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Friday, January 26, 2024

Vol. 73, No. 4

N E W H Y D E PA R K

HEALTH, WELLNESS SUOZZI BLASTS DEVINE PILIP REVISES & BEAUTY GUIDE FOR ALLEGED ETHNIC SLUR FINANCIAL DISCLOSURES PAGES 21-24

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Nassau OKs ARPA fund uses

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THE WIZARD

Designates $262M for COVID relief

BY C A M E RY N O A K ES The Nassau County Legislature voted along party lines to designate more than $262 million of federal pandemic relief funds Monday, with most of the funds being placed in the county’s general fund.

“How we sit here and we don’t react to our constituents, it’s really bothering me on a very deep level,” Minority Leader Delia DeRiggi-Whitton said, referencing constituents advocating for greater funds for the community.

Her comments were met with applause from the members of the public attending the session.

The designation of these funds is split into three categories: about $222 million for the general fund, $15 million for nonprofit community organizations and $25 million for the county’s sewer and stormwater district.

The distribution of these funds passed 11-7 in the Legislature, with all Republicans present voting for the resolution and all Democrats voting against it. District 10 Legislator Mazi Pilip was not present for the vote.

The county’s Minority Caucus members argued that the county needed to allocate more than $15 million to nonprofits. They contended that amount was inadequate and not much more than what the county Continued on Page 34

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE HERRICKS PUBLIC SCHOOLS

Herricks Middle School students perform The Wizard of Oz on stage.

Gov. offers rises, falls in school aid NHP-GCP proposed to receive 2.13% decrease, Herricks a 6.58% increase

BY C A M E RY N O A K ES Nearly all North Shore school districts are on the early list to receive an increase in state aid in the 2025 budget, with three school districts anticipating a cut in their allocations.

Gov. Kathy Hochul’s 2025 budget proposal includes an allocation of $35.3 billion in state school aid. This

is an increase of $825 million from the prior budget, or a rise of 2.4%.

The $825 million proposed increase from budget to budget encompasses a $507 million increase for Foundation Aid – the state’s main education operating aid formula that is based on equity. The remaining $318 million increase is attributed to all other school aid programs.

The 2025 budget proposal comes in the wake of the 2024 budget’s $3.1 billion increase in school aid – a historic increase in the state that amounted to a 10% increase from the prior budget.

Despite increases in the state’s budget for school aid across Long Island and in Nassau County, some districts on Long Island’s North Shore

will be seeing decreases in their state aid.

Of the North Shore districts proposed to receive a decrease in their state aid in 2024-2025, the three are the New Hyde Park-Garden City Union Free School District, Port Washington Union Free School District and Mineola Union Free School District.

Continued on Page 35

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Doctor gets up to 15 NHP revokes years for opioid deaths medical benefits Blatti’s 5 victims include Floral Park, Port residents

Ex-board members no longer qualified

BY C A M E RY N O A K ES

BY B R A N D ON D U FF Y

A Nassau County doctor was sentenced to five to 15 years in prison after prescribing opioid prescriptions to patients that led to the deaths of five individuals, including patients from Port Washington and Floral Park, according to the Nassau County District Attorney’s office.

“This doctor prescribed massive quantities of dangerous drugs to victims exhibiting clear signs of addiction and other health emergencies. His actions ultimately led to the deaths of five patients from drug overdose,” DA Anne Donnelly said. “We entrust doctors with our care every day, assuming that their medical expertise and ethical oath to do no harm will ensure our health and safety. George Blatti did not live up to his oath.”

Dr. George Blatti, 78, was arrested on April 18, 2019. He pleaded guilty to five counts of manslaughter in the second-degree on Oct. 10, 2023, and was sentenced Monday to five to 15 years in prison for his crimes.

“Today’s sentencing underscores the defendant’s blatant disregard to a doctor’s oath to do no harm,” DEA Special Agent in Charge Frank Tarentino said. “Dr. Blatti’s irreversible crimes have led to five deaths and hurt countless other people. DEA and our law enforcement partners have and will continue to bring to justice those who do the most harm, like Dr. Blatti and other drug traffickers.”

Blatti, a general practitioner with no specialized training or accreditation in pain management, was operating out of a former Radio Shack in Franklin Square At the storefront, which still had the Radio Shack sign out front and merchandise shelves on the walls, Blatti prescribed thousands of pills for oxycodone, morphine, clonazepam, alprazolam and oxycontin.

The DA’s office said Blatti wrote prescriptions without taking a medical history or an exam, providing the drugs to patients with opioid addictions. The office added that some patients requesting the drugs were individuals he had never met or spoken to before.

Once Blatti lost his storefront in

New Hyde Park Mayor Christopher Devane said earlier this month the village has rescinded lifetime health benefits for former members of the board of trustees.

Devane said during the Thursday night board of trustees meeting that the village had been paying benefits to former trustees for decades.

Devane and the current board became aware of the situation when they saw that former Trustee Donna Squicciarino, who Devane did not refer to by name, was still being paid health insurance despite not being a current member of the board. Squicciarino, who was first appointed to the board on April 22, 2013, to fill the unexpired term of then-Mayor Robert Lofaro, did not seek re-election last year and had her last meeting in March 2023.

The mayor said after an inquiry he found out that in the ’80s and ’90s, board members got free lifetime health benefits for being a part-time elected official. That was later changed in 2016 when the village board at the time voted to make trustees who were elected before 2010 and had five years in the village’s retirement system eligible for

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE NASSAU COUNTY POLICE DEPARTMENT

Former doctor George Blatti, 78, was sentenced to upward of 15 years in prison for the deaths of five patients.

2019, the DA’s office said he began operating out of his car in the parking lots of the Rockville Centre hotel and a Dunkin’ Donuts.

The office said Blatti used paper prescriptions to prescribe the opioids, which helped him skirt the oversight used in the state’s secure electronic prescription system.

Due to these practices, five patients died from 2016-2018, the DA’s office said.

The victims include Sean Quigley, a 31-year-old volunteer firefighter from Floral Park; Diane Woodring, 53 of Port Washington; Geraldine Sabatasso, 50; Michael Kinzer, 44; and Robert Mielinis, 55.

The DA said Blatti “failed his patients and caused inconceivable suffering to their families. As we continue to battle the opioid epidemic across communities on Long Island, we hope that George Blatti’s sentence sends a

strong message: if you overprescribe opioids and endanger patients, we will hold you accountable.”

The DA’s office said the Nassau County Police Department’s Asset Forfeiture and Intelligence Unit began investigating several fatal and non-fatal deaths in August 2018, which is when they said they found multiple affected individuals were prescribed opioids by Blatti.

Blatti, who was originally licensed in 1976, surrendered his medical license on June 24, 2019, after he was arrested and investigations began.

“We are proud to be a part of a collective law enforcement effort to investigate and apprehend this defendant,” Nassau County Police Department Commissioner Patrick Ryder said. “This trusted physician deserted his oath and placed patients in grave danger by over prescribing highly addictive opioids.”

lifetime medical benefits. Trustees who were elected to the board after 2010 had to have 10 years in the retirement system to receive the benefits, Devane said according to the resolution.

“There are people on that board I respect, there are people on that board I consider friends,” said Devane, who was the village justice for 18 years starting in 2003. “But, ladies and gentlemen, if I was on that board I would have voted no.

The mayor also added he is the only current board member taking insurance from the village and that he will stop once his time as an elected official in New Hyde Park is over.

Devane, who was elected in 2021, apologized that he did not notice this sooner, but said he was more involved in this year’s audit process because Squicciarino and the village’s previous treasurer were both previously in charge of it.

“I am not knocking anybody. That board had the absolute right to pass that resolution just as much as we have the absolute right to rescind the resolution,” Devane said.

Devane said from the time Squicciarino, who he did not refer to by name, left the board at the end of Continued on Page 34

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE VILLAGE OF NEW HYDE PARK

New Hyde Park’s new sign outside Village Hall.

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The Herald Courier, Friday, January 26, 2024

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Mineola wins $4.5M downtown grant State funds to go towards revitalizations as part of as part of the New York Forward Program

BY B R A N D ON D U FF Y The Village of Mineola will receive a $4,500,000 grant from the state government as part of the New York Forward Program, which helps fund revitalization efforts in smaller downtowns.

Mineola is one of three winners, alongside Brookhaven and North Bellport, announced by Gov. Kathy Hochul in Kings Park Thursday morning.

The grant will go toward ongoing plans to revitalize the downtown area in the village through pedestrian improvements and enhancing public spaces, among other things.

Hochul was at Kings Park High School to highlight funding in her proposed budget for Long Island including improvements to housing, business and mental health services– specifically for schools.

Included in her budget are proposals to give eligible communities access to $650,000,000 in discretionary funding to encourage adding housing.

Hochul said municipalities that have so far expressed interest are Mineola, Port Washington North, Brookhaven, Greenport, the Village of Hempstead, Patchogue and Smithtown.

Hochul in recent years has tried to address the state’s housing shortage, which was met with strong pushback

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE VILLAGE OF MINEOLA

The Village of Mineola will receive $4.5 million from the state as part of the N.Y. Forward Program. from local officials from both sides of the aisle.

“Through the Downtown Revitalization Initiative and NY Forward, we are investing in New York’s downtowns – the heartbeat of our communities,” Hochul said. “With this funding, Smithtown-Kings Park, BrookhavenNorth Bellport and Mineola will have the tools they need to reimagine their downtowns to enhance the quality of life for residents, draw visitors, and

spur economic opportunity throughout their communities.”

The governor also added that the village is planning to upgrade its storefronts, increase greenspaces and lighting “to transform into a pro-housing community.”

Mayor Paul Pereira, who was elected in 2022, thanked Hochul and her staff and said the grant will help add to the village’s work in smart growth and revitalizing downtown.

“Mineola has served as an example to other communities as to how you can both meet housing demands on Long Island while still protecting a suburban quality of life,” Pereira said.

“This award not only validates the work that the cillage has been doing for the last 20 years, but it also prepares us for the next 20 years. It will help the village better prepare its infrastructure for the continued growth

and development of our downtown.”

Pereira was joined by Deputy Mayor Janine Sartori, Trustee Paul Cusato and Community Development Coordinator Paul Savino, who alongside Clerk Bryan Rivera the mayor credited with putting together the village’s application.

Pereira has made it a priority to make the village more attractive to both businesses and residents. In December 2022, the board created two business overlay districts on Jericho Turnpike and downtown to attract more diverse proposals for development–which the village was honored for by the Long Island Smart Growth Awards last year.

Since 2010, Mineola has created 1,400 housing units and has an additional 723 units projected with proposed developments that are planned or underway, according to the village’s application.

The Downtown Revitalization Initiative, or DRI, was created in 2016 to spur investment in downtowns and neighborhoods and help them become centers of activity. Since beginning, the program has committed to investing $700,000,000 in 69 downtowns throughout ten regions in the state.

The New York Forward Program works in conjunction with DRI and is more focused on smaller downtowns and rural areas throughout the state.

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Suozzi decries Pilip’s ‘godfather’ naming

BY C A M E RY N O A K ES Tom Suozzi, backed by national and state Italian-American organizations, has denounced Mazi Pilip’s campaign for calling him “the godfather of the border crisis” what the ItalianAmerican candidate is calling an ethnic slur, and demanding an apology from Pilip.

“Now, you can call me a lot of things that are inaccurate. You can call me all kinds of names – which they have throughout this campaign – but why would you say ‘Tom Suozzi’s the godfather of the border crisis?” Suozzi said. “Why would you use that particular expression?”

Suozzi, a Democrat, is facing off against Republican Nassau County District 10 Legislator Pilip in a Feb. 13 special election to finish out the term of Republican Rep. George Santos.

Santos was expelled from Congress in December after he was found to have repeatedly lied to voters – later indicted on 21 federal charges and found to have committed numerous violations by the House Ethics Committee.

In an article by the New York Post, Pilip’s campaign spokesperson Brian Devine calls Suozzi “the godfather of the border crisis.”

Devine up until the beginning of the year was the communications director for Town of North Hempstead Supervisor Jennifer DeSena.

He took a leave of absence from his town position to work on Pilip’s campaign.

According to the Order of Sons of Italy Commission on Social Justice, Italian-Americans have been negatively stereotyped in the media as members of the Mafia. They say that a majority of Italian-Americans’ representation in the media, whether portrayed as mobsters or not, is negative.

Suozzi said he was raised by an Italian immigrant father who experienced discrimination due to his nationality. Because of the experiences of his father, Suozzi said he is “hypersensitive” to attacks against Italians.

“He constantly had to deal with the stereotypes of Italian-Americans and the mafia, fascists, things like that,” Suozzi said.

Pilip’s campaign manager Aidan Strongreen said in a statement to Blank Slate Media that Suozzi “will do anything to try to deflect attention away from his dismal record of working hand-in-hand with Joe Biden to open our borders to illegal and unvetted migrants.”

Strongreen went on to list legislative measures from Suozzi that support his claim, includ-

ing voting against legislation that eases the ability to deport or deny entry to migrants suspected of being in gangs, removing ICE agents from Nassau County and establishing a migrant center while mayor of Glen Cove.

“In short, Tom Suozzi and Joe Biden are responsible for the migrant crisis, which is putting the safety of families at risk while causing budgetary chaos for municipalities across the country,” Strongreen said.

Suozzi has said that his campaign is advocating for immigration reform that secures the border while still treating immigrants “like human beings.”

He has called for what he calls a “grand compromise” that funds additional border security, reduces Central American migration and streamlines the processing of migrants.

He calls the migrant center referenced by Strongreen the “shape-up” center, which was where undocumented migrants could get job training, help finding work and learn English in Glen Cove – the first of its kind on the East Coast.

In his denouncement of the insult by Pilip’s campaign, Suozzi was backed by representatives of six national and New York State-based Italian American groups.

This included National President of the Order of Sons of Italy Commission on Social Justice Bob Ferrito, John Cavelli of the National Italian American Foundation, Judge Basil Russo of the Conference of Presidents of Major Italian American Organizations, Robert Fonti of the Italian American Action Committee, Jim Lisa of the New York State Italian American PAC and Anthony Naccarato of former President of New York State Sons of Italy.

Fonti said he and his organization are outraged by the statement from Pilip’s campaign and said it has gone “off-keel.”

“When you insult one of us, you insult all of us,” Fonti said. “There is no time and space in this world to denigrate an Italian-American or any American.”

Ferrito said this incident is something that relates to broader national political issues.

“Ethnicity seems to be working its way into every campaign,” Ferrito said. “It doesn’t belong in politics.”

Ferrito said the Italian slur was a “poor choice of words” but asked for an apology from Pilip’s campaign and for her to refrain from using ethnic slurs in the future.

Continued on Page 8

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The Herald Courier, Friday, January 26, 2024

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G.N. Library OKs bid for Main Branch Project to renovate entryway of Bayview Avenue location to cost $693,600, last 4 months

BY C A M E RY N O A K ES The Great Neck Library is moving along in its project to replace the Main Library Branch’s entryway after the Board of Trustees approved a construction bid Thursday night.

The board OK’d the awarding of the bid to Milcon Construction Corp., which will complete the project for $693.600.

The expenses for the project will be charged to the library’s Main Building Special Services Fund.

The library had to conduct two rounds of bidding as the first round only attracted two bids and did not fulfill the library’s requirements.

In the second round of bidding, the library sent the request to about 20 companies and received four bids for the project. Milcon, the lowest bidder, was recommended to the board to be selected.

Library patron Steven Walk asked that in the future the board hold a public presentation of the bid proposals for community members to provide input and potential expertise. He cited prior construction problems and architectural issues as the reason for the need to vet the construction companies by the public.

“So I hope and pray that these people have really been vetted and that you are on top of what we will do

PHOTO BY CAMERYN OAKES

The Great Neck Library honored two outgoing Nominating Committee members for their commitment to the library. in the commercial world,” Walk said.

“Sometimes volunteers are very wellmeaning, but it’s not as aggressive as it should be to protect us.”

In tandem with the Main Library project, the board also approved renting

two trailer storage containers to house items stored in the garage underneath the entryway during construction.

The storage container rental is for four months – the anticipated timeline for construction – and will cost the li-

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Library Director Denise Corcoran said two storage containers were necessary because some items will need

to be accessed during construction and two storage containers provide enough space to do so. She said there is no space inside the library to store these items.

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Pilip submits amended disclosure report GOP CD3 candidate removes nearly $90K in income from husband’s medical practices

BY B R A N D ON D U FF Y In an amended financial disclosure report Nassau County Legislator Mazi Melesa Pilip (R-Great Neck), the Republican candidate for the 3rd Congressional District, removed almost $90,000 in personal income from her husband’s medical practice and added thousands of dollars in stocks and other assets.

Pilip filed the new report with the House of Representatives clerk’s office last week two days after her original one due to inaccuracies, according to her campaign.

In 2023, Pilip’s only income was $80,000 from serving as Nassau County legislator.

She reported in 2022 to have earned both her legislator salary and $13,472 from her husband’s medical practice where she previously said she worked as an operations manager in 2021 until running for the Nassau County Legislator.

Pilip’s original filing said that she earned $50,000 each year in 2022 and 2023 from her husband’s business, which is valued between $1 million and $5 million.

Pilip is due in court on Monday for a deposition related to allegations against her husband, Dr. Adalbert Pilip, and his medical practice, A.P. New York Comprehensive Medical Care.

The suit accuses Dr. Pilip and his practice of PHOTO COURTESY OF THE CANDIDATE allegedly failing to pay approximately $72,000 in rent due as of late 2020 and owing nearly Nassau County Legislator Mazi Melesa Pilip (R-Great Neck). $500,000 for the five remaining years on the

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Suozzi touts record on gun safety support

BY C A M E RY N O A K ES Tom Suozzi, in his fight to represent New York’s Third Congressional District, has gained endorsements from national, state and local gun violence prevention organizations and activists amid his campaign calls for greater public safety and removing firearms from the streets.

“We all believe that we need to end the epidemic of gun violence,” Linda Beigel Schulman said. “We now have the opportunity to do so, to

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lease through 2026, according to court documents filed in 2021.

Pilip, who was not named in the complaint, was said to be the operations director of the practice at the time of the suit and stopped working there to run for her first elected office in 2021.

“This is nothing more than an ongoing lease dispute between a private business and a landlord,” Brian Devine, spokesman for Pilip’s campaign, previously said in a statement to Blank Slate Media.

Assets in Pilip’s report include between $1,001 and $15,000 for the state pension she is earning from her time in the Legislature and between $51,001 to $115,000 in stock owned by her and her husband in Artificial Intelligence Solutions, Inc., which supplies robotic and A.I.based hardware and software.

Her Bitcoin investments were reported to be between $16,000 to $65,000 and her joint bank account with her husband was reported to be worth $15,000 to $50,000.

House financial disclosure reports are only reported in broad ranges.

Pilip’s reported liabilities include her husband’s student loans for medical school, incurred in 2005, between $50,001 and $100,000 and her personal credit card debt worth between $10,000 and $15,000.

Pilip is running against former U.S. Rep. Tom Suozzi to fill the seat formerly held by George Santos–who was expelled from Congress last year–-in a special election on Tuesday, Feb. 13.

Former U.S. Rep. Tom Suozzi.

do something about what we believe.”

Biegel Schulman, of Melville, whose son, Scott Beigel, was shot on Feb. 14, 2018, by an active shooter while teaching at Parkland High School. The geography teacher saved numerous lives in the last heroic moments of his life as he brought his students to safety in his classroom.

Beigel Schulman, who endorsed Suozzi, said the former Democratic congressman now seeking his old seat was someone who was with her amid her darkest days after her son’s death and cried with her through the pain. But more importantly, she said, Suozzi advocated for her and her son by pushing for legislation to prevent such future incidents.

Joining her support for Suozzi in the special election for the 3rd CD were endorsements by gun violence prevention organizations the Brady Campaign, Giffords and Moms Demand Action.

Suozzi is facing off against Republican Nassau County District 10 Legislator Pilip in a Feb. 13 special election to finish out the term of Republican Rep. George Santos, who was expelled from the House.

Tanya Schardt, the senior counsel and senior director for federal and state policy for the Brady Campaign, said she worked with Suozzi on gun policy while he was a legislator. This included the passage of the bipartisan Safer Communities Act, which included strengthened background checks for people under 21 years old and funds for red flag laws.

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The Herald Courier, Friday, January 26, 2024

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Singh’s hearings to be scheduled Feb. 20

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Amandeep Singh, the driver accused of killing two Roslyn Middle School teens in a wrongway drunk driving incident in May, will have his pre-trial hearings set at his next court date on Feb. 20.

Presiding Judge Helene Gugerty granted pre-trial hearings for the case against Singh, who has pleaded not guilty to the 15-count indictment and denied a plea given by the District Attorney’s Office.

Singh’s attorney James Kousouros said he is engaged in other trials through mid-March but that it may end earlier, delaying the start of Singh’s pre-trial hearings until March at the earliest.

The February date will be an in chambers conference held between the judge and the representing attorneys, not open to the public.

Roslyn resident Singh, 35, was allegedly driving on the wrong side of the road at 95 mph with a blood alcohol count of 0.15 four hours after his arrest and cocaine in his system, Nassau County District Attorney Anne Donnelly said in a press conference following his arraignment June 26. The speed limit posted in the area of the collision is 40 mph.

His truck struck the Alpha Romeo occupied by the four teenagers, all Roslyn High School boys varsity tennis players, resulting in the death of young tennis stars Drew Hassenbein, 14, and Ethan Falkowitz, 14.

Singh was charged with multiple offenses, including aggravated vehicular homicide, assault, driving while intoxicated, driving while impaired by the combined influence of alcohol and a drug, reckless driving and a felony count of leaving the scene of an incident without reporting, authorities said.

Singh appeared in court on Nov. 2 where he was offered a plea from Nassau County District Attorney Anne Donnelly’s office to the top count of aggravated vehicular homicide within his

Roslyn resident Amandeep Singh.

15-count indictment, which carries a sentence of 8-1/3 years to 25 years in prison.

He denied the plea and had until Nov. 22 to submit defense motions to the case or accept the plea.

In November, Sing’s attorneys asked to suppress statements he made prior to having his Miranda Rights read, a witness identification made of him at the scene of the crash and barring references at trial to his prior arrests and convictions.

They are also seeking a court order to inspect surveillance camera footage outside of the Jericho firehouse.

Singh faces a maximum of 32 years in prison if found guilty.

Suozzi decries Pilip’s ‘godfather’ naming Continued from Page 4 In Blank Slate Media’s request for comment, Pilip’s campaign was asked if they plan to apologize for the prior statement. They did not respond to this question.

Suozzi said he has been an advocate for Italian-Americans in his career, including standing up for Columbus Day and calling for legislation to address discrimination against Italians during WWII. Fonti went on to express his full support for Suozzi in the special election for New York’s 3rd Congressional District.

“The largest voting block in the State of New

Call 516-222-8883 or visit online at DrGomes.com

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York are Italian-Americans,” Fonti said. “We will be voting for our candidates and it’s not about political affiliation, it’s about right and wrong, it’s about representation.”

He said the support he received from the Italian-American groups is nonpartisan, with the organizations not affiliated with a political party and having members of both political parties.

While the other Long Island congressional districts are represented by Italian-Americans – who are also all Republicans, Suozzi said he does not believe he will garner their support in denouncing Pilip’s campaign statement.

BLANK SLATE MEDIA WELCOMES YOUR SUBMISSIONS. E-mail them to news@theisland360.com

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The Herald Courier, Friday, January 26, 2024

Mesita opens its doors in Port Washington

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BY C A M E RY N O A K ES A new Mexican restaurant has arrived on the scene in Port Washington, highlighting a menu of authentic dishes featuring quality ingredients and service to match.

“People come back for the food,” owner John Cestare said. “But people also enjoy the experience while they’re there. We pay attention to the little things.”

Mesita, located at 1029 Port Washington Blvd., serves up the classic, well-known dishes of Mexican cuisine, from an “el classico” margarita with salt around the rim to made-to-order guacamole and a variety of enchiladas. Specials are also offered and created after researching authentic dishes.

Owners Cestare and Matt McBride opened Mesita in Port Washington during Christmas week but celebrated its official opening on Jan. 8.

McBride opened the first Mesita in Port Jefferson in 2013, but issues with restructuring the building led to him losing the lease after a year.

After closing the location, he joined forces with Cestare to reinvent the restaurant and reopen it in Rockville Centre in 2015.

Cestare said after years of serving up their Mexican food in Rockville Centre, as well as in Garden City, they found that many customers were traveling from Long Island’s North Shore to get a taste of their food.

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Mesita’s steak fajitas. became available, Cestare said they found it to be time to finally expand further north.

Cestare said he wants Mesita to become a community staple in Port Washington, where people can come for any meal of the day but also celebrate important events in their lives.

“We just want to make it the place where Continued on Page 35

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Lafazan gets max in funds for Senate bid Fundraising total hits $432K with matching funds from state in run for District 7 seat

BY C A M E RY N O A K ES Former Nassau County Legislator Josh Lafazan, a Democrat, has raised $432,375 after receiving the maximum state public matching funds in his campaign for New York State Senate District 7.

“I am grateful beyond measure to my friends and neighbors who have invested in my campaign,” Lafazan said. “I am running to deliver real results in Albany for the people of Nassau County, and these donations will help me bring my message to every corner of the district.”

The Public Campaign Finance Program matches small-dollar contributions during an election cycle that amount to a total between $5 and $250.

Funds for state legislative positions fall within a tiered system, with the first $50 contributed to the campaign matched at a 12:1 ratio. From there, the matching dollar amount per dollar drops, with the next $100 matched at a 9:1 ratio and then the next $100 matched at an 8:1 ratio.

These funds can only be spent on campaign expenditures.

The maximum amount of matching funds a state senate candidate can receive is $375,000, which Lafazan received after raising $57,375.

This combined total amounts to $432,375 raised for his campaign thus far.

ty’s District 18 legislator for six years before Lafazan reported 282 in-district donors to $203. to his state senate campaign. The average Lafazan, the county’s youngest serving being voted out in November. He lost to Recampaign donation he has received amounts legislator at election, served as Nassau Coun- publican challenger Samantha Goetz.

He previously was a Syosset School Board of Education trustee, being elected into the position in 2012 at 18 years old.

New York State Senate District 7, which includes much of the North Shore and the Town of Oyster Bay as far east as Woodbury, is currently represented by Republican Sen. Jack Martins, who flipped the district in 2022.

Lafazan, among others, has been reported by Newsday to have been screened by the Democratic Party for the seat.

This includes Port Washington’s Kim Keiserman, a Democrat who serves on the North Hempstead Housing Authority Board of Commissioners; Great Neck Library President Rory Lancman, a former state assemblymember in Queens, and Zak Malamed, an activist from Great Neck, according to Newsday.

“Now more than ever on Long Island, Democrats need to nominate a candidate whose record and policy positions appeal to a broad spectrum of voters,” Lafazan said. “I believe I am the best candidate to represent the Democratic ticket in November.”

The filing deadline for the state senate PHOTO COURTESY OF THE NASSAU COUNTY LEGISLATIVE OFFICE election is April 4.

The primary election for party nominees Josh Lafazan has received $375,000 in public matching funds for his state senate cam- is June 25. The general election will then be held on Nov. 5. paign, the most a candidate can receive.

Keiserman raises $500K in Senate race

BY C A M E RY N OAKES

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE CANDIDATE

Kim Keiserman, of Port Washington.

In 25 days, Kim Keiserman, a Democratic candidate running for the state Senate, raised more than $500,000 after receiving the maximum amount of the state’s campaign matching funds.

“I am truly heartened by the overwhelming support I have received from residents throughout the 7th State Senate District,” Keiserman said. “With $40,128 in matching eligible contributions from nearly 300 in-district supporters, numerous other donations, and unlocked state matching funds, our campaign has over half a million dollars available and is ready to make our message clear: Long Islanders deserve a fighter for our rights, community safety, affordability and the environment.”

The Democratic Party is screening several contenders for the North Shore seat, Newsday reported.

The Public Campaign Finance Program matches smalldollar contributions during an election cycle that amount to a total between $5 and $250.

Funds for state legislative positions fall within a tiered system, with the first $50 contributed to the campaign matched at a 12:1

ratio. From there the matching dollar amount per dollar drops, with the next $100 matched at a 9:1 ratio and then the next $100 matched at an 8:1 ratio.

These funds can only be spent on campaign expenditures.

Her campaign reported it received the maximum amount for a state Senate candidate, which tops out at $375,000.

Keiserman, a Port Washington resident who serves on the North Hempstead Housing Authority Board of Commissioners, attributed the funds raised to about 300 in-district supporters, donations and state matching funds.

Keiserman’s raised funds exceedmthat of fellow Democratic candidate Josh Lafaxan, who reported $432,375 raised for his campaign thus far.

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

She plans to advocate for increased public school funding, sensible gun policies and combatting climate change to “create a future that reflects shared aspirations and ensures a fair, inclu-

sive, and prosperous Long Island for all,” her campaign said.

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

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

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

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

The filing deadline for the state senate election is April 4.

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

Blank Slate Media Newspapers, Friday, January 26, 2024

Washington D.C. isn’t working for us.

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

SPECIALN ELECTI,OFeb. Tuesdathy

13

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12 Blank Slate Media Newspapers, Friday, January 26, 2024

Opinion

OUR VIEWS

Looking for budget issues in wrong place

L

ong Island’s three remaining congressmen reacted angrily last week to Gov. Kathy Hochul’s proposed state budget, which they said included “massive cuts” to school districts.

The three congressmen — Anthony D’Esposito (NY-04), Andrew Garbarino (NY-02) and Nick LaLota (NY-01) – were particularly upset that these cuts to some districts were proposed at the same time spending on the migrant crisis would rise $500 million to $2.4 billion.

“It is shameful for Gov. Hochul to propose a state budget with Draconian cuts to over 40 Long Island school districts while providing billions to pay for the ongoing migrant crisis,” D’Esposito, Garbarino and Nick LaLota said in a joint press release that did not mention the 77 Long Island school districts getting more money under the proposal.

“Implementing these debilitating spending cuts without addressing the underlying issue of sanctuary policies is a slap in the face to the taxpayers of New York. Long Island students should not have to pay the price for our state’s failures. If the governor wants to put our students last, then Albany must act immediately to right this injustice,” they concluded.

The comments by the Republican congressmen, now down to three following the expulsion of fellow GOP Rep. George Santos (NY-03), raised many questions.

For starters, why were three U.S. congressmen criticizing the state budget?

They are not state assemblymen or senators. They are congressmen who are supposed to represent their constituents in Washington.

This is particularly relevant at a time when House Republicans, kowtowing to far-right legislators in their own party, continue to struggle to approve a federal budget for more than three months and regularly threaten economically disastrous federal government shutdowns.

And how exactly is the migrant crisis the state’s failure?

The three congressmen referenced New York City’s status as a sanctuary city that by law is obligated to house asylum seekers – often men, women and children

who have risked their lives walking thousands of miles to flee even greater danger at home to enter the United States legally until federal law.

But the migrant problem is not limited to New York City. It’s a national problem impacting cities and states across the country that iscontrolled by the president, the Senate and, yes, the House.

A bipartisan group of senators is in the process of hammering out a compromise to address an immigration system that has been broken for more than 20 years with Democratic senators now bending to many of their Republican counterparts’ demands.

Republican senators said last week that the deal is a once-in-a-generation opportunity that will not be available next year even if the GOP takes the House, Senate and presidency.

Those speaking in support of the bipartisan legislation include Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, Senate Minority Whip John Thune and Sen. Lindsay Graham.

But House Speaker Mike Johnson, who the three Long Island congressmen joined in unanimously supporting him for the post, said he will not bring the legislation to the House floor.

“This is not the time for comprehensive immigration reform,” Johnson said.

Johnson, who led House Republicans’ efforts to overturn the 2020 presidential election, said he would only bring immigration reforms to the floor when there was a Republican in the White House.

Even worse, Johnson has tied immigration to a $110 billion package proposed by President Biden to provide $60 billion in aid to Ukraine, $14 billion to Israel during its war with Hamas, money to aid our defense in the Far East and $14 billion to strengthen security at the southern border.

The failure to fund Ukraine would by itself be a catastrophic foreign policy disaster that would undermine America’s standing in the world by abandoning an ally in its fight for freedom. This would embolden dictators in Iran, China, North Korea and most notably Vladimir Putin in Russia.

It would also take away the funding

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needed to reduce the flow of migrants to New York City, among other places.

But instead of publicly pressing Johnson to do the right thing, D’Esposito, Garbarino and LaLota are criticizing Hochul.

And it’s not as if the three don’t have any leverage with Johnson.

Any one of the three Long Island Republicans could move to oust Johnson under a disastrous agreement in the GOP caucus that allows just onemember to call a vote to remove the speaker.

The three Republicans’ characterization of Hochul’s budget does not appear to be any better than their choice of House speaker.

The three congressmen offer no proof that school districts in New York would get more money from Hochul if they ignored the humanitarian crisis and cut or eliminated any aid for migrants.

She might just remove the spending on migrants and reduce the budget — something Republican officials regularly support.

And the “massive cuts” that Esposito, Garbarino and LaLota cite come in a budget proposal calling for $34.75 billion in state aid to school districts — 2.43% more than the 2023-2024 school year.

Long Island would see a 3.04% increase in state aid for education with Nassau County doing better than Suffolk County with a 4.89% increase, according to an analysis by Newsday.

Yes, there would be a decrease in aid to 40 school districts.

This comes as state Budget Director

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

Blake Washington told Newsday, afterschool aid increased by $7 billion over the last three years, with an additional $13 billion increase in federal aid during the same period “It’s now time for the state to provide a more sustainable level of funding,” Washington said.

On the North Shore, school districts saw increases in state between 18% and 47% for the 2023-2024 school year.

These are districts whose spending per student ranged from $24,250 in the Floral Park-Bellerose School District, which is made up of only elementary schools, to $47,7276 for the North Shore School District.

Under Hochul’s proposed budget, every school district on the North Shore would see an increase in state aid in 2024-2025, led by Manhasset at 8.43%, except for three – Floral Park-Bellerose, Mineola and Port Washington.

Floral Park-Garden City faces a 2.36% decline after a 32% increase last year, Port Washington would receive 0.61% less after a 30.16% increase and Mineola would get 0.063% less after a 24.29% increase for 2023-2024.

And while there are some losers, 77 school districts would see increases in state aid that in some cases would address past imbalances.

“We are very happy that the governor has recognized the shortfall in funding we have experienced in past years and is bringing us up to the levels enjoyed by other districts,” said Wayne Loper, super-

intendent of the Valley Stream Central High School District, where a nearly 12% increase is proposed State officials are also quick to point out that these numbers are proposals in Hochul’s budget and are subject to change.

School officials in districts that see a decrease will inevitably challenge the numbers. If some districts were shortchanged, then that should be corrected.

But this misses a point also ignored

by D’Esposito, Garbarino and LaLota.

The inequity in the state budget is not the decrease in state aid for some schools after three years of increases.

It is that the state budget has still not addressed the wide differences in spending per student in what is called a public school system.

This year, for instance, East Williston is spending $42,627 per pupil while neighboring Herricks is spending $27,327. Roslyn is spending $39,344 per student while Sewanhaka not too far away is spending $31,492 per year.

Where is the fairness in that?

The state has made progress in recent years in addressing this disparity, thanks to changes in allocating state aid.

But it still has a ways to go.

If D’Esposito, Garbarino and LaLota want to be helpful, they should stick to their jobs in Washington and support the immigration reforms agreed to in the Senate.

And leave the state budget to state officials.

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

Blank Slate Media Newspapers, Friday, January 26, 2024

13

OUR TOWN

A brief history of hats, the latest fashions

I

have an odd relationship to Irish tweed newsboy hats, like the one you see in the photo. When in college, I bought a similar Irish tweed newsboy flat cap and the first time I wore it while playing golf with my teammate John Mikals, he asked me if I would sell it to him. I said yes to that request and we were both happy about the deal.

Many years later I bought a similar Irish tweed newsboy cap and the first time I wore it I went to a local luncheonette and the guy behind the counter, whom I had known over the years, admired my cap and asked to buy it. Once again I said yes.

The only way to account for this is to say that these kinds of hats look good on me. At least that’s what I like to think and so when I saw Ralph Lauren selling them this year, I ran right out and bought myself one for Christmas. You decide if this look works for me.

When you think of hats, many images come to mind. My favorite is the wild top hat in “The Cat in the Hat,”

the popular Dr. Seuss book that became one of the top-selling children’s books of all time. That cool cat wore a red-and-white stripped top hat and was nothing but trouble for the two kids and the little fish.

There are many examples of funlooking cool hats. We have the fedora on Harrison Ford in all those Indiana Jones films, the Detroit Tigers baseball cap on Ice Cube in “Boyz in the Hood,” the black fedoras on the Blues Brothers, the lucky floppy hat the female drug runner insisted on wearing in the film “Goodfellas” and, of course, the Mad Hatter in “Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland.”

Human kind’s love of hats goes way back, as far back as 30,000 years ago when men wore bearskin caps.

Hats have always been worn by military men like Napoleon, who wore that three-cornered hat called a tricorne.

Hats serve a variety of purposes, including protection against cold, a shield against the sun and to hide baldness. But they do much more than that.

DR. TOM FERRARO Our Town

Religions use hats to designate the faithful. In Judaism the yarmulke is worn to show respect. In politics, hats can be worn to show solidarity like those red baseball caps with the letters MAGA emblazoned on the brim.

Nations use hats to symbolize who they are. The French beret is a sign of artistic creativity though the beret worn by Faye Dunaway in the film “Bonnie and Clyde” may have set the

image of the French beret back a few decades.

The American cowboy hat is a symbol of rugged individualism and the British bowler is a sign of sophistication and class.

Fedoras are those felt numbers with a mid-sized brim and a crease on top that were very popular in the Fifties and worn by gangsters. My father use to wear them and now I wonder if this was a secret message he was sending to us kids that he was a seriously connected Italian.

Back in the 18th century, women once wore wide-brimmed straw “Shepherdess” hats that were a sign of wealth. Later on in the 19th century, bonnets became popular and were used to shield the female profile and thus discourage dirty old men from looking at them. Pillbox hats were promoted by Bob Dylan in his song “Leopard Skin Pillbox Hat” and pillbox hats were made famous by Jackie Kennedy, who was frequently seen wearing them.

Currently the most popular hat in

the world is the baseball cap and you may have noted how kids wear them backwards and sideways, which may mean something, but I’m not sure what.

Personally I like my Irish tweed, herringbone, newsboy cap just fine, but I’m sure that if someone comes up to me next time I wear it and offers to buy it off my head, I probably will comply. After all why should I be the only one who benefits from wearing hats?

PHOTO BY TOM FERRARO

The Irish newsboy cap is back in style.

ON THE RIGHT

New York’s days of wine and roses are over

I

n his first annual State of the State address to the Legislature on Jan. 7, 1975, Governor Hugh Carey said, “In the very simplest of terms, this government and we as a people have been living far beyond our means.”

He went on to say that “now the times of Plenty, the Days of Wine and Roses, are over. We were in the lead car of the roller coaster going up and we are in the lead car coming down. So, we must first recognize the immediate burdens we inherit. There is responsibility enough to go around for all. But if we would master our fate, we must first acknowledge our condition.”

Carey went on to master the fate of New York and saved the state from insolvency and the City of New York and the Urban Development Corporation from bankruptcy.

Fifty years later, the question is will Gov. Hochul have the mettle, like Carey, to say, “the days of wine and roses are over” and to master the fate of the state by bringing government spending in line with

reality?

In her Jan. 8 State of the State address, Hochul appeared to acknowledge the state’s deteriorating fiscal and social conditions.

Unlike previous years, she did not promise huge increases in spending to placate every left-wing interest group. She even made this admission: “I can actually understand why some people feel the sun is setting on the Empire State.”

The governor noted that tens of thousands have been exiting New York to live in states that happen to have lower taxes, cheaper housing and better job opportunities.

To curb the outflow, Hochul promised to protect taxpayers’ “hard-earned money from politicians who want to raise your taxes.”

That’s an incredible statement from a governor who has surrendered time and again to tax-andspend legislators.

Next, the governor conceded that the crime issue is real and not merely a talking point of her 2022 Republican opponent, Lee Zeldin.

“Safety at the grocery store, the

GEORGE J. MARLIN On The Right synagogue, the subway,” Hochul said, “is always top of the mind.”

Thieves who “brazenly tear items off shelves and menace employees,” she admitted, “are not only driving many out of business [but] these attacks are nothing less than a breakdown in the social order.”

Hochul added, “I say: no more!

The chaos must end…Let’s back our businesses and workers with

the full force of the law and punish those who think they can break the rules with impunity.”

My goodness. The tough-talking Hochul sounds like a MAGA Republican.

But will she follow through by fighting to repeal the lax bail and discovery laws that permit offenders to continue roaming the streets?

That remains to be seen.

One subject she failed to address—the sanctuary city crisis. In New York City, Mayor Eric Adams has spent over $2.5 billion this past year to service migrants. And he projects spending more than $11 billion during the next two fiscal years. Such spending is not sustainable. The city’s declining tax base cannot absorb these costs without dramatic cuts in essential services.

To manage this glaring omission, the governor’s damage control squad said the issue would be dealt with in the state budget that was subsequently released Jan. 16.

The $233 billion proposed budget increases spending by a modest $3.7 billion. Despite projected defi-

cits over the next three years totaling $15 billion, there are no spending cuts. The governor could not find one dime of wasteful spending.

As for migrant aid, the city will receive $2.4 billion. Focusing on the issue, Hochul rightly noted “companies won’t do business in New York if there are thousands of people sleeping on the streets or the quality of life is dramatically impacted because the city is forced to cut essential services. We must support the City of New York in this moment to avoid these disastrous effects and to protect our economy and state revenues in the shortterm and the long-term as well.”

Defending her budget, Hochul said, “we can’t spend like there’s no tomorrow because tomorrow always comes.”

That’s all well and good. However, Hochul’s real test will be whether she restrains radical legislators who have called for a $40 billion tax increase to fund their spending schemes.

I hope she has the mettle to do so.

For the latest news, visit us at w w w.theisland360.com LETTERS POLICY Letters should be typed or neatly handwritten, and those longer than 750 words may be edited for brevity and clarity. All letters must include the writer’s name and phone number for verification. Anonymously sent letters will not be printed. Letters must be received by Monday noon to appear in the next week’s paper. All letters become the property of Blank Slate Media LLC and may be republished in any format. Letters can be submitted online at theisland360.com/submit-opinion/ or mailed to Blank Slate Media, 22 Planting Field Road, Roslyn Heights, NY 11577.

14 Blank Slate Media Newspapers, Friday, January 26, 2024

E A R T H M AT T E R S

On tonight’s menu special — plastic fish

E

ven those who are not particularly interested in environmental health probably took notice of the two alarming studies that came out recently, showing that thousands of tiny plastic particles are showing up in the food we eat and the water we drink.

But it came as no surprise to those scientists who have been tracking the fate of plastic waste and the micro- and nanoplastic pieces that are found across the planet for decades.

These tiny pieces are either directly released into the environment or come from plastic disintegration. Unless plastic has been incinerated and has now joined the pollutants that compromise our air, it is still here on Earth, every single piece of it.

To understand the scale of the pollution, plastic pieces of all sizes are found on Mount Everest, the highest peak on the planet and in the Mariana Trench, the deepest part of our oceans. They are also found in your McDonald’s hamburger, your breaded shrimp and your morning coffee from Starbucks.

Day after day, plastics in our food packaging–cups and their tops, straws, plastic cutlery, plastic bags and storage containers, fast fashion, electronics, children’s toys, carpets, floor finishes, tires, pens, pencils, eyeglasses and even pros-

thetic teeth are loading up the planet with an environmental legacy that we are leaving future generations.

One of the studies from Columbia and Rutgers universities and published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences found that a one-liter plastic bottle of water contained about 240,000 invisible nanoplastic particles.

You can be absolutely certain that there are nanoplastics in that plastic water bottle you carry around with you. Some of the pieces actually come from the plastic filters that remove some of the chemicals in the water before it goes into the bottle, some of it comes from the plastic bottle itself, and some of it probably comes from the tiny fragments that break off every time you unscrew and replace the plastic top on the bottle.

A decade ago, I introduced an environmental education program into the middle school in Port Washington called, “I’ll Have the Plastic Fish Special, Please.”

The kids, of course, were intrigued by the title, and when I explained the story of plastic from cradle to grave, they began to understand what it meant.

At that time, we knew that fish swimming in our ocean’s gyres were found to have plastic in their flesh (hence the title of the program), but so much more is known today about plastic pollution and

PATTI WOOD Earth Matters

the consensus is that WE are all swimming in plastic.

The other study, conducted by an independent research facility in Canada in cooperation with the Ocean Conservancy, looked for micro-and nanoplastics in a food source that all of us eat regularly — protein.

They looked at 16 protein sources, including raw fish, fish sticks, processed meat and pork loins, tofu and chicken in all its forms. In general, all the protein sources had some nanoplastics in them, with the highest amounts found in the

most processed versions.

Tofu, while not a “muscle meat” protein, was found to have nanoparticles, probably because agricultural soils contain plastics and they are taken up by plants.

Single-use plastic has tipped us over the edge and plastic recycling is a complete myth — a fairy tale. The fact is, it is not economically viable to recycle plastic, and the less than 6% of plastic that actually does get recycled will soon be once again a part of the waste stream.

Plastic manufacturers, the biggest fossil fuel companies, want to sell as much oil as possible to manufacture virgin plastic, so they have a major conflict of interest — they don’t want recycling to work.

But that doesn’t stop them from talking about it.

Since the 1970s, the industry has been “selling” recycling, because according to a top industry insider, “selling recycling sells plastic.” They expect plastic production to triple by 2050.

The ubiquitous and upbeat marketing messages of the plastics industry is being challenged by independent scientists and increasingly by the public.

This pressure has made the industry get creative…how about chemical recycling, pyrolysis or turning plastic into fuel?

Every one of these attempts to deal with plastic waste will create more toxins on the planet and add to the plastic crisis.

The only thing to do is turn off the tap!

If it sounds like there is no winning strategy with plastic, then you’re beginning to get the point.

Every single time we bring plastic into our lives, we are levying a burden on our children and their children, leaving them with an environmental price tag that will cost not only their money, but their health.

We don’t yet know for certain what the impact of swallowing a credit card’s worth of plastic every week is doing to humans, but Dr. Kenneth Spaeth, division chief of Occupational and Environmental Medicine at Northwell Health and Hofstra Northwell School of Medicine, had this to say after the studies were released: “Each nanoplastic particle is different due to the various chemicals used to make that particular plastic item. We do know that a large portion of the components of these particles are things known to be toxic to human health and to the environment, but linking [health effects] directly to the nanoplastics has not yet been done.

“This is likely to become a critical issue when we have the data to point to it … I think most people understand this is likely to turn out to be a hazard.”

VIEW POINT

15 questions for Pilip ahead of Feb. 13 elex

T

he fact the Republican Mazi Pilip is ducking debates with Democratic rival Tom Suozzi is a slap in the face of the district that is still smarting from being deceived in addition to being defrauded by George Santos.

Clearly she is either afraid she is ignorant of policy or positions that would come to her as a U.S. congresswoman – a huge jump up from a county legislator where she mostly rubber stamps whatever the Republican Party decides – or is afraid her positions on everything from guns, abortion rights and immigration to climate change, healthcare and taxes would be exposed as counter to the majority of the district, which voted for Biden over Trump.

Pilip’s only qualification to seek this office is her two years on the Nassau County Legislature. And how has that record been? She barely opened her mouth, never went against the Republican line, not even to hire 100 more police officers or spend some of the millions of federal dollars the county received for opioid treatment.

Here’s the list of questions that Pilip should be required to answer and we would have liked to ask but repeated requests have been ignored: Abortion rights: Would you support Republican-led national abortion ban, or Democratic-led women’s reproductive rights? Where do you stand on the Texas court ruling that the state does not have to follow federal HHS guidelines on providing emergency care to pregnant wom-

en in crisis. Immigration: Texas is dumping migrants on New York and other Democratic states/cities without notice or assistance, without regard for welfare of those individuals.

How is this different from human trafficking? Would you support the bipartisan compromise Immigration Reform legislation that passed the Senate in 2013, was introduced in 2018, Suozzi’s “Grand Compromise” of 2019, or Biden’s immigration reform, which he introduced on Day One of his presidency?

You have absurdly accused Suozzi of advocating “open borders.” What Immigration Reform would you propose or support? You were an immigrant to Israel and then an immigrant to the USA. What was your experience in obtaining citizenship? How long did it take? What was the process for you? Do you believe that people whose lives are in danger should have the ability to seek asylum? What is your position on asylum, which is required under federal and international law. What is your position on DACA? What is your position on a path to citizenship for DACA recipients? For their parents? Do you support Trump’s plan to round up five million undocumented immigrants?

What is your position on gun reform?

Assault weapons ban? Banning highcapacity ammo clips? What gun violence prevention measures would you advocate or support?

Republicans from Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman to House Majority Leader Mike Johnson have blamed

KAREN RUBIN View Point

Biden for the drug crisis, yet you blocked a Democratic proposal to spend millions of federal dollars on opioid treatment.

What is your position on funding for mental health? On repealing Obamacare?

On universal health care?

What is your position on shutting down the government unless Biden goes along with repealing infrastructure spending, climate action, drug cost caps?

What is your position on aid to Ukraine? Aid to Israel? Would you block aid unless Biden agrees to ending asylum, closing the border? What is your position on cutting Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid?

How do you propose cutting the budget deficit, national debt? What policies would you advocate? What is the infla-

tion rate?

How does the U.S. inflation rate compare to England’s, Argentina’s? If you say inflation is too high, what is your proposal to reduce? Corporate profits, at a 70-year high, have skyrocketed well past the rate of inflation. What is your position on taxing billionaires? A minimum tax for corporations?

Do you support Republican demands to cut funding to the IRS as provided in the Inflation Reduction Act? What is the amount of unpaid taxes per year? How much money has the Biden Administration collected from tax cheats in 2023?

What is your position on the Disclose Act? On the John Lewis Voting Rights Act? On state legislatures choosing electors regardless of the popular vote? On the National Popular Vote Interstate Compact ?

Do you support the impeachment of Biden? Republicans are obsessed with Hunter Biden’s business interests though he never served in government.

Should Congress investigate the $2 billion Jared Kushner got from Saudi Arabia as he left the White House, his deals with Qatar, how Jared Kushner and Ivanka Trump managed to net $960 million during their time in the White House, the trademarks she got from China?

In your comments to the North Hempstead inauguration event, you took praise for stopping Gov. Hochul’s housing plan to address the housing/affordability and availability crisis, which is impacting Long Island’s economic growth, availabil-

ity of teachers and other professionals.

The Biden administration has a housing policy, and is working to make housing affordable and available especially for groups that have been effectively shut out. Would you support that policy?

What is your position on housing?

On homelessness? What issues do you intend to champion in Congress? What’s important to you?

Your mailings go to the age-old Republican attack, accusing Suozzi of raising taxes. But it was the Trump/Republican Congress that passed tax “reform” that added $2 trillion to the national debt, overwhelmingly benefitted but wealthiest while increasing the tax burden for middle-class families and capped SALT deductions in order to punish Blue (donor) states, which Suozzi has worked consistently to try to restore.

What will you do to end the cap on SALT deductions?

When I tried to ask Pilip a question at the North Hempstead inauguration event, I was told to call Joe Cairo, the Republican county chair (who she specifically thanked for her re-election, “were it not for you ”). I called multiple times to request an interview. I have yet to hear back.

But if you look at Mazi Pilip’s “about me” campaign website the address (but no phone number) given for her office is Huckaby Davis & Lisker, an Alexandria, VA., law firm that handles Republican candidates’ campaign funds. That speaks columns about who and what Pilip is.

Blank Slate Media Newspapers, Friday, January 26, 2024

15

READERS WRITE

Vote for experience in Congress, vote for Suozzi

A

fter a year in which there have been no constituent services provided to the residents of District 3 by our congressional representative, nor any advocacy for or against legislation which would affect our lives, we need a representative who can hit the ground running.

Tom Suozzi is that candidate.

Suozzi has been a mayor, the Nassau County executive and a respected

member of the House of Representatives for three terms.

He has been the leading advocate to repeal the SALT cap, which adversely affects this district’s homeowners, has fought to lower prescription drug costs, pushed for increased services for veterans and is known for his willingness to cross the aisle when necessary to get things done.

In fact, he worked with his former

Republican colleague, Peter King, to propose a comprehensive immigration reform package. We need an experienced person who recognizes the issues facing District 3 residents as well as a deep understanding of how Congress works, and will fight for us in the House of Representatives.

His opponent, Mazi Pilip is an unknown, having only been in the county Legislature for two years, she

has no record to rely on. More concerningly, she refuses to debate or entertain questions from constituents at events or interviews.

I can only conclude that this unavailability and lack of transparency is to avoid displaying the voids in her knowledge and the absence of plans if elected. She hasn’t even voted in many elections, including for the seat for which she is now running!

While she has an interesting personal background, it does not prepare her to represent the 3d District. For immediate and informed representation I urge you to vote for Suozzi in the upcoming special election on Feb. 13 or during early voting beginning Feb. 3.

Shelley Sherman Great Neck

Tom Suozzi can do it because he has done it

I

have spent most of my adult life in public service, having served as a trustee on the Great Neck Board of Education for 16 years, as a legislator on the Nassau County Legislature for six years and recently as supervisor of the Town of North Hempstead for eight years.

I believe this is the first Letter to the Editor on behalf of a candidate I have written. I feel compelled to do so now because the stakes are so high.

I urge all eligible voters in the Third Congressional District to participate in

the special election on Feb. 13 and to vote for Tom Suozzi.

My parents were Holocaust survivors and I grew up understanding the importance of supporting Israel and standing up fiercely to antisemitism.

I understood that it was essential for elected leaders, those of the Jewish faith as well as those who practiced other faiths and beliefs, to stand up against all bias and prejudice and have the courage to call out members of their own parties who did not.

Tom Suozzi is that person. He has

done it countless times and we know we can count on him to always stand with the Jewish people.

The residents of the 3rd CD are still recovering from a lack of representation this past year. It is not acceptable to consider voting for a candidate who refuses to speak to the press, and civic groups and refuses to participate in debates, except for one a few days before the election when early voting has begun and absentee ballots are being sent in.

We need Tom Suozzi, a man who

has engaged in countless town halls, has called for debates and understands we have a right to know his position on all the issues facing this district and our country today.

We need Tom Suozzi, a proven supporter of democracy and minority rights, to be returned to Congress to represent us all.

When Tom was the Nassau County executive his campaign slogan was “I can do it because I have done it!” I believe it should be part of his platform today as well. Tom has reached across

the aisle many times, as evidenced by the role he played in the Problem Solvers Caucus he helped form in Congress.

He knows how to get things done.

He has the experience and the moral fiber to bring honor back to our United States Congress.

I have never felt so strongly that the right choice, the responsible choice, is to vote for Tom Suozzi on Feb. 13.

Judi Bosworth Former Supervisor, Town of North Hempstead

Suozzi would fix district’s lack of representation

W

e have not had representation in Congress since George Santos took office in January 2023.

He has made our district a laughingstock on television and radio across the country and in our community. We now have the opportunity to elect someone with integrity, experience and knowledge.

We don’t have the time for someone with no knowledge of, or experience in, Congress to learn how to serve our district’s voters.

The Republican Party did not properly research the background of their candidate in 2020 and 2022 before they nominated him to run twice for office and we can’t trust them to properly research their newly nomi-

nated candidate.

The Republican candidate in this election has only two years in elected office, and none in Congress. Tom Suozzi’s background is well known to Nassau’s voters from his years of service as mayor, county executive and congressman.

He knows Congress and knows the district. He will not need to learn

how House committees and House offices work or how to get things done for our district. Tom Suozzi is our best possibility for quickly getting effective representation in Congress.

So many rights are under attack in our country right now, including reproductive rights. Will the Republican candidate if elected be able to

stand up to her Party leaders to represent the will of the residents of New York’s 3rdCongressional District?

I don’t think so.

Please vote for Tom Suozzi on Feb. 13 to restore our representation in the U.S. House of Representatives.

Peggy May Mineola

Suozzi offers experience, Pilip divisive rhetoric

A

special election be held on Feb. 13 to decide who will replace Republican George Santos, who was removed from Congress in CD 3 for lying, cheating

and fraud.

Republicans are promoting Mazi Pilip, who is clearly unqualified in legislative experience and grossly unprofessional oin character.

She represents the GOP well by refusing public debate, making decisive and inflammatory statements, and promoting destructive policies that are antithetical to civil and human rights.

As a former human rights director law in Congress. I urge a vote for Tom for Long Island, I reject the GOP candi- Suozzi on Feb 13. date in favor of Tom Suozzi, a proven and experienced Democrat, who will Ronald B. Brinn represent my values and the rule of Great Neck

Suozzi offers immigration deal, Pilip misinformation

F

or Mazi Pilip’s campaign to suggest that Tom Suozzi is responsible (Newsday) for the crisis we’ve endured for decades at our Southern border is laughable.

Suozzi’s immigration plan contains explicit proposals for a pathway to citizenship for Dreamers and a realistic way to pay for increased controls at the border, with monies to aid Central

American countries to stem the flow of out-migration.

Pilip, the Republican candidate for the Third Congressional District, has no plan and refuses to attend debates where she would be welcome to discuss her views with the former Democratic congressman, who she opposes.

If you know Tom Suozzi, you’ve had the experience of genuinely be-

ing listened to. His legislative record in Nassau and Congress boasts better healthcare for our veterans, common sense gun-safety laws to keep lethal weapons away from dangerous people, reduced costs of insulin, and almost 500% increased funding for the Long Island Sound.

The proud son of an Italian immigrant, Tom knows the value every

American brings to the community.

In 2019 when petitioned to do something about the Immigration crisis by his constituents, he spoke eloquently about his family’s immigrant roots on the House floor. With Republican friend, Long Island legislator Peter King, he proposed a blueprint for legislation to protect our borders and ensure a humane approach to legal im-

migration.

Vote early, Feb. 3-11, or on Election Day, Feb.13. Be part of this historical moment when we mark the ballot for Tom Suozzi, for Democracy and against a congressional House paralyzed by “petty, partisan finger-pointing politics.”

Jeanette Walowitz Great Neck

16 Blank Slate Media Newspapers, Friday, January 26, 2024

READERS WRITE

Suozzi a great friend to Solomon Schechter School

I

n 1994, the dream of having a Solomon Schechter High School of Long Island finally became a reality.

We found a home at the East Street School in Hicksville. Four short years later we graduated our first class.

Misfortune soon fell upon us when Hicksville schools suddenly decided not to renew our lease, giving us only a few months to find a new home.

What were we to do with over 300 students? How would we find a new middle school and high school?

Panic immediately set in. Locating a new school building for over

300 students in Northern Nassau County and getting it opened by that September seemed impossible.

One of our board members heard about a Glen Cove public school building on Cedar Swamp Road that had been closed and vacant for several years. The facility was in disrepair and we weren’t even sure that the district would entertain a longterm lease for a private Jewish day school.

Members of our board approached Tom Suozzi, who was mayor of Glen Cove at the time, to see what could be done.

Mayor Suozzi promised us that he would do everything possible

to secure a new home for our students. He immediately took the lead and worked with both the Glen Cove School District and the board of Solomon Schechter, getting us opened and operational in only a few months.

Come September we were able to reopen in our new home in Glen Cove. Tom Suozzi truly helped save the school!

Solomon Schechter of Long Island soon flourished, and when we needed to add a gym, Mayor Suozzi was there again, helping smooth the way for the expansion. He was always accessible when we needed assistance and his door was always

open.

No matter what office he held — mayor, county executive or congressman — Tom was always our friend. He was never too busy to answer our calls, to speak at our local synagogues, and to make sure that we had the security and protection that we needed.

Tom Suozzi was personally invested in making sure that we had a home and that we were treated as a valued part of the community.

The current rise in antisemitism throughout the United States has made it clear that we need all the friends that we can get in government. We need to know that

our representatives respect us and will help to ensure our safety. Yes, Tom Suozzi has always been a great friend of Israel but he has also been a great friend to the Jewish community right here in Nassau County and throughout Queens and Long Island.

It’s true that Tom Suozzi needs your vote on Feb. 13, but it is also true that we, the Jewish community of the Third Congressional District, need Tom Suozzi with all of his know-how and experience, to have our backs in Washington.

Wende Jager-Hyman Parent of three Solomon Schechter School graduates

Response to Suozzi critic on upcoming special elex

A

fter reading the letter written

by Carrie Rubinoff regarding her reluctance to vote for Tom Suozzi, I wanted to voice my own thoughts regarding Tom Suozzi’s record on Israel during his terms in office.

Unlike Ms. Rubinoff, I have been a registered independent for nearly 30 years. I have voted my conscience for candidates on both sides of the political aisle depending how their records coincided with my political views.

That is why I believe it is critical to set the record straight on Congressman Suozzi, and why I support his

candidacy in the special election on Feb. 13.

I first met Congressman Suozzi in 2018. Selected by the men’s club of Temple Israel to represent our organization at AIPAC’s annual national convention in Washington DC. As part of the convention, members visit their elected representatives to discuss issues of the day and look for their support for the Jewish state.

I sat in a room of fellow Great Necker’s, community members, both Republican and Democrat, united by our love and concern for Israel. We listened to Congressman Suozzi clearly

state his backing and support for Israel, and the right for it to be able to live freely in peace and security with its neighbors.

The congressman repeated that courageous stand during our subsequent two meetings in 2019 and 2020.

Moreover, these were not just empty words spoken by Mr. Suozzi.

During his terms in Congress, he co-sponsored nearly a dozen pieces of pro-Israel legislation and additionally voted for three other bills brought to the floor of the House of Representatives that specifically supported Israel.

Included in this legislation were specific bills to help fund Israel’s Iron Dome air defense system, which protects millions of Israelis from incessant rocket attacks from terrorist groups like Hamas in Gaza, Hezbollah in Lebanon, and now the Houthis in Yemen.

He voted to condemn and reject calls to back the BDS (Boycott, Divestment, and Sanction) movement, supported legislation for Israel’s right to defend itself, and called for the European Union to designate Hezbollah as a terrorist group.

Most recently, during the current

war against Hamas in Gaza, after its violent invasion of Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, Tom Suozzi traveled to Israel to reiterate his support against such wanton violence by the Palestinian terrorist groups and the right for Israel to protect and defend its citizens from such massacres and atrocities.

The Citizens of District 3 would do well to have such a stalwart defender of American allies as Tom Suozzi and I would be proud to have him represent me in Congress once again.

Harold Citron Great Neck

Suozzi only plausible candidate for the 3rd CD

M

azi Pilip began her campaign to replace her disgraced GOP compatriot George Santos for the NY-3 Congressional District by stating for Fox News: “I am the only solution to the problems we face.”

That comment is as redolent of fascist rhetoric as they come, and one that should give every American versed in history serious pause. She may not have understood what she was saying, which is bad enough, but you can be sure that her GOP handlers, allied with forces eroding civil and human rights in our nation, knew exactly what they were doing when they fed her that line.

The North Shore of Nassau was long a bastion of enlightenment, education, and democratic values, and it has never been more important than now that voters tap into that history and tradition when they choose our next congressman.

That is one reason among many that I vigorously endorse Tom Suozzi for NY-3 U.S. Representative in the Special Election on Tuesday Feb. 13 (early voting from Sat. Feb. 3 through Sun. Feb. 11).

A congressional election is about demonstrated knowledge, skills, and competence to serve in the halls of power in Washington, and Tom Suozzi has those in spades.

His congressional legislative record includes hundreds of sponsored bills on many topics such as gun control, lower prescription drug prices, environmental protection, many of which became law.

His service on the Ways and Means, Foreign Affairs, and Armed Services Committees, and as vice chair of the Problem Solvers Caucus where he helped negotiate the historic Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, have given him extensive experience with the legislative process, policy, and working across the aisle to get things done.

Tom worked with former Republican Congressman Peter King to draft a “Grand Compromise” comprehensive immigration reform package that calls for increased funding for border security, incentives to reduce migration from Central America, a path to legal status for the “Dreamers” without criminal records, and treating people humanely.

He is an established leader in the fight to restore the SALT tax deduction to combat the higher cost of living on behalf of suburban families.

As Nassau County Executive and Mayor of Glen Cove, his management of their respective police departments helped lower crime rates to historically low levels.

Tom has always been a steadfast supporter of Israel, and of a woman’s right to full reproductive healthcare including safe, legal, and accessible abortion and contraception.

By contrast, Mazi Pilip has no qualifications relevant to the job of congresswoman.

Her verbal and written statements ramble incoherently from topic to topic and are filled with vague goals with no independent ideas for how to achieve them and stock GOP talking points.

She has compiled no legislative record of substance during her tenure as Nassau County legislator and did not introduce a single bill of her own in her time in office.

Following the dictates of GOP leadership, she voted against every measure that would move our com-

munity forward to a safer and more prosperous future, including rejecting increased funding for police and a Hate Crimes Unit, contrary to her stated platform.

Some of her colleagues report that when they are in legislative session, she rarely speaks, doesn’t respond to overtures from them to work together, and appears not to understand the proceedings taking place.

Most significantly, she has shown repeated contempt for a foremost norm of our democratic process: putting herself up to public scrutiny and debating her opponent on the issues.

That is a sine qua non of qualification for elective office.

Instead, she has hidden behind a curtain of narrow parochial and party interests and remains a cipher on most issues, behavior which is un-American, indicative of weakness and susceptibility to outside influence, and patently dangerous for our republic.

For example, would she certify the 2024 election results if President Biden wins? Would she vote to legalize abortion nationwide? Etc. All of us are frustrated with the persistence of many problems in our

country: the crisis at the border, crime, and the high cost of living.

But you don’t mend damaged institutions by breaking them further and populating them with people illequipped for the task or puppets for their party. Personal stories of required military service, immigration, motherhood, and managing the office of a medical practice simply are not qualifications for elective office.

We cannot afford a candidate who hasn’t even learned her current position; we need someone who can hit the ground running on day one.

That person is unquestionably Tom Suozzi, the only candidate with a proven record of accomplishment in public service. I ask you to join me in casting your vote for Tom, so that he may use his skills,experience, intellect, and passion to help lead NY-3 and the nation to the brighter future that we all deserve. To learn more about Tom, please visit www.suozziforcongress2024.com and Facebook “Tom Suozzi.”

Anne Motta Great Neck Letters Continued on Page 27

Blank Slate Media Newspapers, Friday, January 26, 2024

17

WHY WE SUPPORT ISRAEL We support Israel because its democratic values align with our own.

We support Israel because, despite misinformation and disinformation, its embattled people believe in truth and justice, and its embattled defense forces actively seek to protect innocent lives amidst a war it did not provoke.

We support Israel because its people have sought peace and reconciliation for close to 100 years, only to be thwarted time and time again by an ideology that denies the Jewish People’s right to self-determination.

We support Israel because it represents an ancient civilization based on Jewish values of repairing the world, steeped in innovations that have provided millions of people the world over with lifesaving and life-affirming inventions.

We support Israel in its absolute right to defend itself and free its people from captivity. Over 200 fathers, mothers, grandfathers, grandmothers, and their children and grandchildren were taken hostage. Its women were raped and their babies murdered.

We support Israel because in its imperfection, it strives to do better; because in a world filled with cynicism, dictatorships, and despots bent on evil, Israel is a beleaguered bastion of decency and hope.

Americans of all walks of life, of all political ideologies, of all cultures and ethnicities, recognize the difference between those who threaten Israeli freedom and ours, between those who would destroy a democratic people and those who will defend themselves to assure the safety of all of us.

Bishop Dr. Danilo Archbold The Zephaniah Movement Church of God International

Stacey Feldman Executive Director The Marion & Aaron Gural JCC

Satbir Sing Bedi Sikh Community Activist, Guru Nanak Darbar of Long Island

Rabbi Kalman Fogel Mercaz Academy, Plainview

Rabbi Joshua Ben-Gideon Temple Beth Sholom

Rabbi Jason Fruithandler Woodbury Jewish Center

David Black Executive Director Nancy Waldbaum, President Sid Jacobson JCC

Reverend Derek Garcia

Rabbi Deborah Bravo Sarah Bogaty, Chairperson MakomNY

Rabbi Elazar Grossman Rabbi Mendel Becker Long Island Torah Network

Rabbi Howard Buechler Dix Hills Jewish Center

Rabbi Irwin Huberman Congregation Tifereth Israel of Glen Cove

Derek Chan President Greater Roslyn Association for Chinese Enrichment (GRACE) Rabbi Todd Chizner Temple Judea of Manhasset Rabbi Michael S. Churgel North Country Reform Temple-Ner Tamid of Glen Cove Rabbi Jeffrey Clopper Temple Beth El Huntington Rabbi Martin S. Cohen Richard W. Cohen, President Shelter Rock Jewish Center Rabbi Steven Conn Plainview Jewish Center

Rabbi Stephen Goodman Garden City Jewish Center

Cantor David Katz Spiritual Leader Deborah Tract, Director of Education and Lifelong Learning Temple Or Elohim ACRC Jericho Kim Keiserman NY State Senate Candidate District 7 Rabbi Beth Klafter Temple Beth David of Commack Rabbi Michael Klayman Lake Success Jewish Center

Rabbi Jack Dermer Temple Beth Torah of Westbury

Roni Kleinman Chief Executive Officer Barry & Florence Friedberg JCC

Rabbi Josh Dorch Merrick Jewish Center

Rabbi Claudio Kupchik Temple Beth El of Cedarhurst

Josh Lafazan, NY State Senate Candidate, District 7 Father John Lardes Arch Angel Michael Church

Moji Pourmoradi Holocaust Memorial & Tolerance Center of Nassau County

Assembly Member Charles Lavine NY State Assembly, District 13

Avi Posnick StandWithUs Northeast & New England

Orit Lender Chief Operating Officer Joan & Alan Bernikow JCC

Rathi Raja Indian Community Leader

Rabbi Joel M. Levenson, D.Min Midway Jewish Center

Scott Richman ADL Regional Director for New York and New Jersey

Andrew Linder The Havaya Center Rick Lewis Chief Executive Officer Marlie Cohen, Chief Program Officer, Mid Island Y JCC Rabbi Michael Mishkin Temple Beth Israel Port Washington Rabbi Steven Heneson Moskowitz Congregation L’Dor V’Dor of Oyster Bay Rabbi Susie Heneson Moskowitz Temple Beth Torah of Melville Mindy Perlmutter Executive Director Jewish Community Relations Council of Long Island Mazi Melesa Pilip Nassau County Legislator District 10, Candidate for Congress, District 3

Rabbi Eric Rosin Huntington Jewish Center Michael Schlank Chief Executive Officer NYJ Camps Assembly Member Gina L. Sillitti NY State Assembly, District 16 Rabbi Neil Schuman Manetto Hill Jewish Center Cantor Eric Schulmiller The Israel Engagement Committee of RSNS

Rabbi Howard Stecker Rabbi Daniel Schweber Hazzan Brian Shamash Temple Israel of Great Neck Vasundhara Sureka Hindu Community Leader Tom Suozzi Candidate for Congress, District 3 Joseph D. Tawil Chief Executive Officer Sephardic Community Center Rabbi Art Vernon, D.D. Congregation Shaaray Shalom Rabbi Jay Weinstein Rabbi Jenn Weinstein Congregation Simchat HaLev Woodbury Rabbi Elie Weinstock Senior Rabbi Jewish Center of Atlantic Beach, President NY Board of Rabbis Rabbi Michael White Temple Sinai of Roslyn Rabbi Simcha Zamir Temple Sholom of Westbury Rabbi Elizabeth Zeller Temple Chaverim of Plainview

Brad Schwartz NY State Senate Candidate District 7

Rabbi Irwin Zeplowitz The Community Synagogue of Sands Point

Rabbi Jaimee Shalhevet North Shore Synagogue of Syosset

Rabbi Lina Zerbarini Kehillath Shalom Synagogue of Cold Spring Harbor

Rabbi Michael Stanger Old Westbury Hebrew Congregation

Robert P. Zimmerman ZE Creative Communications Democratic National Committeeman

The views expressed are those of the signatories and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of listed agencies, organizations, employers or companies. The enclosed message has been paid for by the above signatories.

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

Jackie Martling finds success with Howard Stern, new book

BY J ES S E F R AG A Bayville-based comedian Jackie Martling’s phone lines rang nonstop in 1979. Most callers were AT&T receptionists looking to hear a oneminute answering machine of his lewd or shallow quips.

“There was no such thing as Long Island comedy,” recalled Martling, a native of Mineola.

“I was just a short, wise guy who knew every joke in the world, and found out that nobody else did.”

Three comedy albums, fledgling standup shows, and 10 phonable joke lines later, Martling landed his 15-year role as head writer of “The Howard Stern Show” in 1983. But by 2001, he quit due to contract disputes.

Martling realized listeners only knew him from behind the radio booth.

In Martling’s recent documentary titled “Joke Man,” he opens up about his infamous departure from the show, and looks back on “a tiny prick of a town,” none other than East Norwich, where he grew up, the 75-year-old explained.

“Nowadays, Long Island is comedy central.

My only interest, whether it’s shallow or not, was always to make people laugh,” he said. “It’s the salt water, the ships, the sea-going people, I mean everybody’s crazy, loud, and horny.”

The Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame is set to host a screening of the film, featuring a live talk with Martling on Jan. 27 at 7 p.m.

Tom Needam, vice chairman of LIMEHOF called Martling a “legendary entertainer.”

“The LIMEHOF is very excited about Jackie’s upcoming event particularly because of our new commitment to honoring entertainers outside of the music world,” Needam told The Island 360.

“His significant contributions to ‘The Howard Stern Show’ as well as the world of comedy, are noteworthy.”

In Martling’s early days, he performed with comedy icons Eddie Murphy, Rob Barlett, and Rodney Dangerfield; and musicians Les Paul and Willie Nelson, to name a few.

Among Martling’s recent projects, he wrote two books, “The Joke Man: Bow to Stern,” and “Disgustingly Dirty Joke Book;” and co-hosted a weekly radio show, “Jackie’s Joke Hunt,” alongside Ian Karr, director of IKA Collective, the production company behind Martling’s documentary.

Prior to his big break, during the 70s, Martling was a long-haired, pot-smoking guitarist who toured the island in his rock band’s 1955 yellow Cadillac Hearse.

“I asked my buddy to teach me how to play guitar so we could get laid, you know, like every

PHOTO COURTESY OF JACKIE MARTLING

Willie Nelson flicks off the camera, while holding the book, “The Joke Man: Bow to Stern,” by Jackie Martling. other kid in the world,” Martling quipped. “We never had intentions of getting anywhere.”

He ditched the band, “Off Our Rockers,” in 1979, the same year he started standup, and launched a joke phone line.

Strangers could tune into Martling’s pre-recorded jokes as a form of advertisement for his first shows at Cinnamon, a bar and restaurant at the Northeast corner of Main Street and Route 110 in Huntington.

Two years later, his parents’ attic became his office, where AT&T hooked up ten phone lines to the number (516) 922-WINE, at his request.

“I still get calls from all over. It’s been 45 years and people still come up to say, ‘I used to call you back in the 80s, then their heads explode,” Martling said.

His childhood home in East Norwich was unconventional, to say the least.

His parents’ siblings married each other,

and had a careful eye on their first son, baby Martling.

“I had four doting parents,” Martling recalled. “They must have kept track of every time I took a leak and everytime I took a step,” Martling recalled. “My aunt and uncle moved out, my mom had a baby, my father started drinking more, and I went from four parents to none. Like where the fuck did everybody go?”

Martling felt pressure to be successful after “wasting” seven years on an engineering degree, he noted. A joke-telling career was the last route on his mind. Not only was Martling the oldest of three brothers, but the other two were “ridiculously smart,” he said. One analyzed DNA at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory in Laurel Hollow, then, for an unrelated reason, died of an opioid case.

“I’m just stupid enough to know that you got to work hard. I was like the little pig that built the house out of bricks instead of sticks and straw,” Martling said, referencing his first standup video called, “A Safe Distance from Genius.”

One of Martling’s most distinct memories of his family’s two-story house was his mother’s crude jokes, often too mature for a five-year-old to understand, though she still said them.

“I was walking around with my zipper open.

My mother looked down and would go ‘Eveready Eddie,’ which isn’t a big deal, but it is if you’re five years old,” Martling said, comparing her to Dorothy Parker. “That was my mother.”

With a mom of these sorts, Martling believes his quick wit is in his blood. His routines often point toward similar characters he’s come across in real life.

“If I talk about helping a little old lady across the street, at least I’m doing something positive.

I’m not pushing her in front of a truck,” Martling said. “I’ve done rude jokes, and I’ve taken shots at the whole world in a joyful way. It’s all in the attitude.”

To this day, Martling embraces his crude punchlines, ignores critics, and continues to perform for the listeners of Long Island. He was sure to shout out Bayville Seafood, Schultzy’s Restaurant, The Crescent Beach Club, Mill Creek Tavern, and Wall’s Wharf.

“I have always ignored everything,” Martling told Blank Slate Media. “They watched me get rich on ‘The Stern Show’ and now I’m back to the local guy going down Bayville Avenue to the post office. Sure, these days I go on the Mark Simone show, and I still tell jokes that are a little too dirty for the radio, and I will always plug the places here in Bayville.”

20 Blank Slate Media Newspapers, Friday, January 26, 2024

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22 Blank Slate Media Newspapers, Friday, January 26, 2024

Essential lip care tips for winter As the winter season arrives, many individuals will inevitably encounter the discomfort of dry, chapped lips.

Establishing a diligent daily lip care routine during the colder months is paramount to shield the lips from the harsh, drying effects of cold weather. Neglecting dry lips may lead to irritation, painful cracking, and even bleeding. In some instances, it could signify a more severe issue like skin cancer.

Dr. Navin Arora, a dermatologist at Borealis Dermatology in Garden City and Syosset, is dedicated to educating people on proper lip care during the winter season. How to safeguard against dry, chapped lips: Chapped lips frequently result from dehydration of the body and lips. Adequate hydration is key to maintaining lip moisture.

To prevent chapped lips, minimize exposure to cold temperatures and abrupt temperature changes, whether indoors or outdoors. Employing a variety of readily available over-the-counter products is instrumental in averting persistent dryness.

Recommended Products: Dermatologist-recommended lip care products include Vaseline Lip Therapy, Aquaphor, La Roche-Posay Lip Balm, and natural lip remedies.

Avoid products with added flavors or undisclosed chemicals, as they can induce allergies, irritations, and contact irritant dermatitis.

Such reactions may worsen lip dryness, leading to swelling, cracks, bleeding, and vulnerability to infections. Seek ingredients such as castor seed oil, PHOTO COURTESY OF BOREALIS DERMATOLOGY dimethicone, hemp seed oil, mineral oil, shea butter, and sun-protective components like titanium Dr. Navin Arora of Borealis Dermatology in Garden City and Syosset. oxide or zinc oxide. Applying Lip Care Products:Use

Sport Psychology Dr. Tom Ferraro has specialized in sport

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

drtomferraro.com drtferraro@aol.com

(516) 248-7189

lip remedies in moderation, as overuse can cause irritation or sensitivity. It’s advisable to apply them once in the morning and before bedtime. If one’s lips are frequently exposed to cold weather or extended periods outdoors, reapply the ointment or ChapStick every two hours. Cold Sores vs. Other Lip Conditions:Various lip conditions may manifest with similar symptoms, such as cracking, dryness, irritation, or pain. When assessing these symptoms, consider a few critical factors. What appears as a common cold sore might be more significant.

Typically, cold sores take up to two weeks to heal. If a sore persists beyond this timeframe, especially considering the patient’s medical history, it could indicate a more serious issue, including skin cancer.

Lip sores may also mimic bacterial or yeast infections at the mouth’s corners, known as Cheilitis.

Each condition warrants distinct treatments, making a professional diagnosis imperative. Cosmetic Lip Treatments: The popularity of lip fillers, primarily hyaluronic acid injections, continues to rise. Recovery times range from six to 15 months, depending on the injection type.

Patients receiving these injections are advised to ice their lips, take anti-inflammatories, and avoid strenuous physical activity to reduce swelling.If symptoms like bleeding, fissures, or persistent pain endure, it is crucial to seek medical attention from a dermatologist.

To schedule an appointment with Dr. Arora, please visit Borealis Dermatology’s Appointment Page. For additional information about Borealis Dermatology, visit their website.

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

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Blank Slate Media Newspapers, Friday, January 26, 2024

23

Helping vulnerable Long Island neighbors throughout the year

BY K AT H L E E N C A P U T I With the holidays in our rear view mirror, there’s time for reflection and resolutions to shape the new year in a positive way. Many Long Islanders want to continue to support the less fortunate among us, but aren’t sure where their dollars will make the greatest impact.

Helping Long Island’s vulnerable families makes a tremendous difference. Donations to support families not only help them in real time but provide a foundation for a better future for their youngsters, and for all Long Islanders.

Food insecurity is a year round challenge for many Long Islanders. Also seeing a greater and ongoing demand are vital programs that support the family structure with child care, mental health services, substance use and addiction services. Family and Children’s Association (FCA) checks all of these boxes with wrap around services that benefit families members of every age.

Help by the Numbers All of the families that FCA supports are low income with at risk youth. In 2023 our Family Support division saw the most increase of need, serving close to 300 families, up from 208 families served in 2022.

Overall, in 2023, with the help of 180 do-

nor organizations, families, and individuals, FCA served 931 individuals and 387 families on Long Island. The lingering traumatic effects of COVID-19, inflation, and the high cost of housing are just a few of the factors that have increased need. FCA is responding to ongoing and emerging needs with aggressive expansion of programs and services across the spectrum, both within its organization and in partnership with other not-for-profit organizations in Nassau and Suffolk counties as well as local, state and federal programs.

The results are impressive. More than 675 hours of socialization were provided to the elderly. One hundred percent of our Family Center children were able to remain home with their families. Over three decades, FCA has gifted more than 1,500 scholarships collectively worth over $2,000,000 to students engaged with FCA’s programs and services, enabling atrisk teens to pursue higher education and improve their lives.

• Mental Health – services for all age groups, mental health training • Parent Support -- overall parenting support including pregnant and parenting teen support • Senior and Adult Care – caregiver support, abuse prevention, home assistance, nursing home advocacy, financial assistance health insurance, technology assistance • Immigrant Services – school based family support • Residential and Emergency Shelter - FCA maintains four residences in Nassau County.

• Community Outreach and Support – educational training to support those in recovery, community health access for mental health and addiction, gun violence reduction, community prevention coalitions in Hempstead and Roosevelt

Other Resources Bethany House http://www.bhny.org/ supports women and women with children experiencing homelessness through transition to Services FCA offers direct care programs and case stability by providing shelter, meeting the basic needs of its guests, and programs which provide management services in the following areas. a continuum of care that culminates in perma• Substance Use and Addiction – nent housing and greater self-sufficiency. recovery and harm reduction Long Island Cares https://www.licares.org/ • Youth Services – from nursery co-op to , the Island-wide food bank founded in 1980 college preparation and support

by the late musician and social activist Harry Chapin, partners with hundreds of communitybased member affiliates to provide an array of services, from children’s nutrition to emergency recovery.

Island Harvest Food Bank http://www. islandharvest.org/ is a leading hunger-relief organization. Its mission is to end hunger and reduce food waste through heightened hunger awareness and nutrition education programs, a Workforce Skills Development Institute, targeted food services, outreach activities and advocacy initiatives. Island Harvest works directly supports a wide network of community-based non-profit organizations, as well as individuals, veterans, families, and seniors.

EAC Network https://eac-network.org/ empowers, assists, and cares for over 65,000 people in need through 100 programs across Long Island and New York City. Its mission is to respond to human needs with programs and services that protect children, promote healthy families and communities, help seniors, and empower individuals to take control of their lives.

The Mary Brennan INN http://www.theinn.org/ is a soup kitchen with locations in Hempstead, Long Beach, Freeport and Central Islip. It offers hot meals and additional support services for those facing food insecurity and/or homelessness.

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Blank Slate Media Newspapers, Friday, January 26, 2024

Singing Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s praise at event Two local choirs and a noted speaker will headline a special program honoring the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. during Black History Month. “Joining Voices” will take place on Sunday, Feb. 4, and will feature the voices of the Shireinu Choir of Long Island and Voices of Victory, the Gospel Choir of St. John’s University.

Dana Arschin, three-time Emmy-award-winning journalist and the first-ever storyteller for the Holocaust Memorial and Tolerance Center of Nassau County will be the keynote speaker at the event at Temple Beth El of Great Neck at 5 Old Mill Road in Great Neck.

The concert will begin at 7:30 p.m.

Proceeds from the event will be donated to the Holocaust Memorial and Tolerance Center, a museum and center dedicated to building a better tomorrow by teaching about the dangers of antisemitism, racism, bullying and all manifestations of intolerance.

In addition to teaching about the Holocaust, the museum promotes a resistance to prejudice and advocates respect for every human being which are sentiments held dear by King.

St. John’s Bread and Life, established over 40 years ago to combat food insecurity in Brooklyn and Queens, has served over 20 million meals to those in need.

“Joining Voices is a beautiful example of what can happen when people unite under the umbrella of shared values,” said Nigel W. Gretton, conductor, Voices of Victory.

A key part of the concert will be a performance of “Martin’s Dream” by David Burger, based on Dr. King’s “I have a dream” speech.

“Even though this work has been performed many times, it has always been the composer’s dream to see a Jewish choir and a Gospel choir combine in fellowship to perform the piece publicly,” said Deborah Tartell, conductor, Shireinu Choir of Long Island.

“I am honored to have had the opportunity to work alongside Dr. Gretton to make the composer’s dream a reality,” she concludes.

Keynote speaker Dana Arschin, 3X Emmy awardwinning former on-air TV reporter and fill-in anchor for Fox 5 and News 12, is the first-ever Storyteller for the HMTC. As a grandchild of a Holocaust survivor, Ms. Arschin interviews survivors to preserve their unique and compelling stories for future generations. For the concert, she will discuss the longstanding relationship between the Jewish and Black communities and how their music has always shared elements.

The Shireinu Choir of Long Island, under the direction of Deborah Tartell, was established in 2017 to celebrate Jewish culture and history through music.

The choir has performed at many venues in greater metropolitan area, including Citifield and the U.S.S. Intrepid where they were invited to sing The Star Spangled Banner. “Music has been called the universal language for a good reason.

It allows everyone to express their desire for a better world without regard to religion or politics. The shared appreciation of the beauty in the song is a powerful force in bringing people together,” adds Ms. Tartell.

Voices of Victory, under the direction of Nigel W. Gretton is the official gospel choir of St. John’s University.

Composed of some of the most talented singers and instrumentalists at the university, Voice of Victory boasts an international membership from more than seven countries.

“Joining Voices” will be held at Temple Beth El of Great Neck, 5 Old Mill Road, in Great Neck The concert will begin at 7:30 P.M. Tickets are $25 each and can be purchased by visiting www.showtix4u.com and search Shireinu Choir of Long Island.

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26 Blank Slate Media Newspapers, Friday, January 26, 2024

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Fri 1/26

Featured

Ride Waves Entertain‐ ment: DANNY CASEY @ TAP ROOM JERICHO

Electrify Your Strings!: Electrify Your Symphony with Mark Wood

Editor's Voice

Sunday Jan 28th Wonders of Winter: Family Fun in Hempstead House

@ 7pm Hewlett-Woodmere Public Schools, 1 Johnson Place, Woodmere

@ 1pm / $5-$15 Sands Point Preserve, 127 Middle Neck Road, Sands //////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////// Point. info@sandspointpreserve.org, 516-571-7901 New York Riptide vs. //////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////// A celebration of the coldest season is fun inside Hempstead House, The Royal Philhar‐ Georgia Swarm where the �replaces roar and the mansion is �lled with exciting fam‐ Nate Charlie Music @ 7:30pm / $24-$42 monic Orchestra ily activities. @ 6pm Nassau Veterans Memorial Col‐ @ 8pm / $45.50Dark Horse Tavern, 273 Main St, iseum, 1255 Hempstead Turn‐ $110.50 Farmingdale pike, Uniondale New York City Ballet Tilles Center Concert //////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////// //////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////// Featured Featured @ 3pm Hall, 720 Northern New York Islanders vs.

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@ 7:30pm / $28-$236 //////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////// UBS Arena, 2400 Hempstead Turnpike, Belmont Park - Long @ 9pm Island Featured //////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////// Mulcahy's Pub and Concert //////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////// Hall, 3232 Railroad Ave, Wan‐ Lauren Jaimes Band of Make Believe tagh Long Island Fire & @ 7:30pm //////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////// @ 11:30pm Smoke and Barrel, 117-97 EMS Expo Nutty Irishman, 323 Main St, Rockaway Beach Blvd, Rock‐ Introduction to @ 3pm / $17-$22 Farmingdale away Beach Nassau Veterans ////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////Ballroom Dancing @ 6:30pm Big Daddy's Restaurant, 1 Park Ln, East Massapequa

The 90's Band

Sat 1/27

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Sun 1/28

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CMS: An Evening with David Finckel and Wu Han

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Saint Aidan School Open House

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An Acoustic Evening: Rick Spring�eld & Richard Marx

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Wed 1/31

Mon 1/29

Krisi live at Mannino's (Commack, NY)

Noé Socha live at Jack Jones

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@ 7:30pm Jack Jones Astoria, 38-01 Dit‐ mars Blvd, Flushing

Memorial Coliseum, 1255 Hempstead Turn‐ pike, Uniondale

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Monster Jam

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David Cross @ 10pm Union Hall, 702 Union St, Brooklyn

Craft Kitchen & Tap House Huntington, 363 New York Ave, Huntington ////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

Brooklyn Nets v.

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@ 8:30pm / $55-$6750 Barclays Center, 620 Atlantic Ave, Brooklyn

Jewish Learning Series

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Hofstra Pride Mens Basketball vs. Stony Brook Seawolves Mens Basketball

Thu 2/01

Back To The Eighties with Jessie's Girl The Paramount, 370 New York Ave, Hunting‐ ton Mike Feeney: Gover‐ nor's Comedy Club

@ 8pm @ 7pm Governor's Comedy Club, 90 Mack Sports Complex, Hofstra Division Ave, Levittown //////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////// University, Hempstead /////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

The iRUNthisISLAND Comedy Fundraiser @ 2:45pm / $40 90 Division Ave, Gover‐ nor‛s Comedy Club, Levittown Lunar New Year: Celebrating The Year Of The Dragon

Barbara Martinez: Flamenco Tuesdays @ Sala Astoria

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A Chorus Line @ 7:30pm The Argyle Theatre at Babylon Village, 34 W Main St, Babylon

Disco Unlimited at Mulcahy's Pub & Concert Hall

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Spencer Brill: Show with Persons / Benben and Tigerlily

Fri 2/02

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

Kelli Baker LIVE with Alyson Faith at Teddy's Bully Bar in Oyster Bay

Calendar information is pro‐ vided by event organizers. All events are subject to change @ 3pm / $20 or cancellation. This publica‐ @ 7pm Kupferberg Center for the Arts, @ 7:30pm tion is not responsible for the 153-49 Reeves Avenue, Sundown Bar, 68-38 Forest Ave, Teddy's Bully Bar, 46 Audrey accuracy of the information Ave, Oyster Bay Queens storefront B, Ridgewood contained in this calendar. //////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////// //////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////// ////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

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

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Blank Slate Media Newspapers, Friday, January 26, 2024

27

READERS WRITE

A need to condemn judge’s G.N. home swatting

T

he swatting of Judge Engoron, who is presiding in the case against Donald Trump this week, and the theft and defacing of numerous Democrat Tom Suozzi’s campaign signs should be a

concern to all of us.

Where are all our village, town, county, and religious leaders collectively deploring this behavior? Does silence duck the condemnation of inappropriate behavior?

Where are the police in the arrest of the perpetrators? They do know how to trace, track, and apprehend, especially when video footage is available.

And finally, where is the outrage

of the Pilip campaign and her sup- dent, I would like a concerted outcry porters? Their silence speaks vol- by our elected officials and some acumes. tion by law enforcement.

This lack of concern by all should be disturbing to everyone living in Sally Marzoud Nassau County. As a Great Neck resiGreat Neck

Go for sure thing with Suozzi after Santos debacle

A

s time passes, we learn from our experiences. Politics is no different. While I believe that both candidates will attempt to serve the Jewish community, experience and past performance must win out!

Both In and out of office, Tom Suozzi has a long history of standing up

for the Jewish people. It is not just the “standing up” that has me believe that Tom is the right person, to be the 3rd CD congressman.

You need connections within Congress and you need to know when to take on the bad guys and when to temporarily sit back to defeat them at the

opportune time.

Tom approached me as I was having lunch and asked me what was important to me. He listened and then listened some more. He didn’t ask for my vote nor ask me to donate to his campaign.

What he did say was, “I agree with

you on your points and will try my best to get it done and done right.”

Tom is the right choice at a time when antisemitism is at an all-time high since the Holocaust.

Tom is a man of his word, a fighter, aggressive when it is called for and a stand-up man of his word. Proven lead-

ership for the residents of the 3rd district is sorely missed and needed.

Please make a plan to vote for Tom Suozzi by voting early on Feb. 3 to 11 or on election day Feb. 13.

Jack Britvan Jericho

This GOP voter is conducting his own research

F

or the past 12 months, constituents of New York’s 3rd Congressional District effectively had no representation in Congress.

For the past 14 months, Long Islanders have been the laughingstock of the entire nation.

My friends outside of New York still ask, “How did this happen” and “Did you vote for him?”. My clients continue to ask, “How did no one not

know his background?” “Did the Republicans know?”.

On Feb. 13, I have the opportunity for a “do over” vote. The voters in the 3rd District have the same opportunity. As a Republican, and especially for this election, I could not rely on my party again to vet the candidate, so I needed to do my own research.

I examined both candidate’s stance on issues, reviewed their track records, and assessed their political

experience to determine who is best to serve the community. Here’s what I found.

Right from the start, at the announcement of her candidacy, Pilip was ushered off the stage without taking any questions from the press. That bothered me. That should bother you, too.

I continued my research and discovered more of the same. She was evading hard questions and frankly,

not-so-hard questions. I also could not find any actual political accomplishments for Pilip over the last two years.

What skill does she have to be in Congress other than vote along party lines? I wonder if my fellow Long Islanders understand this is a congressional seat in Washington, DC. This is not some “on-the-job training type of position.

In this election, I am supporting someone who I know can deliver – not

just voting because Pilip is a Republican.

I am voting for someone with experience — a former mayor, county executive, and yes, a former congressman. I urge you all to do your own research – and vote for an effective leader with a proven track record. Without a doubt, that person is Tom Suozzi.

Ben Marzouk Great Neck

2022 Inflation Reduction Act, key 2023 updates

B

efore we delve into the technical material, please let me say that despite complications that may seem infinite, I still see the world with a sense of wonder and hope to occasionally relate information—technical, economic, scientific, theoretical, humanistic, in ways that keep us positive and moving toward energy and climate sustainability.

Ever aware of the promising possibilities, this habitual and different ways of seeing things, and a fidelity to write and share.

Since OPEC’s drastic oil embargo, it’s patently obvious oil and gas are ever more subject to extreme volatility as well as artificial cost/supply manipulations of the world market. We really need to increase local sources of energy that are not subject to world markets. Consider one half of the world’s oil is owned by governments and companies under governmental control that are not friendly to the U.S. You need only look at OPEC, Russia, Iran, Argentina—cases, in point.

One half of U.S.-produced oil is shipped overseas at world market prices, because that’s how companies get the best price for their product. That is to say, U.S.-produced oil is chained to the world market, it’s how our system

works: The IRA allowed individuals and small businesses that paid taxes to benefit from “green” installations and retrofits, by which they could save money and cut energy costs: Receive a tax credit covering 30% of the cost to switch to lower-cost solar power, protecting against volatile energy prices.Tax credit up to $5/square foot for energy efficiency improvements to lower utility bills.Small businesses using large vehicles (trucks and vans) benefit from tax credits covering 30% of purchase costs for clean commercial vehicles, like EVs and fuel cell models.

The problem for municipalities and non-taxable entities has been they could not benefit from IRA incentives, which were in the form of tax reductions, because they pay no taxes.

In 2023 the IRS made revisions calledelective or direct pay—allowing tax-exempt local governments, tribal nations, 501(c)(3) organizations, religious 501(d) organizations, and rural energy cooperatives — to benefit from many of IRA’s incentives by receiving a direct cash payment directly from the IRS. Eligible entities must first apply to the IRS to notify of the intent to claim rebates. When a project is com-

plete, the applicant must file 990T and Form 3800, with Reg. Number, to seek credit. Credit is made as a direct cash payment to the applicant.

The IRS’ “elective pay” portal: Note: IRA Elective pay is sometimes known as “direct pay,” which shouldn’t be confused with the IRS’ direct pay for tax payments.

There’s also a transferability option. Entities that qualify for the credit but are not eligible to use elective pay can transfer all or a portion of the credit to a third-party buyer in exchange for cash. Buyer and seller negotiate terms and pricing.

When IRA funds are exhausted the credit ends, unless the wheels of government authorize new funds.

Direct pay especially benefits electric vehicles and renewable energy installations like solar that have the largest incentives, 30% of the project cost.

It still means a capital outlay of 70%, but the refundable 30% significantly reduces payback time. As I understand the credit, it was “uncapped” in late 2023, allowing multiple projects, not just a single project.

Some states promote renewable technologies. The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority has good incentives and help is readily available. Interested parties

can view NYSERDA’s website and project application portal: It takes 2.5 to four acres to generate one megawatt (MW) of solar electricity (1 million watts). One MW supplies about 1,000 homes. It’s a matter of scale and why I think municipalities and large businesses/organizations with a lot of property can have a big impact.

As of 2022, Suffolk County had solar arrays on five closed landfills, 188 acres of panels generating 11.4 MW, with three more landfills proposed to double acreage and energy generation. Sadly, Nassau County has no solar arrays on its closed landfills. The technology is established.

It’s inspiring that prior to IRA, The Sisters of St. Joseph in Brentwood installed a solar farm generating one MW that covers their needs. Since 2010 The Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Shelter Rock has operated one of the largest rooftop solar arrays that continues to generate electricity as designed.

Another possibility interested parties avail themselves of is contracting with a company to install a solar system at no cost subject to a “lease,” with payment made based on an agreed percentage of the electric generated, or per acre. Leases vary. My recent

query came up with $5,000+/- year/ acre for large municipal installations (infrastructure, interconnections, battery storage).

For 10 acres a municipality could receive $50K/yr, for 100 acres $500k/ yr, etc.

I encourage municipal governments, businesses, and environmentally focused non-tax entities to utilize IRA incentives. Make a priority list of potential projects for best fit, contact NYSERDA, and view IRS’ website.

Stephen Cipot Garden City Park The author worked in private industry, including a multinational oil, gas, mining, chemical company. And had a challenging career in USEPA’s emergency and remedial response division. He volunteers time to civic and local organizations, is training to be a Fire Department EMT, and is appointed to the Town of North Hempstead’s Climate Smart Communities Task Force, a NYS program TONH participates in. In 2022 the TONH completed a Municipal Climate Action Plan and is working on a Community Climate Action Plan.

Town of North Hempstead — Climate Smart Communities and Clean Energy Communities (northhempsteadny.gov)

28 Blank Slate Media Newspapers, Friday, January 26, 2024

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History of Gospel music in a live performance The Unitarian Universalist Congregation at Shelter Rock has announced a collaborative program to support the work of the ManhassetGreat Neck Economic Opportunity Council on Saturday, Feb. 3 at 6:00 PM. Since 1966, the organization has remained committed to its mission to help local “at risk” youth by providing support for children and families.

The concert promises to be a soul-stirring and joyful

journey through gospel music and a concert to remember!

The rich and vibrant history of gospel music will feature the remarkable talents of “ART by Nigel” and the UUCSR choir. Under the skillful direction of Nigel W. Gretton, the artists, along with Sam Simpson and the Band, will bring to life the powerful and uplifting spirit of gospel music, showcasing its profound impact and historical significance.

Wade in the Water

This concert will celebrate faith, hope, and joy, deeply rooted in the gospel tradition. The performance will include a range of gospel music styles from early African American spiritual roots to contemporary gospel sounds. A reception in the Art Gallery will follow with refreshments and vendors.

The concert takes place at the UU Congregation at Shelter Rock, 48 Shelter Rock Road in Manhasset, which is fully handicapped accessible.

Onsite parking is ample and free. Tickets are $40 in advance (Venmo @MGNEOC) and $45 at the door. Doors open at 5:00 PM. For more information about the concert, please contact Adrienne Vaultz (avaultz@pencom.com or 718.874.9784). Learn more about the Manhasset/Great Neck Economic Opportunity Council, Inc. at https://www. mgneoc.com/

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Blank Slate Media Newspapers, Friday, January 26, 2024

Business&RealEstate

29

Things to be aware of when hiring your attorney You did your search and traveled to a multitude of listings to find your next place to call home. Finally, after almost six months and 500-plus miles, you settled on your first home, a three-bedroom and 1 ½ bath place.

You went through and performed all of your negotiations, the haggling, stressful, and tense moments, treading lightly on eggshells, and doing whatever was necessary and required that you had to do (of course, legally, lol) to have an agreed and accepted price.

However, you’re somewhat happy but not ecstatic with your broker, as they weren’t really at the “top of their game” when it came to all the details and minutiae. Then you ordered your inspection and had it completed.

In the meantime, you still haven’t hired an attorney and are asking your broker or salesperson for suggestions as well as getting recommendations from family and friends.

One of the very best places to check on those you are considering using is to go online and view their reviews and testimonials. This will be your best source for seeing what their current and previous clients experienced with the services that they provided.

You want to make sure that your attorney has never been convicted of stealing any escrow money. I am sure some of you have read in the papers of some lawyers who have absconded with clients’

money and co-mingled it with their accounts to buy luxury cars, jewelry, vacations, and pay their bills.

I had a situation when I was in my late 20s involving the purchase of a building in Floral Park for my previous landscape design and professional lawn tree and shrub application business.

My attorney, who was referred to me by my real estate broker, I found out later on had never sent my downpayment and contract back to the seller’s attorney.

I ended up losing the property, but I was fortunate to at least get back all of our money.

The way in which I was able to accomplish this is a story for another day and column. We are in desperate times for some attorneys, who on the surface had been very professional and honest but decided for whatever reasons to steal clients’ money and were caught redhanded.

You should also speak to the choices that you have to find out their fees. In this column, I will not provide an exact amount that attorneys charge. I do offer recommendations when my clients ask.

However, the price range that I have seen and experienced for a local lawyer can be as little as $850 up to $2,500 or possibly more for a Manhattan professional.

Some clients’ experiences were horror stories with the bargain basement types. They will speak with you in the be-

PHILIP A. RAICES Real Estate Watch

ginning, but then only let their paralegals handle your case during the process going forward and maybe not even see you at the closing.

So you must proceed with caution to narrow down your choices to the one who you will hire to be the most knowledgeable, transparent, and have the most expertise and communicate with you right through to the closing.

The best one will provide you the quality service that you deserve at the most reasonable and affordable fee or what I call the “biggest bang for your buck.” But keep in mind that you get what you pay for and “cheap is expensive

and sometimes expensive is cheap” when all is said and done.

Before you hire your attorney, now is the time to ask questions and interview candidates, which most never do.

Unfortunately, you can experience some faux pas and embarrassing situations that have created stress that almost caused your sale to go south.

It wasn’t your choice to be in this situation. But circumstances arose that you didn’t know about or were not aware of due to your lack of knowledge because you are not an attorney and that is why you hired one.

These items, such as survey issues, certificates of occupancy should have been carefully addressed before the closing.

Your legal representative is your responsible party for handling your transaction. He or she must do their due diligence in crossing and dotting the T’s and I’s, to make certain that all information is accurately derived appropriately and that no rock is left unturned. In the end, your closing should be a happy and stress-free event.

From my personal experiences, I know that the majority of attorneys represent their clients in the most professional and expert fashion.

If you purchasing an HOA, condo or co-op, you must be sure that who you hire has sufficient experience and knowledge in executing these types of sales as they

are handled much differently than residential property.

Don’t just hire anyone on a whim because of a referral or recommendation.

As I have conveyed to you, be prepared and do your due diligence with the most careful research in becoming a Sherlock Holmes.

This will benefit you, in being cognizant of who will be your best representative. You must always remember that you are spending a lot of your or your family’s hard-earned dollars when purchasing your home.

It is the most valuable asset in building long-term wealth that the majority of people will own in their lifetimes.

Your job is to keep as much money in your pocket as possible. But realize that everyone needs to earn a living, so hire the best attorney that you can, that you will have excellent rapport with and hopefully a long-term relationship when it comes to legal matters.

Philip A. Raices is the owner/Broker of Turn Key Real Estate at 3 Grace Ave Suite 180 in Great Neck. For a 15-minute consultation, value analysis of your home, or to answer any of your questions or concerns he can be reached by cell: (516) 647-4289 or by email:Phil@TurnKeyRealEstate.Comor viahttps://WWW.Li-RealEstate.Com My New Electronic signature/Bio/Reviews to save to your Cell/PC contacts: https:// onetapconnect.com/turnkeyrealestatephilraices

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31

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33

COMMUNITY NEWS

Floral Park Board of Trustees Jan. 16 meeting reports Deputy Mayor Lynn Pombonyo Police Department Our Police Department has tallied its 2023 statistics which demonstrate the productive year that it was. Some important totals for the last year: 10,086 calls for assistance; 314 motor vehicle accidents with injuries and/or significant damages; 3,110 vehicle stops; 2,692 moving summonses (including those written for trucks by our Motor Carrier Detail); 11,781 parking summonses; and 48 arrests. Our Police Department is there for its citizens, businesses, and village visitors in numerous, significant ways.

Our FPPD has reported that, on the same January night, catalytic converters were stolen from vehicles parked in two Floral Park driveways in close proximity to each other. It’s important to note that the crimes were committed just before 4 AM, yet reported by a resident witness just before 7 AM, preventing FPPD from catching the perpetrators while or immediately after the crimes were committed. Nassau County Police coordinate with FPPD on the investigations of such crimes and the apprehension of the perpetrators.

All are urged to report possible criminal activity to the FPPD immediately to effect quick starts on the investigations. Join our Police as crime stoppers. If you see something, say something to our Police, immediately!

And have you visited our very popular FPPD Facebook page lately?

Conservation Society The annual, international Great Backyard Bird Count (GBBC) takes place throughout the world and in our very own Centennial Gardens and Bird Sanctuary on Friday, February 16th through Sunday, February 18th. Watch for the colorful blue flyer on the VFP and Recreation Center Facebook pages, and join this fascinating event, birdwatching and listening to the stories of the birds, told by our very own ornithologist extraordinaire, Don Haug. The star of the 2022 GBBC was a magnificent red-tailed hawk, a Gardens resident, who posed for all the birdwatchers on the top of a large tree as we stood in awe.

Look for unique bird facts, photos, videos and birdwatching ideas at the birdcount.org website, and google the Audubon Society’s and Cornell University’s Great Backyard Bird Count sites, too.

More GBBC coming attractions in February!

Chambers of Commerce and Our Businesses All are welcome at the Floral Park Chamber of Commerce’s next catered networking meeting on Thursday evening, February 1st at 6 PM at the Methodist Church on Verbena Avenue. Visit the Chamber website for the required meeting registration at floralparkchamber.org Coming soon will be details about our Covert Avenue Chamber of Commerce’s exciting 2024 activities. Visit covertavenuechamber.org.

And, are you keeping your New Year’s resolution to SHOP AND DINE LOCAL in Floral Park and Stewart Manor? You’ll be glad you did!

Trustee Frank Chiara Library Here are some upcoming events at our Floral Park Library: • Friday, January 19th, from 4 PM to 5 PM the library will be hosting Teen Party Art for teens, grades 6-12. Teens are welcome to come and create something mystical for winter with Ali from the Party Art School.

• Monday, January 22nd, from 7 PM to 8 PM there will be a Family Pre-School Hour with, A Time for Kids, Inc. This school readiness program will focus on early literacy and fine motor skills through music, movement and other fun activities.

• Friday, January 26th, from 3:45 PM to 5:15 PM the library is having a babysitting workshop for teens from grades 6-12. The Cornell Cooperative Extension of Suffolk County will be conducting the workshop and providing useful skills to teens so they can become incredible babysitters. Space is limited so register early.

• Saturday, January 27th, 2024 from 10 AM to 4 PM the ‘Friends of the Library’ will be hosting a bag sale in the library meeting room.

For 8 dollars you can fill up a ‘Friends’ tote bag with as many books as fit. If you already have a ‘Friends’ tote bag, bring it and your cost will be only 5 dollars. The ‘Friends of the Library’ are very supportive of our library so consider stopping over to support this event.

• Monday, January 29th, from 4 PM to 5:15 PM you are invited to join a ‘Birding at the Gardens’ 2-session program. This program teaches the use of tools of birding, binoculars, technology, and field guide in order to identify several common, easy to find birds. The program will afford those who attend an opportunity to use these learned skills at the 26th Annual Backyard Bird Count will be held Friday, February 16th through Sunday, February 18th at Centennial Gardens. The data collected at the bird count helps scientist document how birds respond to climate change and shifting range.

These are just a few January’s scheduled events that may be found on the Library’s website at www.floralparklibrary.org. Visit the site on how to register and attend the activities offered.

Fire Department The department is in good standing and there is nothing new to report.

Trustee Jennifer Stewart DPW Thank you to the DPW crews for the work they did during this overnight and early morning storm, including reporting to work at 1:30 AM. We appreciate their efforts to get our streets safe and ready so residents were able to get to work and school, while also picking up our garbage and maintaining Village vehicles and buildings.

A gentle reminder to all residents to not shovel snow into the street and to please make sure your sidewalk is clear. If there is a fire hydrant in front of your home, please make sure it is clear and visible. If you live on a corner, please clear the access from the street to the sidewalk.

Along with preparing for this latest storm the DPW also cleaned up after the January 13th storm, cleaned the West End storm basins, removed all Christmas decorations, swept all Village roads, and collected 65 tons of household waste, 8 tons of paper and cardboard, 5 tons of plastics and glass as well as 11 tons of bulk rubbish. Please remember that the new sanitation schedules were mailed with the Annual Village Items and are also available on the Village website at fpvillage.org.

4VS The Mayor and I were pleased to attend the Annual 4VS Staff Meeting and Awards Night, held here at Village Hall last week. It was truly a pleasure to meet so many show hosts and volunteers who work behind the scenes to provide such quality local programming. 4VS has 42 full time, volunteer staff members. They have produced 37 shows in 2023. Pre-pandemic, their number were in the 50s and 4VS is working back towards those numbers. 4VS ran 672 billboard messages in 2023, has created 1,624 shows over its history and has 515 shows available for viewing on its website. They have 2400 views on their website. As I recently reported, the station won 4 Nor’easter Awards. This being the 4th year they have won 4 awards.

I would like to take a minute to congratulate the following staff members and volunteers for the awards presented to them by studio director James Greene: Francis Brandy — Student Intern of the Year, Jamie Liesner — College Crew Member of the Year, Larry King — Nor’Easter Winner, and Denon Senjalia — High School Crew Member of the Year.

MTA We continue to engage with the MTA about the work that needs to be completed by the MTA as per our MOU. The MTA can be reached at MTA.info with questions and concerns and, as always, you can reach me at JStewart@FPVillage.org.

Trustee Michael Longobardi Building Department The structural repairs to 266 Jericho Turnpike fire building have started and are expected to take up to three months. Nassau County site plan approval has been received for the former Centennial Hall Property and permits have been issued. Work is expected to start shortly on the new apartment building. Tonight, we held two public hearings. The first is regarding a request for a pick-up window at the proposed restaurant at 99 Covert Avenue. The second is for a proposed pharmaceutical lab located at 100 Jericho Turnpike. Decisions are pending on both.

Our Building Superintendent, Renee Marcus, will be the guest speaker at the North End Civic meeting this Thursday, January 18th and the West End Civic meeting on Thursday, February 1st. She will give an overview on the permitting process and answer any questions anyone may have related to the Building Department.

This is a great opportunity to learn about the process when making capital improvement to your home or commercial property. It is also a great chance to attend a civic meeting, see what the civics are about and get involved.

Pool and Recreation There are still openings for the Session II winter/spring 2024 programs. Please call the pool building or visit to check availability and register. As a reminder, leisure passes have expired and the new 2024 passes are now available. The hockey season has gone well and will wrap up by the end of this month. Superintendent Kurt Meyfohrt and Building Superintendent Renee Marcus met with our HVAC company today, regarding the pool building HVAC system, which will be getting a much-needed upgrade. Thank you both for your work on this.

Last week we held meetings with the Recreation Committee and the Pool Committee

to discuss the past year. We reviewed what is working great as well as areas that need some improvements or changes. I would like to thank all our committee volunteers who take time to meet and provide valuable insights and ideas.

More to come on those meetings soon.

Town-Village Aircraft Safety & Noise Abatement Committee (TVASNAC) The next meeting will be Monday, January 22nd at the Hempstead Town Hall, One Washington Street, Hempstead. If you want to make a noise complaint regarding air traffic, you can call 1-800-225-1071. You can also go to the village website which has the links under the TVASNAC noise complaint contact information page on our home page.

Mayor Kevin Fitzgerald Former Village Administrator Nancy McLoughlin Prior to the meeting a moment of silence was held for former Village Administrator Nancy McLoughlin. Nancy and her husband Tom moved to Floral Park in 1971 where they raised their family. In 1976 Nancy started her career at the Village as a Clerk Typist. In 1981 she was promoted to Deputy Village Clerk and from 1989 to 1999 she served as the Village Administrator. I personally did not move into the Village until 1999 so I did not have the pleasure of working with or knowing her. Everything I heard from employees who have worked with her is that she was very effective Village Administrator in all aspects and Floral Park is certainly a better place because of Nancy’s service to this Village.

West End Civic Association With regard to the West End Civic Association, Superintendent of Buildings Renee Marcus will be giving a brief overview of what we are planning to do with the new sump at Belmont Park. The funding for the sump has not been fully approved by the Federal Government just yet; however, we are moving along with the plans in hopes that the funding comes through within a reasonable time.

Trees and Tree Plantings As it was mentioned in my Mayor’s Message at the end of 2023, a number of oak trees had a disease called oak wilt. After speaking to our arborist on a number of occasions and checking out trees that were either dying or diseased, it was determined that we had to cut down 50 dying trees including a large tree in Memorial Park. We will be replanting a more mature tree in that area as that space does permit bigger trees. Throughout this past year we have planted over 250 trees around our Village and took down less than 100 trees.

In speaking to several people and looking at old photos over 100 years ago, Floral Park had no trees or very minimal. Thankfully someone had the foresight over 100 years ago when planning this Village to plant a lot of trees, which grew large and tall. However not everything lives forever and some trees are susceptible to certain diseases. Our Tree Crew and Superintendent Ginnane do a great job to keep them as healthy as possible. In fact, they have recently learned how and when to trim oak trees to give them a longer life. We appreciate all the research they have done on that. We keep our trees as best as we can, but sometimes we have to take them down for safety reasons.

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

34 The Herald Courier, Friday, January 26, 2024

HC

Nassau designates $262M of COVID funds Continued from Page 1 allocated for its anniversary celebrations this year, asking for a bump to $19 million which was not granted.

DeRiggi-Whitton said allocating $19 million for nonprofits would give each of the 19 legislators $1 million to then designate in their district where needed.

“This is what that money was for,” DeRiggi-Whitton said. “There’s a food bank in Glen Cove that would save. There are youth boroughs, there are seniors, there are mental health groups that could benefit.

This is what that money is for. This $19 million out of $266 million is such a small percentage.”

She criticized the county’s budget director, Andrew Persich, who presented the fund allocations.

“I’m starting to lose faith,” the minority leader told Persich, “because I really feel like you’ll swing with whatever the mood is of what has to get done.”

DeRiggi-Whitton said during the legislative meeting that she was hopeful over the weekend the county would come to a “good faith agreement” on these funds, but that did not happen. She said her hopes to work with the Presiding Officer

Howard Kopel in negotiating and finding compromises have dwindled.

Before the vote was taken, DeRigi-Whitton urged her fellow legislators across the aisle to change their minds on voting for the fund allocation.

The county reported about $455 million in revenue losses due to the pandemic.

Nassau County received $385 million in ARPA, or pandemic relief, funds from the federal government in 2021. These funds can only be used within the federal government’s permitted uses to combat the results of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Some of the county’s pandemic relief funds have already been spent or allocated, including $10 million recently approved by the legislature to be spent on the county’s 125thanniversary celebrations. This resolution was passed along party lines as well, with Democrats criticizing the county executive’s use of the funds for a celebration and not for impacted businesses and individuals.

County Executive Bruce Blakeman justified the use of the funds for the county’s anniversary to boost tourism, which is a permitted use of

PHOTO BY NOAH MANSKAR

The Nassau County Legislative building. the federal pandemic relief funds.

The county also spent $28 million under former County Executive Laura Curran to send direct payments of $375 to households in the county and $30 million for a small

business grant program focused on bolstering main streets.

Prior to Monday’s vote, the county had obligated about $86 million of the federal funds so far and appropriated about $118 million.

The county has until the end of 2024 to allocate the federal COVID-19 relief funds and until the end of 2026 to spend them. If it does not meet those deadlines, the county will be forced to return the money.

NHP rescinds lifetime medical benefits Continued from Page 2 the year, the village paid out $21,450 toward her family plan that he said she was not entitled to because she did not qualify and that the village had requested it be paid back.

Devane said in 2023 the village

paid out $127,000 for medical benefits of people not on the board, including former Trustee Richard Coppola and former Mayors Robert Lofaro, Lawrence Montreuil and Warren Tackenberg.

The cost for those four benefits since they all left the board, Tackenberg in

2001, Lofaro in 2013 and Coppola and Montreuil in 2021, is nearly $900,000, Devane said.

“When do we say timeout and cut this off?” Devane questioned. “There are things we need to buy. There are people with their hair on fire because we spent

$3,500 for a boardroom table upstairs and we’re spending $127,000 a year for health insurance.”

“This is not picking on anyone,” Devane said. “If you are a part-time public official and you attain five years, I don’t have an explanation why you are

entitled to lifetime benefits when fulltime employees are not.”

The village audit will also be completed in the near future and the auditor will be speaking to the board on the village’s financial status on Thursday, Feb. 15.

HC

The Herald Courier, Friday, January 26, 2024

35

Hochul calls for rises, falls in school aid Continued from Page 1 New Hyde Park-Garden City is facing the biggest cut in state aid on the North Shore, with a 2.13% decrease proposed.

Last year, the district received $12,172,663 – an 18.89% increase from the year before – and is proposed to receive $11,912,975 in 2024-2025, a $259,688 decrease.

Of the three facing a proposed decrease, Port Washington is proposed to receive the biggest cutback at $20,858,822. This represents a 0.61%, or $127,308 decrease, from the prior year, which saw Port receive $20,986,130 in state aid.

In the 2023-2024 budget, Port saw a 42.25% bump in its state aid when it jumped by more than $6 million from $14,752,285 in 2022-2023.

While Port is facing potential cuts in its state aid, it is still slated to be awarded the third most on the North Shore.

Mineola’s state aid decrease is similar to that of Port’s, set at about a 0.63% decrease, with a proposal to receive $14,982,616 in the 2024-2025 year. This is $94,752 less than what it received last year at $15,077,368.

Mineola School District received a 28.07% increase in its state aid last year.

Roslyn Union Free School District is proposed to have the biggest percentage increase in its state aid on the North Shore, amounting to a 10.17% increase.

The district received $11,305,205 of state aid in 2023-2024 and is proposed to receive an additional $12,455,214 in the next budget – a $1,150,009 increase.

Receiving the most state aid overall on the North Shore is the Sewanhaka Central High School District, which is proposed to receive $72,925,547 in state aid in the next budget. This is a 1.57% increase from the prior year.

Last year, Sewanhaka received $71,797,524.

SCHOOL STATE AID PROPOSAL District

Total Proposed for 2024-2025

Total Allotted Aid 2023-24

Change in Total Aid

% Change in Total Aid

New York State

$34,751,452,252

$33,926,740,628

$824,711,624

2.43%

New York City

$13,300,434,186

$12,958,875,429

$341,558,757

2.64%

Long Island

$4,984,410,160

$4,834,196,685

$147,213,475

3.04%

Suffolk

$2,966,109,394

$2,913,072,211

$53,037,183

1.82%

Nassau

$2,018,300,766

$1,924,124,474

$94,176,292

4.89%

$7,676,177

$7,332,203

$343,974

4.69%

Floral Park-Bellerose

$10,898,246

$10,381,986

$516,260

4.97%

Great Neck

$15,289,918

$14,751,440

$538,478

3.65%

Herricks

$28,664,174

$26,893,394

$1,440,180

6.58%

Manhasset

$5,692,716

$5,250,148

$442,568

8.43%

Mineola

$14,982,616

$15,077,368

($94,752)

-0.063%

NHP-GCP

$11,912,975

$12,172,663

($259,688)

-2.36%

North Shore

$10,101,212

$9,586,428

$514,784

5.37%

Port Washington

$20,858,822

$20,986,130

($127,308)

-0.61%

Roslyn

$12,455,214

$11,305,205

$1,150,099

10.17%

Sewanhaka

$72,925,547

$71,797,524

$1,128,023

1.57%

East Williston

Source: State of New York 2024-25 Executive Budget Proposal • Compiled by Arielle Martinez and Anastasia Valeeva GRAPHIC BY ROSE PALACIOS

North Shore school districts’ proposed state aid for the 2024-2025 year under Gov. Hochul’s proposed budget.

Herricks is the second-highest district in awarded state aid on the North Shore, proposed to receive $28,664,174 in the new budget. This is a 6.58% increase from the prior year when they received $26,893,394.

Manhasset Union Free School District, the district with the lowest allotted state aid on the North Shore, received the second-highest percent-

age increase proposed at 8.43% Last year the district received $5,250,148 and is proposed to receive $5,692,716 in 2024-2025.

The second lowest awarded school district on the North Shore is East Williston, which is proposed to receive $7,676,177 in 2024-2025.

This is a 4.69% increase from the prior year.

The Great Neck Public Schools

is proposed to receive $15,289,918, a $538,478 or 3.65% increase. The district received $14,751,440 in state aid last year.

On Long Island, school districts would be seeing an overall 3% increase in state aid. Nassau County districts would potentially receive a 4.9% increase.

New York State encompasses 673 major school districts which educate

about 2.2 million students in grades kindergarten through 12th.

Education is the largest spending by the state. New York State ranks No. 1 nationally in spending per pupil – an accolade it has secured for 17 straight years.

With the addition of the 2025 budget, the state’s school spending would increase by about $13 billion over 10 years.

Mesita opens its doors in Port Washington Continued from Page 9 people go and know they can have their special celebration and we’re going to take care of them,” Cestare said.

Cestare said Mesita has always been a success, but with an abundance of restaurants serving Mexican cuisines there is one thing McBride said that sets them apart from the rest: quality ingredients for their authentic cuisine.

“We stick to being authentic Mexican, I believe, vs. trying to put a spin on it,” McBride said.

The “little things” are what make the experience, Cestare said, whether it’s the restaurant staff members ensuring customers get the utmost service or the ambiance of their dining room.

“The food speaks for itself,” Cestare said.

McBride said business so far has been going well in Port Washington, with feedback highlighting glowing reviews of their food.

With three locations and a fourth on the way, Cestare said they work to offer the same atmosphere and service at all locations.

“With every little detail we try to make you feel like you’re in a courtyard in Mexico enjoying dinner,” Cestare said.

But Port Washington is not the final frontier for Mesita, Cetare said, with plans to open a fourth location in Amityville in the next five months and then expand further out to the Patchogue area and Florida.

Upcoming in Port Washington’s Mesita is the launching of its weekend brunch menu in February as well as outdoor seating later in the year.

BLANK SLATE MEDIA WELCOMES YOUR SUBMISSIONS. Please e-mail them to news@theisland360.com

nassau

Blank Slate Media Newspapers, Friday, January 26, 2024

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

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Oh Most Beautiful Flower of Mount Carmel, Fruitful Vine, Splendor of Heaven.

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Suozzi touts record on gun violence prevention measures Continued from Page 6 She said Suozzi “is the only candidate in this race with the commitment and experience to prioritize and ensure public health and safety.”

Adzi Vokhiwa, federal affairs director of Giffords, said Suozzi’s record on promoting gun safety, which was achieved by working across the aisle with Republicans, speaks for his ability to uphold public safety as the district’s representative.

“If we don’t elect more gun safety champions like Tom Suozzi to Congress and flip the House back to a gun safety majority, we will continue to be at a stalemate when it comes to making progress on gun violence prevention,” Vokhiwa said.

Beigel Schulman and Suozzi advocated at a press conference Wednesday for gun violence prevention and gun safety, not gun control – a distinction they drew between the two gun stances with gun control often viewed as a “buzzword” for far-right Republicans.

Suozzi said gun violence prevention is

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not only directed at diminishing crimes enacted with guns, like mass shootings, but also to prevent accidents and self-harm by guns.

The Democrat, who has garnered an “F” rating from the NRA, said he is in favor of universal background checks and has supported every gun violence prevention legislative effort in Congress.

“I will work with anybody across party lines to solve the problems that we face,” Suozzi said. “And we can’t solve these problems like gun violence that have been going on for decades, unless we stop the yelling and the screaming, we stop the attacking and we start working more on finding common ground with each other.”

While Suozzi has won endorsements by national gun violence prevention groups, he said Pilip is endorsed by the Conservative Party – a party that opposes gun violence prevention measures.

Suozzi said her campaign relies on generalities with little expansion on her political positions as he advocates for why debates

are important in this election. He added that she has no record of pushing for gun violence prevention legislation.

Pilip’s 10-point plan makes no mention of stopping gun violence but rather focuses on getting tougher on crime by repealing bail reform laws and supporting law enforcement.

He said pandering to political party bases, not finding common ground to seek solutions, is what is “killing our county.”

“We cannot become complacent and let gun violence continue to be a common occurrence in our daily lives,” Biegel Schulman said. “Believe me, you do not want to be haunted because a loved one, a friend or a co-worker has become a victim of gun violence. You don’t want to keep looking over your shoulder when you walk into a mall, a supermarket, a house of worship or a movie theater. You don’t want to have to worry that an active shooter may show up at your child or your grandchild’s school.

She concluded, “We need Tom Suozzi to fight for us.”

COMMUNITY NEWS

Northwell expands dental medicine services in Nassau

Northwell Health today announced the expansion of dental medicine services in Nassau County with the acquisition of two established practices linked to a strong history of service in their respective communities.

The locations are now open and have been rebranded as Northwell Health Physician Partners Dental Medicine at Great Neck, located at 173 East Shore Road, Suite 201, in Great Neck, along with Northwell Place your ad Slate in print and online with the Health PhyPlace your ad in print with the Blank Media sician Partners Dental Medicine and Litmor Publications Advertising group.

Blank Slate Media and Litmor Publications Advertising at Garden City, located group. at 300 ad will appear in of all our 11 ofhyper-local, our hyper-local, award winning community newspapers and Your ad Your will appear in all 11 Garden City Plaza, Suite 212, in Post your ad yourself by going to https://classifieds.theisland360.com award-winning community newspapers.

Garden City.

Contact “This is great step for dental Debbie ContactFlynn Debbie Flynn medicine as part of Northwell’s Classified Advertising Classified Advertising Manager strategic mission to deliver care Manager 821 Franklin Avenue, Suite 208 anesthesiology specialty program 22 Planting Field Rd, 516-307-1045 Ext. 218 516-307-1045 Ext. 218 in NassauGarden County,” Dr. David and is a clinical associate profesCity,said NY 11530 Roslyn Heights, 11577 (516) 294-8900 www.gcnews.com dflynn@theisland360.com www.theisland360.com Hirsch,senior dflynn@theisland360.com vice president of sor of dental anesthesiology at dental medicine at Northwell and the Stony Brook School of Dental chair of dental medicine and oral Medicine. and maxillofacial surgery at Long The Great Neck office feaIsland Jewish Medical Center and tures nine procedure rooms, a 22 Planting Field Road 821 Franklin Avenue, Suite 208 Roslyn Heights, NY 11577 Garden City, NY 11530 North Shore University Hospital. general anesthesia suite, offers www.theisland360.com (516) 294-8900 www.gcnews.com “Good oral health is directly re- general dentistry, orthodontics lated to the prevention and con- and pediatric dentistry. trol of a wide range of diseases, In addition to general denfrom diabetes to heart disease. tistry, the practice is known LIST YOUR Northwell’s goal of taking care of since 1982 for treating patients LOCAL patients holistically allows us to who are medically compromised look at the whole patient and that and patients with special needs.

SERVICES includes dental services.”

Northwell plans to continue proHERE. The Great Neck multispe- viding dental care to these popucialty practice, previously known lations. The office is staffed by as Distinctive Dental Services of eight providers: Dr. Epstein, three New York is led by Dr. Ralph Ep- general dentists, three pediatric CALL: stein, a dentist anesthesiologist dentists and one orthodontist.

516.307.1045 who is a staff dentist anesthesiol“My excitement for working EXT. 218 ogist at Northwell and has served at Northwell goes back to 1981 as program director of the dental when I completed my dental an-

FIND A JOB? WANTWANT TO FINDTO A JOB? READY TO FILL A JOB? READY TO FILL A JOB?

esthesia training at Long Island Jewish Medical Center,” said Dr. Epstein. “I consider this a ‘returning home’ moment. My residency training was excellent, and this position permits me to ‘give back’ to the institution that trained me and the ability to provide anesthesia care to patients with special needs.”

The Garden City multispecialty practice, previously known as Leonard Patella, DDS, is led by Leonard Patella, DDS, a cosmetic dentist who is chief of general dentistry at Northwell also served for decades as chair of dental medicine at Glen Cove Hospital.

Dr. Patella is a clinical assistant professor at the Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell. The Garden City office has three procedure rooms, offers oral surgery

and is staffed by three providers: Dr. Patella, a general dentist and an oral surgeon.

“For more than 30 years, I have been dedicated to serving the Garden City and surrounding areas as a dentist collaborating closely with Northwell,” said Dr. Patella. “My commitment to providing quality dental care has been steadfast and I am proud to have recently integrated my practice into Northwell Health Physician Partners, further enhancing our ability to deliver comprehensive health care services to our community. Together, we strive to uphold the highest standards of dental care and contribute to the well-being of our patients.”

The new locations expand Northwell’s outpatient dental services to seven practices in the region, including six across Long Island. In addition, Northwell and ProHEALTH Dental in August announced a strategic agreement to provide oral health services across Long Island, New York City and Westchester County.

For more information or to make an appointment in Great Neck, call 516-441-5131 or go to: https://www.northwell.edu/ doctors-offices/northwell-healthphysician-partners-dental-medicine-at-great-neck For more information or to make an appointment in Garden City, call 516-739-8659 or go to: https://www.northwell.edu/ doctors-offices/northwell-healthphysician-partners-dental-medicine-at-garden-city

Blank Slate Media Newspapers, Friday, January 26, 2024

COMMUNITY NEWS

O. Westbury biz program ranked 3rd in the nation The graduate degree in Forensic Accounting offered by the School of Business of the State University of New York at Old Westbury has been ranked 3rd in the nation among the“Best Master’s Degrees in Forensic Accounting”as ranked by Accounting.com. SUNY Old Westbury placed behind West Virginia University and Florida International University in the rankings, which were compiled based on key factors related to academics, affordability, reputation, and program availability.“This recognition only confirms what we already knew – that the quality of our Forensic Accounting program is high and that it should be the program-of-choice for accountants throughout our region,” said Dr. Shalei Simms, dean of the SUNY Old Westbury School of Business.

The M.S. in Forensic Accounting at SUNY Old Westbury is the only graduate degree in this specific field to be offered on Long Island.

The 30-credit program is for students seeking a career in this fast-growing arena as a forensic accountant or fraud examiner. Offered over a three-semester arc in one calendar year, the program enables students to meet the 150-credit hour requirement

to qualify for CPA licensure in New York State while providing a foundation for the Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE) exam. Students in the M.S. program also have the opportunity to gain real-world experience through the campus’ Justice for Fraud Victims Project, which works to assist victims of suspected financial fraud in cases where forensic investigative services are limited or too costly.

PHOTO ILLUSTRATION COURTESY OF SUNY OLD WESTBURY COMMUNICATIONS

Celebrating Vincent Smith School’s 100th North Hempstead Supervisor Jennifer DeSena and Council Member Mariann Dalimonte recently attended the 100th Anniversary Celebration at the Vincent Smith School in Port Washington.

There, they met with school staff and students to congratulate them on the incredible work they have done in the greater North

Hempstead community over the past century.

The Vincent Smith School is a co-ed, independent special education school for grades 1-12 that serves students from Nassau County, Suffolk County and New York City. For more information about the Vincent Smith School, please visit their website at www.vincentsmithschool.org.

39

▼ LEGALS PUBLIC NOTICE OF COUNTY TREASURER’S SALE OF TAX LIENS ON REAL ESTATE

Notice is hereby given that commencing on February 20th, 2024, will sell at public on-line auction the tax liens on certain real estate, unless the owner, mortgagee, occupant of or any other party in interest in such real estate shall have paid to the County Treasurer by February 15th, 2024 the total amount of such unpaid taxes or assessments with the interest, penalties and other expenses and charges against the property.

Such tax liens will be sold at the lowest rate of interest, not exceeding 10 percent per six-month period, for which any person or persons shall offer to take the total amount of such unpaid taxes as defined in Section 5-37.0 of the Nassau County Administrative Code.

Effective with the February 2019 lien sale Ordinance No. 175-2015 requires a $175.00 per day registration fee for each person who intends to bid at the tax lien sale. Ordinance No. 175-2015 also requires that upon the issuance of the Lien Certificate there is due from the lien buyer a Tax Certificate Issue Fee of $20.00 per lien purchased. Pursuant to the provisions of the Nassau County Administrative Code at the discretion of the Nassau County Treasurer the auction will be conducted online. Further information concerning the procedures for the auction is available at the website of the Nassau County Treasurer at: https://www.nassaucountyny.gov/526/County-Treasurer Should the Treasurer determine that an in-person auction shall be held, same will commence on the 20th day of February 2024 at the Office of The County Treasurer 1 West Street, Mineola or at some other location to be determined by the Treasurer.

A list of all real estate in Nassau County on which tax liens are to be sold is available at the website of the Nassau County Treasurer at: https://www.nassaucountyny.gov/527/Annual-Tax-Lien-Sale A list of local properties upon which tax liens are to be sold will be advertised in this publication on or before February 07th, 2024.

Nassau County does not discriminate on the basis of disability in admission to or access to, or treatment or employment in, its services, programs, or activities. Upon request, accommodations such as those required by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) will be provided to enable individuals with disabilities to participate in all services, programs, activities and public hearings and events conducted by the Treasurer’s Office. Upon request, information can be made available in Braille, large print, audio-tape or other alternative formats. For additional information, please call (516) 571-2090 ext. 1-3715.

Dated: January 24, 2024 THE NASSAU COUNTY TREASURER Mineola, NewYork ____________________________________________________________________________________________ _TERMS OF SALE Such tax liens shall be sold subject to any and all superior tax liens of sovereignties and other municipalities and to all claims of record which the County may have thereon and subject to the provisions of the Federal and State Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Civil Relief Acts.

However, such tax liens shall have priority over the County’s Differential Interest Lien, representing the excess, if any, of the interest and penalty borne at the maximum rate over the interest and penalty borne at the rate at which the lien is purchased.

The Purchaser acknowledges that the tax lien(s) sold pursuant to these Terms of Sale may be subject to pending bankruptcy proceedings and/or may become subject to such proceedings which may be commenced during the period in which a tax lien is held by a successful bidder or the assignee of same, which may modify a Purchaser’s rights with respect to the lien(s) and the property securing same.

Such bankruptcy proceedings shall not affect the validity of the tax lien. In addition to being subject to pending bankruptcy proceedings and/or the Federal and State Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Civil Relief Acts, said purchaser’s right of foreclosure may be affected by the Financial Institutions Reform, Recovery and Enforcement Act(FIRREA),12 U.S.C. ss 1811 et.seq., with regard to real property under Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation(FDIC) receivership.

The County Treasurer reserves the right, without further notice and at any time, to withdraw from sale any of the parcels of land or premises herein listed. The Nassau County Treasurer reserves the right to intervene in any bankruptcy case/litigation where the property affected by the tax liens sold by the Treasurer is part of the bankruptcy estate. However, it is the sole responsibility of all tax lien purchasers to protect their legal interests in any bankruptcy case affecting their purchased tax lien, including but not limited to the filing of a proof of claim on their behalf, covering their investment in said tax lien. The Nassau County Treasurer and Nassau County and its agencies, assumes no responsibility for any legal representation of any tax lien purchaser in any legal proceeding including but not limited to a bankruptcy case where the purchased tax lien is at risk.

The rate of interest and penalty at which any person purchases the tax lien shall be established by his bid.

Each purchaser, immediately after the sale thereof, shall pay to the County Treasurer ten per cent of the amount for which the tax liens have been sold and the remaining ninety per cent within thirty days after such sale. If the purchaser at the tax sale shall fail to pay the remaining ninety per cent within ten days after he has been notified by the County Treasurer that the certificates of sale are ready for delivery, then all amounts deposited with the County Treasurer including but not limited to the ten per cent theretofore paid by him shall, without further notice or demand, be irrevocably forfeited by the purchaser and shall be retained by the County Treasurer as liquidated damages and the agreement to purchase shall be of no further effect. Time is of the essence in this sale. This sale is held pursuant to the Nassau County Administrative Code and interested parties are referred to such Code for additional information as to terms of the sale, rights of purchasers, maximum rates of interest and other legal incidents of the sale.

Furthermore, as to the bidding, 1. The bidder(s) agree that they will not work with any other bidder(s) to increase, maintain or stabilize interest rates or collaborate with any other bidder(s) to gain an unfair competitive advantage in the random number generator in the event of a tie bid(s) on a tax certificate. Bidder(s) further agree not to employ any bidding strategy designed to create an unfair competitive advantage in the tiebreaking process in the upcoming tax sale nor work with any other bidder(s) to engage in any bidding strategy that will result in a rotational award of tax certificates.

2. The tax certificate(s) the Bidder will bid upon, and the interest rate(s) bid, will be arrived at independently and without direct or indirect consultation, communication or agreement with any other bidder and that the tax certificate(s) the Bidder will bid upon, and the interest rate(s) to be bid, have not been disclosed, directly or indirectly, to any other bidder, and will not be disclosed, directly or indirectly, to any other bidder prior to the close of bidding. No attempt has been made or will be made to, directly or indirectly, induce any other bidder to refrain from bidding on any tax certificate, to submit complementary bids, or to submit bids at specific interest rates.

3. The bids to be placed by the Bidder will be made in good faith and not pursuant to any direct or indirect, agreement or discussion with, or inducement from, any other bidder to submit a complementary or other noncompetitive bid.

4. If it is determined that the bidder(s) have violated any of these bid requirements then their bid shall be voided and if they were the successful bidder the lien and any deposits made in connection with said bid shall be forfeited.

Dated: January 24, 2024

THE NASSAU COUNTY TREASURER Mineola, New York

HYPER-LOCAL NEWS. ANYTIME. ANYWHERE North Hempstead Town Supervisor Jennifer DeSena and Council Member Mariann Dalimonte attending the Vincent Smith School’s 100th Anniversary Celebration.

THEISLAND360.COM

40 The Herald Courier, Friday, January 26, 2024

▼ LEGALS ▼ LEGALS HC

HC

NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT - COUNTY OF NASSAU DEUTSCHE BANK NATIONAL TRUST COMPANY AS TRUSTEE FOR WAMU PASS-THROUGH CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2006-ARI, Plaintiff, Against VLADIMIR DIAZ A/K/A VLADIMIR R. DIAZ, ROSEMARY PARACHE A/K/A ROSEMARY PARACHE A/K/A ROSEMARY DIAZ A/K/A ROSEMARY PARCHE-DIAZ A/K/A ROSEMARY PARACHE-DIAZ, ET AL., Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale, duly entered 4/13/2018, I, the undersigned Referee, will sell at public auction, on the North Side steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court located at 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, N.Y. 11501 on 2/29/2024 at 2:00PM, premises known as 109 Schumacher Drive, New Hyde Park, New York 11040, And Described As Follows: ALL that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being At Herricks, Town Of North Hempstead, County Of Nassau And State Of New York.

Section 9 Block 514 Lot 20 The approximate amount of the current Judgment lien is $790,386.10 plus interest and costs. The Premises will be sold subject to provisions of the aforesaid Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale; Index # 13/006997 If proper social distancing cannot be maintained or there are other health or safety concerns, the then Court Appointed Referee will cancel the Foreclosure Auction. This Auction will be held rain or shine.

Charles G. McQuair, Esq., Referee.

MCCABE, WEISBERG & CONWAY, LLC, 10 Midland Avenue, Suite 205, Port Chester, NY 10573 Dated: 12/7/2023 File Number: 120-1519 CA Notice of Formation of Sold Buy Barbara LLC. Articles of Organization filed with Secretary of State of NY (SSNY) on 202312-13. Office location: Nassau County. SSNY designated as agent of upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY should mail process to Barbara Ventura: 674 Plato Street Franklin Square NY 11010. Purpose: Any lawful purpose Attention: New Hyde ParkGarden City Park School District Residents: Transportation Deadline All requests for transportation to a NON-PUBLIC SCHOOL must be filed no later than April 1, 2024, according to NY State Law. No applications will be accepted after st the April 1 deadline.

Applications may be obtained from the Transportation Office in the Administration Building at 1950 Hillside Ave. or by calling 516-4342317.

LEGAL NOTICE Inc. Village of Bellerose NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that on February 1, 2024 the Assessor of the Inc. Village of Bellerose, New York, has filed the TENTATIVE ASSESSMENT ROLL for the fiscal year June 1, 2024 to May 31, 2025, and that a copy thereof has been filed with the Clerk-Treasurer at the Village Hall, 50 Superior Road, Bellerose Village, NY, where it may be seen and examined by any person at all times during business hours: Monday through Thursday 9AM to 4PM and Friday, 9 AM to Noon , excluding holidays, until the 20th day of February, 2024.

PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that on the said 20th day of February 2024, between the hours of 4PM and 8PM, the Village Board of Review will meet in the Village Hall, at which time and place any person aggrieved by the assessment and submitting such grievance on proper form, which may be obtained from the Village Clerk-Treasurer or downloaded from the Village website (www.bellerosevillage.org), may appear and be heard.

Inc. Village of Bellerose Charles P. Puglisi Village Clerk-Treasurer Dated: January 26, 2024

HC

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING INC. VILLAGE OF FLORAL PARK, NY NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Board of Appeals of the Incorporated Village of Floral Park, will hold a public hearing in the Village Hall, No. 1 Floral Boulevard, Floral Park, New York on Thursday, February 15, 2024 at 8:00 p.m. relative to the following application: Application of Patrick and Lisa Conway, owners of 38 Cypress Street, Floral Park, NY 11001 for a variance § 99-24 (F) No part of any freestanding heating, cooling, pumping, filtering, generating or other type of equipment or device: (1) Shall be located in any front or side yard, or within 20 feet of any rear lot line,except that freestanding heating and cooling equipment may be located in the side yard, provided that it is not located forward of the front line of the house or closer than 20 feet from the front lot line whichever is farther, and closer than five feet from the side lot line.

Applicant proposes to maintain a ductless air conditioning unit that is located less than 1' from the side property line.

This application is made subject to the provisions of Article IX, Section 99-61, of the Zoning Ordinance of the Incorporated Village of Floral Park.

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING INC. VILLAGE OF FLORAL PARK, NY NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Board of Appeals of the Incorporated Village of Floral Park, will hold a public hearing in the Village Hall, No. 1 Floral Boulevard, Floral Park, New York on Thursday, February 15, 2024 at 8:00 p.m. relative to the following application: Application of Victor and Karyn Faster, owners of 192 Verbena Avenue, Floral Park, NY 11001 for a variance § 99-21 (1)(a) Every lot in any residential district shall have a front yard with a depth not less than the average of the depths of the existing front yards on the lots in the same block; provided, however: The front yard on a lot situated between and contiguous to two lots on whichthere are existing buildings need not have a depth greater than the average of the depths of the front yards on such contiguous lots. Average front yard setback is 18.3'; proposed front yard setback for addition is 17.5' This application is made subject to the provisions of Article IX, Section 99-61, of the Zoning Ordinance of the Incorporated Village of Floral Park.

The property which said variance is applied for is located 50 feet north of Zinnia Street on the west side of Verbena Avenue and known as 192 Verbena Avenue, Section 32, Block 192, Lot(s) 120 on the Nassau County Land and Tax Map. A copy of the application is on file in the Public Works/Building Department facility located at the foot of Stewart Street in the Village of Floral Park and may be examined by any persons interested therein during business hours, Monday through Friday, inclusive, except legal holidays from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

NOW TAKE NOTICE, that all parties in interest and citizens will be given the opportunity to be heard at the aforesaid time and place.

BY ORDER OF THE BOARD OF APPEALS INCORPORATED VILLAGE OF FLORAL PARK, NY Margaret Fowler, Acting Zoning Board Secretary Dated: January 2024

The property which said variance is applied for is located 640 feet west of Birch Street on the south side of Cypress Street and known as 38 Cypress Street, Section 32, Block 234, Lot(s) 33-34-35 on the Nassau County Land and Tax Map. A copy of the application is on file in the Public Works/Building Department facility located at the foot of Stewart Street in the Village of Floral Park and may be examined by any persons interested therein during business hours, Monday through Friday, inclusive, except legal holidays from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

NOW TAKE NOTICE, that all parties in interest and citizens will be given the opportunity to be heard at the aforesaid time and place.

BY ORDER OF THE BOARD OF APPEALS INCORPORATED VILLAGE OF FLORAL PARK, NY Margaret Fowler, Acting Zoning Board Secretary Dated: January 2024

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G.N. Library OKs bid for Main Library project Continued from Page 5 “And if we combine those [storage containers], it’s just not going to create a good situation for people having to go in and out for either one of those,” Corcoran said.

The containers will be stored on the library’s grassy area on the lower level.

In other news, the board honored two outgoing Nominating Committee members, Marietta DiCamillo and Marianna Wohlgemuth.

Wohlgemuth took the moment of recognition to thank all of the library’s volunteers.

“We’re only doing it because we feel we will make a difference,” Wohlgemuth said. “And that’s what we feel we’ve done.”

The board presented the two ex-committee members with certificates of excellence.

DiCamillo served as chair of the committee and Wohlgemuth was the committee’s secretary before the two members’ terms ended at the conclusion of 2023.

“It’s an effort and it’s one that’s very worthwhile and I think very noble,” DiCamillo said.

“You continue to plod along for the causes that you believe, all of you, and you believe in them and so you keep working towards making everything better.”

While the two women left the committee, both expressed their continued commitment to the library and advocating for its patrons.

As the board honored the nominating committee members, one member of the public expressed concerns with the committee’s practice and the library’s bylaw outlining the process of replacing a trustee.

Marty Adickman, who said he had applied for the recent trustee vacancy filled by Aliza Reicher, said he wanted clarification of the language in the board’s by-laws describing the process of filling a Board of Trustees vacancy, calling it ambiguous.

“Sometimes the only way you see the process can be made better is by going through it and asking questions when it’s complete,” Adickman said.

Adickman said his inquiry is not challenging the appointment, but rather the library’s by-laws.

The library by-laws state a vacancy must be filled 60 days after a vacancy. Adickman questioned why this happened on Jan. 11 when Panetta resigned on Oct. 17, amounting

to more than 60 days. Trustee Liman Mimi Hu clarified that Panetta’s resignation was accepted by the board on Nov. 16, marking the official day of his resignation and the start of the 60-day countdown.

Adickman also said the nominating committee conducted interviews in December when he was interviewed for the position, yet some members conducting interviews had terms expiring at the end of the month.

He pointed out that the candidates selected by the committee with outgoing members were then vetted and selected by the new Board of Trustees in the new year, saying that outcomes may have been different if the process was held by a different combination of the 2023 board and committee vs. the 2024 ones.

“This raises questions as to who decides who the replacement can be and when that replacement takes effect,” Adickman said.

Vice President Kathleen Gold said the new board agreed that if there were new nominating committee members who disagreed with the prior committee’s nominations, then they would allow additional individuals to be nominated.

President Rory Lancman said the 2024 committee agreed to go forward with the four individuals nominated.

Gold said the former Board of Trustees also received the names of the nominated individuals but did not vote on implementing one of them.

Lancman said that part of the resolution of the board’s lawsuit is to have an independent lawyer review the nominating committee’s bylaws, which will be started sometime this week. The board president said that they can consider Adickman’s comments when addressing the lawyer’s review and recommendation once provided.

Lancman said the library’s Long Range Planning Committee, which Gold chairs, can also review the board’s policies further.

A member of the public asked if the nominating committee could be dissolved, which Lancman said can be done through a measure on the ballot placed there through a vote by the library’s Board of Trustees or by members of the association through a special meeting and petition.

HC

The Herald Courier, Friday, January 26, 2024

41

COMMUNITY & SCHOOL NEWS

NHP Chamber holds F.P. Memorial kickline team wins 1st place at competition Presidents Gala North Hempstead Town Supervisor Jennifer DeSena and Council Member Christine Liu recently attended the Greater New Hyde Park Chamber of Commerce’s Presidents Gala at

the Inn at New Hyde Park on Jan. 17.

DeSena and Liu both assisted in performing the swearing-in ceremonies for the Chamber’s newest directors and officers.

Floral Park Memorial High School’s kickline team, The team competed in both the varsity kick and varthe Florettes, competed at the Long Island Dance Team sity pom categories, winning first place in the pom catAssociation’s competition at Commack Middle School on egory.

Jan. 6.

PHOTO SUBMITTED BY JOEL HARRIS

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE SEWANHAKA CENTRAL HIGH SCHOOL DISTRICT

New Hyde Park Chamber of Commerce board members and officers

Floral Park Memorial High School’s kickline team, the Florettes, competed at the Long Island Dance Team Association’s competition at Commack Middle School on Jan. 6.

Upcoming events at the Hillside Public Library PROGRAMS and EVENTS Hillside Public Library, in conjunction with Long Island Coalition for the Homeless, is conducting a Drive for Needed Items for folks living on the streets. The following is a partial list of some of the desired items: Peanut butter; crackers; protein bars; fruit cups; deodorant; mouthwash; water-proof gloves; warm socks; scarves; reusable bags; ziploc bags. Also, $5$10 gift cards for food: Dunkin; 7/11; McDonalds, etc.

Movie! Gran Turismo – Rating: PG-13.

All Purpose Room Friday, January 26 at 1 p.m. “Jann Mardenborough is a teenage gaming wunderkind, his skills earning him a series of titles in the digital racing sphere. Given his talents, he receives the

opportunity to become a professional driver for Nissan, where he must learn to translate his finely-honed gaming skills to real high-octane scenarios. The story is based on true events.”

Movie! Barbie. Rating: PG-13.

All Purpose Room Sunday, January 28 at 1 p.m. “Barbie and Ken are having the time of their lives in the colorful and seemingly perfect world of Barbie Land. However, when they get a chance to go to the real world, they soon discover the joys and perils of living among humans.”

Great Flowering Indoor Plants – All Purpose Room Wednesday, January 31, 2 – 3 p.m. Paul “the Plant Man” discusses 9 different flowering indoor plants including Peace Lily, African

Violet and Bromeliad. Learn the best locations in your home for each plant, and how to get the most out of them! Also different watering techniques, lighting and potential problems of each and how to solve them. Free plant raffle!

Movie: Hidden Figures. Rating: PG. – All Purpose Room Friday, February 2 at 1 p.m. “Three female African-American mathematicians provide crucial calculations for NASA’s space race against the Soviets, all while dealing with the racist and sexist assumptions of their white co-workers.”

CHILDREN and YOUNG ADULT EVENTS Chess Night – All Purpose Room

Friday, January 26 at 4:30 p.m. Grades: 2-4. Join Chess Master Michael Caputo in a night of Chess! Whether you’ve never played or you’ve already an experienced player, you’ll have fun playing chess with friends!

Chess Night – YA. All Purpose Room Friday, January 26 at 5:30 p.m. Grades: 5-12. Join Chess Master Michael Caputo in a night of Chess! Whether you’ve never played or you’ve already an experienced player, you’ll have fun playing chess with friends!

Stemtastic: Kaleidoscope Wonder! – All Purpose Room Monday, January 29 at 4:30 p.m. Ages: 7years- 12years. Using light and reflective materials we’ll make a colorful eye catching spinner!

‘Garden Rewards’ program offers homeowners grants The Long Island Regional Planning Council in partnership with the Department of Environmental Conservation, Long Island Sound Study and NEIWPCC, successfully completed the inaugural year of its Garden Rewards program which helps homeowners cover the cost and maintenance of stormwater runoff mitigation projects on their property, and provided more than 200 homeowners with grants in 2023.

The program provides up to $500 to homeowners to offset the expense of installing green infrastructure on their properties including rain barrels, native plant gardens and rain gardens. A total of 231 grants were awarded.

“It is encouraging to see so many Long Island homeowners recognizing that they can make a small but significant contribution to combating excess nitrogen pollution created by stormwater

runoff in their own backyards. The Garden Rewards program was a tremendous success, and we are already looking forward to the next program,” stated John Cameron, LIRPC Chairman.

Excess nitrogen runoff causes toxic algal blooms that lead to low oxygen conditions, fish kills, harmful algal blooms, degraded wetlands and marine habitats. Nitrogen also contaminates the groundwater, which is the sole source of Long Island’s drinking water supply.

State Department of Environmental Conservation Commissioner Basil Seggos said, “Long Islanders are taking action to improve the region’s water quality. By installing a rain garden, using a rain barrel, or planting native plants, Long Island homeowners are protecting and restoring New York’s waterways. DEC looks forward to working with these critical partners to encourage

more homeowners to participate in the Long Island Regional Planning Council’s Garden Rewards program.”

“NEIWPCC is excited to be part of the Long Island Garden Rewards Program. Homeowners on Long Island are taking important steps to help reduce nitrogen pollution in their backyards. We are proud of the success this first year and look forward to an even better season next spring!” said Susan Sullivan, Executive Director at NEIWPCC. The program will begin accepting applications again on March 1, 2024. Eligible home projects include: Rain Barrels: Rain Barrels reduce stormwater runoff by collecting and storing rainwater for homeowners to later use in their yards and gardens, also helping conserve water consumption.

Barrels must be a minimum of 50 gallons and are

required to have mosquito netting or screening.

Reimbursement of up to $125 for each barrel will be provided for purchase, up to $500 maximum.

Native Plantings: Native plants are heartier and more resilient to local climate conditions.

Native plantings can reduce water usage, reduce fertilizer and pesticide usage, and promote biodiversity. Native plants help promote a healthy ecosystem and are more resistant to local weather.

Rain Gardens: Rain gardens collect rainwater from roofs, driveways and other surfaces and allow that rain to soak into the ground. Rain gardens can filter stormwater before it reaches local waterways, mitigate flooding caused by pavement and enhance your yard with low maintenance landscaping. To be eligible, a rain garden must be a minimum of 20 square feet, use native plants and be maintained for at least three years.

42 Blank Slate Media Newspapers, Friday, January 26, 2024

SPORTS WWW.THEISLAND360.COM

MAKING HER MARK St. Mary’s star Sofia Maldonado find success after transfer

BY M I C H A E L J . L E W I S The texts and phone calls started immediately, before Sofia Maldonado had even made up her mind.

“You’re gonna love it here!”“We’re so excited to have you on our team!”“This is going to be so awesome.”

The St. Mary’s girls basketball team heard that Maldonado was considering leaving her St. Francis Prep squad in the fall of 2022, and they knew the Queens kid with the big smile and even bigger game would fit right in at the Manhasset school.

So they began blowing up her phone and calling her “all the time,” Maldonado said with a laugh. “They were so ready to have me come here.”

The Gaels players knew a little bit about Maldonado from playing against her on the AAU circuit, and also because St. Mary’s coach Kevin White’s daughter, Kerri White, was the coach at St. Francis Prep.

And when White resigned as coach, Maldonado, then a sophomore, knew she wanted to leave, too.

Now, after playing only 1/3 of St. Mary’s season last year as a junior (because she transferred Maldonado was only eligible to play non-league games), Maldonado is a full member of the team and making her mark.

A 5-foot-8 forward, she’s averaging 10 points and six rebounds per game on yet another loaded St. Mary’s team.

As the Gaels chase a third consecutive Catholic School Athletic Association, Maldonado is thrilled to be front and center.

“It was frustrating last year because I wasn’t used to not playing, and I’m sitting on the bench and being the No.1 cheerleader and giving tips to the players, but I couldn’t be out there,” Maldonado said before a recent practice. “The whole team was so welcoming and made it so easy for me to feel a part of it, but it was still tough.”

“It’s not easy for a kid to sit out; we applied to see if we could get her eligible but it didn’t happen,” Kevin White said. “She’s a really solid player, very athletic and is really an excellent shooter.”

Maldonado, who was recently nominated to play in the prestigious McDonald’s All-American Game, was born in Jackson Heights and grew up loving both hoops and ballet, “two things that are totally, completely different,” she laughed.

When her mom, Monica told Sofia it was time to choose travel basketball or tutus, she immediately knew her answer.

“This sport brings me so much joy, just being out there and playing, I can’t even describe how happy it makes me,” Maldonado said.

As she improved on the courts of New York City, Maldonado began to attract attention. When she was in 8th grade, suddenly high school coaches from everywhere were contacting her parents.

“I didn’t think recruiting happened until college, but they were really talking to us all the time,” Maldonado said.

“That’s when I kind of realized that basketball wasn’t just a fun hobby, that it was something that can help me get to college.”

After two years at St. Francis, Maldonado was ready to move.

While Prep is a strong program, the adjustment to St. Mary’s, which Maldonado said was done both for basketball and academic reasons, was sizable.

Maldonado went from a school with hundreds of kids in her grade to one with only about four dozen.

Suddenly, everyone knew everyone. But the supportive environment from all the adults immediately struck her.

“It’s a big support system here.

There’s a ton more homework but the teachers are trying to help you,” Maldonado said. “Like if you get a bad grade, they work with you to see what you can do to improve. I love it.”

Maldonado’s support on court has come from lots of connections she had before she even arrived; her parents and former St. Mary’s stars Taryn and Taylor Barbot grew up together.

This season Maldonado, the only senior on the roster, felt more comfortable at school and on the court. White said Maldonado’s perimeter shooting had improved, and that her aggressive attacking of the basket helps free up good shots for teammates like Kayla Solomon and Sky Priester.

Maldonado is being recruited by several Division II schools in North Carolina, Texas and Florida, she said, and is eager to pursue a career in either sports medicine or sports management.

“I feel like I’m getting closer to playing like I want to, almost there,” PHOTO BY NATE LEWIS Maldonado said. “The more I play with these great players, the better I St. Mary’s senior Sofia Maldonado is hoping to lead her school to a third straight state title. feel.”

FOR MORE SPORTS VISIT US ONLINE TODAY AT WWW.THEISLAND360.COM

Blank Slate Media Newspapers, Friday, January 26, 2024

43

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