Great Neck 2023_06_23

G.N. names Bossert new superintendent

Ex-head of Elwood School District succeeds Teresa Prendergast

BY CAMERYN OAKES

The Great Neck Board of Education on Wednesday appointed Kenneth Bossert as the new superintendent of schools. He will begin his five-year term on Aug. 1.

Bossert has an expansive career in school administration. In taking the post as the Great Neck superintendent, he leaves behind his seven-year role as superintendent of the Elwood School District in Suffolk County.

Previously Bossert was the superintendent of schools at the Port Jefferson School District for five years, assistant superintendent at the Three Village Central School District for three years and principal at Eastport South Manor Elementary School.

Bossert started his educational career in 1995 as a Middle Country School District teacher.

He said he was not seeking out a new job venture when he was contacted by District Wise, the search consultant group used by the Great Neck School District to recruit a new superintendent.

“Knowing the standing of this institution and the educational community, I could not pass up the opportunity to become part of this team,” Bossert said.

He said Great Neck is a respected educational institution and a leader in education throughout the state and nation. He said it is an honor to not only lead the district but also to simply be a part of it and collaborate with the administration.

He said an expression he uses frequently is that “the race for excellence has no finish line,” and that is what he’ll apply to his role at the Great Neck Public Schools.

Board of Education President Rebecca Sassouni said that the board understood appointing a new superintendent would be the most significant decision they made and the legacy they leave upon the district. She said the board spent the last couple of months working to make the best decision possible, putting in hours of work.

Sassouni said the decision was made in collaboration among board members, utilizing districtwide focus groups to garner community input. She said appointing Bossert to the position was unanimous across the board of education.

“I’m confident that you will help to maintain and amplify those standards for the parent community, for the student community, for our professionals,

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Unopposed incumbents sweep G.N.-area elections

BY BRANDON DUFFY

Village of Great Neck Mayor Pedram Bral and Trustees Anne Mendelson and Steven Hope secured another two-year term after running

uncontested Tuesday night.

The village joins Lake Success, Russell Gardens and Kings Point where incumbents swept the ballots in uncontested races.

Bral secured 454 total votes

while Mendelson and Hope secured 430 and 415 votes respectively with a total of 1,337 votes cast.

“Thank you everybody who came out to vote even though it’s a

Continued on Page 42

PHOTO BY CAMERYN OAKES

Prendergast’s legacy remembered at funeral

Superintendent died from a brain aneurysm June 10

G.N. board passes resolution on fees

Bral, Mendelson thank village for support

BY JOSEPH D'ANDREA

A brief meeting Tuesday night in the Village of Great Neck saw the board pass two resolutions.

Among them was the unanimous approval of a reduction of fees for commercial properties from $1 per square foot to 25 cents for work to be done at 575 Middle Neck Road. The Building Department’s job is estimated to cover about 4,000 square feet.

Also on the agenda was the request of New York State to grant retroactive membership with their tier four status in the state and local employees’ retirement system in regard to a Village of Kensington government employee who was not previously offered the opportunity to join the retirement system. It was approved by the four present board members.

The meeting followed the village’s elections, where Mayor Pedram Bral and Trustees Anne Mendelson and Steven Hope were re-elected to two-year terms.

“We are looking forward to working with everyone,” Bral said Tuesday night. “There’s a lot of work to be done, and we’re going to continue making lots of changes.”

Mendelson also thanked those who came out to vote while Hope was absent from the meeting.

Bral, Mendelson and Hope received 454, 430 and 415 votes, respectively, with a total of 1,337 votes counted.

The board of trustees’ next meeting is planned to take place on July 11 at 7:30 p.m. in the Court Trailer, located at 767 Middle Neck Road.

BY CAMERYN OAKES

Teresa Prendergast’s passion for education started at a young age when she taught imaginary classrooms as a child and jokingly dealt out detentions to her sister.

That passion carried on throughout the remainder of her life as she was remembered as a passionate educator dedicated to her students at her funeral Saturday morning.

“She was a beacon of light in the world of education,” her son, Stephen Prendergast, said.

Former Great Neck Superintendent Prendergast, 60, died from a

ruptured brain aneurysm on June 10. She is survived by her husband, James Prendergast, and their three children: Stephen Prendergast, Kaitlin Gammel and Megan Prendergast.

Prendergast’s funeral was held Saturday morning at Our Lady of Lourdes Church in Malverne.

The song “Be Not Afraid” was sung by a performer as Prendergast’s coffin was carried by family members down the aisle to the front of the church. Many attendees joined in on the singing, filling the air with the Catholic song of hope and encouragement in challenging moments.

Prendergast’s son, Stephen, joined

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with his sisters to deliver the eulogy for their mother.

She was described by her son with a nymber of titles: educator, leader, friend, daughter, wife, mother and soon-to-be grandmother.

“In the end, she was more than just an educator, a leader, a mentor or a friend, to us, she was the greatest mother anyone could ever have,” he said. “Her love, wisdom and kindness have shaped us, guided us, and will continue to do so for the rest of our lives. We are who we are because of her, and for that we are forever grateful.”

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Contributing reporting by Brandon Duffy.

Continued on Page 41

PHOTO FROM THE ISLAND 360 ARCHIVES Village of Great Neck village hall.

PHOTO BY CAMERYN OAKES

Hundreds gather for the funeral of Teresa Prendergast at Our Lady of Lourdes Church Saturday morning.

Pride celebrated in Port Washington

Be The Rainbow holds third annual walk to support LGBTQ+ community, inclusivity

BY CAMERYN OAKES

With the pop of rainbow confetti, equipped with rainbow flags and clad in rainbow attire, dozens of children led the Be The Rainbow Pride Walk carrying a banner with hundreds of people following behind.

Community members gathered for Be The Rainbow’s third annual Pride Walk to celebrate Pride month and support the LGBTQ+ community Saturday.

Be The Rainbow is a Port Washington nonprofit organization founded by local parents to support the local LGBTQ+ community.

“Be The Rainbow” written in chalk on Port Washington’s bay walk. (Photo by Cameryn Oakes)

Melanie D’Arrigo, co-founder of Be The Rainbow, said that this year’s Pride Walk was especially important due to recent anti-LGBTQ legislation and the increased danger for LGBTQ+ youth.

“Unfortunately we are living in a world, in a country, where the LGBTQ community is under attack,” D’Arrigo said.

She said Be The Rainbow wanted the Pride Walk to bring attention to those issues for Port Washington community members to be aware of the polarization.

D’Arrigo said this June was monumental as the Town of North Hempstead officially declared June as Pride Month. This was achieved through a resolution presented by Councilwoman Mariann Dalimonte, whom D’arrigo thanked.

D’Arrigo said that purpose of Be The Rainbow and the Pride Walk is to show that Port Washington is inclusive for everyone.

The day before the walk, locals and community organizations gathered to “chalk the walk,” writing encouraging words and drawing illustra-

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tions along the bay walk for the parade to follow the next day.

PHOTO BY CAMERYN OAKES

Children lead the Be The Rainbow Pride Walk along the bay walk on Saturday.

Color clash between hospital titans

NYU Langone accuses Northwell Health of imitation in advertisements, building

BY BRANDON DUFFY

NYU Langone filed a lawsuit Thursday against Northwell Health accusing them of imitating their color scheme and using a similar shade of purple in their advertising and buildings to capitalize on Langone’s “substantial investment in its brand.”

Langone, which has a hospital in Mineola, alleges Northwell, based in New Hyde Park, intentionally copied their “unique” color and font in multiple forms of advertising–including billboards and digital ads–to exploit their reputation.

The lawsuit, filed in New York’s Southern District Court, accuses Northwell of engaging in “deceptive trade practices.”

Langone cited its placement in U.S. News & World Report’s 2022-2023 “Best Hospitals Honor Roll”, the top spot in New York and #3 in the nation, as evidence of its goodwill and reputation that Northwell has not achieved.

The lawsuit, which includes multiple side-by-side comparisons, alleges that Northwell has copied Langone’s advertising and marketing campaigns, color schemes, fonts, headline styles and visual identity.

“Northwell’s conduct is not only unfair, but by hitching its brand to NYU Langone, Northwell has created a likelihood of confusion as to the affiliation, connection, or association of Northwell with NYU Langone, to the detriment and harm of NYU Langone,” the lawsuit said.

Attorneys for Langone claim that Northwell “has bathed” its Peconic Bay Medical Center in Riverhead as the same or nearly the same purple that Langone uses.

Northwell Health’s Peconic Bay Medical Center in Riverhead. (Photo courtesy of the U.S. District Court Southern District of New York)

Northwell, which has 16 of its 21 hospitals on Long Island, is the state’s largest health care provider with over 85,000 employees.

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PHOTO COURTESY OF THE U.S. DISTRICT COURT SOUTHERN DISTRICT OF NEW YORK

Advertising used by NYU Langone, left, and Northwell Health, right.

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Blank Slate takes 7 press club awards

Willston Times voted No. 2 on LI, first in education coverage and 2nd, 3rd in editorial writing

BY BRANDON DUFFY

Blank Slate Media took home seven awards from the Press Club of Long Island for news, headline writing and commentary at the group’s annual gala Thursday night at the Woodbury Country Club in Westbury.

The publication, which puts out six weekly newspapers covering the North Shore, won first place in the category of education reporting, second place in best community weekly newspaper, editorial and government and politics reporting and third place in editorial, best headline and humor column.

“It’s nice to get recognition for the quality and effort we put into the coverage of our local communities,” editor and publisher Steven Blank said in an interview.

Blank Slate Media’s lone first-place award came from coverage of racial disparity in state aid for North Shore School districts by former reporters Robert Pelaez and Steven Keehner.

Two editorials by Steven Blank commenting on former Manhasset Superintendent Vincent Butera, who left the district following a 2020 investigation that found he violated the school district’s sexual harassment policy, and the cross-endorsement of Nassau County judges won third and second place awards, respectively.

Blank Slate Media won seven awards at the Press Club of Long Island’s annual gala on Thursday, June 15.

Blank said despite not having the same resources as other competing publications such as Newsday a commitment to doing a good job will always produce good journalism.

“A lot of it is about being smart with your resources, being efficient and determining what we’re going to cover,”

Oyster Bay Railroad Museum

Blank said. “We have to be selective in what we focus on.”

The Williston Times was awarded a second-place finish in the category of best community weekly newspaper while coverage of the timing of agenda postings before village meetings by Pelaez and reporter Brandon Duffy

earned second place in the government and politics category.

“It is an incredible honor to be recognized by the PCLI for our work,” Pelaez said in a statement. “Holding governments and educational institutions accountable is something the staff at Blank Slate takes pride in continu-

Psychology

ously and I am proud to have contributed to those efforts.”

Former reporter Steven Keehner won a third-place award in the best headline category for a story on a potential dog park in Great Neck’s Allenwood Park titled “Great Neck goes mutts over dog parks”

Columnist Judy Epstein, whose work has appeared in various newspapers since 1997, won third place in the humor category for her column “A Look on the Lighter Side: Who Needs Rules? Not These Players!”

“I am quite honored to be recognized for my work by the Press Club of Long Island, and delighted to be in the Blank Slate newspapers,” Epstein said in a statement.

The awards follow an impressive showing for the publication earlier this year in the New York Press Association’s Better Newspaper contest, where Blank Slate Media won six awards for their editorial page, advertising, design and reporting.

Blank Slate Media began operation in 2010 with the purchase of three newspapers – the Great Neck News, New Hyde Park Herald Courier and the Williston Times. The company ultimately grew to six newspapers with the opening of the Manhasset Times, Roslyn Times and Port Washington Times.

Dr. Tom Ferraro has specialized in sport psychology for 20 years and works in the fields of golf, tennis, soccer, baseball, football, wrestling, lacrosse, figure skating, gymnastics, softball, fencing and more. He has helped professional teams, Olympians and elite young athletes learn how to manage the intense pressure of competitive sports. He appears on both TV and radio and has sport psychology columns in 5 different newspapers and has been featured in The New York

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE ISLAND 360 ARCHIVES

2 0 2 3 S U M M E R C O N C E R T S E R I E S

PRESENTED BY THE VILLAGE OF GREAT NECK PLA

RESENT

F Tues

Free Concerts, Priceless Entertainment

sdays at 8 P.M. join us for a night of music under the stars at Firefighters Park*

DATES PERFORMANCES

June 27 The New Kindred Soul “Rockin’ Through The Decades 60’s - 80’s Pop & Rock Tunes”

July 5 Savannah Sky “Country Classics In The Park”

July 11 City Sound Music Featuring Jerome City Smith “Performing the Best in Disco, Motown, Rock and Pop”

July 18 Hokis Pokis “Doowop, Disco, Motown and Soul”

July 25 Joey and the Paradons “Singing Hits From the 50’s and 60’s”

August 1 Liverpool Shuffle “Fabulous Beatles Tribute Band”

August 8 Motown, The Sound of Detroit “All the Best Motown Hits”

August 15 Roni Shalom “International Singer”

August 22 Manhattan Skyline “All-Star Group With Former Members of The Capris, The Chimes, The Salutations and Lou Christie”

August 29 StreetFighter “The Best Rolling Stones Tribute Band on the Planet”

The concerts are presented with the cooperation of the Great Neck Park District.

The Village thanks our sponsors:

SEASON SPONSORS:

n Great Neck Diner

n Mindy Miles Greenberg, Douglas Elliman Real Estate

n Edna Mashaal Realty

n Philip A. Raices, Licensed Real Estate Broker, Consultant, Turn Key Real Estate

n Alin (Alain) Stangu, Associate Real Estate Broker, Daniel Gale Sotheby's International Realty

n Dr. Daniel D. Stern, D.D.S. & Dr. Shira Bernstein, D.D.S.

SUSTAINING SPONSOR:

n Metropolitan Commercial Bank

SPONSORS:

n Daruma of Tokyo

n David Emanuel, EES Entertainment Agency

n Ronald Fatoullah, Ronald Fatoullah & Associates

n The Grand Rehabilitation and Nursing Great Neck

n Nemat Development and Homes

n Northern Boulevard Collision

n Paul’s Auto Repair

n Richland Management, Co.

n Rosa's Pizzeria

Pamela Marksheid, Deputy Mayor Ted Rosen, Mayor Lawrence Katz, Deputy Mayor Alex (Siu Long) Au, Trustee Michael DeLuccia, Trustee

* Rain dates will be on the Thursday following the original date at 8 P.M., except for the June 27th concert when the rain date will be Wednesday, June 28th. During the week of July 3rd, the concert will be held on Wednesday, July 5th, with a rain date of Thursday, July 6th. For more information, please call (516) 482-4500.

SHAI celebrates Mother’s Day at Versace boutique

On the evening of May 10th, SHAI celebrated Mother’s Day in style at the Versace boutique at the Americana. Over 150 mothers, daughters, and granddaughters filled the beautiful space and enjoyed the new Versace Icons collection.

Among the many women in attendance that evening, SHAI was privileged to host Nassau County Legislator Mazi Melesa Pilip, Judge Segal Blakeman, Judge Mojgan Lancman, journalist Ellie Cohanim, SHAI President Erika Kashi, and community members Anna Hakakian, Jacqueline Harounian, Rachel Geula, Orli Shakooi, Rebecca Sassouni, Claudia Amirian, Margan Greenblatt, Parvaneh Khodadadian, Coreen Eitan, Edna Khalily, and Tania Eshaghoff.

Our SHAI women are also grateful for the support of the men of the community, including Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman, Officer Dolan, Mike Delafraz, Daniel Rabenou, and Shahruz Shahery, who were all present at the event.

SHAI President Erika Kashi introduced the theme for the evening, celebrating every woman as a Woman of Valor (in Hebrew “Eshet Hayil”).

Kashi spoke about the tremendous contribution made by our local women, each with unique gifts, talents, and accom-

plishments that strengthen their families and the community. In hosting the event at Versace, SHAI celebrated women putting their best foot forward, and the importance of giving back to the community, having a career and motherhood.

Nassau County Legislator Melesa Pilip inspired and empowered as she spoke from personal experience about maintaining a balance between motherhood and career.

Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman delivered a Mother’s Day message and awarded citations to Kashi and Khalily for their dedication and hard work on behalf of the community.

Versace generously donated ten percent of the proceeds from the event to SHAI. Everyone who made a purchase also received a copy of “Alisha’s Magical Red Lipstick,” a children’s book on fashion and women’s empowerment authored by Edna Khalily.

Everyone present ate, danced, shopped, and enjoy themselves. Delicious bites and refreshments were provided by Lederman Caterers.

At the end of the evening each woman left with a rose courtesy of Metro Florist. It was a terrific, uplifting, and glamorous evening celebrating women, motherhood, career, and fashion.

Spider-Man artist, Floral Park resident dies at 93

BY BRANDON DUFFY

John Romita Sr., the comic book artist best known for his work on “The Amazing Spider-Man” and for creating multiple Marvel Comics characters, died on June 13 in his Floral Park home. He was 93.

Romita’s son, John, who is also a comic book artist, announced his death on Twitter.

“I say this with a heavy heart, My father passed away peacefully in his sleep. He is a legend in the art world and it would be my honor to follow in his footsteps,” John said. “Please keep your thoughts and condolences here out of respect for my family. He was the greatest man I ever met.”

Romita was a “creative giant” that will be missed for kindness, grace and vision, Marvel said in a statement.

“Millions came to know Marvel through his art, and millions more came to know Peter Parker through the unmistakable bold brushwork Romita brought to his pages,” Marvel said. “Known fondly to many as ‘Jazzy’ John Romita in the Marvel Bullpen, his kindness, grace, and vision will always be remembered, and his influence will continue to shape generations of artists to come at Marvel and beyond.”

Romita co-created characters the Wolverine and Punisher during his decades-long career where he worked as Marvel’s art director from 1973 to his retirement in 1996.

The Brooklyn native followed Steve Ditko as the second artist on “The Amazing Spider-Man” in 1963, a series he collaborated on with Marvel Publisher Stan Lee.

Romita’s time working on Spidey saw the introduction of his civilian love interest Mary Jane Watson and villains Rhino, the Shocker and Kingpin.

Kevin Feige, the president of Marvel Studios and primary producer of the Marvel Cinematic Universe said Romita’s work was an inspiration to all.

“John Romita Sr. was an incomparable artist who brought so many iconic Marvel characters to life on the page and set

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Horses euthanized at Belmont Park

BY BRANDON DUFFY

Two horses were euthanized at Belmont Park over the weekend, one in the immediate race following the 155th running of the Belmont Stakes June 10.

Excursionniste sustained a catastrophic injury to his left front leg during Saturday evening’s 13th race and was humanely euthanized after being tended to by on-site veterinarians, Pat McKenna, NYRA vice president of communications, said in a statement.

The next day, Mashnee Girl, which was racing in the first race of the evening, also suffered an injury to her left front leg before being humanely euthanized as well.

Little Blue Bird Stables, which owned Excursionniste, said on Twitter they were “devastated” by the loss.

“There’s just no other word. He was our big, goofy, talented, crazy, 1 for 16 NYB superstar,” the tweet said.

GREAT NECK PLAZA SUMMER PROMENADES ARE BACK!

“We do everything as a team and will console as one for quite a while.”

The two fatal injuries over the weekend are the third and fourth to happen during racing at Belmont Park’s spring and summer meet this year, which started May 4.

“NYRA’s comprehensive safety strategy is informed by the most advanced science and research in consultation with independent experts, veterinarians and horsemen,” McKenna said. “The health and safety of horses and jockeys competing at NYRA tracks is our highest priority and one that stands above all other considerations.”

Churchill Downs, home of the Kentucky Derby, suspended operations last month in the wake of 12 horses dying in May. On the day of the 148th Preakness Stakes in Baltimore, last month, one horse was euthanized after the sixth race of the evening.

McKenna said the cir-

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PHOTO COURTESY OF WIKIMEDIA COMMONS

John Romita, Sr., comic book artist best known for his work on Marvel Comics’ ‘The Amazing Spider-Man’ at the 2006 San Diego Comic-Con International.

2 possible routes for housing in Nassau

In New York City, the housing crisis has helped drive 80,000 people into homeless shelters.

Mayor Eric Adams has grown so frustrated by the record number of people experiencing homelessness that he is threatening to do away with the city’s mandate to give shelter to anyone who asks for it. In other words, just let them live in the streets.

Meanwhile, rents have been driven sky high for everyone – even by New York City standards.

In Nassau County, a shortage of housing in the state, estimated at 800,000 units, makes living here unaffordable for many first-time homeowners and difficult for older residents seeking to downsize.

The lack of housing also makes it harder for employers to fill job openings and attract talented young people and business districts to fill empty storefronts.

Think taxes are driving people out of New York? Guess again.

The leaders of New York’s Assembly and Senate recently refused to support Gov. Kathy Hochul’s plan for a 3% increase in housing units over three years.

The plan, which would allow the state to step in if local governments were not reaching her goal, was met by furious opposition in the suburbs led by Nassau County’s elected officials from both parties.

They argued that local officials, with their knowledge of the area’s history and residents, were in a better position to evaluate proposals for new housing.

The officials, including Mineola Mayor Paul Pereira, said the same thing Friday at the annual Smart Growth Awards hosted by Vision Long Island, an advocacy group for development.

But unlike many officials who opposed Hochul’s plan, Periera has had a hand in the actual construction of housing.

Village of Mineola officials have over the past 10 years approved projects that have produced more than 1,300 transitoriented housing units as part of a downtown revitalization effort surrounding the LIRR station there.

The village followed that with zoning changes which allow multifamily residential, mixed-use buildings, assisted-

living residences, hotels and event spaces — something recognized by Vision Long Island.

Pereira and his fellow Mineola trustees agreed to loosen the village’s zoning by facing reality and acknowledging that there would be no return to the business districts of the past.

The village’s new zoning laws are a plan for the future.

The question is how many other towns and villages in Nassau County will follow them?

If history is a good guide, not many.

From 1950 to 1970, Nassau County’s population grew from 672,765 to 1.43 million people, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. But since 1970, Nassau’s population has declined by 32,306.

This did not happen by accident. Nassau County has some of the most restrictive zoning laws in the country.

North Hempstead’s population has followed the same pattern as the county. It increased from 142,613 to 235,087 in 1970. Since then in the past 52 years, the population of the town has grown by less than 3,000 to 237,639.

And among 32 counties in New York City and its suburbs, Suffolk ranked 32nd and Nassau ranked 31st in the number of housing permits issued from 2010 to 2020, according to a Regional Plan Association report last year.

A good part of this lack of new housing can be explained by the local control of zoning touted by local officials, many of whom are still in charge.

Local officials have often responded to residents who actually benefit financially from the shortage of housing, which in Nassau drives up the values of residents’ homes. That’s what they call supply and demand.

Either intentionally or not, local zoning laws have also often worked against racial diversity. This may explain why Nassau remains one of the most racially segregated counties in the country. And why affordable housing has become a code word for some.

Vision Long Island Executive Director Eric Alexander, who has been a leading voice for development on Long Island over the past 20 years, says the picture may not be as bad as the numbers indi-

cate.

He questions both the Census Bureau numbers and state numbers used by Hochul to track growth in Nassau. He cites state numbers only showing 300 of the 1,300 housing units that Mineola had recently added as an example.

Many people have criticized the Trump administration’s handling of the 2020 census. But were the census numbers in 2010, 2000, 1990 and 1980 also wrong when they told a similar story?

That would be a real scandal considering the many ways census numbers are used to determine how the federal government allocates money and representation in Washington. New York just lost another congressional seat when it fell 89 residents short of the needed population to keep 28 house seats.

It is also possible that there were errors in counting housing units by the Hochul administration.

But we wouldn’t base public policy changes on a miscount in Mineola and a gut reaction to the census.

Alexander is on firmer ground when presenting development success stories across Long Island.

In his role of promoting smart growth, Alexander and Vision Long Island presented an impressive array of developments in Nassau and Suffolk

counties as well as plans for sewers and transportation.

We hope the many elected officials in attendance took note of the many different types of developments that can be used to increase housing, reinvigorate downtown business districts and increase the quality of life in their communities.

The officials also received a clear message on the challenges faced in gaining public support for projects and how to overcome them.

Vision Long Island rightfully gave the Village of Mineola high marks for its extensive engagement with the public. And doing what is needed to attract developers.

“We congratulate Village Mayor Paul Pereira and Village Trustees on these new districts and their understanding of the need to give developers options and clarity to enable them to develop downtowns and the business district in such a way that benefits the community,” Vision Long Island said in an event journal.

Also receiving high marks was another North Shore municipality, the City of Glen Cove, where RXR’s Garvies Point project is transforming the waterfront area from eyesore to destination.

So, at least some officials are walking the walk when it comes to encouraging the construction of housing.

Vision Long Island gets much credit as well for promoting the positive steps taken around Long Island and providing a map for others to follow.

But questions remain. How many municipalities are willing to take the steps necessary to promote the construction of new housing units? And how long will it take for them to make it happen?

New York is in the midst of a serious housing crisis. And every tool needs to be considered to combat it. That includes a hard look at rent control in New York City – an idea that is long past its expiration date.

We would like to think that enough governments are getting Vision Long Island’s message to address Nassau County’s housing needs.

But if not, there should be a plan B from the state.

Hochul’s original plan called for state intervention only if local governments failed to meet the goal of increasing housing units by 3%

For North Hempstead that would mean the construction of 2,364 housing units over three years – 788 a year.

Based on what local officials said in opposing Hochul’s plans, that shouldn’t be a problem. If they actually meant what they said about providing the best answers to the housing problem.

Nuclear secrets, war plans and cowards

Donald Trump is facing charges of putting our military men and women in danger.

A federal indictment shows the former president mishandling, hiding, and flaunting America’s most dangerous secrets including nuclear secrets and war plans. There has been very little push back from members of the Republican Party, even in the face of Trump’s documented admissions of guilt as memorialized by one of his own attorneys.

For example, in paragraph 54 of the indictment, Trump made the following statement to one of his attorneys after being told that he needed to demonstrate compliance in response to the May 11 subpoena regarding any remaining classified documents that remained at his residence:

“I don’t want anybody looking. I don’t want anybody looking through my boxes, I really don’t. I don’t want you looking through my boxes. Well, what if we, what happens if we just don’t respond at all or don’t play ball with them? Wouldn’t it be better if we just told them we don’t have anything here? Well look isn’t it better if there are no documents?”

No analysis necessary. It is all there. He was playing “hide and seek” with regulators and his own lawyers.

It appears that a large segment of the Republican Party, traditionally super supportive of law enforcement, has decided that Mr. Trump is above the law despite his alleged

crimes of betrayal against the U.S. If you recall, 21 House Republican ingrates, many of whom never miss an opportunity to express how strongly they “back the blue,” voted against awarding the Congressional Gold Medals to the officers who responded so valiantly to the Jan. 6th assault on democracy.

There are men and women who have declared their candidacy for 2024 and refuse to wholeheartedly condemn Trump’s actions regarding our nation’s top secrets. With few exceptions they act like cowards running for second place, refusing to confront the frontrunner with the truth, and defend the Constitution like the true patriots they pretend to be.

As for his intractable base, Trump repeatedly says, “In the end, they’re not coming after me. They’re coming after you — and I’m just standing in their way.” Sadly, with true believers objective truth is always runner-up to Trump’s lies.

Trump continues to cultivate the ground to incite political violence. It is the same messaging, in the same ballpark as “be there, will be wild” and “stand back and stand by.” It is always Trump dropping his moldy bread crumbs, often through innuendo, and playing martyr for his adoring acolytes, who deep down he detests.

Messaging like this serves two purposes for Trump. First, to justify hundreds going to jail after Jan. 6, when he returned to his swanky se-

cret document depot at Mar-a-Lago. Second, to galvanize his domestic terrorist troops for combat in the face of a cascade of indictments that have come and are coming his way. Much of Trump’s base exists in an echo chamber and believe Trump’s lies. So much for critical thinking. Maybe the book banning crowd eliminated critical thinking from the curriculum as well. Most of the republicans in Congress know better. Nevertheless, the political capital and lure of the grift is so great, as well as the potential for authoritarian power it can bring, that it is more than enough for them to crush democracy through any means necessary, including threats of terror and acts of violence.

Someone with the screen name 1776take2 wrote on the pro-Trump messaging board known as “The

Donald,” “MAGA will make Waco look like a tea party, I’m not laughing any more. Just buying more ammo.”

Trump’s defenders adhere to the principle that if the facts are against you, pound the law. If the law is against you, pound the facts. And if both are against you, pound the table. For example, failed Arizona gubernatorial candidate and Trump sidekick Kari Lake leads the way, playing on people’s deep-seated grievances, with ominous warnings for those who would dare hold Donald Trump accountable for his blatant criminality.

“I have a message tonight for Merrick Garland, and Jack Smith, and Joe Biden,”Lake said during a speech to Georgia Republicans on June 9. “If you want to get to President Trump, you’re going to have to go through me, and you’re going to have to go through 75 million Americans just like me. And I’m going to tell you, most of us are card-carrying members of the NRA. That’s not a threat, that’s a public service announcement.”

Do I need to spell it out? She is not hinting at anything. She is unabashedly threatening opponents of Trump with gun violence. Trump and his political allies like the unhinged Lake have no shame.

On Instagram, Donald Trump Jr.’s fiancé Kimberly Guilfoyle posted a photo of the former president with the words, “Retribution Is Coming,” in all capital letters.

“Eye for an eye,” wrote Rep. Andy Biggs, Republican of Arizona, in a post on Twitter on June 9.

These are all people, if the tables were turned and the same scenario regarding criminal mishandling of classified documents were played out under a democrat president, would be up in arms calling for that president’s head. No doubt about it. But this is not about justice or allegiance to the Constitution or fidelity to the American people. It is only about money and power.

Fomenting violence is the next step in Trump’s arsenal, as it was on Jan. 6. He has more than enough confederates in the U.S. Congress and certain media outlets to help him amplify the message that gives organized groups and lone wolves the opportunity to stew and plan.

Trump is leading the way toward a path of normalizing politicallyinspired violence, all in the service of maintaining his immunity. He has always been impervious to the law. He is creating a permission structure for violence and he does not believe anyone can stop him. Can we?

Read the full text of the Trump indictment in classified documents case: https://www.washingtonpost.com/nationalsecurity/2023/06/09/ indictment-document-trump-classified-documents-pdf/

Suburban Dems emerge as power brokers

During the past 50 plus years, there has been a political tug-of-war between upstate and downstate interests. The competition between the regions is historic and every so often it erupts because of some major issue. But while the two sides are often jockeying for power, a new political force has emerged, namely, the suburbs. Because the regions of Westchester, Nassau and Suffolk have over 5 million residents, they have become a force to be reckoned with.

The emergence of the suburbs as a power started when the suburban Republicans controlled nine seats in the state Senate. For four-plus years, the “Long Island Nine” had enormous influence in Albany. They were able to produce record amounts of school aid and stopped the Senate from passing legislation that gave the city too much power. Once the local Republicans lost their clout in 2018, the city legislators advanced their own agenda and ignored the suburbs completely.

When Gov. Kathy Hochul announced her executive budget in January, she proposed a major housing initiative, which would override local zoning. When it comes to home rule, there is no place in the state that gets more sensitive than the suburbs. Within minutes of the announcement of her housing plan, the Long Island Democrats told the governor that they would not let it happen.

Shortly thereafter, the Democrats in the three suburban counties announced their joint opposition. In the next four months, the suburban Democratic delegation also came out against an increase in the MTA payroll tax. Knowing that the bail reform issue did a great deal of political damage to suburban Democrats, the newly empowered group announced that they would support the governor’s proposal to give judges more discretion in setting bail.

Up to this year, the New York City Democrats wielded most of the power in Albany and didn’t give

much respect to the out-of-city legislators. But it didn’t take a meeting with Albert Einstein for the city Democrats to realize that last year’s loss of legislative seats could lead to more losses in the future and maybe the majority. There is a handful of city members who have no regard for suburban issues and one city As-

sembly member even threatened a hunger strike in opposition to any bail reform. But the suburban Democrats prevailed and stopped a whole bunch of progressive programs from passing and got their way on bail return and taxes.

The success of the suburban Democrats is no accident. The votes of suburban residents all over the country have become a key to Democratic victories in places like Pennsylvania, Georgia and Arizona. At least five United State senators owe their victory to a strong turnout that favored the Democrats. The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee has budgeted $45 million to challenge the four local Republican Congress members, because their four votes could shift the balance of power in the House back to the Democrats.

Can the suburban Democrats continue to wield power in the years to come? The answer is yes. Many fresh campaign dollars have been flowing into the Democratic legisla-

tive committees and it is anticipated that more will come. City Democrats will continue to propose millionaire’s taxes and other regressive ideas and the votes of the suburban Democrats are needed to stop these crazy ideas from becoming law. Taxes on billionaires is a good idea but other city legislator tax ideas hit suburban residents very hard.

The idea that suburban Democrats have any power is very much a surprise. Even though the upstate delegations are mostly Republican, the Legislature has been aware of the fact that the upstate is in serious financial trouble and can’t afford to be saddled with any tough laws or ideas. When a new minimum wage law was proposed, provision was made for a delay in the effective date of the law for upstate businesses.

What makes politics so interesting is that no one can predict who the next power brokers will be. But for now, the players are the three regions and nothing is going to change that equation very soon.

Battle hymn of the shy, awkwark introverts

The shy, socially awkward and introspective are often marginalized, bullied, devalued and scapegoated by their more outgoing peers, but it is not clear why. The best-selling book “Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can’t Stop Talking”” by Susan Cain addresses this problem so compellingly that her Ted Talk on introversion has been seen by over 33 million viewers.

Her thesis rests upon the assumption that a third of the population, the introverts, want to get far from the maddening crowd to find some peace, solitude and time to think. However, since we now live in a culture of personality which embraces narcissism and showiness, the quiet ones get scapegoated and are the easy targets of abuse. This psychological dynamic accounts for most of the bullying in our schools.

Cain goes on to suggest that most of the creative output in any culture comes from the introverts who seek solitude and time to think and this quiet often results in epiphanies, revelations and inventions which the culture benefits from.

Introverts don’t mind doing things alone.

Wasn’t it Moses who went up “into the mountain 40 days and 40 nights” and returned with the revelation of the Ten Commandments. Jesus entered the desert and fasted in solitude for 40 days and 40 nights, refused the

EARTH MATTERS

temptations of the devil and thus began his ministry.

In fact, nearly every saint who’s been canonized has a story of seeking a lonely place to find spiritual enlightenment. Saint Francis of Assisi only became enlightened after he was locked away in a prison for a year.

Buddha may be the most famous story of a spiritual mystic who renounced secular life and wandered alone and in solitude to find enlightenment.

I am certain that all these mystics and saints were introverts and found comfort and insight through solitude and who later returned to the world to share their knowledge. One of the world’s great philosophers was Friedrich Nietzsche and his classic text

“Thus Spoke Zarathustra” is the story of Zarathustra, who went up into the mountains for 10 years and returned with a new view of man’s purpose, which is to devote one’s life all to the improvement of mankind. His views on the meaning of life influenced the birth of existentialism and harkened in the announcement that “God is dead.”

There are many examples and sources of support for the introverts’ character. Henry David Thoreau wrote

“Walden,” which was about his year of living with solitude in the woods near Walden Pond.

Dante began “The Divine Comedy” with a scene of himself alone in the woods at midlife where he then meets up with the poet Virgil.

And one of the greatest writers in literary history, Marcel Proust, is a man who lived alone and in solitude his entire life in a small apartment in Paris and produced “In Search of Lost Times,” which is one of the great literary masterpieces.

We live in a world which values the garrulous, outspoken charismatic actor, comic, politician or business person. These are the hyper-competitive, socially gifted non-contemplative types who get most of the glory. But one ought not forget that these stars are often reading from a teleprompter, which has a script written by an introverted writer whose name you will never see.

So let’s hear it for the quiet ones, who are shy, decent, cooperative, inventive, creative and who in the final analysis are the ones who make all the breakthroughs in science, literature, film and art.

Good, bad and the ugly from state Legisature

New York State’s legislative session ended last week. There was good news, OK news and future bad news.

Good news first — the Legislature passed the Birds and Bees Protection Act. This bill would ban unnecessary uses of neonicotinoid pesticides, including seed treatments for soy, wheat, and corn as well as lawn and garden uses. Neonicotinoids are extremely toxic pesticides that are linked to declines in insects and birds, broad water contamination and negative health impacts in humans.

The EPA recently released a study finding that three neonicotinoid chemicals jeopardize the continued existence of over 200 federally threatened or endangered species. This represents 11% of all listed endangered species and essentially admits that the EPA’s approvals of the pesticides broadly violated the Endangered Species Act.

Support for the Birds & Bees Protection Act came from a wide range of environmental, health, garden, social justice, and farm groups. The bill now goes to Gov. Kathy Hochul’s desk for

signature, and support will again be needed in the fall to counteract opposition from pesticide manufacturers.

In OK news, the Legislature again passed the Class C Streams Bill. Last year Hochul vetoed the bill. The bill was designed to protect New York’s streams by putting them under the supervision of the state’s Department of Environmental Protection.

Waters in New York State are assigned a class based on their use. Class C streams are designated to allow fisheries and other non-contact activities, such as picnicking, fishing, camping, and marine life study. More than 5 million New Yorkers get drinking water from small streams, which also replenish groundwater aquifers around the state.

Currently unregulated Class C streams can be subject to polluting activities. By putting these streams under the DEC’s purview, the state can better protect this valuable resource, estimated at 41,000 miles of stream corridors. Again, support will be needed when this bill reaches the governor’s desk this fall.

JENNIFER WILSON-PINES Earth Matters

And the future bad news. The Dogs on the Beach bill did not reach the floor for a vote, but it will come back in the fall. This is being pushed by a group on Long Island, but would affect all New York State parks, excluding the Catskills and Adirondacks. State Sen. Monica Martinez (D—Bay Shore) and State Assemblyman Steve Stern (D—Melville) are co-sponsoring the legislation.

The dog group whines about “people being banned from beaches,” but only those obsessed with taking their dogs everywhere are restricting themselves. I have two rescue dogs, and they have a happy life, but it doesn’t include taking them to places where they would present a threat to birds and wildlife, traumatize people who have been frightened by badly behaved dogs, and leave their reminders in places where families with children play. It’s impossible to clean up feces 100% and no dog owners clean up pee – not what you’d want to build a sand castle.

While the bill would require dogs to be on leash and owners to clean up, enforcement would be difficult. I was recently in a park that allows dogs on a leash. On the trails, I encountered nine dogs and their owners. Zero dogs were leashed, and several were clearly not under the owner’s voice control. I also didn’t see any owners wading into the woods to pick up either.

I’ve also witnessed dog owners deliberately sending their dogs to chase birds and wildlife, aggressively excusing their dog’s bad behavior, refusing

to leash up when requested and generally acting as if they and their pets have more rights than other park goers. Unfortunately, it’s not a case of a few bad apples, but a lot of people who don’t think the rules apply to them.

The dog pushers don’t understand that winter doesn’t mean the beaches are empty. Fishermen, surfers, birders, and walkers use the beaches all year round. As do shore birds. Even out of breeding season, thousands of shorebirds are feeding along the beaches. Shorebirds cannot differentiate between leashed dogs and unleashed dogs, nor can they differentiate between dogs and other predators like foxes and coyotes. Numerous studies have proven that while the presence of humans is disturbing, human presence is far less disturbing to birds than dogs.

Dogs currently are permitted in scores of public spaces on Long Island. Many local governments have established dog parks for pet dogs and more are planned. Given the ecological sensitivity of state beaches and the ready availability of alternative sites this is a selfish and ill-conceived idea.

Heights, NY 11577.

DR. TOM FERRARO Our Town

PHOTO BY TOM FERRARO

Biden renews calls for immigration reform

On the day he became president on Jan. 20, 2021, Joe Biden sent a Comprehensive Immigration Bill to Congress that included a pathway to citizenship for Dreamers, people with temporary status, farm workers, and essential workers who risked their own lives during the COVID public health crisis, while strengthening labor protections for all workers.

It would implement smarter border protection solutions, add resources to clear court backlogs (years long), speed up processing, while prioritizing keeping families together. It would address the root cause of migration from Central and South America and insure the United States remains a refuge for those fleeing persecution.

The president reintroduced the bill May 11, when Title 42 expired that and was widely expected to trigger a migrant “invasion.”

By averting the predicted border crisis Republicans had hyped and hoped for when Title 42 was lifted, Biden has demonstrated the benefits of expanding legal pathways for safe, orderly migration instead of having to deal with unlawful entry at the border.

But there are those whose focus is to maintain the cruelty and brutality of a purposefully dysfunctional immigration system.

Anti-immigration crusades have erupted periodically in American history, most notably after the projects of

Hochul’s bad judge choices

Gov. Kathy Hochul recently filled 19 vacant judgeships which had been vacant for months. Her nominees were notified two days in advance. State senators were notified one day before being asked to vote. Rather than voting on each nominee individually based upon qualifications, all 19 were combined under one vote. There was no time allocated for any hearings or review of nominees’ credentials.

Hochul and State Senate majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins promised honest, open, transparent and above-board government. Just like their predecessors, it is business as usual with the Albany Democratic State Party clubhouse machine. Nothing has changed, except that the “three men in the room” is now two woman plus Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie.

Larry Penner Great Neck

an industrializing America — the transcontinental railroad, skyscrapers, factories, roads, bridges and coal mines that waves of immigrants were here brought to build — were completed. Once built, the laborers were regarded as a threat to the livelihoods of native-born workers but more significantly the entrenched political power structure. All of a sudden, there was concern about the influx of “alien” culture and ideas (unions) – Catholics, Jews, Italians, Irish, Mexicans, Caribbeans, Latin Americans, Socialists! Communists! Bolsheviks!

But the anti-immigrant argument of protecting American workers doesn’t hold water now because we have a serious labor shortage, especially as the birthrate has declined while people are living longer (a factor in inflation that Republicans love to weaponize).

The anti-immigrant fervor today is mostly motivated because Republicans fear that if immigrants are granted citizenship, they will be a voting bloc for Democrats. That’s why the white nationalists who now dominate the Republican Party refuse to even legalize the status of Dreamers, who only know the United States as their home, but who are forced to live in insecurity over jobs, education, healthcare, deportation.

So instead, the white nationalists are overturning child labor laws and forcing women to give birth to supply cheap labor.

Beyond their refusal to work con-

KAREN RUBIN View Point

structively to pursue concrete solutions, Republicans in Congress and their allies in the states are pushing an agenda that is making things worse at the border.

“When President Biden took office two years ago, he inherited an immigration system that the prior administration had gutted,” Ian Sams, special assistant to the president, wrote in a memo. “The prior administration wasted critical resources on an ineffective border wall [and cruel family separations], encouraged irregular migration by cutting off lawful pathways and abandoning efforts to improve conditions in the region that drive migration. Increased migration in the hemisphere, which began in 2018, has continued to rise as a result of ongoing political upheaval, economic crises, and criminal violence that went unad-

dressed by the prior administration.

“On top of a comprehensive immigration reform bill that he introduced on Day One of his administration –which Congressional Republicans have blocked– President Biden has taken action on a plan to address these issues –and it is working.”

The Biden administration secured record levels of funding for border security, which enables U.S. law enforcement to catch record amounts of fentanyl and supports 23,000 agents to secure the border and apprehend smugglers. House Republicans voted against border security funding in FY22 and FY23, and House Oversight Committee Chair James Comer said he wanted to cut off all funding for border security.

The current administration requested $4.9 billion for border security and management — to expand detention capacity, provide medical services, help track migrants as they await their immigration proceedings, ramp up removal flights and move migrants out of cities that are facing a significant surge. But the Republican Congress authorized only half.

While the Biden administration is expediting the immigration process to quickly remove individuals who don’t have a lawful basis to stay, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott is instead busing (trafficking, you could say) unvetted migrants to New York and other cities across America bollixing this effort.

Like Abbott, Republican governor

and presidential wannabe Ron DeSantis of Florida is using and abusing asylum-seekers for his own political gain, actually committing unlawful human trafficking (breaking the law he just signed!), by luring them onto buses and charter planes with promises of jobs and housing, and dumping them without warning or preparation on the doorstep of “blue” governors and mayors. (Meanwhile his draconian anti-immigrant laws are driving migrants to leave Florida, causing havoc for employers.)

Some 20 Republican-led states have filed a federal lawsuit to block the administration’s parole program – effectively seeking to shut down a lawful pathway that is working so that more will be forced to make unlawful crossings that strain border communities.

The Republicans need to be exposed and punished for their cynical, cruel crusade aimed at sabotaging effective, humane, comprehensive immigration reform so essential to sustaining economic progress, not to mention the myths we love to wrap ourselves in of the “American Dream,” “Beacon on a Hill,” “Land of Opportunity,” and of course, “American Exceptionalism.”

“Let us come together again in a bipartisan way to fix our broken immigration system for good,” Biden declared in his Immigrant Heritage Month proclamation for June. “Until the Congress acts, my administration will keep using every tool we have to make the system more orderly, safe, and humane.”

Each day we awaken to the first golden rays of dawn. That we are spiraling through the dark silences of space has never been other than a miracle to me.

To stand before the last moments of darkness and watch the sun’s wind fill the world with its light as a sail is though I have never seen anything so beautiful. All the colors suddenly flow through the streets and into the city. I’ve seen the cobalt blue, yellow, and orange so often yet still feel its mystery slowly seep through the air until nothing else seems so real or wonderful.

I am again a child standing in the garden remembering what’s forgotten, all the secrets of light. Life again takes on that dreamy quality—precise and clear, above and all around.

I have no idea why this particular sun is ours or has a Goldilocks Zone—harboring the conditions that favor life. The proper wavelengths and right amount of warmth, not too much of the longer and shorter possibilities that fry biology. As if there should be something like this between us as we cross the darkness on our journey alone. Before the late afternoon shadows absent-mindedly continue to lengthen at dusk, let me say this with gratitude for those who don’t know me.

I like to remember that even as I sleep the sun is shredding darkness all the time. Countless eruptions release all the light that makes for happiness, we live in the garden.

Stephen Cipot

Author’s Note:

In retrospect, in one sense this may appear to be a Midrashic poem though not the intent. The sun emits all the wavelengths, from the longest to the shortest, which of course includes the invisible wavelengths as well the visible wavelengths of light.

The sun’s spectrum is caused or generated by nuclear fusion where atoms are combined and make other atoms and elements, the process releases huge amounts of energy covering the full spectrum.

All atoms and elements in the universe are believed to have been created within suns in this manner, beginning with the so-called Big Bang—which goes for saying that we are made of stardust.

My friend and colleague, Dr. James Haklar, likes to expand on astrophysics and share his expertise and astrophotos. Here’s a composite photo he created that shows our sun in three wavelengths: White Light (using a filter transmitting light at around 540 nanometers); Hydrogen Alpha (light at 656.28 nanometers); and Calcium K (light at 393.4 nanometers).

White light is simply the result to our eyes of all the wavelengths combined, and for us what comprises visible light is a small part of the total spectrum emitted by our sun.

Hydrogen is by far the most abundant element in the sun, which is why it mostly appears yellow/orange to the unaided eye.

PHOTO COMPOSITE BY DR. JAMES HAKLAR

Game on for Autism raises more than $50K for JCC

On Sunday, June 3, members, staff, and supporters of Sid Jacobson JCC –the only full-service JCC on Long Island’s North Shore – raised more than $50,000 for Camp Kehilla, SJJCC’s camp for children with special needs, during a fun afternoon of community flag football.

Jared and Jocelyn Wasserman, organizers, along with Sid Jacobson JCC Executive Director David Black

Now in its second year, “Game on for Autism,” was brought together by Jocelyn Wasserman (an SJJCC board member) and her husband, Jared, in response to the needs of their own family in an effort to help others.

More than 300 people showed up to the Park At East Hills on a sunny Sunday afternoon to play tag football

and show support for the Wassermans and other SJJCC families who want their children to have the camp experience of a lifetime by helping Camp Kehilla fund a brand new playground set.

“After the first year was a success, we wanted to continue to bring the community together for a fun day to help families with special needs,” said Wasserman. “We are so overwhelmed and grateful for the outpouring of love and support from this years event. We are so happy that GAME ON For Autism could raise over $50,000 to build a sensory playground that will enhance children’s summer experience at Camp Kehilla.

Our children with special needs also deserve a traditional summer camp experience and Camp Kehilla provides this in a warm, nurturing environment. We feel so good about the outcome of the second annual Game On and look forward to bringing it back next year.”

“We are so grateful to Jocelyn and her entire family for all of their efforts in not only pulling together this wonderful event but for directing all of the donations to Camp Kehilla – a place where kids of all abilities can enjoy a fun and relaxing summer experience,” said Amanda Foglietta, Sid Jacobson JCC’s director of the Sandler Family

Kehilla Center. “The afternoon at the park was joyous, filled with love and laughter, and everyone there knew all of the work was going towards such a fulfilling mission, which made it even more special!”

Camp Kehilla is designed to make the typical camp experience accessible to those with various special needs. The camp, which operates on the grounds of the Henry Kaufman Campgrounds in Wheatley Heights, allows for a customized summer for children ages 5-21 years with developmental disabilities, Autism spectrum disorder, and/or other neurodevelopmental conditions.

DeSena celebrates grand opening of Root & Sprig

North Hempstead

Town Supervisor Jennifer DeSena recently joined restauranteur Tom Colicchio, Catholic Health President and CEO Patrick O’Shaughnessy, along with other members of Catholic Health to celebrate the grand opening of Root & Sprig.

Root & Sprig was founded by Colicchio and recently opened in St. Francis Hospital & Heart

Zuckerman attends Herricks Fund carnival

Council Member Peter Zuckerman recently attended the Herricks Community Fund Carnival on Wednesday, June 7.

The carnival takes place every year and helps to raise money for the Herricks Community Fund, a non-profit organization that

provides financial support for programs, projects and educational enrichment for people of all ages in Herricks.

To learn more about the Herricks Community Fund, visit www.herricks.org/domain/33

JCC’s Israelfest draws 3,500 to park

Sid Jacobson JCC’s “Israelfest” Draws 3,500 to Eisenhower Park for the First Time Since the Pandemic

Center, where they aim to deliver bold flavors and friendly service to patients, visitors, and employees while calling attention to the crucial role that food plays in health.

DeSena commended all involved on the successful grand opening and thanked them for their immeasurable contributions to helping the residents of the Town of North Hempstead.

Joy Fu Father’s Day celebration

North Hempstead Supervisor Jennifer DeSena and Council Members Peter Zuckerman, Veronica Lurvey, and Mariann Dalimonte attended the Joy Fu Senior Program’s Father’s Day gathering at North Hempstead Beach Park on June 12.

The event was co-sponsored by the Chinese American Association of North Hempstead.

The Joy Fu Senior Program provides residents with a variety of activities each week including ping pong, Mah Jong, chess, arts & crafts, exercise and cultural education. Meetings

After a hiatus, Israelfest returned on June 11 to Eisenhower Park

PHOTO COURTESY OF JOCELYN WASSERMAN

Pictured left to right Iona Davis, Gary Davis, Rose McCarthy and Council Member Peter Zuckerman

PHOTO COURTESY OF STEPHANIE FAUST

are held throughout the year at Michael J. Tully Park.

North Hempstead Town Board members with members of the Joy Fu Senior Program.

Bringing forosoco sound to The Space at Westury on Friday

BY CAMERYN OAKES

Famous brother duo Kevin and Michael Bacon are bringing their forosoco sound of The Bacon Brothers to Long Island in an anticipated concert for the brothers.

The Bacon Brothers will be performing at The Space at Westbury Theater Friday night. Doors open at 7 p.m. and the show is scheduled to start at 8 p.m. Tickets are still on sale and can be purchased on Ticketmaster.

The Bacon Brothers feature actor Kevin Bacon and Emmy award-winning composer Michael Bacon, two brothers who say they are bound by blood and a love of music.

The brothers describe their sound as “forosoco,” a combination of folk, rock, soul and country.

Kevin Bacon said when they first started playing as a band, they always faced the same question: So what kind of music do you play?

Kevin Bacon said he thought about it and found it to be the four music genres of folk, rock, soul and country that their music encompassed. So, jokingly, he responded to everyone’s question that the kind of music they play is forosoco.

This new music genre label came to be the title of the band’s debut album in 1997.

While forosoco is the origin of the band’s music, Kevin Bacon said the sound still holds true in their current music.

Michael Bacon said that in making their music, they don’t have any need or desire to follow a protocol. He said this allows their music to explore

different facets.

“Our philosophy is to let the songs dictate the arrangement using whatever resources we have between the two of us and our band,” Michael Bacon said.

With a diverse sound encompassing an array of music genres, Michael Bacon said they find inspiration from artists like Phil Ochs, James Taylor, Joni Mitchell and The Band.

While these artists inspire their music in some ways, Kevin Bacon said that their inspiration for songwriting is not so cut and dry.

“We often say if we really knew what it was we would just go there every day,” Kevin Bacon.

He said it is rather a fleeting mystery of inspiration that he could not tangibly describe.

“Song-writing is like creating something out of air and an instrument,” Kevin Bacon said.

Michael Bacon said one of his greatest influences, though, was their parents.

Their father, Edmund Bacon, an urban planner and architect dubbed the “The Father of Modern Philadelphia,” transformed the first floor of their childhood home into a sort of giant speaker.

As he would drift to sleep, Michael Bacon said the music would float up the stairs into his childhood bedroom. He said it became embedded in him and provided him with a creative source in his career as a film score composer.

The music that would drift up the stairs ranged from Elvis Presley to folk music to world music and classical.

Michael Bacon said they grew up in a household in which creativity was on a pedestal. This

was at the expense of academics and sports but allowed for them to excel in music, dancing, acting and art.

Growing up in Philadelphia, Michael Bacon said they were pummelled by the city’s rich music culture.

He said while their parents are their No. 1 influencer for their music, their hometown of Philadelphia is a close second.

He said he had been fascinated with music since he was young, playing in bands with his sister at first until his brother Kevin was old enough to begin jamming with them.

As Kevin Bacon got older, he too started writing songs. The problem though was that he didn’t know how to play the guitar quite yet, so Michael would step in to help write the songs and the guitar chords.

Michael Bacon said that as his brother started acting in movies, the duo would write songs to be featured in the movies as well. None were accepted.

In about 1994, Michael Bacon visited one of Kevin Bacon’s friends in Philadelphia who worked in a club. The friend suggested the two brothers come together as a band and play a one-off set.

So they did it.

“It just sort of rolled out from there,” Michael Bacon said. “Not particularly because we planned it to be that. It started really grassroots and someone offered us a record label and here we are 26 years later.”

Kevin Bacon said that while his brother says their music has been the same since their first al-

bum, he disagrees.

He said that their first band was just two acoustic guitars, a percussionist and a bass player with simple music arrangements. Today, Kevin Bacon said they produce music with diverse instrumentation with some songs featuring horns and loops and stacked vocals.

“The music has grown,” Kevin Bacon said.

Michael Bacon said technology that has developed since the band’s first album has assisted in their growth.

Kevin Bacon said what makes The Bacon Brothers exciting to him is continuing to make new songs.

“For us, it’s the excitement of writing something, learning how to play it, teaching it to everybody and then putting it out there for people,” Kevin Bacon said.

The Bacon Brothers said they will be releasing a six-song EP “Ballad of the Brothers” in September. Kevin Bacon said it’s some of the best work they have done so far.

The Bacon Brothers have already been playing some of their unreleased songs at their shows, which is anticipated at their next show in Westbury Friday as well.

Kevin Bacon said they enjoy playing in the New York area where they have a larger fan base. He said while they have not played in Long Island as much as they thought they would, he is excited to come on out.

“We love Long Island,” Kevin Bacon said.

FunDay Monday dates announced for 2023 Discover new wines perfect for the summer

Town of North Hempstead Supervisor Jennifer DeSena and the Town Board have announced the schedule for the 2023 FunDay Monday season. This popular, free senior program, held at North Hempstead Beach Park in Port Washington, takes place every Monday from July 10 to August 21.

“Funday Monday is one of the Town’s most popular programs for our senior residents, and we are excited to again be hosting a full slate of events throughout the summer at North Hempstead Beach Park,” DeSena said. “Funday Monday has become a summer staple in many of our residents lives and the Town is happy to once again host these weekly events filled with games, exercise, and rousing performances.”

Organized and hosted by the Town’s Department of Community Services, FunDay Monday offers hundreds of seniors from across the Town the opportunity to gather for games, music, dancing, entertainment, and exercise.

The program’s most widely attended events are the Health Fair, which will take place this year on July 24 and HomeTown USA scheduled for Aug. 21, which honors our nation’s Armed Forces and veterans.

The 2023 FunDay Monday Summer Event Schedule:

July 10: Stan & Edi will charm you with their singing.

July 17: Vincent Rhodes Productions will give a live beach performance.

July 24: Senior Health, Education and Information Fair: learn more ways to maintain and manage your health. EJ the DJ will also be at the beach from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.

July 31: Take a trip down Abbey Road and join the Beat-A-Likes, a Beatles Tribute, for some enjoyable music by the water.

Aug. 7: Residents will be treated to a Dance Aloha and Elvis Tribute at this summertime event.

Aug. 14: The Rat Pack Tributem will be showcasing their talents with music from Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin and Jerry Lewis.

Aug. 21: HomeTown USA: An exciting celebration of American traditions with crafts, hobbies, demos, musical performances, a classic car show and a special Salute to the Troops. Also enjoy performances by the Quatrain Barbershop Quartet and Bud & Linda as well as a vintage car show on the boardwalk.

FunDay Mondays will also have plenty of fun activities throughout the day including fitness classes, games, arts & crafts, beach walks, and more! Come on down each week for pickleball from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m., line dancing from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. and 10 a.m. to 11 a.m., and Tai Chi for balance and health from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Free bus transportation is available from various points throughout the town. For further information, or for a pick-up location near you, please call 311 or 516-869-6311.

BY RYAN BURKETT

As the temperatures rise and the days grow longer, it’s time to embrace the spirit of summer with a glass of refreshing wine in hand.

From crisp whites to light-bodied delights, the world of wine offers a plethora of options that perfectly complement the sunny season. Join us as we explore a selection of summer-friendly wines from across the globe, each offering their own unique characteristics to enhance your summertime enjoyment.

Txakolina: The Effervescent Gem of Basque Country

Hailing from the Basque Country in northern Spain, Txakolina (pronounced chah-ko-LEE-nah) is a vibrant and slightly fizzy white wine that’s an absolute delight on a warm summer day.

Made from indigenous grape varieties such as Hondarrabi Zuri and Hondarrabi Beltza, Txakolina offers refreshing acidity, vibrant citrus flavors, and a subtle saline note. Its effervescence adds a touch of liveliness, making it a perfect accompaniment to fresh seafood, salads, and light tapas.

While there are a number of great Txakolina producers, one of the best is Bodegas Zudugaraigrab a bottle of their 2022 ‘Antxiola’ today!

Vinho Verde: Vibrant and Zippy Portuguese Elegance From the vineyards of Portugal’s Minho region comes Vinho Verde, a wine renowned for its zesty character and light effervescence.

Despite its name, Vinho Verde (meaning “green wine”) refers to its youthful and vibrant nature rather than its color. Typically a blend of local grape varieties such as Alvarinho, Loureiro, and Trajadura, Vinho Verde offers crisp acidity, citrus flavors, and a refreshing, slightly spritzy mouthfeel.

Enjoy it as a standalone aperitif or pair it with fresh salads, grilled seafood, and light summer fare. The Vinho Verde from Quinta de Santiago offers amazing value and is a great way to get introduced to the style.

Soave: Italian Elegance in a Glass

Hailing from the Veneto region in northeastern Italy, Soave is a white wine that exudes elegance and style.

Crafted primarily from the Garganega grape, Soave offers delicate floral aromas, ripe orchard fruit flavors, and a lively acidity. Its medium body

and smooth texture make it a versatile companion for a variety of dishes, from grilled vegetables to seafood pasta.

Soave’s balance and finesse are perfect for alfresco dining and warm summer evenings. But frankly, a lot of terrible Soave gets made. So make sure you are shopping at a reputable wine shop that selects their Soave carefully!

Albariño: The Essence of the Atlantic Coast

From the coastal regions of Galicia in northwest Spain comes Albariño, a white wine renowned for its crispness and aromatic charm. With its notes of ripe stone fruits, zesty citrus, and a distinctive mineral character, Albariño embodies the essence of the Atlantic Ocean. Its bright acidity and medium body make it a versatile partner for grilled fish, shellfish, and summer vegetable dishes, capturing the coastal spirit with every sip. Do yourself a favor and find the Benitos Santos Albarino. You won’t need another wine all summer.

Sauvignon Blanc:

Crisp and Herbaceous Classic

No list of summertime wines would be complete without Sauvignon Blanc. Grown in various regions worldwide, Sauvignon Blanc is celebrated for its zesty acidity, vibrant fruit flavors, and distinct herbaceous and grassy notes. From the lively examples of New Zealand to the elegant offerings of Sancerre in the Loire Valley in France, Sauvignon Blanc is a go-to wine for its refreshing character and versatility. Enjoy it alongside fresh salads, goat cheese, grilled vegetables, or as a refreshing sip on its own. Our favorite comes from right next door to Sancerre, offering a similar climate to grow grapes without the price tag. Isabelle and Pierre Clément make a delicious, refreshing Sauvignon Blanc from Menetou-Salon that competes with the best from Sancerre.

Now is the time to unleash your inner wine adventurer and embark on an exploration of flavors. From the effervescent gem of Basque Country’s Txakolina, to the zippy Portuguese refreshment of Vinho Verde, these wines are ready to dance on your taste buds. Let’s not forget the Italian elegance of Soave and the essence of the Atlantic Coast in a bottle of Albariño. Go forth, wine-loving friends, and embark on a journey of delightful discoveries. Summer awaits, and so do these perfect wines. Cheers to a summer filled with flavor and fun!

A BLANK SLATE MEDIA SPECIAL SECTION JUNE 23, 2023

Graduation is steeped in tradition. Come the day of graduation, many grads-to-be might be focusing on receiving their diplomas and then celebrating after the ceremony. The hard work students put in affords them every right to celebrate once they’re officially anointed as new grads, but before the party begins it can be fun to reflect on the many traditions associated with graduation ceremonies.

Cap and gown

Graduation ceremonies simply wouldn’t be the same without caps and gowns. The tradition is anything but new, as Columbia University notes caps and gowns have been linked to academia since the 12th century. Back then, students wore gowns and hoods to emulate the clergy who taught them, but also to stay warm. Many universities dressed their scholars in gowns from the 1700s onward. In 1786, one school, Brown University, even mandated that degree candidates be clad in flowing robes and caps at commencement ceremonies. Though educators and students may no longer wear caps and gowns when attending class or around campus, the tradition of doing so at commencement ceremonies has endured.

Tassel turning

The tradition of turning the tassel does not have the lengthy history of the cap and gown, dating back only decades rather than centuries. Graduates typically turn the tassels after everyone has received their degrees during the ceremony. The turn is symbolic of their transition from student to

graduate. Tassels start on the right for high school students and college undergraduates and are then turned to the left, while recipients of master’s degrees and doctorates keep their tassels on the left throughout the commencement ceremonies.

Tossing caps in the air

The tossing of graduation caps in the air is believed to date back more than 100 years. Prior to 1912, graduates of the United States Naval Academy had to serve as midshipmen for two years before they were commissioned as officers. As a result, they still needed their graduation caps. But beginning with the class of 1912, graduates were automatically commissioned as officers, so they no longer needed their hats. That led the graduates to throw them in the air, thus beginning one of the more fun and photo-worthy graduation traditions.

“Pomp and Circumstance”

This tradition marked by the playing of “Pomp and Circumstance” is rooted in the work of William Shakespeare, which makes it seem like a perfect fit for graduation ceremonies. Sir Edward Elgar composed “Pomp and Circumstance” in 1901 and the title for the song was inspired by a line in the bard’s “Othello.” Elgar received an honorary degree from Yale University in 1905, and during that ceremony “Pomp and Circumstance” was played. The song apparently made a strong impression, as it soon began to be played at various commencement ceremonies, a tradition that continues today.

Gift ideas for high school graduates

The class of 2023 soon will be donning their caps and gowns and receiving their diplomas. After commencement ceremonies, graduation parties will soon follow. For party guests, that means finding the right gifts for grads.

Some high school graduates will continue their studies at colleges and universities. Others may pursue careers in various trades. Still, some graduates may be ready to enter the workforce right away. No matter the direction, these gifts can treat graduates to something special.

Travel accessories

Graduates may want to go on a trip before they take the next step in their lives. Quality travel gear is a worthy investment. Select luggage that won't exceed airport carry-on limits so grads can cut the baggage check lines when they dart away to locales near or far. Carry-on bags also fit easily in bus cargo areas or in the trunks of cars. Pair the gifts with standard or digital luggage tags.

Streaming TV device

While it's certainly possible to watch favorite shows or films on mobile devices, viewing is that much clearer on televisions. Rather than graduates having to invest in cable television wherever they go, streaming devices like AppleTV or Roku are portable, which means they can be used at home, in a dorm room or on vacation.

Secured credit card

Individuals typically are eligible to apply for credit cards once they reach age 18, which is the age most students are when they graduate high

Congratulations to the 2023 Class of Gold Award Girl Scouts

The Girl Scout Gold Award is the highest honor a Girl Scout can earn. These 55 young women are courageous leaders and visionary changemakers who are making meaningful, sustainable changes in Nassau County, their communities and around the world. They are our future, and the future looks bright!

Albertson

Shalini Samuel

Baldwin

Vanessa Osse

Bayville

Kylie Daly

East Meadow

Lauren Rodriguez

East Norwich

Mariana Panariello

Farmingdale

Alexa Frontino

Faith Williams

Floral Park

Ella Iannitti

Rebecca Reisig

Franklin Square

Caitlin Fitzpatrick

Garden City

Maria Dalia

Jaci Licari

Kathryn Maloney

Juliana Mitchell

Madeline Mitchell

Gretchen Murphy

Ella Pocock

Grace Power

Keira Regan

Cristina Seoylemezian

Ryan Sievers

Kennedy Wilgosz

Great Neck

Elizabeth Margiloff

Hempstead

Azaria Ellis

Lynbrook

Ryan Benvenuto

Sofia Yaker

Malverne

Anna Nealon

Manhasset

Noelle Bartul

Catherine Broderick

Cailey Held

Bella Rontiris

Massapequa

Audrey Pioreck

Shea Salamack

Massapequa Park

Lea Marie Mastorakis

Mineola

Julia DaSilva

Charlee Denzler

Grace Pizzardi

Samantha Vitale

North Bellmore

Lauren McCarthy

Oceanside

Emma DeFrancesco

Oyster Bay

Kate Webster

Rockville Centre

Emma Lincks

Seaford

Nicole Nietsch

Syosset

Erica Borzone

Shannen Fung

Wantagh

Angelina Bendetti

Corinne Kassatly

Hannah PopadinLesniak

Nicole Tobia

West Hempstead

Sophia Cano

Brianna Suarez

Oubina

Ava Zino

Westbury

Yasmine Mathew

Sarah Vincent

Williston Park

Ava Schmidt

school. Credit cards are one method of establishing solid credit, so it can be beneficial for a teen to have one. But it can be challenging for individuals with no credit histories to get approval. A secured card, according to CapitalOne, is a credit card that requires money deposited with the credit card issuer in order to open the account. This security deposit is held by the issuer as long as the account is open. Often the security deposit is the same as the credit limit. Giftgivers can help establish secured cards for grads by providing the funds for the security deposits.

Wireless earbuds or headphones

Upgrade grads' audio with the newest wireless earbuds or headphones. This way they can take them to the gym or use them to listen to shows or music while sharing spaces with others, including college roommates.

Smartphone wallet case

Teenagers are seldom without their phones. A smartphone wallet case enables graduates to stash IDs, credit or debit cards and some cash into specially designed pockets built into the phone cases. This keeps all essentials in one spot.

Framed memorabilia

Whether a graduate was a star athlete or a premier member of the marching band, giftgivers can provide special memories of time spent in school. Frame ticket stubs, sports jerseys, show programs, or other memorabilia that commemorates a graduate's glory days at their alma mater.

To learn more about the Gold Award visit gsnc.org/gold or scan the QR code above.

Graduation day is one of the proudest moments in students’ academic careers. Diplomas are symbolic of hours spent honing skills and working on assignments and, ultimately, success in the classroom. High school diplomas represent an opportunity to go on to higher learning or a trade, while college degrees indicate young people are ready to begin their professional lives.

Many graduates are excited about the prospect of receiving their diplomas. Once in hand, the document can be put on display. The following are some unique ways to showcase diplomas at home or at work.

Framing

One of the classic ways to display a diploma is in a frame. Many businesses offer customized framing where the frame material and the matting can be chosen. Some grads may want to include a photograph of the school or a picture of the graduate above the diploma. Graduates also may want to select a frame and mat that coordinates with school colors.

Create a shadow box

Consider displaying the diploma with other mementos from school. A shadow box is a large, deep display frame that can house items that are thicker than photographs or

TheFun Science Day Camp

papers. Items such as a graduation tassel, medal or other award, a varsity jacket patch, or a program from a school performance or awards ceremony can be placed in the shadow box.

Create a photo wall

Display the diploma among other framed photos from school activities. This can elicit a trip down memory lane every time the wall is viewed. Some families may want to display their diplomas together, especially if multiple family members attended the same school.

Make a work of art

Various online art vendors can turn the diploma into different works of art. For example, engravers can laser engrave the diploma onto a wooden plaque. Then the diploma can be displayed in one location and the wood plaque in another.

Place it under glass

Display the diploma beneath the glass top of a coffee table. When entertaining guests, the diploma can make for a unique conversation piece.

A school diploma is worthy of recognition. There are various creative ways to display these documents that reflect the hard work and success of their recipients.

Over 15 STEM activities and make & take projects weekly, 3 science stations per day, plus games, challenges, silly songs and all the friendship & fun of camp! Our energetic, professional educators make STEM learning fun

2023 Camp Themes

BioBot & Roller Coaster Camp

Build your own BioBot Explorer and discover the physics of coasters and games. Discover the science behind bubble magic, flashing lights, arachnids, insects and your own motorized bowl-o-rama.

Rescue Robot Myster y Camp

Build a search and rescue robot and solve the myster y of the missing MiniBot. This camp includes building your own electric alarm and turbo air machine, spinning gyro tops and more!

Artemis Moon Mission Camp

Rocket into space & discover NASA’s mission to explore the moon while building your ver y own LT V. Explore planets, dr y ice comets, rocks and minerals, encounter aliens and more!

A 2021 report from the American Council on Education revealed that more than 1.7 million students were enrolled in graduate education in Fall 2020 at institutions that participated in a survey conducted for the report. A decision regarding graduate school is seldom easy. In addition to the academic rigors of graduate school, tuition is costly. Cost is no small consideration, as the ACE survey found that 43 percent of grad students in Fall 2020 were part-time. Part-time students are typically ineligible for financial aid, which means students will have to pay out-ofpocket or apply for loans to finance their schooling (Note: Lenders may restrict student loans to full-time students.) Paying out of pocket is a significant commitment, as the Education Data Initiative indicates the average cost of a Master’s degree in Business Administration in 2022 was just under $62,000.

Much is at stake as graduates ponder whether or not graduate school is the right next step for them. The following are some factors students can consider as they try to make this decision.

· Professional need: Certain professions require more than a bachelor’s

degree to gain employment. For example, a student who aspires to teach at a college or university will likely need more than a bachelor’s degree. Adjunct professors, who are part-time faculty members hired on a contractual basis, typically need a master’s degree (though a bachelor’s degree and professional experience is sufficient for some positions). A doctoral degree is often a requirement to become a full-time tenure-track professor. When considering grad school, prospective applicants should determine if an advanced degree is a requirement to work in their desired field. If so, the decision is essentially made for them. If not, applicants must decide if the cost and rigorous workload is worth it.

· Candidacy: Another consideration is each individual’s candidacy. Students considering grad school should realistically assess their academic performance as an undergrad. Was the performance strong enough to gain entry into a toptier graduate program? This is an important consideration, as top-tier programs typically have much higher endowments, which means they can more effectively help students offset grad school

costs through grants and other types of financial aid. Students can still gain a lot from grad school if their undergrad performance wasn’t enough to earn financial aid for postgraduate work. But in such instances, students may need to finance the degrees on their own.

· Earning potential: Earning potential also merits consideration. As noted, some professions require postgraduate degrees. But many do not. However, that does not mean students have little to gain from earning an advanced degree in a field where no such degree is required. For example, a recent analysis from the National Association of Colleges and Employers found that the average starting salary for individuals with a master’s in Finance was 15 percent higher than the average starting salary for individuals with just a bachelor’s degree. The same survey found that a master’s in Computer Science translated to a 32 percent higher starting salary than a bachelor’s. In such instances, a master’s could be well worth the investment.

Recent college graduates can consider a host of variables as they try to decide if graduate school is the right next step after receiving their degrees.

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Friends Academy’s graduates have achieved educational excellence by committing to the highest standards of learning and living. We congratulate them on their next journey knowing they are exceptionally prepared for college and a life of authentic purpose.

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LI Music Hall of Fame celebrates hip-hop at 50 Sands Pt. Preserve offers ballroom dance classes

The Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall Of Fame celebrated the 50th anniversary of hip-hop recently with a special concert and panel discussion at the venue’s home base in Stony Brook Village (97 Main St., Stony Brook).

The event kicked off with the unveiling of a statue of LIMEHOF inductee LL COOL J with the statues’ creator artist Sherwin Banfield. LL COOL J’s former right-hand man ELove was also there to celebrate.

LL COOL J (James Todd Smith) was originally from Bay Shore on Long Island and later moved to St. Albans, Queens. He was inducted into LIMEHOF in 2008 as an iconic figure who revolutionized hip-hop music with his unique style, charismatic personality and influential lyrics.

The sustainable sonic monument, The G.O.A.T. Monument,Going Back to The Meadows, A Tribute to LL COOL J and Performance at FMCP, was created in 2021 by sculptor Sherwin Banfield.

He was inspired to create the statute to honor LL COOL J as “a culture shifter and a legend of hip hop”. The statute depicts LL COOL J from the 1980’s era.

It measures 8.5 feet tall by 3.5 feet wide by 3 feet in length and weighs 600 pounds. It is comprised of Bronze, Stainless Steel, Steel, Winterstone, Resin, Cement, Wood, Audio & Lighting, and contains a Solar Power System to play music. It was originally displayed in Flushing Meadows Corona Park for a year.

“I think it’s appropriate to have it displayed in a new location where fans, music lovers and art enthusiasts of that location will have an opportunity to see this sculpture of a living legend,” Banfield said. “Not only is it a three-dimensional visual representation of him but it also plays his music out of the sculpture so you get to experience a visual, tactile and audible experience with the monument. I think it’s great that it’s moving from its original location in Queens where LL Cool J honed his

artistic craft to where he was born and raised in Long Island so it’s tracking his journey from one space to another.”

The celebration event that followed featured legendary stars Son of Bazerk, A.J. Rock (of J.V.C. F.O.R.C.E.), DJ Jazzy Jay, MC Glamorous, DJ Johnny Juice and Producer Keith Schocklee (of Public Enemy), Dinco D (Leaders of the New School), and special guest Ralph McDaniels (of Video Music Box). Rapper Keith Murray made a special guest appearance.

Tom Needham, LIMEHOF vice chairman and longtime host of the “Sounds of Film Radio Show,” moderated a panel discussion with Keith Schocklee, MC Glamorous, JVC Force’s A.J. Rock, Leaders of the New School’s Dinco D, DJ Johnny Juice and Ralph McDaniels. That was followed by a series of live music performances with DJ Jazzy Jay, MC Glamorous, A.J. Rock, Dinco D, DJ Johnny Juice and Son of Bazerk.

“We are excited to pay tribute to the 50th Anniversary of Hip-Hop with a live concert performed by some of hip-hop’s most influential artists, all from Long Island,” said Ernie Canadeo, LIMEHOF chairman. “It is a testament to Long Island’s prominent and continuing role in hip-hop’s legacy. We are also honored to now house the iconic LL COOL J statue which stands not only as an artifact on display but a monument to the spirit of Hip Hop reflected in LL COOL J’s personal story and growth as a hip hop legend that continues to inspire music artists of today and for generations to come.”

Through the years, LIMEHOF has paid tribute to the hip-hop community by inducting artists LL Cool J, Run-DMC, Public Enemy, Eric B. & Rakim, Big Daddy Kane, Kurtis Blow, Whodini, Salt-N-Pepa, and EPMD. LIMEHOF plans to induct the hip hop group The Fat Boys later this summer.

For more information about LIMEHOF and for future scheduled events, please visit https://www.limusichalloffame.org/museum/

From Dancing with the Stars to Dancing Queens, Bravo’s latest reality show, ballroom dancing is all the rage. It’s easy to see why ballroom dancing resonates with so many. It’s fun, great exercise and a creative outlet for selfexpression while connecting with others. And dancing novices – including those without partners – can take part and enjoy.

This July, the Sands Point Preserve is offering a series of three classes to learn ballroomdancing basics in a casual setting.

Taught by Donatas Nacajus, an award-winning dance instructor from Ballroom Boutique, the classes at the Preserve focus on how to move to the music as well as the passion and character of dance.

Born in Lithuania, Donatas has danced since age seven. In his youth, he competed and won dance competitions around the world, including the National Dance Sport Championship (twice). In 1998, he represented the Lithuanian National Dance Team’s World Youth Division Dance Sport Championship held in Russia.

Donatas graduated from the Academy of Physical Education in the fields of Ballroom & Latin Dance as well as Physical Education. He studied under legendary instructors like Michael and Vicky Barrs, Richard Gleave, Janet Gleave and many others.

At the Preserve, ballroom-dancing classes

will take place Tuesday evenings, July 11, 18 and 25, from 7-8 p.m. Sign up for one class, for $25, or the series of three for $60. Parking is included. Experience is not needed, no partner is required, and the classes are open to all ages. For more information, and to register for one or more classes, visit sandspointpreserveconservancy.org, or call 516-571-7901. The Sands Point Preserve is located at 127 Middle Neck Road in Sands Point, New York.

Ballroom dancing lasses take place on Tuesday evenings, July 11, 18 and 25.

Museum hosts Special Tuskegee Airmen forum

The American Airpower Museum is proud to host an informative forum about The Tuskegee Airmen on Saturday, June 24, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Museum, Hangar 3, 1230 New Highway in Farmingdale.

Sponsored by the Claude B. Govan Tri-State Chapter, Tuskegee Airmen Inc., the forum features a lively discussion about the Airmen by actual family members of those legendary fighter pilots.

The Airmen were a group of brave and skilled African American pilots, whose successful battles in their Mustang fighters defending the B-17’s against Nazi Luftwaffe Messerschmitt’s, persuaded President Harry S. Truman to desegregate the military after World War II.

Reynard Burns, Chapter Public Relations Officer, will recount the origins of the Tuskegee Airmen and their accomplishments and importance then and now.

Of special interest for military aviation enthusiasts is the exhibit’s full-scale fiberglass replica of a P-51D Mustang fighter, suspended from the ceiling of Hangar 3. This replica was based on a Mustang flown by Jeff Clyman, AAM President, during air shows in the 1990’s.

Pilot Jeff Clyman will talk about the Mustang’s unique flying characteristics and armaments. The Museum currently owns an original P-51D Mustang, “Jacqueline,” which flies at the Jones Beach Air Show and other venues across the Northeast.

The chapter will offer a selection of Tuskegee Airmen memorabilia for sale to benefit the Chapter. They will also raffle off a flight by a New York Metro Black Pilots Association member, whose personal aircraft will be parked outside of AAM’s Hangar 3.

For more information about the Tuskegee Airmen Forum at AAM, please contact Reynard Burns at (631) 827-9383, reyburns@verizon.net. Claude

B. Govan chapter website: NYCTAI.ORG.

The public is cordially invited to attend this informative program. Tickets or pre-registration are not required. Admission to the Museum is $20 for Adults, $15 for Seniors & Veterans and $12 for Children 5-12. Hours are 10:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. all day Saturday, June 24, 2023, at AAM, Hangar 3, 1230 New Highway, Farmingdale.

The American Airpower Museum is an aviation museum located on the landmarked former site of Republic Aviation at Republic Airport, Farmingdale.

The Museum maintains a collection of aviation artifacts and an array of aircraft spanning the many years of the aircraft factory’s history. The Museum is a 501(c)(3) Nonprofit Educational Foundation Chartered by the New York State Board of Regents.

The American Airpower Museum — Long Island’s only flying military aviation museum — “Where History Flies!”Hangar 3, 1230 New Highway, Farmingdale — (631) 293-6398info@americanairpowermuseum.org — www.americanairpowermuseum.com@american_airpower_museum

PHOTO COURTESY OF LIMEHOF

Hip-hop Artists participate in Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame’s 50th Anniversary Hip-Hop Concert Event to celebrate the history of hip-hop on Long Island.

PHOTO COURTESY OF SANDS POINT PRESERVE CONSERVANCY

PHOTO COURTESY OF AAM

AAM’s North American P-51D Mustang “Jacqueline”

Danny Weinkauf - band: Danny Weinkauf and his Red Pants Band Live! FREE

@ 2pm

Island Park Public Library, 176 Long Beach Rd, Island Park

Krisi Ardito live at Tap Room in Rockville Centre

@ 6pm Tap Room, 47-51 N Village Ave, Rockville Centre

Popa Chubby at My Father's Place @ 8pm / $40

Popa Chubby will be playing at My Father's Place on June 23. Ad‐vanced tickets are $40, and tickets the day of the show are $50. My Father's Place, 3 Pratt Boulevard, Glen Cove. myfathersplaceproduc tions@gmail.com, 516580-0887

June 24th Open House WWI: The Home Front – Our Community Takes Action

@ 11:30am / $12

See what life was like on the home front for the residents of our town and Long Island during World War I. Cow Neck Peninsula Historical Society, 336 Port Washington Boule‐vard, Port Washington. info@cowneck.org, 516-365-9074

Friday Jun 23rd

Get the Led Out

@ 8pm / $24.50-$59.50

The Paramount, 370 New York Ave, Huntington

From the bombastic and epic, to the folky and mystical, Get The Led Out (GTLO) have captured the essence of the recorded music of Led Zeppelin and brought it to the concert stage. The Philadelphiabased group consists of six veteran musicians intent on delivering Led Zeppelin live, like you’ve never heard before. Utilizing the multiinstrumentalists at their disposal, GTLO re-create the songs in all their depth and glory with the studio overdubs that Zeppelin them‐selves never performed.

Sun

6/25

Lindy Cares - 4th Annual

True Colors Run

@ 8am / $25

Lindenhurst Village Park, 336 N Alleghany Ave, Lindenhurst

Karen Bella

@ 3pm

Six Harbors Brewing Company, 243 New York Ave, Huntington

Midsummer Nights @ 6:30pm / $20

Guests of all ages are invited to picnic, stroll, and relax on the longest nights of the year amidst the sounds of ambient music. Old Westbury Gardens, 71 Old Westbury Road, Old Westbury. tickets@ oldwestburygar dens.org, 516-333-0048

Strange Parade NY: Festival on The Farm @ 6:30pm Huntington Farm Festival, 69 Round Swamp Rd, South Hunt‐ington

The Bacon Brothers @ 8pm / $45-$70

The Space at Westbury Theater, 250 Post Avenue, Westbury

Chicago @ 8pm / $70.50$200.50

NYCB Theatre at West‐bury, 960 Brush Hollow Road, Westbury

Sat 6/24

Michelle Jameson: Catchers Fish house @ 12pm Catcher's Fish House, 301 Woodcleft Ave, Freeport

Forever Simon & Garfunkel @ 7pm

Seasons At East Meadow, 1475 Front St, East Meadow

Our Generation A Tribute To The '60s & '70s: Happy Trails Tribute to Classic country music @ 2pm Elmont Public Library, 700 Hempstead Turn‐pike, Elmont

Arena, Crooked Hill Rd, Brent‐wood. 631-123-1234

Jewish Learning Series @ 12:30pm

Join the Mid Island Y JCC and a host of guest presenters for interesting and relevant lec‐tures and discussions related to Judaism and Jewish Culture. Mid-Island Y JCC, 45 Manetto Hill Road, Plainview

The Como Brothers @ 7pm Frank's Steaks In Jericho, 4 Jericho Turnpike, Jericho

Brooklyn Cyclones vs. Jersey Shore BlueClaws @ 7pm Maimonides Park, 1904 Surf Ave., Brooklyn

Colin Mochrie & Brad Sherwood

@ 7:30pm

NYCB Theatre At West‐bury, 960 Brush Hollow Rd, Westbury

Concert Against Hate / The Toby Tobias Ensemble and others

@ 7:30pm

Temple Or Elohim, 18 Tobie Ln, Jericho

Mon 6/26

Babylon Soccer Club

Midsummer Nights

@ 6:30pm / $20

Guests of all ages are invited to picnic, stroll, and relax on the longest nights of the year amidst the sounds of ambient music. Old Westbury Gardens, 71 Old Westbury Road, Old Westbury. tickets@ oldwestburygar dens.org, 516-333-0048

Pearl Jam Tribute - Last Exit: Last Exit & Schism @ Mulcahy"s @ 8pm Mulcahy's Pub and Concert Hall, 3232 Railroad Ave, Wan‐tagh

Camp Week 1 @ 9am / $165

Jun 26th - Jun 29th

Babylon Memorial Grade School, 169 Park Ave, Babylon. 516-838-9601

Summer 2023: Direct

Portrait Painting with Katie Engberg & Tsultrim

Tenzin

@ 10am / $875

Jun 26th - Jun 30th

GCA, 1519 Decatur Street, Suite 201, Ridgewood. 718-361-6357

Tue 6/27

Swim League - Green

Training Group

@ 12am / $449

Jun 27th - Aug 13th

Suffolk Federal Credit Union

Gold Coast Arts pre‐sent an Author Talk with Joseph Berger @ 7:30pm / $35

Author Joseph Berger tells Elie Wiesel's life story. 113 Middle Neck Rd, 113 Middle Neck Road, Great Neck Plaza. info@goldcoas tarts.org, 516-829-2570

Mike DelGuidice & Big Shot - Celebrating the music of Billy Joel: Newsday Live @ 7:30pm Newsday Live, Melville

Derek Adam @ 6:30pm

Spotlight NY Huntington, 370 New York Ave, Huntington

Fri 6/30

Earth Wind & Fire Tribute Band @ 7pm Tanner Park, 400 Baylawn Ave, Copiague

Lenny Michelle Band at My Father's Place @ 8pm / $35

The Lenny Michelle will be playing at My Fa‐ther's Place on June 30. Advanced tickets are $35, and tickets the day of the show are $40. My Father's Place, 3 Pratt Boulevard, Glen Cove. myfathersplace productions@ gmail.com, 516-5800887

Motor City Revue: The Ultimate Motown Tribute @ 8pm / $38

Capturing the Distinct Motown Sound Motor City Revue: The Ulti‐mate Motown Tribute Jeanne Rimsky Theater, 232 Main Street, Port Washington. boxof�ce @landmarkonmain street.org, 516-7676444

Gimme Gimme Disco @ 9pm / $15

Mulcahy's Pub and Concert Hall, 3232 Railroad Avenue, Wantagh

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Juneteenth at Clark Botanic Italian American association lectures

Michael Genovese, historian and genealogist, from Floral Park recently launched a series of lectures sponsored by the Italian American Studies Association – Long Island Chapter.

The presentations will concentrate on the lives of lesser-known Italian Americans. In this initial audio-visual talk, for which Genovese did extensive research, he spoke at length on the lives of a father and son: Joseph Sanfilippo, as lead projectionist for Pathe News, was instrumental according to a 1929 company

newsletter in introducing sound and visual effects to newsreels.

His son Frank Sanfilippo, who studied art in Paris, became a leading illustrator for many leading Hollywood film companies such as MGM, Fox, and United Artists, and later for various publications.

Genovese’s PowerPoint presentation had numerous examples of the contributions and talents of this father-son legacy. For information on future lectures consult: https:// www.facebook.com/IASALongIslandRegionalChapter

Nassau County Legislature Minority Leader Kevan M. Abrahams (D — Freeport) and Legislators Siela A. Bynoe (D — Westbury) and Carrié Solages (D — Lawrence) are partnering with Town of North Hempstead Councilman Robert J. Troiano, the Joysetta & Julius Pearse African American Museum of Nassau County, the Nassau Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. and the Nassau County Guardians Association Inc. to present a Juneteenth celebration at the Clark Botanic Garden in Albertson on Saturday, June 17.

The event will feature food and vendors, musical and dance performances, and a special Kids Corner, sponsored by Glory House Recovery, Inc. and Beth-

page Federal Credit Union as part of the afternoon’s festivities.

Juneteenth is the oldest known celebration commemorating the end of slavery in the United States. It specifically refers to the June 19, 1865 issuance of Union General Gordon Granger’s “General Order No. 3,” which brought news of President Lincoln’s Emancipa-

tion Proclamation to the people of Texas in these words:

“The people of Texas are informed that, in accordance with a proclamation from the Executive of the United States, all slaves are free,” the order reads in part. “This involves an absolute equality of personal rights and rights of property between former masters and slaves…”

New town harbor rescue boat Nassau Pops summer concerts

North Hempstead Town Supervisor Jennifer DeSena and Council Members Peter Zuckerman, Veronica Lurvey, and Mariann Dalimonte joined together with the town’s Department of Public Safety to unveil the town’s new harbor patrol boat.

2023 SUMMER CONCERTS

North Hempstead’s Harbor Patrol currently monitors the waters of Little Neck Bay, Manhasset Bay, Hempstead Harbor, and parts of the

Long Island Sound, and it partners with the United States Coast Guard New York Sector in protecting the Port of New York and New Jersey.

In 2021, under former Supervisor Judi Bosworth, the town was awarded $20,991 in funding as part of FEMA’s Port Security Grant program.

The new 29-foot boat provides state-of-the-art GPS and mapping capabilities along with thermal imaging. The patrol boat will be used to protect Little Neck Bay, Manhasset Bay, Hempstead Harbor, and the Long Island Sound.

FEMA’s Port Security Grant Program provides funding to state, local and private-sector partners to help protect maritime security. Funding from the Port Security Grant Program in the past fiscal year totaled $100,000,000 nationwide.

North Hempstead’s Division of Harbor Patrol is overseen by the Town’s Department of Public Safety.

Town signs onto nitrogen pledge

North Hempstead Town Supervisor Jen DeSena and the members of the Town Board recently unanimously voted to pass a resolution adopting the Nitrogen Smart Communities Pledge developed by the Long Island Regional Planning Council. The Nitrogen Smart Communities Pledge encourages municipalities in Nassau and Suffolk counties to take meaningful and effective actions to reduce, prevent, or eliminate nitrogen pollution in Long Island’s waters.

“One of the main culprits of nitrogen entering groundwater and surface water on Long Island, specifically here in the Town of North Hempstead, is through the reliance on septic systems,” DeSena said.

“The Town is committed to addressing the problem of nitrogen in our waterways, and that is evident in the $3 million dollars of ARPA funds allocated for the Manhasset sewer connection project, which will help complete a nearly 50year dream to connect businesses on Plandome Road to the sewer system and eliminate their reliance on septic tanks. Each small step we take to reduce, eliminate, and prevent nitrogen pollution has a lasting impact in preserving Long Island’s waterways.”

Nitrogen is the leading cause of water quality deterioration in surface and groundwater, which leads to low oxygen conditions, fish kills, and degraded marine habitats, as

well as potentially contaminating the sole source of drinking water on Long Island.

Through this pledge, the town will promote local action and awareness to the importance of reducing and ultimately eliminating nitrogen from all sources within municipalities on Long Island.

“I believe that a response through community-specific plans of action to reduce nitrogen pollution will have beneficial environmental and economic impacts for both our Town and the Long Island Sound,” DeSena said. “I am proud to have sponsored this resolution, and I look forward to working with our community to reduce nitrogen pollution in our waterways.”

North Hempstead officials are joined by the United States Coast Guard, Nassau County Police Department as the town unveils the new harbor patrol boat.

Business&RealEstate Faculty members get fellowships

The Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell is pleased to announce that two faculty members, Dr. Annemarie Stroustrup, and Dr. Vera Feuer, have been selected for the prestigious Hedwig van Ameringen Executive Leadership in Academic Medicine (ELAM) Program and the Executive Leadership in Health Care Program (ELH) respectively.

These highly competitive year-long fellowships, hosted by Drexel University College of Medicine, are dedicated to preparing women for senior leadership roles in schools of medicine, dentistry, public health and pharmacy by sharpening their professional and personal skills to lead and manage in today’s complex healthcare environment. The new class is the largest cohort of fellows since the ELAM program was established in 1995.

“To accommodate a very strong pool of applicants, we have accepted 96 fellows into

the 2023-24 class of ELAM, and 45 fellows into ELH,” said Dr. Nancy D. Spector, executive director of ELAM and ELH. “The need for the highest-quality leaders in academic health care has never been greater, and we are doing everything we can to help meet that need by providing outstanding and innovative leadership training for women.”

Stroustrup is one of the 96 women selected nationwide for the 2023-24 ELAM class of fellows. She serves as the vice president and director of neonatal services and system chief of Neonatology for Northwell Health and is a professor of pediatrics and occupational medicine, epidemiology and prevention at the Zucker School of Medicine.

In addition to serving as an attending neonatologist, Stroustrup leads a research program exploring the impact of hospitalbased environmental exposures on multisystem adverse outcomes related to pre -

maturity. Her transdisciplinary research interests span the fields of children’s environmental health, perinatal epidemiology, neonatology, and neurodevelopment.

Joining the cohort of ELH fellows is Feuer, who serves as associate vice president for Northwell Health’s School of Mental Health and director of Pediatric Emergency Psychiatry and Behavioral Health Urgent Care, at Cohen Children’s Medical Center, as well as associate professor of psychiatry, pediatrics and emergency medicine at the Zucker School of Medicine.

In its second year, the ELH program runs concurrently with ELAM. The program is tailored for senior-level leaders interested in advancing to executive leadership positions in hospitals and healthcare systems. ELH builds upon ELAM’s fellowship model to include the concepts, tools and skills that will enable women leaders to bring their full potential to healthcare organizations.

“I am looking forward to learning and connecting with other leaders in the ELH program,” said Feuer, who works with local and national groups to develop care standards for pediatric crisis behavioral health care. “I am hoping to gain skills to lead and manage change initiatives, align diverse stakeholders, and understand strategic business planning and finances, to help leverage resources needed to create high quality, innovative clinical programming in a specialty that is not typically profitable and is in such high demand.”

ELAM and ELH alumnae number more than 1,300 and serve in leadership positions at over 300 academic health centers around the world. The new fellows will begin work this month and continue through the end of the program in April 2024, when they will showcase their institutional action projects at a poster symposium during the annual ELAM Leaders Forum.

nassau COMMUNITY CLASSIFIEDS

▼ EMPLOYMENT, SITUATION WANTED, CAREER TRAINING, MARKETPLACE

To Place Your Ad Call

Phone:

516.307.1045 x 218 e-mail: dflynn@theisland360.com

In Person: 22 Planting Field Road Roslyn Heights, NY 11577

We’re Open: Mon–Thurs: 9am-5:30pm Fri: 9am-6pm

Monday 2:00pm: Classified Advertising

Tuesday Noon Legal Notices/ Name Changes

Friday 5:00pm Buyers’s Guide

Error Responsibility All ads placed by telephone are read back for verification of copy context. In the event of an error of Blank Slate Media LLC we are not responsible for the first incorrect insertion. We assume no responsiblity for an error in and beyond the cost of the ad.

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

Any verbal cancellations must be approved by a supervisor. There are no refunds on cancelled advertising. An advertising credit only will be issued. • Great Neck News

Williston Times

New Hyde Park Herald Courier

EMPLOYMENT

HELP WANTED

ACCOUNTING CLERK needed for Garden City Law Firm. Responsibilities include Accounts Payable, Accounts Receivable, Vendor Set-up and Maintenance, Payments & 1099’s, Data Entry, Preparation of Electronic Legal Billing, Deposits, and Bank Statement Reconciliations. Knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook required. Accounting experience with strong organizational and problem-solving skills a must. F/T or P/T. Salary is commensurate with experience. Interested Applicant to send resume to the email gayle_thomas@mhms-law.com.

Receptionist Part Time needed for Port Washington Animal Hospital. Including evenings/ weekends. Please call for interview /more info 516-883-2005

SITUATION WANTED

WE’RE HIRING

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

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

n REPORTER. FULL TIME.

We are looking for a versatile, self-starter with good writing and reporting skills, and journalism experience. You will report on all aspects of your communities including local government, politics, education, business and humaninterest stories.

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

n ENTERTAINMENT. PART TIME

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

n SALES. FULL TIME.

We are looking for a highly motivated. self-starter with excellent communication and customer service skills to sell newspaper advertising, digital services and event sponsorships. To apply, send your resume to: sblank@theisland360.com.

WANTED TO BUY

GARAGE SALE

MOVING SALE GARDEN CITY

6/23 & Saturday 6/24 9am to 3pm Rain or Shine 123 Lee Rd Garden City, NY All kinds of household items. Furniture, tools, holiday decorations, glassware, sporting goods. So many items!

AUTOMOTIVE

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DRIVE OUT BREAST CANCER: Donate a car today! The benefits of donating your car or boat: Fast Free Pickup 24hr response Tax deductionEasy to do! Call 24/7: 855-905-4755

REAL

ESTATE

FOR RENT OFFICE SPACE

GARDEN CITY PROFESSIONAL OFFICE SPACE FOR SUBLET IN LAW FIRM SUITE 1305 Franklin Ave, Third Floor Suite 3 to

SITUATION WANTED

Home Health Aide/Companion. Gentle. Optimistic. Experienced with many medical conditions and kinds of people. Families have told me I created a lovely environment, more than they could have hoped for. Please call Grace 917-499-9520

BUSINESS

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THEFANWHISPERER.COM replacing noisy bathroom fans plug & play easy.

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CAREER TRAINING

COMPUTER & IT TRAINING

PROGRAM! Train ONLINE to get the skills to become a Computer & Help Desk Professional now! Grants and Scholarships available for certain programs for qualified applicants. Call CTI for details! (844) 947-0192 (M-F 8am-6pm ET) Computer with internet is required.

TRAIN ONLINE TO DO MEDICAL

BILLING Become a Medical Office

Professional online at CTI! Get trained, certified & ready to work in months! Call 855-543-6440 (M-F 8am-6pm ET) Computer with internet is required.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

DIRECTV New 2-Year Price

Guarantee. The most live MLB games this season, 200+ channels and over 45,000 on-demand titles. $84.99 /mo for 24 months with CHOICE Package. Some restrictions apply. Call DIRECTV 1-888-534-6918

MARKETPLACE

A.T. STEWART EXCHANGE CONSIGNMENT SHOP 516-746-8900

Antiques-Furniture-Jewelry-SilverMirrors-Lamps-Artwork Come to Consign & Stay to Shop Visit.... Our Shop 109 Eleventh St. Garden City Mon-Fri 10-4 (Wed till 6) Saturday 12-4 Shop Our Online Store ATStewartExchange.org

Items to Consign? Email photos (with sizing info) to: store@atstewartexchange.org All proceeds benefit The Garden City Historical Society Like us on Facebook & Instagram

INVITED ESTATE SALES BY TRACY JORDAN is doing VIRTUAL TAG SALES and ONLINE AUCTIONS now! Sell the contents of an entire house or sell just a few things! You can host your own sale on invitedsales.com and Facebook and Instagram or we can do it for you. We can photograph, advertise and handle the winning pickups for you within a week! Don’t worry about your closing date, we can get your house ready on time! We are a one stop service for all your needs when you are moving or selling a property! Selling, donating, discarding and cleaning out services can be done to meet your time frame with minimal stress. Contact info@invitedsales.com for more information or call 516-279-6378 to schedule a consultation or receive more information. Visit us at www.invitedsales.com for a listing of our upcoming Virtual Tag Sales and Weekly Auctions!

WANTED TO BUY

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

TOP CASH PAID: ESTATE CONTENTS ALL OBJECTS OF ART JEWELRY, ETC.Please call 718-598-3045 or 516-270-2128 www.antiqueassets.com

REAL ESTATE FOR SALE HOMES FOR SALE

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Town celebrates Pride Month N. Hempstead oyster gardening initiative

Town of North Hempstead Council Member Mariann Dalimonte was proud to join with the Coalition to Save Hempstead Harbor to learn how to build oyster gardening cages.

This initiative is aimed at revitalizing and restoring shellfish populations in the region. In August 2022, the town launched a pilot program to add one million oysters to Manhasset Bay to help improve water quality and clarity.

More recently, at the March 2023 Town Board meeting, Dalimonte put forth a resolution that would add oyster garden cages in North Hempstead Beach Park.

Dalimonte and Council Member Veronica Lurvey along with the Town’s Bay Constable Mal Nathan joined with Martha Braun, project manager of the Oyster Gardening and Restoration at the Coalition to Save Hempstead Harbor, to learn more about oyster gardening cages including how to build them.

Over the course of the summer,

they will be volunteering time to build them. These cages will foster a good environment for oyster populations to thrive, thus helping improve the water quality, ecosystem health, and biodiversity in the Town’s waterways.

“We are excited to partner with the Coalition to Save Hempstead Harbor to build oyster cages and work toward the restoration and preservation of Manhasset Bay,” said Dalimonte. “I want to thank Martha Braun from the Coalition to Save Hempstead Harbor and our Bay Constable Mal Nathan for their dedication and help to get this project started. These cages will help oysters grow and thrive faster than they would on the bottom of the bay. This allows them to do a better job in protect our water.”

Oysters play a crucial role in maintaining the balance of marine ecosystems. They can naturally filter and purify the water by consuming algae and other pollutants. The Town hopes to eventually add oyster cages to Manhasset Bay.

North Hempstead Town Supervisor Jennifer DeSena, Council Member Mariann Dalimonte along with Council Members Robert Troiano, Dennis Walsh, Veronica Lurvey, and David Adhami were proud to host a Pride Month celebration at Town Hall on June 6.

Collaborating with local organizations such as the LGBT Network, Be The Rainbow, and PFY Division of the Long Island Crisis Center, the event aimed to promote inclusivity, acceptance, and love for all. The highlight of the celebration included a flag-raising ceremony in front of Town Hall.

Neuroscience Institute in UAE

As part of its ongoing efforts to bring complex care and to increase the flow of international patients to the UAE, Burjeel Holdings (“Burjeel” or “the Group”), one of the largest healthcare services providers in the MENA, has joined hands with Northwell Health, the largest healthcare provider in New York State, to launch a highly advanced Neuroscience Institute in Abu Dhabi.

The Neuroscience Institute will be located at Burjeel Medical City, the flagship facility of Burjeel Holdings, and will provide state-of-the-art care for adult and pediatric patients with neurological disorders, including autoimmune brain disorders, epilepsy, Parkinson’s and movement disorders, pediatric neurology, and multiple sclerosis.

The collaboration between Burjeel Holdings and Northwell Health will enable the transfer of knowledge and expertise between the two organizations to deliver the best possible patient care.

World-renowned neurologist Dr. Souhel Najjar, professor and chairperson of the Department of Neurology at the Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/ Northwell, and executive director and senior vice president of the Northwell Health Neurology Service Line, will head the Institute in Abu Dhabi.

Najjar said: “Northwell Health and Burjeel Holdings’ decision to build a neuroscience institute in the UAE demonstrates their synergistic culture of innovation and commitment to bring advanced, innovative, and compassionate neurological care to the UAE and the entire Middle East. On a personal level, I am proud of this relationship as it allows me to bring my Northwell Health family closer to the beloved UAE.”

Burjeel Holdings and Northwell Health formalized the establishment of the Dr. Najjar Neuroscience Institute at a ceremony held in New York at the Northwell Health corporate headquarters in Manhattan.

The ceremony was attended by Dr. Shamsheer Vayalil, founder and chairman of Burjeel Holdings; John Sunil, CEO, Burjeel Holdings; Dr. Mohan Chellappa, non-executive director, Burjeel Holdings; Michael Dowling, president and CEO, Northwell Health; Najjar, senior vice president and executive director of the Neurology Service Line, Northwell Health; Dinelia Ortiz, vice president, Neurology Service Line, Northwell Health; Serena Najjar, senior project manager, Neurology Global Patient Services, Northwell Health; Kevin Beiner, senior vice president and regional executive director western region, Northwell Health.

Dowling said: “This collaboration is an exciting opportunity to deliver world-class care to the communities of Abu

PHOTO PROVIDED BY NORTHWELL HEALTH.

Northwell Health and Burjeel Holdings signed a memorandum of understanding to open the Dr. Najjar Neuroscience Institute in the UAE. From left are John Sunil, CEO of Burjeel Holdings; Dr. Souhel Najjar, senior vice president and executive director of the neurology service line of Northwell Health; and Michael Dowling, president and CEO of Northwell Health.

Dhabi. Dr. Najjar has long been an example of clinical excellence for our health system and we are incredibly proud to see his team’s services offered across the globe.”

John Sunil, CEO, Burjeel Holdings added: “The partnership is another important step in the Burjeel Holdings’ commitment to delivering unmatched healthcare excellence in the region and greatly improving patient outcomes. The collaboration with Northwell Health and Dr. Najjar aligns with the Group’s endeavors to provide complex care and access to the newest treatments and technologies for patients across the region.”

Northwell Health’s Neurology Service Line is a regional and international destination for neurological care, committed to improving patient outcomes and driving innovation. Patients from all over the world can receive premier treatments for a wide spectrum of neurological disorders from renowned experts in the field.

Burjeel Medical City is a 400-bed leading quaternary care facility with cutting-edge medical technology and employing internationally recognized and published physicians. The neuroscience institute at the hospital will be supported by state-of-the-art medical technology and an international team of experts certified by top global medical boards.

North Hempstead officials and community leaders join together to celebrate Pride Month in North Hempstead.

North Hempstead Council Member Dalimonte and Council Member Lurvey build an oyster cage.

Adult summer reading kick off author: Meister G.N. Library election

Great Neck Library Election: Monday, October 30, 2023, 10:00 am — 10:00 pm

Eligible voters will elect three seats expiring in January 2024 –one on the board of trustees (Scott Sontag) and two on the nominating committee (Marietta DiCamillo and Marianna Wohlgemuth).

Independent Petition forms are now available. Visit our library locations or go to greatnecklibary.org/ library-election for the forms and other election information.

Great Neck Library is having an Adult Summer Reading Kickoff Author Event with Ellen Meister at the Main Library, 159 Bayview Avenue, Great Neck on Monday, June 26 at 7:00 pm.

“A sharp, laugh-out-loud novel about a doting wife who has finally had enough. Deeply funny and horribly familiar, “Take My Husband’ is not to be missed!” -Beth Harbison, New York Times bestselling author of “Confessions of the Other Sister.”

In this darkly comic novel about a wife whose rope is so frayed it’s about to snap, Laurel gets a call that her husband has been in an accident.

She imagines the worst. But as she is on the way to the ER, another emotion seizes her. Relief. Doug’s death could solve all her problems. No more catering to his incessant demands.

Then there’s the insurance money. Laurel’s dreams seem so close. There’s just one problem: Doug is very much alive. Now Laurel has to decide if she is going to do something about it.

Subversive, irreverent and surprisingly poignant, “Take My Husband” probes the deep corners of a marriage and emerges to find the light. For anyone who’s spent a little too much time with a significant other and thought, One of us has got to go.

Ellen Meister is the author of eight critically acclaimed novels, which have been called, “powerful, moving and emotional,” as well as “hilarious and poignant” and “heartbreakingly funny.” Her books include “Take My Husband,” “The Rooftop Party,” “Love sold separately,” “The Other Life,” “Dorothy Parker Drank Here,” “Fare-

well, Dorothy Parker” and more. Her essays have appeared in Publishers Weekly, Wall Street Journal blog, Huffington Post, Daily Beast, Long Island Woman Magazine, Newsday, Writer’s Digest and more. Meister is also an editor, book coach, creative writing instructor, and screenwriter. She lives on Long Island, where she is hard at work on her next book.

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

Give blood and get Mets tickets G.N. Adult Center awards

The New York Blood Center is having a Summer Blood Drive at the Great Neck Library’s Main Building Community Room at 159 Bayview Ave. in Great Neck on Thursday, July 6, 2023, from 1:30 pm to 7:30 pm. You will be given a pair of New York Mets tickets when you give (while supplies last! Prizes hold no cash value and are non-transferable). To make an appointment, go to do-

nate.nybc.org/donor/schedules/ drive schedule/304817 or call (800) 933-2566.

Appointments are preferred; however, walk-ins are welcome if space permits. Please remember to eat, drink, and bring your ID with your name and photo.

For more information, please email csimeti@greatnecklibrary.org or call (516) 466-8055 x259.

North Hempstead Town Supervisor Jennifer DeSena recently attended the annual Adult Learning Center awards ceremony.

This event honors the accomplishments of Adult Learning Center graduates. Graduates have received accolades such as a New York State high school equivalency diploma, English language learners, United States Citizenship, and students who have demonstrated excellence in the classroom.

Recognizing these life-changing achievements, DeSena congratulated all graduates for successfully completing their coursework and wished them well in their future endeavors.

Temple Beth-El welcomes new assistant rabbi

Temple Beth-El of Great Neck welcomes Rabbi Megan Brumer as assistant rabbi on July 1, and all are welcome to meet Rabbi Megan at her first Erev Shabbat service, followed by a catered congregational dinner, on Friday, July 7, at 6:30 p.m.

As a member of the synagogue’s collaborative clergy team, Rabbi Megan will work closely with Rabbi A. Brian Stoller and Cantor Adam Davis to serve the full range of congregants’ spiritual and pastoral needs, lead services, teach Torah study, expand youth and family programming, partner in social-justice work and support the temple’s small-groups initiative.

A Reform Jew deeply passionate about Jewish experiential education, Jewish identity and Jewish community, Rabbi Megan hopes to help congregants discover or rediscover their connection to Judaism and guide them along their Jewish journey.

“There is no one way to connect to Judaism, and every individual deserves to find the way that they personally connect, whether it’s through text, music, arts, sports or social action,” explains Rabbi Megan.

Growing up in Bellevue, Washington, Rabbi Megan had a strong Jewish up-

bringing in the greater Seattle area’s sizable Jewish community. Attending Jewish day school and being immersed in both Jewish summer camp and her synagogue’s youth group influenced her to pursue a career in the rabbinate and as a Jewish educator.

“Involvement in Jewish summer camp and my synagogue were such transformative experiences, and I want to ensure that every person has their own similar opportunity,” notes Rabbi Megan. “One way I hope to do this is through education.”

The Hebrew Union College–Jewish Institute of Religion ordained rabbi is enthusiastic about inspiring children and teens to love Judaism, build strong Jewish identity and find joy in Jewish life. She will add another dimension to the current clergy team.

“In addition to rabbinic ordination, Rabbi Megan comes to us with an advanced degree in Jewish education, positioning her well to lead the important work of educating and engaging Temple Beth-El’s youth and young families,” says Rabbi Stoller.

Growing up with a love of Jewish music ignited her love for song leading, leading communities in music and prayer.

“Rabbi Megan’s song-leading and

summer camp experience are sure to win over the hearts of congregants, young and old,” adds Cantor Davis.

What drew Rabbi Megan to Temple Beth-El was the focus on education and the chance to learn from and be mentored by Rabbi Stoller. She looks forward to getting to know the Great Neck community, which has a similar feel to the suburban Seattle area where she was raised.

“I hope to help strengthen youth and teen education at Temple Beth-El, bringing in new programming and continuing what has already been successful,” beams Rabbi Megan. “I am excited to share my love and passion for Judaism, for Jewish music and for Jewish education.”

The community is welcome to meet Rabbi Megan at her first Erev Shabbat service, which will be followed by a delicious congregational dinner catered by W Kosher Events, on Friday, July 7, at 6:30 p.m. To register for the dinner, which costs $10 a person, click bit.ly/3IWR8aP.

Temple Beth-El, Great Neck’s oldest synagogue, which has been serving the community for more than 90 years, is located at 5 Old Mill Road. For more information, call 516-487-0900, visit www. tbegreatneck.org or email info@tbegreatneck.org.

Rabbi Megan Brumer joins Temple Beth-El as assistant rabbi on July 1.

Kenneth Bossert named G.N. superintendent

Continued from Page 1

our entire staff and for the benefit of all,” Sassouni said.

Board Trustee Donna Peirez said she was doubtful that the board would appoint a superintendent before the end of the school year. She said she is pleased that Bossert is filling the position.

“I have the utmost faith that he will be a wonderful leader for the students, the staff and the community of Great Neck,” Peirez said.

Bossert said he is humbled by the remarks from the board and is thankful for the opportunity.

His five-year term will end July 31, 2028.

Bossert’s appointment comes in the wake of former Superintendent Teresa Prendergast’s unexpected death announced by the district on Sunday. Trustee Barbara Berkowitz said it does not diminish the board’s enthusiasm and optimism in the appointment of Bossert.

Prendergast, 60, died from a ruptured brain aneurysm on June 10.

Prendergast had been the district’s superintendent for the past eight years. She was planning to retire from her position on July 21 to become principal of Sacred Heart Academy in Hempstead starting in August.

Prendergast’s funeral will be held at 9:45 a.m. on Saturday at Our Lady of Lourdes Roman Catholic Church at 65 Wright Ave. in Malverne.

Visitations will be held at Flinch & Bruns Funeral Home at 34 Hempstead Ave. in Lynbrook on Thursday from 2-4 p.m. and 6-9 p.m., as well as on Friday from 2-4 p.m. and 6-9 p.m.

The board held a minute of silence at the beginning of its meeting to remember Prendergast.

“Two weeks ago, on May 31, our board recognized Dr. Teresa Prendergast for her eight years of caring and attentive service to our entire school community and every one of its facets and for her graciousness, her

goodwill, her cheer,” Sassouni said. “Just a week ago she suffered a grave medical incident. And as we sit here this evening with her empty seat by my side, I am reminded, as I am sure we all are, of the fragility of life.”

Sassouni quoted Maya Angelou, relating it to Prendergast’s ability to make everyone feel seen, heard and recognized: “People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”

“Her absence is deeply felt,” Sassouni said.

Wednesday’s meeting was also

the last Great Neck Board of Education meeting for the school year. This was the last meeting for two trustees – Berkowitz and Jeffrey Shi – who will be ending their tenure on the board.

“It has been my honor to have been involved in our schools in a leadership capacity since 1986 and to have served on the Board of Education as a trustee, vice president and president for the past 31 years,” Berkowitz said. “But, all good things must come to an end and the time has come to step down now. I remain committed to both the school and

Great Neck community that I have loved since moving her in 1978, and I look forward to seeing what the future has in store for us all.”

Berkowitz said she too will be honored as the graduating class of 2023 at next week’s high school graduations.

Shi served 6 years on the board, after being elected in 2017. He did not run for re-election in May.

Shi called his time on the board as one of the most important achievements in his life.

“But I got the strength from the community, and I got the strength

from the administrators, the teacher, but most importantly [the students],” Shi said.

Berkowitz and Shi both received standing ovations. They were presented with flowers and a plaque to honor their service on the Board of Education.

Sassouni said there is nothing that could truly honor the time and service Berkowitz has given to the school district.

The Great Neck Board of Education will hold its next organizational meeting at 7:30 p.m. on July 6 at the Phipps Administration Building.

Prendergast’s legacy remembered at funeral

Continued from Page 2

Prendergast had been the district’s superintendent for the past eight years. She was planning to retire from her position July 21 to become principal of Sacred Heart Academy in Hempstead starting in August.

In her anticipated new venture at Sacred Heart Academy, Stephen Prendergast said his mother sought guidance through her Catholic faith.

“Looking back we see this as her preparation, not only for her new role but perhaps in some divine way to meet her creator,” he said.

Her son said that she lived by Horace Mann’s belief that education was the “great equalizer,” that education was able to mitigate the socio-economic differences between people.

“Our dear mother not only be-

lieved this, she embodied it,” he said.

While she was an avid educator dedicated to her work, her family was her main priority.

“We graduated from her school of life, filled with lessons of kindness, perseverance, integrity and love,” Stephen Prendergast said.

His mother was a first-generation Irish-American raised in the Bronx.

Her son said she embodied the fighting spirit of her parents in their pursuit of a better life in the United States. He said it translated in his mother through her “relentless pursuit of opportunities, the desire to make the world a better place [and] the audacity to believe that anything is possible.”

“Above all, she was an indomitable spirit who inspires those around her,” Stephen Prendergast said.

Prendergast had met her husband James Prendergast, the love of her life, while she lived in the Bronx. They were married for 34 years.

She enjoyed weekends at her beach house in Surf City, traveling, dancing, gardening, volunteering and reading.

Prendergast was a loyal New York Mets fan. Stephen Prendergast jokingly said that it was not easy, with the crowd laughing in response.

Despite her Mets loyalty, she would take her godson to Yankees games.

Stephen Prendergast said that his mother started her day every morning with contagious joy.

“Our home was an extension of her open heart,” Stephen Prendergast said.

He said she had the ability to make

any ordinary conversation one of great significance, making people involved feel important.

One weekend on Long Beach Island, her son recalled that she had come across a group of young girls selling painted rocks. His mother went on to buy all the rocks from the girls, a cherished memory for the family. He said they still have those rocks.

“Her influence extends far beyond physical spaces and continues to inspire all who knew her,” Stephen Prendergast said.

The Dr. Teresa Prendergast Foundation for Children has been established in the wake of her death to raise funds for students who do not have the means to access higher education. The foundation was established to continue Teresa Prendergast’s legacy and

commitment to education.

Money can be donated to the foundation through its GoFundMe page.

Nearly $20,000 has been raised in one week.

The foundation is in the process of being established as a formal non-profit. All funds raised through GoFundMe will be transferred to the foundation once established.

“And although our hearts ache with loss, we take comfort in the faith that this farewell is not forever, that there is a grand reunion awaiting us beyond this realm where we will share our stories, our laughter, our love,” her son said. “Until that day, we will honor her memory, keep her spirit alive, and remember a woman who taught us all in her unique way that anything was possible.”

PHOTO BY JANELLE CLAUSEN Great Neck North High School.

Unopposed Incumbents sweep G.N. elections

Continued from Page 1

non-contested election,” Bral said at the board meeting immediately following the polls closing. “It does mean a lot to hear that people actually care and they appreciate what we have done. We appreciate their support and hope that we can lead the community to a brighter future, continue building the bond between the communities, revitalize Middle Neck Road and have a new village hall hopefully soon.”

After defeating former Mayor Ralph Kreitzman in 2015, Bral faced challengers in his 2017 and 2019 reelection campaigns. He most recently won an uncontested election in 2021, receiving 939 votes.

In Lake Success, Deputy Mayor Gene Kaplan won another two-year term after being re-elected alongside Trustees Lawrence Farkas and Mariann Lee.

Kaplan had 57 votes cast while Lee and Farkas received 54 and 51, respectively. There were no write-in votes cast.

Village of Russell Gardens Mayor David Miller won re-election with 31 votes. Miller was the lone member of the village’s board of trustees on the ballot this year.

This election was the first where a mayor in the village ran for a fouryear term after the board voted in 2019 to extend the terms from two to four years.

Village of Kings Point Trustees

Hooshang Nematzadeh and Ira Nesenoff both won another two-year term on the village’s board of trustees.

Nematzadeh had 126 votes while Nesenoff had 99 votes. There were no write-in votes cast.

Nematzadeh has served on the board since 2012 and is the board’s deputy mayor. He has lived in Kings Point for almost 20 years and has served on the village’s planning board.

The president of Nemat Homes

Inc., Nematzadeh is a member of the Great Neck Chamber of Commerce and is the former executive vice president of the Iranian American Jewish Federation of New York and the United Mashadi Jewish Community of America.

Nematzadeh previously told Blank Slate Media his goal as deputy mayor is to uphold the quality of life in Kings Point, raise revenues, cut expenses and make sure the board is as efficient as possible. He said the board has been effective in working together

to achieve these common goals.

Nesenoff has been a resident of Kings Point for more than two decades and has served on the village’s zoning board for roughly the same amount of time.

Nesenoff is a managing partner of

Pride celebrated in Port Washington

Continued from Page 3

Rainbow renditions of the Port Washington Fire Department and Port Washington Police Department logos drawn on the bay walk. (Photo by Cameryn Oakes)

Phrases written on the walk included “Port loves you,” “Be The Rainbow” and “Love wins,” all written in rainbow colors. The Port Washing-

ton Fire Department and Port Washington Police Department drew their logos on the walk, adapting them to have rainbow-colored themes.

The ¾ three-quarter-mile walk started at Port Washington’s Bay Walk Park and concluded at the John Philip Sousa Memorial Bandshell in Sunset Park.

Many local organizations marched in the

Pride Walk, including members of the Port Washington Fire Department, local government officials and the Congregational Church of Manhasset.

At the conclusion of the walk, attendees were greeted with a pride celebration that included performances by Sunshyne + the Foxx, a variety of vendors and food trucks.

Free rainbow sprinkle ice cream sandwiches from Smusht and Italian ice from Ralph’s Italian Ice were handed out to attendees.

As festivities continued throughout the remainder of the sunny Saturday afternoon, the park was filled with children’s laughter, dance music, elaborate performances and a display of rainbow in support of the LGBTQ+ community.

Spider-Man artist, F.P. resident dies at 93

Continued from Page 10

the tone and look of Marvel’s comics for decades,” Feige said in a statement. “His version of Spider-Man has inspired so many of us at Marvel Studios. Our thoughts are with his family, and the generations of artists and fans

who fell in love with the characters he drew.”

Born on Jan. 24, 1930, Romita first got introduced to comic books when he met inker Lester Zakarin, a relationship that would lead to meeting Lee when he was still with Timely

Comics, the company that would eventually become Marvel.

After getting drafted to the U.S. Army in 1951 where he worked as a recruitment poster artist, Romita worked for DC Comics on the company’s romance comic books before

returning to Marvel in 1965.

“The impact Romita left on everyone he met at Marvel is undisputed. He was always kind and warm and served as an inspiration to all who knew him or followed his work. Romita helped build the Marvel Universe

as we know it, and he will be greatly missed by everyone who had the pleasure of knowing him,” Marvel said. “He meant a lot to us, and the same is true for the many fans who enjoyed his artwork. Through them, and all of you, his legacy will live on.

Nesenoff & Miltenberg law firm, handling real estate litigation and other matters based out of New York City. Contributing reporting by Joseph D’Andrea.

PHOTO BY JANELLE CLAUSEN Village of Great Neck Mayor Pedram Bral.

Horses euthanized at Belmont

Continued from Page 10

cumstances of the injuries will be reviewed by the New York State Gaming Commission and pointed out that the main dirt track and both courses are inspected before, during and after each race day.

Since May 4, a total of 1,740 horses have started in 224 races at Belmont.

Last year, during 44 race days there were 3,097 starting horses over 419 races with six fatal injuries during racing at Belmont, a 0.19% occurrence.

The park, which is also a year-round training center, had 39,413 timed workouts last year that saw 23 fatal injuries during training, a 0.06% occurrence.

Live racing statistics for all of NYRA’s tracks last year, which include Belmont, Aqueduct Race Track in Queens and Saratoga Race Course in Saratoga Springs, N.Y., show 196 race days, 1,855 races and 14,043 starting horses.

There were 23 fatal injuries during racing last year, a 0.17% occurrence.

“In the course of investigating these injuries, necropsies will be performed at Cornell University with the results to be analyzed by Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority (HISA) officials as well as the New York State Equine Medical Director,” McKenna said.

Langone sues Northwell over color

Continued from Page 4

Ramon Soto, Northwell’s chief marketing and communications officer, told The New York Post they use branding with a wide array of colors.

“NYU Langone’s claim that it owns the color purple for health care services is nothing short of preposterous. And it’s an insult that part of the complaint includes a hospital’s Code Lavender COVID-19 memorial,” Soto told The Post. “North-

well Health is proud of its distinct branding, which uses a wide variety of colors, and how it leverages research, education and clinical excellence to differentiate from others in the market. Northwell is much more than just a color in our ads.“

Langone also pointed to the trademarks it has registered with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office for designs that use the color purple, including its health app. The lawsuit said Northwell began to

copy Langone once the latter started to increase its footprint in Long Island. In 2019, Langone acquired Winthrop University Hospital in Mineola and Long Island Community Hospital in March 2022, increasing its share of the local market, the lawsuit claimed.

Langone is seeking damages, attorney fees and a permanent injunction barring Northwell from using “confusingly similar advertising.”

PHOTO COURTESY OF WIKIMEDIA COMMONS

The 155th running of the Belmont Stakes was held on Saturday, June 10.

South seniors get Merit scholarships GNPS/TV current programs

Two seniors at South High School have been announced as recipients of college-sponsored scholarships through the prestigious 2023 National Merit Scholarship Program.

College-sponsored scholarships have been awarded to Alok Karkare, National Merit Vanderbilt University Scholarship, and Kanheng Lin, National Merit Emory University Scholarship.

Alok and Kanheng are among approximately 3,000 distinguished high school seniors nationwide who were announced as college-sponsored National Merit Scholarship recipients on June 7.

An additional group of Scholars will be announced in July, bringing the total number of college-sponsored Merit Scholarship recipients to

about 3,800.

These awards are financed by U.S. colleges and universities.

The National Merit Scholarship Program includes several rounds of evaluation. The first round recognizes high school seniors as commended students based on their outstanding performance on the Preliminary SAT (PSAT)/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test.

Less than 1% of the highest-scoring entrants in each state advance as semifinalists in September, followed by the announcement of finalists in February.

This year, the National Merit Scholarship Program recognized 57 commended students, 27 semifinalists, and 26 finalists from the Great Neck Public Schools.

Programs currently airing on Great Neck Public Schools Television (GNPS/TV) are South High School Spotlight, North Middle School Spotlight and Student Filmmakers Showcase.

GNPS/TV programs are available on demand, 24/7, on the school district website, www.greatneck.k12.ny.us/ tv. Programs can also be viewed in the incorporated villages of Great Neck on Optimum Channel 75 and on Verizon Fios Channel 32. Airing times in the program descriptions below are for Optimum and Verizon viewing.

South High School Spotlight

Tune in to GNPS/TV to watch this edition of South High School Spotlight featuring highlights from Alumni Day, Coffee House, Fashion Show, Rebel Car Show, Rebel Wars, a montage from the musical production of Oklahoma! and more.

South High School Spotlight airs at 7 a.m. and 11 a.m., and 3 p.m and 7 p.m.

North Middle School Spotlight

This episode of North Middle Spotlight highlights re-

cent school activities and performances, including the Harlem Wizards game, Halloween, Pie a Teacher fundraiser, Relay Field Day, a montage from the musical production of Newsies and more.

North Middle School Spotlight airs at 8 a.m., and 12 p.m., 4p.m. and 8 p.m.

Student Filmmakers Showcase

Student Filmmakers Showcase is a program that highlights short films produced, edited and directed by middle and high school students.

The showcase offers a variety of films and styles. Student Filmmakers Showcase airs at 9 a.m., and 1 p.m., 5 p.m and 9 p.m.

GNPS/TV Programming

GNPS/TV programming reflects the offerings of the Great Neck Public Schools and the achievements of its students and staff. Programs are student-produced.

For more information, contact Robert Zahn, director of educational television and broadcast media, at rzahn@ greatneck.k12.ny.us.

G.N. students get service awards

Two high school students from the Great Neck Public Schools have been recognized for outstanding service and volunteerism through the 2022–23 National Community Service Awards, sponsored by the United Nations Association of the United States of America and InnerView.

This year’s recipients are South High senior Claudia Cheng and North High junior Nicole Yeroushalmi.

Cheng has received the National Ambassador Award in recognition of over 100 hours of service.

Yeroushalmi has received the National Honor Award for more than 40 hours of service, as well as the National

Zero Hunger Recognition for her service with a specific focus on creating communities free of hunger.

The National Community Service Awards, open to high school and college-age students, are designed to connect student community service activities and commitment to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals to transform our world.

North High and South High are among 643 schools nationwide with student awardees who are recognized as local leaders and global citizens through this award program.

Tri-M Chapter new members

The South High School Chapter of the Tri-M Music Honor Society welcomed 36 new members in recognition of their efforts and accomplishments on the basis of musicianship, scholarship, character, leadership and service to their school and community.

South High’s Tri-M inductees for 2023 are: Jillian Chang, Joshua Chang, Katharine Chen, Hugh Choi, Brayden Chien, Yonathan Eilon, Christopher Fukuda, Ol-

ivia Gu, Kelly Hon, Nandini Khaneja, Drew Kim, Dylan Kim, Kylie Lam, Hee Seo Lee, Nara Lee, Olivia (Ollie) Lei, Sebastian Lennox, Shira Lichter, Charles Li, Kanheng (Martin) Lin, Victoria Lin, Ruiqi Liu, Yunhe Luo, Lana Miao, Kurtis Qu, Christopher Sandel, Nancy Schoen, Jinxian Elaine Su, Sarah Sun, Erin Wong, Sidney Wong, Maggie Wu, Yuhao (Henry) Xu, Julia Xu, Dayoung Yu and Laura Zhang.

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE GREAT NECK PUBLIC SCHOOLS

Kanheng Lin (left) and Alok Karkare (right) are 2023 recipients of college-sponsored scholarships from the National Merit Scholarship.

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE GREAT NECK PUBLIC SCHOOLS

New inductees are pictured here with South High Tri-M Chapter advisor Michael Schwartz, performing arts department head/instrumental music teacher, and Janine Robinson, vocal music teacher.

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ROMANO EXCELS

Wheatley junior surprises self with discuss throw, 3rd in state

BY MICHAEL J. LEWIS

Sydney Romano thought her ears were deceiving her.

No way the official at the New York State High School Athletic Association state track meet on June 10 said what she thought he said, right?

The Wheatley School junior came into the meet hoping to possibly break 120 feet in the discus throw, her signature track event, and on her third toss of the first round at Middletown High School, she uncorked a beauty.

But still, did she hear right? The official said 126 feet, two inches. That’s nuts.

“I actually turned to someone else and asked “wait, what did he say?” she recalled with a laugh. “I had no idea I had thrown it that far. I think I’ve only hit 125 in practice a couple of times, so I was very very excited.”

Romano’s personal-best discus throw delighted her coaches, Robert Capobianco and Tim Schwalm, and was good enough to give the junior third place in the state in Division 2.

Pretty impressive considering track and field is something Romano only does a few months a year; the rest of the calendar sees her stopping shots and booming goal kicks in soccer. After considering several colleges she has “committed to the admissions process at Princeton,” Ivy League language that means she’ll be playing soccer there.

“They really have a beautiful campus and a great program, and I felt it was a great fit right away when I visited,” Romano said. “I just really felt a bond with the program.”

Romano matched her third-place states finish in 2022 but threw the discus 11 feet farther. She said her increased explosiveness through soccer training helps her a lot in discus.

“I knew the competition was going to be really strong this year; some of these girls can throw 130,” Romano said. “I did a lot of strength work with the coaches and really tried to get my technique exactly right before states.”

Romano’s third place finish was the best among area female athletes, but some members of the Manhasset boys team also had strong state meets.

Paul Park, the state champion of the triple jump during indoor season, battled a heel injury for the last several months but still managed to have an outstanding meet at states.

Park finished second on June 10 in long jump in Division I, with a leap of 22-2.50, and placed fifth in the triple jump, with a final leap of 45.4.25.

Still, despite the two top-5 finishes to end a wonderful Manhasset career, Park wasn’t happy with the meet.

“I was a little disappointed, because I was hoping to be state champ again,” Park said. “I wasn’t necessarily disappointed where I placed, but I was disappointed where I jumped.“I

had been jumping pretty well, but I really fell off at the state meet.”Park’s left heel injury, which he said he’s been told may be nerve damage in the foot, hampered his takeoffs, he said, and despite trying to rest and manage the injury through the spring, it was still bothering him all the way up to states.“We were so proud of his ability to persevere and still find his way to the podium in both events in spite of being far from 100% and in pain,” Manhasset track and field

coach Steve Steiner said. “He will certainly go down as one of the finest athletes to ever come through our program.”Park, who’s headed to the University of Pennsylvania in the fall to continue his education and his jumping career, said he tried to mentally tell himself to power through the pain, since it was his final high school meet.“I was having trouble finding the board, and I was failing pretty often,” Park said. “But I’m still happy that I pushed through and gave it my

all.”Park said he looks forward to the challenge of college jumping.“I’m a little scared; they are Division I, I know how good they are,” he said. “But I’m really glad I’ll get to compete alongside and against so many talented people.”In addition to Park’s performance, Manhasset’s 4×800 boys relay team finished eighth. The team was comprised of John Hogan, Ryan Boldi, Cole Thalheimer (all sophomores) and junior Kenneth Lee, and ran the race in 8:03.35

PHOTO BY SYDNEY ROMANO

The Wheatley School’s Sydney Romano finished third in the discus throw in the state meet at Middletown High School on June 10.

Dear Water Authority of Great Neck North Customer,

Do you have lead water pipes? To protect our community, we want to make sure your water remains safe. We are asking everyone to provide us informa�on about their household water pipes. Water pipes are usually made of copper, galvanized steel or lead. We are doing this now because the Environmental Protec�on Agency (EPA) has required us to iden�fy all homes with lead pipes no later than October 16, 2024. If you have a lead water service, you may be eligible for grant funds from the Town of North Hempstead to help pay for new pipes * If you are unable to iden�fy and report your type of pipe, you can hire a licensed/insured plumber to inspect your pipes for lead.

The Town of North Hempstead required copper pipes for homes built a�er 1939. The Water Authority of Great Neck North owns the part of the pipe from the water main to the curb stop valve, usually near the property line. We’re asking you to provide informa�on on your por�on of the water pipe, located in your home so we can make sure your water remains safe.

This is what you will need to iden�fy the type of water pipe you have in your home:

• A key or coin • A magnet • Sandpaper

• A cell phone to take photos of your water pipe

Use your cell phone camera to scan the QR code, then follow the steps:

1. Find the water meter in your basement. Look at the pipe that comes through the outside wall of your home and connects to your water meter. If pipe is painted, use sandpaper to expose the metal first.

2. Gently scratch the pipe with a key or a coin. Do NOT use a knife or sharp tool. Do not make a hole in the pipe. If the scratch turns a shiny silver color, it could be lead or steel.

3. Place the magnet on the pipe. If a magnet sticks, it is a steel pipe.

4. Use your cell phone to take up to 3 pictures of your water pipe to upload onto the Water Authority of Great Neck North website.

You may also use your computer and go to: www.waterauthorityofgreatnecknorth.com Click on the red “Lead and Copper Inventory” banner.

If you need help iden�fying what type of water pipe you have in your home, call: 516-487-7973 or email: customerservice@wagnn.org.

*To learn more about grant funding for lead pipe replacement, call the Town of North Hempstead Community Development Agency at 516-869-2480.

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