MANHASSET TIMES 2024_07_19

KIDS GUIDE

PAGES 19-22

NASSAU HOSPITALS RANKED AMONG BEST

Manhasset ed board picks Panzik as prez

Will serve another year in position, Ted Post appointed as new VP

BY CAMERYN OAKES

Manhasset Board of Education reelected Steven Panzik as its president at its reorganizational meeting Thursday night, and selected Ted Post as vice president.

Panzik was elected to the board in 2022. This will be his second year serving as the board’s president.

The board also swore in newly elected Trustee Maria Pescatore.

Marianna Bruno, who was elected alongside Pescatore, was not present at the swearing in.

Pescatore and Bruno narrowly defeated Eileen Bauer in the board’s election in May.

The three newcomers ran for the two open seats left by board members not seeking re-election.

Pescatore received 912 votes, Bruno received 864 votes and Bauer received 843 votes.

The board also voted for a letter to be sent to the state Education Department in opposition of a proposal to permit transgender girls to try out and compete on a sports team.

“It’s possible that girls lose positions, lose opportunities, to participate on certain teams because those opportunities are cannibalized by boys who try out,” Superintendent Gaurav Passi said.

Panzik said the letter argues the education department’s proposal would be a violation of the federal government’s Title IX protections for female athletes and overrides the school district’s current control in exercising discretion in these situations.

He said currently it is within the district’s athletic director’s discretion to grant if an athlete can play on a team of the opposite gender. He said it is currently addressed on a case-by-case basis.

Nassau County Republican legislators recently backed a plan backed by County Executive Bruce Blakeman to bar transgender girls and women from playing for teams at country facilities.

The board previously discussed this issue before drafting a letter. The main concern at that time was limiting the ability of girls to make a team, such as softball, where there is no boy’s team.

Passi said the proposal changes the determination of an athlete to be on a team in this scenario based solely on their tryout performance and athleticism. The district would not be able to restrict their admittance on a team for any other reason.

In other news, Passi presented to the board the district’s elementary enrollment projections for 2024-2025 and updates on construction.

Continued on Page 36

NASSAU OFFICIALS REACT TO TRUMP SHOOTING

PHOTO BY MICHAEL MALASZCZYK

Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman signs a bill banning transgender athletes from women’s competition into law. Within hours, he was sued by New York States Attorney General Letitia James for this.

James sues county over transgender athlete law

BY MICHAEL MALASZCZYK

State Attorney General Letitia

James and the New York Civil Liberties Union sued Nassau County and County Executive Bruce Blakeman Monday in a move to overturn a county law that bans transgender girls and women from participating in women’s sporting events at county-run parks and facilities.

James filed her lawsuit imme-

diately after Blakeman signed the legislation into law at a ceremony attended by county legislators.

The law, approved by the county Legislature in a 12-5 vote along party lines, would apply equally to private and public school teams, recreational leagues of all ages, charity events, and even competitive professional and amateur adult teams with their own rules on participation.

The law closely mirrored an executive order issued by Blakeman in

February.

A Republican State Supreme Court justice ruled Blakeman had exceeded his authority by issuing the order because there was no “corresponding legislative enactment.”

Neither Blakeman nor members of the Legislature have provided a single case in which the law would apply.

James said the law he had just signed into law conflicts with state laws protecting New Yorkers from

Continued on Page 37

County GOP advances ban against masks

Includes exceptions for health, Dems question enforcement

BY CAMERYN OAKES

Nassau County legislators advanced a proposed law to ban maskwearing in public Monday, potentially making the act a misdemeanor with upwards of a $1,000 fine for those seeking to conceal their identity.

The measure faced the Nassau County Public Safety and Rules committees where Republican legislators greenlighted it and Democrats on the committees abstained due to enforcement concerns.

The county’s “Mask Transparency Act” would prohibit the wearing of masks in public spaces for individuals intending to conceal their identity. The law would not be enforced for individuals wearing masks for health or religious reasons.

County Legislator Mazi Melesa Pilip (R–Great Neck) offered background to the county’s law, explaining how before the COVID-19 pandemic face masks were prohibited in New

York State. This law was repealed in the state due to the pandemic.

“The goal of that time was to help to protect the help and safety of New Yorkers and to eliminate any doubts that wearing protective masks to reduce the transmission of the COVID-19 virus was in accordance with the New York State law,” Pilip said. “It was the right move at the time of great uncertainty.”

New York State has proposed reinstating the mask ban without a timeline. Gov. Kathy Hochul said last month that state legislators would be discussing the reinstatement.

Pilip said this law needs to be revisited now that outbreaks have diminished and antisemitism is rising. She said this is within the county’s power and does not need to be held off until the state acts.

Pilip said antisemitism, specifically after Oct. 7, has spiked with individuals concealing their faces in their public displays of hate.

“A common trait that accompanied this horrific behavior is that the people, be they protesters or paid actors, hid behind masks emboldened by their anonymity,” Pilip said. “Masks help ensure that otherwise criminal behavior goes unpunished because they work. That’s why criminals are wearing them because masks make it difficult if not impossible in many cases for police and prosecutors to identify criminal actors and tie them to a criminal activity.”

The legislator cited the example of the mass arrest of 300 protesters at Columbia University in April after they occupied a campus building. In June Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg dropped the charges against 31 of the 46 individuals facing legal action due to a lack of evidence.

Legislator Siela Bynoe (D-Westbury) questioned how the law would be incorporated into police training to differentiate who is wearing a mask

Continued on Page 36

TO REACH US

N. Shore, NYU top hospitals in nation

St. Francis also ranked among best

BY HANNAH DEVLIN

North Shore University Hospital and NYU Langone-Long Island were ranked among the best in the nation according to the U.S. News Best Hospitals Honor Roll. And North Shore captured the No. 1 spot in New York State.

Catholic Health’s St. Francis Hospital & Heart Center also ranked as one of the top hospitals in the country.

The hospital is nationally ranked in eight adult specialties— upholding its 2023 record—including: heart and vascular, orthopedics, geriatrics, gastroenterology and GI surgery, neurology and neurosurgery, diabetes and endocrinology, pulmonology and lung surgery, and urology.

St. Francis Hospital & Heart Center was also rated among the top 10 hospitals in New York State as well as the New York Metropolitan Area.

The U.S. News & World Report releases its annual Best Hospitals ranking to inform residents about their best care options. The list offers rankings in different healthcare

services, such as cancer care, cardiology, and orthopedics. The national Honor Role recognizes hospitals with a wide range of excellence.

North Shore University Hospital in Manhasset ranked in the top 20 nationally in six specialties, including orthopedics (7th), pulmonology (11th), cardiac/heart surgery (12th), geriatric care (14th), neurology/neurosurgery (15th) and gastroenterology/GI surgery (16th).

In addition to North Shore’s ranking as tops in the state, two other Northwell Health hospitals (Long Island Jewish Medical Center and Lenox Hill Hospital) tied for fifth place in the state as well.

“Providing an amazing patient experience is the ultimate goal at all of our Northwell hospitals and the latest U.S. News Best Hospitals list shows just how dedicated we are at making it happen,” said Michael Dowling, Northwell’s president and CEO.

Dowling continued: “Our culture of caring and education begins with our staff and extends to the patients and their loved ones. This health care journey takes a village to Continued on Page 37

Cameryn Oakes 516-307-1045 x214 • coakes@theisland360.com

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

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

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

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE NORTH SHORE UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL

North Shore University Hospital was named one of the top hospitals in the nation by U.S. News, alongside NYU Langone-Long Island.

PHOTO BY NOAH MANSKAR

The Nassau County Legislative building.

Hochul, Suozzi unveil G.N. sewer district facilities

BY CAMERYN OAKES

Gov. Kathy Hochul, Rep. Tom Suozzi (D–Glen Cove), and state Assemblywoman Gina Sillitti (D–Port Washington) cut the ribbon Tuesday afternoon on the Great Neck Water Pollution Control District’s new state-funded projects, which the electeds called environmental and taxpayerconscious infrastructure.

“Nowhere ever should we take for granted the availability of clean water,” Hochul said. “It is a gift from god and it’s up to all of us to make sure we preserve it and make sure that our communities are sustained in a healthy, viable way.”

The Great Neck Water Pollution District is the region’s sewer district and wastewater treatment facility.

District Chairman Steve Reiter said the district’s mission for environmental sustainabili-

ty and cost-effectiveness is also engrained in its services to five Great Neck villages and part of Manhasset.

A $12 million state grant funded multiple projects at the facility, including its grease receiving station, anaerobic digestor and microturbine installations.

Reiter said these projects work synergistically.

The district’s grease receiving station is where more than 150 local restaurants can dispose of their grease—the only one of its kind in Nassau County. Dumping their grease at the wastewater treatment facility prevents it from going into the landfill.

The grease then enhances the anaerobic digestor, which produces methane gas and waste. The methane gas is then conditioned and used as fuel for the microturbine installations.

Continued on Page 39

Port to explore feasibility of additional 5th, 6th-grade school

BY CAMERYN OAKES

The Port Washington School District is considering converting Sousa Elementary School into an intermediate school for 5th and 6th graders to cater to the unique needs of this student population and bolster their educational success.

“The way things were in schools, the way kids were in schools 30 years ago is completely different now,” Superintendent Michael Hynes said. “And schools unfortunately don’t change with the times as fast as businesses or any other entity that you could think of.”

The district began the conversation Tuesday night at its Board of Education meeting where Hynes presented the preliminary idea.

The board agreed that Hynes should move forward by gathering data on an additional school, excluding Alvarez. Multiple members asked that it work to address the overall issues identified in this student population, not just seek out the feasibility of an additional school.

The district is planning to create a district-wide committee with stakeholders from the entire community to further investigate the possibility of an intermediate school.

The timeline for the district spans through June 2025 when a final recom-

John Philip Sousa Elementary School. The Port Washington School District has begun conversations on establishing an intermediate school for 5th and 6th graders at Sousa Elementary. The district plans to establish a committee to evaluate this possibility.

mendation is to be made, with committee updates throughout the year. Hynes said this timeline is not concrete and subject to change.

Hynes said it is also possible that the final recommendation can be not to establish the intermediate school, but that other alternatives could arise to aid this student population.

Hynes said it is becoming increasingly challenging to meet student needs and

called the plan a “new system with our children in mind.” He said students in 5th and 6th grade experience a particularly challenging circumstances.

Establishing an intermediate school would support these two grades emotionally, socially, cognitively and physically, Hynes said.

One aspect of the situation is that children are reaching puberty sooner, Hynes

Continued on Page 39

PHOTO COURTESY OF WIKIMEDIA COMMONS

Henry Viscardi School awarded $522K

BY CAMERYN OAKES

The Henry Viscardi School received $522,000 from New York State which will go toward its general operating fund and capital funding amid recent threats of cutbacks to its funding.

The funds will be split into $322,000 for its general operating fund and $200,000 for capital funding to renovate its location for a museum on disability history.

“Education should be accessible to all children and the Henry Viscardi School has spent the last six decades ensuring this is a reality for students across the state,” Assemblywoman said Gina Sillitti (D-District 16), who awarded the funds to the school.

The $522,000 was announced Thursday after New York State Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie (D-Bronx) and Sillitti toured the school.

“We were honored to host Speaker Heastie at our school – a true champion for equity and inclusion in education, especially for students with disabilities,” Chris Rosa, president and CEO of The Viscardi Center, said. “Moreover, we are heartened by his investment in critical services for [Henry Viscardi School] students and Viscardi’s efforts to preserve and amplify disability history and culture.”

The Henry Viscardi School in Albertson is a New York State 4201 school that provides tailored education for students with physical disabilities or medical challenges.

The school offers students a traditional learning environment with the added advantages of ramps, elevators, medical services and assistive technology with a fully accessible environment for all of its students.

The school has offered its education services

Sillitti and Speaker Carl

& Citron (DHC); Henry Viscardi School Executive Vice President and Chief Financial

DHC; Henry Viscardi School President and CEO Dr. Chris Rosa; Assemblymember Gini Sillitti and Henry Viscardi School Superintendent Angelo Zegarelli.

for more than 60 years, teaching students from pre-K through the 12th grade. The school teaches more than 150 students.

Sillitti’s office said in a press release that

Rory Lancman picked as NIFA vice chair

BY CAMERYN OAKES

Great Neck’s Rory Lancman was appointed as vice chair of the Nassau Interim Finance Authority, a role as watch dog for county finances that he says he is ready to take on.

“It’s a huge responsibility that I take very seriously,” Lancman said.

The Nassau Interim Finance Authority, otherwise known as NIFA, is a New York State public benefit corporation that oversees the county’s finances. It was implemented in 2000 in response to the county’s financial issues.

“Anything that I can do to make sure that doesn’t happen again is something that I take very seriously,” Lancman said.

For any financial decision using taxpayer money taken by the county, the Nassau Interim Finance Authority is tasked with approving it.

Lancman is a former state assemblyman for the 25th District in Eastern Queens, serving from 2007-2012, and former New York City Council member for Eastern Queens from 20142020. In 2020 he worked under former Gov. Andrew Cuomo as special counsel for ratepayer protection.

Lancman, a practicing attorney, also was the executive director for the Commission on the Future of the Long Island Power Authority. He now serves as the Great Neck Library board president.

COURTESY OF RORY LANCMAN

Great Neck’s Rory Lancman was appointed as vice chair of the Nassau Interim Finance Authority.

This will be Lancman’s introduction to working for the Nassau Interim Finance Authority. He attributed his appointment by the governor to

Continued on Page 37

the Assembly Majority has worked to secure $903,000 in the state budget for the school over the past eight years.

“We are grateful for Assemblymember Sil-

litti’s advocacy on behalf of the Henry Viscardi School, particularly on pay parity for [Henry Viscardi School’s] teachers and professionals, who

Continued

Giuseppe’s in, Stop & Shop out in Greenvale

BY ERICA SCHWARTZ

The Greenvale Stop & Shop location is set to close alongside three other locations on or before Nov. 2, according to a July 12 press release from Ahold Delhaize, Stop & Shop’s parent company.

The Long Island stores are four of the 32 Stop & Shop locations Ahold Delhaize plans to close due to “underperformance.”

Uncle Giuseppe’s Marketplace is taking the opportunity to open up a store of its own in Greenvale.

The high-end, full-service grocer specializing in Italian food, Uncle Giuseppe’s will open a supermarket in an approximately 52,000-square-foot space at 130 Wheatley Plaza in Greenvale in the first quarter of 2026,

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE OFFICE OF GINA SILLITTI

Assemblywoman

Heastie visit The Viscardi Center. (From left to right): Steve Malito from Davidoff Hutcher

Officer Sheryl Buchel; Nicole Weingartner from

PHOTO

7 words strengthen homeowner rights

Legislation change determines squatters not legal tenants, aids in removing illegal occupants

BY CAMERYN OAKES

Just seven words have been added to New York State’s laws defining tenants, making it easier to remove squatters from homes in an action that Assemblywoman Gina Sillitti (D–Port Washington) said will restore peace to many neighborhoods.

“The devil is in the details,” Sillitti said. “That small change will hopefully make a big difference.”

In the state’s 2025 budget that passed in April, a legislation change was made as well to no longer define squatters as legal tenants.

The property law change is just the inclusion of seven words: “A tenant shall not include a squatter.”

“This was a simple change in the law,” Sillitti said. “It makes it clear that a squatter is not entitled to the same rights as legal tenants.”

Sillitti co-sponsored the legislation, saying squatter issues are one that specifically affect her district.

Before the legislative change, Sillitti said homeowners struggled to remove squatters who had resided in their properties for more than 30 days. After 30 days, the law previously required homeowners to go through housing court to remove squatters. Sillitti said this was typically a long, drawn-out and expensive process.

In 2019, before Sillitti joined the state Assembly, tenant protections were strengthened in the state, but Sillitti said this did not designate legal tenants separate from squatters. This included the designation of a tenant after 30 days of occupying a home.

Nassau County sheriffs and police officers evicted a separate group of squatters staying at 39 Brussel Drive in early April.

The addition of the seven words now makes it illegal for undesignated individuals to occupy homes, giving police the ability to remove squatters as they have violated the law.

In instances where a home is abandoned or owned by a bank, Sillitti said it still can be more difficult to remove squatters as there is no homeowner to be a victim. But Sillitti said many cases happening locally do involve a homeowner.

New Hyde Park has specifically had problems with squatters in the past year, with two instances being resolved in the past four months.

Port ed board picks Smith for prez again

BY CAMERYN OAKES

The Port Washington Board of Education re-elected Adam Smith as its president Tuesday night, with Julie Epstein rejoining him as the board’s vice president for another year.

Newly elected Trustee Sandra Alvarez was also administered the oath of office, signaling the beginning of her service on the board.

“Welcome, Sandra, and we are very much, all I think, looking forward to working with you,” Smith said.

Alvarez was elected to the board along with incumbents Smith and Trustee Nannette Melkonian in May. The three prevailed among a slate of eight candidates vying for the three seats. Alvarez’s win ousted Trustee Adam Block from the board, who was seeking re-election.

Alvarez is a lifelong resident of Port Washington who runs a private youth athletics company on Long Island.

She is also the co-president of the school district’s Special Education Parent Teacher Association, treasurer for Parents Council and has served on various school committees.

Smith and Melkonian were also sworn in. Both began their second term Tuesday night.

At its reorganizational meeting, the board opted to raise its school-provided breakfast and lunch costs. Breakfast was formerly $1 but will now be $2.50. Lunch was $2.75 for elementary

students and $3 at the secondary level, but will now be $3.50 for all.

Alvarez was the only member who voted against the price increases.

Students who qualify for free or reduced lunch costs will still be granted those savings.

School breakfast and lunch prices have not increased since the 2015-2016 school year, according to Assistant Superintendent of Business Kathleen Manuel.

Manuel said the state provides a calculator to determine a fair price for breakfast and lunch. She said the calculator suggested lunch should cost $3.85, but the district opted to reduce it to $3.50 to lessen the impact of the raise.

Trustee Deborah Brooks expressed concern over the price hike for families that could be affected by the cost increases yet do not qualify for the free or reduced meal prices.

“Going from $1 to $2.50, I understand that’s the calculator, but for a family that’s been paying $1 all along, going to $2.50 may pose a hardship,” Brooks said.

Manuel said the district can “arbitrarily” reduce prices for certain students whose families may be experiencing a hardship. This can be achieved by the family filling out a form requesting the reduced prices. She said district social workers can also work with families and students to address potential hardships.

The most recent incident was resolved just last month when three individuals were arrested and removed from the home at 109 Evans St. after a year of occupying it. Once emptied, the house’s locks were changed.

The Evans Street house was in the midst of the foreclosure process last year. It was set to go to auction, thanks to the cooperation of the seller, who was the late homeowner’s son, when people broke into the home, Homeowners Resource Group President Eva Biondolillo previously said.

The number of individuals occupying the home was unknown, but three were arrested on June 20 and an additional two more fled. Five pitbulls were also removed from the property.

Neighbors said the group would throw loud parties at night and kept five pitbulls that barked throughout the early hours of the morning. At times five to six cars would be parked outside the house, the neighbors said.

Neighbors, who had said they no longer felt comfortable in their neighborhood with the squatters present, expressed a sense of relief after they were removed.

The neighbors said police told them the occupants were dangerous individuals and potentially affiliated with gangs.

Just two months before the Evans Street squatter removal, a pair of squatters were removed from a New Hyde Park home at 39 Brussel Drive – a 10-minute drive away.

The couple was removed after a year in the home and a series of court hearings after the lease they provided to the courts that granted them the right to stay in the home was determined to be fake.

Sillitti said this change is a first step yet an important one as rights are strengthened for homeowners against squatters.

After the first step, Sillitti said she is eyeing future state investments in housing court to aid in expediting cases. This includes greater staff and more judges.

“We’ve heard the residents loud and clear and we’ve made a substantive change for them, which is our job,” Sillitti said.

Starbucks drive-thru opens in Port North

BY CAMERYN OAKES

Starbucks officially opened its doors – and its unique drive-thru – in Port Washington this month and has been serving up its signature coffee and drinks to the North Shore.

The Starbucks, located in Port Washington North’s Soundview Marketplace on Shore Road, is the first of the franchise to include a drive-thru on the peninsula. There are multiple other Starbucks locations in the general area, including another on Port’s Main Street and Manhasset’s Plandome Road, but none feature a drive-thru.

The new location is in a standalone building in the parking lot of the shopping center.

“This addition not only brings more convenience for our coffee lovers but also high-

lights our ongoing commitment to promoting economic development in the area,” Port Washington North Mayor Robert Weitzner wrote in a newsletter. “We look forward to seeing you there and continuing to support our thriving community!”

It was announced at a Board of Trustees meeting in March 2023 that the new coffee shop would be coming to the village, taking about a year and a half to open after submitting its application.

The Soundview Marketplace has welcomed other big-name franchises in the past year, with Starbucks being the latest to open its doors.

This includes Crumbl Cookies, famous for its large, specialty cookies, which opened in June 2023. Upcoming business openings include Just Salad, a casual salad take-out chain, and pet groomer Woof Gang.

PHOTO BY TAYLOR HERZLICH

Nassau offcials react to Trump shooting

Offers of thoughts, prayers and calls for toning down debate and healing the nation’s political divisions

BY JULIE PRISCO

Following the recent assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump at a rally in Pennsylvania, Long Island elected officials have condemned the attack and called for reflection on the political violence accompanying the nation’s deep divisions.

Trump was seen pumping his fist in defiance last Friday as blood ran down his face from his right ear, which was grazed by a bullet. He was rushed to safety by the Secret Service and was later released from a nearby hospital in good condition.

Officials from both side of the aisle expressed relief that Trump survived the assault, paid tribute to the victims, and decried the extremism that has seized the political climate.

Congressman Anthony D’Esposito (R-Island Park), a former NYPD detective familiar with event security and firearms, said he was grateful for the Secret Service members who got Trump to safety.

“Praying for President Trump and all supporters in Pennsylvania. Grateful for my law enforcement brothers and sisters who ran towards danger,” D’Esposito said.

Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman said, “Our thoughts and

The campaign rally for Trump was held at Butler Farm Show in Butler, Pa. The shooter has been identified as 20-year-old Thomas Crooks of Bethel Park, Pa. He is a registered Republican who donate once to a Democratic cause.

A Secret Service spokesperson said the agency’s personnel neutralized the shooter, who is dead. In addition, one spectator was killed and two other spectators were critically injured. Former Fire Chief Corey Comperatone was identified as the man who died in the assassin’s attack.

While elected officials were thankful for Trump’s safety, they asked people to remember the victims of violence and called for an easing of tensions over the country’s political divide.

State Assemblymember Charles Lavine (D-North Shore) said the assasination attempt showed the need for greater gun-safety measures.

State Sen Jack Martins (R-Old Westbury) said the shooting was an indication of the current political climate.

“This attack on President Trump is just further proof at how bad our country’s divisions have become. It’s time we all denounce the extremism that spawns this kind of violence in all its shapes and forms because we are better than this,” said Martins. “Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims of this senseless attack. We thank law enforcement for their quick action, and we hope with all our hearts that our country can find peace and reject extremism in all its forms. Now is the time to say ‘enough!’”

Town of North Hempstead Supervisor Jennifer DeSena (R-Manhasset) said this should be a time of reflection and thanks.

prayers are with my friend, our 45th president, and hopefully our next president, Donald J. Trump, for a speedy recovery. President Trump is the most

resilient person I’ve ever met and I’m confident that he will recover and come back stronger than ever. God bless Donald J. Trump.”

“While we are gratified that Trump survived, we grieve for the spectator who was killed and all who were wounded, their families and our nation,” Lavine said. “Gun violence, which is all too prevalent in America, is repugnant to our national values. Americans of good faith just confront the amount of hate, intolerance, and brutality in our political culture.”

“I’m thankful that President Trump is safe and that the outcome wasn’t worse because it could have triggered a frightening wave of violence. But there was a victim, so we have some soulsearching to do,” DeSena said.

“It just makes it abundantly clear that we must renounce the kind of hateful rhetoric that’s fueling the deep divisions in our country. We have to know in our hearts that there’s far more that unites us than divides us, so it’s time we all start emphasizing that.”

Alleged D’Esposito police misconduct eyed

BY CAMERYN OAKES

New York 4th Congressional District Rep. Anthony D’Esposito (R–Island Park) has come under scrutiny by his Democratic challenger after the Daily News reported he was investigated for police misconduct while serving in the NYPD.

“During his time in the NYPD, on the Hempstead Town Council, and now in Congress, Anthony D’Esposito has shown a pattern of corruption, dishonesty and incompetence and exposed his extremism along the way,” said Democrat Laura Gillen, who is running against D’Esposito, in a press release. “Long Island families deserve better.”

D’Esposito, a Republican who flipped the long-held Democratic congressional seat in 2022 and defeated Gillen, was investigated for multiple accusations of police conduct, according to the Daily News.

“Unsubstantiated claims often parroted by anti-police progressives cannot deny the fact that Congressman D’Esposito served with distinction as a decorated NYPD Detective, and now continues his fight for safe streets here in New York as a member of the House Homeland Security Committee,” D’Esposito campaign spokesman Matthew Capp wrote in a statement. “Instead of working to reverse the deteriorating public safety situation in New York ushered in by Democrats’ disastrous bail reform legislation, anti-police activists choose to weaponize a flawed NYPD complaint process in a failing attempt to tarnish the reputation of law enforcement professionals like Congressman D’Esposito who work tirelessly to eradicate violence from local communities.”

These reports included an incident in which an individual accused the then-detective of seizing and not returning a white gold chain during a 2011 arrest.

This case, which was filed as a corruption case, was

partially substantiated, according to the News.

The the newspaper reported that no consequences for the findings were found in their investigation.

Another complaint came when the congressman was moonlighting as a bartender in 2007, which the Daily News previously reported on. While on the job, D’Esposito was also alleged to have waved his gun around and been reckless, according to the Daily News.

This incident was also reported as police misconduct to the Police Department’s Internal Affairs Division and evidence was found that partially substantiated the claim. Records list the disposition of this case as unsubstantiated, even though, according to the Daily News. D’Esposito had 15 vacation days removed for this incident.

D’Esposito was also accused of drunk driving and “disgracing the uniform,” but the Daily News reported that these reports were unsubstantiated – meaning the evidence was not strong enough to support the claims.

Last year, a 2013 lawsuit filed against D’Esposito and New York City was settled with the city paying out $250,000. The suit alleged that D’Esposito had lied to a grand jury and former Manhattan District Attorney Cy Vance Jr. in 2011.

This was among two other lawsuits against the former cop and his NYPD colleagues which the city ultimately settled.

“Anthony D’Esposito’s shady record runs deep from his misconduct to his corruption as a Hempstead Town Councilman,” House Majority PAC Press Secretary Alisha Heng said. “D’Esposito’s lack of morals and his multitude of ethical problems make him unfit to represent the everyday Americans in NY-04 who will vote him out in November.”

D’Esposito will face off against Gillen in the general election in November for New York’s 4th Congressional District.

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE WHITE HOUSE

Former President Donald Trump, the Republican nominee for the 2024 presidential election, survived an assassination attempt Saturday when a bullet grazed his ear during a rally in Pennsylvania.

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD

U.S. Rep. Anthony D’Esposito, (R-Island Park)

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Hempstead Councilman Chris Carini dies at 49

BY MICHAEL MALASZCZYK

Christopher Carini, a Town of Hempstead councilman who has represented the town’s fifth district since 2019, has died. He was 49.

“I woke up this morning to some very sad news,” Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman said, before calling for a moment of silence at an unrelated news conference Monday. “My friend and former colleague on the Hempstead Town Board – Councilman Chris Carini – passed away. We are very upset about it. He was a young man who served with distinction in the Port Authority Police Department and has two wonderful children and his wife. Our hearts go out to their families.”

There was no immediate information on the cause of death.

Carini, a Republican, represented parts of Wantagh, Bellmore, Merrick, Freeport, and Seaford on the Hempstead Town Board. Carini himself was a resident of Seaford.

Before running for office, Carini was a decorated police officer, having served in the New York Police Department, the Metropolitan Transit Authority Police Department, and the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey Police Department in numerous capacities over 22 years. He also served as a trustee for the Port Authority PBA.

“It is with an immense and deep sadness that today I share news of the tragic passing of our friend, Hempstead Town Councilman Christopher Carini,” Town of Hempstead Supervisor Donald Clavin wrote on Facebook. “Councilman Carini was a dedicated public servant whose commitment to the communi-

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE NASSAU COUNTY REPUBLICAN COMMITTEE

Hempstead Councilmember Christopher Carini died unexpectedly at the age of 49.

ties he represented was unwavering. The Town of Hempstead and its residents have suffered a great loss.”

Carini was known for being a fierce advocate for his district. He oversaw key recreational developments in the Fifth District, including the revitalization of Newbridge Road Park in Bellmore and Seaman’s Neck Park in Seaford and additions to the South Shore Blueway Trail.

“It’s hard for me to put into words the loss of such a good man, father, husband and friend,” said state Assemblyman Michael Durso (R-Massapequa Park), who had an overlap in constituents with Carini. “Hempstead Town Councilman Chris Carini was more then just a amazing public servant, as a member of law enforcement he fought to keep our streets safe. Then as a councilman he prided himself on being part of every community he represented and helping to keep the Town of Hempstead a beautiful place to raise a family.”

Democrats who shared constituents with Carini praised his bipartisanship.

“When I met Chris on the campaign trail last summer and began working with him to serve our mutual constituents, we bonded over a shared passion for travel youth baseball. Whenever we had an opportunity, we discussed our boys and their potential – and I will always cherish those conversations and memories,” said Nassau County Legislator Seth I. Koslow (D–Merrick). “We are all devastated to learn of his sudden passing, and I extend my prayers and condolences to his wife Danielle, his children Joey and Ava, and all of his friends, colleagues and loved ones as they mourn this terrible tragedy.”

State Sen. Steve Rhoads (R-Wantagh), who shared constituents with Carini both in the Senate and during his time in the Nassau County Legislature, was a longtime friend and expressed grief and sympathy over Carini’s death.

“Today is a profoundly sad day for all of us whose lives were touched by Councilman Chris Carini,” Rhoads said. “As an elected official and as a friend, I don’t know that I’ve ever met someone who was more passionate or took more enjoyment out of helping his neighbors and trying to make his community better than Chris.

“His boundless energy, enthusiasm and humor was infectious and our banter – about politics, Mets vs. Yankees, cops vs. firemen…pretty much anything, brought out the best in both of us. I will miss his friendship, his leadership and we will all miss his good common sense.”

Carini is survived by his two children, Joey and Ava, and his wife, Danielle.

BY MICHAEL MALASZCZYK

A bomb threat was called into Rep. Anthony D’Esposito’s (R-Island Park) Garden City office on Friday.

The threat came early in the afternoon, and Garden City and Nassau County police responded and notified the U.S. Capitol Police as well. Staff was later allowed back into the building after no evidence of a bomb was located.

Where the threat came from is currently unknown, but an investigation will follow.

“Congressman Anthony D’Esposito’s Long Island office received a threatening phone call

today at approximately 1:30 pm and staff immediately followed protocol and notified local law enforcement as well as the Capitol Police,” Matthew Capp, spokesperson for D’Esposito, said. “The Congressman was moved to a secure location, and authorities are engaging in an investigation at this time. Congressman D’Esposito is grateful to the Garden City Police Department, the Nassau County Police Department, and the Capitol Police for their swift action, and our office will continue to cooperate fully in the ongoing investigation.”

D’Esposito represents the 4th Congressional District.

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OUR VIEWS Editorial Cartoon Opinion

Mask ban needed to ID lawbreakers

We welcome Nassau legislators advancing a bill Monday that bars wearing a face mask or covering in public in the county to conceal one’s identity and subjects violators to a misdemeanor charge with a fine of up to $1,000.

The ban follows a national trend spurred in part by the difficulty masks have posed in prosecuting demonstrators against the war in Gaza who camped out on college campuses and violated the law.

Masks worn by Jan. 6 protesters who stormed the U.S. Capitol in 2020 in a bid to overturn the presidential election results have raised similar concerns.

Gov. Kathy Hochul, a Democrat, announced last month she was considering a similar ban on face masks in the New York City subway system, citing recent incidents of antisemitic harassment.

In one case, some protesters wearing traditional Palestinian scarves, known as keffiyehs, over their faces were seen on video asking whether any passengers aboard a crowded subway were Zionists, telling them: “This is your chance to get out.”

Hochul said she was in talks with state lawmakers to consider a ban.

The proposed Nassau ban, of which county Legislator Mazi Melesa Pilip (R-Great Neck) is the lead sponsor, could like other bans be subject to abuse by law enforcement.

The legislation wisely targets people who wear facial coverings to intentionally conceal their identity and would exempt people who wear masks for health, safety, “religious or cultural purposes, or for the peaceful celebration of a holiday or similar religious or cultural event for which masks or facial coverings are customarily worn.”

Still, some questions remain

about the legislation

Minority Leader Delia DeRiggiWhitton (D-Glen Cove), who said she generally supported the proposal, questioned the threat of prosecution for wearing masks during especially cold days during winter.

Critics of other bans around the country also see the potential to quell protests and violate people’s First Amendment right to assemble.

Those concerns should be addressed. Nassau County could start by making cases of police misconduct far more transparent. The county has been called among the least transparent in the nation.

But there is a real need for the legislation as inadvertently expressed recently by both state Sen. Jack Martins (R-Old Westbury) and former Gov. Andrew Cuomo.

In an op-ed that appeared in Blank Slate Media June 27, Martins called for the removal from office of Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg, a Democratic elected by the people of New York City.

The reason?

Bragg’s dismissal of 31 of the 46 cases against protesters who briefly occupied Columbia University’s Hamilton Hall in April, a climax of the movement of student encampments protesting Israel’s military actions against Hamas.

Martins correctly pointed out the protesters had occupied and damaged school buildings, disrupted classes and commencement and chanted “pro-terrorist, anti-Jewish and antiAmerican hatred for the world to hear.”

The state senator said Bragg’s decision not to prosecute was part of a trend and called him “an ideological demagogue shilling a political agenda.”

Unsaid was whether Bragg’s successful prosecution of former Presi-

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dent Donald Trump, the Republican Party’s nominee in the 2024 presidential election, played a part in Martin’s criticism.

A New York jury found Trump guilty of all 34 charges in a scheme to illegally influence the 2016 election through a hush money payment to a porn actor who said the two had sex.

Cuomo said much the same as Martins in an op-ed criticizing Bragg published by The Forward.

He said Manhattan’s first Black district attorney had “done a disservice to the residents of New York City, who deserve a justice system that is willing to pursue cases even when they are difficult — and, dare I say it, may not align with the ideology of the prosecutor.”

Cuomo, who also called Bragg’s prosecution of Trump political, suggested Hochul should weaken the DA’s prosecutorial powers and appoint a special prosecutor to investi-

gate hate crimes.

A group of influential Black New York leaders correctly condemned Cuomo for criticizing Bragg over his handling of Columbia University protest cases while “mysteriously” ignoring similar charging decisions by white prosecutors across the state.

“We were so surprised, disappointed, and angered by your recent op-ed on antisemitism that singled out for criticism Manhattan DA Alvin Bragg, the first Black person to hold this prestigious position,” the leaders said in the letter.

On June 22, Bragg said he dropped the prosecution of the 31 Columbia protesters because his office had little proof that the cases would stand up at trial.

A spokesman for the district attorney explained that there was limited video footage of what took place inside the campus building because protesters covered security cameras –

and they wore masks.

Apart from trespassing, a misdemeanor, proving any other criminal charges would be “extremely difficult,” said the spokesman, Doug Cohen.

This is a common practice for prosecutors in New York City.

“Under Cyrus Vance Jr., the former Manhattan district attorney, 680 cases against the 732 people arrested on the Brooklyn Bridge during the Occupy Wall Street protests in 2011 were dropped,” The New York Times recently reported. “Roughly 5,000 police summonses issued during the citywide Black Lives Matter marches in 2020 were also dismissed under Mr. Vance.”

So, rather than criticizing or even trying to oust Bragg, we would be better served by making it easier to prosecute people who violate the law.

The mask legislation advanced by the county is a good start.

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OUR TOWN

Politics, rhetoric in the season of violence

On Saturday night at about 6:15 p.m. a 20-year-old outcast attempted to assassinate Donald Trump at a rally in Pennsylvania. The bullet aimed at Trump’s head missed its mark by a few millimeters and went through his ear. As he correctly remarked, God was on his side.

This serious assassination attempt took us back to the 1960s when President John F. Kennedy and then his brother, Robert, the attorney general, were both shot in the head with a bullet. Shocking, unsettling and sad.

In the media attempts to analyze the cause of the latest political incident, a central talking point has been to focus on the issue of dangerous rhetoric that now characterizes modern politics. Phrases such as “heated rhetoric,” “dark Democratic rhetoric,” “the rhetoric of hatred and violence” were in constant use over the weekend following the assassination attempt last Friday.

The focus was on rhetoric rather than the typical talking points such as gun control, domestic terrorism or the outcast mentality of the disen-

franchised. So let’s take a moment to discuss exactly what political rhetoric means.

This term was popularized by Niccolo Machiavelli in 1532 with his book “The Prince.” Machiavelli was the political adviser to the Medici family in Italy, a nation which endured much war and turmoil. The various smaller states within Italy were constantly vying for power and externally France, Italy and Spain all attempted to take over Italy at the time as well. So the counsel Machiavelli offered to the Medici family was taken very seriously and it proved to be effective.

Machiavelli emphasized to the prince the importance of rhetoric as the essential tool which should be used to persuade the public to align with the Medici family. Machiavelli emphasized firstly that for a political speech to get across the intended message one must “exhort and rouse the audience with pomp and circumstance.” In other words, you must first look to impress the audience by telling them your outstanding qualities and impressive experience. This

DR. TOM FERRARO

Our Town

readies the audience to accept the message you are about to give them. Following this, your speech must be clear, vivid and simple and you should use effective metaphors.

Rhetoric is about the art of persuasion and if ever I have seen a master of rhetoric, it’s Donald Trump. John F. Kennedy, Ronald Reagan and Bill Clinton were masters at this craft and so is Donald Trump. He always arrives at his rallies with pomp and circumstance and always has the red

EARTH MATTERS

carpet to walk on.

And Donald Trump is also a master in the use of metaphor. His use of the wall metaphor in the immigration debate may be the primary reason he won the first time. The wall metaphor is simple to understand and has a way of sticking in the mind as does his slogan “Make America Great Again.”

The idea of messaging is of concern to Biden’s handlers given the president’s tendency to be so humble, get off message and go on a variety of distracting tangents as he speaks. One reason that Reagan won his elections so easily was that no matter what the press asked him that day, he would stick to a single message for the entire day. Biden has failed to do that, but Trump does it instinctively.

And now we also have incredible images of a bloody Donald Trump raising his fist in defiance with the American flag waving in the background. You can bet that this heroic image will be used by him over the next four months.

Indeed, this is the season of violence with psychotic disgruntled outcasts lashing out. But it is wise to re-

call the saying that goes back to 500 B.C. which says “the pen is mightier than the sword.” Variations of that phrase have lived for over 2,500 years and it is still as true today as ever. Words have far more power than acts of violence and the candidate who knows how to use words effectively is the man who will win the election.

Which is mightier the pen or the sword?

Overconsumption adds to the planet’s woes

We know a couple who recently bought a house, not to live in but to save a beautiful 200-year-old oak tree from a chain saw and a charming older home from being razed and replaced with one or two new “plastic” houses, as is so often the case today with real estate investors and developers.

Now you may think this is a little extreme, but saving something of value sits right with me.

Plastic houses are the norm in the home-building business. OK, the houses may be framed out in wood, but then builders inject plastic foam insulation between the studs and cover the exterior with plastic sheathing and often PVC siding.

Inside, the flooring of choice is often PVC or wood that is treated with chemicals, including PFAS, those toxic forever chemicals. Cabinets are rarely solid wood, and even if the doors are solid, the box itself is manufactured with plywood and composite wood products containing formaldehyde. Plastic building materials may emit gas for long periods of time after new owners move in.

The use of fossil fuel and chemically

based plastic to construct our homes is unhealthy for our fragile environment, and avoiding it is certainly preferable, but as the work began to renovate the old house, another more existential issue came to light: overconsumption.

The house, built in 1902, needs a bit of work to bring it up to modern standards, and this presents some interesting challenges. For one thing, the tiny closets and lack in general of storage space are a problem for today’s modern families

If you think about it, in 1902 there was no Amazon, no Target, no Home Goods, no TJ Maxx, no Lowe’s, no Walmart. I could go on and on. People living then were not the consumers we are today. They had fewer clothes compared to today’s wardrobes. Their clothing was made of fabric that was either sourced from a field (cotton and linen) or from an animal (wool and leather), as well as fewer essentials for a kitchen, where meals were prepared and eaten. They had fewer toys for their kids and there were no media rooms with giant screen televisions or personal electronic devices; entertainment came from books, family games, crafts and maybe music performed by family or friends.

PATTI WOOD Earth Matters

You can make the argument that the abundance of retailers and consumer goods on the market reflects a healthy economy, but I would point out that an overabundance of cheap consumer goods is also a driving factor in many of our global environmental threats.

A study published by the International Society of Industrial Ecology found that there was significant pressure on the environment arising

from households, with their consumption contributing to more than 60% of global greenhouse gas emissions and between 50% and 80% of total land, material, and water use. Not surprisingly, the U.N. reported that the richest 1% of the global population accounts for more than twice the amount of emissions from the poorest 50%.

Leisure time in America includes shopping, where there is a thrill in getting a bargain, owning the latest thing or just replacing something old with something new. On average, Americans visit a shopping center between six and seven times per week. Their shopping lists include clothes and shoes, accessories, electronics, household goods, personal care items…and more.

But back to storage in our houses. Even in modern homes with large basements and garages, walk-in attics and closets, finding enough space to store all our stuff can still be a problem. In response, remote storage units for rent are popping up all over America. Does this make sense?

Companies are also part of the problem as they intentionally plan obsolescence of their products by changing how they look, adding a new fea-

ture or creating new styles in fashion. And low prices, not taking into account the downstream costs to the environment and our health, keep us buying.

If an item breaks, most of us don’t even think about repairing it. It’s easier and faster to simply go shopping online, click “add to cart,” and like magic, a brand new item will appear on our doorstep the next day, or even the same day! In 2021 France introduced a “repairability” index that tells consumers how easy certain consumer products are to fix.

So how does this story end? How many things do we really need in our lives? And what kind of a toxic, polluted world are we leaving to our children as a result of our own purchasing habits?

The old house has a lot of charm — a front porch where the breeze blows gently through. Bedrooms with lots of windows, a fireplace for winter nights, a deck for summer barbecues. The old oak tree in the front yard provides plenty of shade in the summer, keeping the house cool even on warm days.

It may not have as much space for stuff as some new houses, but for a family that’s mindful of its place in the world, it’s perfect.

PHOTO BY TOM FERRARO

Trump will exploit attempted assassination

It is such an advantage for Trump that a first reaction to the assassination attempt against the former president was that it was set up before the public learned that a man was tragically killed and two others critically injured.

Trump and the Republicans are already milking this event in disgusting, despicable ways, actually blaming “liberals,” “Democrats”, and even President Biden for accurately warning that the twice impeached former Oval Office occupant is a threat to democracy.

The tactic is aimed at guilting Democrats to pull back on their accurate depictions of who Trump is and what he intends. Will Biden and the Democrats fall for it?

The other initial reaction was that Trump experienced what America experiences just about every day: a mass shooting. The day of this attack on Trump, four people were killed and nine others injured in a mass shooting in Alabama. “But you might not have heard about it because it’s the sort of thing that happens every single day in America,” writes former U.S. Attorney and Muller Report prosecutor Andrew Weissmann. “It’s long past time we did something about that.”

“Our nation’s ease of access to firearms is a threat to our democracy,” writes David Hogg, an American activist and Stoneman Douglas HS shooting survivor, on his Threads.net site. “Not only as threats to those running for office but to our democratic

norms that would be violated in retaliatory violence between political parties.

“We have to do more to end gun violence there’s no conspiracy. The fact of the matter is it’s way too easy to access firearms in the United States and no one is safe. Not kids. Not teachers. Not parents. Not even a former president.”

The expression that comes to mind is “chickens come home to roost.” and “he made his bed, now lie in it.” Recall that Trump revoked President Obama’s gun safety measures for people with mental illness, which Obama put into place after the Sandy Hook school massacre, and cozies up to the NRA. But, of course, Trump and the Republicans will blame anything but the ubiquity of guns and the machismo American society attaches to guns (the only thing that is truly American Exceptionalism) and have the gall to complain about “rising crime.”

Instead of using this incident to guilt Biden and Democrats to “tone down” their accurate warnings that the 2024 election is in fact the most consequential of our lifetime (while the Republicans only scale up their fear-and-hate-mongering, scapegoating, vilifying), this should be a call to renew the ban on assault weapons and high-capacity ammo. There should also be a push to implement the other commonsense gun violence prevention proposals, including safe gun storage, liability for parents/

age for the mug shot which he thinks engenders support of young Black men who feel abused by the unJustice System, of his fist in the air as he pronounces, “fight” – a strong, heroic figure to contrast to the “feeble, weak, old” Joe Biden.

When Trump says the incident has made him “rethink” and call for “uniting the country,” he means uniting around him. By “unifying” he means ending the prosecutions into his unprecedented attempts to overthrow the government. What he doesn’t mean is for stopping his attacks on his political enemies who he calls “vermin,” deserving of violent retribution.

documents case, while his Imperial Supremes immunized him against criminal prosecution, so he can reiterate his claims of “hoax,” “witch hunt”, “lawfare” (which he uses to justify his intention to weaponize his DOJ).

You know the expression “there are those who were born on third base and think they hit a triple?” Throughout his life, Trump was born with three runs on the board and the umpires’ rulebook banning them from ever calling him out.

If Trump is the luckiest defendant ever, Biden is the unluckiest candidate with everything going against him.

guardians who do not (a 6-year-old just murdered a 3year-old), SMART ID so that only the registered, licensed, trained gun-owner can use it and Red Flag laws.

Instead, states like Pennsylvania advocate permitless open-carry so that a 20-year-old white male registered Republican had the ability to bring his AR-15 close enough to kill the former president and current GOP candidate.

Instead, Trump will again use this incident to make the case for his persecution, his victimhood, elevate himself as the saved-and-selected-byGod savior, and engender sympathy enough to sway those double-haters, on-the-fencers and not-really-independent voters.

Trump now has a replacement im-

Once again, Trump has managed to overtake the headlines – eclipsing news about Biden leading the world at the NATO summit or Biden’s agenda for a second term (ban assault weapons; lead the world on clean energy; restore Roe v. Wade; sign John Lewis Voting Rights Act; expand Social Security and Medicare; end medical debt; raise the minimum wage; pass the PRO Act for workers; make child tax credit permanent; $35 insulin cap for all; build more housing; invest in child care and elder care) or focus on the threat Trump’s Project 2025 poses (which the cowardly Trump actually pretends to “know nothing about, have no idea who’s behind it”.)

“Luckiest defendant in the world” as one legal expert put it on cue after faux Judge Aileen Cannon dismissed the Mar-a-Lago stolen classified

FROM THE DESK OF SIELA A. BYNOE

For Biden, the apt expression is “with friends like these who needs enemies.” Democrats continue to shoot themselves in their own circular firing squad, not only bloodying Biden but any candidate who would take the top spot, especially Vice President Kamala Harris. (Trump is already demeaning her as “Laffin’ Kamala”).

Democrats should not fall for it. They should keep the focus on where it should be: Donald Trump is a lawless wannabe dictator, Putin’s useful idiot, who has no regard for the Constitution, the Rule of Law or democracy, who would enact the Project 2025 laundry list of undemocratic, racist, misogynist, actions that would send the USA back to the Dark Ages of kings and witches, who is only running for personal profit and to stay out of prison, and would happily let others establish their theocracy, their kleptocracy, their oligarchy.

Don’t play politics with Hempstead’s drinking water

In government, our commitment to serve the public must transcend the political fray. In the case of Hempstead Village’s ongoing drinking water contamination crisis, the Blakeman administration has thus far been unable to place residents’ basic needs before politics – a circumstance made even more galling by the potential health ramifications of its stubbornness.

Earlier this spring, Hempstead Village officials, led by Mayor Waylyn Hobbs, revealed that the village’s wells, which provide drinking water for over 59,000 residents and countless small businesses, had three to 11 times the acceptable level of the emerging contaminant 1, 4 dioxane – a suspected human carcinogen linked to liver and kidney cancers.

Hempstead Village has some of the county’s oldest water infrastructure, which serves Nassau’s densest population hub. On May 21, the Village Board voted to borrow $55 million to build a state-of-the-art water treatment facility, and has urged federal, state, and local leaders to do their part to ease the burden upon village taxpayers.

For months prior to this public appeal, I worked alongside my colleague,

Legislator Scott M. Davis, to marshal county resources. This culminated with a formal request on May 3 for more than $1.75 million in federal American Rescue Plan Act funding from $15 million set aside for legislative initiatives.

With the August expiration of their 1,4 dioxane waiver fast approaching, these resources would equip the village to begin work on this critical project and give residents and business owners –especially restaurants who rely upon the water for cooking – some peace of mind that help was on the way.

As a breast cancer survivor, I had genetic testing that proved I was not predisposed to the disease – yet I was diagnosed like countless others in my community. I do not want that potential burden for individuals who reside in the Village of Hempstead.

Per the statute establishing this $15 million fund, the Legislature – not the county executive – is tasked with determining allocations. The administration’s role is to process requests from the Legislature. Yet, in another erosion of the division of powers in Nassau government, the Blakeman administration has usurped control of this process.

While a joint request from two

SIELA A. BYNOE Nassau County Legislator

Democratic legislators for potentially life-saving resources has languished for months, similar requests for Republican districts encompassing Farmingdale, Hicksville, and Great Neck have passed swiftly through the Legislature – sometimes in mere weeks. This demonstrates how the administration injects partisan politics into almost every aspect of county government – even something as vital as the delivery of safe drinking water.

To date, the Republican Majority

has received over $4 million in ARPA funding for legislative initiatives, of which more than $2 million is for water treatment projects. Meanwhile, the Democratic Minority has requested over $3.3 million in ARPA funding –including the $1.75 million for Hempstead water — but received nothing. At a bare minimum, the approval of one legislator’s $1 million request to combat 1, 4 dioxane in Farmingdale has set the precedent for Legislator Davis and I to request approximately $875,000 apiece for Hempstead Village.

At this moment, there is more than $50 million remaining in Nassau County’s ARPA allotment which must be obligated by year’s end, and I believe delivering additional aid from the county’s ARPA funding allotment is a matter of economic and environmental equity.

A March 2020 Newsday report exposed how 56 percent of homes in District 2 communities, including Hempstead Village, were overtaxed because of frozen tax rolls and the resulting shift in assessed value to minority communities. At the time, I represented a configuration of District 2 that encompassed the vast majority of Hempstead

Village. It is also important to note that the county administration has once again frozen the tax rolls, creating avenues for a return to this state of inequity.

Given these factors alongside the looming taxpayer burden of a $55 million capital bond and the fact that all of Hempstead Village’s wells are impacted and how residents and business owners will have little alternative to purchase bottled water for drinking and cooking at great personal expense, County Executive Blakeman’s administration has the opportunity – and I would contend the obligation – to support Hempstead at a level proportional and commensurate to their present public health and economic challenges.

The people deserve action and immediate answers – and it will become the shameful legacy of County Executive Blakeman and his administration if they fail to rise to this most basic standard of equitable governance.

Siela A. Bynoe, of Westbury, the Nassau County Legislature’s Alternate Deputy Minority Leader, has represented the Legislature’s Second District since 2014.

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Expansion of LIRR Port storage yard isn’t enough

“Study additional Port Track” (Cameryn Oakes — July 12) which would consider expanding the LIRR Port Washington storage yard doesn’t solve the fundamental problem of insufficient equipment to increase the number of bidirectional rush hour trains. Adding passing sidings or double tracking is the only solution for improved bi directional service between Port Washington and Great Neck. This is actually more important

than expansion of the Port Washington LIRR Yard. Even with expansion of the Port Washington LIRR Yard, at some point you run out of trains to run west bound in the AM peak. It would also not solve the problem of bi directional service gaps for reverse peak services between Great Neck and Port Washington to and from both Penn Station and Grand Central Madison. Double tracking between Great Neck and Port Washington would go a long way in

support the MTA’s promised 40% increase in reverse rush hour service as well.

Why not build a second Manhasset viaduct over East Shore Road and double track up to just west of the Manhasset Station? How about continuing double tracking or adding passing sidings starting at the Manhasset Station and continue east to the Port Washington station?

As a long time Great Neck resident

and rider going back to the 1970’s, I can tell you first hand that this issue has been ignored for decades by generations of past MTA Chairman and LIRR Presidents.

In less than four months, the next MTA 2025 — 2029 Five Year Capital Plan is due to be released in October 2024 and approved on or before January 1, 2025 Lets see if State Assemblywoman Gina Sillitti along with all our other local elected officials are

successful in convincing MTA Chairman Janno Lieber and LIRR President Richard Free to include some of these additional capital improvements for the Port Washington branch between Great Neck and Port Washington. Commuters and taxpayers will be interested in seeing substantial, not cosmetic service improvements.

Protect election workers and polling places

Regarding a bill in both the State Senate, and Assembly (Senate Bill S7725A; Assembly Bill A4759B)

An open letter to Gov. Kathy Hochul, Sen. Jack Martins, and Assemblymember Gina Sillitti:

Regarding a bill in both the State Senate, and Assembly ( Senate Bill S7725A; Assembly Bill A4759B)

On Tuesday morning, April 2, at 4:45 a.m., I left my home for the brief ride to our Village Hall to go to our polling place for the Democratic primary for president. One of the responsibilities that trustees in our village have is to open and close our Village Hall as a local polling place, so that those who have the responsibility of assuring that those exercising the most fundamental act of the demo-

cratic process can do so, knowing that voting will be fair, accurate nd safe.

It was threatening rain as I pulled up to the Village Hall. I sat in my car, waiting to open the door before 5 a.m., when the workers would arrive. My village is as safe a place as I can imagine, and yet since it was before dawn and the streets were quiet, I felt uneasy being there, alone.

At a few minutes to 5, I opened the door, and waited inside—again feeling inexplicably, but undeniably, vulnerable.

Then the door opened for the first poll worker to arrive. A young black woman entered with a smile—we said hello to each other—and then that awkward moment waiting for conversation to start, or not. She volunteered that she was the Democratic

poll watcher, to make sure the process was proper. I asked her how long a ride it was for her to arrive. She gave me a look. “Ride? I walked here.” And by her expression, I took that to mean some distance.

This woman walked alone in the dark at a time when it could start raining at any minute to make sure my election was proper.

I asked how she got involved doing this work. She said that she was asked by an older woman that she knew to join her working at the polls. I wouldn’t be surprised if this took place in her church by the way she described the circumstances. Making small talk, I told her that I’d been involved in many community organizations over the years, and that I always felt that one of my most important jobs was

to find my replacement for the time when I’d stop doing whatever it was I was involved in at the time.

She gave a knowing laugh, understanding that’s the way service works. She explained that she had to be trained and certified each year prior to her serving.

And then she said the following: Today was going to be easy. It’s an unopposed primary. But November would be different. None of her coworkers were feeling safe about what would be coming in the fall. She made inferences that this was being discussed in her training. She made references to the poll workers in Georgia.

The words that spilled out of my mouth at that point were: “Thank you for your service.” She laughed again, acknowledging the simultaneous

praise and irony.

And that’s why I’m writing. This is wrong. People like her need to feel safe and be safe on Election Day. All the poll workers, all the voters, and all those who may try to subvert the voting process in some way need to know what is being done to protect them, and our democratic process.

This is the first time I’ve ever expressed this to those that we’ve elected, the officials serving the public: Get To Work! And tell us what you’re doing to protect workers like this woman, and what’s being done to make sure our elections are fair, accurate, and safe.

Bring back public hearings for Manhasset Isle

Istill remember our Board of Trustees Resolution #9-2018, dated March 28, 2018 when Mayor Avena, Trustee Von Roeschlaub, then Trustee Popeleski and myself all voted not to enact the Waterfront Overlay District that covered the Commercial Marine (C-1) District along our Village waterfront. A good reason behind this vote was due to our Public Hearing about three (3) weeks before at the Village Hall with close to 70 residents in attendance. Many of these residents had also attended numerous hearings conducted over an 18-month period with my time on our Waterfront Committee while a building moratorium existed for most of that time along our waterfront.

Our residents were not interested in some of the engineer’s recommendations along our waterfront such as building a senior housing complex or

raising heights for buildings. They and our Board of Trustee members were aware of Chapter 155-18 of our Zoning laws-Commercial Marine (C1) District with its nine (9) Permitted Uses under Section B, none of which included the building of houses or apartments.

I also remember another Public Hearing in 2018 when we allowed about 70 of our Village residents the opportunity to speak about my Parking Permit Program proposal that I believed then and now was a good solution for our existing parking problems that continue to grow. After this hearing, our entire Board of Trustees voted to table this topic for future consideration. Once again, a Public Hearing brought in all of our concerned residents to talk like adults and make their feelings evident to our Village government for consid-

eration on future actions. This is exactly how our American government was formed “for the people and by the people”.

It is very ironic that all of our Board members present assured all of our residents at that Public Hearing that we would keep the C-1 District “as is” and was meant to be! In March 2023, Mayor Popeleski and his entire Board of Trustees went in a new direction by giving a builder permission to build a 32-apartment complex in this very same Commercial Marine (C-1) District without remembering what he and our entire Board had told our residents only five (5) years before that we would keep the C-1 District the way it was and should remain. If our current administration is actually interested in “improving our Village and enhancing community life”, then I truly believe it would be a good time

for all of them to experience a Public Hearing to maintain the “open lines of communication (transparency) with the residents they represent.”

During my four (4) year tenure as your Trustee from 2016-2020, I spent considerable time reading up on all of our Village laws after returning to my hometown in 2015. My efforts were rewarded when I was able to write new laws, update existing older laws, and then see them put into effect in our Village Code. I would encourage all of our Village officials to make a similar effort on behalf of all of our residents. With the Village elections completed, I hope that Mayor Popeleski and his entire Board of Trustees can concentrate on many of the important issues in our Village. They along with the Board of Zoning Appeals need to follow the laws in our Village Code rather than allow height

variances which began in January 2020 and still continue. There has been a lack of effort on addressing our continuing parking problems, our deteriorated roads need repaving, and the condition of our 1-mile-long sewer line should be of paramount importance. Our current Board of Trustees should keep in mind that 41% of our voting public (12% of our Village residents) chose a brand new slate of candidates during this election over this present administration. Now it is time to work on the needs of their constituents, ALL THE RESIDENTS of this wonderful waterfront Village.

Kraft Village of Manorhaven Trustee 2016-2020

Martin Adickman Trustee Village of Russell Gardens

Larry Penner Great Neck

Ken

YOUR GUIDE TO THE ARTS, ENTERTAINMENT AND DINING

WWW.THEISLAND360.COM

Opening ceremony held for upcoming Flushing Meadows event

BY GABRIELE HOLTERMANN

The annual Hong Kong Dragon Boat Festival, coming to Meadow Lake in Flushing Meadows Corona Park in Queens on Aug. 3 and 4, kicked off its festivities with the Hong Kong Dragon Boat Festival Awakening Ceremony in Times Square on July 11.

Festivities included a performance by theNew York Shaolin Temple Kung Fu Centermembers, who showcased their acrobatic martial

arts skills in the “Crossroads of the World” for dignitaries and guests.

In a special ceremony, Buddhist Monk Shi Hong Sheng performed the traditional awakening blessing of two large race boats, colorfully decorated with a hand-painted dragon head at the front and tail at the rear. The ritual is supposed to bring prosperity and good fortune to everyone involved in this year’s Hong Kong Dragon Boat Festival, which celebrates the Year of the Dragon. For some extra good luck, dignitaries and guests concluded the event by dotting the eyes of the dragons with red paint.

Henry Wan, chairman of the NY Hong Kong Dragon Boat Festival, told QNS that the multicultural event in its 34th year was about bringing people together.

“We are a unique Asian heritage community and sporting event and multicultural celebration,” Wan said. “We try to serve the community as much as we can. [The Hong Kong Dragon Boat Festival] is a very unique event, and we certainly

Since its inception in 1991, theHong Kong Dragon Boat Festival has grown into one of the largest dragon boat festivals in the country. This

year, 2000+ athletes will compete in 200 boatsracing across New York City’s largest fishable freshwater body.

The free, family-friendly festival, which draws thousands of visitors annually, also features music, dance performances and arts and crafts. This year, for the first time, the festival is hosting a Hong Kong street food court, where visitors can sample a variety of dishes, ranging from rice dumplings and fish meat shumai to buttered mini pineapple buns.

VIPs dot the eye of the dragon with red paint for good luck.

PHOTO BY GABRIELE HOLTERMANN

The New York Shaolin Temple Kung Fu Center showed off their skills.

MERCER MUSEUM & FONTHILL CASTLE

July is Parks and Recreation Month throughout the Town of North Hempstead.

Upcoming attractions include free crafts in the park, summer concerts, a dog party, Northwell’s Wellness Wednesday series, and more. The full Parks and Recreation Month event schedule includes:

July 19 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Clark Botanic Garden – Dramatic Readings, Music and Watercolor Artwork

July 20 from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. and from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. – Dramatic Readings, Music and Watercolor Artwork

July 21 from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. at Tully Dog Park – Dog Days of Summer, bring your pup to the park for giveaways, treats and fun!

July 23 at 11 a.m. at the Aerodrome –8th Annual Quail Release

Rec Month

July 23 at 8:45 p.m. at Fuschillo Park – Movie in the Park, Elementa lJuly 24 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Blumenfeld Park – Upcycled Kids Crafts

July 24 from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Whitney Pond Park – Wellness Wednesday Saving Lives Training

July 25 at 7 p.m. at Gerry Pond Park –Concerts in the Park, Half Step

July 28 at 7 p.m. at North Hempstead Beach Park – Concerts in the Park, Larger Than Life (Boy Band Tribute)

July 28 starting at 9 a.m. – Stand Up Paddle Board (call 855-567-8251 to register)July 30 at 8:30 p.m. at Caemmerer Park – Movie in the Park, Trolls Band Together

July 31 from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Manorhaven Beach Park – Wellness Wednesday FREE Skin Cancer Screening

Summer Promenade Nights in Great Neck Plaza

THURSDAY, JULY 25

6:30 -10:30 pm • Bond Street (Between Grace Avenue & Maple Drive)

Music by Gathering Time

Special rock climbing activity for all!

Special Guest Appearances by Great Neck’s Own Stand-Out Inaugural Great Neck

Plaza Music Challenge High School Musical Theatre Performers Alyssa Wong and Michelle Harris, and Award-Winning Oyster Bay High School Thespian Grace Curry!

Grace Curry

Michelle Harris Alyssa Wong

A Blank Slate Media Special Section

July 19, 2024

GUIDE

INSIDE

Communication skills kids can learn

Making sure kids get enough sleep

Strategies to get kids to exercise

Starting conversations can encourage children to speak up about their thoughts and feelings.

Comm unica tion skills kids can lear n

An ability to communicate effectively is a life skill that can serve a person well at any age. Communication well is considered so essential that the Boy Scouts of America even require prospective Eagle Scouts to earn communication merit

It’s never too early to help children become better communicators. From toddlerhood to grade school and beyond, learning how to interact with others are necessary at every

n ability to communicate effectively is a life skill that can serve a person well at any age Communication well is considered so essential that the Boy Scouts of America even require prospective Eagle Scouts to earn communication erit badges

Speak regularly with one another. Initiate conversation frequently so that children become accustomed to speaking with adults and others. Chat about where you’re going when running errands or discuss television plots during commercial breaks. Make conversations relevant. Allow experiences that are happening around the family to shape conversations. Encourage curiosity and introduce new themes and vocabulary. The more the child gets to experience, the more inclined he or she may be to discuss those experiences.

communicators take turns offering their thoughts Listening to others can help shape what the other person might say

Modify communication methods. Some children may struggle to communicate effectively. By working with speech/ language pathologists and making the most of digital and other communication aids, parents make things easier for kids who are struggling to communicate.

Developing communication takes time, but there are various techniques to help kids become better communicators.

Great communication is a two-way process. Listening is often as important as speaking when communicating. Parents can help model good behavior by listening and letting children express themselves before

Rather than speaking at the same time or interrupting others, effective communicators take turns offering their thoughts. Listening to others can help shape what the other person might say.

never too early to help dren become better municators From dlerhood to grade school nd beyond, learning how o interact with others are necessary at every stage

Ask for details. The organization Understood.org advises adults to focus on recall and sequencing when speaking with children. These skills are important and can be enhanced when kids offer details. These techniques can help children ultimately develop strong comprehension and writing skills.

Speak regularly with one another Initiate conversation frequently so that children become accustomed to speaking with adults and others Cha about where you’re going when running errands or discuss television plots during commercial breaks Make conversations relevant. Allow experiences th are happening around the family to shape conversations Encourage curiosity and introduce ne themes and vocabulary The more the child gets to experience, the more inclined he or she may be to discuss those experiences

Speak with others. Encourage children to speak to their peers, adults and educators as much as possible to establish comfort in various communication settings. Doing so will help in the shortand long-term.

Developing communication takes time, but there are various techniques to help kids become better communicators

Communicating is an important component of school, home life and future employment. Children who learn to communicate effectively are in position to thrive in school and later in life.

Modify communication methods Some children may struggle to communicate effectively By working with speech/language pathologists and making the most of digital and other communication aids, paren make things easier for kids who are struggling to communicate

reat communication is wo-way process

ning is often as ant as speaking when cating Parents can help ehavior by listening and letting children express themselves before offering their own opinions

Take turns in conversation. Rather than speaking at the same time or interrupting others, effective

* Seats Available (K-3rd Grade, 4th - 8th Grade)

* DOE sponsored 3-K & Pre-K for All program

* Large classrooms, outdoor playground and indoor gymnasium

* Stress of the Fine Arts and 30 minutes of recess everyday along with the major subjects

* Certified and Experienced Staff

* Extended hours available

* Located a few blocks north of the Bayside Train Station

Kids and sleep

Ask for details. The organization Understood org advises adults to focus on recall and sequencing wh speaking with children These skills are important an can be enhanced when kids offer details These develop stro

n to speak to uch as possib nication settin g-term nent of schoo dren who lear on to thrive in school and later in life

Adequate sleep is important for children’s health, states the American Academy of Pediatrics. Quality sleep is just as important as well visits and protective immunizations. Babies and young children may sleep between 10 and 18 hours per day, but by the time a child reaches school-age, he or she may be well-rested after getting between 9 and 11 hours. Sleep is vital for the body to recover and rebuild and for the brain to process new information. The Center for Pediatric Sleep Disorders at Boston Children’s Hospital says that children who are not getting enough sleep may experience difficulty learning new tasks. Parents who want to foster good sleeping habits in their children can try the following strategies.

• Set a smart bedtime and nap schedule.

• Do not allow the use of electronics approximately one hour prior to bedtime.

• Create a regular bedtime routine that includes winding down and cues that rest is coming.

• Stick to the same schedule every day of the week including weekends.

• Make sure kids get daily exercise, which can make it easier for them to grow tired around bedtime.

• Create a cool, comfortable and dark sleeping environment.

“Big Enough to Challenge- Small Enough to Care”

Me dia use rules can benefit families

Ftelevisions, and video games, the average person is exposed to various media throughout a typical day. It can be easy to get swept away and spend much more time staring at screens than is healthy.

FScreen time can adversely affect one’s ability to sleep and eat and may make people less likely to engage in physical activity. Researchers at the University of California, Los Angeles have found that children’s social skills may be declining as they have less time for face-to-face interaction and reduced inability to read emotional facial cues due to increased digital media use.

amilies spend more time staring at screens than ever before Thanks to smartphones, tablets, laptops, televisions, and video games, the average person is exposed to various media throughout a typical day It can be easy to get swept away and spend much more time staring at screens than is healthy

what media to engage with Here’s how to get started

Make sure to keep bedtime tech-free so that screen time does not interfere with sleep or keeps children (and adults) from getting the quality sleep they need. Many experts recommend avoiding screens at least an hour before retiring.

Determine when screen time seems most disruptive or negatively impactive to the family This may include during dinnertime or when the family would normally socialize Make those moments screen-free times

In 2016, the American Academy of Pediatrics released policy recommendations on screen time for children. Children younger than 18 months should avoid screen media except for video chatting. Children between the ages of two and five should limit screen use to one hour per day with high-quality content. Children ages six and older should have consistent limits placed on the time they spend using media so that it doesn’t impact behaviors essential to their overall health. This gives caregivers a wide berth in determining just how much media is right for their families.

Screen time can adversely affect one’s ability to sleep and eat and may make people less likely to engage in physical activity Researchers at the University of California, Los Angeles have found that children’s social skills may be declining as they have less time for face-to-face interaction and reduced inability to read emotional facial cues due to increased digital media use

Because media is ubiquitous, families must weigh the pros and cons of screen time in developing media plans that work for their unique situations. A healthy media diet”includes smart choices about what media to engage with.

In 2016, the American Academy of Pediatrics released new policy recommendations on screen time for children Children younger than 18 months should avoid screen media except for video chatting Children between the ages of two and five should limit screen use to one hour per day with high-quality content Children ages six and older should have consistent limits placed on the time they spend using media so that it doesn’t impact behaviors

Encourage electronic limits and curfews so that kids and adults can get creative with their free time instead of simply turning to technology. Have plenty of other screen-free options available, such as books, newspapers, board games, and craft items.

Encourage creative pursuits when consuming media. These can include making videos or learning to code video games rather than just watching videos or playing games

Modify guidelines as necessary for the family. This way no one is pigeonholed by strict rules. For example, screen time may be increased if a child is home sick from school or if someone can use some distraction while on a long car ride. Media use is pervasive as technology continues to increase in everyone’s lives. Parents can establish family limits on screen time to promote stronger relationships and improve the overall health of their families.

Make sure to keep bedtime tech-free so that screen time does not interfere with sleep or keeps children (and adults) from getting the quality sleep they need Many experts recommend avoiding screens at least an hour before retiring

Encourage electronic limits and curfews so that kids and adults can get creative with their free time instead of simply turning to technology Have plenty of other screen-free options available, such as books, newspapers, board games, and craft items

Modify guidelines as necessary for the family This way no one is pigeonholed by strict rules For example, screen time may be increased if a child is home sick

PStr a teg ies to get kids to exercise

g ies to get exercise

Str a teg ies to get kids to exercise

Str a teg ies to get kids to exercise

eir children is an effective way for to be more physically active.

hysical activity benefits people of all ages, including kids. Despite widespread recognition of the positive impact physical activity has on children, many kids are not getting enough exercise. In an analysis of data collected as part of a recent Youth Risk Behavior Survey, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found that less than one in four children between the ages of six and 17 participates in 60 minutes of physical activity per day.

NAME NEWSPAPER • Month Date, Year

NAME NEWSPAPER • Month Date, Year 7

Hospital Medical Center found that children who exercised with friends were far less likely to cite barriers such as lack of enjoyment or lack of energy as reasons for not exercising. In essence, kids are more inspired to exercise with friends than they are with family members. When establishing fitness goals for kids, parents can work with other parents so kids can pursue those goals together, increasing the chances that those pursuits will be successful.

Kids and sleep

When established in childhood and adolescence, good habits like exercising regularly can set young people up for a long, healthy life. Perhaps in recognition of that, parents often look for ways to promote physical activity to their youngsters. Setting fitness goals is one way to help young people exercise more, and the following are a handful of strategies parents can try as they seek to promote a love of physical activity in their children.

· Include fun activities in a fitness plan. Adults recognize the importance of planning when aspiring to achieve certain goals, and a plan can be just as integral to getting kids to be more physically active. When devising a fitness plan, parents should be sure to include activities kids find fun. Just because Dad liked playing baseball doesn’t mean his children will. Identify activities that kids enjoy, whether it’s hiking or cycling or playing an organized sport, and include that in the fitness plan.

Exercising alongside their children is an effective way for parents to get their kids to be more physically active.

Exercising alongside their children is an effective way for parents to get their kids to be more physically active

Ecomponent of a not just true for nd teenagers

xercise is healthy l adults, b as well.

AExercise is an important component of a healthy lifestyle That’s not just true for adults, but for children and teenagers

A· Involve kids’ friends. Parents often make exercising a family affair, but a 2015 study led by a researcher affiliated with Cincinnati Children’s

f g to the bank or n leave the car at home ongside their children

Parents conce sedentary lives about than the study publishe Medicine that a Health and Nu 2003-2004 and spent as much sedentary as 6 Getting kids to especially diffic must contend w tablets, smartp as they try to en and spend more But parents can kids off the couc

Kids an

Kids

Kids and sleep

· Set aside time to exercise each day. Physical activity should be part of everyone’s daily routine, and kids are no exception. Such activity does not need to be a grueling workout, and indeed children’s bodies will need time to recover after especially strenuous exercise. But setting aside time each day to be physically active is a good way to ensure kids’ lifestyles are not predominantly sedentary.

· Make the goals attainable. Parents may know before kids begin exercising or notice shortly after they start being more physically active how much kids can reasonably handle. The YMCA notes that’s an important factor to consider, as fitness goals should be attainable so anyone adjusting to a new regimen, even kids, stays motivated. A child’s pediatrician can advise on how much exercise youngsters should get each day, and parents can help kids gradually reach that point by setting challenging but attainable goals.

ARegular physical activity can benefit kids for the rest of their lives. Parents can pitch in by embracing various strategies to help kids establish attainable goals that make fitness fun.

active In lieu of driving to the bank or pharmacy, parents can leave the car at home and ride their bikes alongside their children when running errands If possible, parents can walk youngsters to and from school rather than driving them

Exerc effective way for paren ically active.

Er kids living e to worry ng to a 2017 Preventive rom the National ion survey from 9-year-olds ctive and may be parents, who t, social media, er distractions kids to unplug hysically active ategies to get ing , especially mulate their e on kids’ d i ercising in en may not the treadm riendly d cycling I or go for fa od after din to know they’re physically

Set a positive e young children, often try to emulate their parents. Parents can capitalize on kids’ desire to be lik exercising in front of their ldren may not be ready t on the treadmill, but par kid-friendly exercis g and cycling Invite kids alo es or go for family walks a hood after dinner Park the car Kids don t need to know they’re exercising in order to be more physically

2003-20 spent a sedentary as 60 year olds. Getting kids to be more active may be e ult for today’s parents, who m with the internet, social media, ta hones, and other distractions a ncourage their kids to unplug a e time being physically active. B p n try various strategies to get kids off the couch and exercising

give gifts that encourage youngsters to be physically active Bicycles, rollerblades, ice d sports equipment are just a potential gifts that may compel kids e more obesity is a significant problem, 015-2016 NHANES reporting that ent of youths between the ages of were obese Getting kids off the couch and exercising more often can help reduce those figures and ensure healthier futures for kids of all ages

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dequate sleep is important for children’s health, states the American Academy of Pediatrics Quality sleep is just as important as well visits and protective immunizations Babies and young children may sleep between 10 and 18 hours per day, but by the time a child reaches school-age, he or she may e well-rested after getting between 9 and 11 hours. Slee i it l or the body to recover and rebuild and for the brain to pr ew information The Center for Pediatric Sleep Disorder oston Children’s Hospital says that children who are no nough sleep may experience difficulty learning new task arents who want to foster good sleeping habits in their c an try the following strategies

ly activities Adults tem as a means to o keep exercising, and n apply to children, who about physical activity ng them Team sports ercise with friends, as he Boy Scouts of Scouts of America. But friend along on a family make such activities

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Adequate slee American Ac

dequate sleep is important for children’s health, states th American Academy of Pediatrics Quality sleep is just as important as well visits and protective immunizations Babies and young children may sleep between 10 and 18 hour per day, but by the time a child reaches school-age, he or she be well-rested after getting between 9 and 11 hours Sleep is v for the body to recover a rain to process new information. The Ce Disorders at Boston Children’s Hospi ho are not gettin enough sleep may expe new tasks Parents who want to fos s in their childre can try the following stra

• Set a smart bedtime and nap schedule.

Sport Psychology

• Set a smart bedtime

• Do not allow the use of electronics approximately one hour prior to bedtime

active In lieu of driving to the bank or pharmacy, parents can leave the car at hom and ride their bikes alongside their children when running errands If possible, parents can walk youngsters to and from school rather than driving them.

• Do not allow the use mately one hour prior to bedtime

• Create a regular bedtime routine that includes winding down and cues that rest is coming

• Create a regular bed es winding down and cues that rest is coming

• Stick to the same schedule every day of the week including weekends

Choose friend-friendly activities. Adults employ the buddy system as a means to motivate themselves to keep exercising, an that same principle can apply to children, w might be more excited about physical activ if their friends are joining them Team sport provide chances to exercise with friends, a do organizations like the Boy Scouts of America and the Girl Scouts of America But even inviting a child’s friend along on a family hike or bike ride may make such activities more fun for kids.

dequate sleep is imp American Academy important as well vis Babies and young children per day, but by the time a c be well-rested after getting for the body to recover and new information The Cente Boston Children’s Hospital p may experie o want to foster ollowing strateg mart bedtime an llow the use of or to bedtime regular bedtim nd cues that res he same sched g weekends

• Stick to the same schedule every day of the week including weekends

• Make sure kids get daily exercise, which can make it easier for them to grow tired around bedtime

• Create a cool, comfortable and dark sleeping environment.

ecially e their kids’ desire ng in front

of their children Young children may not be ready to lift weights or run on the treadmill, but parents can embrace kid-friendly exercises, such as walking and cycling. Invite kids along for daily bike rides or go for family walks around the neighborhood after dinner Park the car. Kids don’t need to know they’re exercising in order to be more physically

urage physical activity test device or video ys, but parents also can ge youngsters to be physically active Bicycles, rollerblades, ice skates, and sports equipment are just a handful of potential gifts that may compel kids to exercise more

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

• Make sure kids get daily exercise, which can make it easier for them to grow tired around bedtime

Give gifts that encourage physical activity. Kids might want the latest device or video game for their birthdays, but parents also can give gifts that encourage youngsters to be physically active Bicycles, rollerblades, ice skates, and sports equipment are just a handful of potential gifts that may compel kids to exercise more.

Did you know?

Childhood obesity is a significant problem, with the 2015-2016 NHANES reporting that 20 6 percent of youths between the ages of 12 and 19 were obese Getting kids off the couch and exercising more often can help reduce those figures and ensure healthier futures for kids of all ages

Choose friend-friendly activities. Adults employ the buddy system as a means to motivate themselves to keep exercising, and that same principle can apply to children, who might be more excited about physical activity f their friends are joining them. Team sports provide chances to exercise with friends, as do organizations like the Boy Scouts of America and the Girl Scouts of America But even inviting a child’s friend along on a family hike or bike ride may make such activities more fun for kids. Give gifts that encourage physical activity. Kids might want the latest device or video game for their birthdays, but parents also can gifts that encourage youngsters to be

• Make sure kids get dail easier for them to grow

• Create a cool, comforta sleeping environment

mportant as and young y, but by the -rested afte body to rec ormation T Children’s enough sleep may Parents who want can try the followin

• Set a smart be

• Create a cool, comfortable and dark sleeping environment

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Did you k

Did you know?

Childhood obesity is a significant problem, with the 2015-2016 NHANES reporting that 20 6 percent of youths between the ages of 12 and 19 were obese Getting kids off the couch and exercising more often can help reduce those figures and ensure healthier futures for kids of all ages

Sleep is restorative and essential for ensuring our minds and bodys operate at peak capacity But many kids are not getting enough sleep According to WebMD, bedtimes have gradually become later as children must contend with social, family and school activities This is especially true for older children WebMD says that most 12-year-olds now go to bed around 9 p m , getting an average of 9 hours of sleep, even though 12 hours is ideal for kids who are 12

• Stick to the sam including week

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Sleep is restorative and essential for ensuring our minds and bodys operate at peak capacity But many kids are not getting enough sleep. According to WebMD, bedtimes have gradually become later as children must contend with social, family and school activities. This is especially true for older children. WebM says that most 12-year-olds now go to bed around 9 p m , getti an average of 9 hours of sleep, even though 12 hours is ideal f kids who are 12

• Create a cool, sleeping enviro

Fri 7/19

Adult Craft: Lavender Cooling Spray DIY with Janice Imbrogno @ 11am

Make a cooling, sooth‐ing body spray with lavender essential oil and aloe. This spray is great for cooling and soothing sun parched skin Mineola Memorial Library, 195 Marcellus Road, Mineola

Jenny Grace at The Warehouse @ 7pm

The Warehouse, 203 Broadway, Amityville

The Whiskey Crows Live @ 7pm South Huntington Public Li‐brary, 145 Pidgeon Hill Rd, Huntington Station

Atif Aslam @ 8pm / $43.50$353.50 Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum, Uniondale

Andy Pitz, Comedian: Boulton Center Comedy Night @ 8pm Boulton Center For The Per‐forming Arts, 37 W Main St, Bay Shore

NYCFC II vs Philadelphia Union II @ 8:30pm / $10-$15 Belson Stadium, Jamaica

Wilderness Survival Series: Cordage @ 10am / $45-$52

Deep Roots Farmers Market Glen Cove @ 9am

Opening Day of the Deep Roots Farmers Market in Glen Cove Saturday, June 1st, 9AM-1PM. Garvies Point Park, 100 Garvies Point Road, Glen Cove. info@deeprootsfarmers market.com, 516-3185487

Ethan Meixsell: Guitar Master Class @ 1:30pm Ink'd Art Studio, 19 Scudder Ave 2nd Floor, Northport

Sat 7/20 ////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

Dan + Claudia Zanes: Huntington Summer Arts Festival 2024 @ 7pm Heckscher Park, NY-25A & Prime Ave, Huntington

Join us for the Saturday Wilderness Survival Skills. Sands Point Pre‐serve, 127 Middle Neck Road, Sands Point. info @sandspointpre serve.org, 516-5717901

DISCO UNLIMITED: Free Concert in the ParkTown of Oyster Bay @ 8pm

Theodore Roosevelt Memorial Park, 63 Larrabee Ave, Oyster Bay

Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons @ 8pm / $69.50-$159.50 Flagstar at Westbury Music Fair, Westbury

Travis Barker's Run

Travis Run - Queens NY @ 9am / $49

Travis Barker is hitting the road once again – but this time, it’s for running! Experience a dayin-the-life of Travis Barker at the Run Travis Run & Wellness Experience. Citi Field, 41 Seaver Way, Queens. runtravis run@mascot.help scoutapp.com

Great Neck Farmers Market

@ 10am

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

Santana and Counting Crows: Oneness Tour 2024 @ 7pm / $39.50-$175 Northwell at Jones Beach The‐ater, Wantagh

Saturday Jul 20th

Tilles Jazz Fest @ 12pm / $66

Tilles Center, 720 Northern Boulevard, Brookville

Introducing the �rst ever Tilles Jazz Fest, produced by Tilles Center for the Performing Arts in collaboration with Jazz at Lincoln Center.

Hot Tuna @ 8pm / $59.50-$99.50 The Paramount, Huntington

Mon 7/22

SYJCC/DOROT

Summer Teen Internship @ 10am rising Sophomore, Ju‐nior or Seniors...Intern at the SYJCC THIS SUMMER 2024 for an amazing experience, plus earn 100+ commu‐nity service hours! SYJCC, 74 Hauppauge Road, Commack. jw ertheimer@syjcc.org, 631-462-9800

FAST Sports - After Camp Club - Week 7 (7/22-7/25) @ 1pm / $160 Jul 22nd - Jul 25th

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

Magic & Illusion Show: Let the Magi‐cal Adventure Begin @ 7pm

Join the Magic of Amore for an interactive and magical perfor‐mance. Mineola Memor‐ial Library, 195 Marcel‐lus Road, Mineola

Introduction to Ballroom Dancing @ 7pm / $25-$60

Jul 22nd - Aug 5th

Take the �rst step and learn how to dance to‐day! Sands Point Pre‐serve, 127 Middle Neck Road, Sands Point. info @sandspointpre serve.org, 516-5717901

Tue 7/23

Dan Reardon: Schultzy's @ 6:30pm Schultzy's Restaurant, 265 Bayville Ave, Bayville

AMC12 adult clinic Tuesday 6:00 @ 7pm / $169 Jul 23rd - Aug 20th Eisenhower Park driving range, Eisenhower park, East Meadow. 516-222-2620

Wed 7/24

Wacky Water

Wednesday @ 11am

Join library staff for some water play fun on the library lawn. We will have activities and special guests for all ages. Come dressed to get wet! 11:30AM to 12:30PM: Meet Leolani the Mermaid Mineola Memorial Park, 195 Marcellus Road, Mi‐neola

Nate Charlie Music @ 6pm BayVue, 854 S Wellwood Ave, Lindenhurst

Bonjour Switzerland! @ 7pm / $16

Gold Coast Cinema Series pre‐sents good comedy fun! Man‐hasset Cinemas, 430 Plandome Road, Manhasset. info@gold coastarts.org, 516-829-2570

Hempstead House Tours @ 12pm / $10-$15 Jul 24th - Jul 31st

See the grand rooms inside the massive 50,000-square-foot Tu‐dor-style mansion, the former summer resi‐dence of Howard Gould (1912-1917) and later Daniel and Florence Guggenheim (19171930). Sands Point Pre‐serve, 127 Middle Neck Road, Sands Point. info @sandspointpre serve.org, 516-5717901

Thu 7/25

Play Date

@ 10:30am Seaford Public Library, 2234 Jackson Ave # A, Seaford New York Mets vs. Atlanta Braves @ 7:10pm Citi Field, Flushing

Glenndon Gifford: Cake Tribute Band @ 7pm Mr. Beery's, 4019 Hempstead Tpke, Bethpage

Jimmy Kenny and The Pirate Beach Band @ 8pm The Paramount, 370 New York Ave, Huntington

Gimme Gimme Disco @ 8pm Mulcahy’s, 3232 Railroad Av‐enue, Wantagh

Calendar information is pro‐vided by event organizers. All events are subject to change or cancellation. This publica‐tion is not responsible for the accuracy of the information contained in this calendar.

Audience frolics in mist for A Band Called Honalee

SCW Cultural Arts at Emanuel thanks all who attended Sunday’s July 14 concert featuring, “A Band Called Honalee,” in a performance of 60s folk-rock music that received exuberant applause in response to every song.

Summer Breeze Bash at Sands Pt. Preserve

BY ADINA GENN

Yacht Lobsters returns to Sands Point Preserve on Tuesday, July 30, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. The Summer Breeze Bash: A Yacht Rock Lawn Party, featuring soft rock classics and cool vibes, with stellar vocals and a full horn section.

The group serves up a mix of NOLA funk, classic rock and jazz improvisation. With New York City’s finest professional musicians, Yacht Lobsters recreates – and at times, reimagines – the sounds of the ’70s and early ’80s, including Steely Dan, the Doobie Brothers, Hall & Oates and Toto, along with a

smattering of original music.

Attendees are encouraged to picnic on the lawn, and purchase items from Rosie’s Grilled Cheese Truck and the Smusht Ice Cream Cart.

The concert will be held rain or shine –outdoors on the preserve’s great lawn or indoors in Castle Gould’s Black Box, depending on the weather. Either way, Yacht Lobsters will bring an evening of fun and great music. Gates open at 6 p.m., and the concert starts at 6:30 p.m. Advance tickets are $35 per car. On the day of the concert, tickets are $50 per car, payable at the Gatehouse and includes parking.

PHOTO PROVIDED BY SANDS POINT PRESERVE

Yacht Lobsters returns to Sands Point Preserve

A Band Called Honalee in concert at Temple Emanuel in Great Neck.

Northwell picked to test dementia care program

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services have selected Northwell Health to participate in a new Medicare alternative payment model designed to support people living with dementia and their caregivers.

The federal program launched July 1 and is slated to run eight years.

Under CMS’ new Guiding an Improved Dementia Experience model, Northwell will be one of almost 400 participants, but also one of 96 already established programs, building Dementia Care Programs nationwide working to increase care coordination and improve access to services and supports, including respite care, for people living with dementia and their caregivers.

Northwell has had much success among its dementia patients and their caregivers.

“Northwell and its team of clinicians with expertise in memory evaluation and management are excited to be selected as an established GUIDE Model site,” said Dr. Maria Torroella Carney, division chief of Geriatrics and Palliative Medicine at Northwell. “It’s our hope to provide some relief and support to individuals and their loved ones throughout

their journey with dementia and as they face other health issues.”

The GUIDE Model will test a new payment approach for key supportive services furnished to people living with dementia, including comprehensive, person-centered assessments and care plans; care coordination; 24/7 access to an interdisciplinary care team member or help line; and certain respite services to support caregivers.

A Care Navigator will assist and support people with dementia and their caregivers in accessing clinical and nonclinical services, such as meals and transportation, through community-based organizations.

“CMS is excited to partner with Northwell Health under the GUIDE Model,” said Chiquita Brooks-LaSure, CMS’ administrator. “GUIDE is a new approach to how Medicare will pay for the care of people living with dementia. The GUIDE participants are envisioning new ways to support not only people living with dementia, but also to reduce strain on the people who care for them, so that more Americans can remain in their homes and communities, rather than in institutions.”

NHP resident joins Girl Scout committee

Girl Scouts of Nassau County has announced that Clara Giustino, a New Hyde Park resident,has been nominated to the Girl Scouts of Nassau County Board Development Committee through 2026.

Giustino was sworn in during the organization’s 59th Annual Meeting, which was held at the Ruth S. Harley University Center on the Adelphi University campus.

The Girl Scouts of Nassau County’s Board of Directors and Board Development Committee comprises lifelong Girl Scouts, community leaders, and nonprofit and corporate executives who provide leadership, innovation, and constant support to the Girl Scouts of Nassau County council.

“Girl Scouts of Nassau County is proud to have such prestigious and accomplished members on its Board of Directors and Board Development Committee who inspire and empower our Girl Scouts,” said Randell Bynum, chief executive officer of Girl Scouts of Nassau

County. “I am confident that this group of leaders will help cultivate the Girl Scout experience and help fulfill our mission to build girls of courage, confidence and character, who make the world a better place.”

Giustino is the vice president of Gas Complex Construction at National Grid. In this role, she oversees the management and construction of complex natural gas capital projects.

In her 33-year career with National Grid, she has held leadership and individual contributor roles in operations and engineering. She was the first female manager in National Grid’s Gas Control organization.

She has a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering and an MBA in finance.

Giustino immigrated from the Dominican Republic as a young child along with her family. She is published in the American Gas Association Operating Section Proceedings as a co-author for her work in vacuum technology.

She is also a member of The Energeia Partnership at Molloy College. Giustino serves as a mentor and frequent contributor to National Grid’s Grid For Good and Young Women’s Leadership Conference. She is the mother of a Gold Award Girl Scout and alum.

For more information about Girl Scouts of Nassau County and the many events they hold throughout the year, or to join, volunteer, reconnect, or donate visitwww.gsnc.org.

The Town of North Hempstead’s FunDay Monday season has begun at North Hempstead Beach Park. The program takes place every Monday through Aug. 19.

“FunDay Monday is always a fan favorite amongst our residents, and for good reason,” North Hempstead Town Supervisor DeSena said. “I’m so excited for this summer’s program slate — hopefully, I can join in on a few beach walks and pickleball matches. Where else can you get such a wide variety of fun activities at no cost?”

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

Some of the program’s most widely attended events include the Health Fair, which will take place this year on July 29 and is sponsored by Northwell Health, and HomeTown USA Salute to the Troops, scheduled for Aug. 19, which honors our nation’s armed forces and veterans.

FunDay Mondays have fun activities, including fitness classes, games, arts & crafts, beach walks, and more!

Each week, pickleball from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m., yoga from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m., line dancing from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m., and Tai Chi for balance and health from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m.

The 2024 FunDay Monday Summer Event Schedule at North Hempstead Beach Park (175 W Shore Rd, Port Washington

July 15: Vegas Time

July 22: Hawaii – Aloha

July 29: Health Fair sponsored by Northwell Health

August 5: At the Copacabana

August 12: Country music and dancing

August 19: HomeTown USA — A celebration of American traditions with crafts, hobbies, demos, musical performances, a classic car show, and a special Salute to the Troops.

FREE bus transportation is available from various points throughout the Town. For further information or to find a nearby pick-up location, please call 311 or 516-869-6311.

North Hempstead’s seniors taking advantage of the beautiful weather at the Town’s first FunDay Monday of the year

2 speakers offer inspiration at FCA scholarship breakfast FunDay Monday back at North Hempstead Beach Park

Family and Children’s Association, a health and human services nonprofit organization, held its 39th Annual Scholarship Breakfast last month at Nassau County Community College in Garden City.

The event celebrated the shared accomplishments of its 46 scholarship recipients, who drew inspiration from two guest speakers.

This included past scholarship winner Andrea Gomez and motivational speaker Anthony Robles, the 2011 NCAA individual wrestling national champion in the 125-pound weight class and 3-time All-America wrestler.

Born with only one leg, Robles is the author of the book, “Unstoppable: From Underdog to Undefeated: How I Became a Champion.”

Nassau County Community College student Andrea Gomez opened the program, speaking of her journey to college; the challenges she faced immigrating from Honduras, her time in foster care and especially her determination to succeed.

“Unstoppable” Anthony Robles gave the keynote address, holding the audience in rapt attention as he chronicled his astounding journey to achieve his wrestling titles and life goals.

Both speakers touched upon their successes and their setbacks, stressing the importance of persistence, accepting help, guidance, and belief in oneself. As Robles put it, “Never let your challenges be your excuse.

The scholarship breakfast celebrates the generosity of scholarship donors, the achievements of the scholarship winners, and the staff who administer the program.

Family and Children’s Association awards 46 Scholarships at its 39th Annual Scholarship Breakfast. Pictured left to right FCA supporter Rob Greenberger, Key Bridge Smiles; FCA President and Chief Executive Officer Jeffrey L. Reynolds, Vice President of Strategic Advancement and Chief Development Officer Paige O’Brien, and Anthony Robles.

PHOTO PROVIDED BY THE TOWN OF NORTH HEMPSTEAD

Clara Giustino of Girl Scouts of Nassau County

Honor Flight vets reunion at Airpower Museum

Korean War veterans, with Honor Flight Long

On Saturday, Aug. 3, American Airpower Museum and Honor Flight Long Island will co-host a patriotic reunion of 41 Vietnam War and five Korean War veterans.

On May 4, 2024, Honor Flight escorted this band of brothers on an early a.m. flight to Washington, D.C. Veterans and their guardians visited WWII, Korean War and Vietnam War Memorials, Arlington National Cemetery for a “Changing of the Guard,” plus took a Washington, D.C. bus tour.

They returned to MacArthur that evening for a raucous welcome home by the Nassau County Fire Fighters Pipe and Drum Band, plus thunderous ap-

plause from hundreds of family, friends and supporters!

According to Bill Jones, HFLI president, West Point 1972 Graduate and U.S. Army veteran, “This special flight included 41 Vietnam veterans who received long overdue recognition and thanks for their military service. They were accompanied on this flight by five elder comrades, veterans of the Korean War. What this flight really represented was a ‘Big Hug’ to all our veterans from Honor Flight, their families and supporters who make such flights possible,” he said.

On August 3, 2024, American Airpower Museum opens at 10:30 a.m.

and the reunion is from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at AAM’s Hangar 3, 1230 New Highway, Farmingdale (631) 2936398, www.americanairpowermuseum. org. The public is encouraged to attend, applaud and cheer our veterans during a “Ceremony of Honors,” as each is presented with a personalized tribute journal full of photographs taken during their historic day in Washington, D.C. Members of the public arriving for the event from 10:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. may attend Free of charge! After noon, regular museum admission is free for members, $15 for adults, $12 for seniors and veterans, $10 for children ages 5-12 and free for children ages 4 and under.

Elementary schools argue their case in mock trials

Nassau County is unleashing the next generation of critical thinkers and, possibly, future lawyers.

The Nassau County Bar Association’s School Engagement Committee is partnering with local school districts to turn curious cubs into courtroom crusaders by sparking a passion for advocacy.

The program, which concluded its second year in June, empowers elementary schoolers to become informed citizens ready to take on the world by learning and implementing basic trial skills.

“It is never too early to build civic literacy, develop critical thinking skills, learn how to craft persuasive arguments, and hone your public speaking skills,” said Joshua D. Brookstein, founder and chair of

the Nassau County Bar Association’s School Engagement Subcommittee.

From October 2023 through June 2024, fourth and fifth-grade students from the Roslyn and Baldwin School Districts, as well as from the North Shore Hebrew Academy and the Hebrew Academy of the Five Towns and Rockaway, worked with teachers and volunteer lawyers to learn and implement basic trial skills.

Students attended weekly meetings to learn about the rule of law, met with volunteer lawyers biweekly to develop persuasive case themes, crafted opening and closing statements, and direct and cross-examinations.

The School Engagement Subcommittee created lessons to equip students with a basic understand-

ing of the legal system and the trial process and the tools to be effective advocates.

This year, students handled the case of Lenny Loudmouth vs. Yellowstone School District, a civil assumption-of-risk case about a game of donkey basketball gone awry. Students served as lawyers and witnesses.

The cases were tried in Nassau County Supreme Court before real justices and Nassau County Legislator Samantha A. Goetz.

The subcommittee is looking for additional schools to participate in the 2024-2025 school year program.

Please contact Joshua D. Brookstein at jbrookstein@sahnward.com or call him directly at 516-228-1300 for additional information.

The East Hills and Harbor Hill mock trial teams at the conclusion of the June 12 trial before the Nassau County Legislator Samantha A. Goetz. East Hills represented the plaintiff Lenny Loudmouth, and Harbor Hill represented the defendant, Yellowstone School District

2nd half of 2024 general property tax due Aug. 12

North Hempstead Receiver of Taxes Mary Jo Collins would like to remind taxpayers that Monday, Aug. 12, is the last day to pay the second half of the 2024 general taxes without a penalty.

Payments must be postmarked by the U.S. Postal Service on or before Monday, Aug. 12, to avoid penalty.

The Tax Office is introducing two new methods for paying your taxes. We have launched a pay-by-phone option.

Call (516) 869-7800 and select Option #1. You will need your account number, which is located at the top right-hand corner of your tax statement. You may pay by phone using a credit card, debit card, or ACH e-check.

Please note that the service fee follows the same schedule as online payments. In addition, if you cannot get to the tax office during normal business hours, please take advantage of our after-hours Dropbox, located at the front door of 200 Plandome Road.

In the envelope, include the remittance stub(s) with your payment (checks and money orders only, no cash).

Online tax payments can be made by using the Receiver’s payment portal. Please go to northhempsteadny.gov/tax-payments to pay online by ACH e-check or by credit or debit card. Please note that the standard fees apply.

If paying with an online check through your bank, please be sure to include your account number as referenced on your bill.

Anyone making payments by mail should include the remittance stub(s) with their check or money order in the return envelope. Write the bill number(s) on the check(s), include the payment stub(s), make checks payable to Mary Jo Collins, Receiver of Taxes, and mail to PO Box 3001, Manhasset, NY 11030.

To pay your bill in person, bring your tax bill to 200 Plandome Road, Manhasset during normal business hours, Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 4:45 p.m.

For your convenience, the tax office will be open on Wednesday, August 7th, Thursday, August 8, until 6:00 p.m., and Monday, August 12, until 7:00 p.m.

You may also pay at the following collection sites (check or money order only, no cash) on the specified dates and times. Please bring your entire bill with you when paying in person.

Monday, July 29, 10:00 am — 12:00 pm

Port Washington Parking Dist., 15 Vanderventer Ave., Port Washington

Monday, July 29, 1:00 pm — 2:00 pm

Hector Gayle Roslyn Community Center, 51 Orchard St., Roslyn Heights (IN FRONT)

Tuesday, July 30, 10:00 am — 12:00 pm Fuschillo Park, Carle Rd. & Broadmoor Ln., Carle Place

Tuesday, July 30, 1:00 pm — 2:00 pm Yes We Can Community Center, 141 Garden St., New Cassel

Wednesday, July 31, 10:00 am — 12:00 pm

Clinton G. Martin Park, Marcus Ave. & New Hyde Park Rd., New Hyde Park

Wednesday, July 31, 2:00 pm — 3:00 pm Broadway Park, Broadway & County Courthouse Rd., Garden City Park

Thursday, August 1, 11:00 am — 12:00 pm Great Neck Social Center, 80 Grace Ave., Great Neck

Thursday, August 1, 1:00 pm — 3:00 pm

Michael J. Tully Park, Evergreen Ave., New Hyde Park

Friday, August 2, 12:00 pm — 2:00 pm

John D. Caemmerer Park, Wentworth Ave., Albertson

For more information or additional questions, please call 311 or (516) 869-6311.

DC PHOTO BY MARK CHAMBERLAIN FOR HFLI

Vietnam and

Island guardians and officials, at Washington, D.C., World War II Memorial, on May 4.

.PHOTO COURTESY OF LEGISLATIVE MAJORITY

North Hempstead Receiver of Taxes

Mary Jo Collins

Business&RealEstate

Give yourself time when eyeing a move

You are now considering selling your home. Going through the organizing and packing process can be extremely challenging if you are not organized. However, first off, have you thought seriously about where you are moving? What towns and schools, if you still have young children? Is your home larger than your current needs, and are taxes and overall expenses too high? Downsizing is the answer. Do you want to stay locally within the same town, or move out of state to where your children reside? Maybe you already have a second home and know where you will be living. These are important aspects of deciding where to move to.

Finding a reliable mover with excellent reviews and testimonials will be a starting point. Ask close friends or people you know who can provide a mover who did a commendable job and that you had a satisfactory experience. Most important is asking the moving companies about their insurance and policy if something gets damaged or broken beyond repair. Will they replace the item or provide you with a cash settlement?

There are a multitude of decisions that will have to be considered. To simplify things one should create a checklist and contemplate the neces-

sary steps to begin all those crucial aspects of your move. Googling “checklists when moving” will provide you with an excellent format and you can also add to it as needed. Whether you are upgrading or downsizing, moving can be stressful (and exciting too) at the same time, if you aren’t properly prepared. Give yourself and your family a cushion of at least 6 months. This will minimize the challenges and issues that will come about during that time. Once you have decided where you are going, you will need to sell your home.

Deciding who to hire will be critical in knowing all the details of selling and that will be handled by a knowledgeable, expert and reliable Broker, who has years of experience to get the job done responsibly. This will help to make your closing a happy ending. There is much to do in the process from the start to the closing table. You should walk around the inside and outside of your home as if you were the purchaser, to ascertain what basic things need to be either repaired or replaced. You may or may not have a huge budget, but the cost of not doing anything just might be more costly in the long run.

I don’t suggest that you do a new kitchen or bathrooms; unless you plan

be taking with you and what you will be either throwing out or donating for a tax deduction. Having your home look like a “shiny penny” will make buyers feel that you took care of your home over the years that you have lived there. As they say, “You don’t get a second chance at a first impression.”

Check out the exterior of your home and see what you can do to improve it. Spray all weeds during the cooler hours of the morning or evening. Edge the flower beds. Have your gardener fertilize your lawn with a summer fertilizer and apply insect control. Remove all branches that might be overhanging your home and trim and prune all bushes below the window sill. Clean all your windows inside and outside.

eral franchised companies for cleaning and removals will cart away whatever you want to be thrown out. Some even donate acceptable and slightly used items to local charities (The Cancer Society or St. Vincent DePaul) as opposed to dumping them. Deciding what you need daily to live will make your packing a much easier process. Why procrastinate, when the process can be simplified by doing a little bit every day and then you will minimize the stress that goes along with your move?

Lastly, make sure you provide your post office a change of address form, as much in advance as possible by doing this online. Here is a simplified and shortened link to get your form: bit. ly/3WpzcwJ

to live there for at least 5 plus years. But you must realize that, depending on the market, you may not recover the total investment in those major improvements. You will want to walk away with as much equity as possible. I always suggest that if you are going to sell sooner, do not spend a lot on upgrades as this is something that should be left to the buyer’s decision and specific tastes once they own your home. However, a good coat of paint will be a great start. Also, getting rid of clutter and knowing what you will

. Make sure your patios are clean and mold-free as well as your vinyl siding. Does the outside of your home need painting; then that is something to consider if within your budget. If you haven’t completed this during the spring, clean your gutters and leaders of all debris. Check for any hazards that might cause a lawsuit as the home is being shown. Once you complete your packing, and after you remove all those items that you will not be taking with you; utilizing a cleaning service will make your job easier. Sev-

I hope the information that I have provided will make your current or future move easier and if you need any advice or a consultation, call me.

Philip A. Raices is the owner/Broker of Turn Key Real Estate at 3 Grace Ave Suite 180 in Great Neck. For a free 15-minute consultation, value analysis of your home, or to answer any of your questions or concerns he can be reached by cell: (516) 647-4289 or by email: Phil@TurnKeyRealEstate.Comor via https://WWW.Li-RealEstate.Com

MULTI-FACTOR AUTHENTICATION (MFA)

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

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

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

PHILIP A. RAICES Real Estate Watch

Family Care Connections, LLC

• Nurse Geriatric Care Manager

• Assistance with Aging at Home

• Assisted Living & Nursing Home Placement

• Elder Care Consulting & Counseling

• Medicaid Application & Consulting Services

• Real Estate & Housing Options for Aging

Nassau (516) 248- 9323 (718) 470- 6300 Queens

Dr. Ann Marie D’AngeIo, DNP, CNS

Dr. Frank G. D’Angelo, JD, PhD 901 Stewart Ave., Ste. 230 • Garden City, NY 11530 www.FamilyCareConnections.com

D’Angelo Law Associates, PC Stephanie A. D’Angelo, Esq.

Your Trusts & Estates Attorney

• Wills & Trusts • Estate Administration

• Estate Planning • Asset Protection

• Elder Law • Probate • Real Estate

(516) 222-1122 Queens (718) 776-7475

901 Stewart Ave., Ste 230 • Garden City, NY 11530 www.DangeloLawAssociates.com

Grade 4 - First Year College, ACT, SAT, AP, GRE, ALL Placement Tests

VERY EXPERIENCED, specializing in all Private and Public schools (Chaminade, Kellenberg, Sacred Heart, etc.)

We offer Math tutoring from experienced and award-winning teachers at very reasonable rates.

We offer a choice of on-line 30 minute “homework help” or 55 minute “test prep help”, and limited face to face (masks). Richard 516-567-1512 educationtimeincrgs@outlook.com

Business & Real Estate

Prior

Zerykier, of Cedarhurst, has joined the Construction Litigation Group in the firm’s Uniondale office, where he focuses his practice on commercial litigation, with experience litigating construction disputes, business dissolutions, shareholder disputes, real estate disputes, and business torts in federal and state trial courts.

Before joining Rivkin Radler, Zerykier worked as a partner at a Long Island law firm. He earned his juris doctor from Fordham University School of Law.

▼ EMPLOYMENT, SITUATION WANTED, MARKETPLACE

To Place Your Ad Call

Phone: 516.307.1045 x 218

e-mail:

dflynn@theisland360.com

In Person:

22 Planting Field Road Roslyn Heights, NY 11577

We’re Open:

Mon–Thurs: 9am-5:30pm Fri: 9am-6pm

Deadlines

Monday 2:00pm: Classified Advertising

Tuesday Noon Legal Notices/ Name Changes

Friday 5:00pm

Buyers’s Guide

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

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

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

Publisher's notice: All real estate advertised herein is subject to the Federal Fair Housing Act, which makes it illegal to advertise any preference, limitation, or discrimination because of race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, or national origin, or intention to make any such preference, limitation, or discrimination. We will not knowingly accept any advertising for real estate which is in violation of the law. All persons are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised are available on an equal opportunity basis.

Publisher’s notice: All employment advertising herin is subject to section 296 of the human rights law which makes it illegal to advertise any preference based on religion, sex, familial status, arrest record, national origin, color, age, or disability. This newspaper will not knowingly accept any advertisement for employment which is in violation of the law. Employment opportunities advertised in this newspaper are available on an equal opportunity basis.

SITUATION WANTED

CNA/ HOME HEALTH AIDE Available. Experienced young lady seeks employment as an aide or companion to care for the elderly. Excellent references. Please call 516-523-0697

ANNOUNCEMENTS

ATTENTION OXYGEN THERAPY

USERS! Discover Oxygen Therapy That Moves with You with Inogen Portable Oxygen Concentrators. FREE information kit. Call 1-855-399-2719

DIRECTV- All your entertainment. Nothing on your roof! Sign up for Direct and get your first free months of Max, Paramount+, Showtime, Starz, MGM+ and Cinemax included. Choice package $84.99/mo. Some restrictions apply. Call DIRECTV 1-888-534-6918

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HEARING AIDS!! High-quality rechargeable, powerful Audien hearing aids priced 90% less than competitors. Tiny and NEARLY INVISIBLE! 45-day money back guarantee! 855-598-5898

ACTIVITIES

GLEN COVE HIGH SCHOOL CLASS OF ‘79 45th Reunion September 21, 2024 6PM Contact Barry Feldman for details. (215) 534-7368 verythinguy2@ gmail.com

NOVENAS/PRAYERS

3 Day Novena to Our Lady of Mount Carmel (Never Known to Fail) Oh Most Beautiful Flower of Mount Carmel, Fruitful Vine, Splendor of Heaven. Blessed Mother of the Son of God; Immaculate Virgin, assist me in my necessity. Oh Star of the Sea, help me and show me you are my Mother. Oh Holy Mary Mother of God, Queen of Heaven and Earth, I humbly beseech you from the bottom of my heart to succour me in my necessity (make request). There are none that can withstand your power. Oh, Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to Thee (say three times). Holy Mary I place this pryer in your hands (say three times). Say this prayer for 3 consecutive days, and then you must publish it when your wish is granted (MAK)

MARKETPLACE

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

Antiques-Furniture-Jewelry-Silver-Mirrors-Lamps-Artwork Come to Consign & Stay to Shop Visit.... Our Shop 109 Eleventh St. Garden City Mon-Fri 10-4 (Wed till 6) Saturday 12-4 Shop Our Online Store ATStewartExchange.org Items to Consign? Email photos (with sizing info) to: store@atstewartexchange.org All proceeds benefit The Garden City Historical Society. Like us on Facebook & Instagram

WOODWORKING TOOLS 10” Table Saw, Router Table, Routers, Router Bits, Nail Guns, Belt Sanders, Bessey Clamps, Porter Cable power tools plus numerous accessories. Call 516-294-0150

WANTED TO BUY

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

GARAGE SALE

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The Cherry Tree

Delicate blossoms fill the air with song whether we hear the notes or not.

A subtle breeze rustles the petals that flutter and fall like snow ever so lightly on the ground.

Bees drum their wings and pause to land and sip nectar, rising and stumbling in funny movements.

I flutter along the path of spring’s virtuous web, and skim of a stream full of promise and light as a butterfly might, ever so lightly.

For my part of the story I finish the draft of a blissful love poem and flourish.

Stephen Cipot Garden City Park

Author’s note:

This poem appears in Korean Expatriate Literature (Volume 28, 2024, without the photo.

I had not intended to submit a poem this week, but instead to unwrap a new non-fiction essay, however, I couldn’t sleep last night. The horrible unspeakable news and images from Butler, Penn., continually flashed through my head in an unending nightmarish loop.

In these deeply troubled times, I tend to say I am not surprised by the maleficence and evil we ever face, but, in truth, I am nearly always surprised. Depravity fills many voids. This is our life, the incontrovertibly storm in which we find ourselves, though it is hardly news. We are all impacted.

I thought the poem appropriate, in essence, a small reprieve or little “storm” about beauty.

PHOTO BY STEPHEN CIPOT

In addition, I also find the calligraphy of the poem’s Korean translation in KEL another form of beauty if not included here. And though complex and I don’t understand, its beauty is a welcome clarity, both acknowledged and felt.

When it comes to complexity, I am reminded that Einstein said: “God is subtle, not malicious.” He also said nature conceals her mystery by means of essential grandeur and complexity, not by cunning. He called that beauty, and the complexity of the cosmos beauty, as well as infinite.

Einstein of all people understood we live in the moment of complex detail and intricate emotion.

Wrapped and unwrapped in the texture of our life as we know it. The wonder is beauty, despite the grotesque horrors we face. In the end, we are the creators of cunning and evil. Hence the poem, for what it’s worth.

Timeline, comments refute police commish

The Port Washington Police District headquarters real estate transaction timeline and current commissioners’ public statements refute claims made in the July 2 town council hearing to consider and approve a $32 million construction bond for a new police headquarters.

Timeline: The Port Washington Police District formed a Civilian Building Committee in 2011, disbanding that some time later, forming an unnamed building committee in 2018, began the process of acquiring Main Street real estate for a new headquarters in 2021, and recommended repopulating the building committee in 2022. At its November 8, 2023 meeting, the Port Washington Police District moved forward with a land purchase with the intention of building a new $30 million police headquarters using $8.8 million from the district’s capital reserve accounts. Throughout the timeline, real estate dealings were withheld from public oversight by invocation of ‘executive session’ (LI Press, PWPD meeting minutes, Newsday)

Ms. Mullins’ reported public statements supported improving the present facility, due in part to its ideal location. “Mullins said that she voted against previously suggested locations due to their low accessibility and visibility to the public and was a major proponent for staying in the present building.” (Island360)

Mr. Meyer did state he conceptually preferred a new headquarters, and that “he would take the building committee meetings out of executive session for the public,” which has never occurred. (LWV, Island360, PWPD meeting minutes)

Mr. McCarthy ran for Commissioner two years after an unelected building committee sized and costed a facility, two years after the

headquarters real estate acquisition was negotiated, and after the November 2023 purchase decision. Since his election, the construction budget has swelled to $32 million, in part due to as he explained small department inefficiencies. (Island360, Public Hearings)

As noted at the Town Council meeting, two former Commissioners ran on advancing improvements to the present facility – against a new $40 million facility. Both former commissioners, one while he was a sitting Commissioner, circulated a series of petitions for public permissive referendums on the new headquarters proposal.

The police district still has not validated financial and tax burden statistics used in its bond report, application, and public hearings, or in response to questions posed in public meetings to Commissioners, Counsel and Special Counsel in June and July 2024.

Small special districts with inherent inefficiencies merit consolidation or dissolution, as permitted under New York State law, as previously discussed in 2010, not increasingly onerous levels of tax subsidy being proposed now. (Patch)

Simply put, without a plan other than ‘we want a new headquarters’, Port Washington Police District and Commissioners are not representing taxpayers’ fiduciary interests. The new headquarters proposal deserves to be sent back to the drawing board for legitimate public input to a legitimate business case, wherever that leads. Until then, it is time to press pause on any further spending, and to publicly plan for no-cost exit options.

Robert Mann Port Washington

GIVE CREDIT WHEN DUE

Few signs for Nassau County school champion teams

BY MICHAEL J. LEWIS

You see them very sparsely around the roads and streets of Nassau County.

And usually, you only notice them if you’re looking hard.

There’s one on the corner of Stonytown Road and Port Washington Boulevard, in Port Washington.

Hey, look, there’s another one at the intersection of Shelter Rock Road and Northern Boulevard in Manhasset.

And driving on Dosoris Lane in Glen Cove, you can’t miss it.

But good luck finding more than one in Manhasset. And you won’t see any recent ones in Great Neck, either.

What are we talking about? Highway signs and billboards commemorating the achievements of local high school sports teams.

In towns and burghs across America, you see them congratulating the local boys basketball team for its county title, or the girls volleyball team for winning states.

Heck, here on Long Island you see them in certain places, like Wantagh, which is lousy with them.

But in our area of Nassau, these signs are few and far between. And some investigating as to the reasons why revealed that, well, there really isn’t one reason why there aren’t more of them.

“It’s definitely something we’ve wondered about and been frustrated by,” said Port Washington athletics director Nick Schratweiser, whose school is only represented in town by the 2016 girls badminton county title sign, on Stonytown Road and Port Boulevard.

According to county and local officials, there is a process for teams to get recognized.

Mike Fricchione, a communications spokesperson for county Legislature Minority Leader Delia Deriggi-Whitton, said the first thing schools need to do is formally request the county put up a sign, as the Glen Cove High School athletics department did after the school’s boys soccer team won the county title in 2022.

Email communications from the school, the county, and legislator Deriggi-Whitton’s office showed a relatively simple process, with the county communications team asking questions about where the signs would be located, and where they’d be fabricated.

Tim Messner, the deputy commissioner of the Nassau County Parks Department, explained in a phone interview that county championship signs could only go up on county roads, so that’s a consideration when sign location is discussed.

Schratweiser said when the Port Washington boys lacrosse team won the county title in 2022, he was told by school administrators that road signs weren’t being made up any more, so he decided to honor teams by putting up banners around the outside of the school’s athletic fields.

Town of North Hempstead Councilmembeer Mariann Dalimonte, who represents Dis-

trict 6, said it has bothered her that the badminton triumph from eight years ago is the only sign about Port Washington’s teams.

“In my opinion, if you’re not going to update it, then take it down,” Dalimonte said. “I have tried repeatedly to get that sign changed and updated.”

In Manhasset, athletics director Christine Raffo’s school is replete with county and state title teams lately; in the 2021-22 school year alone, the boys basketball, girls lacrosse and boys lacrosse teams all won state championships.

But no signs commemorating those wins are visible in the area.

When fellow Manhasset school St. Mary’s won a girls basketball title in 2021-22, school director of communications Eileen Symonds

reached out to the county and the Dept. of Public Works, and even designed the sign emblem herself.

“Within 3-6 months they were up there on the county road (Shelter Rock Road),” Symonds said. “The process was fairly easy, and our local government has been very receptive to our requests over the years.”

In Mineola, a phenomenal recent sports season in 2023-24 saw the boys soccer team and the girls volleyball squad win county and Long Island championships, and advance to the state semifinals. The girls bowling team has also won three county championships in a row.

Instead of going through the county, Mineola mayor Paul Pereira and athletics director Christopher McCann decided to make signs up themselves, paid for by the village.

The signs now stand on the corner of Roslyn Road and Old Country Road in Mineola.

“It’s really special for the kids and a real sense of pride for the community, driving by there,” McCann said. “It’s something that’s going to last forever and it feels great, a reminder of what those kids accomplished.”

For his part, Schratweiser said he’s going to now try again to get some recent Port Washington accomplishments, like the Long Island championship won by the girls tennis team in 2022, recognized with signs.

“We’ve put banners up around the fields but it would be great to see them get recognition (on signs),” Schratweiser said. “We’re so proud of all of these athletes.”

PHOTO BY LINDA EASTMAN

A sign commemorating the Glen Cove boys soccer team’s 2022 county championship sits on Desoris Lane in town.

Viscardi School gets $522K

Continued from Page 4

drive our inclusion mission,” Rosa said.

But state funds have not always been guaranteed.

In 2023, the state budget initially proposed a $2 million cut for 4201 schools, including the Henry Viscardi School. The school estimated this would be a loss of about $200,000-$250,000 for them.

The funds in 2023 were ultimately reinstated in the budget adoption.

“Over the last few years, there has been an attempt to reduce the funding of our 4201 schools, jeopardizing the education of thousands of blind, deaf and physically disabled children,” Sillitti said. “My Assembly Majority colleagues and I remain committed to ensuring these schools have the resources they need to provide all students access to an incredible education.”

Heastie praised Sillitti for her dedication to ensuring funds for the Henry Viscardi School.

“The Henry Viscardi School remains unmatched in its history of providing students with physical disabilities a space they can grow and learn with peers,” said the speaker said. “No one has fought harder for the funding of this incredible program than Assemblymember Sillitti and I’m honored to join her here today to discuss how we can extend the Viscardi School’s services to the next generation of children.”

Manhasset ed board picks Panzik as prez

Continued from Page 1

Passi said class size numbers continue to be below the district’s guidelines.

“I think we’ve made strides and we’ve allocated resources to make sure that this is a priority,” Panzik said.

The projected enrollment for Shelter Rock Elementary School ranges from 68 students in Kindergarten to 106 in sixth grade. Four to five classroom sections are to be held for each grade.

Projected class sizes all remain at or below 22 students, with some as low as 17 as projected for all kindergarten sections.

At Munsey Park Elementary Schools, class size projections are slightly larger in some grades yet stay at or below 23 students each. Increases are shown in grades like kindergarten which does have some classes that go up to 18 students.

The projected enrollment at Munsey Park is also larger, with a range of 87 students in kindergarten to 151 in sixth grade. Each grade will hold five to seven class sections.

Multiple construction projects are taking place at Munsey Park, which Passi said are mostly on schedule. This includes the north parking lot, boiler replacement, locker room renovations, library renovations and bathroom renovations.

Air conditioning renovations at Shelter Rock, Munsey Park and the secondary school have begun as well, with Shelter Rock planned to be completed next week.

Passi said Munsey Park air conditioning renovation will not be completed until summer 2025 due to supply chain issues.

Solar panels are also being installed at Munsey Park and Shelter Rock, but the secondary

school project won’t begin until the other two have been completed.

The district had also been waiting on building permits from the state, but Passi said some have been pushed forward in the process. This includes work on the district’s life skills classroom and auditorium reconstruction.

He said he plans for permits to be issued by the beginning of the school year.

“All of that is proceeding as scheduled and I’ll continue to keep the board updated,” Passi said. “We’re really looking forward to these new projects, especially at Munsey Park. These new spaces should be absolutely beautiful, and adding additional small group construction space and renovating the library I think are really beneficial.”

The board will hold its next meeting on Aug. 27.

Continued from Page 2 for health or concealing their identity.

“If they’re just simply wearing a mask and they seem suspicious, which is subjective, they could be then, I guess, in some way identified as someone based on someone else’s subjection of whether they are loitering or they seem suspicious. In fact, then they could have this issue thrusted on them and then, in fact, be in some way or another subjected to a fine and a misdemeanor?” Bynoe asked.

In response to Bynoe’s question, it was clarified that a mask crime would be an added charge to someone who is being charged with other crimes.

But Bynoe said the proposed law’s language reads that wearing a mask is in itself a crime and would be enforceable not in tandem with another crime. She said that the intent of wearing a mask, which defines whether it would be a crime or not, can be subjective.

“But we know now that what I might see as intent might be different from someone else,”

Bynoe said.

She cautioned that the law could potentially have a “chilling effect” on mask-wearing, deterring individuals from wearing masks and thus causing higher transmission of diseases, or subject people to unnecessary police interactions.

Nevertheless, she still expressed support for a law of this nature that is aimed at combatting criminal activity but not have adverse effects on the community.

Multiple residents spoke during the public comment period also expressing concerns with the bill, which included an infringement on their right to privacy for having to disclose medical histories to justify their mask-wearing.

Susan Gottehrer, Nassau County director of the New York Civil Liberties Union, called the ban “distinctly unpopular and for good reason.” She said this includes concerns over targeted and disproportionate treatment as well as health concerns.

“They prevent people from protecting their health, they have been used to squash politi-

cal protest, to dox, surveil and retaliate against people with unpopular political beliefs, and in the jurisdictions where they already exist have been used to selectively enforce and criminalize people of color,” Gottehrer said.

She cited data from Long Island United to Transform Policing, which has identified bias in the Nassau County Police Department. She said this could impact mask ban enforcement as well.

The county Legislature will hold a hearing for the law at its meeting on Aug. 5. Presentations will be given at that meeting.

Minority Leader Delia DeRiggi-Whitton (D–Glen Cove) asked to have Nassau County Police Commissioner Patrick Ryder and a county attorney’s office representative to testify at the public hearing.

The bill is co-sponsored by the entire county Republican caucus, which holds a 12-7 majority in the Legislature.

PHOTO COURTESY OF WIKIMEDIA COMMONS

The Manhasset Board of Education selected Steven Panzik to serve as its president for the second year.

Continued from Page 2

heal and its impact continues long after someone is discharged. The goal is to raise the health of the communities we serve in proactive, lasting and meaningful ways.”

N. Shore, NYU Langone top in nation Giuseppe’s in, Stop & Shop out

“I’ve seen the expertise and sheer willpower that our team members exhibit each and every day, first as leader of Lenox Hill Hospital and now overseeing an entire health system,” said Dr. Jill Kalman, executive vice president and chief medical officer at Northwell.

NYU Langone Hospital was ranked No. 1 in the nation for neurology and neurosurgery for the third year in a row.

The hospital received a No. 1 ranking in pulmonology and lung surgery for the first year as well. Additionally, NYU Langone was recognized as the best hospital in New York State for cardiology, heart surgery and vascular surgery.

All 13 of the hospital’s ranked specialities were placed within the top 20 nationally, including: neurology and neurosurgery (1st), pulmonology and lung surgery (1st), cardiology, heart surgery and vascular surgery (2nd), urology (2nd), geriatrics (3rd), rehabilitation (4th), diabetes and endocrinology (5th), gastroenterology/GI surgery (5th), rheumatology (9th), ear, nose and throat (10th), cancer (17th) and obstetrics and gynecology (19th).

“At NYU Langone Health, our culture of exceptionalism continues to deliver the best outcomes for our patients with one consistently high standard of care across all of our locations,” said Dr. Robert I. Grossman, CEO of NYU Langone and dean of NYU Grossman School of Medicine.

Grossman added: “Not only is our overall ranking one of the highest in the United States, but nine of our specialties are among the top five in the nation. We are unique in that exceptional patient outcomes come from all of our hospitals, with each of these contributing to our ranking. I am so proud of each and every one of our employees for helping deliver these fantastic results.”

In addition to their rankings, the hospital earned an “A” safety rating at each of its six inpatient facilities.

Dr. Joseph J. Greco, executive vice president and chief of hospital operations at NYU Langone Hospital-Long Island said, “We are thrilled to be recognized once again for our commitment to providing patients with the highest-quality care, both here in Long Island and all across our system. Our patients across Long Island can also access a broad range of top-ranked clinical services right here in their community, without having to travel to Manhattan.”

Roslyn-based St. Francis was rated as highperforming in 16 common adult procedures and conditions: aortic valve surgery; chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD); colon cancer surgery; diabetes; heart attack; heart bypass surgery; heart failure; hip fracture; hip replacement; kidney failure; knee replacement; leukemia, lymphoma & myeloma; lung cancer surgery; pneumonia; stroke; and transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR).

“Our employees’ dedication to excellence is exemplified in the high-quality care they provide every day,” said St. Francis Hospital President Charles Lucore. “The national recognition we consistently receive reflects our drive to create an environment in which our staff’s top priority is always to achieve the most positive patient outcomes through holistic care.”

Other high-performance ratings from Catholic Health include:

Good Samaritan University Hospital in West Islip earned high-performance ratings for COPD and heart failure.St. Catherine of Siena Hospital in Smithtown earned high-performance ratings for congestive heart failure, kidney failure and pneumonia.St. Charles Hospital in Port Jefferson earned high-performance ratings for hip replacement and knee replacement.

James sues county over trans athlete law

Continued from Page 1 discrimination based on their gender identity or expressing it.

“With this law, Nassau County is once again attempting to exclude transgender girls and women from participating in sporting events while claiming to support fairness,” said James in a statement issued by her office. “NYCLU and the Long Island Roller Rebels won their first lawsuit and County Executive Blakeman’s transphobic executive order was struck down because it was blatantly illegal. Now, this discriminatory law must be implemented as well. Here in New York, every person has the right to be exactly who they are free from discrimination, and my office will always protect that right.”

Blakeman defended the legislation before the signing ceremony..

“We’ve heard from a lot of people who have a different point of view,” Blakeman told reporters Monday. “And that’s fair, we can agree to disagree. For us, it’s a matter of common sense. It’s a matter of fairness and it’s a matter of integrity. It’s inter-

esting that probably the most famous transgender person in the world, Caitlyn Jenner, was here with us, stood with us. She competed as a biological male, to the greatest extent of athletic competition. At one point, when she competed as a biological male, some people considered her the best athlete in the world. She stood here with us and said, ‘You’re doing the right thing.’ This isn’t about transgender rights. It’s about fairness to women.”

Blakeman was joined by Nassau Legislature Presiding Officer Howard Kopel (R-Lawrence) and Legislator Samantha Goetz (R-Locust Valley) in supporting the bill.

“When someone who is a biological male comes in competes against these people, these girls, those biological males have a totally unfair advantage,” Kopel said. “They’re larger, they’re faster, and they’ve got more muscles. This is something that doesn’t work.”

Democratic Nassau officials expressed support for James’s lawsuit as well.

“With his actions, Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman and his right-wing legislative sy-

cophants are endangering the well-being of some of the most vulnerable of our fellow citizens,” state Assemblyman Charles Lavine (D-Glen Cove) said. “If these people won’t stick up for human rights, what good are they?”

Under the New York State Constitution and Municipal Home Rule law, counties and municipalities cannot enact or enforce laws that conflict with state laws, and if a court finds the bill in violation of any of New York’s civil rights laws, it could be overturned.

“Bruce Blakeman’s blatantly illegal trans ban on public county property exposes his disregard for taxpayers and the rule of law,” said Nassau County Legislature Minority Leader Delia DeRiggiWhitton (D-Glen Cove). “Instead of addressing real issues like the unfair assessment system, crippling taxes and fees, and crumbling infrastructure, he chooses divisive and unlawful measures to distract from his inability to solve pressing problems and improve our lives.”

Continued from Page 4

said Carl DelPrete, CEO of the Melvillebased chain of 11 stores in New York and New Jersey.

Uncle Giuseppe’s signed a lease for the Greenvale store about two months ago, according to DelPrete.

“Uncle Giuseppe’s is always looking for opportunities in great neighborhoods in certain areas with the right square footage and this opportunity happened to come up. We’re very excited for Greenvale.”

Gordon Reid, president of Stop & Shop, said the company chose to close these stores after evaluating the overall portfolio of each store.

He said the closings will help create a foundation for the company’s growth. According to Reid, closing these lowperforming stores is one element of the brand’s current growth strategy.

“Stop & Shop is focused on growing through large, multi-year price investments and a stronger customer value proposition, both in-store and online,” he said. “This means we’ll be focused on delivering lower everyday prices, as well as even more savings for our customers through strong promotions.”

Reid also says no employees of the closing stores will be laid off. All employees of the affected store will be offered other employment opportunities within the company.

“Our associates are a strong community dedicated to growing and working together, and all of our store associates will continue to have a place in the Stop & Shop family as we look forward to serving customers at other nearby locations,” he said.

The other Long Island store locations closing are in Hempstead, East Meadow, and Coram.

Of the other 28 affected stores, five are in Connecticut, eight are in Massachusetts, 10 are in New Jersey, two are in Rhode Island, and three are in other parts of New York.

Stop & Shop says local customers will be informed about their store closure in advance.

Representatives from Stop & Shop and Uncle Giuseppe’s could not be reached for comment.

Continued from Page 4

two factors: his experience in government with a focus on accountability and finances as well as his knowledge of Long Island government.

Lancman said his responsibilities will include working alongside Chairman Richard Kessel to conduct oversight of the county’s finances and to help lead the Nassau Interim Finance Authority.

The board’s responsibilities include approving the county’s budget, borrowing and contracts.

These actions cover county projects and the associated expenses that many people read about in the news, Lancman said, including the Nassau University Medical Center amid financial hardship, legal expenses for the county’s transgender athlete ban and its multiple law-

suits, the suit against the state’s even-year elections and costs for the emergency special deputy sheriff program commonly referred to as Blakeman’s militia.

“NIFA is the public’s watchdog without which the county could quickly revert to its old bad habits and drive us off a fiscal cliff like it almost went a quarter of a century ago,” Lancman said.

Buckley School celebrates 97th commencement

Bright-eyed soon-to-be Buckley Country Day School graduates wearing red and blue sashes and ties; enduring traditions and age-old pomp and circumstance; proud parents, families, friends, faculty and staff gathering under a large white tent on the Roby Young Field; an overwhelming feeling of joy; never disappointing late spring, clear skies: nothing was missing for Buckley’s 97th commencement exercises and the graduation of the Classof 2024.

Reverend Jennifer Bailey, director of pastoral care services for New York City Health & Hospitals in Brooklyn and a spiritual care worker for the Red Cross, opened this year’s ceremony with an invocation.

Bailey was introduced by graduate Jade El-Hajj-Bey who expressed her admiration for a person who “on a daily basis practices with grace to impact the lives of clinicians, patients, and their families.”

On behalf of her classmates, Ana Calvo presented the Teacher of the Year Award, selected by the graduating class members, to seventh and eighth-grade mathematics teacher Sue Rodriguez-Mclean.

Calvo said RodriguezMcLean was her classmates’ unanimous choice because “she created an environment where it felt safe to make mistakes and try something new.” “She inspired us through her story before Buckley. Being one of the few Latina female engineers, she carries her experience and hard work into every single day.”

The Thomas J. Reid Excellence in Teaching Award recognizes outstanding teaching, demonstrated by concern for each student, quality of instruction, and commitment to Buckley. The 2024 Thomas J. Reid Excellence in Teaching Award was presented to pre-nursery teacher Susan Florendo.

The G. Robert Gage Award for Excellence in Teaching, named and given in memory of Bob Gage’s late father, is given annually to a faculty member in recognition of their excellence in teaching.

This award is funded every year by the investment income earned on the Gage family’s endowment gift. Fourth-grade teacher Christine Ikin was the 2024 recipient of the G. Robert Gage Award for Excellence in Teaching.

A generous endowment gift from Linda and John Powers made possible the presentation of an additional faculty award at graduation.

The Powers Family Teacher

Recognition Award is given annually to a faculty member in recognition of their embodiment of the school’s character and spirit, care and nurturing qualities, and excellence in teaching.

This year, the Powers Family Teacher Recognition Award was presented to kindergarten teacher Sarah Roman ’98.

Board Chair Chris Lee presented this year’s Trustees’ Bowl, the School’s most prized academic award, to the student who achieved the highest grade point average. The Trustees’ Bowl was presented to Nicholas Datterdeen.

Calvo was awarded the scholarship medal for the second-highest academic average, while Angel Wai-Hernandez earned the certificate of merit for the third-highest average.

Eliza Li and Adli AbdelMisih, student council co-presidents, presented the gift of the Class of 2024 to Buckley Country Day School.

The Class of 2024, a very athletic class, raised money to purchase a new scoreboard for one of the gyms.

Being that they managed to raise more money than needed for the scoreboard, they added $2,000 to acquire new equipment for the athletic department and chose to allocate another $2,000 to the Headmaster’s Impact Fund started by the Class of 2017 to assist Buckley Country Day School’s families with expenses above and beyond tuition.

The graduating class selected seventh—and eighth-grade English teacher Maria Newman as their faculty speaker. Liam O’Sullivan introduced her as a teacher who made her students feel like family and who made their last two years at Buckley the best they could be. “We are forever grateful,” concluded Liam.

Ironically, as Newman

pointed out, this was a little bit of ”payback” for all the speeches she made them write!

Newman, who teaches Homer’s “Odyssey” in one of her classes, offered to challenge the conventional narrative structure of the hero’s journey. She told the students about the opportunities they can create for themselves and make the world they already live in extraordinary.

Dilynne Hsu ’18 was this year’s alumna speaker. Hsu was introduced by her younger brother, Chase. Chase introduced Dilynne not only as the valedictorian of the class of 2018, but also as his role model and best friend.

Dilynne shared how she remembered first introducing Chase to her kindergarten classmates 14 years before in the form of a sonogram picture.

The two student speakers selected by their peers were Eliza Li and Ken Thongpahusatcha.

Diplomas were then awarded to the members of the graduating class. Newly-elected student council president Alyssa Sugiyama ‘25 and assistant director of development for alumni engagement Holly O’Brien displayed the wooden plaques carved by the graduates as they walked across the stage to receive their diplomas.

The members of the Class of 2024 will be attending: Andover, Blair Academy, The Browning School, Chaminade High School, Charterhouse School, The Dalton School, Dominican Academy, Grace Church School, Long Island Lutheran Middle and High School, Loyola School, Manhasset High School, The Mary Louis Academy, Monsignor McClancy Memorial High School, Phillips Exeter Academy, Portledge School, Sacred Heart Academy, Trinity School, Westhampton Beach Senior High School, Xavier High School.

Paul D. Schreiber High School.

Port ed board picks Smith for prez again

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Manuel recommended the board go with the proposed amounts and not decrease the new prices.

The board raised its school facility use fees, which Brooks also questioned saying they do not reflect a gradual increase as previously discussed as an option. Brooks abstained from voting on the increase, with the rest of the board voting in favor of it.

Smith said the district’s audit determined that there was a lack of consistency in how groups were charged. He said rate changes would mostly impact groups who were not abiding by the set rates.

“My sense is that the issue is not necessarily in the rates but in the enforcement of the rates,” Smith said.

Smith said the rate changes for this year are not “significantly different” from the prior year.

Manuel said that in most cases, the district will be breaking even on what it is charging organizations to use its facilities.

Trustee Emily Beys defended the cost increase, saying that costs are rising everywhere and that this is a method for the board to increase revenues to avoid increasing taxes to the point of piercing the cap as they did in May.

Trustee Rachel Gilliar asked for a re-

port on the impact of the facility use cost increase to ensure the district is benefiting but the community is ot being negatively affected. She said this can be used to reevaluate the costs if needed.

After the vote was taken, Port Summer Show President Michael Siskin said fees could bankrupt them in three to five years. He said for the last two years they have paid the district $5,000 but this year were billed $15,910.

He said the bill estimate, which tripled their costs from the prior year, was given to them four days before the program began and limited their ability to find an alternative location.

“I just want you to know that the effect is pretty massive on us,” Siskin said.

Multiple other individuals affiliated with the organization spoke during the public comment and also opposed the fee increases.

The board also discussed pursuing an exploration into establishing an intermediate school for 5th and 6th graders. This school would be established at Sousa Elementary Schools, reducing the district’s elementary schools from five to four.

More information about the district’s effort to determine the feasibility of the new school can be read on TheIsland360. com.

The Buckley Country Day School Class of 2024

PHOTO COURTESY OF WIKIMEDIA COMMONS

Hochul gives $7.7M to restore shoreline

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The microturbine installations are essentially small jet engines that produce electricity to operate the facility. These microturbines produce 50% of the district’s electrical needs and 100% of its heating requirements.

Implementing these three projects, Reiter said, not only will it contribute to environmental sustainability but also ease constituents’ costs. He estimated the cost savings to be more than $445,000 in 2023.

“So it’s a win-win for our residents and the environment and continues our mission to use innovation, advanced technology and sustainable practices to meet our goals,” Reiter said. “Everything we do at the Great Neck Water Pollution and Control District is done for the benefit of our residents and the environment.”

Hochul called the system “cost-effective renewable energy that must be replicated.”

Suozzi said that while the projects may not appear glamorous, the infrastructure will set the peninsula on a positive path of economic

and environmental sustainability.

“When you paint the front of the house, everybody says ‘Wow, look how great that house looks.’ It cost you $600 to do it,” Suozzi said. “When you spend $6,000 to fix the plumbing, nobody says ‘Boy, look at your drainage. Everything flushes so well it’s so great.’ This is the expensive infrastructure that makes it possible to live on this peninsula.”

Suozzi announced two weeks ago that funds for various village and district projects, including $1,105,800 for the Great Neck Water Pollution Control District, were included in the first draft of the 2025 federal spending bill.

He said these funds will be voted on in the House next week but, if approved, will likely not be delivered for another year.

Hochul also visited Port Washington’s Baxter Estates earlier in the afternoon to announce the village’s shoreline restoration project. Another $1,105,800 in funds for this project is proposed in the federal spending bill.

Port to explore feasibility of additional 5th, 6th-grade school

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said. He cited studies that showed boys and girls experience puberty around age 10, which has progressively started earlier and earlier over the decades.

Students typically turn 10 in 4th grade.

Hynes also cited data from a survey conducted by the school that showed students in these two grades experience a dip in favorable connections with teachers, school belonging and school engagement after 5th grade.

The curriculum and programming at this school would be developed around these two grades. This includes the potential of special areas of study like introducing world languages earlier.

“The thing that I’m most excited about for us to explore and what that looks like is real-world activities – problem and project-based learning,” Hynes said. “Real things in the classroom, not just worksheets and doing things that you probably did when you were back in school, but to really reimagine what this experience could look like so when they do move to the middle school, they’re incredibly well-equipped.”

Enrollment projections for the intermediate school would have begun at 786 students for the 2023-2024 school year, or the one that just concluded, but is projected to grow to 831 students in 2028-2029.

To establish the intermediate school, Sousa Elementary School is being suggested as the location for the new middle school. It would no longer serve as an elementary school.

Elementary students attending Sousa would then have to be placed in one of the other four elementary schools. Hynes said this could lead to larger class sizes.

Hynes said that enrollment would increase by about 35-45 students at the four remaining elementary schools.

The district previously had two middle schools, which were unified into one in the 1980s, according to Hynes. Sousa Elementary School previously served as the district’s second middle school.

Hynes said the plan has both positives and negatives for the elementary schools, theoretical new intermediate school and the current middle school.

Positives include fewer students in the current middle school, a positive transition for 5th and 6th graders and a greater focus on consistency in elementary schools.

Negatives include larger elementary class sizes, an added transition for 5th and 6th graders and potentially greater expenses.

Hynes said there are concerns about the ability to host these projected numbers of students at Sousa Elementary School if it were changed to the intermediate school. He said this could mean portable classrooms brought to the school.

He said transitioning the elementary school to an intermediate school would also come with additional costs, like transportation, administration and building upgrades.

“I’m not tone deaf that I just talked about expenditures and how much this would cost, especially after we just pierced the [tax] cap,” Hynes said. “I totally get that. That would be silly for me not to mention. It would also be silly for me not to mention that if we don’t do something new and different, I’d rather be in control of what we’re trying to do to reimagine what we can do for our kids and that’s where this exploration comes into play.”

Vinny Muldoon