Manhasset 2022_09_23

Lafazan failed to report a $100K loan

Nassau legislator amended financial disclosures from billionaire investors

BY CELESTE HADRICK

Although Nassau County requires public officials to disclose their debts, Nassau County Legislator Josh Lafazan for two years did not report a 2020 loan of as much as $100,000 that he received from a billionaire couple.

Lafazan, a Woodbury Democrat who lost his bid for the Democratic nomination to Congress last month, waited until last Wednesday to amend his 2021 and 2022 Nassau financial disclosure forms to reflect a “student loan” from billionaire investor Bryan Lawrence and his wife Elizabeth.

By then, Lafazan, who was elected to the county Legislature in 2017, had already lost his primary race for the Democratic nomination to run for the 3rd Congressional District being vacated by U.S. Rep. Tom Suozzi (D-Glen Cove); a political rival had requested a federal investigation into the loan and alleged Lafazan disclosure forms that did not disclose the loan had been circulating for a month.

Last Friday, Lafazan’s initial and amended disclosures were released by the County Board of Ethics pursuant to a Freedom of Information Law request.

The county requires elected officials and other county officers to file annual financial disclosures by May 15 of the following year. The 2021 dis-

closure, covering the previous year of 2020, shows it was started on April 26, 2021 at 1:41 p.m. and completed on April 26, 2012 at 2:14 p.m.

The amended disclosure shows the same start time but says it was completed on Sept, 7, 2020 at 2:20 p.m.

The amended 2022 disclosure, for the 2021 year, says it was started May 16, 2022 but completed Sept. 7, 2022 at 2:23Nothingp.m. was listed under debts on the initial disclosures for 2020 and 2021. The amended disclosures showed this same addition under the section labeled “Debts” in excess of $5,000, “Joshua Lafazan, Student Loan Bryan & Elizabeth Lawrence, Park Ave., NY.NY” The amount category was redacted.Neither Lafazan nor the county’s Democratic legislative spokesman responded to an inquiry asking why Lafazan waited so long to disclose the loan.Lafazan’s amendments to his county forms came more than a month after The New York Post on Aug. 6 questioned the loan.

The U.S. House of Representatives website shows that Lafazan filed two disclosures in May reporting the 2020 loan, totaling between $50,001 to $100,000.

Continued

SCHOOL SPIRIT

Manhasset Juniors celebrated the high school’s homecoming events over the weekend.

Alonso Foundation gives to local groups

BY ROBERT PELAEZ

Despite hitting nearly 40 home runs and being an integral part of a New York Mets team that clinched a playoff berth for the first time since

2016, one of first baseman Peter Alonso’s most impressive feats has come off the diamond.

Alonso and his wife Haley started the Alonso Foundation in 2020, following the all-star’s first full sea-

son in Queens. Citing a warm reception from Mets fans and so many New Yorkers, the two said they established a foundation to create change on a global and local scale,

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE MANHASSET SCHOOL DISTRICT

Camp Jacobson told to cease operations

BY STEVEN KEEHNER

After 14 years of operation, Brookville has ordered the Sid Jacob son JCC to stop all activities on its vil lage property because of zoning law violations, including Camp Jacobson, which hosted 440 campers this sum mer.The East Hills-based Jewish com munity center purchased the 15-acre property in Brookville in 2008. Since then, thousands of kids have attended theirPreviously,programs.the center also ran the Bernice Jacobson Day School & Camp in Brookville, which normally served about 30 children at a time. When the village refused to let them increase the classroom space for 4-year-olds, however, the center transferred the program back to the Sid Jacobson JCC.The JCC permits that were re

quired for renovations were rejected in 2021 after a seven-year legal fght with the village. During this process, the village found that its zoning laws did not allow for the summer camp and daycare center to operate and that the JCC’s programs do not qualify as a religious or educational use en titled to deferential zoning treatment.

About a week after their 2022 summer camp ended, the village in formed the center that it had fled a motion in State Supreme Court to force them to stop using the property.

Ofcials from the JCC explained the situation to parents in an email on Sept. 13. This change of events, they said, has left them “confounded and deeplyRossdisturbed.”M.Wallenstein, a spokesper son for the Sid Jacobson JCC, said in a statement to Blank Slate Media that the center will explore its options.

“It is unfortunate that, due to

circumstances beyond our control, we will not be able to operate Camp Jacobson in 2023 after 14 wonderful years on the property. We maintain our assertion that the camp should be allowed to continue, but must follow the dictates of the courts,” he said. “Between now and the summer, we will explore our options on behalf of thousands of children and area fami lies who experienced the wonderment of Bernice Jacobson Day School and Camp and the hundreds of young adults, teachers, area parents and camp professionals who made our staf so very special.”

Eforts to reach the Village of Brookville for comments were un availing.According to legal records, the confict between Brookville and the JCC began over potential renovations.

The JCC submitted a

Passi outlines projects totaling million

BY ROBERT PELAEZ

Manhasset School District Super intendent Gaurav Passi outlined the Long Term Facilities Planning Com mittee’s 50 district-wide projects and renovations totaling nearly $44 mil lion during Tuesday night’s board of education meeting.

The projects slated for Munsey Park, Shelter Rock and the Second ary School, fall under three catego ries, safety and security, infrastruc ture and academic and co curricular.

Out of the 50 projects, 14 are safety and security, totaling $10.4 million, 20 are infrastructure, to taling $11.9 million, and 16 are academic and co curricular, totaling $21.6

Themillion.committee, Passi said, did extensive research on what each school needs upgrades to and toured each building and found a total of nearly 70 projects that could be undertaken. That list was then con densed to 50 projects after commit tee members decided on what took precedence.“Each [committee] meeting lasted approximately three hours and included extensive discussion and analysis of all of the proposed projects put forth for consideration, a total of 69 projects totaling $59. 1 million were considered,” Passi said. “The committee ultimately coalesced around 50 projects totaling 44 mil lion, including safety and security, infrastructure, academic and co cur ricularSomeprojects.”ofthe main infrastructure enhancements include a boiler re placement and exterior wall restora tion at Munsey Park, blackbox multi purpose room and upper classroom reconstruction at Shelter Rock and auditorium stage, seat, sound equip ment repair and replacement at the Secondary School, Passi said.

Reconstructing the Secondary School’s tennis courts, basketball courts, baseball feld bleachers and stadium track lighting are also proj ects that the district could undertake fve years from now, ofcials said.

Repairs to Munsey Park and the Secondary School are certainly war ranted, Passi said, with the schools

being constructed more than 80 yearsEvenago.the Shelter Rock building, he said, was constructed 54 years ago and while all three are still “beautiful buildings,” more work is required to keep them modernized inside and out.

In total, the Secondary School’s projects will cost approximately $24.3 million, while Munsey Park’s projects will cost $11 million and Shelter Rock’s will cost $8.6 million, according to ofcials.

The cumulative projects will be put up for adoption by the board during its Oct. 6 meeting so that the $44 million bond would be up for community vote on Dec. 8, ofcials said.

Passi said the average taxable as sessed value of a Manhasset home is around $1,400.

If the board adopts the bond and it is passed by the community in De cember, Passi said, the scope of work on the school tax bill would be less than $350 annually for the average assessed value of a Manhaset home.

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MANHASSET

PHOTO COURTESY OF SID JACOBSON JCC

Children playing at Camp Jacobson. The Village of Brookville has ordered the Sid Jacobson JCC to cease operations after 14 years due to zoning issues.

PHOTO COURTESY OF PUBLICMANHASSETSCHOOLS

Superintendent Gaurav Passi provided an update on proposed projects for the district on Tuesday.

Man pleads guilty of money laundering

Great restitution to victims of scheme

BY ROBERT PELAEZ

A Great Neck man pleaded guilty to four counts of money laundering for his role as the owner of a telecommunications company that facilitated and profited from fraudulent robocalls Friday, the Department of Justice said.

Under a plea agreement, Jon Kahen will pay nearly $400,000 in criminal forfeiture and restitution to victims as a result of the robocalls conducted throughout his Great Neck-based company, Global Voicecom, Inc., officials said. A complaint filed in January 2020 in U.S. District Court in Brooklyn was part of an action against robocalls that also focused on two individuals from Arizona and their telecommunication companies.

The complaint said that domestic telecommunication companies were used as “gateway carriers” to allow foreign robocalls to infiltrate the domestic telephone system. The department said the companies ignored repeated red flags and warnings about the fraudulent activity of the calls they carried.

“Mr. Kahen knowingly facilitated the robocalls of government imposters that not only defrauded U.S. consumers but preyed on their trust in the government,” Gail S. Ennis, inspector general for the Social Security Administration,Thesaid.Justice Department said many of the robocalls originate and are conducted in foreign countries such as India. According to the complaint, the companies associated with Kahen used voice-over-internet protocol, or VoIP

DIAGRAM COURTESY OF THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE

Great Neck resident Jon Kahen relating to his role of foreign-based fraudulent robocalls.

carriers, which allow users to place phone calls over a broadband internet connection.

These foreign robocalls impersonate government investigators, make false claims and leave alarming messages for Americans. The messages can range from threats of deporta-

tion, fraudulent credit card activity or other false claims that can result in the victim paying large sums of money, according to the department.According to the complaint, Kahen and the companies “used the U.S. telephone system to

engage in predatory wire fraud schemes that victimize individuals throughout the United States, including individuals within the Eastern District of New York and significant numbers of elderly and vulnerable victims.”

Kahen, in the agreement, admitted that he became aware that an Indian client was using the company’s services to commit fraud in 2018 and that funds paid to the company from the client were proceeds from fraudulent activity a year later.

He also admitted that the company continued to provide telecommunications services to the client by being a gateway carrier so that tollfree telephone numbers appeared to be based in the United States, the Justice Department said. Officials said thousands of Americans were defrauded as a result of the fraudulent robocalls.

“This defendant opened the door to foreign fraudsters who exploited the good name of our government agencies to target Americans,” U.S. Attorney Randy Grossman for the Southern District of California said in a statement. “Let this case be a message to players in the United States who have been facilitating foreign actors and profiting from the fraud that they will be heldSinceaccountable.”theElder Abuse Prevention and Prosecution Act was signed into law in 2017, the Department of Justice has participated in hundreds of enforcement actions that targeted senior citizens.

In March 2019, the department announced charges against more than 260 defendants in a nationwide elder fraud sweep.

On September 11, 2022, Army Ranger Lead The Way Fund hosted Jimmy’s Run and Gold Star Memorial in Munsey Park, Manhasset. We had the privilege of hosting 15+ Rangers from the 3rd Battalion of the 75th Ranger Regiment to attend this special day. In addition, there were over 500 people in attendance. Those who participated in Jimmy’s Run/ Walk had the honor to stroll through Jimmy’s hometown of Manhasset where they were guided down memory lane. They passed the home Jimmy grew up in, the elementary school he attended and the feld that was named in his honor. Participants also had the opportunity to partake in other activities after the run concluded. There were several family fun activities in the parking lot such as, face painting, live entertainment from the Meade brothers, food and more!

Hosting the event on September 11th this year, was especially important because not only were we able to gather to honor SGT James J. Regan, but all those precious lives lost on the horrifc day of 9/11. We could not have asked for a better day to celebrate, honor and remember all the lives lost and still affected by the horrible events on September 11, 2001.

Lead The Way Fund is dedicated to being heavily focused on the individ ual challenges of transition and the mental health and well-being of our Rangers and their families. Everyone’s support goes a long way in help ing us continue our enduring support for the Rangers and families of the 75th Ranger Regiment. This is not possible without the support of those who were involved in Jimmy’s Run and Gold Star Memorial and Run. We hope to see plenty of you in the future as you continue to Help Us, Help Them. Please consider attending our upcoming events or donating on our website, www.leadthewayfund.org. Rangers Lead The Way!

Motorcyclist dies in Northern Blvd. crash

BYPELAEZROBERT

A 25-year-old man died in a motorcycle accident on Northern Boulevard in Ros lyn Tuesday morning, ofcials from the Nassau County Police Department reported.

The man, whose name was not disclosed, was driving his motorcycle on Northern Boule vard Tuesday morning and was involved in an accident with a box truck near the intersec tion of Beech Drive near Roslyn Harbor, ofcials said.

The driver was transported to a local hospital by a Nas sau County Police ambulance but was pronounced dead by a physician.Police said the investiga tion remains ongoing. Both eastbound and westbound lanes along Northern Boule vard from Wittes Lane to Beech Drive were closed for several hours before reopening later on Tuesday, ofcials said.

Eforts to reach ofcials for further comment on the incident and the investigation were unavailing.

25-year-old was involved in accident with a box truck near the intersection of Beech Drive

PHOTO COURTESY OF GOOGLE MAPS

A motorcyclist died in a Northern Boulevard crash on Tuesday.

Talks held to enhance Stepping Stones

BY ROBERT PELAEZ

Town of North Hempstead Supervisor Jennifer DeSena said she has recently held “productive meetings” with members of the Great Neck Historical Society to talk about ways to better preserve the Stepping Stones Light

TheHouse.town acquired ownership of the lighthouse, which sits about 1,600 yards of the shore of Kings Point, from the U.S. Coast Guard in 2008 as part of the National Historic Lighthouse Preservation Act, agree ing to submit yearly reports to the National Park Service on “any capital improvements to preserve and restore the structure within its historical accuracy.”

DeSena said that prior administrationsd did not take the necessary steps to preserve the structure, which was built in 1877 and updated in 1944.

She said it was important for the town, the historical society and the Great Neck Park District to fnd a way to enhance the longstanding lighthouse so that the National Park Service does not take ownership of the structure back.

“After a decade of inaction by previous administrations, now is the time to sit down

with all interested parties and make the tough choices that the situation necessitates as we look for the best way to move forward that would not result in the town expend ing millions of dollars of taxpayer resources for a project that was always supposed to be privately funded,” she said.

The town, according to DeSena, has al ready spent more than $450,000 of taxpayer money on the project, which includes more than $218,000 for various professional ser vices such as consulting and engineering and $284,000 paid to Atlantic Coast Dock Construction before that contract was ulti mately terminated.

Before the contract was dissolved, of cials said, the work on the lighthouse dock was not fnished.

DeSena described the lighthouse as be ing in a state of “decrepit, dilapidated de isrepair” and said the lighthouse beacon is “physically inaccessible.” There is no esti mate as to the necessary costs to repair the structure, she said.

“At this point, it is simply impossible to accurately estimate exactly how much this restoration process would cost and autho rizing future spending would be a reckless

Continued on Page 46

PHOTO BY JANELLE CLAUSEN

Stepping Stones Lighthouse, as seen from Steppingstone Park.

Ryan Serhant shares truths on success

BY BRANDON DUFFY

Ryan Serhant, star of Bravo’s “Million Dollar Listing New York,” shared his truths on entrepreneurship during Blank Slate Media’s 40 Under 40 Thursday night.

“One of our biggest truths is things don’t happen the way you think they’re going to happen,” Serhant, the keynote speaker of the night, said at the Crest Hollow Country Club in Woodbury.The 40 Under 40 Networking and Awards event recognized and honored individuals who are creating their own paths and finding innovative ways to be successful.

Serhant, a real estate broker and reality TV personality, was joined by North Hempstead Supervisor Jennifer DeSena. It was hosted by Antoinette Biordi, a three-time Emmy awardwinning anchor and reporter who has been with News12 Long Island since 2010.

His additional endeavors include writing books, hosting a podcast and founding SERHANT, a multi-faceted brokerage.

DeSena thanked then honorees for the local impacts they have made and that they never know what the future holds.

“Thank you for what you’ve all done in your communities, “DeSena said. “You’ve each made an impression where you live, thank you for stepping up.”

Serhant shared his experiences in the real estate industry and told the story of the multiple setbacks he faced when purchasing a home in Brooklyn due to flooding from Hurricane Ida.

“Going forward, as you think of your 2030 business plans, we need to think of contingency and backup plans. I now have more drains than any townhouse in the five boroughs,” Serhant joked.Over the course of his career, Ryan has sold $5 billion in real estate and is known for breaking market records. In early 2021, he represented the buyer for the most expensive home sale ever in the state of Florida and the second most expensive single-family home sale in the United States for just under $140 million.

Serhant’s second truth is that you can experience success practically overnight through the proliferation of social media in today’s day and age.He said when TikTok first came out, he posted a video that went viral and was seen by over

6 million people, which then introduced him to potential business partners.

“It’s not about becoming influencers. It’s not about becoming Instagram famous,” Serhant said. “It’s about creating potential from the possibilities. What we now all have on our phones, every single person in this room is now an advertiser and a marketer and everything you do is interesting.”Thethird truth from Serhant touted the importance of networking and how vital it is to having a successful business.

“People equal profits. If I’m sitting at one of these tables, I’m not leaving this room until I have met at least five new people,” Serhant said. “That’s the game that I play with myself at every single event I go to since I got into the real estate business in 2008 and had no money.”

Born in Houston, Serhant grew up in Massachusetts before graduating college in 2006 and starting his venture in New York real estate two yearsLastly,later. Serhant said he believes the current traditional ways of earning an income will be outdated in the coming years and it is time to adapt.“You have got to think bigger. People are going to come out of high school and realize they don’t need a bachelor’s degree to make an income,” Serhant said. “The dream has evolved and it has changed.”

Blakeman submits budget for Nassau

BY ROBERT PELAEZ

Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman submitted a $3.88 billion 2023 budget proposal Thursday headlined by no increases in the property tax levy and more than $160 million in spending than allocated inthe 2022 budget.

The budget, Blakeman’s first since being elected in November, is more than a $3 million increase from Nassau’s $3.5 billion 2022 budget. The county plans on spending almost $990 million for its salaries, wages and fees, the largest expense in the proposal.

The Blakeman administration’s mission in developing the budget, according to the proposal, is to deliver the same essential services to Nassau’s residents and cut unnecessary costs without raising property taxes. The administration’s vision includes maintaining the quality of life for residents, containing expense levels, consolidating government and sharing services where applicable and providing governmental services efficiently and diligently.

Out of the $3.5 billion major operating funds in the budget, the county’s proposed general fund is more than $2 billion, making up 61% of the overall fund expenses. More than $960 million, or 28.8% of the operating funds’ expense, is allocated to police services, according to the budget.

The budget includes funds to add 86 new positions throughout the county, including 36 police officers. Blakeman, in a statement on Facebook, said he will continue to advocate to repeal state-enforced bail reform laws and combat a proposed increase to commuters’ daily trips into Manhattan.

“Despite inflation driving up costs, my budget for 2023 holds the line on county property taxes while boosting the number of police to

keep you safe,” Blakeman said. “We’ll continue to protect your wallet and your family while lobbying state Democrats to repeal “cashless bail” laws and stop the $34.50 tax planned for commuters entering NYC.”

The Metropolitan Transportation Authority’s proposed congestion pricing plan, according to the project’s environmental assessment, could increase the daily entry fee into Man-

hattan. The plan calls for a toll to be paid to enter a zone that extends from 60th Street to the Battery.Ifimplemented, peak-hour travel could cost between $9 and $23. Off-peak travel could cost between $7 and $17 and overnight travel might cost between $5 and $12.

Sales tax accounts for 45.9%, $1.527 billion, of the county’s anticipated total revenue,

the highest percentage among the overall revenue. The anticipated growth would be 1.8% from the prior 2022 projection of $1.375 billion.“Economic conditions create new challenges for the government each year, as we continue to rebuild our local economy post COVID-19 pandemic; I am pleased to say that Nassau is Back,” Blakeman said in a letter attached with the proposal.

Property taxes make up more than 22% of the anticipated revenue, the second-highest percentage, according to the budget. The county anticipates $755.3 million, the same as the 2022 budget, Blakeman said.

Nassau also expects to receive $261.4 million in state aid and $161.1 million in federal aid, increases from $226 million and $156.7 million, respectively, from the 2022 budget. The federal funds outlined in the budget, according to the proposal, are not from the American Rescue Plan. The plan has provided Nassau with $385 million, according to the proposal.Blakeman was required to submit the budget proposal for legislative review by Sept. 15, according to the county charter. The Nassau Interim Finance Authority, a state-appointed board that has oversight on the county’s finances, makes the final determinations and approval on the budget. Lauding his team’s work on the budget, Blakeman said he hopes that NIFA will soon relinquish its power over the county’s finances.

“As a result of the decisions my administration has made, the fiscal condition of the county has improved which should cause NIFA to end the control period and to return ultimate financial control to the county’s duly elected representatives,” Blakeman said in the letter.

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE ISLAND 360 ARCHIVES

Ryan Serhant was the keynote speaker at Blank Slate Media’s 40 Under 40 awards ceremony and networking event.

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE COUNTY EXECUTIVE

Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman submitted a $3.88 billion proposed 2023 budget for Nassau County on Thursday.

BY DUFFYBRANDON

Elmont man Mark Small, 55, has been indicted on murder and weapons charges in the shooting death of his girlfriend, Marivel Estevez, in her Mineola apartment in late July, Nassau District Attorney Anne DonnellySmallsaid. pleaded not guilty to murder in the second-degree and criminal possession in the second-degree during his arraignment at the Nassau County Courthouse Tuesday, located across the street from where Estevez was murdered, and was remanded. His next court date is set for Oct. 21.

murder of this young woman was a calculated and cowardly act, and my office will vigorously prosecute this case.”

Estevez worked in the Allure, formerly known as Modera Mineola, in management and also lived there, according to BetweenDonnelly.theevening hours of July 28 and early morning hours of July 29, Small and Estevez were together in her Allure apartment when Small allegedly shot her with a handgun once in the head and once in the torso before fleeing the scene in her car with Estevez’s car, the DA said.

Mark Small, 55, of Elmont.

Officers responded to a wellness check July 30 at the Allure Mineola at 140 Old Country Road, where they discovered Estevez, who lived in the apartment complex and was pronounced dead at the scene.“Marivel Estevez had recently told friends and family members that she wanted to end her relationship with Mark Small and move to Florida,” Donnelly said. “The defendant, however, was unwilling to let her go and is accused of murdering Marivel in cold blood at her Mineola apartment. The

Small was detained at the hospital by Nassau County police officers after he was hit by a car chasing the dog on the Long Island Expressway.

“Their relationship was described by friends and family as tumultuous and she confided in friends and family that she wanted to leave Mark,” Nassau County Det. Captain Stephen Fitzpatrick said in August, according to News 12.

“William, You were my hero before Nam and you are still and one day I hope to walk with you again. I Love you. Mike”

Man indicted for killing girlfriend in Mineola y name on The Wall family was forever changed by their loss that those who sacr ificed all in

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE NASSAU COUNTYDEPARTMENTPOLICE

Nassau cops fail to help callers:Spanishreport Opioid settlement funds to be distributed by Nassau

BYKEEHNERSTEVEN

As National Hispanic Heritage Month begins, a new analysis shows that Nassau police are failing to help many Spanish-speaking callers.

The New York Immigration Coalition and the Long Island Language Advocates Coalition authored the report. Seven bilingual testers made 94 calls asking for information in Spanish between Feb. 1 and April 18.

Continued Page 50

BY ROBERT PELAEZ

Nassau County is allocating more than $2 million for programs and groups that are fighting an island-wide opioid epidemic, according to Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman.Blakeman said Thursday the county plans to spend $15 million per year over the next four years to fund organizations and initiatives that promote drug education and prevention. The more than $2 million in funds are the preliminary part of this year’s allocation to various groups, officials said.

The funds, he said are part of a historic $1.1 billion settlement between the state of New York and McKesson Corporation, Cardinal Health Inc., and AmerisourceBergen Drug Corporation, three of the nation’s largest drugGlobally,distributors.McKesson, Cardinal Health, and AmerisourceBergen will pay up to $21 billion over the next 18 years and Johnson & Johnson will pay up to $5 billion over nine years, more than half coming in the first three years, according to James’ office.

Nassau County will distribute $2.4 million of funds from a statewide opioid settlement, Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman announced Thursday.

sult of the settlement.

A Ford Crown Victoria used by the Nassau County Police Department. As National Hispanic Heritage Month kicks off, a new study finds that Nassau police fall short when it comes to Spanish-speaking calls.

While officials last year said Nassau County would receive nearly $87 million from the settlement to go along with an additional $26 million in settlements with pharmacy chains CVS Pharmacy, Walgreens, Rite-Aid, and Walmart, Blakeman said Nassau could end up with $180 million as a re-

Officials said an additional $15.3 million is expected to come to Nassau from pharmaceutical giant Johnson & Johnson as part of a $230 million settlement throughout the state of New York also secured by state Attorney General Letitia James in June 2021.

A total of $2 million from the initial $2.4 million investment, Blakeman announced, will be going to the Nassau University Medi-

cal Center’s detox services. The Charles Evans Center of Glen Cove, which provides healthcare to underserved community members, will receive $60,000, according to Blakeman.Nassau

County Legislator Delia DeRiggiWhitton (D-Glen Cove) said Nassau County has received approximately $70 million to date from the settlement, but advocated for more money to be distributed to other organizations and programs combatting drug abuse more rapidly.

“While I fully understand the importance of proceeding cautiously, the enormity of the opioid addiction crisis demands an aggressive, bipartisan and collaborative response that gets the bulk of this money into the hands of Nassau County’s trusted partners in prevention, treatment and recovery as quickly as possible,” DeRiggi-Whitton said in a Therestatement.were 287 fatal drug overdoses in the county in 2020, with 60 suspected overdose deaths that have not yet been confirmed by the medical examiner’s office, according to the report.

Drug enforcement also dropped because of the restraints of the coronavirus, but the pandemic clearly did not stop drugs from being pushed into communities, Ryder said. County cops made just 294 heroin arrests in 2020, down from 766 in 2017, according to the commissioner.

PHOTO COURTESY OF WIKIMEDIA COMMONS

PHOTO BY NOAH MANSKAR

Herricks student’s ERASE Racism internship

Herricks High School senior Pooja Kumar completed an ERASE Racism Student Leaders for Equity Internship this past summer. Kumar was one of only five high school students selected to participate in the organization’s inaugural internship program.

This opportunity follows the legacy of the organization’s commitment to addressing institutional and structural racism on Long Island. The goal of this unique experience was focused on giving participating students the tools to organize and advocate for racial equity in their schools and communities.

Throughout the six-week program, Kumar and her peers studied the patterns, history, and present-day manifestations of systemic racism

throughout Long Island. The students created plans to elevate racial equity and inclusion in their schools and communities. Among the many opportunities and experiences, learning how to launch advocacy and equity clubs, and how to bring advocacy and equity principles and initiatives to existing clubs and organizations back to their respective school were a key focus.

“One of the most important things I learned from working with ERASE Racism was that open conversation is the key to creating change. This opportunity served as an outlet for us to learn from, listen to, and collaborate with residents from different communities on Long Island,” stated the Herricks High School senior. “A lot of us discussed housing discrimination, racial segregation of schools, and slavery on Long Island for the first time. These conversations are crucial to fully understanding where we come from and how we can make it a safer, equitable place for the next generation.”

With the start of the new school year, Kumar will implement her outreach plans to educate and engage fellow Herricks students. Her goal is to deepen understanding of systemic racism for her peers, teachers, and administrators. As the school year continues, the five interns will reconnect monthly to share the progress toward the goals and collaborate with each other to problem solve any difficulties that arise during the implementation phase of the internship with facilitation by ERASE Racism.

Herricks High School senior Pooja Kumar will bring what she learned from her recent internship with ERASE Racism back to her peers this school year.

ERASE Racism is a nonprofit, Syosset organization that leads public policy advocacy campaigns and related initiatives to promote racial equity in areas such as housing, public school education and community development.

This month Americana Manhasset debuts its Fall Fashion Digital Lookbook: Field of Dreams. Fall ready-to-wear, accessories and jewelry from the most coveted brands in the world are captured in a high style flip book starring top runway models Mika Schneider and Janis Ancens. Photographed, produced and styled by Laspata DeCaro, the campaign was shot at the grand 300-acre Waveny Estate in New Canaan, CT. The grounds and gardens were designed by landscape architect Frederick Law Olmstead, Jr, son of the designer of Central Park in New York City. Replete with open fields and magnified undulating grasses, this narrative expands upon its title: “Field of Dreams” telegraphing a sense of freedom and wanderlust.

In conjunction with the still images, Americana Manhasset has debuted a short film also entitled “Field of Dreams,” starring Schneider and Ancens. Lush and copious, the piece suggests a dreamy and stylish roam through a mesmerizing landscape.

Americana’s Fall Fashion Digital Lookbook and video can be found on americanamanhasset.com. The still images are being featured in banners and on-site advertising. The visuals are also being shown prominently throughout the season on Americana’s social

media outlets.“The collections this season were a testament to a newfound sense of freedom”, said Charles DeCaro. “Designers ventured into unfettered territory with imaginative nuances, vivid colors and statement making proportions. We wanted the campaign to convey that sensibility and felt the majesty of nature was the perfect canvas to communicate the visual narrative. Dramatic lighting punctuated the desired hyper realistic aesthetic.”Americana Manhasset is a premier collection of over 60 fine shops, including Versace, Hermès, Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Zegna, Bulgari, Bottega Veneta, Hirshleifers, Ralph Lauren, London Jewelers, Tory Burch and more, all within a unique outdoor environment designed by renowned architect Peter Marino and landscape designer Oehme van Sweden. Americana Manhasset offers a complimentary Personal Shopping Service, a remarkable luxury fashion and gift resource.

Located on Long Island’s beautiful North Shore, Americana Manhasset is 20 miles from Manhattan and 50 miles from the Hamptons.

For more information please visit americanamanhasset.com. Follow Americana Manhasset on Instagram, subscribe to our YouTube channel, and like our Facebook page!

PHOTO COURTESY OF HERRICKS PUBLIC SCHOOLS

WISHES YOU A

May the sound of the Shofar usher in a year of health, happiness and peace.

North Hempstead Town Super visor Jennifer DeSena and the Town Board are pleased to announce the re turn of the annual fall favorite event, Autumn Treat on Oct. 14 at 7 p.m. at the Clubhouse at Harbor Links in Port Washington.Theevent will have musical en tertainment by Just Sixties, playing all the classic tunes from the 60s. After the performance, there will be an as sortment of delicious fall treats and desserts.Allattendees can enjoy a large

array of cookies, cakes, ice cream, cofees, teas, apple cider and other delightful delicacies that are sure to satisfy any sweet tooth. A cash bar will also be available.

Tickets are $20 per person. Please make checks payable to Harbor Links and mail them to Autumn Treat Parks, 1801 Evergreen Ave., New Hyde Park, NY 11040. Harbor Links is at 1 Fairway Drive in Port Washington. For more information on this event, please call 311 or visit www.north hempsteadny.gov.

Protecting election workers

A New York State Assembly bill (A10687) written by Judiciary Chairman Charles Lavine (D-North Shore) will protect the safety of election workers.

The “Election Workers, Voters and Polling Places Protec tion Act” will prohibit and impose penalties for threats and harms such as intimidation of poll watchers and election ofcials involving violence or threats of harm; and physical damage to or threats to physically damage a polling place, tabulation center, or other election infrastructure.

It aims to make the workers who help administer New

York elections safer, from ofcials to volunteers and the contractors who set up and maintain voting equipment. Election workers from across the country recently testifed before Congress about threats, intimidation and the spread of misinformation during the 2020 election.

“The relentless harassment and intimidation across the country from authoritarian forces in the wake of the defeat of Donald J. Trump makes this type of legislation necessary in order to ensure the safety of election workers and guar antee fair election results,” Lavine said.

Little Flower Children and Fam ily Services of New York (Little Flow er), a 93-year-old human services organization serving children, fami lies, and people with developmental disabilities across New York City and Long Island, welcomed Jessica Roth kuo, to its senior executive team as the new senior vice president of strategy, development, and commu nications.Rothkuo brings 16 years of ex perience in communications, devel opment, fundraising, strategic plan ning, and cross-system collaboration.

Autumn Treat, the annual fall favorite event, will return on Oct. 14 at 7 p.m. at the Clubhouse at Harbor Links in Port Washington.

“Jessica is a fantastic addition to the Little Flower team as she brings an exciting blend of expertise in strategic planning and will focus on strategic communications and fund raising strategy and design,” said Corinne Hammons, Little Flower president & CEO. “As Little Flower

continues to adapt and grow to meet the ever-changing needs of those we serve, Jessica’s experience will be es sential to ensuring we are proactive and ready to meet those needs while staying true to our organizational values. We are thrilled to have her on board!”Anew leadership position, the

Town to host Autumn Treat on October 14 Narcan, Stop the Bleed training

Town gets check for unclaimed funds Little Flower Children new v.p.

North Hempstead Town Supervisor Jennifer DeSena, Council Members Rob ert Troiano, Jr., Peter Zuckerman, Den nis Walsh, Veronica Lurvey, and Mariann Dalimonte, along with Town Clerk Ra gini Srivastava were proud to welcome state Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli to Town Hall in Manhasset on Sept. 7 as he presented the Town with a check for unclaimed funds. The Town was issued a check in the amount of $10,963.46.

Many organizations including banks, insurance companies, corpora

tions and the courts are required by law to report dormant accounts to the New York State Comptroller. These organizations must attempt to notify individuals, however much of these funds remain unclaimed. Un claimed funds are then transferred over to the Ofce of the State Comptroller. To date over $276 million has been re turned to New York residents in 2022 alone. For more information, please visit: www.osc.state.ny.us/unclaimedfunds.

North Hempstead Town Supervi sor Jennifer DeSena today announced that the Town is partnering with North Shore University Hospital in Manhasset to hold free opioid over dose prevention and Stop the Bleed training sessions for residents on Sept. 29, from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Clinton G. Martin Park in New Hyde Park.

“I am so proud that the Town will be partnering with North Shore University Hospital to provide these training sessions which will spread awareness and help others learn the warning signs of drug addiction, as well as prepare individuals to admin ister life-saving measures in time of need,” DeSena said. “September is National Recovery Month and initia tives like this help save lives. I hope our residents can join us for these im portant“Preparationseminars.”is key to confront ing any crisis and both Narcan train ing as well as Stop the Bleed skills are valuable life-saving measures that anyone can provide in an emergency,” said Jon Sendach, executive director, North Shore University Hospital. “If aid is rendered in real-time, that gives frst responders crucial additional minutes to stabilize the victim. North Shore University Hospital is grateful to be able to work with the Town of North Hempstead to deliver this prac

tical expertise to help save lives in the community.”Theprogram will teach partici pants how to prevent, recognize and respond to an overdose. All who com plete the program will be provided a Narcan (Naloxone) kit. Naloxone can reverse and block the efects of opioids, which will restore normal breathing to a person if their breath ing has slowed because of an opioid overdose.

senior Vice president of strategy, de velopment, and communications is tasked with guiding strategic direc tion related to development growth and diversifcation, coordination of Little Flower’s growth strategies and fundraising eforts, its policy objec tives, and relationships with gov ernment ofcials, businesses, and community partners, and other key stakeholders.“Iamthrilled to join Little Flower and apply my strategic ap proach in service to New York City’s children, youth, individuals, and communities. I am fully committed to Little Flower’s culture of caring based on excellence, inclusion, and innovation. I look forward to build ing on the team’s strong foundation to continue growing Little Flower’s resources, partnerships, and leader ship in our feld,” said Rothkuo.

Narcan is a needle-free nasal spray that reverses the efects of an opioid overdose in minutes. Partici pants will also be provided Stop the Bleedtraining, which will allow them to recognize and respond to lifethreatening bleeding situations.

There will be two sessions: ses sion one will be held from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. Session two will be held from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. To register, call 311 or 516-869-6311.

PHOTO COURTESY OF TOWN OF NORTH HEMPSTEAD

PHOTO COURTESY OF TOWN OF NORTH HEMPSTEAD

North Hempstead, in collaboration with North Shore University Hos pital in Manhasset, will offer free opioid overdose prevention and Stop the Bleed training seminars for residents on Sept. 29 at Clinton G. Martin Park in New Hyde Park from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Manganos start serving time after delays

BY ROBERT PELAEZ

Former Nassau County Executive Edward Mangano and his wife, Linda, began their respective prison sentences over the past two weeks, according to the federal Bureau of Prisons

Edwardwebsite.Mangano, who was found guilty of corruption charges along with Linda in March 2019, was sentenced to 12 years in federal prison in April by U.S. District Court Judge Joan Azrack. In early July, Arzack delayed Mangano’s 12-year sentence to the end of the month while she was considering a motion by Mangano’s legal team to have him remain free while he appeals his conviction on the corruption charges, according to Newsday.

Both Edward’s and Linda’s sentencings were delayed before they ultimately began their respective time in prison. Linda’s 15-month prison sentence began on Sept. 9, according to Newsday, while Edward’s 12-year sentencing began on Wednesday.

Edward will serve his time at Federal Medical Center Devens, in Massachusettes, according to the bureau’s website, while Linda will serve her sentence at a federal prison in Danbury, Ct.

Efforts to reach Edward’s attorney, Kevin Keating; Linda’s attorney, Bradley Simon; or Azrack for comment on the matter were unavailing.Simon told Newsday that Linda “is a strong woman and she is doing what she has to do and we’re working hard to complete her full appeal to the Second Circuit as quickly as possible.

Mangano’s conviction is based on a deal he made with Harendra Singh, a restaurateur on Long Island and a star witness in the trial, in which Singh kicked back money and personal benefits in return for the county executive pushing the Town of Oyster Bay to authorize loans for Singh, according to the U.S. attorney’s office.

Ex-NYC police commish endorses Zimmerman

BY BRANDON DUFFY

Former New York City Police Commissioner Bill Bratton has endorsed Great Neck’s Robert Zimmerman in his bid for the 3rd Congressional District. Bratton, 74, is currently the chairman of the Homeland Security Advisory Council, a role he began in He2020.served two terms as New York City’s police commissioner, from 1994 to 1996 and 2014 to 2016. He was also commissioner of the Boston Po-

lice Department from 1993 to 1994 and chief of the Los Angeles Police Department from 2002 to 2009.

“I am proud to endorse Robert Zimmerman for Congress. I am confident that Robert is the right candidate to keep our Long Island and Queens communities safe. Robert has a track record of a levelheaded approach to issues and an ability to bring people together to solve problems — especially when it comes to balancing criminal justice reform with public safety,” Bratton said in a statement.

Continued on Page 37

Prosecutors said that several weeks after Mangano took office, he used his political influence to have the Town of Oyster Bay “indirectly guarantee” $20 million worth of personal loans to Singh for improvements to Tobay Beach and the town’s golf course.

Mangano and his wife obstructed justice by conspiring with Singh to fabricate work

Linda Mangano supposedly performed at Singh’s restaurant to prevent a grand jury investigation, the office said.

Singh in turn paid for five vacations, hardwood flooring, a custom offi ce chair, watch and a “no-show” job worth $450,000 for Linda Mangano as a marketing director for Singh, prosecutors said.

In 2019, Singh pleaded guilty to charges including conspiracy, bribery and tax evasion, along with being charged with collecting nearly $1 million in Federal Emergency Management Agency Funds after he falsely claimed his Long Island City restaurant suffered damages from Superstorm Sandy.The guilty plea was part of an agreement that required Singh to cooperate with federal prosecutors in their case against the Manganos.Mangano was confirmed to be working at Huntington’s Oheka Castle in 2020, owner Gary Melius told Newsday. Prosecutors previously said Mangano “led a culture of corruption that permeated throughout his administration: it rotted from the top Prosecutorsdown.” initially sought to have Mangano serve a 17-1/2-year sentence for accepting bribes and kickbacks for governmental action. Mangano’s actions were far from one mistake and his “criminal conduct began the moment he was elected as Nassau County executive and continued for years” prosecutors said.Mangano recently received pushback from federal prosecutors for his attempt to stay free on bail while pursuing an appeal of his conviction, calling it a “last-ditch effort” to avoid time in prison.

PHOTO BY JOE NIKIC

Nassau County Executive Edward Mangano, as seen leaving the federal courthouse in Central Islip in

OF THE CANDIDATE

Great Neck’s Robert Zimmerman is running for New York’s 3rd Congressional District.

Why ColumbuscelebrateDay?

Columbus Day will be celebrated in New York this year, as it has been for many years before, on the second Tuesday in October.Schools will be closed as will nonessential government offices, post offices and banks.

The question is why?

Why has New York not joined the dozen states and more than 130 local governments that have chosen not to observe Columbus Day altogether or replace it with Indigenous People’s Day?Columbus Day has been celebrated in New York since 1792 on the 300th anniversary of Columbus’ birth.

President Benjamin Harrison issued a proclamation in 1892 to nationally commemorate the 400th anniversary of Columbus’ birth. This followed an attack by rioters in New Orleans in which 11 Italian immigrants were lynched during a diplomatic crisis with Italy.

President Roosevelt signed a proclamation making Columbus Day a national holiday in 1934 amid continuing anti-Italian bigotry.

Italians had been among the targets of the United States’ first comprehensive immigration legislation signed in 1921 in response to a large influx of southern and Eastern Europeans.The reason given on each occasion for honoring Columbus — a native of Genoa who sailed for the king and queen of Spain — was that he had discovered America.

This would be reason to celebrate if it was true. But it’s not. Not even close.How could it be? Indigenous people had been living in the New World for centuries with their own languages, their own societies, their own systems of government.

The only way Columbus could have discovered America is if you considered indigenous people as some-

thing other than human.

And then you would have to ignore Norse explorer Leif Erikson, who reached Canada perhaps 500 years before Columbus was born, and the belief by some that Phoenician sailors crossed the Atlantic much earlier than that.A second problem with the United States recognizing Columbus for discovering America is that he never set foot in North America.

During four separate trips that started with the one in 1492, Columbus landed on various Caribbean islands that are now the Bahamas as well as the island later called Hispaniola.He also explored the Central and South American coasts.

But he didn’t reach North America, which of course was already inhabited by Native Americans, and he never thought he had found a new continent.Andthen there was Columbus’ treatment of the “Indians.” Abysmal is too kind a Columbusword,and his men enslaved many of the native people he labeled “Indians” and treated them with extreme violence and brutality.

The estimates of the number of native people who died as a result of Columbus’ voyages go into the millions.Columbus was certainly not alone among explorers and conquerors in their brutality. Just look at what was done by Cortes with the Aztecs in Mexico, Pizarro in with the Incas in Peru and the English settlers in the UnitedOneStates.byproduct of Queen Elizabeth II’s funeral was a discussion of the brutality of the British Empire around the world.

This is not what many of us have learned in school about Columbus and others, but it just so happens to be thePresidenttruth. Biden has joined the

BLANK SLATE MEDIA

22 Planting Field Roslyn Heights, NY 11577 516-307-1045 hblank@theisland360.com

Editorial Cartoon

many governments and municipalities trying to make amends. Last year, he established an Indigenous People’s Day — the same day as Columbus Day.But that’s not enough. Not at a time when the truth is under fierce attack.We urge state and local officials to end the celebration of Columbus Day in NewThereYork.are many ways to honor the many contributions Italians have made to this country. Some people already mark Columbus Day as a way of highlighting the numerous ways Italians have enriched the nation.

Continue to celebrate these contributions but remove Columbus.

Just think about how Native American children must feel when their state salutes the discovery of a continent that their ancestors lived on

many centuries before. We understand that doing the right thing might not be politically popular and elected officials will undoubtedly try to avoid the subject.

Look at the tepid response of elected officials to reports of how Hasidic schools, which have received a billion dollars in taxpayer money, have failed to provide even a basic level of education to Jewish students in NewRep.York.Lee Zeldin, the Republican candidate for governor, is calling for a hands-off approach to the squandering of state aid. His Democratic opponent, Gov. Kathy Hochul, has left the issue with the state Education Department.We also understand that schools that actually present a true account of America’s history are under attack across the country. We also are wit-

nessing the banning of books and talk about the LGBTQ community — or even having two fathers or two mothers.

That, as history teaches us, is how leaders who seek to undermine a democracy exert their control.

As Winston Smith said in George Orwell’s “1984, “Who controls the past controls the future: who controls the present controls the past.”

All the more reason for schools in New York to ensure that students are being taught the truth about our history – the good, the bad and the ugly.

A true telling of American history arms us with the information needed to correct what we have done wrong in the past and guide us in how to avoid making those same mistakes in the future.Weshouldn’t celebrate holidays that do just the opposite.

Robert Pelaez,

Stacy Shaughnessy, Spitalnick,

ON THE RIGHT

Making the case for Zeldin for governor

To adequately express my views on the upcoming gubernatorial election, my column this week is a self-interview.

So here goes …

Why are you supporting Zeldin?

First, Congressman Zeldin has the knowledge and public policy positions essential to managing the state

Next,government.andthis is key, one-party control of Albany is dangerous. Radical progressives, with Gov. Kathy Hochul’s approval, have been running wild raising taxes, increasing debt and anti-business regulations, and spending every dollar available.

Their reckless policies are driving the state to the edge of fiscal insolvency and driving hundreds of thousands of New Yorkers to greener economic pastures in Florida, Texas, etc. As governor, Zeldin will check those radicals.New York’s chief executive has vast powers over the budgetary process and, I believe, Gov. Zeldin will effectively employ that oversight authority to prevent a fiscal and economic cataclysm.

Any other reasons for supporting Zeldin?Yes. I believe he will listen to the pleas of Mayor Eric Adams and civil magistrates throughout the state to fix the flawed cashless bail law that is letting criminals, who are a present danger to the public, back onto the streets.Zeldin would also reverse the state’s ban on the safe extraction of natural gas. There is 84 trillion cubic feet of natural gas in the Marcellus Shale rock formation and 38 trillion in the Utica Shale. Tapping into that natural gas will bring down the price to heat homes—which is up over 33% this past year—create scores of high paying jobs in New York’s western tier and bring billions of dollars into the state treasury.

When it comes to dealing with economic issues, Zeldin will be a breath of fresh air in Albany.

Isn’t Zeldin a dangerous 2020 electionAbsolutelydenier?not. Zeldin has said time and again: “I have never at any point ever made a statement calling Biden or the election illegitimate.”

GEORGE J. MARLIN On The Right

True, he voted to reject the certification of Biden’s electoral votes in Arizona and Pennsylvania. While I disagreed with him, in my judgment Zeldin’s votes were symbolic, a form of protest.Remember, it was not the firsttime members of the House of Representatives objected to an election outcome. In 2005, 31 Democrats, led by Congressman Jim Clyburn, voted

to deny George W. Bush’s Ohio electoral votes, even though he carried the state by 118,000 votes.

Among those 31 Democratic election deniers was the present chairman of the home security and Jan. 6 committees, Congressman Bennie Thompson.Now,I don’t recall any claims that our democracy was at risk of being toppled by those anti-Bush votes. In fact, Nancy Pelosi approved of and praised the objectors. “Debate,” she said, “is fundamental to our democracy” and it “is about the Constitution.” She dismissed Republican “talk about this as a conspiracy theory.”

What about Zeldin’s stand on abortion?Zeldin is pro-life, as am I. He opposes late-term abortions and non-doctors performing abortions. He supports parental consent and informed consent. Zeldin also supports the Dobbs decision that permits states via the democratic process to determine abortion policies.

Sadly, New York has the most permissive abortion law in the nation. Hence, Dobbs has not had any

impact whatsoever on the state.

Also, Zeldin vociferously opposes Hochul’s demand that millions of Christians and Jews who are not pro-abortion, move to Florida. He believes that every citizen is entitled to their views on the issue and should be free to express them in the public square. That’s called democracy at work.What about Zeldin on education?

Zeldin, who is not a captive of the teacher unions, released a thoughtful “students first” plan that includes, promoting a parent’s right to be in control of their children’s education, lifting the cap on charter schools, creating tax credits for school choice, and maintaining merit-based entry exam specialized schools.

Any other thoughts on Zeldin?

Yes. New York’s executive branch has been controlled by Democrats for over 15 years.

It’s time to give a new lease on the executive mansion to someone who can clean house and add balance to addressing the states ever growing problems. I believe that Lee Zeldin is that person.

Visiting lost, found at my high school reunion

Ijust went to my high school reunion and I must say I’m surprised.We all turned into grownups! Smart, attractive, accomplished adults. Who woulda thunk it? Not most of us, I’m willing to bet.Even so, I feel a little bit like I’m wandering around inside the Lost &

Found.What have I lost? Some eyesight, for one. Enough time has passed that I can’t recognize people without their name tags. Even more humbling — I need to put on my glasses just to READ the name tags. Which I also need, because only a few of us look like we did in high school — for better or for worse.

Some of us have lost hair; I’ve lost hair color, for sure. And height — I know this because I can no longer retrieve casserole dishes that somebody stupidly put away on the top shelf back home in my kitchen… and then I realize that that person was myself a few years ago. As we line up for photos, I hear one of the guys in our class grousing that he’s

lost 2 inches of height. “So have I,” I tell him —“but you can afford it.” He’s still the tallest guy in the room.

What else is gone? My youthful figure…and the energy to go with it. I no longer have enough strength to open a pickle jar without help.

And, most frustratingly, I’m losing my memory, bit by bit. I know there are funny stories to remember about each of these classmates — but they’ve all escaped me.

Even when I’m telling my own stories, more and more often I have to stop in mid-sentence, groping for a word that’s “just on the tip of my tongue.” Alas, that’s where it stays. It never pops into my mind.

then turned back to me and said “Your bathroom is fine.”

“I knew that already,” I said. “I just need the cap, so I can use the shower. Did you bring one?”

a fabulous seamstress and another became a maternity-ward nurse — I am overcome with the realization that those little awkwardnesses belong in the forgotten past.

Last night, my telephoned request to the hotel front desk received stunned silence. I thought it was pretty simple: I needed a shower cap so I could take a shower without messing up my hair.

“Do you mean your room doesn’t have one?” she finally asked me.

“Of course not! If I had one already, why would I be asking for one?”“We will send housekeeping and

an engineer right away.”

“An engineer? Why all the fuss?” I asked, but into an empty phone line. She’d already hung up.

Two people soon arrived at my hotel room door and asked to see the bathroom. This seemed like overkill to me, but sure. “Knock yourselves out,” I said.

They peeked into the bathroom,

JUDY EPSTEIN A Look on the Lighter Side NY 11577.

LETTERS POLICY

“Shower CAP?” repeated the engineer. “You asked us for a shower CURTAIN. You said it twice. Which we thought was very strange, since the shower is a glass-door enclosure.”“Oh,” I said. I’ve been making that particular mistake more and more recently — to the point that my husband doesn’t even correct me, Ianymore.dothesame with “Xerox” and “vacuum;” I used to get funny looks at Staples when I asked them to vacuum my documents… but this was my worst public crack-up so far.

Nowadays, my memory is barely good enough to remember the odd things, the awkward moments we all had in high school. But as I read the life-stories people sent in — this one joined the navy before a career as a medical technician; that one traveled around the world with the State Department; one became

Suddenly, I no longer care about what I have “Lost.” Instead, I’m fascinated by what I have Found: We have all really blossomed, in our years after high school. Or, as our reunion organizer put it, “We have all become better versions of ourselves.”Iamreminded of those paper pellets you drop into a glass of water, and watch as they blossom into a dragon or a flower or a battleship. Back in high school, we were just the pellets. Now, we are fully grown-up people — professionals, parents, even grandparents, with lots of life experience to share.

So, never mind about whatever it is (“shower cap”) that I can’t remember. All that matters is going forward starting today, with a clean slate for myself, and every one of my classmates.Aslongas they’ll do the same for me.

The late Queen Elizabeth II a drug pusher?

Growing up, I cannot recall ever discussing conspiracy theories with my family. However, during my childhood years, on Sunday mornings, my father brought home the National Enquirer along with bagels and a few legit newspapers.

Although I was only 9-years-old when I first perused the Enquirer, I was discerning enough to recognize the tongue-in-cheek quality of the stories. I appreciated the imaginative writing.

Looking back, the Enquirer was only a stepping stone to my later choice of periodicals; first, MAD Magazine and then the National Lampoon.

While a good deal of what I read in the Enquirer was made-up, there were some stories that were for real. I tried to sort out reality from fantasy. It wasn’t always easy to do. Nevertheless, suspending disbelief was part of the fun.The Enquirer was where I first learned about a major scandal in British politics.In1961, 19-year-old model Christine Keeler had affairs with John Profumo, Britain’s Secretary of State for War, and Russian spy Eugene Ivanov.

The whole sordid affair brought down the Conservative government of Harold Macmillan. Historian Richard Davenport-Hines, described it “as much a London story as Jack the Ripper or the Blitz.”Reading about this iconic British scandal offered me a window into the sleazier side of adult life. Still, I preferred the stories that tested one’s gullibility and were accompanied by blackand-white images of flying saucers, extraterrestrials, Big Foot and assorted other sideshow characters.

With respect to conspiracies, the 1963 assassination of JFK changed everything. Suddenly, the study of conspiracy theories turned into a cottage industry. Magazine articles and books on the subject are still flourishing to this Aday.growing number of Americans weren’t buying the Warren Commission Report, which concluded that President John F. Kennedy was shot by Lee Harvey Oswald, acting alone from his perch inside a corner office on the sixth floor of the Texas School Book Depository in Dallas.

Aside from the JFK assassination,

Holocaust denier, also claimed that President Jimmy Carter was planning to infect the world with bubonic plague.Itwas never proven that Queen Elizabeth II was a drug dealer, yet there is often a kernel of truth to conspiracy

kingpins like “Pablo Escobar and El Chapo look like low-level street dealers. Unlike modern drug lords, she didn’t have to live in a remote jungle compound surrounded by thugs toting machine guns because no one was coming after her,” according to Sam Kelly reporting for History is Now magazine in 2021.

one of the most bizarre conspiracy theories I was exposed to was floated by fringe political figure Lyndon Larouche, who ran as a third-party candidate in every US presidential election from 1976 to 2004.

Larouche charged that Queen Elizabeth II was top gun in an international drug trafficking network. “Everyone knows that,” he asserted.

ANDREW MALEKOFF The Back Road VIEW POINT

I laughed out loud. Larouche, a

Duringtheories.the Victorian Era of England (1820 – 1914) China was sending tea to England. China expected England to pay in silver. But, England soon grew tired of turning over the silver they took from their colonies around the world to Consequently,China.the British sold opium to the Chinese. In time, the entire country was addicted to opium. The British required payment in silver.

As the story goes, the Emperor of China told Queen Victoria, who was Queen Elizabeth II’s great-great grandmother, to stop pushing drugs. She refused. It was just too profitable. Among the consequences were two Opium Wars in which British forces destroyed the Chinese army and massacred tens of thousands of Chinese citizens.Queen Victoria made drug cartel

“She didn’t have to conceal her ill-gotten gains from the tax collectors because the proceeds from her drug operation were funding the entire country,” Kelly added. “And she didn’t have to worry about being gunned down in the street or locked away in prison because every single person who was empowered to punish drug crimes was already on her payroll [as] she was running the British Empire.”

Maybe Lyndon Larouche confused queens and centuries. In any case, the late Queen Elizabeth II was not a drug pusher, despite the fact that her greatgreat grandmother Queen Victoria was one of the most prolific drug dealers in history.And,now you know the rest of the story.

Major wins pulled off by Biden barely noticed

Hardly noticed amid Queen Elizabeth II’s funeral pomp and ceremony were two key accomplishments by President Biden. By averting a national railroad strike, he literally saved the economy from collapse, while at the same time his administration launched the Floating Off-shore Wind Earthshot, helping secure America’s energy independence and a resilient, sustainably growing economy.

Each week there have been major developments in Biden’s quest for a more equitable society, but just to focus on these two: a national rail strike would have cost the American economy $2 billion per day, exacerbate inflation because of literally cutting off supply chains and result in widespread layoffs that would have hastened pushing the economy into a full-blown recession. There was hardly a mention of this extraordinary achievement.Meanwhile, another important achievement you likely have not heard about was the launch of a major new initiative to develop the technology for deepwater offshore wind energy — a major milestone for transitioning society and the economy to clean energy in the mission to stop the forward march of climate warming — nothing shore of an existential threat.

What? You didn’t hear about it?

The administration’s actions are

aimed at positioning the U.S. as a global leader in new floating offshore wind technology, which would rapidly accelerate the amount of energy that can be generated by offshore wind while creating a new industry with well-paying jobs.

The idea here is that instead of offshore wind being limited to places where turbines can be anchored to the seabed, they can be further out to sea – 20-30 miles offshore – on newly developed floating rigs, much as oil drillers presently use. The Floating Offshore Wind Shot will aim to reduce the costs of floating technologies by more than 70% to $45 per megawatt hour by 2035 (coal costs $57 to $148 per megawatt-hour).Theadministration has a new goal of deploying 15 GW of this floating offshore wind capacity by 2035 -enough to power over 5 million American homes. This builds on the president’s existing goal of deploying 30 GW of offshore wind by 2030, largely using fixed-bottom technology, including in places like off Long Island, Maine and California.

“Achieving this ambitious target will spur billions of dollars of economic opportunities and avoid an estimated 26 million metric tons of carbon emissions annually,” a White House fact sheet said.

To incentivize innovators, the administration is offering a $6.85 mil-

lion prize to develop floating platform technologies for wide-scale domestic manufacturing and commercialization.The ultimate goal is to unlock 2.8 terrawatts of clean energy, more than double America’s electricity demand, which can be accomplished with offshore systems capable of operating in deep water without anchoring to the sea floor, Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm said in a press briefing.

“We think the private sector will see a real opportunity to make the US a global leader in manufacturing and deploying offshore wind designs –a real opportunity for greater energy security, affordability, and tens of thousands of good paying in-demand

jobs – electricians, engineers, shipbuildings, stevadores, etc. We are making floating offshore wind a part of our energy mix, making America the leader.”“Thisis an all-of-government approach to a clean energy future,” Interior Secretary Deb Haaland said. “We’ve never seen these resources coast to coast as we are seeing now.”

California is a major beneficiary and it couldn’t come at a better time – the combination of climate-induced drought and record heat waves pushed the state’s electric grid to the brink this summer.

“We need the power,” said California Energy Commission Chair David Hochschild. “We are expected to triple electric demand by mid-century.” California is phasing out gasoline-powered automobiles in the next 12 years and has set a goal of being 100-percent carbon free by 2045.

“We are excited by offshore wind. “One rotation of offshore wind turbine powers a house for a day – that’s the scale now. We should all have expansive sense of possibility about our ability to drive costs down. The Obama administration saw a 90% reduction in the price for solar. We can do the same for offshore wind. What makes that possible is long-term runway for industry stability to scale.”

“Oregon has been on the forefront of progressive environmental

policy for decades,” said Governor Kate Brown. “We are one of six states where half of our energy is from renewables. We’ve taken action at the state level, but these investments by the Biden-Harris administration are totally and completely game changing. In 30 years of public service, I’ve never seen anything like this, and to have such an incredibly strong partner in the administration and these amazing women [cabinet secretaries Granholm and Haaland] has been extraordinary, allowing us to leverage state investments and double down on EV infrastructure. This is absolutely game changing, like what happened under FDR with the New Deal. Mindboggling, amazing, extraordinary. This administration gets it.”

But that isn’t even all that the Biden-Harris administration did this week:The Biden-Harris administration just launched a website that for the first time provides a live dashboard to help communities see extreme weather and other hazards from climate change they are facing while also providing maps projecting how each community could be impacted in the future. The new Climate Mapping for Resilience and Adaptation portal will help state, local, tribal and territorial governments and leaders better track real-time impacts and access federal resources for long-term planning.

KAREN RUBIN View Point

A tale of a suburban town on Long Island

The way to learn about the character of a town in Italy is to go to the town piazza any summer evening and hang out. Too bad for us in America that we don’t have town piazzas, but once a year we approximate it by having a street fair. The shops remain open, no cars are allowed in and people walk about in a relaxed fashion. Today was street fair day in Williston Park and with bright sunny skies and a temperature around 75, the entire town came out to say hi.

So with camera on my shoulder and pen and pad in hand, my intent was to wander about the fair, pick up tidbits of information and convert my impressions into a readable column. And here it is.

First, I see a man seated at a table in front of Spuntino Pizzeria who asked me: “Are you the guy who writes for the Williston Times?” I smiled and said yes. He told me he was there to support his daughter’s friend, Cattie Egan who was this young folk singer standing in front of Spuntino’s tuning her guitar. I asked the nice man if he lived in Williston Park, but he said he was from Albertson. For some reason I asked him if he was originally from Bayside and he and his wife looked at me with wide eyes and asked: “Hey, are you a psychic? We used to live in Bayside 25 years ago.”

Nearly anyone who lives in or near Williston Park has probably at one point emigrated from either Queens or

Brooklyn, just like me. As youngsters, me, my brother and sister were raised on the mean streets of Bayside, endured the nuns of St Kevin’s Grammar School and couldn’t have been happier. But then one fatal day, my father took us on a trip into the wilds of Nassau County and a place call Massapequa Park. This place still had dirt roads, which were not good for stick ball. He showed us a plot of land with a home under construction and told us that this would soon be our new home.

“But what about our nice little apartment in Bayside, Dad? We don’t want to leave Bayside. We like it there.”

To which my mother said: “But, Tommy, you’ll love it there. Our kitchen will have a double door, I will keep the top of the door open and will be able to watch you play in the yard.” And I thought to myself, I don’t want my mother watching me play stoop ball. What in the world is the fun in that? Well, soon enough our family embarked on this inevitable migration from the means streets of Queens or Brooklyn to the pastoral bliss of the suburbs.

This migratory process is so common that it reminds me of the Academy Award-winning documentary “The March of the Penguins,” where at the age of 5 when the Emperor Penguins of Antarctica are able to breed, they leave the ocean and take an arduous trip inland to engage in courtship and lay an egg and try to keep the little darling

DR. TOM FERRARO Our Town

alive through the brutally cold winter. But in the case of our moving to Massapequa Park, there was not courtship, breeding or returning to the ocean. We just stayed in the suburbs forever.

This theme of transplants from Queens occurred over and over throughout the day. Tom Egan of Spuntino turned out to be the folk singer’s father and he told me he had moved from Queens. And many of the folks I saw and spoke to were Asians or Hispanics, all of whom were seeking the better schools and greener pastures of NassauAndCounty.then there were the teenagers. There was a trio of girls who were decked out in what they told me were Y2K Cybercore fashion, which is a throwback look from the year 2000

when women first came to terms with their power. Who am I to argue with three adorable, articulate and verbally astute teens?

I ran into Aidan, the owner of Mantra Framing, and further up the street I see a Sisters of Mary booth from St. Aidan’s. Manning the booth is none other than Lisa Reali, who is owner of Reali New York, the luxury sportswear fashion house. Years ago I was one of her “ambassadors of fashion” since I am a sports guy. Her fashion house is going strong and she told me that her uncle had finished a screen play called “Penny Candy” about a family who lived in Brooklyn and was transplanted to Nassau County. Interesting serendipity.

I made my way down the street, passed by the Rotary booth, submitted my name into a raffle for the cool-looking, aqua blue colored bike.

Farther down the street, I heard the pure sounds of some seriously talented Spanish flamenco musicians in front of Sangria 71. I do not know who these artists were, but they were definitely the real Whichdeal.brings us full circle. Queens is the most diverse county in America with 139 different cultures packed with plenty of Asians, Hispanics, Russians and more. And the most ambitious of these soon have their eyes set on Nassau County and towns just like Manhasset, Williston Park, Albertson, Great Neck, New Hyde Park, Roslyn and the

like. Queens undergoes this brain drain of talent and Nassau County become the recipients of all this marvelous ability and beauty and IQ and decency. What I saw at the street fair was so much decency and diversity and talent and family goodness. You can say what you want about America, but the world wants to come to America and, more specifically, the world wants to live in Nassau

Sure,County.theteenagers will flex muscle, make fashion statements, get educated at Ivy League colleges and be on their way. But let it be understood that, just like the place in Antarctica where the mother and father penguins sacrificed to keep the little one alive, it is the suburban towns in places like Nassau County that provided all this safety and comfort that children need before they embark.And that’s my story.

A mixture of talent, ethnicity and beauty at the fair.

Preparing for rising seas on Long Island

Igrew up in Iceland and this summer I visited with my Long Island-born children the second-largest ice cap there, Langjökull (“Long-glacier”). From 1980 to now, metal stakes mark the significant retreat this glacier has made each decade. A full 80 percent of its mass is predicted to melt by the year 2100.

Nearby a bronze plaque next to an icy puddle memorializes the first glacier to melt in Iceland. It reads: “In the next 200 years all our glaciers are expected to follow the same path. This monument is to acknowledge that we know what is happening and what needs to be done. Only you know if we did it.” Carved beneath these words is the atmospheric CO2 content in August 2019, or 415 ppm CO2.Recent data warns that the Arctic is warming four times faster than the global average, or much more rapidly than previously thought. While most of the world has experienced on average 1° degree warming compared to temperatures at the onset of the Industrial Revolution, the Arctic is committed to a positive feedback loop termed polar amplification.

The melting of the Greenland ice sheet threatens to raise global sea levels by several feet. At present, it’s impossible to predict the catastrophic consequences from thawing permafrost and the sub-

sequent release of methane and other greenhouse gases. Include here the uncertainty and potential health risks from the release of viruses and bacteria, previously immobilized by glacial ice. A study published in the journal Microbiome last year uncovered 33 viruses in samples of 15,000-year-old Tibetan glacial ice, of which 28 were novel.

In addition to Arctic melting, a sobering report published in Nature Geoscience journal this month warns that we should expect the melting of Antarctic ice sheets to add to the rise in sea levels in the near future. In a press release titled “Doomsday glacier could collapse in five years,” researchers warn that Antarctica’s Thwaites Glacier, at roughly the size of Florida, is already destabilized and currently losing 50 billion tons of ice a year.

These changes may seem like they’re happening far away from Long Island, but we’re connected to the rest of the world through the global water cycle.

Jeff Berardelli, meteorologist and climate expert, exclaimed in a CBS interview this month: “We’re inches away from tipping points. It’s not going to happen linearly anymore, it’s not going to happen gradually anymore. Once we hit these tipping points things can happen quickly,” he added: “Like a domino effect, everything starts to become unstable.”

HILDUR PALSDOTTIR

Earth Matters

Ten thousand years of climate stability are behind us. How do we respond appropriately here at the North Shore of Long Island? We continue to build luxury apartment buildings and villas at the waterfront! Wait, what? We’ve got to prepare for the worst and stop placing people in harm’s way. Building into FEMA-declared flood zones is both unsafe and guaranteed to cause future financial burden for taxpayers.

It’s ecological insanity to continue concrete coastal development that is simply inferior to nature’s fury when it comes to paying our climate debt. Flood

events from sea-level rise are guaranteed, so are intense storm surges and flash flooding from extreme rainfall. Climate chaos will continue to threaten our manmade structures, physical safety and socioeconomic well-being. The upside to all this potential destruction is that we can look to nature for solutions.

Tidal wetlands can help fight erosion and protect coastal communities by slowing water velocity and reducing

wave energy. Brookhaven Town offers a great working model for climate adaptation and mitigation. Government and environmental groups are admirably taking direct climate action by acquiring land along the environmentally sensitive wetlands of the Great South Bay. They’ve committed to the purchase of land in Mastic Beach for coastline recovery and with that move residents inland. on Page 37

Why diversity matters at colleges in 2022

The U.S. Supreme Court is expected to take up the nation’s debate over the consideration of race in college admissions this year. The court has decided to consider two cases filed against Harvard and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill by Students for Fair Admissions, an anti-affirmative action group. The suit alleges that both institutions discriminate by practicing affirmative action and discriminating against Asian-American applicants in their admissions processes

The court has deliberated such cases before. In defending affirmative action in college and university admissions earlier, the Supreme Court ruled that “considerable deference is owed to a university in defining those intangible characteristics, like student body diversity, that are central to its identity and educational mission.”In previous cases, educators, military leaders, and corporate chiefs filed friend of the court briefs arguing that diversity is a value and that diversity benefits both individuals and groups. They expressed the belief that experience with diverse populations is important because college graduates, whether they are Asian, Black, Latino, Native American, other indigenous or white, will live in communities and work in enterprises that are influenced by international and inter-cultural

endeavors. They will be neighbors of, supervise, or be supervised by persons of a different ethnicity, nationality, race, gender, economic background, or religion.

For these reasons, colleges try to create diverse communities of students, faculty, and staff to prepare students for their futures. The high schools and towns from which higher education institutions recruit students generally do not provide this diversity. Colleges make up for it because experience with diversity promotes learning.Inconsidering the allegations against Harvard, it is useful to acknowledge that it admits under 5 percent of all those who apply. (UNC admits 25%.) The most selective institutions enroll under 20%.

In other words, Harvard and other elite colleges must decide whether to admit a class using a lottery, take the highest scoring in descending order, or attempt to compose a class with a variety of characteristics and life experiences. They choose diversity as a criterion because they know that academic credentials are highly correlated to family socio-economic status and income, and they want a more heterogeneous student body. On all counts, however, they choose candidates whom they believe will succeed.Thefact is that most colleges and universities do not have this challenge.

According to the National Association of College Admissions Counselors, most institutions admit two-thirds of the applicants for freshman status. While 80 percent of those admitted to Harvard accept the offer, other well-known schools find that under 30 percent of those admitted will accept the offer. For most colleges, the yield on offers of admission is even lower.There are pragmatic reasons for fostering diversity, equity and inclusion. It makes good sense to cast a wide net in searching for talent, especially when we look at trends in population statistics. If

we don’t look widely and consider diverse populations, we will limit the capabilities of our organizations. After all, which is more important: preserving a traditional view of who can contribute to achieving goals or succeeding at accomplishing those goals?

Wise employers adopt a “futures” perspective. They know that a good record in managing diversity now in recruitment, retention and advancement will give them a competitive advantage in recruiting from among an increasingly diverse society in the future. They know that individual and group success requires teamwork, and that teamwork requires respect for others. These employers expect that they will have managers who are better attuned to the increasing diversity of customers and employees, not only in the U.S. but in other countries as well.Inyears past, families of means enabled their children to study in other countries, travel widely, learn another language, and become familiar with cultures other than their own. Why? Because it is valuable to have experiences beyond the local. Today, just as we think a much larger proportion of youth should attend college, we also believe that all students should experience a variety of cultures, whether they come from families of wealth or not.

Therefore, promoting diversity is not only a way to expand student’s horizons; it also is a means for exploding group stereotypes. A diverse community helps us consider individuals and their unique talents as distinct from their backgrounds and ethnic Diversityidentity.is“a matter of color, texture, and size as in a quilt,” said former U.S. presidential candidate and activist Jesse Jackson. He described diversity as consisting of “many patches, many pieces, many colors, many sized, all woven and held together by a common thread.”’ And Shirley Chisholm, former member of the U.S. House of Representatives, said, “We Americans have a chance to become someday a nation in which all racial stocks and classes can exist in their own selfhoods but meet on a basis of respect and quality and live together socially, canonically, and politically.”

Diversity of age. gender, race, nationality, ethnicity, religion and socioeconomic background is a matter of fact. If we are to prepare students for careers and citizenship, and help our schools, communities, and business partners achieve success, then we must be committed to an education that includes diversity, equity and inclusion as values to honor.

Robert A. Scott is President Emeritus at Adelphi University

Settlement shows how ‘Big Vape’ targets kids

After a two-year investigation determined that vaping giant JUUL engaged in the unconscionable practice of marketing harmful and addictive nicotine products directly to our youth, the company has agreed to pay a whopping $438.5 million in settlements to 34 American states and territories. This outcome is hardly surprising to those of us who have been part of the fight to protect our youth from the dangers of vaping and nicotine addiction.

And while such a massive settlement sends a clear message that bad actors will be held responsible for their actions, it remains infuriating that any industry would so brazenly target our youth and put profit before public health and commonExtensivedecency. research illustrates the dev-

astating impact that smoking and vaping have upon the human body and in particular how nicotine harms adolescent brain development through a young person’s early- to mid-20s. It is also well established that if a person can make it past the age of 25 without using nicotine, they are highly unlikely to ever pick up the habit during the rest of their lives. Nevertheless, JUUL targeted underage users with free samples, slick social media campaigns, launch parties and ad campaigns filled with young-looking models.

Most tellingly, they also used flavors to make the vaping experience more palatable and to get our kids hooked. It’s hardly a stretch to imagine how cotton candy, bubble gum, cola, and fruit-flavored vapes could be attractive to underage consumers – and how unscrupulous entities could use these alluring flavors as a Trojan horse for the nicotine contained

ARNOLD W. DRUCKER Nassau County Legislator

within.To confront this threat, Nassau County in 2019 passed my bill to ban the advertising of age-restricted products — such as cigarettes, tobacco and vapes — within 1,000 feet of establishments commonly frequented by youth. Later that year, in the face of strenuous opposition from vaping industry special interests, I sponsored, and Nassau County passed, a ban on the sale of flavored vaping products — a measure that was later adopted statewide.Before that, Nassau County passed a measure that I spearheaded to raise the age for purchasing tobacco products to 21. Not only were the public health implications profound for our region, it was also a source of great personal satisfaction that I was able to bring a signature effort

that was initiated by my predecessor, the late Judy Jacobs, to fruition.

Our sustained pressure has worked. Since 2019, JUUL has dropped its advertising in America, pulled fruit and candy flavors from store shelves, and a total ban from the American market is still looming. While recent studies show that adolescent vaping is on the decline, we must remain vigilant for emerging challenges such as the disposable e-cigarettes that are growing in popularity with youth. I remain confident that we will prevail in our efforts to protect public health, and I will never waver in my commitment to our shared mission of keeping our kids nicotine-free for life.

Arnold W. Drucker, of Plainview, has represented the 16th District of the Nassau County Legislature since 2016.

Recent White House bloopers, blunders

First, we have Vice President Kamala Harris responding to a question by “Meet The Press” Anchor Chuck Todd by saying “the border is secure.”

She, along with President Joe Biden and Department of Homeland Security Chief Alejandra Mayorkas must

have assigned Comedy Central South Park’s Officer Bar Brady as their eyes and ears on the border. Concerning our record 2 million illegal immigrants coming into our nation this year, he must have reported, “OK, people, move along, there’s nothing to see here.”

Next, we have President Joe Biden, who should have picked other than James Taylor whose song “Fire and Rain” was about suicide and heroin addiction to play at his White House Inflation Reduction Act celebration. With record inflation, increasing urban crime and shootings,

rising home heating prices, gasoline at $1.35 per gallon more since January 2021, over 100,000 deaths from fentanyl, supply chain issues, formula shortages, 2 million illegal immigrants crossing the boarder and $30.4 trillion plus growing national debt, there was a better choice.

Bobby McFerrin’s famous 1988 hit, “Don’t Worry, Be Happy,” would have been far more appropriate.

Larry Penner Great Neck

ROBERT A. SCOTT, Ph.D. My Turn

FROM THE DESK OF ARNOLD W. DRUCKER

Blank Slate Media honored 40 Under 40 professionals, entrepreneurs, business and not-for-profit leaders in Nassau County at an awards ceremony and networking event held at Crest Hollow Country Club on September 15. Ryan Serhant, founder and CEO of SERHANT., star of Bravo’s Million Dollar Listing New York, best-selling author, and podcast host, was the keynote speaker.

Antoinette Biordi, an Emmy Award-winning News12 reporter and anchor, was the emcee.

PHOTOS

15. Ryan Serhant, founder and CEO of SERHANT., star of Bravo’s Million Dollar Listing New York, best-selling author, and podcast host, was the keynote speaker.

Antoinette Biordi, an Emmy Award-winning News12 reporter and anchor, was the emcee.

PHOTOS JOSEPH NEUMAYER

Blank Slate Media honored 40 Under 40 professionals, entrepreneurs, business and not-for-profit leaders in Nassau County at an awards ceremony and networking event held at Crest Hollow Country Club on September

Blank Slate Media honored 40 Nassau County Hollow Serhant,

Antoinette Biordi, an Emmy Award-winning News12 reporter and anchor, was the emcee.

BY DUFFYBRANDON

The Nassau County Police Detective’s Association and Police Superior Officers have endorsed Republican George Santos as he makes a bid for the 3rd Congressional District in November.

The law enforcement agencies joined House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy, Congressman Ronny Jackson, the National Republican Congressional and the Republican Party of Nassau County in endorsing Santos, among“Withothers.George Santos as a congressman in the House of Representatives, rest assured law enforcement will have an ally and voice in D.C. For too long, our men and women in blue have not had real leaders prepared to stand up for them. We want to elect unapologetic candidates like George Santos,” said Superior Officers Association President Ricky Frassseti in a statement.InAugust, both organizations endorsed former Republican state Sen. Jack Martins, who is running for his old position against Sen. Anna Kaplan (DNorthTheHills).Santos campaign said it’s clear the candidate “has established the trust of law en-

BY DUFFYBRANDON

The National Institute for Reproductive Health Action Fund PAC has endorsed state Sen. Anna Kaplan (D-North Hills) in her campaign for reelection in the 7th Senate District.

forcement in the district vs. his pro-crime, pro-cashless bail opponent Robert Zimmerman.”

If elected, Santos would be-

come the first openly gay member of Congress from Long Island and Queens as would his Democratic challenger Zimmerman.

“I am proud to receive the endorsement from the members of the SOA and the DAI as they courageously protect the resi-

dents of Nassau County,” Santos said. “I pledge to work collaboratively with members of law enforcement at the local level to

ensure safe streets and thriving communities. We can’t let radical pro-criminal elites, like Robert Zimmerman, be elected to office. Robert Zimmerman’s policies are dangerous for our families.”

Santos is running for the seat currently held by Congressman Tom Suozzi (D-Glen Cove), who is coming off a failed run in the gubernatorial primary, losing to Gov. Kathy Hochul in late June. Suozzi is not on the ballot to retain his seat in Congress.

New district maps were submitted earlier this year by a court-appointed special master and have been viewed as more neutral compared to ones that were rejected by the state Appeals Court several weeks ago.

While the 3rd Congressional District under the new proposal does not extend as far west as the Bronx or Westchester, it does stretch to more southern parts of Nassau County, such as Hicksville and Massapequa. The new lines do exclude the parts of the district that now stretch into Suffolk County, mainly Huntington and Santos,Smithtown.34, who ran against Suozzi in 2020, was named an a “Young Gun” candidate in the National Republican Congressional Committee’s Young Guns program earlier this year, his campaign said.

LIRR trains to have police patrols in 2023

Santos backed by two local police unions Reproductive rights group backs Kaplan

The advocacy group builds political power for reproductive freedom and works to elect candidates who stand for everyone’s right to control their reproductive lives.

In August, Kaplan was endorsed by Planned Parenthood Empire States Vote, National Organization for Women New

State and Eleanor’s Legacy, all advocates for women’s reproductive“Annarights.Kaplan has used every tool available to protect and expand access to abortion and reproductive healthcare in New York at both the state level and in her district,” said NIRH President Andrea Miller. “As reproductive rights continue to be under attack across the country, we need strong leaders like Anna Kaplan in Albany to ensure that we continue to secure not only the rights of New Yorkers, but also meaningful access to reproductive healthcare for all who needKaplanit.” said she is proud of the support and vowed to fight back against extremists to protect reproductive rights.

BY STEVEN KEEHNER

In response to Long Island Rail Road safety concerns, the Metropolitan Transportation Authority will deploy a dedicated unit of cops to ride on the trains, MTA Police Commissioner John Mueller

Muellerannounced.madethe announcement during the MTA committee meetings Monday. He expects the

60-officer unit to begin patrols in January.

The Train Patrol Unit will travel aboard LIRR and Metro-North trains every day at 5 a.m. in locations “out east and up north.” They will accompany commuters going into and coming out of Manhattan.“Thewhole idea is just to welcome everybody back,” said Meuller. “And as you see, it’s great to see we’re seeing ridership coming up. These officers are going to be specially trained for train patrols.”Hesaid officers will board the trains on either side of the platform and then work towards the center. The goal behind the idea, Mueller said, is to have “a lot” of rider interaction with the officers. In most cases, he said the officers will be “following the ridership.”

State Sen. Anna Kaplan raised more than $205,000 in the most recent campaign finance filing period.

“Protecting women and protecting choice has always been my priority and always will be my priority. I ran for this seat because I was sick and tired of seeing extremist Republicans stopping important legislation like

SCREENSHOT COURTESY OF MTAINFO’S YOUTUBE

MTA Police Commissioner John Mueller. He announced the MTA will send out a specialized team of police to ride on the trains in response to passenger worries about safety on the Long Island Rail Road.

“What we’ve been asking for is this train patrol and a more stronger and more robust presence,” Mueller said. “So that’s what this does. And we’re going to basically be following the ridership in most cases. So we can identify, like we can with crime, that there is a No. 1 train that is the most crowded and a platform that is the most crowded at a particular time of day going back and forth.”

He said the MTA had 22 major felonies in August, including 13 larcenies, three felony assaultsand four robberies, committed throughout the system. The MTA has recorded 154 significant felonies so far this year, compared to 147 in 2021 and 162 in 2019.

PHOTO BY JANELLE CLAUSEN

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE CANDIDATE

Queens native George Santos is running for the New York’s 3rd Congressional District.

WATERCOLOR ARTISTS OF OYSTER BAY

The 8th Annual Exhibit of Original Watercolor Paintings created by members of The Watercolor Artists of Oyster Bay will open on Saturday, Oct. 1.

The opening reception and award celebration will be held from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. at The Haybarn - Planting Fields Arboretum (1395 Planting Fields Road, Oyster Bay).

The exhibit runs from Oct. 1 through Nov. 15 and is free and open to visitors daily, The exhibit is curated by Roberta Erlagen, artist and Iistructor.

“I am so very proud of the artists who

continue to grow and explore the medium of watercolor in a wide variety of styles, Erlagen said. “This year, for the first time, our group mounted an exhibit and silent auction of Sunflower paintings, the national symbol of Ukraine. The artists donated their framed paintings and prints to be auctioned. These beautiful images are also available for purchase online. The money raised was donated to benefit the people of Ukraine who are sufferingThisso.”year, the exhibit will be judged by Howard Rose, a popular and recognized art-

ist, author and teacher. Rose has given several workshops to the class and has provided his vast knowledge and experience in composition and color to the group. His expertise is nationally recognized and respected.

The reception includes awarding of prizes, light refreshments, wine and musical performance by “Elemental Quartet: Original artwork and giclee prints and cards will be available for purchase. In addition, an original, hand-made Sunflower quilt created by Pat Siciliano, one of our artists, will be raffled. Proceed will go to our Ukraine Fundraising program.

Why not spend a lovely afternoon strolling through the lush Plant Fields Arboretum grounds and Greenhouses and visit the exhibit at the Haybarn? Parking fees are waived with an invitation and there is no cost to attend the Exhibit and Reception.

Many thanks to Vincent Simeone, executive director of Planting Fields for his generosity and time in making this event possible.

Follow us on Facebook at: The Watercolor Artists of Oyster Bay

For more information, contact (631) 2416366

Greek Festival on the Harbor returns Sept. 23

BY STEVEN KEEHNER

The 2022 Greek Festival on the Harbor will take place from Sept. 23-25 at North Hempstead Beach Park, hosted by Archangel Michael Greek Orthodox Church.

The weekend-long celebration, now in its 11th year, includes live music and a wide variety of Greek delicacies. On Friday it will be open from 4 p.m. to 11; Saturday from noon to 11 p.m; Sunday from noon to 8 p.m.

On Saturday night, there will be fi reworks and a midway run by Newton Shows featuring carnival games and rides for people of all ages. There will also be craft and retail exhibitors.Parking and admission are both free. Tickets for rides are $1.25 each, $25 for 21 tickets and $50 for 44 tickets. On Sunday, they are offering unlimited ride wristbands for one price of $40 per wristband. When one buys wristbands in advance, they can save $10.

Scan for a

Enjoy an eco-friendly autumn

Autumn arrives with cool breezes, aweinspiring foliage and the hint of holidays on the horizon. Fall is a favorite time of year for many people because the crisp weather motivates people of all ages to enjoy the great outdoors.

Individuals conscious of their carbon footprints can use fall as a time to take inventory of their behaviors and make changes where necessary. The following are some steps to take right now that fit perfectly with the harvest season.

· Shop at a local farm stand. Take advantage of the many roadside stands that crop up this time of year where you can find bushels of apples, pumpkins, gourds, and late-summer vegetables. After a day of sightseeing, visit a farm stand for warm cider and freshly baked doughnuts. Buying local produce reduces reliance on foreign-shipped foods and other products, while also cutting back on the fuel consumed to get foods from the farm to the table.

· Use nature to decorate.

Skip plastic, mass-produced decorations and rely on nature

to dress up your home. Fill vases with leaves and berries.

Place small pumpkins on mantles, and enrich the landscape

of your home with vibrantly hued mums and other coolweather plants. Corn husks and stalks can add harvest flair

to front porches. Twigs nestled and tied together can make interesting table centerpieces.

· Create a composting pile.

Outdoor chores are easier in cool weather than they are when the mercury rises. Set aside a place in the yard for

composting. A healthy compost pile should have roughly two-thirds carbon (brown) materials and one-third nitrogen (green) materials, says EarthEasy.com. Use those lawn clippings and raked leaves to make compost for spring plantings.· Visit a corn maze. After corn has been harvested, farm owners often use their land for supplemental income. Corn mazes can be simple or complex depending on visitors’ ages. Engage in family bonding outside and turn off electronics in the process.

· Bake your own pie. After a fun-filled day picking apples at a nearby orchard, head home and use those locally sourced apples to whip up a delicious pie.

· Recycle old clothes to dress your scarecrow. Clothing that is not worthy of donation can be transformed into a festive scarecrow just in time for Halloween hijinks. Fill out the body of the scarecrow with newspaper and then add some pieces of straw around the neck, hands and feet.

Autumn can be a great time of year to embrace some eco-friendly practices.

skincareAutumntips

As summer transitions to fall, many changes take place. In addition to changing landscapes, men and women may need to adapt their health and wellness habits to ensure that they stay healthy and happy. Part of that daily regimen includes how to care for skin as the seasons change.

Just as skin requires certain protection from the sun and heat in the summer, skin has special needs in the fall and winter. Fall and winter are often characterized by cold, dry weather, which can make these times of year particularly challenging for people with dry or sensitive skin. These tips can help people maintain their skin’s appearance and health.

· Don’t skip the sunscreen. Sunscreen is not a summer-only requirement. UV rays can damage the skin any time of year, even if the rays are not as strong as during the summer. UV radiation accelerates and increases the risk of skin cancer. It also can lead to premature aging. Utilize a sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher every day.

· Invest in a humidifier. Dry, cold temperatures can rob the skin of essential moisture, even indoors. Dermatologists

suggest using a humidifier at home to boost the amount of moisture in the air. This can make skin more comfortable and can have other health benefits as well.

· Skip hot showers. It can be tempting to sit under a hot stream of water to warm up. However, hot water dries out the skin by depleting its stores of natural oils, says Glacier Med Spa. Take warm showers instead and don’t stay in for longer than 15 minutes.·Limit exfoliation. While exfoliation can remove dead skin, overdoing it can make already sensitive skin more raw. Increase the time between exfoliation treatments. Consult with a dermatologist for more advice about dealing with flaky skin.·

Don’t forget your lips. Using a thicker moisturizer on the body and face can help add and retain moisture. But pay attention to your lips and eyes as well. Something as simple as petroleum jelly on the lips can help prevent chapping. Invest in a quality eye cream to help the delicate skin around the eyes as well.

Modifications must be made to skincare routines in anticipation of seasonal weather changes.

Cranberry-infusedcocktailforfallentertaining

Besides the ubiquitous “pumpkin spice,” nothing says “autumn” more than tart cranberries. Cranberries are a major component of Thanksgiving feasts, turning up alongside and atop turkey as well as in quick breads and Cranberriesdesserts.are loaded with health benefits, which include reducing the risk for ulcers and preventing gum disease. Also, just eight ounces of cranberry juice cocktail contains 137 percent of the daily recommended value of vitamin C. Cranberries can even be used to craft great cocktails. Move over mulled ciders, this crisp “Cranberry Margarita” from The Cape Cod Cranberry Growers’ Association makes a great autumninspired beverage.

Cranberry Margarita Serves 1

1 1/2 shots of tequila

1 shot of cranberry juice cocktail

1/4 cup of whole berry cranberry sauce

1/2 shot of triple sec

10 ice Sweetenedcubesdried cranberries, for garnish Lime, for garnish

Combine all ingredients except garnish in a blender. Blend on high until smooth and frosty. Serve in a margarita glass. Garnish with dried cranberries and a lime wheel.

Didknow?you

Some children amass quite a pile of candy from their trick-ortreating efforts. It may be too much to eat in the next few weeks, even for candy lovers. According to “Better Homes and Gardens,” many different types of candies can be frozen

to preserve their freshness. Fudge, pralines and caramels freeze well, and even chocolate-covered candies can be frozen with ease. Use an airtight freezer bag or container to keep frozen candies as fresh as possible and not susceptible to moisture infiltration.

Natural ways to fight fall allergies

As the days become shorter and the weather cools down, a new crop of allergy symptoms can arise, turning the autumn season into one marked by sneezing, scratchy throats and itchy eyes. Medications can alleviate such symptoms, but allergy sufferers may want to investigate some natural ways to beat

Accordingallergies.totheAmerican College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology, ragweed is one of the more common triggers of autumnal allergies. Ragweed contributes to “hay fever,” which is a term to describe allergic rhinitis that occurs as a symptom of ragweed pollen in the air. Ragweed releases pollen in mid-August, and it can continue to be problematic until a deep freeze arrives.

Other sources of fall allergies include leaf mold and pollen that is present on fallen leaves. This gets circulated when people begin to rake or blow fallen leaves. Classroom pets and chalk dust in schools (although chalkboards are largely a thing of the past) are other autumn allergens.The good news is that many natural remedies work just as effectively as over-the-counter medications in regard to combatting ragweed and pollen problems. Here’s how to beat the fall allergy blues.

· Stay away from pollen. Stay away from pollen and prevent it from being tracked indoors. Remove shoes when walking through the door. Take off clothes worn outside and launder them

promptly, showering to wash pollen off of the body. Use an air conditioner or keep windows closed when the pollen count is high.

· Increase omega-3 fatty acids. It is well documented that fatty acids are good for brain health and cardiovascular well-being. But these acids also may help with allergies. A German study linked foods high in omega-3 fatty acids with the ability to fight inflammation, which is a hallmark of allergy suffering. Foods that are high in fatty acids include walnuts, flax, eggs, and cold-water fatty fish.

· Rinse off pollen. Use a mild cleanser to rinse the eyelids and eyelashes of pollen, as this is where it tends to congregate after being outdoors. Use saline spray to clear nasal passages of excess pollen as well.

· Take natural supplements. A study published in the journal Clinical and Experimental Allergy found participants who used tablets of the herb butterbar showed significant allergy relief after only one week. Select herbs from reputable manufacturers who certify them.

· Use eucalyptus oil. This oil is great to have in the house to help clear up sinuses and provide nasal congestion relief. Mix a small amount with coconut oil and rub onto the chest. There also is some evidence that adding a few drops of eucalyptus oil to cleansing products can help kill dust mites around the house.

Avoid seasonal allergies by exploring natural ways to find prevention or relief of symptoms.

Mark has not only perfected his craft but won the loyalty of his clientele. His rave reviews say it all.

that make him an extremely successful and effective broker. I cannot say enough about his to be a highly attentive agent, and emails the same day. I never

bounce ideas off of, Mark is your man. Want to meet for the 13th time just to measure, he

— Nancy F.

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Mark and he is my go to the start and thereafter. Whatever it is you need after the deal is done. gem! I highly recommend him to anyone!”

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I am honored to be included in this year’s Real Trends America’s Best Real Estate Professionals list. M: 516.330.8001

Northwell named best workplaceNorth Hempstead free rabies clinic

North Hempstead Town Supervisor Jennifer DeSena and the Town Board have announced that the Town’s Animal Shelter will be hosting a free rabies vaccination clinic in conjunction with the Nassau County Department of Health.

The clinic will be held at the Town of North Hempstead Animal Shelter in Port Washington on Saturday, Oct. 1 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Rabies vaccines will be available to dogs and cats, as well as ferrets. You do not have to be a resident of North

Hempstead for your pet to receive a free rabies vaccine. North Hempstead officials will also offer on-the-spot dog licensing applications and renewals to North Hempstead residents.

Owners must bring their dogs on leashes and their cats and ferrets in carriers. Registration is required. The North Hempstead Animal Shelter is located at 75 Marino Avenue in Port Washington.Tomake a reservation, or if you have any questions, please call 311 or (516) 869-6311.

Northwell Health has been named one of Fortune magazine’s Best Workplaces in Health Care 2022, ranking fifth out of 30 health care organizations in the nation and the highest rated organization in New York.

Earning an elite spot on the list means that Northwell is one of the best companies to work for in health care nationwide, demonstrating its commitment and support to its 80,000-member workforce across health care settings in the New York metropolitan area.

The Best Workplaces in Health Care award is based on analysis of survey responses from over 161,000 employees in the health care industry, derived from 60 employee experience questions. In that survey, 79 percent of Northwell’s team members said it is a great place to work, which is 23 percent higher than the typical company based in the United States.

Great Place to Work is the only company culture award in America that selects winners based on how fairly employees are treated. Companies are assessed on how well they are creating a great employee experience that cuts across race, gender, age, disability status, or any aspect of who employees are or what their role is.

“Our employees are truly outstanding and demonstrated their success before, during and beyond the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Michael J. Dowling, president and CEO at Northwell. “Our

workplace culture of trust, empowerment and innovation has long been in place. We celebrate and thank our team members for all of their contributions and for making Northwell a great place to work.”Northwell’s high ranking in this year’s Fortune’s Best Workplaces in Healthcare list was based on a review of dozens of innovative employee and community health-based programs.

Among key programs recognized were Northwell’s initiatives to support team members dealing with food insecurity stemming from unexpected hardship due to the pandemic; caring for children and families outside the workplace with the program Northwell Kids, providing free fun recreational activities; and a program started two

years ago, Northwell Celebrates, which recognizes team members across the health system with gifts, experiences and services, both at work and home.

“It an incredible honor to be spotlighted nationally in Fortune’s Best Workplaces in Healthcare list this year,” said Maxine Carrington, senior vice president and chief people officer at Northwell Health. “We deeply appreciate every team member. Our people are the best of the best, and because of that we will always strive to provide the best care for our team members in the workplace, at home and in the community.”Northwell also was ranked 21st on 2022 PEOPLE Companies that Care list and named as one of Fortune’s “100 Best Companies to Work for in 2022.”

Motorists summonsed at G.N. traffic stops

Let me begin by reminding anyone reading this missive that I am pro-law enforcement, pro-public safety and pro-traffic safety.

I wish to address an absolute scam which is either orchestrated by police supervisors or village officials. I hope that this missive will generate a response.

My wife and I — especially my wife — diligently observe all traffic regulations. Further, my wife has a lifelong

friend both of whose parents died at the hands of a tractor trailer because her friend’s father jumped a stop sign on a New Jersey roadway.

We — my wife and I — persistently engage in a full stop before proceeding and yet have been summonsed. Furthermore, we have spoken in local courts with many others summonsed for such alleged stop sign violations, apparently falsely made.

It is an incredible “Twilight Zone” experience to be pulled over by an officer and told that you did not stop, when you absolutely and surely did. It simply cannot be that so many taxpayers are made to show themselves at court and allegedly falsely accused.

No one is deemed “not guilty” in these local courts — not a single soul. You are told to pay a few hundred dollars to avoid license points and usually to

plead to a charge which was never even made.This is Orwellian and an abusive manner in which to fleece taxpayers — and insult the intelligence of the public.

Who is behind this charade? It seems all the court personnel are in on it. Are there a “specified number of seconds” required to constitute your having stopped? Is it not enough that you stopped and are “honked” to move by

impatient drivers behind you? And those in a rush are never the persons ensnared in this farce.

I ask again — why are citizens being obviously falsely charged? I encourage strict enforcement for violators, but this apparently local farce — particularly in the local peninsula villages — must investigated.

Jeffrey Wiesenfeld Great Neck

N.S. nightmare — crime, chaos in streets

Democrats are trying to turn Long Island into New York City. The North Shore of Nassau County is now seeing the same crime wave as New York City. As I travel throughout the North Shore, I hear stories of car thefts, house burglaries and violent crimes.

It’s hard to believe that in 2022 we are talking about these crimes going unpunished and chaos in the streets, all while Democrats fuel this crisis through failed radical policies. My opponent, Robert Zimmerman, has not only been a supporter of these enablers, but also a mouthpiece for their careless policies over the past few Newdecades.York City is rampant with crime and it is now overflowing into the North Shore of Long Island. Throughout 2022, the Big Apple saw five of the seven major index-crime

categories increase, driven by a 38% increase in robbery (1,630 v. 1,181), a 34.7% increase in grand larceny (4,687 v. 3,480), and a 31.1% rise in burglary (1,356 v. 1,034). Throughout the North Shore, upticks in the same index crimes are plaguing our neighborhoods with no end in sight.

The seven local police departments and districts on the North Shore of Nassau County saw an overall increase in violent and propertyrelated crimes from 2017-2021, with a noticeable spike in 2020, the year bail reform was implemented. Most notably, the 2nd Precinct in Nassau County, located in Woodbury, reported a 700% increase in car thefts. Crime has become a spotlighted issue for voters across the Gold Coast. The only way to remedy the public safety crisis is to repeal all bail reform laws in New York.

My opponent, Robert Zimmerman, has accepted the Working Families Party (WFP) line for the November election. This shines a light on Zimmerman’s pro-criminal agenda for New York’s Third Congressional District. Moreover, the WFP wants to defund the police and champion New York’s crippling bail reform. This is catastrophic and out of touch with the people of New York. If you truly listen to the people, they are demanding safety in their community. Robert Zimmerman has it all wrong.

Under New York’s bail reform laws, hate crime offenders are not bail eligible, which means they can be released without posting bail. There has been a string of antisemitic hate crimes throughout the district. Last month, the most recent act of vandalism occurred at a public park in Nassau County, and three Hakenkreuz

were etched inside bathroom stalls. While the vandals are still at large, if and when they are caught, the state will let them out onto the streets to perpetuate more hate crimes.

Criminals and perpetrators who are residents of NYC are making their way into Long Island communities and targeting our businesses and neighborhoods. They look at our quiet, serene, and peaceful Main Streets, and their eyes light up at the potential to rob our stores, assault our neighbors and wreak havoc on our streets.

Although he dances around his antipolice agenda, Robert Zimmerman fully supports “reallocating resources” of our law enforcement agencies.

Zimmerman aligns himself with Gov.Kathy Hochul, who takes no accountability for the rampant crime in the streets of New York, while deflecting the blame for violence plaguing

cities across the state. In other words, Zimmerman is just another pro-crime Democrat, enabling violent offenders to ruin the quality of life for law-abiding citizens.Theanswer to the crime crisis is to fund our police, not defund them. We must return to a culture of respect and gratitude towards our law enforcement. I will work alongside my New York State colleagues to ensure we repeal the disastrous bail reform laws. I will fight to secure federal funding to help strengthen our law enforcement agencies. Nov. 8 is our day to take New York back and together we will send a strong message to out-of-touch Democrats, “Do not NYC our Long Island.”

George Santos Republican candidate for Congressional District 3

The Republican stain on our nation

If you’ve been on YouTube, there are these fascinating videos of city life in Berlin, Germany, in the 1930s. What’s so remarkable about them is their ordinariness. Welldressed Berliners dine in outdoor cafes, smiling. People stroll down the street without a care in the world. Street vendors sell pretzels. A Cadillac dealership is open for business in a Bauhaus-style showroom in an upscale part of the city.

It’s 1938.

At the same time, people are quietly being apprehended and sent away. Professors are fired. The press is systematically stifled. The Times of London classifieds are filled with ads from Jewish professionals begging for jobs as live-in help just for room and board. The complacency of the smiling people on those summer Saturdays in Berlin is something to behold.

Recently, the following has happened in your country:

On a radio show, Carl Paladino, who ran for Congress in New York, said that Merrick Garland should

“probably be executed.”

Video has surfaced of Florida sheriffs training Jan. 6 insurrectionists who attacked Capitol police.

Six states have chosen election officials who claim the 2020 election was stolen, which should predict the outcome in the next one, no matter what the actual vote.

A Texas school district has ordered “The Diary of Anne Frank” removed.

Former Trump White House aide Garret Ziegler complained about the “anti-white” Jan. 6 Commission. Later, he posted the personal information of FBI agents who carried out the Mar-a-Lago warrant on social media. Along with their children’s.

Nineteen out of 35 GOP Senate candidates don’t acknowledge the results of the 2020 election.

Joe Kent, a GOP congressional candidate in Washington, has said that “Hitler was a complicated historical figure” who “many people don’t understand.”InIndiana, an amendment was introduced to eliminate rape and in-

cest exceptions in their anti-abortion bill. The GOP candidate for governor of Michigan supports the same policy.

The Republican nominee for Maryland attorney general hosted a 9/11 conspiracy radio show. He expressed the idea there were demolition charges installed in most buildings in New York City.

In Georgia, Herschel Walker is running for Senate. He’s put a gun to his wife’s head. Twice.

West Virginia Republicans are pushing to end child support, reasoning this will reduce the number of abortions.ALouisiana woman who was carrying a skull-less fetus that would die within a short time from birth traveled to New York to terminate her pregnancy after her local hospital denied her an abortion.

A consultant to GOP Gubernatorial candidate Doug Mastriano, said “my policy is not to conduct interviews with reporters who aren’t Christian,” and Jews and non-Christians are not part of the conservative movement.

I could fill the entirety of this newspaper front to back with stories like these. They emanate from one Party, and one Party only.

It’s summertime in New York in 2022. People are out, dining outdoors, riding bicycles, day tripping to the beaches. Business is good. All is well.Or is it?

It’s bad enough the New York Republican Party has such monstrous people like Elise Stefanik, who is so repugnant, it is impossible to even process the holding of public office by someone this despicable. Then there is Mr. Paladino. We have admitted pro-seditionist, Steve Bannon acolyte and Proud Boy partner Lee Zeldin running. It seems he’s committed voter fraud even before his primary ended.Locally, George Santos is running for the 3rd CD, a cartoonishly inept, crude, and ignorant troll whose entire campaign is based, not on policy matters, but stoking resentment. His social media timeline is followed and

endorsed by conspiracy theorists, White nationalists and militia members.At this point in their Party’s history, pulling a lever for any GOP candidate is a recipe for the undoing of this country’s social compact and way of life. That includes Jack Martins, who is a serious man by any definition, but his total silence while all this is going on makes him 100% complicit.

Remember how Marc Rubio, Ted Cruz and Lindsay Graham all fell in line after Trump won? That’s how things work in politics. Elect ONE of them, and you’ve pulled the trigger on our What’sDemocracy.itgoing to take? Haven’t you seen enough?

The ordinary volk in those 1938 videos had no idea that in just one year, their world would be obliterated. You wish you could tell them. But I doubt they would listen.

Are YOU listening?

Donald Davret Roslyn

Halt mega concerts in G.N. Park District

Dear Commissioners Stellato, Tamari, Cilluffo and Superintendent Marra: I would like to extend my appreciation to the Kings Point Police Department and their new police commissioner for their outstanding work to control the chaotic traffic that invaded their peaceful village before and after the Great Neck Park District’s July 23 and Aug. 28 concerts. Not since many years ago when Steppingstone Park hosted “Persian Night” have our concerts been promoted outside the Park District and non-residents encouraged to attend. Due to the huge number of attendees, “Persian Night” was subsequently moved to North Hempstead Beach, which is more easily accessible and has adequate parking and facilities.

After the July 23 and Aug. 28 Park District concerts, it was sad to witness a sea of litter —

food, bottles and cans — left behind when the crowd dispersed. A big thank you goes to our Park District employees who cleaned up the mess after an already long day. My question is as follows:Why weren’t general attendees allowed to bring wine or a cool can of beer with their picnic on those same evenings while a mysterious woman named Chantel, whom our Park District superintendent recognized and thanked for doing a bang-up job with the VIP tent, served up unlimited liquor and food for a fee of $75.00 — $100.00?Why were drinks allowed outside the VIP tent and distributed to potential “friends” who might not be of legal drinking age?

It is a fact that Chantel is not a Great Neck Park District employee, so how is she being re-

imbursed for her role in the evening’s activities?

Let’s talk money. How does the VIP tent justify the cost of food, drinks and catering staff? Should these activities be considered appropriate for next year’s calendar of events? I have taken the liberty of FOILing the actual expenses associated with the July 23 and Aug. 28 concerts (under the Freedom of Information Act), but the answer could take up to 25 days. Rumors have the costs set at upwards of $100,000 for each concert.

With respect to security, how does one feel safe at such crowded events? In the event of an emergency, it would be almost impossible to exit Steppingstone and the surrounding area. Judging by the last concert, when streets were blocked off, Steamboat Road, being the primary exit, was nearly impossible to traverse with cars parked along both sides

Additionally, Steamboat Road has many temples which hold functions on weekends — further impeding traffic. Let’s not forget we have an active firehouse requiring easy access at all times.

Steppingstone is a beautiful, serene oasis for our community. Residents have long appreciated and benefitted from our summer weekend concerts, which draw a sizable and manageable audience, but these new mega-events cannot be justified for their costs. There is security to be considered and environmental impact, as well as extensive cleanup. Clean-up costs money, too. Even more importantly, why this apparent “cover-up” with respect to the actual costs associated with these concerts? What is the Great Neck Park District hiding?

Jean Pierce Great Neck

Preparing for rising seas on Long Island

The Nature Conservancy and the Department of Energy Conservation are offering support and funding for land acquisition to recover and protect wetlands. We should prioritize expanding upon the little bit that’s left of undeveloped coastal ecosystems here in Nassau County, and with that preserve the little bit of integrity we have left to meet an uncertain future with climate resiliency and care for each other and the natural world as our compass. We must stop the ongoing mega trends of pollution and overdevelopment. All new development should be moved away from the waterfront, it’s that simple. Climate resiliency demands land acquisition for bioremediation and

Ex-NYC police commish endorses Zimmerman

“In Congress, Robert will work tirelessly to stop the flow of illegal guns and prevent gun violence, fi ght hate crimes in our communities and support law enforcement and work to improve community-police relations. Please join me in supporting Robert Zimmerman for Congress in NY-03.”

Zimmerman said he was honored by the endorsement and that Bratton’s legacy “is defined by heroic public safety accomplishments, diversity in the police force, and strengthening community-police relations.”Ifelected, Zimmerman would become the first openly gay member of Congress from Long Island and Queens as would his Republican challenger, George Santos.

Zimmerman, 67, is co-president of ZE Creative Communications on Bond Street in Great Neck, a public relations firm he started 33 years ago with Ron Edelson and a Democratic national committeeman.

Zimmerman received 9,482, or 36%, of the votes in the 3rd Congressional District primary in August. Former North Hempstead Supervisor Jon Kaiman finished second with 6,884 votes for 26%. Nas-

sau County Legislator Joshua Lafazan (DWoodbury) was in third place with 5,296 votes, Port Washington’s Melanie D’Arrigo received 4,197 votes and Oyster Bay’s Reema Rasool received 661 votes.

Zimmerman previously worked as a congressional aide on Capitol Hill for Congressmen Lester Wolff, James Scheuer and Gary Ackerman. His advocacy also led to his being nominated by President Bill Clinton to serve on the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts Presidential Commission on the Arts and by President Barack Obama to serve on the National Council on the Humanities.

The businessman referred to numerous pieces of legislation in state governments aimed at compromising voting, abortion and the LGBTQ+ community’s rights, among other things, as threats to the country’sNotablefabric. endorsements for Zimmerman include Gov. Kathy Hochul, U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, U.S. Rep. Grace Meng, former Nassau County Executive Laura Curran, state Assemblyman Charles Lavine and state Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli.

buy-out programs in high-risk flood areas. Restored salt marshes offer nature-based solutions to buffer future flooding and sequester carbon, while detoxifying pollutants and recharging the aquifers.Wemust expand on the living shorelines with comprehensive coastal ecosystem-restoration projects. We can keep pace with rising sea

levels by assisting our coastal habitats to migrate upslope. We’re at a pivotal point in history. Let’s stop fighting nature and instead adapt to meet our uncertain future in natural ways.

Learn more about Long Island’s recovering shoreline and nature-based solutions to coastline regeneration at Jones Beach Energy & Nature Center https://www.jonesbeachenc.org/.

Sport Psychology 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)

Business RealEstate

Guiding home buyers to their sweet spot

It’s obvious that our real estate market has changed with the increase in our mortgage rates. It has become either unaffordable for many or psychologically difficult because fear has set in to keep you on the sidelines. However, you now have to decide what to do.

Is renting really a more prudent path to pursue? One must determine whether paying all that rent and waiting to purchase in a year or two, when hopefully rates might settle back down and prices soften, is truly better than being a homeowner today. Also, renting reduces your wealth monthly.

It’s a good idea to determine the reasons you have considered moving. Maybe the No. 1 reason is to have your children get into and attend a better school system. Or is it the local income taxes or the lack of deductions as a renter? Possibly needing more space? Although rates are higher, you can always refinance, figuring they will trend lower over the next few years.

Those with higher incomes may need the deductions. If in a rental is allowing you to put excess money in the stock market, is that your most advantageous choice at the mo-

ment? Possibly not with the way the market is reacting. It isn’t an easy decision to make.

As history has shown us, however, buying a home has been the safest way to force savings with appreciation and to build long-term wealth, while obtaining deductions that paying rent will never provide. Your mortgage will be fixed for 30 years even as rents increased dramatically, but as expenses increase over the years so will rents.

There may be a time when your landlord will not renew your lease to make room for a relative or friend to move into your place. No stability or security exists in a rental as you have no control. But for those downsizing who are seniors and no longer want to own or are considering moving out of the area, then renting would be your best option. Lastly, at some point a landlord decides to cash in and sell, and then you will have to move.

If you are a buyer and are still considering purchasing, has your mortgage person and broker identified what your “needs and wants” are? They must go over your budget and totally understand your costs per month, e.g. principle, interest,

taxes, insurance, monthly maintenance, and a “rainy day” emergency fund. Also, factor in what your daily normal living expenses will be so you will see the bigger picture.

If you have young children, you probably might be staying longer until they are out of school, so over time the market will hopefully normalize. One should check out variable rates that will lower your monthly costs and later on you can refinance to a fixed rate when rates

hopefully will be lower. Your broker should be an excellent listener in figuring out the best situation for you and your family. He or she should be able to guide you through the complicated process.

When issues occur the broker should have the knowledge and expertise to answer questions and be able to minimize the problems that occur when they appear. Having you on an automated system to consistently send you listings on a regular basis is far more efficient and quicker than scouring the internet, especially if you aren’t doing this every minute of your day. You just might miss the one home that you would consider buying.

Going into the fall and winter, prices should decelerate and better situations should exist. Homes that haven’t sold within three months might provide you with a path to ownership. With local inventory still tight and demand still apparent, finding that perfect home maybe challenging. Trade-offs are a topic that should be discussed and determined as part of defining your real needs in purchasing.

If you have a budget, then look for homes that provide you the best

schools and locations that you can find. Maybe you should consider buying a smaller home and have one less bedroom and one less bathroom and expand your search to more towns. This may not be your last move in the future, but becoming a homeowner and gaining the confidence and security of ownership is a phenomenal feeling. The sweet spot is a balance of a number of variables and with the proper assistance you can determine your next move.

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

The “Internet of Things” and Smart Clothing

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

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

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

Managed

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

VoIP Phones

Better service. More flexibility.

Cyber Security malicious activities of thieves.

Cyber Compliance

HIPAA, NIST, GDPR, more. Be secure and meet requirements for your field.

PHILIP A. RAICES Estate

DISCOVER THE FINEST IN SENIOR LIVING

Te Bristal Assisted Living has been serving seniors and their families in the tri-state area since 2000, ofering independent and assisted living, as well as state-of-the-art memory care programs. We are committed to helping residents remain independent, while providing peace of mind that expert care is available, if needed. Designed with seniors in mind, each of our communities feature exquisitely appointed apartments and beautiful common areas that are perfect for entertaining. On-site services and amenities include daily housekeeping, gourmet meals, a cinema, salon, plus so much more. Discover a vibrant community, countless social events with new friends, and a luxurious lifestyle that you will only find at The Bristal.

SCHEDULE YOUR VISIT TODAY!

For a list of all locations in the tri-state area, visit: THEBRISTAL.COM

Licensed by the State Department of Health. Eligible for Most Long Term Care Policies. Equal Housing Opportunity.

Alonso foundation donates to local groups

Continued from Page 1

recently donating to a pair of North ShorebasedTheorganizations.foundation recently made a $20,020.20 donation to Tuesday’s Children, a nonprofit organization based in Manhasset aiding families who lost relatives in the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, military service or other acts of mass violence. The donation was made in late August during the foundation’s annual comedy

Alonso,night.in a statement, lauded the work of the organization that expanded its aid to families who have lost service members in any capacity, not just from the Sept. 11 attacks.

“Tuesday’s Children has provided critical and ongoing support to the kids that lost loved ones on 9/11 throughout their lives,” Alonso said. “They have also improved the lives of families that have suffered losses due to mili-

tary service as well as the more recent impact of mass shooting traumas here at home. They are a perfect example of an organization that is doing so much on behalf of the groups we feel so connected to and whom we aim to support through the Alonso Foundation.”

A $10,000 donation was also recently made to North Shore Animal League America, a Port Washington-based no-kill animal rescue and adoption agency that partners with 2,000 shelters throughout the nation and the world. The donation to the animal league meant a great deal to Alonso and Haley on a personal level, she said in a statement, because they have a dog of their own.

“The North Shore Animal League rescues thousands of pets a year,” she said. “We own adopted pets and know firsthand how impactful and beneficial these animals can be in the lives of families. Our foundation is here to

stand up for those who can’t, and the support we can provide to abandoned and sheltered animals goes a long way to improving our community.”Thefoundation centers around three main pillars of giving, which include aiding veterans, children, and animal support. Foundation officials said while expanding their donation efforts to other organizations not directly associated with the three pillars could be a possibility, Alonso and Haley always want to keep those three groups the main priority for providing any kind of aid.

Having other individuals lead efforts to support local and global organizations and projects centered around any of the three groups, they said, is also a goal of the foundation so that more and more people feel inclined to do more throughout their communities.

Talks held to enhance Stepping Stones

Continued from Page 5

and irresponsible use of taxpayer money, akin to writing a blank check for a project with no end in sight,” DeSena said.

Former state Assemblyman Anthony D’Urso helped secure $200,000 from state funding for the town, which also received $165,000 from the National Maritime Heritage Grant, according to officials.

Former state Sen. Jack Matins aided in se-

curing $100,000 for the Great Neck Park District and the Great Neck Historical Society has raised more than $120,000 for restorations.

“Forces of nature could care less about finances, politics and everything else,” Great Neck Historical Society Committee Chairman Robert Lincoln told Newsday. “Every storm that comes through eats away at the lighthouse.”

Blank Slate Media columnist Karen Rubin spoke on the benefits of preserving the lighthouse, which would extend beyond saving the

physical landmark itself.

“Historic preservation brings enormous benefits to a community – especially one as fractured as the Great Neck Peninsula and the Town of North Hempstead,” Rubin wrote in an August column. “Such iconic landmarks are unifying, remind people of a common heritage, are a source of pride, and yes, have economic benefits, as well.”

PHOTO COURTESY OF SETH LEEDS

The Alonso Foundation donated more than $20,000 to Tuesday’s Children last month.

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

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Nassau police fail to help Spanish callers: report

Of the 94 calls, their findings show that 44 times (or 46.8%) the testers were unsuccessful in getting help. These callers were disconnected, hung up on or not connected to a Spanish speaker.

The other 53% of callers were connected to a multilingual officer or the Language Access Line, a service that links law enforcement personnel with live interpreters.“Despitenumerous rounds of testing over the years to track Nassau County Police Department’sprogress, our conclusions reveal similarly disturbing patterns that show providing language access to the public is haphazard at best and ignored at worst,” the report said. “Despite past ef-

forts to encourage the NCPD to take action, a lackluster response consisting of broken promises and radio silence reveals a culture of willful negligence that permeates within the department.”

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Latinos make up 17.6% of Nassau County’s population. From 2016 to 2020, 28.8% of people age 5 or older reported speaking a language other than English at home.In January 2013, the Nassau County Police Department and the New York state attorney general agreed to improve language help for Nassau’s nonEnglish speaking population.

Later that year, then-County Executive Edward Mangano signed two executive orders requiring lan-

guage access at all county agencies. The Language Access Line was subsequently made available to all department patrol cars.

As part of the mandated police reforms, Nassau’s Language Access Plan was published in 2020. It elaborated on using department interpreters, distributing language identification cards by patrol officers and translating written materials.

The report urged the Police Department to include more diverse hiring, competent training and enhanced accountability to achieve language justice. The report said that failure to do so disobeys legal obligations and puts individuals at risk.

Also, the two advocacy coalitions requested that the U.S. Department of Justice look into Nassau’s

policing patterns and practices, which they claim are illegal under federal law. They also encouraged the state attorney general to take more measures to ensure the police comply.

“We recognize that language access is just one piece of a much larger problem within the Nassau County Police Department, which results in the disproportionate targeting of community members of color,” the report said. “The NCPD is choosing to reinforce biased policing practices. The NCPD will never establish trust with marginalized communities until they fundamentally change the culture within the department, provide effective leadership, address internal bias, improve community relations, and ensure accountability and transparency.”

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the Reproductive Health Act from becoming law, and since I’ve been in office, I’ve proudly fought to secure our rights here in New York no matter what,” Kaplan said in a statement.

“At a time when these extremists are doing everything in their power to steal our freedoms and control our bodies, I’m proud to partner with orga-

nizations like the National Institute for Reproductive Health to fight back and protect our rights, and I’m so grateful for their support in my re-election campaign.”Kaplan is running against former state Sen. Jack Martins, a Republican who ran unopposed in his party’s primary, in November. Kaplan was elected to serve the Town of North

Hempstead’s 4th District as a councilwoman in 2011. In 2016, she sought election to the House of Representatives but lost to current Rep. Tom Suozzi (D-Glen Cove) in the Democratic primary. Kaplan defeated former Flower Hill Mayor Elaine Phillips in 2018 to represent the 7th Senate District.

Kaplan has served in the Senate since 2019. Kaplan won re-election in 2020 against former Port

Washington Police Commissioner Dave Franklin.

During her second term as senator, Kaplan said she has focused on issues including middle-class tax relief, women’s rights and reducing gun violence and hate crimes in local communities.

Martins, an Old Westbury resident and former Mineola mayor, represented the 7th District from 2011 to 2016.

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Lafazan failed to report $100K loan

Continued from Page 1

Since the loan was made in September. 2020 — before Lafazan started his congressional campaign — it would not violate election law limiting individual donations, the Post reported, unless it allowed him to pay for campaign expenses with money that was not his Democraticown. National Committeeman Robert Zimmerman, who won the primary, asked for a probe by the Federal Election Commission.

“The FEC should investigate whether the initial loan was itself intended to influence and be funneled to the campaign or whether it was simply intended to free up other funds for the campaign,” said Zimmerman’s campaign manager Evan Chernack,” the PostItreported.reported the billionaire couple also donated more than $20,000 to the legislator’s congressional campaign; $5,800 was returned because it exceeded campaign contribution limits.

But federal election laws are not the only Nassauissue.County law requires disclosure of all debts more than $5,000.

The County Administrative Code says the Nassau Board of Ethics may impose as much as a $10,000 fine for incomplete reporting on financial disclosure forms, which also can be punishable as a Class A misdemeanor.

In Suffolk County, two officials have been prosecuted in the past 10

years for filing incomplete financial disclosure forms: former IT Commissioner Donald C. Rogers and Republican County Legislator Rudolph Sunderman of Mastic.

In Nassau, no officials have been prosecuted for incomplete disclosure.

Instead, the Nassau Board of Ethics in the past has simply directed officials to amend the disclosures to include the unreported information — after inquiries had been made about the omissions.This was the case, for example, with former County Legislator Roger Corbin (D-Westbury) who failed to disclose past foreclosures and other debts in 2006.Corbin subsequently pleaded guilty to federal charges of filing false tax returns, tax evasion and filing false statements and also served time for taking bribes from the developer of a New Cassel redevelopment project.

Meanwhile, the county taxpayerpaid mailing that Lafazan sent constituents touting his legislative record three weeks before the congressional primary cost just under $16,000 in labor and postage, according to legislative Democrats in response to a Freedom of Information request.

The piece headlined “Legislator Josh Lafazan: Cutting taxes and fees for Nassau families,” went to nearly 30,000 households, mostly in the congressional district.

Camp Jacobson told to halt operations

building permit application in March 2014. They sought to expand the facilities on their property and to widen the existing driveway. After it was denied, they were instructed to apply for a conditional use zoning permit, which they did in May 2014.

The ZBA turned the JCC’s application down in January 2017 without issuing a decision. The JCC filed an instant appeal proceeding in February 2017. (A state or municipal agency’s judgment may be appealed to the state courts through an Article 78 proceeding.)

The ZBA released its verdict in May 2017 and said that the proposed use would be detrimental to the area. They added the applicable zoning rules did not permit it as a conditional use.

To respond to the ZBA’s written decision, the JCC submitted an amended CPLR Article 78 petition in August 2017. The State Supreme Court rejected the changed petition and effectively dismissed the proceeding by decision dated Dec. 11, 2017. The JCC then filed an appeal.

The ZBA found the JCC’s programming did not meet the criteria for deferential zoning treatment.

“Although the JCC is a religious organization,” the court filings said, “the evidence presented to the ZBA supports its determination that the activities and programs offered at the Day School and Camp are standard recreational activities that are offered at any summer camp.”

In addition, the filings say the evidence supports the ZBA’s conclusion that the JCC’s camp program is primarily recreational rather than educational.

“Specifically, the evidence in the record established that the camp is operated under a children’s camp permit

issued by the Nassau County Department of Health and the activities offered are predominately athletic and recreational in nature, e.g., sports, swimming, horseback riding and diving,” the court filings said. “Further, no evidence was presented to demonstrate that the staff employed by the camp are qualified to instruct in subjects which are part of a regular school curriculum.”Itsaidtestimony from neighboring property owners supports the ZBA’s findings that the JCC’s intended usage would be detrimental to the area and its residents.

PHOTO COURTESY OF JOSHUA LAFAZAN VIA FACEBOOK

Nassau County Legislator Joshua Lafazan

Town of North Hempstead Super visor Jennifer DeSena and the Town Board, in partnership with Nassau County and the Nassau County Police Department, will host the fnal “Shed the Meds” pharmaceutical drop-of events for 2022.

“Making sure our medications are kept secured and properly disposed of is so crucial to not only help protect our environment but also keep medications out of the hands of those who would use them improperly. This is especially true now, as we are seeing high levels of prescription drug abuse. This is an ongoing battle so many are afected by,” DeSena said. “Events like this ‘Shed the Meds’ program are so important, as they provide ample opportunity for safe dis posal of unwanted medications. Thank you, again, to Nassau County Executive

Bruce Blakeman and the Nassau County Police Department, especially Commis sioner Pat Ryder, for helping us accom plishThisthis.”last event for 2022 will be held from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 8 at the Michael J. Tully Park Parking Lot, 1801 Evergreen Ave., New Hyde ParkAccepted items will include pre

scriptions, prescription patches, pre scription medications, prescription oint ments, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, sample medications and medi cations for pets. Needles, sharps, aerosol cans, thermometers, ointments (liquid or lotion), hydrogen peroxide, inhalers, biohazardous waste, and medication from businesses will not be accepted.

For more information on this event, please call 311 or (516) 869-6311.

Check shorelinerestoreto

North Hempstead Town Su pervisor Jennifer DeSena, Council Members Peter Zuckerman, Veronica Lurvey, and Mariann Dalimonte and Town Clerk Ragini Srivastava were proud to welcome State Assembly woman Gina Sillitti to North Hemp stead Beach Park in Port Washington on Sept. 12 as she presented the Town with a check for $250,000.

The grant will secure 240 feet of shoreline from erosion. This is part of the visioning plan for North Hemp stead Beach Park.

Town Department of Parks and Recreation Commissioner Kelly Gil len, Council Member Veronica Lurvey, Town Clerk Ragini Srivastava, Council Member Mariann Dalimonte, state Assemblywoman Gina Sil litti, Supervisor Jennifer DeSena, Council Member Peter Zuckerman and Marissa Brown representing Council Member David Adhami with a grant for $250,000 for shoreline restoration.

‘Shed the Meds’ drop-off event Lecture on special ed law

The Vincent Smith School at 322 Port Washington Blvd in Port Washington will host a free seminar, “Special Educa tion Law Explained,” on Saturday, Oct. 15, at 9:30 am.

The 90-minute, in-person event is open to the public, but registration is required to ensure adequate seating. RSVP: admin@vincentsmithschool.orgRenownedSpecialEducation

PHOTO COURTESY OF TOWN OF NORTH HEMPSTEAD

The Town of North Hempstead will conduct the final “Shed the Meds” pharmaceutical drop-off events for 2022, in collaboration with Nassau County and the Nassau County Police Department.

SUNY O. Westbury

cited for social mobility

For the fourth consecutive year, SUNY Old Westbury ranks among the leading institutions for social mobility in the annual U.S. News & World Report Best Colleges rankings.

SUNY Old Westbury ranked 13th in the publication’s “2022 America’s Best Colleges” this year among more than 180 universities in the Northeast.

In addition to being identifed for fu eling the social mobility of its graduates, SUNY Old Westbury was ranked the 45th Top Public Colleges among Regional Uni versities in the North and 124th overall among Top Regional Universities in the North.

“Higher education has always been key to transforming the lives of margin alized Americans,” said College Presi dent Timothy E. Sams. “Our institution provides those transformative education experiences for students from all walks of life while encouraging them to take own ership of their future.”

The U.S. News social mobility recog nition is the second earned by the College in 2022 for the economic mobility of its graduates.

Earlier this year, SUNY Old Westbury earned a ranking of 35 nationally in the Third Way Economic Mobility Index, a review by the national think tank Third Way that assesses the degree of economic mobility provided by institutions of high er education.

Introduced in 2019 as part of the U.S. News Best Colleges rankings, the social mobility category considers the de gree to which an institution elevates its low-income graduates to a higher stan dard of living.

As rankings leaders such as U.S. News have adjusted their formulas in the past few years, they increasingly consider social mobility among the leading mea sures of higher education success.

attorney Christina Thiv ierge will explain the basics of federal and state special edu cation law, how parents can advocate for their children or utilize professional expertise, and what resources are avail able for the diferent kinds of services that are provided under the NYS special ed umbrella, with a special focus on learningChristinadisabilities.Thivierge is one of the area’s leading special education attorneys, focusing exclusively on the representa tion of children and adolescents with disabilities.

Whether assisting with an IEP conference, negotiating with a child’s school district, or representing at mediation, resolution meeting, or impartial due process hearing, she ap proaches each case with the understanding that each child is unique, and not every child’s case will require the same plan.

Christina has presented on IDEA/IDEIA and other spe cial education law topics for a number of organizations in the Tri-State area. In addition to litigating due process matters in New York, New Jersey, Indiana and Alaska, Christina has extensive Federal court experience and has argued and presented dispositive motions and matters of frst impression.

St. Thomas draws freshmen

St. Thomas Aquinas College is proud to welcome the Class of 2026 – its larg est freshman class since 2013. For the second consecutive year, the College has increased its incoming Fall class by 10%.

At a time when many higher education institutions are experiencing declining enrollment, St. Thomas Aquinas College is growing and investing in its new pro grams for its students.

“We are thrilled to welcome these students to our campus as they begin their ‘Spartan Journey’. They are a highly accomplished and resilient class who will make an impact on the STAC commu nity,” said St. Thomas Aquinas College President Ken Daly. “Throughout our new students’ educational experience with us, we will challenge and inspire them to reach their full potential.”

The growth is attributable to the positive momentum and forwardthinking programs that the college has implemented through their Strategic Vi sion — “A Commitment to Learning for a Lifetime.”

This includes the commitment to providing access to an afordable educa tion, transformative academic and expe riential learning programs, and acceler ated 5-year “STAC Tracks,” which lead to both an undergraduate and graduate degree. The College recently announced a new MBA, Healthcare and Informatics program, as well as the launch of new NCAA Women’s and Men’s volleyball programs.Thecollege’s newest incoming class hails from nearly 20 states and 15 coun tries.The diverse student body includes students entering the College’s competi tive academic, athletic, and leadership

programs, including its largest Honors class ever. Popular majors for the incom ing class include education, business, psychology, as well as biology and exer cise science in the College’s new School of

STEM.Students will experience a robust new 5-day “Spartan Journey” orienta tion program where they will form con nections with new and current students, meet with Daly, faculty and staf, and learn more about their academic sched ule while getting to know their new “home” through a wide-variety of stu dent exploration excursions.

“We look forward to our newest stu dents experiencing what makes STAC such a truly unique institution,” stated Kevin Nesbitt, St. Thomas Aquinas Col lege’s new vice president of student de velopment. “Through innovative and engaging programming throughout their Orientation experience, our students will gain a greater understanding of their own personal journey as they ponder — why me, why now, and why here.”

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE TOWN OF NORTH HEMPSTEAD

Lifetime thrill at the U.S. Open

BY MICHAEL J. LEWIS

Twelve-year-old Brij Vashist had one thought while waiting to go out on television Sept. 11 before 24,000 fans at Arthur Ashe Stadium and millions more watching on TV:

“Don’t walk too fast, because you look really good today and Dad brushed your hair and everything.”

Well, OK, he had a few more thoughts as well, but that was the one he said was his final one before striding out as part of the U.S. Open men’s singles final trophy ceremony.

Vashist, one of the top 12-andunder players on the East Coast (he’s currently ranked No. 15 in USTA Eastern), was one of two youth players honored by the USTA to walk out the championship and runners-up trophies last Sunday after the men’s final, in which Carlos Alcaraz (only seven years older than Brij) defeated CasperVashist,Ruud.who lives in Hicksville and is in 7th grade, was introduced to millions as being from the Port Washington Tennis Academy, where he played for much of last winter. (Vasisht plays at several clubs around Nassau County throughout the year.)

“It was so exciting but soooo nerve-wracking,” Vashist said in a phone interview a few days after his national TV debut. “Like I knew everyone I knew would be watching, and there were so many famous tennis players (on the stage) right around me. I didn’t want to trip or break the trophy or something, you know?”

Neil Thakur, the school tennis manager and community tennis coor-

bad, but then I was like ‘I didn’t do anything wrong at school.’ “And then he showed me the email that I had gotten chosen and we were so excited.”Nav Vashist said he and wife Sonia were overjoyed that Brij was picked.“The application said they were looking for kids who are obsessed with tennis, and no one is more obsessed with tennis than my son,” Nav Vashist said with a chuckle. “And then the day he did it, with getting great seats and going down toward the end of the match, and seeing him in front of all those people, it was surreal. Like an out of bodyBrij,experience.”whosaid he’s a huge Novak Djokovic fan, said he watched videos and studied past trophy ceremonies so he would know what to do. Once he got out to the Ashe Stadium court, he said he stood near John McEnroe and “was hoping I wouldn’t mess anything up.”

dinator for USTA Long Island/Metro, explained that Brij was one of many kids who applied to be chosen as coin tossers, trophy holders and other ceremonial duties at the U.S. Open.

“We basically look at the kids who’ve been doing well in the various regions, most of them have to be close in proximity to the Open,” Thakur said. “And Brij has been doing well in the junior tournaments. We thought this was a good way to honor him.” Vashist said after filling out the application he didn’t think he had a chance to win, although he allowed himself to dream about it.

One day, he said he woke up from a nap to get a drink of water and found his father, Nav Vashist, looking at him sternly.“My parents said they got a letter for me, and my Dad told me to come sit down,” Brij recalled. “I thought maybe I got a letter from school saying I did something

After the trophies were awarded, Brij said he got to meet and fistbump the new champion, Alcaraz, and take some photos. At Hicksville Middle School the next day, he said his teachers kept coming up to him and congratulating him, but most of his friends had no idea about his big moment.“They’re not into tennis, and I’m not into bragging,” he said. Brij’s goal, not surprisingly, is to one day have some other kid handhim the U.S. Open trophy, and play pro tennis at as high a level as possible.“I want to go vs. Alcaraz one day!” he said. “Or if I can’t play pro, play in college. But definitely keep playing as long as I can. Because tennis is the best sport.”

PHOTO BY PETE STAPLES/USTA

2022 champion, Carlos Alcaraz and Nassau Co. 12-year-old Brij Vashist (right) pose with the trophy after Alcatraz wins a men’s singles championship match at the 2022 US Open, Sunday, Sep. 11 in Flushing.