tragically, 6.8 percent live in poverty, and 1,270 are homeless.

In all cases, we owe our veterans and their families our understanding and support.

On Veteran’s Day, Memorial Day and each and every day.

We owe them everything.

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Tillman. “And so I have a great deal of respect for those that have, and what the flag stands for.”

Responding to the third-quarter life crisis

Large amounts of capital are put into medical research to help us live longer and this has improved life expectancy rates. That’s the good news. The bad news is that it is unlikely that we will find a drug that will allow us to live forever. No matter how many doctors we befriend, not how many pills we take, the Grim Reaper must eventually be faced.

Welcome to the three-quarter life crisis.

Whether you happen to be 55, 65, 75 or 85, you’re in a stage of life that is filled with many unpleasant physical and psychological surprises. First thing you may notice is that it’s hard to lose weight. You see more wrinkles; your skin seems to sag and itch more in the wintertime. Your golf handicap keeps rising. You wake up in the morning with fatigue and you can’t recall a time when you actually slept through the night, without waking. You suddenly find that you feel wobbly as you walk down the street. You begin to gaze at youngsters in wonder and envy as they fearlessly run and romp about.

But the grim details do not end there. You may still feel like having sex but realize that you in no way are able to perform as you once did. And there is little solace in the realization that no one is attracted to you anyway. You have now become invisible to the opposite sex.Physical decline pales in importance, however, when you begin to recognize that you now must face the awareness that death is inevitable.

Ernest Becker won the Pulitzer Prize for writing “The Denial of Death,” which was about how humans try to deny the inevitability of death through heroics sacrifice in the form of sports, war, altruism, money making etcetera.

Freud also discussed this issue and coined the phrase “death wish” as the counterbalance to our life wish. Needless to say, Becker’s as well as Freud’s views failed to gain much of an audience since the subject is so unsettling. And novelists don’t seem to do much better. F. Scott Fitzgerald’s short story called “Winter Dreams” is his brilliant homage to lost youth but by the end of the story we are left with nothing more than memories of passion. In his poem “Sailing to Byzantium” William Butler Yeats reminded us that “an aged man is but a paltry thing.”

Aging sets up this ultimate quandary as we become increasingly aware of our mortality and enter into an effort to solve this unsolvable problem. Some religions dealt with this by talking about reincarnation. But what if you get reincarnated into a beggar, a gnat or a mouse? If you’re a Christian, you may find solace in the hope that your stay in purgatory will not be too long, but what if purgatory lasts for 75 years? And the fires are just as hot in purgatory as they are in hell.

But we live in secular times and as far back as 1882 Nietzsche pronounced “God is dead,” so where does that leave us? Well, some men handle their fear of dying by buying a Lamborghini, drinking or purchasing a new wife. Some get

DR. TOM FERRARO Our Town

Botox or tummy tucks. These are all valiant efforts and do forestall the crisis for a brief time. But the grim reaper keeps on coming.

No one has come up with much helpful guidance as we try to navigate the last quarter of our life. But take heart because I have given this little problem some thought and here are the four best guideposts and points of solace I can offer you on your merry jaunt through this final phase of life:

1) You and your body will slow down as you age and this may be an opportunity to pause and enjoy the spectacle that is life as it passes by each day. In the immortal words of Maurice Chevalier in the musical “Gigi,” “How lovely to sit here in the shade, with none of the woes of man or maid, I’m glad I’m not young anymore.”

2) Generally speaking, one of the benefits of age is that you have finally accumulated money so one does not have to worry too much about cash. The kids are grown and out of the house and the mortgage is almost paid off. That Social Security check keeps coming in each month and we even receive a variety of Senior Citizen discounts.

3) The young may have the confidence of youth. but as you get older you acquire wisdom. Yeats said “this is no country for old men” but experience and knowledge get consolidated into simple and profound wisdom. The abstract expressionist Willem de Kooning is a good example. The work he did in his 70s and 80s was far more beautiful and lyrical than his early work.

4) Aging means you have stories to tell. When I was a kid, I had no stories to tell since I had not done anything, seen anything, or met anyone of importance. But as my career grew and my travel started, I began to experience many things. As an example, when I was about 40, I traveled to Venice and stayed in the Cipriani Hotel. Granted it wasn’t cheap, but it was worth it.

The first morning when we awoke I opened the window and was made dizzy with the fragrance of the gardens below. I looked out over Venice to see St Marks Cathedral and heard its bells chiming. As we walked down the hallway to breakfast there were vases filled with roses, and marble statues every way and the beauty of the place was enough to make

you weep. We went down to the pool later in the morning and there I saw so many beautiful Italian women lounging around the pool sunbathing without tops on. Welcome to the European upper classes.

We met a nice young American couple at poolside and as we ordered lunch with them the girl ordered a tuna fish sandwich with tomato on white toast, which cost her $28, and as she turned around a seagull flew down, picked up the sandwich and flew off with it. Now isn’t that a good story.

The older you get the more stories you can tell and so before a seagull flies down and takes you to heaven, just remember to slow down, enjoy the spectacle that is life, spend some of your money, and go forth and have a few more interesting experiences. That may mean starting a new business, taking a trip to Yosemite Park or finally taking those painting lessons you’ve put off your whole life.

EARTH MATTERS

Conference falls short on saving the planet

The United Nations’ 27th Conference of the Parties, known throughout the world as COP27, recently took place over a twoweek period in the Egyptian resort city of Sharm El-Sheikh. The delegates to the annual conference on climate change tried to pretend that they had made substantial progress, but they weren’t fooling anyone. COP27 was really “Cop Out 27.”

This annual international conference that brings together heads of state, ministers, environmental experts and nongovernmental organizations is the result of the 1992 UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, which came into force in 1994 after receiving 50 ratifications. Its core objective was to stabilize the concentration of greenhouse gases in the Earth’s atmosphere. This was the 27th meeting of the Conference.

So who was in attendance this year at COP27? One group that was well represented was the oil and gas industry. Some 636 executives, lobbyists and corporate scientists paid by the oil and gas industry were part of country delegations and trade teams to ensure that whatever happened, the oil and gas industry would be minimally affected.

And it worked. Even though everyone at the conference knew that reduc-

ing our use of fossil fuels is an absolute requirement if we are going to hold down the Earth’s global temperature increase to 1.5 degrees Celsius — the level beyond which scientists warn that it will be too late to avoid catastrophic consequences — the delegates were unable to agree to any such wording in the final document.

At last year’s COP26 summit in Scotland, delegates focused on keeping the 1.5C goal alive and participating countries were asked to update their climate targets before this year’s summit in Egypt. Only a small fraction of the nearly 200 parties did so.U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres was blunt: “Greenhouse gas emissions keep growing. Global temperatures keep rising. And our planet is fast approaching tipping points that will make climate chaos irreversible. We are on a highway to climate hell with our foot on the accelerator.”

Even though the final text called for more energy to be produced from renewable sources, there was a reference to “low emission energy,” widely interpreted as opening the door for more use of natural gas. Gas proponents often laud the fuel’s lower emissions when burned, but conveniently ignore the fact that over its lifetime, gas is more polluting than either oil or coal. Drilling or fracking for

PATTI WOOD Earth Matters

natural gas, transporting it via trucks and pipelines, (including compressor stations along the way) all add to its climate impact. And natural gas emissions include many toxic chemicals as well as methane, which is a more potent greenhouse gas than CO2.

But importantly, little attention was paid to solving some of our climate problems by allowing nature to play a role. In fact, less than 10% of all climate funding goes towards nature-based solutions. According to a statement from The Nature Conservancy, which participated as a

non-governmental organization, “Nature is also a powerful ally in our adaptation efforts. Habitats like coral reefs, mangroves and wetlands greatly reduce the force of storms, floods and erosion, helping protect coastal communities. Making space for nature within cities can reduce dangerous heatwaves and soak up flood waters. And investing in nature leads to cleaner air and water, healthier soils on our agricultural lands, and many other benefits for people and wildlife.”

One success claimed by the organizers of the conference was a “loss and damage fund” — a plan for the richest countries to provide funds to poorer countries that are already suffering the most devastating effects of climate change and to help with adaptation efforts. The European Union has pledged 60 million Euros for the fund — but it’s a tiny drop in the bucket when you consider the true cost some countries are facing. Pakistan alone estimates its costs from climate change to exceed $30 billion. And inadequate funding is only one of the fund’s problems.

It’s a voluntary commitment, and those kind of commitments seldom produce the promised results. It’s easy for today’s policymakers to make promises their successors will have to keep. Consider that the 194 countries who are par-

ties to the Paris Agreement from COP21 (2015) are far behind their stated goal of achieving zero emissions by 2050. Current plans for those countries, including the United States, would actually result in an increase of 11%, rather than a decrease. This is not the kind of forward motion we need right now.

And it’s not clear how rich nations providing money to poor nations, whose populations have endured severe storms or whose homes have been swallowed up by rising water levels, will fix the problem. Critics claim it’s a cheap way to make the most polluting nations feel better about their lack of action, to assuage the guilt that comes with driving giant gas-guzzling SUVs, building homes without solar panels, or keeping thermostats above 70 degrees even when no one is home.

The real takeaway from COP27 is that it will be up to individuals around the world to take the necessary steps to stop the worst of climate change. We need to recognize that our governments have been captured by the fossil fuel industry, whose well-financed proponents are clearly more focused on the profits of the next quarter than the welfare of the world or the future of their own children.

How else can you explain the disappointing outcome of COP27?

Holiday humbug and the season of cleansing

Santa’s arrival at the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade signals the start of the holiday season, a season supposedly of “good will to all mankind.”

It is the season when those who have made obscene amounts of money – through hook, crook, manipulation and tax advantages – make their annual ritual of cleansing their souls by showing charity to the rest – a toy for a tot here, a check to Dolly Parton to spread her goodness there (Bezos didn’t even bother to appear to care how the money was spent).

‘Tis the season for plutocrats to pretend to care – if not a ticket to salvation, it’s good public relations to over-write the exploitation of workers, consumers, the environment and keep the good graces of regulators, politicians and the masses.

Indeed, Bezos’ “gesture wasn’t about generosity any more than Herschel Walker’s Senate candidacy in Georgia is for the children. After all, the money Mr. Bezos is now so magnanimously distributing was made through his dehumanizing labor practices, his tax avoidance, his influence peddling, his monopolistic power and other tactics that make him a cause of the problems of modern American life rather than a swashbuckling solution,” Anand Giridharada writes in The New York Times.

Talk about inflation! The number of U.S. billionaires grew more than tenfold between 1990 and 2021, leaping from 66 to 719, according to Americans for Tax Fairness.

In that period, the total wealth of U.S. billionaires grew from $240 billion to $4.18 trillion. In April 2021, those American billionaires had more wealth than the bottom half of Americans — $4.56 trillion vs. $2.62 trillion. That means 719 billionaires have more wealth than 165 million people in 61 million households.

And now that the Republicans are back in charge, you can bet the “trickle-down” theory (conspiracy) will be back on the docket. They have already blocked the extension of the child tax credit that achieved the miracle of cutting childhood poverty in half in one year. Can’t have that.

Next: repealing Obamacare, which has seen the number of people going without health insurance cut to record lows – 5 million already newly enrolled this season (must keep people like indentured servants dependent upon employers for healthcare). And must block any effort to shave up to $20,000 from student debt (must keep people in the clutches of landlords and slumlords like Jared Kushner, unable to purchase their own first home).

The fallacy of the “trickle down” theory has been apparent since Reagan times and is demonstrated in the rise of the plutocrats and steady march to oligarchy – along with Republicans’ resurrection of the bogeyman of Big Bad Government Spending and National Debt.

“From 1989 to 2019, typical working families saw a negligible increase in wealth. Meanwhile, the wealthiest one percent got $29 trillion richer

KAREN RUBIN View Point

in those same 30 years. This is what oligarchy looks like,” writes economist Robert Reich, the former Labor Secretary. “CEO pay at America’s largest public companies is up 1,460%, while worker pay has scarcely kept up with inflation since 1978. The CEOto-worker pay gap is now 351-to-1 compared to 21-to-1 in 1965 Trickle down economics was invented by conservatives in the 1980s to justify massive tax cuts for the wealthy and corporations. It’s been nothing short of a disaster.”

Republicans campaigned on the misery caused by inflation — while actually opposing every measure aimed at reducing costs for families. The cost of Thanksgiving meal was up 11%, but the four largest food companies control 82 percent of beef packing, 85 percent of soybean processing, 63 percent of pork packing, and 53 per-

cent of chicken processing. PepsiCo raised prices by 17% and – big surprise — their profits went up by more than 20%. Chipotle raised prices by nearly 15% and their profits went up by nearly 26%. ExxonMobil, Chevron, BP and Shell profits have skyrocketed by 169% so far this year to $125 billion. “Corporations are raising prices because they can,” Reich writes.

“Corporate profits only accounted for roughly 11% of price growth from 1979 to 2019. Today, record corporate profits account for 53.9% of price increases. Folks, corporate greed is driving inflation, not workers asking for better wages,” Reich writes, citing Economic Policy Institute data.

While Bloomberg economists are telling American families they need to budget $5,200 extra to cover rising prices, corporations have scored the biggest profits since 1950, leaping 35% in 2021.

The danger is magnified since the radical rightwing Supreme Court’s unconstitutional decisions, which have made money equal to power.

So while the wealthiest people and corporations have billions to spend on political campaigns and lobbying, average people, frantic to pay for rent and food, are shut out of the process, just as with the other efforts to suppress voting and subvert elections.

A record $16.7 billion was spent on the midterms with billionaires like Peter Thiel making up a huge chunk of that spending; a right-wing dark money organization Donors Trust

received two anonymous “contributions” of $425 million each last year, which Politico described as “among the largest ever donations to a politically connected group.”

“Be warned: our democracy, our rights, and our livelihoods will be on the line as long the super-rich are able to pump huge sums of money into elections,” Reich writes.

Americans are enthralled with billionaires, ascribing to them godlike qualities of genius, talent and foresight bordering on omniscience.

But that bubble may be bursting with the spectacular failures of Elon Musk (the Twitter fiasco) and Sam Bankman-Fried, who used billions of dollars in political and charitable donations to buy favorable policy and regulations and friendly regulators and politicians, now being investigated for the sensational collapse of the cryptocurrency enterprise, FTX.

The aim of the MAGA Republicans is to mimic Putin’s corrupt oligarchy instead of addressing the rigs embedded in the system – tax policy, voter suppression, education, public health, “corporations are people,” workers rights, civil rights, fiscal policy – that would eliminate so much of that poverty, inequity, dependency.

It is possible because we’ve done it before – when America addressed the Robber Barons in the Gilded Age, created unions and workers’ rights, women’s suffrage and civil rights and reached a certain zenith of opportunity around the 1970s. It’s been downhill ever since.

READERS WRITE

In support of Patty Katz for water commish

Iam writing this letter in support of Patty Katz, who is running for re-election to the Great Neck Water Pollution Control District. Patty currently serves as the chairwoman of the three-member Board. Patty has always been involved in the Great Neck Community, whether it was starting a recycling program or volunteering for numerous orga-

nizations. If you have ever seen the little Share-a-Book box by the Chamber of Commerce hut near the LIRR entrance, it was Patty’s idea for that free lending library.

In the last six years, Patty’s leadership has focused on overseeing many upgrades to the district’s wastewater collection system, protecting our environment and the

health of all the 25,000 residents who live on the Great Neck Peninsula. You may be familiar with the Shed the Meds program, which protects our waters from unused medications. Patty helped institute that program.

Under her leadership, the GNWPCD won the NY State Environmental Excellence Award for the district.

Even though many of us are not familiar with the district, it is responsible for ten sewage pumping stations, repairing and maintaining the manholes, while producing treated wastewater from its treatment plant that exceeds the requirements of the NYSDEC. The purity of the plant’s effluent flow, makes the district one of the most environmentally advanced

wastewater treatment plants in New York State.

For these reasons, I urge you to go vote and support Patty Katz in her re-election. It is being held on Dec. 13 at the GNWPCD on East Shore Road and Vista Hill Road.

Pamela Marksheid Village of Great Neck Plaza

Remembering an old-fashioned Christmas

Christmas is slowly approaching. There are gifts to wrap and strings of lights to be put up. There are traditions many families have during the Christmas season.

Now my family had a tradition and that was to go out a few days

before Christmas to pick out a Christmas tree. Well, on the day that was planned, my father’s car would not start.

My father had an idea being it was snowing and there was snow on the ground and that was to take my sled to where they sold trees about eight

blocks from the house in Queens Village and to pick up our tree.

This was so my mother would not be disappointed. So we were on our way and when we arrived where they sold trees on Francis Lewis Boulevard and the Jamaica area in Queens Village, we found so many beautiful

Christmas trees.

My father picked out a beautiful Christmas tree. He paid the clerk, and we strapped the tree on my sled and we were on our way.

We sang Christmas carols all the way home. When we got to the house, we placed the tree in our liv-

ing room so my mother could decorate the tree. She did so with much love and dedication. This was Christmas in 1958 and a Christmas I will always remember.

Frederick R. Bedell Jr. Bellerose

Re-elect Patty Katz as G.N. water commish

Ihave known Patty Katz for 17 years and have witnessed her passion for the environment and betterment of the Great Neck community through many different actions. As Great Neck Water Pollution Control

District commissioner since 2017, Patty has spearheaded the “Shed the Meds” pharmaceutical take back program, overseen numerous sewer plant upgrades that resulted in savings for residents, and developed educational

programs with local elected officials about recycling and climate change.

During her tenure, GNWPCD has become one of the most environmentally advanced wastewater treatment plants in New York state, earning

NYS’s top honor: the Environmental Excellence Award.

Patty’s proven track record, vision, ability to move projects forward, and commitment to collaborative dialogue are why Patty should be re-elected as

commissioner. Please vote for Patty Katz on Dec. 13 at the GNWPCD (236 East Shore Rd. @ Vista Hill Rd.)

Susan Chin Great Neck

Another multitrillion dollar debt ceiling extension?

The debate will soon begin in Washington between the president and Congress about raising our national debt ceiling limit, so it will be able to grow even more. What’s another trillion or two between friends? Our national debt has now reached $31.4 trillion. Many economists believe that it is on a path to grow by trillions more for years to come. Today’s tab averages $93,423 per citizen, or $247,325 per taxpayer. (Source: Nov. 27, 2022 National Debt Clock)

President Biden and Congress should freeze overall spending. Any extension of the debt ceiling should be matched by corresponding real cuts in spending.

Implement “pay as you go” budgeting means testing for all government assistance and sunset provisions for agencies and programs that have completed their missions. End pork-barrel member item spending, stop paying farmers to not grow crops and abolish corporate welfare subsides via tax exemptions.

Close down obsolete military bases here and abroad. Reduce United Nations and foreign aid to those who offer no support when needed.

Have the IRS accelerate the collection of several hundred billion in uncollected back taxes owed by deadbeat individuals and corporations along with suspending billions in future tax refunds to those who

continue failing to pay long overdue taxes or student loans.

Stop wasting billions on the war on drugs

Everyone needs to do their fair share in bringing the budget deficit under control. It is time for government to destroy its own credit cards.

Democrats and Republicans have morphed into one Washington inside-the-Beltway party dedicated to staying in power regardless of the cost to taxpayers. Their philosophy is to increase spending above the rate of inflation. Liberals won’t say no to more social welfare programs. Conservatives love any defense spending. Both support farmers and corporate welfare subsidies.

It is time to install a national debt clock with daily updates in both Congress and the White House. They can see how much they are adding to long term debt every time they pass spending bills dependent upon borrowing to pay the tab.

Who is going to bail out Uncle Sam to pay for this? Government, the private sector and citizens must make difficult financial decisions on how to use existing resources. Americans prioritize their own family budgets. They make the hard choices in how existing household financial resources will be spent. The president and Congress should do likewise.

The world’s favored currency is

our dollar. This could end if Washington will not control annual increases in spending and debt. If things continue the way they are, China may surpass us, and the yuan becomes the world’s favored currency. Mismanagement of our economy could result in a decline of our standard of living. It may also end our reign as the world’s superpower as we become the world superdebtor nation.

It is time for President Biden and Congress to come together on bipartisan basis and end this madness.

Larry Penner Great Neck

Protect Social Security from the GOP

Regarding the 2022 elections, I totally disagree with the pundits who thought that the Democrats did better than expected. I believe that they could have done even better if they had been more precise in getting their messages out. The following are the categories where they could have done better: Crime! Inflation!

Abortion! Social Security! For the category, Saving Democracy, they did just fine. My focus will be on just one of those categories: Social Security and the Republicans desire to cut or eliminate it and who will suffer and who will benefi t by such action.

Social Security — But let’s get to the Republicans idea to curb excess spending. They believe that in order to balance the budget, entitlements such as Social Security must be cut or eliminated. In 2022, it is projected that an average of 66 million Americans per month will receive

a Social Security benefit, totaling over $1 trillion in benefi ts paid during the year. The Republicans refer to Social Security as an entitlement, defined as “any government-provided or government-managed benefit or service to which some or all individuals are entitled to by law.”

It’s as if the Republicans believe that the government is simply giving away money and receiving nothing, causing the government to go broke.

In reality, Social Security is not an entitlement. The government is not taking their own funds to pay retirees. This is money that was deducted from our paychecks and paid to the government, which was to hold it for us until we retired and, at such time, it would be paid back to us on a monthly basis. In terms of money, what are we talking about?

For every pay period, Social Security tax or F.I.C.A., currently at a rate 6.2%, is deducted from our salary.

This rate has been in eff ect since 1990. From a calculation point of view, the median average earnings for 2022 is $1,070 per week. To simplify, if we assume the weekly salary is $1,000 per week or $52,000 yearly, the Social Security Tax withheld is $3,224.

But that’s not all. The company you work for must match it, so the total in your account becomes $6,448. Let’s assume you began working at age 25 and retire at age 65, thus working for 40 years, The total accumulated in your account would be $248,960($6,448 x 40 years). This is before any calculation for interest. If we had calculated with the average weekly salary of $1,500, the Social Security tax accumulated in your account would be $373,440.

Based on the above, the Social Security benefits you receive when retired are not an entitlement but in reality, a repayment of what you

previously had paid. For Medicare, the same applies.

The Republicans position states that if the Social Security tax was eliminated, you would have more money in your pocket and, assuming you don’t spend it, they propose that you invest it, like having your own private retirement account. Sure! During these difficult financial times, invest it instead of putting food on your table. But who really benefits from this elimination of the Social Security tax? What about the corporations?

In the above example, we assume the weekly salary is $1,000 per week or $52,000 yearly, The Social Security Tax withheld is $3,224, which the company matches. If the company is relatively large, assuming a work force of 1,000 employees, their yearly savings would be $3,224,000 ($3,224 x 1,000). And that number is corporate savings for only one year

How about the yearly savings for some major corporations? For example, Walmart, with 2.2 million employees, would save over $7 billion yearly. Companies with over 325,000 employees would save over $I billion dollars. Those companies would include Yum! Brands, owners of KFC, Taco Bell and Pizza Hut, McDonald’s, IBM, UPS, Kroger, Home Depot and Hewlet Packard. As for other large companies, there’s so many more and their savings would be only in the hundreds of millions.

Republicans are forthe little people. That’s what they keep telling us and, as we all know, they never lie.Social Security must be saved. So many people depend on it. We must not forget: Democracy is a government of the people, by the people and, most important, FOR THE PEOPLE. Not for corporations.

Alvin Goldberg Great Neck

YOUR GUIDE TO THE ARTS, ENTERTAINMENT AND DINING

SHIMMERING SOLSTICE LIGHT SHOW RETURNS

BY STEVEN KEEHNER

Back by popular demand, Shimmering Solstice at Old Westbury Gardens returned for its second year on Nov. 25.

The themed light show presents a series of displays along the paths of Old Westbury Gardens’ Walled Garden, Rose Garden, South Lawn and Allée. The event also offers an experience everyone can enjoy and explore at their own pace.

“This walkthrough light show is uniquely designed specifically for Old Westbury Gardens,

a beautiful Long Island landmark,” Nancy Costopulos, president and CEO of Old Westbury Gardens said. “It offers a one-of-a-kind experience which is now becoming a new holiday tradition.”

New for this year includes a redesigned interactive area with three new exhibits; seasonal music throughout the expanded illuminated event path; a new illuminated water feature on the West Pond; an updated Westbury House finale show; and The Garden of Appreciation, which is now a warming area with a concession stand.

Maura Brush, director of horticulture at Old

Westbury Gardens, had originally advocated for the show for a decade. She emphasized that while its debut last year went well, there was still room for improvement.

“We want to make sure that people who come back feel like ‘Wow, it’s even better the second year,'” Maura Brush, director of horticulture for Old Westbury Gardens said. “We were very conscious about not resting on our laurels.”

Lightswitch, a collective of renowned lighting, media and visual designers, created the show. Brush said their goal was to transform the area into a place that could be enjoyed during

the fall and winter while remaining true to the garden’s mission.

“Everyone says everything’s new and improved,” she said. “But in our feedback, I’d say we’ve truly taken what I think was a great first year and fine-tuned it, expanded it and made it into something even better this year.”

Tickets are on sale now. They vary slightly in price depending on peak and off peak times. The show runs on select dates from Nov. 25 to Jan. 1, 2023. The admission time starts at 5:30 p.m.

One can visit shimmeringsolstice.com for more information.

PHOTO COURTESY OF OLD WESTBURY GARDENS

A light show at Old Westbury Gardens’ Shimmering Solstice. The show returned for its second year on Nov. 25 due to popular demand.

L.I. Hall of Fame debuts new digs in Stony Brook

BY STEVEN KEEHNER

The Long Island Music & Entertainment Hall of Fame opened its first physical location at 97 Main Street in Stony Brook Friday.

Founded in 2004, the charitable group is a 501(c)(3) organization that seeks to recognize Long Island’s musical and entertainment heritage. It also provides education programs, scholarships and awards.

“We are thrilled our organization has found a permanent home in such a wonderful location,” Chairman Ernie Canadeo said. “We’re excited to be able to share our world-class displays

and unique memorabilia collection that showcases Long Island’s rich and diverse musical and entertainment history in new and exciting ways.”

The new 8,800-square-foot facility hosts a permanent hall of fame honoring over 120 inductees. It also has a library, classrooms, a surround-sound theater and a gift shop filled with music and entertainment-themed memorabilia.

There are a variety of visual elements and rare artifacts on display. Billy Joel, Joan Jett, Debbie Gibson, Blue Öyster Cult, Twisted Sister and the families and estates of Harry Chapin, Guy Lombardo, John Coltrane and more have donated memorabilia.

Musical instruments, performance outfits, vintage automobiles and motorcycles, rare posters and photos, handwritten lyrics and other items have also been donated. Other nearby attractions include the Long Island Museum, Jazz Loft and Reboli Center for Art and History.

The exhibition space will change twice a year. The first exhibit is “Long Island’s Legendary Club Scene — 1960s-1980s,” designed by Kevin O’Callaghan.

The display recreates Long Island’s club scenes from those decades, enabling visitors to learn about or relive those eras.

“We feature different and exciting exhibits, displays, videos and education offerings,” said Canadeo. “That makes the center a dynamic place for people to visit on a regular basis.”

This exhibit includes club replicas, videos of artists performing, advertisements, posters and instruments. It also has a replica of a typical 1960s stage, complete with vintage equipment and a sound system.

The hall and museum are open from noon to 5 p.m. on Wednesdays through Sundays.

Admission prices are: Adult $19.50

Seniors (65+) and Veterans $17

Students (w/ID) $15

Children under 12 enter for free

One can purchase tickets online at LIMEHOF.org or at the door.

Fagin & Fagin – prints and pottery art exhibit

The Great Neck Library is exhibiting the work of Bari Fagin and Marty Fagin from Dec. 3, to Jan. 15 at the Main Library at 159 Bayview Ave.

The public is welcome to attend a reception on Saturday, Dec. 10 from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m.

This exhibit showcases works by Great Neck artists Bari Fagin & Marty Fagin. Bari’s prints and Marty’s pottery are unique explorations of layered colors, textures and images.

They encourage the viewer to look beyond the surface of their pieces to discover the unique worlds beneath.Before becoming a retiree, Bari Fagin had an extensive career in publishing and advertising art direction with various Fortune 500 companies. Her focus on mixed media printmaking aims to draw the viewer into the depths of a unique world.

By layering a variety of mediums, including paint, pen-

cil, collage, and multiple photo transfers, each mixed media piece explores and blurs the boundaries of combining printmaking, painting, drawing, and collage.

Bari has also juried and exhibited at the Art Guild of Port Washington and the Long Island Craft Guild.

Marty Fagin is a retiree whose pottery often begins with a general concept of what the project will look like and evolves as he creates, taking each piece on a journey and each down many roads with different results. Marty has also exhibited at Soho, the Gold Coast Arts Centre and the Long Island Craft Guild. For more information, please contact Great Neck Library at (516) 466-8055 or email adultprogramming@ greatnecklibrary.org.

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE LONG ISLAND MUSIC & ENTERTAINMENT HALL OF FAME

Blue Öyster Cult performed at the VIP preview event for the Long Island Music & Entertainment Hall of Fame on Nov. 22.

How to make new friends after 50

The early years of midlife are a hectic time for many people. Around the time many people reach their late 30s and early 40s, they're balancing the responsibilities of a career and a family. But as people enter their 50s, some of those responsibilities tend to be less significant, leaving more time for recreational pursuits.

Hobbies and other pursuits outside of work are often more fun when enjoyed with friends. People over 50 undoubtedly recognize that it's not always so easy to make new friends, even though it's undeniably beneficial to have supportive relationships into your golden years. A 2017 study from researchers at Michigan State University found that valuing friendships was a stronger predictor of health and happiness among older adults than valuing family. Those results align with an earlier Australian study that found Australians age 70 or older tended to live significantly longer if they had more strong friendships.

Making friends after 50 might not be as simple as it was during your school days, but these strategies can help men and women in midlife build new friendships.

· Identify your interests. Fiftysomethings who have spent the last couple of decades building a career and raising a family can give some serious thought to their interests outside of work or passions they hope to pursue now that they have more time to commit to such pursuits. The more interested you are in a given activity, the more likely you are to stick with it. And the longer you stick with something, the more likely

you are to meet like-minded individuals (i.e., future friends) willing to make similar commitments.

· Utilize social media. In years past, men and women over 50 may not have had any readily available tools to reach out and connect with new people. Social media has made it much easier to build such connections. Even the most obscure passions likely have a social media group of locals devoted to them, and these groups can be great ways to meet new people. A local runner's club may have its own social media accounts, and local governments and community groups often share information about sports leagues and other groups via social media.

· Sign up for group outings. Communities often sponsor group outings to museums, the theater, sporting events, and other day trips. Signing up for a bus trip to a local museum presents a great opportunity to meet people who share your interests, providing the potential to build lasting friendships built on a foundation of shared interests.

· Broaden your horizons. Just because you're in your 50s doesn't mean your friends have to be. Don't hesitate to invite younger or older acquaintances and colleagues over for dinner or on weekend excursions. Friends come in all shapes, sizes and ages, so you could be missing out if you're not willing to extend a hand in friendship to people of different ages and backgrounds.

Making friends after 50 can be challenging. However, various strategies can help men and women over 50 connect with new people.

Tips to prepare to host holiday guests

They’re back! Family, friends and acquaintances are once again taking up residence on cots and fold-out sofas across the country as loved ones gather to celebrate the holiday season. That’s welcome news nearly three years after a pandemic first restricted such gatherings. But hosts must ask themselves: Am I ready to host house guests? Travel is a big component of the holiday season. According to a 2021 survey by The Vacationer, a travel tip and vacation guide, nearly 63 percent of Americans age 18 or older planned to travel for at least one holiday in 2021, with most traveling in December. That marked a 37 percent increase in travel from a year prior. Holiday travel for 2022 may be even higher as families adapt to life during the pandemic.

As individuals get ready to host holiday guests, here are some strategies to maximize space and make guests feel comfortable.

Discuss plans in advance. Every traveler is different. Some people thrive on making lists and following itineraries. Others fly by the seat of their pants. It’s reasonable to ask potential house guests how they envision their visit, including if they plan to stay long and if it will include sleeping over. This way you can make accommodations accordingly, particularly if guests request to borrow a vehicle or want to see the sights.

Create some extra privacy. While some homes are equipped to handle guests comfortably,

smaller homes may not be equipped with such luxuries. Folding screens can be used to create a barrier and add some privacy in open spaces where guests will be staying.

Stash away travel samples. Travel-sized soaps, shampoos and lotions can make guests feel more welcome. Stock up at the grocery store or pharmacy and leave them in the room where guests will be staying.

Stock up on new linens. Treat guests to fresh fluffy towels and new bed linens, especially if it’s been awhile since you have restocked these items.

Ask about food preferences. Your guests may not want to munch on kale chips and tofu hot dogs apart from the holiday meal. Don’t push your food restrictions on others. Ask guests what they typically eat and then fill the pantry and refrigerator with some of the items they mention. When guests need snacks, they’ll have familiar foods on hand.

Be mindful of bedtimes. Consider guests’ preferences about bedtimes. While you may be a night owl, some guests may hit the hay much earlier, particularly older relatives or those with young children. If need be, make an effort to be quiet when kids or early birds are staying over. Hosting for the holidays requires a little creativity and flexibility. All that effort is well worth it when loved ones have a good time while staying over.

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Dog fight under the Thanksgiving table

BY JUDD SPODEK

You don’t want this to happen at your next holiday meal.

Several years ago, for Thanksgiving, my friend Jes traveled to Maryland to visit Rose and Sid, his aunt and uncle. Zanner, the dog, accompanied him. Rose and Sid, who didn’t have a dog of their own, were dog-sitting Karma, while another nephew was away.

Neither dog had met the other before the visit. In between the main course and dessert, at Rose’s Thanksgiving table, Uncle Sid decided to hold Karma on his lap. Sid was unaware that Zanner was resting under the table.

Dessert was about to be served, so Sid put Karma down—right where Zanner lay. Immediately, all hell broke loose.

The two dogs snarled, growled and barked, frightening the other guests, who jumped from their seats to run across the room. The dogfight seemed like all-out war. The upshot: Karma had bites on his neck; Sid took him to a Thanksgiving veterinary emergency room, where Karma received four stitches to heal the wound. Zanner was unharmed. Thanksgiving was memorable, to say the least.

What should Jes have done to avoid the dogfight?

Here are some tips for taking your pooch on a holiday excursion. First order of business: calmly and slowly introduce the dogs (outside or in a neutral area is always best). You don’t want them to be strangers; let them sniff around and become comfortable with each other. Try to pick up any toys, bowls and bones too.

And before that, to plan for a trip and have a well-behaved pet, you should begin by teaching “doggie manners.”

Try these three separate boundary commands: Place, Stay and Back.

PLACE: In dog training we call this the

“send-away.” Some trainers use a raised bed or platform. You can even use the dog’s regular bed—one you have already purchased.

The purpose here is to send the dog away— or to the PLACE. This gives you separation from your dog, which helps form good behaviors. When the doorbell rings, for example, you can direct your pup by telling him “GO TO PLACE.”

“STAY”: When you want your dog to stay put and not move, this is the command you use. It’s a key command in dog training and one of the first your pooch must learn. Your dog should learn to sit and stay, down and stay, place and stay, etc. until you release them that movement is okay.

“BACK”: Here your dog is learning to move away and give you space. When a dog learns to respond to this command, or one similar (“AWAY”), he knows to back off

You might use a single command or a combination of directives. What these and other commands do for you is to help your pup learn not to jump, not to steal food or initiate other behaviors that will frighten visitors.

And when you are visiting others, your dog learns that you are in charge. That is essential for successful excursions to friends and family.

A well-mannered pet is a joy to have around, and a pleasure to share your holiday with. All you need to do is put in a little bit of time, with consistency and a touch of persistence.

And most important, I urge all customers— and all pet owners— Please look online to learn what foods might be harmful or poisonous to your pets. Here’s to a happy and healthy holidays for you and your furry friends.

For more information and answers to your questions, contact:

Judd Spodek operates “SIT” HAPPENS! Inc. Dog Training. He can be reached at(516) 5238449, info@sithappensny.com andjspodek@nyc. rr.com

How to plan for a post-50 career change

Professionals change careers for many reasons. Some do so in pursuit of a higher salary, while others seek a more even balance between their personal and professional lives.

Career changes can renew a person's passion for working, which can grow stale for individuals who have been doing the same job for years on end. Though there's not necessarily a bad time to change careers, there are times when making such a transition carries more risk. Such is the case for individuals over 50. Many individuals over 50 may not have the financial obligations they had when they were younger, as children may have grown up and moved out of the house. That can make changing careers after 50 more palatable. However, some individuals in their 50s may be hesitant to leave the security of an established career behind in favor of something new. Hesitance about job prospects after 50 also can make some less likely to take the plunge into a new career.

Though hesitancy about a career change after 50 is understandable, a recent survey from the American Institute for Economic Research found that 82 percent of workers who responded to the survey were able to successfully transition to a new career after age 45. In addition, projections from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimated that labor force participation among individuals aged 65 and over would increase significantly by 2022, nearly doubling the rate of participation in 1990. Those figures suggest that

a midlife career change is not necessarily the same thing as a late-career career change. That should give professionals the confidence they need to successfully transition to a new career.

Individuals mulling a career change after 50 also can take these steps to make such a transition less risky.

· Pay down as much debt as possible. Financial freedom can be an ally for individuals 50 and over who want to change careers. Career changes often require a pay cut, so individuals who can pay off their mortgages, consumer debts and/or auto loans prior to making a career change may find the transition to a lower income goes more

smoothly than it might if they're still carrying such sizable financial commitments.

· Make plans to delay retirement. As BLS data indicates, individuals who want to delay retirement certainly won't be alone. Delaying retirement affords individuals more time to save, and a financial advisor can help adults over 50 come up with a new retirement plan that reflects their willingness to work longer. Delaying retirement also means delaying withdrawals from retirement savings accounts, which can provide peace of mind against a loss of income resulting from a career change.

· Downsize your lifestyle. Even a post-50 career change that will require a significant drop in income can be doable for professionals who downsize their lifestyles. Empty nesters can consider moving into a smaller home, while travelers can cut back on the number of trips they take each year. Cutbacks won't necessarily be easy, but they can be worth it for individuals looking for new career challenges.

· Go back to school. Much like young people go to college before entering the professional arena, adults over 50 who want to change careers may need to go back to school to improve their career prospects. Remote learning and parttime schooling can make juggling a career and school more manageable.

A successful career change after 50 is entirely possible for individuals willing to make some sacrifices to be happier in their professional lives.

Simple ways to lessen your financial load after 50

By the time people reach their fiftieth birthday, many have begun to imagine what their life in retirement may look like. Though data from the U.S. Census Bureau indicates the number of people working into their 70s increased significantly during the first two decades of the twentieth century, the vast majority of professionals still call it a career sometime during their 60s.

Retirement may still be a long way off for people who are 50 or in their early 50s, but around this time thoughts of what retirement could be compel many people to seek ways to reduce their financial load in anticipation of the day when they will no longer be working. Cutting back needn't be complicated, and the following are some simple ways for individuals 50 and over to save money.

· Address unsecured debt. Unsecured debt, which can include credit card balances and medical bills, tends to carry higher interest rates than debts that carry a collateral requirement. According to the Federal Reserve, roughly 12.5 percent of individuals over 50 still have student loan debt, which is another type of unsecured debt. If possible, people over 50 should pay off these debts immediately or make their best effort to pay extra each month so they are paid off as soon as possible.

· Pay in "cash." It's not enough to simply pay off unsecured debt like consumer credit. It's also important to stop accruing additional debt. Individuals over 50 should resist the temptation to use their credit cards, instead paying with cash or debit cards. Credit card debt is often characterized as a problem for young con-

sumers, but a 2021 report from ValuePenguin found that the median credit card debt among individuals between the ages of 55 and 64 was higher than it was for consumers aged 35 to 44. Paying in cash, whether it's with paper currency or a debit card, ensures you're not digging yourself into debt.

· Reexamine your housing situation. Adults 50 and over who purchased their home in their late 20s or early 30s are likely nearing the maturity date on their mortgages. If so, paying a little extra toward the principal each month will help you pay off that mortgage a good deal earlier than if you keep paying the same amount you've been paying for years. Though paying extra money each month may not seem like reducing your financial load, it will do so considerably over time. For example, the financial experts at Wells Fargo note that individuals with a fixed-rate mortage loan of $200,000 at 4 percent can cut the term of that loan by more than 4.5 years by paying as little as $100 extra each month toward their principal. Homeowners over 50 who have already paid off a significant percentage of their mortgage loans could reach maturity much sooner if they start paying more toward principal now. Since housing costs are many people's greatest expense, removing a mortgage payment from your financial ledger by the time you reach 55 could create significant financial flexibility as you get closer to retirement.

Individuals over 50 can utilize some simple yet effective strategies to reduce their fi nancial obligations as retirement nears.

Winter Hangar pancake breakfast with Santa

The American Airpower Museum will hold its annual Winter Hangar Pancake Breakfast on Sunday, Dec. 11 from 9:30 until 11:30 a.m. Come and participate in a fun community event for the entire family.

Hangar 3 will be decked out with Christmas decorations plus they’ll be photo ops with Santa and Mrs. Claus all day, so bring your cameras! Parents and children will enjoy hot pancakes with butter, maple syrup, sausages and beverages.

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

Breakfast with Santa takes place in AAM’s historic Hangar 3, once part of Republic Aviation.

After breakfast, your family can discover the history of military aviation and explore dozens of exhibits including five of America’s most famous WWII fighting aircraft, the North American B-25 Mitchell Bomber and P-51 Mustang, the Curtiss P-40 Warhawk (Flying Tiger), Grumman’s TBM Avenger Torpedo Bomber and the

Join our breakfast fundraiser and support the Museum’s mission to preserve American military aviation history!

Breakfast is served from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. only, not all day.

Breakfast is $15 for adults and $10 for children ages 3-12. Children under 3 are free if accompanied by an adult. Advance registration is required

for breakfast, so call to make reservations for a specific time slot.

For reservations call (631) 293-6398 from 10:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Thursday through Sunday, or visit AAM at Hangar 3, 1230 New Highway, Farmingdale. Santa is on hand all day until 3:00 p.m., so bring your cameras! Reservations not required if you arrive after 11:30 a.m., to visit AAM and take photos with Santa. In that case, admission is $15 for adults, $12 for seniors and veterans, $10 for children ages 5-12.

Douglas C-47B Skytrain, plus Cold War era jets by Republic Aviation like the F-105 Thunderchief and A-10 Thunderbolt or Warthog, also known as the “Tank Buster!”

Roslyn Times Williston Times Port Washington Times

Herald Courier Great Neck News Manhasset Times

Sillitti hosts 2nd annual food drive

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

The four food drives will be taking place during the month of December.

“As your representative, I’ll always support Long Island families in any way I can this holiday season,” said Sillitti. “These four food drive events in coordination with valued community organizations are a great opportunity for us to support our neighbors in need and combat food insecurity on Long Island. By working together, we can build a more caring, inclusive community for all of our families.”

Please be mindful of the expiration dates of donated goods. Gift cards cannot be accepted. Please visit nyassembly.gov/Sillitti for a comprehensive list of items you can donate. We can all combat food insecurity by coming together as a community, noted Sillitti.

Sillitti invites residents to attend one of her upcoming Food Drive events:

• St. Aloysius Interfaith Food Pantry, Tuesday, Dec. 6: 12 p.m. – 1:30 p.m., 592 Middle Neck Road, Great Neck.

• “Curb your Mitzvah” Food and Toy Drive, Sunday, December 11: 10 a.m. – 12 p.m., Sid Jacobson JCC – 200 Forest Drive, Greenvale

• Shelter Rock Church Manhasset Food Pantry, Monday, December 12: 12 p.m. – 1:30 p.m., 626 Plandome Road, Manhasset

• Our Lady of Fatima Food Pantry, Thursday, December 15: 9:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m., 10 Cottonwood Road, Port Washington

Nursing homes ranked at top

Northwell Health’s Stern Family Center for Rehabilitation in Manhasset and the Orzac Center for Rehabilitation in Valley Stream have received an elite high-performing rating from US News & World Report’s 2022-2023 Best Nursing Homes report.

Among only six skilled nursing facilities on Long Island to earn a spot on the prestigious US News Best Nursing Homes list, both Stern (256 beds) and Orzac (120 beds) ranked in the nation’s top 16 percent of skilled nursing facilities to earn high-performance ratings for both long-term care and shortstay physical rehabilitation.

The US News data reviews profiles of more than 15,000 skilled nursing facilities, recognizes top-rated nursing homes in all 50 states and offers important guidance to families and healthcare providers caring for people in need of short-term rehab or a nursing home.

“Nursing homes and short-term rehab facilities in New York and across the country vary in quality of care and the health care services they provide to residents,” said Gerard Kaiser, executive director of Northwell’s skilled nursing facilities. “We are extremely proud that Stern and Orzac are recognized on this year’s distinguished Best Nursing Homes report. It demonstrates the commitment of our entire team to provide the highest quality care and safety to our short-term rehab patients and our long-term residents.”

To determine its nursing home rankings, US News methodology factors in data such as resident care, safety and outcomes. To calculate the Best Nursing Homes ratings, US News evaluated each nursing home’s performance using a variety of data obtained from the US Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.

Both short- and long-term ratings include data on the consistency of registered nurse staffing, use of antipsychotic drugs, and success in preventing unnecessary emergency room and hospital visits. The long-term care rating also includes measures of whether a nursing home changed ownership and how well they were staffed on weekends.

The short-term rehabilitation rating also includes measures of a nursing home’s success in preventing falls, preventing serious infections and making sure residents are able to return home.

According to US News, about 1.1 million people over age 85 live in America’s 1,500 nursing homes, also known as skilled nursing facilities and sub-acute care facilities. The group said its Best Nurse Homes report, in its 13th year, is aimed at helping families and loved ones to find a nursing home that excels in the type of care they need.

The Best Nursing Homes 2022-2023 report is available at:https://health.usnews.com/best-nursing-homes

N.S. University Hospital earns Magnet recertification

North Shore University Hospital today announced that it has successfully been recertified as a Magnet hospital by the American Nurses Credentialing Center, which recognizes excellence in nursing.

NSUH is a member of Northwell Health and one of 10 hospitals in the system to be designated as a Magnet facility.

The Magnet Recognition Program spotlights healthcare organizations for quality patient care, nursing excellence and innovations in professional nursing practice.

Developed by ANCC, Magnet is the leading source of successful nursing practices and strategies worldwide. Only 586 hospitals worldwide have achieved Magnet status for nursing excellence since the program’s inception in 1983.

Magnet recognition is an important indicator for the public to judge health care organizations. U.S. News & World Report’s annual showcase of “America’s Best Hospitals” includes Magnet as a quality measurement for inpatient care.

NSUH was rated Long Island’s best hospital by U.S. News and earned a fourstar rating from Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.

“I am proud to stand among the special group of nurses at NSUH being recognized for this honor,” said Irene Macyk, associate executive director of patient care services and chief nursing officer at NSUH. “Magnet recognizes clinical excellence in nursing as a vital partner in care and signifies sustained clinical outcomes that outperform the national average.

North Shore University Hospital has, once again, demonstrated this ‘best in breed’ international designation placing it among the ranks of the top 10 percent of hospitals.

Being validated by the American Nurses Credentialing Center is a proud moment for NSUH nurses and the entire interdisciplinary team. It validates that the best care is given to our patients and community.”

Research demonstrates that hospitals

that earn Magnet status convey associated benefits to healthcare organizations and their communities, such as:

•Improved patient experience;

•Better patient outcomes;

•Higher job satisfaction among nurses.

on-site or virtual visit and a review by the Commission on Magnet Recognition.

“We are thrilled at the recertification,” said Dr. David Hirschwerk, medical director at NSUH. “Our nurses are outstanding and their sophistication, compassion and dedication provide the foundation to build and grow elite programs in our building that serve our community.”

In addition, seven units at the hospital have been rated by the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses as Beacon Award winners, a measurement of clinical care. And NSUH has earned the Emergency Nurses Association’s Lantern Award for quality and safety in its emergency department.

NSUH is a Level I trauma center and teaching hospital that treats more than 90,000 patients each year. It is home to the Sandra Atlas Bass Heart Hospital, the Katz Women’s Hospital, neurosurgery, multi-organ transplant services and one of the busiest emergency departments in the New York Metropolitan area.

To achieve Magnet recognition, organizations must pass an exhaustive and thorough process that demands widespread interprofessional participation from leadership and staff. The application includes written documentation, an

Name your lifestyle — condo or co-op?

When it comes to affordability, financial profile, and lifestyle, whether an initial purchase or downsizing, everyone has different needs and wants. Some who have the finances will choose a condo or townhome for the luxury, doorman, and amenities, such as a pool, tennis, and security. However, others will choose based on the affordability that a co-op provides. Prices will obviously depend on the building and its infrastructure, financial strength, and whether a one, two or three-plus bedrooms and accompanying bathrooms suit the buyer.

Co-ops can be upwards of $100,000 less, minus most of the amenities provided by a condo or townhome. Sales applications and board approval are mandatory. Whether it is a doorman or gated community for security, pool, tennis, golf, or gym, the level of extras is correlated with the price you will pay. Lately, with the skyrocketing prices of homes, those able to stay locally will instead choose a condo or co-op as a starting point of homeownership or be resigned to a rental.

It can also be more conducive to their lifestyle with or without children. With those types of ownership, closing the door while going on vacation will be more carefree and less worry than owning a single-family home. No worrying

about interior issues, frozen pipes, expensive heating bills, leaky ceilings, exterior maintenance, no snow plowing, etc. But today I see the No. 1 factor is affordability being extremely dominant in the decision-making process for a multitude of purchasers. Prices, down payments, and interest rates have caused many to hold back from taking the plunge in buying.

This is a perfect moment in time for parents who are capable and want to happily choose to provide a tax-free gift in order to assist their children. Currently, the IRS code allows parents to provide a tax-free and non-reportable gift of up to $15,000 per year for each child. However, any amount above $15,000 would have to be reported but not taxable and would be against the lifetime total allotted to that individual. Currently, the lifetime tax-free per family is $11,700,000 without paying any estate taxes.

As parents, it is extremely important for you to discuss this with your CPA and certified financial planner to strategize your individual estate plan. Also, make sure in conjunction with your estate planning that your will is up to date too. I seriously encourage you to consider this option of helping your children in the process as opposed to renting, which is a dead-end street to wealth reduction.

Depending on the income, credit, and debt/income of the buyers, a co-signer or guarantor may be necessary. I just finalized a sale where one person, not related, provided the necessary funds to the purchaser with the approval of management to make the transaction workable. But what’s most important, as they say, “is to not bite off more than you can chew” and go overboard just because you want to be an owner. Becoming more conservative and understanding what trade-offs

are in your choices today will put you in a more solid position later on.

Be smart and don’t shoot for the stars if you don’t have the wherewithal and a parachute in the event you get laid off or your business has an issue. Having parents is a wonderful thing, especially when they can offer advice, guide you along and provide financial assistance. But they want the best for you and surely want to keep you from making poor decisions, so listening and having a dialogue will be to everyone’s benefit when you are jumping into the homeownership arena.

Lastly, as we grow older, the decision to downsize or stay where we are and make the necessary upgrades or move to where our children reside becomes an allimportant issue that should be considered. Moreover, selling your home because you no longer need so much space and/or the costs involved in upkeep between taxes, heating bills, and maintenance, repairs, etc., or staying local is something else that should be contemplated.

Deciding to purchase or rent is another thing to figure out based on your age, health, and financial situation. Also, maybe an independent or assisted living or unfortunately a nursing home might be in the cards that will have to be considered. Whether first time buyers in lis-

tening to parents’ thoughts and ideas or downsizing, think of your situation carefully and create a reasonable plan at least three to six months in advance to minimize financial errors and the stress that accompanies it.

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Philip A. Raices is the owner/Broker of Turn Key Real Estate at 3 Grace Ave Suite 180 in Great Neck. He has 40 years of experience in the Real Estate industry and has earned designations as a Graduate of the Realtor Institute (G.R.I.) and also as a Certified International Property Specialist (C.I.P.S) as well as the new “Green Industry” Certification for eco-friendly construction and upgrades. For a “FREE” 15-minute consultation, value analysis of your home, or to answer any of your questions or concerns he can be reached by cell: (516) 647-4289 or by email: Phil@TurnKeyRealEstate.Com or via https://WWW.Li-RealEstate.Com Just email or snail mail (regular mail) him with your ideas or suggestions on future columns with your name, email and cell number and he will call or email you back.

MULTI-FACTOR AUTHENTICATION (MFA)

Most likely, you are already using MFA. If you’ve received an email that sends you a code to enter, or a text message that dings to alert you to take action, that is MFA. The common thread is they require additional proof of identity, beyond the log-in, when accessing sensitive information.

With cybercrime now exploding, small and midsize businesses (SMBs) must be proactive to protect their critical data. This includes access to their networks, accounting systems and operational systems, hosted both locally and in the cloud. Every SMB has its own considerations. Some need email encryption, most need secure VPNs to support remote workers.

Sandwire advises and implements robust cybersecurity services to shield SMBs from harm. MFA is but one arrow in our quiver.

Nassau police report 491 complaints in ‘21

The organization requested access to the department’s disciplinary records, use of force, field interviews, civilian complaints and investigative reports, among others.

“The lower court’s ruling improperly resurrected 50-a to continue blocking access to decades of police misconduct records,” Bobby Hodgson, a supervising attorney at the ACLU said in a statement. “For too long, Nassau County residents have remained in the dark about officers accused of misconduct, the outcomes of investigations, and what discipline officers faced, if any.”

State Supreme Court Justice Roy S. Mahon denied the ACLU’s motion to mandate the department provide all of the misconduct data requested.

Efforts to reach officials from the police department for further comment were unavailing.

Cuomo signed the repeal of Civil Rights Law Section 50-a into law in 2020.

The Nassau County Police Department, according to court documents, had denied requests for police records prior to June 2020, when 50-a was repealed.

The ACLU, a not-for-profit corporation set up to defend civil rights and civil liberties, said it was informed by

the police department that the union “should receive a response within [45] business days.”

The department, according to court documents, did not respond to the request within 45 days, claiming an unexpected emergency medical leave caused the delays but said the ACLU could expect a response by Dec. 4, 2020.

The department, on Dec. 11, denied portions of the request, saying that some were “not reasonably described to allow the department to locate and identify the documents sought.”

Even if the union reasonably described the request, the department said in the response it would not have been able to comply with the request of disciplinary records, field interviews and use of force “due to its breadth.”

Atara Miller, a partner at Milbank LLP, which is providing the ACLU with pro bono counsel in this matter, called on the state’s Appellate Division Second Department to reverse the decision in a statement.

“The repeal of Section 50-a by the New York State Legislature signaled a clear intention to promote transparency of police misconduct through public access to police disciplinary records,” Miller said.

PHOTO COURTESY OF WIKIMEDIA COMMONS

The Nassau County Police Department said they received 491 complaints last year, according to statistics in a police reform report this year.

Hu, Lancman elected to G.N. library board

Nominating Committee candidate Kim Schader defeated challenger Sara Rivka Khodadian 1,6881,667, according to the certified results. The committee seat lasts for three years.

The counting of votes from the Halloween election was challenged by Hughes and Rusu, who also filed a legal complaint against the library and their opponents. The vote counting was set to resume Nov. 21, but was delayed a week due to COVID-19 exposure.

The lawsuit, which cited concerns about the legitimacy of absentee ballots that had not been counted prior to Monday, resulted in the filing of a stipulation of discontinuance last week. A team of qualified officers from the Nassau County Board of Elections resumed the counting of votes before releasing the certified results Monday evening.

The three victors said they were “honored” to be elected to their positions, grateful for the community support and respected their opponents for expressing their ideas on the library throughout the race.

“We thank everyone who voted — regardless of who they voted for — and thank everyone for their

patience as we fought to ensure that every vote was counted,” a joint statement said. “We thank Jessica Hughes, Christina Rusu, Karen Hirsch Romero, and Sara Rivka Khodadadian for putting themselves and their ideas forward to the voters. The Great Neck Library is a special place for all of us. We seek your input and your support for keeping the Great Neck Library a place of free expression, enrichment, opportunity, and growth.”

Hughes and Rusu previously filed objections to halt the count of proxy ballots. Ultimately, officials canvassed an additional 51 ballots resulting in victories for Hu, Lancman and Schader.

The challenges made by the two included ballots that had non-original signatures or no signature at all, incorrect dates and were handwritten or lacking time stamps, according to court documents.

Court documents said the machines’ results showed that Hughes led Hu by 250 votes, Rusu led Lancman by more than 150 votes and Khodadadian led Kim Schader by more than 190 votes.

Lancman and Hu, in a prior statement, said the approximately 300 proxy ballots that were counted

as of Nov. 2 resulted in Lancman leading by 22 votes, Hu’s deficit being reduced to 28 votes and Schader’s deficit reduced to 18 votes.

Lancman and Hu had criticized the lawsuit, while Hughes and Rusu said they launched the complaint to ensure election rules were being enforced and consistently applied.

“This lawsuit is a slap in the face to voters, library users, taxpayers, and the library’s professional staff.” Lancman and Hu said. “It is an extension of the vitriolic, disrespectful, scorched earth campaign which has been waged both in this election and, truth be told, against our civic institutions.”

“The rules of any election should be strictly enforced in order to avoid disenfranchisement of voters,” Hughes and Rusu said. “By seeking to have an unbiased review of the voting procedures conducted in this election we are seeking to protect voters and ensure that the democratic process was followed.”

The library district stretches from the Great Neck peninsula to North New Hyde Park and is comprised of the Main Library on Bayview Avenue along with the Lakeville, Parkville and Station branches.

Dalimonte touts oyster restoration project

Dalimonte met with Suffolk County Cornell Cooperative Extension team members to reassess the project’s progress on Nov. 18.

The group is running the program in collaboration with the Town and has extensive experience in similar projects across Long Island.

The group took a boat out into Manhasset Bay to assess the oysters. In August, they had dispatched two boats to place the oysters in three different locations, which officials have kept secret to prevent tampering.

The oysters are not only still alive, but they

have grown, the group said.

Their positive status is an indicator the project is working. Oysters, which improve water quality by filter feeding, could contribute to the solution. Each adult oyster can filter up to 50 gallons of water per day.

“Having and maintaining a thriving oyster population in one of North Hempstead’s most essential waterways will help to reestablish marine habitats,” said Dalimonte. “[It will] improve the quality of the water, provide economic stimulus by attracting visitors to nearby downtowns and ultimately enhance a desti-

nation that is beloved by residents across the greater North Hempstead community.”

In May, Lorne Brousseau, the Cornell Cooperative’s associate marine program director, explained the science behind the oyster restoration.

The oysters placed are spat. These are oyster larvae that have attached themselves to something, such as the surface of another oyster shell.

They will eventually grow into large groups known as oyster reefs or beds. The goal is for them to thrive and grow. More filtering,

2nd Precinct building destroyed by blaze

Continued from Page 10

Blakeman said there was no disruption in service following the fire and that officials also saved much of the evidence, weapons and important files. He said officials will work with the Eighth Precinct and will move some personnel there.

Blakeman added the Town of Oyster Bay has agreed to allow police to park their vehicles at the nearby Syosset-Woodbury Community Park. They will also bring trailers to the site to ensure continuing service until they build a new station.

Those making emergency calls should con-

tinue to dial 911. Residents who need to contact staff at the Second Precinct can do so at 516-573-6200.

“You will see the same amount of cars [outside the Second Precinct] that you see every day. The response will be exactly the same,” said Ryder. “Where it changes is when you come to this building. Right now, we’re asking you to go to the Eighth Precinct.”

The Second Precinct covers Bayville, East Norwich, Hicksville, Jericho, Lattingtown, Locust Valley, Oyster Bay, Plainview, Syosset, Westbury and Woodbury.

cleaner waterand a healthier ecosystem will arise.

“It doesn’t mean you just throw in a couple of thousand oysters and suddenly you have a pristine bay,” Brousseau said. “It’s something that will take time over many, many years, even decades. But if you get the oyster populations back, it will impact the long-term impact on the water quality.”

The team will return in spring 2023 for another evaluation. Following that, they will decide whether they should introduce more oysters into Manhasset Bay.

Herricks grad pleads guilty to Jan. 6 charges

Continued from Page 2

Trustee John O’Kelly was arrested for his actions during the Jan. 6 insurrection at the U.S. Capitol, according to the federal prosecutors.

O’Kelly, 66, is charged with felony charges of assaulting, resisting, or impeding law enforcement officers and interfering with law enforcement officers during a civil disorder, along with related misdemeanor offenses, officials said.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE CANDIDATES

Great Neck Library board President Liman Mimi Hu (left) and Rory Lancman (right) were declared victorious in a contentious library election on Monday.

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events in Great Neck schools

North High PTO & SDMC to host auditorium naming event on Dec. 11

The Great Neck North High School Parent Teach er Organization (PTO) and Shared Decision Making Committee (SDMC) will host a ceremony on Sunday, Dec. 11, 2022, to celebrate the naming of the North High School auditorium in honor of retired principal Bernie Kaplan. The event is scheduled for 11 a.m. at North High School, 35 Polo Rd., Great Neck. Past and present students, faculty, and parents are invited to attend the event, which will feature live perfor mances and speeches leading up to the unveiling of a plaque. For additional information, email the North High School PTO at gnnhsptsa2@gmail.com.

John F. Kennedy students, staf enjoy activi ties during Reading Week

From Nov. 14–18, elementary students at the John F. Kennedy School celebrated the building’s an nual Reading Week with this year’s theme, “Camp JFK Reads S’more.” The week included a variety of camp-themed activities and special guests to pro mote a love for reading.

One of the highlights of Reading Week was the Campfre Share activity, where classes gathered to gether around a “campfre” in the school gymnasium to hear read-alouds led by Assistant Principal Ai-Huei Chang-Lau and Coach Roger Telsey. Students also enjoyed read-alouds by mystery readers – including parents and teachers – who visited classes through out the week to share their favorite books.

Additional Reading Week activities included decorating Camp JFK t-shirts, reading in pajamas on

Pajama Day, and guest author visits. Two acclaimed children’s book authors/illustrators spoke with stu dents about their processes for developing creative stories and powerful illustrations. Students in prekin dergarten through second grade were treated to an assembly with author/illustrator David Biedrzycki, while third through ffth-grade students met with author/illustrator Chris Soentpiet.

Reading Week is an annual event at Kennedy School to support literacy initiatives and develop the students’ love of reading. Activities are coordinated by a Reading Week committee led by Andrea Ger stenblatt, library media specialist.

North High juniors attend leadership confer ence

On Nov. 17, fve juniors from North High School joined hundreds of other high school students from across Long Island at the 2022 Compassion Without Borders leadership conference at Centereach High School.

The goal of this annual conference is to encour age and inspire young leaders to make a diference in their schools and community. This year’s program, “Moving Ahead – Stronger Than Ever,” included a keynote speaker and breakout sessions for students to gain leadership experience while networking with their peers.

North High was the only high school from Nas sau County to participate in this regional event. Rep resentatives from North High were Ethan Bloom, Amitha Kumar, Matthew Shlomo, Lily Weiner, and Brooke Zar.

Sports

Vikings run aground against BPP

Lose for first time this season, 35-7, in Long Island championship game against Bayport-Blue Point

BY MICHAEL LEWIS

Sometimes, the other guys are just better.

You can plan and scheme and prepare and be as psyched as you possibly could be, ready to run through as many walls as need be.

But sometimes in sports, the opponent is just superior, and there’s not much you can do.

That was the feeling of North Shore football senior wide receiver Nicholas Livoti after last Friday’s Conference IV Long Island Championship game.

The Vikings came in undefeated and on a 19-game winning streak dating back to last season. They were the defending LIC champions, they were confident, and were facing Suffolk champ Bayport-Blue Point, making its debut in the LIC.

Unfortunately for the Nassau champs, BBP was superior. Taking control of the game in the second half after a close first half, the Phantoms ran away with a 35-7 win at Hofstra’s Shuart Stadium.

It was the first defeat in 20 games for North Shore, and ended a remarkable run of success the past two years.

“We lost to a real good team today, no shame in that,” Livoti said “We watched them on film, and the difference is they were a lot quicker, a lot tougher than we thought they would be.

“It’s disappointing but they played better than us (Friday).”

The Vikings looked like they were right there with BBP for the first half, as quarterback Peter Liotta threw a 39-yard touchdown pass to Livoti that tied the game at 7.

Down 14-7 at halftime, North Shore coach Dan Agovino said his squad still felt pretty confident.

“We were pretty happy with how we played to that point, played pretty strong defense, but that quarterback (Brady Clark) was able to avoid the sacks,” Agovino said. “But they just took over in the second half.” Clark, a St. John’s baseball commitment, was able to complete 10 of 14 passes for 166 yards and rushed 11 times for 85 yards. He threw touchdown passes in the third quarter to Michael Luce, and then early in the fourth to J.J. Aiello to put the game out of reach.

On defense, BBP was able to contain Liotta North Shore star running back Nick La Rosa. La Rosa was held to 81 yards rushing and no touchdowns, and the Vikings just couldn’t get any sustained drives deep into Bayport-Blue Point territory once the lead became large.

“We did have a few good drives but they had a couple 80-yard drives and we just weren’t able to get our offense on the field enough,” Agovino said.

Still, it was a sensational two-year run for North Shore, and Livoti said he and his fellow seniors took great pride in what they’ve done.

“We were upset at how it ended but we made so much history at our school,” Livoti said. “With the community being so great in supporting us, we feel really good about how much we accomplished.”

“These kids have proven that our foundation is here to stay,” Agovino said. “We’re losing six all-county starters, but we have a lot of good young kids coming back. We’re very excited about the future.”

PHOTO BY ADAM SOTIRYADIS

North Shore wide receiver Nicholas Livoti (2) looks to make a move during the L.I. Championship game on 11/25.