New Hyde Park 2023_09_01

SCHOOLS & EDUCATION

PAGES 21-32

JCC TEAM WINS NATIONAL TITLE

Racist graffiti at Center Street Elementary

Herricks board prez ‘sickened’ by language spray painted multiple times

BY BRANDON DUFFY

Herricks Board of Education President James Gounaris said Thursday night he was “sickened” by racially charged language that was spray painted multiple times at the Center Street Elementary School playground.

Gounaris said the district discovered Thursday morning that the playground area at the Williston Park school and some trees in the vicinity were graffitied overnight.

“The vandalism included profanatory and derogatory language including racist language, which was spray painted multiple times,” Gounaris said.

The president said the Nassau County Police Department is currently conducting an investigation into who is responsible for the incident.

“The safety and well-being of our students, families, faculties and staff is our priority and we will continue nurturing a school community that centers on empathy and compassion and denounces hate and injustice,” Gounaris said.

In a written statement, Gounaris implored district residents to have a conversation with their children at the dinner table on hate and its impact.

“If you’ve resided here for one day or 100 years, this is not what the community is about and we need to make

BLAKEMAN SIGN SCUTTLE FUNDRAISER

BOCCI BOYS

sure that these people understand that it’s never going to be tolerated,” Gounaris said. “We are going to find out who they are and we are going to make sure they get prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”

North Hempstead Supervisor Jennifer DeSena said in a statement she was heartbroken about the incident and that the town has worked hard to foster an inclusive community.

“These heinous acts will not be tolerated, and I am confident the Nassau County Police Department will do everything necessary to apprehend and prosecute those responsible,” DeSena said.

Herricks Superintendent Tony Sinanis said some of the graffiti has already been removed and that the rest of it will be removed before the first day of school on Tuesday, Sept. 15.

In unrelated district news, Sinanis provided capital project updates from the summer, including side-by-side pictures of different parts of the district before and after their upgrades.

Summer projects include new epoxy floors, lights, furniture and repainting the tech room in the high school tech room and middle school art room, among others. The middle school gymnasium had its padding on the walls and floor redone.

Continued on Page 45

Miller Brothers site remains up in the air

BY BRANDON DUFFY

New Hyde Park Mayor Christopher Devane said during the Thursday night trustees meeting there are currently no plans before the board to redevelop the current property of Miller Brothers Plumbing and Heating.

The property at 1324 Jericho Turnpike changed ownership earlier this year and the new owners recently held two meetings with village residents on developments they are con-

sidering, which included a four-story building with 46 residential units.

Devane told residents the village urged the new developers to speak with the public on any considerations before submitting any proposals to the board.

“Nothing has been submitted to this board,” Devane said multiple times at the beginning of the trustees’ board reports. “The earliest at this point something would be submitted to this board would be October.”

Once a proposal is submitted, like any other application before the board, a public hearing will be held where public comments can be heard, Devane said.

At the Jan. 19 trustees meeting Devane said it was time to reimagine developments on the turnpike and bring an influx of development to the area. The mayor added that the old way of doing things in the village with mixed-use retail and apartments on top was not working.

Continued on Page 46

PHOTO COURTESY OF NEW HYDE PARK BOCCI CLUB ON FACEBOOK

The New Hyde Park Bocci Club gathers every weekend to play at the village’s Memorial Park.

Dancer wows judges, but ‘AGT’ dream ends

Lambros Garcia, 10, dances at Mossa Dance Academy in NHP

BY BRANDON DUFFY

Wearing a silver-and-black bomber jacket with his name stitched on the back, Lambros Garcia, now known as “Lambros 2.0,” repeated to the “America’s Got Talent” judges and crowd the night of Aug. 22 the same message he had for them from his frst performance.

“As I stated in my frst audition, not a lot of people respected who I am.” Lambros, 10, said to host Terry Crews. “However, we cannot let other people break our dreams. Because dreams do come true, right? They do!”

Lambros’ journey on the AGT stage is now over, but not before gaining admirers across the country.

After viewer votes were calculated for the June 23 results show, he lost out to singer Lavender Darcangelo, who sang Journey’s “I Want To Know What Love Is.”

Lambros, a Glen Head native and student at Mossa Dance Academy in New Hyde Park, impressed judges with his performance to Todrick Hall’s “Vogue Zone” in the live show part of the competition’s 18th season.

3 flee from police, crash on Lakeville

Car left behind had cut-off catalytic converters

BY BRANDON DUFFY

Three men with cut-of catalytic converters and sawzall blades in their car fed police after crashing their vehicle on Lakeville Road in New Hyde Park on Wednesday, Aug. 23, police said.

Police observed a white BMW sedan at 3:30 a.m. Wednesday on New Hyde Park Road with non-transparent tinted windows and turned on their emergency lights to pull the vehicle over.

The sedan fed from ofcers before losing control and crashing into a

tree across from McNulty Outdoors at 99 Lakeville Road, police said.

After three men fed the sedan, Allan Suero, 21, of the Bronx and Fabian Castro, 20, of Texas were detained by police while a third suspect is still outstanding, police said.

During an investigation, police said they found sawzall blades, used and cut-of catalytic converters in the BMW sedan.

Suero and Castro were both charged with criminal possession of stolen property in the fourth degree while Suero was also charged with criminal trespass in the third degree.

MAIL: 22 Planting Field Road Roslyn Heights, NY 11577

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The young dancer said he chose the up-tempo song because “it has a good beat to it and brings so much energy.” Lambros added he wanted to show who he is through his performance.

“My big dream is to perform on Broadway,” Lambros said. “This is my chance.”

It was the second time in as many performances that he wowed the judges and audience at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium in California.

“I love you and I love everything about you,” said judge Heidi Klum. “I love mostly that you do you and you don’t care about what anyone says. You don’t look back, you have your path. Well done,” she added. “Congratulations. Ten years old on this biggest stage in the world.”

In a prerecorded segment after a commercial break, Lambros said he was now “Lambros 2.0” after his June 6 audition, where he performed to Billy Porter’s “Love Yourself” and secured yesses from all four judges.

“I gained so much confdence,” Lambros said. “The frst day back I came to school, my bus was cheering my name. I fnally have the conf-

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dence to show who I am.”

After his frst audition, the young dancer shared an emotional story after joyfully breaking down following his routine, telling the judges he was teased at school.

Lambros told judge Simon Cowell the teasing has “totally” gone away.

“Good, good, good,” said Cowell, who called the performance brilliant. “Because, let me tell you, we all loved you because you defne the word personality.”

Judge Sofía Vergara reiterated how much of a fan she was of Lambros, saying, “You’re so confdent tonight. You are amazing. My favorite part of your show is how happy you are when you’re doing it.”

Judge Howie Mandel left Lambros with a resounding message for both him and the world.

“More than what you do, you are the same little boy that came to us before, who was bullied and had this tough time,” Mandel said. “And then you showed the world who you are. This is not Lambros 2.0. You changed the world. It’s the World 2.0!”

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PHOTO COURTESY OF THE NASSAU COUNTY POLICE DEPARTMENT

Allan Suero, left and Fabian Castro, right.

SCREENCAP BY BRANDON DUFFY

Lambros Garcia performs during the Aug. 22 live shows of ‘America’s Got Talent’.

Bossert details plans for Great Neck

New district superintendent was appointed after unexpected death of Teresa Prendergast

BY KARINA KOVAC

In the wake of the unexpected death of Teresa Prendergast, a wellknown fgure in the community and superintendent of Great Neck schools for eight years at the age of 60, the district found itself faced with the task of fnding a successor who could step into her sizable shoes.

The search for a new leader began months earlier, in January, when Prendergast revealed her retirement plans, which were approved by the Board of Education at its Jan. 18 meeting. This decision came as she prepared to take on the mantle as the 11th principal at Sacred Heart Academy in Hempstead, an appointment set to start in August.

Prendergast was transitioning to become the 11th principal of Sacred Heart Academy, an all-girls, Catholic, college-preparatory school, when she died of a ruptured brain aneurysm on June 10.

On June 14, the district ofcially announced the selection of Dr. Kenneth Bossert as the new superintendent for Great Neck schools. This appointment was facilitated through District Wise Search Consultants, an education search frm. As Bossert steps into this pivotal role, he does so

fully aware of the legacy left by Prendergast—a legacy that has ingrained her not only in the education realm but also in the hearts of the community.

Bosset was the superintendent of the Elwood school district and

Sport Psychology

worked in the Three Village school district as assistant superintendent for curriculum and instruction, among other positions. He also has served as president of the Sufolk County School Superintendents Association and is on the executive com-

mittee of the New York State Council of School Superintendents.

At the Board of Education meeting Aug. 23, he shared some of his goals going into the new school year, which is also available for view online.

In addition to discussing his priorities with the public, they will have the opportunity to directly meet and speak to Bossert over cofee, tea, and refreshments at an upcoming meetand-greet. The event, which is open

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:

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2 Hillside Ave, Suite E. Williston Park NY 11596

(building parallel to E. Williston railroad station) drtomferraro.com

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PHOTO BY KARINA KOVAC

At a recent Great Neck schools Board of Education meeting the future of the district was discussed as Superintendent Dr. Kenneth Bossert takes his first steps into his new role.

Town board eyes fix to comptroller mess

BY BRANDON DUFFY

The North Hempstead Town Board meeting Sept. 5 will be the frst since Comptroller Kristen Schwaner resigned unexpectedly without giving a reason from the position on Aug. 18 just four months after being appointed.

North Hempstead is currently without a fulltime town comptroller and two deputy comptrollers, with one deputy resigning earlier this year in February and the other deputy slot being vacant since January 2022.

Before Schwaner’s appointment, the last full-time comptroller was Tania Orenstein, who resigned in December 2021.

The seven-member town board can vote to appoint a full-time comptroller, an interim one or hire a third party to fll the role’s responsibilities if there is a resolution for it. The resolution for next Tuesday’s meeting will be published on the town’s website Friday, Sept. 1.

The comptroller position oversees operations of the comptroller’s ofce and is responsible for overseeing the budget process, annual audits and fling annual fnancial reports, among other things.

North Hempstead’s website currently has job postings for town comptroller and chief deputy comptroller in the comptroller’s ofce, paying $160,000 a year and $110,000-$120,000 a year, respectively.

Supervisor Jennifer DeSena must submit a tentative budget to the other six members of the board by the end of September. Last year budget hearings were held in October with the fnal vote to approve held in November prior to Election Day.

This year’s schedule will be set at the Sept. 5 meeting.

Prior to Schwaner’s appointment after an extensive year-long bipartisan search process, Finance Director Paul Wood was appointed as interim comptroller last year ahead of presenting Desena’s $158.4 million tentative budget.

A resolution submitted in December by DeSena, a Republican, to appoint John Morris, a former Smithtown comptroller, was rejected 4-3 along party lines, with Democrats voting against it.

DeSena submitted another resolution appointing Morris to the position in March but

withdrew it ahead of the meeting and it was not voted on.

Morris had previously served as treasurer for the Villages of Mastic Beach and Westbury and director of fnance for the town under Supervisor May Newburger from 1998 to 2001.

In December, Democrat Mariann Dalimonte cited a Newsday article that reported Morris was not re-hired as the Smithtown comptroller and that council member Robert Creighton said his term “didn’t work out to our satisfaction” before she voted no in December.

Morris told Newsday in March that he lost his Smithtown post for political reasons.

Having a full-time comptroller is also important to the town’s bond rating, DeSena said at previous town board meetings.

North Hempstead this year maintained its Aaa bond rating for the 13th year in a row, according to Moody’s Investors Service.

The organization cited stable fnancial operations, healthy reserve levels and a strong economic profle for the town while lauding its conservative fscal management.

PHOTO COURTESY OF SIGHTGROWTHPARTNERS

Former North Hempstead Comptroller Kristen Schwaner.

Cumberland Farms sells $1M lottery ticket

BY BRANDON DUFFY

A Cumberland Farms on New Hyde Park Road in New Hyde Park sold a second-place Mega Millions lottery ticket worth $1 million for the Tuesday, Aug. 22, drawing, the New York Lottery announced Wednesday.

The winning numbers for Aug. 22 were 1, 12, 26, 36, 50 and a Mega Ball of 7. To win the

$1 million for second place, players needed to get fve matching numbers.

Winning numbers are drawn from a feld of one to 70 with a Mega Ball drawn from a separate feld of one to 25.

Nobody won the jackpot on Tuesday night. The next Mega Millions drawing will be Friday night at 11 p.m. with an estimated jackpot of $52 million and a $24.6 million cash option.

Women’s Health Care of Garden City committed to personalized care

By John L. Gomes, MD

John L. Gomes, MD, founded Women’s Health Care of Garden City in 1995. It has remained an independent private practice, providing personalized obstetrical and gynecological services.

He employs the technical advances of conventional medicine with an integrative approach to navigate women through difcult pregnancies into the menopausal years. He treats a wide variety of OB/GYN conditions and is dedicated to providing the highest quality of care.

All tests are conveniently done on the premises, and a dedicated, compassionate staf is on call 24/7.

He is committed to excellence in patient communication, education and support, as many patients come with anxiety associated with past experiences and future concerns.

Dr. Gomes received his undergraduate degree from Brown University, and his Doctor of Medicine from Columbia University.

He is both Board Certifed and a Fellow of the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology.

Women’s Health Care of Garden City is located at 1000 Franklin Avenue, Suite 200, Garden City.

PHOTO COURTESY OF GOOGLE MAPS

Cumberland Farms at 2201 New Hyde Park Road, New Hyde Park.

Chapin tribute halted by Blakeman signs

Concert organizers, musicians say county exec tries to turn event into advertising platform

BY CAMERYN OAKES

The ‘Just Wild About Harry’ Tribute Concert was initially scheduled for July 16, which was proclaimed “Harry Chapin Day” to honor the anniversary of the singer-songwriter’s death, but a rainy day stalled the event.

The event, rescheduled for Aug. 28, is now facing another roadblock that is forcing the concert to be further rescheduled: large signs bearing Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman’s name.

Multiple signs were posted at the venue of Eisenhower Park for both Blakeman and Chapin, which is typical for the event. But concert organizers have complained about the size of Blakeman’s signs, which are much larger than Chapin’s.

Concert Organizer Stuart Markus shared his statement about the issue on Facebook, which was shared with Newsday, which originally reported on the incident.

He said many individuals involved in the tribute concert, most notably the concert co-organizers, expressed “deep revulsion and consternation” about the large signs with Blakeman’s name, believing he was making the event more about him than Chapin.

Chapin, while a famed folk singer-songwriter, was also a notable humanitarian who fought world hunger. He was a key figure in establishing the Presidential Commission on World Hunger in 1977 and was awarded the Congressional Gold Medal for his humanitarian efforts.

“What I, the co-organizers and the majority of musicians have a problem with is Mr. Blakeman’s turning the Harry Chapin Lakeside Theatre – a pub-

licly owned facility – into an advertising platform for himself and his future election campaigns,” Markus said.

In a letter Blakeman sent to Markus on Aug. 23, the county executive alleges that the real issue is not

the signage but rather that Blakeman is a member of the Republican Party.

Markus said that this is not the issue as he has previously been a registered Republican and is a historical “ticket splitter” when voting.

He said the problem is with the signage and the size of the signs with Blakeman’s name compared to those devoted to Chapin.

The Blakeman sign on the rear of the stage is larger than Chapin’s. Markus said the elected official’s sign “can clearly be seen from the parking lot and dwarfs the Harry Chapin sign underneath, which can barely be seen much past halfway up the field.” He called Blakeman’s signage “extreme” compared to other county executives, both Democrat and Republican, who have displayed their names at the event as well.

“For a politician of any party, this would be incredibly tacky and inappropriate,” Markus said.

He said the three new speaker scaffolds on the front lawn of the venue, the stage entrance on the side of the theatre and the stage’s lectern also feature Blakeman’s name, with Chapin’s not included.

Blakeman said in his letter to Markus that it was “ludacris [SIC]” to believe that he was implementing the signage for his personal gain.

In his letter, Blakeman did address the concern that television and social media ads for the event omitted Chapin’s name, which he said was a mistake and would be remedied.

Nassau County Legislator Arnold Drucker (DPlainview) said in a statement this is an example that Blakeman’s ”rampant campaign of taxpayer-funded self-promotion must immediately end.”

Drucker proposed legislation in April 2022 to officially make July 16, the date of Chapin’s death in 1981, Harry Chapin Day in the county. This proposal has not yet been acted upon by the Legislative Majority.

Continued on Page 39

PHOTO COURTESY OF DANIEL SCHRAFEL

The stage at Eisenhower Park displays a sign that states the concert has been cancelled. On the rear of the stage are the two signs for Blakeman and Chapin.

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DeSena introduces town GOP slate

Says council, receiver of taxes candidates committed to protecting taxpayers, suburban way of life

BY BRANDON DUFFY

North Hempstead Supervisor Jennifer DeSena recently announced the Republican slate of candidates running for elected office in the town on Tuesday, Nov. 7.

The supervisor said she is proud of her administration’s accomplishments thus far and that the strong group of Republican candidates is committed to protecting taxpayers’ wallets and the suburban way of life in the town.

“During my first term as supervisor, my administration has delivered millions of dollars in tax relief, while enhancing infrastructure, instituting municipal reforms, boosting community safety and preserving quality of life for North Hempstead residents,” DeSena said in a statement.

DeSena, of Manhasset, is running against Democrat Jon Kaiman, of Great Neck, who served as North Hempstead supervisor from 2004 to 2013.

In 2021, DeSena was the first Republican nominee to win the town supervisor election in more than 30 years, succeeding Judi Bosworth, a Democrat, who did not seek re-election.

In the contest for the receiver of taxes post, Mary Jo Collins, of Flower Hill, is challenging Council Member Veronica Lurvey for town receiver of

taxes. Collins has been a trustee in the Village of Flower Hill since 2020 and has worked on Wall Street for 40 years predominantly in fixed income. Lurvey is unable to run for re-election in the 4th District she currently represents after new redistricting maps were finalized last year, making her a resident of the 5th District.

In the town board races,Edward

Scott, of Albertson is opposing incumbent Peter Zuckerman in the town’s 2nd Councilmanic District, which includes Mineola, Albertson, East Hills, North Hills, Herricks, Roslyn Heights, Greenvale, Roslyn Harbor and Searingtown. Scott is a retired NYPD officer, small business owner, Albertson Water District commissioner and president of the Albertson Square Civic Association.

James Gounaris, of New Hyde Park, is running against Christine Liu, an executive board member of the Chinese American Association of North Hempstead, for the town’s 4th Councilmanic District, which Lurvey has held.

Gounaris currently serves as the Herricks Board of Education president and has been on the board for 12 years. Professionally, Gounaris works at Great Neck Public Schools as the director of food and nutrition services.

District 4 includes Manhasset Hills, Herricks, Lake Success, Great Neck Plaza, North New Hyde Park and Garden City Park.

Dave Franklin, of Port Washington, is challenging incumbent Mariann Dalimonte for the town’s 6th Councilmanic District, which includes the Port Washington Peninsula, the Villages of Roslyn, Roslyn Estates and Flower Hill. Franklin is a former commissioner of the Port Washington Police Department and an active member of community organizations, including Kiwanis, Hibernians, Sons of Italy and Knights of Columbus.

Last week, the North Hempstead Democratic Committee opened its headquarters on Middle Neck Road in Great Neck.

Since her administration began, DeSena and the two Republicans on the board, David Adhami and Dennis

Walsh, have sometimes had tense relations with Democrats, who hold a 4-3 majority on the seven-member board.

DeSena last year called on County Comptroller Elaine Philips to audit the town’s Building Department, which she campaigned heavily on streamlining.

Last October, DeSena submitted amendment proposals to her original $158.4 million budget that included an 11% tax cut that did not pass in a board vote. The seven-member board then unanimously passed amendments submitted by Lurvey that included a 5% tax cut.

The town board also invested $2 million and $3.1 million respectively in federal funds to replace the sidewalks along Westbury Avenue in Carle Place and the Plandome Road Sewer Project in Manhasset.

Before being elected to her first political office in 2021, DeSena was executive director of the Manhasset Coalition Against Substance Abuse. As supervisor, she established the town’s Substance Misuse Advisory Council.

“This November, the future of the Town of North Hempstead is at stake,” DeSena said in the statement. “A vote for our Republican team is a vote for tax relief, enhanced quality of life, the preservation of our suburbs, and a strong future for the Town of North Hempstead.”

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE CANDIDATE

North Hempstead Supervisor Jennifer DeSena.

Upgrade for Oyster Bay branch services

BY CAMERYN OAKES

The Long Island Rail Road Oyster Bay Branch will be implementing service changes starting Sept. 5, made in collaboration with community feedback and elected officials, that the Metropolitan Transit Authority say will diminish crowding and lend to shorter commute times.

“We are so thrilled to be able to make these improvements for our Oyster Bay Branch customers. The changes we announced today are the result of many conversations with the region’s elected officials, community leaders and commuters,” LIRR Interim President and Metro-North Railroad President Catherine Rinaldi said in a press release. “Despite our operational challenges and limitations, these improvements show a willingness to work with our riders and make adjustments wherever possible to improve their commutes.”

Two changes on the Oyster Bay Branch will be implemented starting on Sept. 5.

The 6:55 a.m. train from Oyster Bay to Hunterspoint Avenue will now depart at 7:01 a.m. This train will only make stops at Locust Valley, Glen Street, Glen Head, Roslyn, East Williston and Jamaica.

The second change is that riders on the 7:17 a.m. Penn Station-bound train from Oyster Bay to Hunterspoint Avenue will be able to transfer to a new train originating at Jamaica. Previously the train connected to a train that was already occupied with passengers from Babylon.

“This is a direct result of efforts by local residents,” state Sen. Jack Martins (R-Mineola) said. “Anytime you can make it easier for people to get to and from work, it means there’s more time for them to do the things they love with family and friends. That means a better quality

of life and I applaud any effort to make that happen.”

The MTA said the new changes are in response to recent ridership patterns after the implementation of full service to Grand Central Madison on Feb. 27. They report that service has increased by 41%, a historic growth.

“I am extremely pleased with these changes which are intended to enhance rider efficiency,” state Assembly Member Charles Lavine (D–North Shore) said. “They were accomplished through steady dialogue with the MTA. While I look forward to continuing to build on the progress made here, we will monitor progress and recommend any necessary modifications we believe can make for an even better commute for riders of the Oyster Bay branch.”

Long Island Rail Road schedules can be viewed on the TrainTime app and online.

The service changes arrive in the wake of the MTA increasing fare prices on the Long Island Rail Road.

On Aug. 20, monthly and weekly tickets for the LIRR increased by up to 4.5%. Monthly ticket fares do not exceed $500, which the MTA website states is to address high ticket pricing for the furthest railroad zones.

For example, monthly fares from Zone 4, which includes New Hyde Park, East Williston, Great Neck, Manhasset and Port Washington, to Penn Station and Grand Central Madison increased from $243 to $253.

For those traveling from Zone 7, which includes Albertson, Roslyn, Sea Cliff and Glen Cove, to Manhattan, monthly fares rose from $277 to $287.

While ticket pricing increased, fares are lower than they were prior to the COVID-19 pandemic due to a 10% discount implemented in March 2022, according to the MTA website.

GRIMALDI’S FAMILY MEALS ARE PERFECT FOR BACK TO SCHOOL !

Available September 5–November 12 for lunch and dinner. Take-out only.

1) One 18” Pizza with Choice of Spinach and Artichoke Dip OR Grimaldi’s Mixed Salad and Complimentary 2-Liter Bottle of Soda ($2.50 Charge to Substitute Different Salad) $38 plus tax

2 ) One 18” Pizza, One Order of Penne alla Vodka, Choice of Spinach and Artichoke Dip OR Grimaldi’s Mixed Salad and Complimentary 2-Liter Bottle of Soda ($2.50 Charge to Substitute Different Salad) $53 plus tax

3) Two 18” Pizzas with Choice of Spinach and Artichoke Dip OR Grimaldi’s Mixed Salad and Complimentary 2-Liter Bottle of Soda ($2.50 Charge to Substitute Different Salad) $60 plus tax

Additional items may be purchased at regular menu price. Toppings available for aditional cost. May not be combined with any other coupon, discount, offer, or Groupon. Prices do not include tax or gratuity. Available for take-out only. No substitutions.

2 FOR $20 LUNCH SPECIAL

Any ½ Salad and 12” Regular Pizza

Starts Tues, Sept 5. Available Mon–Fri from 11:30AM–4PM.

TOPPING TUESDAY

½-Price Toppings on All 18” Pizzas

Starts Tues, September 5 Dine-in only.

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PHOTO BY CAMERYN OAKES

The Long Island Rail Road’s Oyster Bay Branch will implement two service changes starting Sept. 5 to address the growth in ridership due to full service to Grand Central Madison.

JCC’s 16U basketball team gets the gold

BY CAMERYN OAKES

The Sid Jacobson Jewish Community Center’s 16U basketball team took home the gold at the JCC Maccabi Games in Fort Lauderdale, FL– the first basketball gold medal for the center in almost a decade.

The JCC Maccabi Games is a six-day event that draws about 2,000 young Jewish Athletes ages 12-16. Competing in the games were delegations from South Africa, Great Britain, Argentina, Israel and Ukraine.

“The JCC Maccabi Games are about more than just sports, they give participants the opportunity to connect to their Jewish roots and meet other young people from around the world,” said Coach Sal Saputo. “Chances like this can be transformative in the lives of young athletes and I was so proud to witness firsthand what will become milestones in the life stories of these amazing young athletes, who now know what perseverance and determination look like.”

The last time the Sid Jacobson JCC won gold in 16U basketball was in 2014.

The JCC sent 24 members to compete in the games, with players from Queens, Nassau and Suffolk Counties. Last year, only seven players competed.

The members competed in 14U and 16U baseball as well as its gold-winning 16U basketball team. The teams were coached by Saputo and led by delegatio n heads Alyson

Goodman and Luis Maldonado.

“We are so incredibly proud of our JCC Maccabi Games participants from all over Long Island and Queens who represented all Sid Jacobson JCC has to offer and exemplified the meaning of teamwork and dedication,” Goodman said. “It was so impactful

Ship engineer resigns and cadet case ends

BY KARINA KOVAC

Mariner engineer Edgar Sison has surrendered his professional license to work at sea rather than go to trial in the Midshipman-X case, according to the Coast Guard.

“Mr. Sison voluntarily surrendered his credential to the Coast Guard in lieu of an administrative hearing before an administrative law judge (ALJ). The Coast Guard subsequently fled a Motion for Withdrawal, which was granted,” the Coast Guard said in an email to Blank Slate Media.

The decision comes a week after the Coast Guard charged him with sexually assaulting a U.S. Merchant Marine Academy cadet in 2019.

“Sexual misconduct has no place in the maritime industry. Everyone has the right to work in an environment free from fear and harassment,” the Coast Guard said. “The Coast Guard conducted a suspension and revocation investigation into the alleged sexual assault and fled administrative charges against Mr. Sison, which resulted in Mr. Sison voluntarily surrendering his credential in lieu of an administrative hearing. The Coast Guard is committed to preventing sexual misconduct in the maritime industry and responding to allegations in a timely, professional, and consistent manner.”

The allegations stem from an incident in 2019 that started a maritime ‘me too’ movement in which Sison was accused of raping a cadet named Hope Hicks from the USMMA in Kings Point; she is now in the Navy.

Her identity originally was anonymous, and under the alias Midshipman-X, she wrote a blog

post on the Maritime Legal Aid & Advocacy website about her Sea Year sexual assault onboard the Fairfax Alliance.

Hicks was the only female onboard.

On June 14, 2022, 8 and a half months after she published her anonymous recount and

Continued on Page 45

to watch how hard work and commitment of these student-athletes paid off in the best possible way. Seeing their progression throughout the course of the year and then having the opportunity to see it come to fruition with this exciting end result was something that I will never forget – and I know

they won’t either.”

The 2024 Maccabi Games are slated to be hosted in Detroit from July 28 — Aug. 2. Another event is also scheduled in 2024 to be hosted in Houston from Aug. 4-9. All games participants are also welcome to join a threeweek Israel sports tour from July 3-24.

G.N. resident helped ABA write the book

BY KARINA KOVAC

The American Bar Association has recently published the third edition of The Reference Handbook on the Commercial Liability Policy. This comprehensive resource, edited by Rivkin Radler partners Alan Rutkin of Great Neck and Robert Tugander, ofers insights into key aspects of insurance litigation concerning Commercial General Liability policies.

“I had served as the head of an Insurance Coverage Litigation Committee in the American Bar Association,” Rutkin said of how he got involved, “We came up with the idea for this survey of insurance law. We did the frst edition more than 10 years ago. People liked it and bought it, really much more than we expected.”

The new edition features essential revisions and encompasses a range of coverage considerations in the insurance litigation feld. These include the insurer’s duty to defend and indemnify, the policyholder’s duty to comply with policy conditions, “occurrence” triggers, covered injuries, damages, insured status, exclusions, loss allocation and issues beyond the four corners of the policy, such as bad faith and jurisdictional concerns.

“I’m very proud to have been asked to do this,” Rutkin said. “I’ve been practicing insurance coverage law for nearly 40 years. So, like the guy says in the ad for Farmers Insurance, ‘I’ve seen a lot.’”

This latest edition also introduces new chapters. Notably, it addresses Coverage C and Supplementary Payments, and weaves in emerging issues such as computer-related liability and opioid litigation.

Great Neck resident Alan Rutkin, a partners at Rivkin Radler, assisted in editing the American Bar Association’s The Reference Handbook on the Commercial Liability Policy, 3rd Edition.

“Law is always evolving,” Rutkin said about the edits and additions. “Courts are always deciding new cases. And those cases need to be added to the book for it to remain useful.”

With contributions from seasoned legal professionals who represent both policyholders and insurers, the collaborative efort also

Continued on Page 48

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE SID JACOBSON JCC

The Sid Jacobson Jewish Community Center’s 16U basketball team after winning gold at the JCC Maccabi Games.

: PHOTO COURTESY OF JAMIE BAUM United States Merchant Marine Academy 2022 graduate Hope Hicks felt a measure of justice after the engineer that allegedly assaulted her has given up his license to work on the sea.

COURTESY RIVKIN RADLER

Horvat called for fill violation in Manhasset

BY KARINA KOVAC

A lawsuit has been fled in Nassau County Supreme Court asking for a nullifcation of a decision made by the Village of Plandome Manor’s Board of Zoning Appeals on July 20 to approve site fll exceeding the village code at a home on 1362 Plandome Road.

The lawsuit names Great Neck property owner and New York Islanders center Bowie Horvat, his wife Holly, and the Village of Plandome Manor as defendants.

Eastern LLC, a limited liability company that owns property at 1 Stonytown Road, fled the suit and is represented by the law frm Rivkin Radler.

The lawsuit centers around a decision made by the BZA, which approved the deposit of 350 cubic yards of fll adjacent to and uphill from Leeds Pond in Great Neck. This amount of fll exceeds the maximum limit of 50 cubic yards that the Village of Plandome Manor’s Building Department is authorized to allow, according to village code.

“Instead of considering the environmental harm that would be caused bygranting the Application, and without doing any environmental review under New York State Environmental Review Act (“SEQRA”) the BZA stated that it would not consider any testimony about the environmental impact on Leeds Pound caused by the fll,” the suit states. “Instead, the BZA incorrectly asserted that only the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (“DEC”) could consider the environmental impacts of granting the application.”

The suit also said the BZA also violated “a number of procedural requirements, including utilizing absolutely no criteria to determine whether the application should be granted” and by going into Executive Session “without any explanation immediately prior to the vote togrant the application, by refusing to allow the introduction of evidence showing runof from the fll to Leeds Pond that occurred after the initial public hearing, and by refusing to allow a neighboring property owner to testify as to the runof onto his property caused by the fll.”

Eforts to reach The Village of Plandome Manor were unavailing.

While the Horvats are mentioned in the fling, they have not been present at the BZA meetings and had the case for more site fll argued for them during the meetings.

The petition fled by Eastern LLC seeks to nullify the BZA’s decision and argues that the excessive fll poses environmental risks, including the discharge of nitrogen, into Leeds Pond.

Leeds Pond, part of Nassau County’s 35acre Leeds Pond Preserve, overlooks Manhasset

Bay and covers approximately 21.4 acres with a tributary watershed area of around 2.3 acres.

Village code 115-3 states that “no work shall be performed or commenced for the flling, excavating or grading of land within the Village, except preliminary surveying and engineering, unless a fll, excavation and grading permit therefore has been issued by the Village Building Inspector.”

It also says “the placement of not more than 50 cubic yards of fll material that, when placed, will not exceed the contour changes

stated in subsection C(2) above nor adversely impact trees having a trunk circumference greater than 10 inches, measured at a point of four-feet-six-inches above ground level.”

According to the lawsuit application, qualifed experts have raised concerns about the potential harm to Leeds Pond caused by the substantial fll. The lawsuit alleges that the BZA failed to consider its statutory obligation to assess the environmental impact of the application, despite New York State’s Village Law

Continued on Page 48

Natuzzi Italia opens store at Americana

BY KARINA KOVAC

Natuzzi Italia, a luxury brand under Natuzzi S.p.A., known for its authentic made-in-Italy furniture, has unveiled a new chapter in its story with the inauguration of a two-foor retail space in the Americana Manhasset.

The new Natuzzi Italia store, located at 1950 Northern Blvd., which opened its doors three weeks ago, marks an addition to the brand’s United States presence, joining the ranks of its Manhattan and Paramus, N.J. outlets.

“Opening the doors to our new Natuzzi Italia store in Manhasset flls us with immense pride and excitement,” said Jason Camp, Natuzzi America’s Chief Retail Ofcer. “As we embark on this new chapter, we’re not just bringing furniture to a location; we’re bringing the essence of Italian design and comfort, curated to elevate the homes and lives of those we serve.”

Natuzzi Italia ofers an array of handcrafted pieces including sofas, beds, chairs, lounge chairs, desks, tables, cre-

denzas, dining room tables, cofee tables, and decorative items, according to a company press release.

The company was founded in 1959 by Pasquale Natuzzi. In 2023, the company saw a 9.6% increase in total revenue, which added up to $508 million in U.S. dollars. It was frst listed on the New York Stock Exchange on May 13, 1993. The company’s global retail network encompasses 710 mono-brand stores and 497 galleries.

“This opening is just the beginning of our journey,” said Camp, “Over the next several months, Natuzzi Italia is set to expand its footprint, with upcoming store openings in vibrant cities across the United States. The Atlanta, Houston, and Denver locations will each provide a unique opportunity for homeowners to explore the fusion of luxury, comfort, and contemporary style that defnes Natuzzi Italia.”

Natuzzi’s design philosophy is refected in a commitment to sourcing materials that align with a circular and ecoconscious approach to interior decoration, according to a company release.

PHOTO COURTESY OF SAVE LEEDS POND

A lawsuit has been filed over the amount of site fill approved by the Village of Plandome Manor for NY Islanders center Bowie Horvat.

PHOTO BY KARINA KOVAC

The new two-floor Natuzzi Italia store is now open for business in the Americana Manhasset.

Lady Liberty takes a beating in NY, Nassau

While it is disappointing, Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman’s opposition to housing some of the thousands of migrants to New York City at the Nassau Coliseum is hardly surprising.

The county has consistently discouraged a large number of actual U.S. citizens from moving to Nassau, using some of the most restrictive zoning laws in the country to keep young couples and others with little wealth from moving here.

County, town and village ofcials of both parties vehemently opposed two efforts by Gov. Kathy Hochul to address a shortage of 800,000 housing units in New York City and its suburbs.

They said the decision should be left to local ofcials who have in the past failed to approve new housing in sufcient numbers.

So, migrants?

Even those traveling thousands of miles to fee persecution under the protection of U.S. and international law who apply for asylum.

Don’t be silly.

“Let me make it clear — one more time — Nassau County is not a sanctuary county. We have no plans to have any migrant program here in Nassau County,” Blakeman said.

In doing so, Blakeman confated the term sanctuary city, which is a municipality that limits its cooperation with the national government in enforcing immigration law against undocumented immigrants who are not in the U.S. legally and asylum seekers.

The migrants are here legally, awaiting a hearing on whether they qualify for asylum. Blakeman is a lawyer and we assume he knows the diference.

Hank Sheinkopf, a Manhattan-based political strategist who has worked for Democratic and Republican candidates, said Blakeman is “taking a page from the Nassau GOP political playbook” when he publicly states his stance on the migrant issue.

“This is perfect Nassau GOP fodder so they can use the same playbook they always have in sending a message that they will protect the suburbs from the city,”Sheinkopf told Newsday.

It is a playbook that goes back many

years.

Robert Hayes, a lawyer originally from Valley Stream, successfully sued Nassau in the 1980s and won a permanent settlement mandating emergency shelter for homeless families 24/7.

Hayes, who also won a lawsuit requiring New York City to provide shelter to homeless people, told Newsday in 1987 that Nassau is “notorious for being the least helpful to poor people in the state.”

So same old, same old in Nassau.

But the opposition to housing some of the 100,000 migrants who have come to New York City is not limited to Nassau County. City and county governments in New York, usually controlled by Republicans, have also opposed accepting migrants.

New York City ofcials announced a plan in May to send about 300 asylum seekers to hotels in Rockland and Orange counties, proposing to pay for their lodging and provide ancillary services for up to four months.

The counties quickly issued emergency declarations seeking to bar the city’s eforts.

Rockland County Executive Ed Day even threatened to grab New York City Mayor Eric Adams “by the throat” for trying to fnd an alternative to the city’s overwhelmed shelters, which are currently housing 58,000 migrants.

So much for the Statue of Liberty in New York Harbor and Emma Lazarus’ words:

“Give me your tired, your poor,Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free,The wretched refuse of your teeming shore.Send these, the homeless, tempesttost to me,I lift my lamp beside the golden door!”

Perhaps we should throw a large tarp over the statue’s torch or, at least, Lazarus’ words. We wouldn’t want anyone to get the wrong idea.

Yes, 100,000 migrants coming to New York City is a large number. And there are signifcant costs to accepting them — at least in the beginning before they get jobs and fnd housing on their own.

But nearly 10 million Ukrainians crossed the Polish-Ukranian border after Russia launched its unprovoked attack in February 2022.

22 Planting Field Road, Roslyn Heights, NY 11577 Phone: 516-307-1045

They were met with information booths, volunteer translators and free cofee.

About 1.5 million of the refugees decided to stay in Poland where they were housed wherever there was space, including people’s homes.

In that context, 100,000 doesn’t sound quite as many. And the response of Blakeman and other New York ofcials is even less generous.

Adams and Gov. Kathy Hochul have in recent weeks sharply criticized each other’s handling of the infux of migrants.

Adams accused the Hochul administration of dragging its feet on greenlighting a tent-style migrant shelter in the parking lot of Queens’ state-owned Creedmoor Psychiatric Center, a stone’s throw from the Nassau County line. Hochul said the city failed to accept numerous state ofers of assistance over the last year. And both sides have criticized the Biden administration for not providing enough help.

They have correctly called on Biden to approve a special authorization for the imigrants to seek work.

Once migrants arrive in the United States, they typically have to wait 180 days after fling a work application. That is way too long.

Adams and Hochul are also right to ask for more immigration judges to determine which migrants’ claims are legitimate and which are not. The process, which involves an extensive review, currently takes 18 months. That’s also too long.

The White House has pointed out that certain populations are already eligible for work. They also correctly said much of the bottleneck can be attributed to Congress’ failure to modernize the country’s decades-old immigration laws.

Sadly, a broken immigration system is useful politically for some — despite the damage to the country’s economy and the migrants.

The truth is that this country, including Nassau County, needs more immigrants, not less.

Immigrants — legal or otherwise — make better citizens than native-born Americans. They are more entrepreneurial. Less likely to have kids out of wedlock. Far less likely to commit crime.

More than half of the top American tech companies were founded by immigrants or the children of immigrants

They include Apple founder Steve Jobs, the son of a Syrian immigrant; Amazon CEO Jef Bezos, a secondgeneration Cuban immigrant; Google founder Sergey Brin, born in Russia; and Facebook co-founder Eduardo Saverin, a Brazilian native.

Immigrants are also needed to fll many of the millions of jobs for which no one is applying particularly in farming, home care and health care.

A study by state Comptroller Tom DiNapoli in 2017 found there were more than 2 million immigrants employed in New York City, representing 42 percent of all workers. And the unemployment rate for immigrants was below the citywide rate of 4.1 percent.

The U.S. fertility rate has fallen to

a record low. Immigrants can help fll jobs at a time when Long Island is getting older. There are simply not enough native-born Americans to fll the jobs as baby boomers retire.

The same is true outside Long Island. Much of rural or small-town America is emptying out. In hundreds of rural counties, more people are dying than being born.

Bufalo’s population decreased from 532,759 in 1950 to 278,486 in 2020; Syracuse declined from 220,583 in 1950 to 148,620 in 2020; and Albany declined from 134,995 to 99,224 in 2020.

So there is no lack of room in the state for people willing to walk up to 2,000 miles in search of a better life — the kind of people who built this country.

Just a lack of imagination and empathy.

Hochul has rejected a call to press suburban communities in such as places Nassau as well as upstate areas, arguing that New York City is best equipped to absorb the infux because of its access to jobs and public transportation.

Perhaps she has been chastened by the reaction she got to her housing proposals. Perhaps she has been infuenced by the opposition in upstate.

But that is not a reason for failing todo the right thing, which we believe could be done with the right combination of carrots and sticks.

This country has always prided itself on being a nation of immigrants and innovators.

Here is our chance, in New York and Nassau, to act like it.

Down violent rabbit hole with rigger-in-chief

After being criminally indicted four times in courts across Eastern Seaboard from Florida to New York and warned repeatedly not to issue threats or take actions that might intimidate witnesses or jurors, Defendant Trump fred out this social media post:

“They never went after those that Rigged the Election. They only went after those that fought to fnd the RIGGERS!”

Was Trump’s use of the word “riggers” part of a continuing fear campaign against the Black Georgia election workers Ruby Freeman and Shaye Moss, who he slandered with false charges of ballot stufng?

Is he threatening judicial ofcials who dare to participate in legal proceedings against him? Was using the word “riggers” a way of slyly afrming his racist bona fdes for his white nationalist base as he did with the Proud Boys before Jan. 6, when he told them

to “stand back and stand by?”

Trump’s use of the term “riggers” has a double meaning. On the surface “rigger” is used to refer to someone rigging an election.

Just beneath the surface “rigger” is used as a warning to people of color and a dog whistle (“rigger” as “N-word”) to agitate and activate the more extremist factions of his base to instigate violence.

It is no mystery that Trump uses double entendre, winks-and-nods, nonsequiturs, and innuendo for persuasion and to cover his rear end when his intentions are questioned. His manner of speaking and posting is intentional. It allows him to play dumb and claim plausible deniability when his motivation is questioned.

“He craves power but doesn’t have the intellectual capacity to exercise it wisely,” concluded Kristin Kobes Du Mez, a Calvin College historian who has studied Trump’s speaking style.

The Back Road

“No need for sacrifce, for compromise, for complexity. He taps into fear and insecurity, but then enables his audience to express that fear through anger. And anger gives the illusion of empowerment,” said Du Mez.

“Calls to violence have prolifer-

ated across far-right websites since charges were made public on Monday night,” reported the Guardian online newspaper Aug. 17. Several fringe website posts replicated images of nooses and gallows and called for Georgia DA Fani Willis and grand jurors to be hanged.

It has been reported that the names and addresses of grand jury members who indicted Donald Trump and others for racketeering have been posted on a marginal website that often highlights violent rhetoric.

A Texas woman, Abigail Jo Shry, was arrested for threatening to kill Judge Chutkan, who was assigned to oversee Trump’s 2020 election interference case in Washington, D.C. According to multiple news outlets, she “allegedly made a call to D.C. District Judge Tanya Chutkan’s chambers on Aug. 5, leaving a voicemail message with racist threats saying, “Hey you stupid slave n—— You are in our

sights, we want to kill you.”

Will Republican Party leadership ever start pushing back against Trump’s dangerous rhetoric aimed at inspiring violence, avoiding criminal accountability, eradicating democracy, and establishing authoritarian rule?

Even Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell has failed to publicly denounce Trump for his racist attacks against his wife, Elaine Chow, the frst Asian-Pacifc American woman ever to serve in a presidential cabinet. Trump referred to her as “Coco Chow” and “Mitch McConnell’s China-loving wife.” Certainly, she is more than capable of defending herself. But, Leader McConnell, where is your voice?

The cowardice and betrayal by Republican leadership in Congress is unprecedented. They see what is happening and understand what is at stake, yet remain passive bystanders. The indiference, silence and cowardice are staggering.

The sin of ignoring your loyal soldiers

There are all kinds of businesses, some warm and fuzzy and others that are hard-nosed and unemotional. Selling fowers is a business that carries a lot of sentiment as its product fts so many diferent occasions. Politics is a hard-knuckled business that has winners and losers and sometimes can be very cruel.

I have met quite a few people who have given a lifetime of service to political causes and candidates and in the end they have been cast aside. There is no better example of political meanness than the career of former President Donald Trump. While he has helped a handful of candidates move up the political ladder, he has also left behind a trail of broken bodies and spirits.

The frst case in point is his former attorney Michael Cohen. I can think of no bigger fool helping a client than poor Michael Cohen. There are reels and reels of photos of Cohen standing up for Trump at public events. Lawyers are often called upon to help their

clients clean up some headache or in the case of Mr. Trump, some kind of mess.

I can’t think of a dumber action than Cohen’s eforts to protect his client’s alleged afairs with a woman named Stormy Daniels. When the 2016 presidential election was approaching and it was clear that Mr. Trump was considering a run for the highest ofce, someone had to step in and prevent the Daniels matter from becoming a scandal.

So Cohen takes money from a home equity loan and uses it to write the checks that make the Daniels matter disappear for a time. Cohen mishandles the matter on his tax returns and gets indicted and sent to jail. He loses his law license and sufers all of the other indignities that come with being a felon. A good friend, grateful for years of loyalty, would have stepped in to help the Cohen family, but Mr. Trump was nowhere to be found.

Regardless of your politics, there

was nothing more cruel than the events that swallowed many in the crowd that rampaged through the Capitol on Jan. 6. Countless numbers of people have appeared on television stating that they considered themselves “summoned by Mr. Trump to

come to Washington” before entering the halls of Congress. When brought into the courts, most of them made that statement.

There is no doubt that quite a few of the people who tried to sack the House and Senate, screaming for the scalps of Mike Pence and Nancy Pelosi, came to Washington for the express purpose of physically overthrowing the government and stopping the certifcation of the 2020 election. Film after flm of the rampage shows groups carrying fags and signs expressing their support for Mr. Trump.

When the FBI and the police came for them and put them in jail, Mr. Trump was nowhere to be found. There are some stories circulating that Trump paid for a few bail bonds and some legal expenses for those arrested, but the vast majority sufered enormous fnancial loss and disgrace. That’s another example of misplaced loyalty.

The latest group of people dedicated to the Trump cause are the 18

co-defendants recently indicted in the State of Georgia. Some were dumb enough to go along with the plot to send fake Trump electors to the Jan. 6 vote certifcation. They signed afdavits stating that they believed Trump was the winner in Georgia and even met in the state capitol to swear their oath to Trump.

The most foolish of the indicted group was attorney Rudy Giuliani. As the president’s lawyer, he traveled around the country claiming the election was stolen, which was thrown out of court in 62 jurisdictions. Stuck with $3 million in legal fees, Giuliani begged Trump to for major help with his bills and got a few crumbs.

There are countless other stories of Trump supporters cast by the wayside, with their lives shattered. There are so many sins that diminish the public’s respect for politicians. But one of the greatest ones is treating human beings as something fungible and of no value, once they have been fully used.

Heights, NY 11577.

The pursuit of perfection in art and sports

Iwas at my club last weekend hoping to play some golf, but the tournament was rained out. As I peeked out of the locker room door and looked at the gathering of puddles on the putting green, I could see that the chances of playing that day were slim to none. This left me with the option of returning to my ofce to write another chapter in my next book. Truth be told, playing golf is way more fun than authoring a book chapter. It is not clear why this is so, but it is.

As I gazed anxiously at the puddles I stood next to a man who I did not recognize so I stuck out my hand

and greeted him, saying “why good morning, my name is Tom Ferraro.”

He smiled, shook my hand and said, “Yes, I know who you are; we played golf together six years ago in the closing locker room tourney. You were the A Player of the group.”

If you don’t know what a closing locker room tourney is and don’t know what an A player is, let me briefy explain. An A player means you are the best player assigned to that foursome in this end-of-year event.

But the question I must ask myself is why did he remember me and I did not remember him? His recall of

me certainly did not have anything to do with my charm, my IQ, my looks, my age or my wit. I have never been charming, not very smart, nor goodlooking, am not young and am not funny. So why did he recall who I was and me not recall who he was?

The simple fact is that six years ago I was still a good golfer, had driving skills and good iron play, all of which were impressive enough for him to implant my name and my image in his head. Kind of like the frst 70 pages of Proust’s “In Search of Lost Times,” but with me as the subject of recall and not those Madeline cookies or the Meseglise Way that Proust so vividly recalled.

Sports, like art, is about the quest for perfection.

An old friend of mine who was a

EARTH MATTERS

member and a nationally ranked golfer once told me that you will only recall the names of members who have better handicaps than you and you will never recall the names of players with worst handicaps than you. This sounds ridiculous, but it’s true. Golf talent is sought after, admired, glorifed, adored and respected by golfers who love the game.

If you need proof just think of what would happen if Tiger Woods happened to visit Williston Park and decided to walk into Hildebrandt’s and have a chocolate milkshake. Within 10 minutes there would be throngs of admirers surrounding the establishment and causing Hillside Avenue to shut down. People love talent and especially golf talent.

Why is athletic talent loved so much? Do we admire the athlete’s artistry, their skills, their ability to concentrate, to be perfect, to withstand pressure? Or maybe it’s their ft and graceful bodies and their skin tone.

Probably all of that goes into our love and respect of the good athlete. There is also something about devoting time to a trivial pursuit that is admirable as well. This is why sports and the arts are so much alike. To create a perfect round of golf is like creating a perfect painting. Herman Hesse’s classic “Magister Ludi: The Glass Bead Game” touches on this idea. The book

was about a group of geniuses that were cloistered together in a villa in the Swiss Alps and spent their life in pursuit of performing perfectly at The Glass Bead Game, which combined physics, math, music, philosophy and marbles into a game that very few could master.

The attempt to do something perfectly is what sports, writing, music and art all have as a goal. In the flm “Ford Versus Ferrari,” Henry Ford II and Lee Iacocca are in hot pursuit of what Ferrari has owned for years, the perfect car. In one scene Christian Bales, who is playing one of the race car drivers, is sitting on a race track in the middle of the night and talking to his son about racing. The son looks up at him with admiration as Christian talks about the pursuit of the perfect lap. “Do you see it out there, the perfect turns, the perfect downshifts, the perfect lap?” to which the son hesitates and says, “I think so.”

For reasons that are not clear, sports, like art, music, writing and even the culinary arts, are about the pursuit of perfection. And when someone is closer to this goal than others, they’re admired, and remembered. That’s why just because I was the A player in that group six years ago the member recalled my name. To all of this Jackie Gleeson would say “How sweet it is!”

Persistent threat to Leeds Pond in Manhasset

About two months ago, I wrote about a threat to Leeds Pond in the Village of Plandome Manor, between Manhasset and Port Washington, due to the construction of a single-family residential home and associated landscaping.

On July 20 the local Board of Zoning Appeals approved the property developer’s request to store 350 cubic yards of fll, or soil, on the site adjacent to Leeds Pond.

A neighboring property owner fled an Article 78 proceeding in response to this decision. An Article 78 action is a special proceeding to obtain judicial review of an administrative action. Matters subject to an Article 78 proceeding include zoning decisions such as the one allowing 350 cubic yards of fll at 1362 Plandome Road.

The basis for requesting judicial review of the BZA’s decision is fourfold and involves arguments that the BZA’s decision was arbitrary and capricious, an abuse of discretion and a legal error.

These arguments are based on BZA’s failure to consider the environmental impact of its decision and failure to apply any standard when considering the developer’s application to leave the fll on site.

Additional legal violations articulated include that the BZA improperly identifed the type of matter under New York State’s Environmental Quality Review Act and went into executive sessions without basis. Of primary concern is the environmental impact of the decision.

In an amendment to its application, the developer ofered a site plan for stormwater management to address concerns regarding the damage to the pond from runof from the property.

Stormwater management seeks to address the harm caused by stormwater falling on impervious surfaces and, among other issues, fowing into a nearby water body along with the pollutants it picks up on its way. The developer’s plan included the installation of dry wells.

A dry well is installed under-

LYNN SINGBAND Earth Matters

ground at the lowest point of the space. With the help of gravity, water fows to this point and instead of continuing on its previous path, it fows into the dry well and from there into the surrounding soil. On Long Island, this allows the stormwater to be cleaned as it travels through the soil to the groundwater.

Unfortunately, after the dry well

was installed, it was documented to be nearly full of water. This indicated that it was too close to the groundwater and was flling with groundwater. It would be useless for managing stormwater since it was already full of water and incapable of collecting any water.

Instead, stormwater would fow directly into the pond along with the pollutants it picked up along the way. Additionally, it would cause overfow of the dry well, sending the groundwater in the dry well into the pond as well.

The water in the dry well was tested and found to have elevated nitrogen content. The soil the BZA allowed to stay on the property has thousands of pounds of nitrogen and phosphorus in it. It will wash into the pond during any rain event.

Nitrogen and phosphorus at these levels stimulate the growth of algae and cause harmful algal blooms. This will worsen as the fll washes into the pond and changes the water depth of the pond. Shallower water gets warmer which further promotes algal

blooms.

Algal blooms kill of other life in the pond, causing a ripple efect of death and degradation. Leeds Pond is already an impaired water body with excessive levels of nitrogen, phosphorus, algal blooms, blue-green algae, fecal coliform bacteria, algal toxins saxitoxin and microcystin. Conditions will worsen with warmer temperatures and additional levels of nitrogen and phosphorus.

Why write about this?

For one reason: to raise awareness of local environmental issues and how each of us, individually and collaboratively, can protect our natural resources.

Leeds Pond may be a small spot, but it feeds into Manhasset Bay, which feeds into Long Island Sound, which feeds into the Atlantic Ocean.

From there, water travels the globe. Don’t underestimate the importance of what happens outside your front door and in your neighborhood to the larger natural world. To help protect Leeds Pond , you can start by visiting saveleedspond.org.

DR. TOM FERRARO Our Town

PHTOTO COURTESY OF TOM FERRARO

Women’s Equality Day draws little attention

With little notice or fanfare beyond President Biden’s Proclamation, we celebrated Women’s Equality Day this week.

Well not exactly celebrated. Not sure if anybody actually marked it – it was Aug. 26, the day that the 19th Amendment giving women the right to vote was fnally ratifed after decades of struggle and sufering.

It also marked the 100th year – the centennial! – since the Equal Rights Amendment was frst proposed. Still waiting for ratifcation, despite Virginia being the 38th state to ratify the Amendment, which in a decent society would have been enough for women’s equal rights to fnally be enshrined in the Constitution.

It came three days after every Republican vying to become the next president fell over themselves promising to advocate the most restrictive national abortion ban conceivable (though Nikki Haley was only slightly more pragmatic but still came out on the side of state control of women’s lives).

Ten days before Women’s Equality Day, the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals reimposed the rollback of FDA regulations that expanded access to the abortion pill mifepristone, blocking retail pharmacies like Walgreens, CVS, and Rite Aid from distributing the abortion pill anywhere in the country, even in states where abortion is legal, and declared that mifepristone

cannot be distributed by mail or used beyond six weeks of pregnancy.

In response, the White House declared, “In the face of these unprecedented attacks on women’s health, we will continue to fght for women’s freedom to make decisions about their own bodies.”

In the year since the far-right radical religious fanatics of the Supreme Court supermajority overturned Roe v. Wade, giving the states the “right” to legislate abortion bans, 14 states have banned abortion care.But that is not enough for Republicans, who have since tried to lay the groundwork for a national abortion ban, starting with limiting access to medication abortion.

Quite literally, medication abortion saves lives. Forced birth can be deadly, particularly for Black women, who are three times more likely than white women to die from pregnancy-related complications.

Nationally, rates of maternal mortality as well as infant mortality, already the highest in the industrialized world, have spiked since women’s reproductive freedom has been revoked and highest in states that ban abortion.

President Biden also reminded us that it has been a century – a century! –since the Equal Rights Amendment was introduced.

When Virginia became the 38th state to ratify the ERA, people questioned why

KAREN RUBIN View Point

we need an ERA. After all, women have attained such success in politics and careers (really??). And then the radical White Christo Fascist Supreme Court issued the Dobbs decision overturning Roe v. Wade’s constitutional protection of women’s reproductive rights and relegating women to creatures of the state, non-citizens without the capacity to make their own life decisions. (What’s another word for that? Oh yes, “slave” – which is banned under the 13th Amendment.)

“It is long past time to defnitively enshrine the principle of gender equality in the Constitution,” Biden declared. “Together we can and must build a future

READERS WRITE

where our daughters have all the same rights and opportunities as our sons, where all women and girls have a chance to realize their God-given potential, and where we can fnally realize the full promise of America for all Americans.”

Biden reminded “we the people” that America is the only nation in the world based on an idea: the idea that all people are created equal and deserve to be treated equally throughout their lives.

“We have never fully lived up to that idea, but we have never walked away from it either .Today, women still face discrimination and threats to their health and safety, as well as gaps in pay, access to health care, and caregiving responsibilities. These gaps are often even greater for women and girls of color.”

Virtually no notice was made about Women’s Equality Day which was overshadowed by the March on Washington on the 60th anniversary of Martin Luther King’s famous “I Have a Dream” speech at the frst March on Washington for civil rights. But because of the backsliding on women’s rights, civil rights, voting rights, human rights, the right to live free of fear from gun violence and climate catastrophes, the march was billed not as a “commemoration” but a “continuation.”

Indeed the hope — as expressed by the tens of thousands who participated in the march – was challenged by the hate and violence that have become funda-

mental to what formerly had been known as the Republican Party.

Even as the March on Washington speeches were underway, a man carrying an assault weapon decorated with Nazi swastikas massacred three in a Dollar General store in Jacksonville, Fl – mimicking the Bufalo racist massacre a year ago. Florida is where Gov. Ron DeSantis gleefully signed permitless carry legislation (the 27th state), even as he signed a six-week abortion ban (22 states have bans), voter suppression legislation, bans on books and education and other wholly anti-democratic (that is White Christo Fascist) actions.

The sufragists knew that equality begins at the ballot box and requires women to have a seat at the table, Biden noted, which is why it is as important today as it was 60 years ago to pass the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act and the Freedom to Vote Act to ensure fair Congressional maps and the right to cast a vote. To have the vote counted gives all Americans an equal chance to be heard.

“Let us rededicate ourselves to the fght for equity, opportunity, and justice,” Vice President Kamala Harris declared. “And let us continue to work to secure our most foundational freedoms: the freedom to vote, the freedom of women to make decisions about their own bodies, and the freedom to live free from hate and violence.”

Jon Kaiman for North Hempstead supervisor

Is the Republican Party running a candidate in the election for supervisor of the Town of North Hempstead?

Even if I wanted to vote for this unidentifed person I would frst have to google their name because the GOP

literature littering my mailbox like a summertime avalanche never mentions it. Does this mystery person and current ofce holder have no record to run on? Jon Kaiman has both a name and a record of accomplishment that voters don’t need to Google; many

are still enjoying the fruits of his fveterm tenure. He established a 311 call center, was an environmental warrior, created Project Independence to assist the elderly, and, served as an advisor to the governor after Hurricane Sandy,assessing its toll and working to

protect New York’s citizens from future climate calamities.

But I submit that the opposition fyers alone should guide your choice. Have you ever made an important decision based on someone telling you why you shouldn’t do something and

not why you should? Would you believe their (spurious) claims? Would you take their (unsubstantiated) advice? I wouldn’t. Nor should you.

Rita Hall Great Neck

President Biden’s response falls short in Hawaii

President Biden and the frst lady were greeted thumbsdown in their visit to Lahaina, Hawaii. The people there were unhappy with the federal government’s response to the devastation

from the fres.

The loss of life and homes deserved more than no comment from President Biden in answer to a question. And yet there have been many charity groups that have taken imme-

diate action.

Now one such group was a Knights of Columbus Council, Our Lady of Peace from Honolulu. They flled a boat with clothing, sleeping bags, food items, toilet paper and

other items.

Now the whole of the Knights of Columbus is asked to get involved with donations to help as well. I myself am Grand Knight of St. Anastasia Knights of Columbus Council #5911

Douglaston and will ask my council to get involved as well. We believe charity to those in need is what we do.

Frederick Robert Bedell Jr. Bellerose

LBJ – Founding father of federal transportation aid

The late President Lyndon Johnson was born on Aug. 27, 1908. Many remember him for succeeding President John F. Kennedy after his assassination in Dallas on Nov. 22, 1963.

Others remember him for his domestic Great Society Program, which included civil rights, Medicare, Medicaid, the War on Poverty and public broadcasting. There was also foreign policy, most notably the Vietnam War.

Few remember that the success of public transportation can be traced back

to one of Johnson’s greatest accomplishments that continues to beneft many Americans today. On July 9, 1964, he signed the Urban Mass Transportation Act of 1964 into law.

Subsequently, this has resulted in the investment of several hundred billion dollars into public transportation under grants from the Federal Transit Administration (prior to 1991 known as the Urban Mass Transit Administration).

In the current federal fscal year 2023, the FTA has made available a record $20 billion in funding under various

formula and competitive discretionary programs to over 900 transit agencies around the nation.

One way these dollars can be used, depending on the program, is to pay for the replacement of aged buses, paratransit or commuter vans, light rail, subway, commuter rail or ferries that have reached their minimum useful life according to federal replacement eligibility criteria. They are also available for feet expansion.

There are also a number of national competitive discretionary programs to

supplement transit agencies’ formula programs. Millions of Americans continue utilizing various public transportation alternatives. They include local and express bus, paratransit and commuter vans, ferry, jitney, light rail, subway and commuter rail services.

Investment in public transportation today contributes to economic growth, employment and a stronger economy. Dollar for dollar, it is one of the best investments we can make.

What better way to honor the late President Johnson and all that has been

achieved these past 59years in public transportation by continuing funding the federal Highway Trust Fund and Mass Transit Account.

Happy Birthday!

Larry Penner Great Neck

Larry Penner is a transportation advocate, historian and writer who previously served as a former Director for the Federal Transit Administration Region 2 New York Ofce of Operations and Program Management.

Man in Post Office makes political proclamations

It was June. I walked to the post ofce to mail an oversized envelope. It was after midday and there was a line. We were quiet. Patient. We were strangers to each other.

It took a while, but when the person in front of me advanced to the window I saw that there were at least ten of us still waiting. Behind me was a young couple conversing in Chinese. Behind them was a Caucasian woman in late middle age who seemed rather dressed up for a casual summer afternoon. Further along, there was a burly Caucasian guy dressed in faded cargo pants and Birkenstocks, followed by two women with the aspect of my new Iranian neighbors.

And so the line went, back to the glass door at the entrance. It was a representation of the amalgam of my village’s population, a bit of this, a bit of that.

Unexpectedly the burly guy spoke. He was looking toward the postal worker who was behind a plexiglass shield with her head bent to her task, putting postage on a package.

He made the observation aloud that there was only one postal worker (implying the place was understafed). He added that her fel -

low employees might be on a break for lunch. From behind the window, she answered: “Yes, we do get time for lunch.” I thought I glimpsed her smiling to herself.

There was silence before he spoke again. This time his voice was louder and he addressed all of us. He made a proclamation: “Chris Christie is running for president!”

He waited for acknowledgment. No one else spoke, so I replied, “Yes he is, along with about ten other people.” In other words, so what?

In response, he declared: “If he wins, I’m moving to Poland.”

If he had said Hawaii, it would not have come as a surprise. Hawaii fgures in discussions about where to escape to, a holiday in the sunshine. But Poland isn’t known for its sunshine. In fact, even though it is a republic it is better known for German extermination camps in World War II.

I admit the prospect of an American seeking refuge in Poland was an enticing discussion, but it was of-topic so I ignored it. So did everyone else.

Into the silence I asked: “Are you saying Chris Christie is your biggest worry in the current political climate?”

He seemed to have not heard.

He stood, his shoes planted wide and frmly and said in his proclamation voice, “And now we have runaway infation!”

Viewed through the front window of the post ofce, those of us on line would have appeared to be a still life. No one moved. It could have been the Last Supper or the raising of the fag on Iwo Jima, a timeless painting or a photograph of any place where once there were real people.

Each time he spoke, I answered. This was odd for me in one respect. As the world around us has become cluttered with bad attitude, as people have felt free of the constraints of civility, I made a rule for myself: Listen to crazies on line at the market and department store but do not engage. On this day I broke my rule for the second time in as many years.

“Runaway infation? Isn’t that what we called it when President Reagan was in ofce,” I said. “What do you read?” I added.

Instead of answering, his voice came again even louder: “And what about the Defcit! Our government owes so much money!”

I told him “The money we owe is the Debt, not the Defcit.” I asked again: “What do you read?”

Silence. Then, given we were in a public space populated by people from around the world, his next comment was a doozy.

He announced: “Immigration is the problem. Immigrants are overrunning the country. They are taking all our jobs, and they bring crime.”

Like the topic of Americans escaping to Poland, immigrants taking our jobs being a subject worried about by a man casually dressed on a weekday afternoon in a somewhat wealthy suburb was another surprise.

Still no one else spoke, and I had a space in which to wonder if that centerpiece of confused thinking on line with me was perhaps worrying about a threat to the livelihood of grape pickers in California.

His disdain for immigrants merited a response even before he added, “All those Chinese.” The still life around us remained preternaturally still. His words hung in the air.

I answered. “Immigration has been the life blood of our country. Immigrants bring us their intellect, their hard work. Our country is a nation of immigrants. Are you saying my parents and I should not be here?”

After his usual pause he said directly to me across the eight feet

that separated us, “Well, you won’t be around to see it anyway,” alluding to my thatch of white hair.

Poland had come as a surprise. This personal attack did not. I’ve spent a lifetime watching inadequate speakers turn vicious, watching low minds lost in a conversation they should not have started, watching them change the subject when they think they are about to lose a verbal contest.

Was there more to this? Sure, but you get the idea. A man with no information decided to unburden himself of his prejudices among benign, non-aggressive strangers, mostly women.

This feeting event joins the larger historical landscape. Ex-President Trump has credit for setting the example, making it okay to dredge up from the dark recesses of his mind and say aloud the kind of words that in an earlier time would have labeled him a dimwit, devoid of reason and knowledge. Our guy in cargo pants for a few minutes brought the essence of Trump to our village post ofce: racist, sexist, anti-democracy. He was a lost soul who has no idea how to value being an American.

Rebecca Rosenblatt Gilliar Great Neck

YOUR GUIDE TO THE ARTS, ENTERTAINMENT AND DINING

Stevie Van Zandt, LI Music HOF to hold teacher workshops

As part of the Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame partnership with rock and roll legend Steven Van Zandt’s TeachRock organization announced earlier this year, LIMEHOF will host the first-ever series of free TeachRock workshops for teachers sponsored by Harmony Insurance at LIMEHOF’s Stony Brook location (97 Main Street, Stony Brook) on Sunday, Sept. 17th and another on Sunday, Oct. 15t both 10:30 am-12 pm.

“We are so excited to give teachers this opportunity to learn more about Steven Van Zandt’s TeachRock curriculum and to give them some time to explore our museum,” said Tom Needham, LIMEHoF’s educational programs director. “My hope is that this leads to many music-themed lessons in the classroom and field trips to

the Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame moving forward.”

These are free workshop events, sponsored by Harmony Insurance, open to local area teachers with registration.

Teachers can register on TeachRock’s workshop registration page https://teachrock.org/LIMEHOF/. The first workshop Intro to TeachRock followed by a 50th Anniversary of Hip Hop-themed workshop.

The workshops will be taught by TeachRock Star Teacher Stephanie Arnell who is a veteran Freeport Public Schools educator who has helped her district embrace arts integration and had fun doing it!

She’s excited to share her tips and the free TeachRock lesson plans she uses with local educators. All attendees are granted free access to the

museum following the event and are eligible for NY CTLE credits through TeachRock.

“Looking at curriculum through a musical lens keeps students engaged while they don’t even realize they are learning,” said Arnell. “For example, learning the history of MLK Day through Stevie Wonder’s song “Happy Birthday” or using data from Beyonce’s Instagram account to practice calculating ratios. I’ve seen in my classroom the way students’ gravitate towards TeachRock lessons and I’m excited to spread that enthusiasm to teachers and students on Long Island.”

Launched in 2002 by Van Zandt and the founders board of Bono, Jackson Browne, Martin Scorsese, and Bruce Springsteen, TeachRock. org provides free, standards-aligned

resources that use music to help K-12 students succeed in science, math, social studies, and language arts, among other subjects.

TeachRock improves students’ lives by filling every classroom with the sound, stories, and science of music. Nearly 60,000 educators — representing all 50 states — are registered at Teachrock.org.

“TeachRock teachers don’t tell kids to take out their earbuds, they ask them what they’re listening to and then make connections between their favorite music and the core curricula they need to master to succeed in life,” said Van Zandt. “This partnership will help my TeachRock team create more of those educators whose cool class keeps kids coming to school.”

The workshops are made possible by Harmony Insurance. “Har-

mony Insurance is proud to sponsor TeachRock’s Long Island Music Workshops for teachers, aiming to inspire and educate through music,” Harmony Insurance said in a statement.

“We’ve seen for years how the shared interest in music helps forge connections between teachers and students, and every year we witness how arts-integrated math, science, and social studies classes pull students from the margins and inspire them to participate,” said Bill Carbone, TeachRock executive director. “We’re thrilled to partner with LIMEHOF to help as many LI teachers as possible get excited about inspiring their students through the arts.”

For more information about LIMEHoF’s education programs please visit https://www.limusichalloffame.org/ teachrock/

Rock Star Stevie Van Zandt, oeft, founder of TeachRock at LIMEHOF event, Freeport Teacher Stephanie Arnell who will be leading the upcoming TeachRock Workshop Training events at LIMEHOF.

14th annual Over 50 Fair has new additions Maria Muldaur to appear at My Father’s Place

The Over 50 Fair will interest and entertain the large crowd of Long Island Baby Boomers and seniors who will attend this year’s event. The Over 50 Fair, in its 14th year, returns to the Hilton Long Island/Huntington on Sunday, Sept. 10 from 10 AM — 4:30 PM.

The Over 50 Fair is, according to owner/director Barbara Kaplan of East Hills, “part health and wellness fair, part activities and education expo, and part conference.” In addition to running this annual event, Barbara runs the annual All Kids Fair every April.

Over 25 classes will be presented at the Over 50 Fair, including some unexpected offerings such as Dream Interpretation and “how to improve

your dating and sex life after age 50.”

Michael Diaz, author of “Get out of the Water: A Story of Survival and Self Discovery,” will be speaking. Michael endured a harrowing ordeal whereby he floated on the choppy waters between Long Island and Connecticut for 17 hours after his kayak overturned in 2017.

In addition to the classes, there will be over 80 businesses and organizations promoting a diverse assortment of local products and services, including health and wellness, travel, attorneys, jewelry, and assisted living options.

Local beauty queens from the Ms. New York Senior America pageant, including 2023 winner Mae Caime, 2015 win-

ner CJ Marie, and 2010 winner Elisabeth Zamarelli will be in attendance.

A live acoustic music showcase will consist of several local musicians, including Steve Charles’ Elvis tribute and Joanne Amante, lead singer in Illusion: A Tribute to Women Who Rock playing 60s and 70s music.

This year’s event will feature a blackjack table with “funny money” where attendees can play the popular casino game.

In the singles lounge, singles can relax, mingle, win a free matchmaking membership and maybe meet their “special someone.”

A free photo booth with props will also be available.

This event has been building a loyal following among the Boomer Generation due to its consistent presentation of a variety of classes and products they find appealing.

2022 Attendee Michele Splain shared “You offered variety and a lot of nice people. Something for everyone. You did a good job of putting it all together and meeting different people’s needs.”

Giving is Living Inc., a local non-profit that helps Long Island’s needy, will be collecting non-perishable food and money; those who donate will receive raffle tickets to win valuable prizes.

The Over 50 Fair is a ninetime consecutive winner of Best of Nassau County in the Best Annual Event/Festival category.

Admission tickets, which include access to all classes, exhibitors, and attractions are $5 online, $7 at the door, and free for Veterans with ID. Those who pre-pay will receive a special raffle ticket at registration.

The Hilton Long Island/ Huntington is located at 598 Broadhollow Road (Rt. 110), Melville, just south of the Long Island Expressway. Free valet parking will be available at the rear (Grand Ballroom) entrance.

Sponsors for this year’s event include Tideline Center for Health & Aesthetics, Aetna, Senior Health Plan Specialists, Acupuncture Wellness Services, AARP, Wellcare, Financial Planning Association of Long Island, Blank Slate Media, Litmor Publications, Herald Community Newspapers and, 516Ads.com/631Ads.com.

For more information on this and future events, visit www.Over50Fair.com. Barbara Kaplan can be reached at 516621-1446.

2023 marks 50 years since Maria Muldaur’s big hit “Midnight at the Oasis” was released & began riding to the top of the charts!

To celebrate this milestone, she created a multi-media retrospective Way Past Midnight , which chronicles her 60-year journey “to the Oasis & Beyond.”

This special presentation, illustrated with wonderful photos & videos, features

all her hits & all of your most requested “fan faves” from every stage of her career, as well as fascinating, entertaining, (often humorous!) stories of her personal encounters, friendships, & collaborations with many of the greatest names in music.

Maldaur will appear at My Father’s Place at 3 Pratt Blvd. in Glen Cove on Friday, Sept. 3 with special guest, Acoustic Jack’s Waterfall.

Late-bloomer artist on display at G.N. Library

Great Neck Library is exhibiting “Oil Portraits and Still Life” by Henry Grosfeld from Sept. 5,, to Sept. 22, at our Main Library’s LowerLevel Art Gallery, 159 Bayview Avenue in Great Neck.

Local artist Grosfeld touches on a variety of subjects, from the art of bread baking to still life and portraits. He worked for 43 years as an engineer-

ing stress analyst in various fields of engineering, with half of this time in the area of mobile computing.

Retirement gave him the opportunity to pursue personal development in drawing and painting.

According to Grosfeld, for him it was “…very challenging to move mentally from the world of precision to the world of art and im-

pressions.”

He has studied under classes taught by Pedro Pacheko, Don Huber and Bill Graf at The National Art League in Douglaston for the last 7 years.

For more information, please contact the Great Neck Library at (516) 4668055 or email adultprogramming@greatnecklibrary.org.

PHOTO PROVIDED BY MAE CAIME

Ms. New York Senior America Mae Caime

Oil painting by Henry Grosfeld

Tips for choosing high school electives

The curricula at many secondary schools is designed to provide students with the education they need to go on to higher learning and/or enter the workforce. While certain subjects are on the educational menu in every school, students also have opportunities to pick unique subjects that cater to their interests and potential career goals. Classes that the school requires are often listed as core classes. Those that students are free to choose are called electives.

Electives exist outside of the required curriculum. Many education experts say that electives provide a great chance for students to experiment and determine if any niche subjects or topics appeal to them. According to psychologist Regine Muradian, who works with students on learning and study skills, electives also can increase a student’s desire to learn by offering a respite from the pressures of required courses.

Schools vary regarding how many elective classes high schoolers may take each year.

Electives typically are a more prominent component of upperclassmen’s schedules because they may have already completed most of the core curriculum requirements. Here are some tips for selecting electives.

• Go with what you know. Pick courses that tie into already established interests. If you love to write and get to the bottom of a story, then a journalism class may be ideal.

• Step outside your comfort zone. Another way to pick electives is to try new things and explore classes in that way. Maybe you never thought about computer programming before, but think it could be interesting to dabble?

• Choose with future major in mind. If you have an idea of which subject to study in college, you can select electives that align with that major. Someone who plans to major in finance may select an elective

in marketing or business management, for example.

• Think about what colleges want. Colleges accept applicants based on academic performance, but they’re also looking for students who check an assortment of boxes. Think about which electives may help you look more attractive to admissions departments. Classes in STEM, public speaking, debate, and international affairs might help you stand out.

• Diversify your skills.

Richard Detweiler, researcher and president emeritus of the Great Lakes Colleges, says a top preparatory factor to earning a sixfigure salary is not one’s college major, but having taken a large share of classes outside of one’s major. Diverse courses throughout high school and college can put students on a successful path.

Choosing electives need not be complicated. Students can opt for different strategies to select classes that will complement core learning.

How to help STEM students fulfill their p otential

deducted for not showing the work

Students should make it a habit to be transparent with their calculations so educators can point out where they were right and where they went wrong

Science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) classes are now integral components of students’ educations Increasingly students are drawn to STEM education, including pursuing STEM pathways in high school, because of the doors such an education can open in the future.

According to the United States Department of Labor, there were nearly 10 million workers in STEM occupations in 2021, and this total is projected to grow by almost 11 percent by 2031 roughly two times faster than the total for all occupations.

STEM subjects may not come so easily for some students, who at times may feel disengaged from the coursework. That doesn’t mean students should give up. Even if STEM classes do not come easily, one still could have what it takes to be involved in science or engineering, and eventually land STEM jobs Here are ways to mold great STEM students

Recognize that STEM is more exact ing

Unlike other classes in liberal arts education that are highly subjective, STEM involves answers that are exact There is no wiggle room for subjectivity, so students must get in the habit of checking their work and ensuring their answers are correct

Students may need some assistance from tutors or parents to recognize common mistakes and learn how to proof their work This fosters a greater attention to detail

Show the work

Teachers often require students to show the computation involved in reaching a mathematical conclusion, or the reasoning behind how an answer is derived While the answer may be correct, points may be

Recognize your own scient ific tendencies

Those who are science-minded tend to make good observations, base claims on evidence, express curiosity, and make connections between complex ideas Some students may not think they are intellectual enough to be involved with STEM, but after recognizing these traits in themselves, they may find they have more in common with great scientists than they first imagined

Maintain good notes

Get the most out of courses by taking excellent notes, as the best instruction often comes from lectures and class time Review notes regularly and practice work frequently

Have a study buddy

Studying with someone else can be helpful with STEM coursework A study buddy can be a fellow classmate, a parent, a friend, or anyone else to bounce ideas off of Others view problems differently and may see something a student is missing, or be able to explain it more readily. .

See failure as a

mot

ivat ing force

Only by failing can STEM students dissect missteps and improve work to get to more concrete conclusions

While it initially may not seem enjoyable to fail, it does present opportunity to do things differently the next time Failure usually lights a fire to get students to work harder and fulfill their potential. STEM classes can be quite challenging and not every student takes to them immediately. But with a little work and support, students can improve their performance in STEM subjects.

Essay-writing tips for students

Students face a number of challenges during their academic careers. Those challenges are unique to each student, as some excel in certain subjects that their classmates find difficult, and vice versa. At some point in their academic careers, students will be asked to write an essay. University applications typically feature student essay portions, but essays are even incorporated into elementary school curricula. Indeed, students of all ages are periodically asked to write essays, which underscores how useful some basic essaywriting tips can be.

• Identify the assignment. Essays run the gamut from personal essays to papers on historical figures to precis on particular texts. Before students can write an effective, engrossing essay, they must first identify what’s being asked of them. Does the instructor want students to argue a point? Is the idea to examine a meaningful personal experience? Is the essay similar to a book report? Once the ball gets rolling and writing begins, it’s easy to lose track of the assignment. But an effective essay must follow the guidelines set forth in the assignment. Students can routinely read the assignment provided by the instructor so they stay the course.

• Identify the point of the essay. Once students gain a firm grasp of what the instructor is looking for, they can then identify what their point of view or argument will be. This can require some research and should conclude with a thesis statement that will determine the rest of the essay.

• Write an outline.

Outlines can help frame the essay and keep writers on track. An outline also serves as a time for writers to determine what to keep and what to omit from an essay. Longer essays typically require ample research, and it’s unlikely that all of that research will make it into the final essay. Writing an outline provides a chance to narrow the scope of the essay and cut it down, which should prove useful when sitting down to begin writing the composition.

• Engage readers early.

An engaging question or assertion at the beginning of an essay will entice readers to want to continue reading. The question should be one writers can answer while an assertion should be supported throughout the rest of the essay. But some engaging prose in the opening paragraphs can draw readers in and set the stage for a well-written essay.

• Begin each paragraph with a topic sentence.

Topic sentences are similar to outlines because they establish the structure of a paragraph. Each new paragraph should include its own topic sentence. If a new topic needs to be addressed, then do so in a new paragraph. Paragraphs should fl ow into each other, but writers should avoid introducing more than one topic in a single paragraph.

• Write a strong conclusion.

The thesis statement will help to define the introductory paragraph, and it also can be utilized to establish the conclusion. Revisit the thesis in the conclusion and show how the points made throughout the body of the essay support that thesis. Conclude the essay with a statement that highlights the significance of the point the essay attempted to make.

Join us at temple beth sholom

Become a part of our TBS family where you and your children can begin a lifelong journey of learning and taking advantage of all our wonderful and enriching family education opportunities. Come learn, grow and celebrate with us!

Learn more about our EARLY CHILDHOOD CENTER

We provide care for children aged 18 months through Pre-Kindergarten. Our play-based and award-winning Judaic curriculum are the foundation of our program. Children learn through play, and play to learn, which we pride ourselves on. We provide a safe and nurturing environment in which your child can learn and grow during their time at TBS ECC. Our dedicated and caring staf are committed to creating lasting connections with your family, which supports your child’s learning experience at our school.

Learn more about our CURRICULUM

Our ECC Curriculum supports children in achieving important preschool milestones. Our toddler program introduces children to the basic concepts of colors, shapes and counting. Through play and social interaction, our littlest learners are taught what it means to be a good friend and the importance of treating one another with respect (kavod) and kindness (chesed). Our 3’s and 4’s (Pre-Kindergarten) curriculum builds on the foundations laid out in our toddler program. With a focus on emergent literacy and math - the knowledge, skills and attitudes that a child develops in relation to reading, writing, and math - children engage in activities that support these learning goals, all while becoming more independent. We teach the whole child in language/literacy development, math, science, Social Studies, Art, and Social Emotional development. Through the celebration of Shabbat, Jewish holidays, and Israel, our children experience the beauty and joy of their heritage.

Learn more about our ENRICHMENTS and BEFORE AND AFTER CARE

We have fexible extended hours available from 8am-5pm, Monday-Thursday and 8am-3pm on Friday. We ofer a variety of after school enrichment programs for our 3’s and 4’s classes, which extend their day by 45 minutes, including but not limited to Yoga, Dance, Soccer Shots, Imagination Station, Cooking and more. We also provide enrichment during the day through Pee Wee Pro’s and Matt the Music Man.

TEMPLE BETH SHOLOM IS COMMITTED TO PROVIDING AN INCLUSIVE ENVIRONMENT FOR ALL STUDENTS. PLEASE FEEL FREE TO SPEAK TO OUR DIRECTOR ABOUT OUR SPECIAL NEEDS SERVICES OR EMAIL INCLUSION @ TBSROSLYN.ORG.

PLEASE CONTACT:

STEPHANIE WHALEN, ECC Director 516-621-1171 | kweinberg@tbsroslyn.org

How to help student-athletes balance academics and athletics

The rigors of academia demand every student’s utmost devotion. For some, the challenges in the classroom are accompanied by the thrill of competition on the playing fields. Multi-tasking may be most associated with modern professionals, but many might have learned how to balance multiple responsibilities at once during their days as student-athletes.

Student-athletes typically have a lot on their plates. Managing multiple priorities at once can overwhelm anyone, especially young student-athletes without much experience handling such a juggling act. As a new school year begins, student-athletes can consider these strategies as they try to do their best in the classroom and on the competitive playing fields.

• Practice time management over the summer.

Summer vacation provides a much-needed respite for all students, but it also can serve as

a time management trial run for studentathletes. Over the course of summer break, create a schedule of activities and allot a certain amount of time to devote to each. In the spirit of summer vacation, these activities need not be rigorous, but the schedule can lay the foundation for the hopefully successful management of time that will be necessary when the school year begins.

• Take steps to avoid burnout. Burnout can affect student-athletes in the classroom and on the field. Work with parents, coaches and school staff, including a nutritionist if one works for the school’s athletic department, to devise a meal plan that will help to energize the body and reduce injury risk. In addition, follow a consistent sleep schedule that helps to overcome mental and physical fatigue. According to guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, teenagers between the ages of 13 and 18 should sleep eight to 10 hours each night.

• Avoid distractions. Student-athletes who are finding it hard to get at least eight hours of sleep each night might be too distracted during the day to get everything done so they can go to bed at a reasonable hour. Smartphones ensure distractions are never too far away, but student-athletes can take a proactive approach and turn off app notifications once a new school year and season begins. In addition, pick a quiet homework/study room in the house without distractions like a television or the hum of outside noise.

• Set academic and athletic goals. Coaches typically establish goals for players before the season and then again during end-of-season exit interviews. Such goals can help athletes maintain their motivation, and a similar strategy can be employed in the classroom. Parents and student-athletes can meet with teachers to establish study goals to keep them striving toward academic achievement. Clearly defined goals can improve student-athletes’ focus, and that can make it easier to balance their responsibilities. Student-athletes face a balancing act once a new school year or season begins.

Join us at temple beth sholom

Become a part of our TBS family where you and your children can begin a lifelong journey of learning and taking advantage of all our wonderful and enriching family education opportunities. Come learn, grow and celebrate with us!

Learn more about our RELIGIOUS SCHOOL

TBS Religious School strives for a curriculum that will challenge the children and provide them with a sense of pride in Judaism. The Religious School’s approach to our students’ full ownership of subject matter is through project-based learning. We strive to present a love of Torah, Israel and Jewish values to our students in a personal way. Social action projects are a core value of our curriculum and help to emphasize Jewish ideals to live by and to practice in our daily lives. Hebrew language and tefllah is a strong focus in our curriculum as well as our Israel Education instruction which runs across all grade levels. We have implemented a Hebrew Story Time (Sh’at Sipur) for our younger grades and a Hebrew specialist to enhance the Hebrew language learning experience.

Learn more about MAKOM High School

Makom is the place to be for teen engagement at Temple Beth Sholom. Students will cultivate and nurture their relationships with the sources of our tradition, TBS clergy, educators, each other and the greater community in the Limud Torah Study component of Makom allowing space for Jewish values and thinking to inform meaningful Jewish choices. Makom also focuses on creating essential future Jewish leadership through ACTIV8! and social activism. New this year is the Leadership Buddies Program at The Atria where students and seniors develop meaningful and long -lasting relationships through interactive projects and programs. Our Makom program also encompasses Madrichim (volunteer student aids in the Religious School) students focusing on leadership roles in their own community.

TEMPLE BETH SHOLOM IS COMMITTED TO PROVIDING AN INCLUSIVE ENVIRONMENT FOR ALL STUDENTS. PLEASE FEEL FREE TO SPEAK TO OUR DIRECTORS ABOUT OUR SPECIAL NEEDS SERVICES OR EMAIL INCLUSION @ TBSROSLYN.ORG.

Director

SILVIA KOGAN, Assistant Principal/ B’nai Mitzvah Family Coordinator – 516-621-2288 ext. 119 | skogan@tbsroslyn.org

What parents can do to b e more involve d at scho ol

Attend open houses and conferences

Parents can make every effort to get to know teachers and other staff Putting faces to names can help parents develop a connection to teachers and vice versa Most schools have back to school nights, meet the coaches opportunities, open houses, and parent-teacher conferences. Parents can take part in these events

Open lines of communication

How parents and e duc ators c an work to gether

Parents and educators alike aspire to help students perform their best in the classroom An effective parentteacher partnership can go a long way toward helping children reach their academic potential With that goal in mind, parents and educators can employ the following strategies as they seek to develop a strong working relationship

developments a student is making and offers constructive advice on areas where students can improve Ample pre-conference preparation on the part of both parents and educators can help ensure sessions are productive and beneficial to students’ development

Parents can make every effort to encourage children to make the most of the school experience, including academics and extracurricular activities Though students’ level of engagement is ultimately up to them, parental involvement at school can be crucial for students’ success

According to the National Education Council, when parents get involved in their children’s education, those children are more likely to do better in school and be more positive about the school experience. They also may be well-behaved Parents wondering what they can do to assist at the school level can consider these possibilities

Attend school board meetings

Many community school boards are comprised entirely of volunteers who work with superintendents and other personnel to advocate for policies and procedures for students Decisions typically are up for vote, and parents can run for school board positions or simply attend meetings each month and let their voices be heard about various issues

Parents can ask teachers and other staff how they prefer to communicate. Some teachers want students to take the lead and reach out first, with parents providing support if need be Adults can be responsive when teachers reach out

Attend school events

Families can make it a point to support students in all endeavors Whenever the opportunity to visit the school comes up whether for a concert, sports game, trivia night, or fundraiser parents can make an effort to attend.

Volunteer

When parents want to be involved even further, they can head committees at school or volunteer with the PTA or PTO They also can help out in the cafeteria, library or in the main office

Parents who have particular skills may volunteer to provide tutoring or mentoring as needed. Furthermore, parents can volunteer in schoolsanctioned extracurriculars, such as Scouts BSA or as sports coaches

Involvement in school is part of being an informed and supportive parent.

• Keep lines of communicat ion open Communication between families and educators is of paramount importance. The Early Learning Network, an organization devoted to improving the academic success of children that is funded by the Institute for Education Services, emphasizes the importance of routine communication between parents and educators throughout the school year The ELN notes that open, clear, constructive, and timely communication can help parents know what’s going on at school and ensures teachers know important things about their students.

• Make use of parentteacher conference sessions Both parents and teachers can utilize parentteacher conferences to communicate directly with one another. Parents can prepare a list of questions regarding their child’s academics, while teachers can provide a clear assessment of each student with feedback that celebrates the positive

• Develop a plan together. Western Governors University recommends parents and educators develop a plan to collaborate together Establish routine intervals to communicate to discuss a student’s progress Discuss what seems to be working and any areas where the approach by both parties may need to be tweaked. For example, parents should be open to suggestions regarding homework if the work students are submitting is not reflective of their abilities. Similarly, if students indicate to their parents that a certain in-class approach is not resonating, educators can remain open to suggestion or offer extra assistance if possible. Working on a plan together decreases the risk that any issues a student experiences will fall through the cracks A collective effort on the part of parents and educators can increase the likelihood that each student fulfills their academic potential Parents and educators can work together to keep lines of communication open and make the most of opportunities to speak directly with one another

Scholastic sports can teach student-athletes valuable lessons they take with them for a lifetime, all the while engaging them in the thrill of competition. High school student-athletes may aspire to continue their playing careers in college, but data from the National Collegiate Athletic Association indicates only a small fraction of young people will get that chance. The NCAA reports that roughly eight million students currently participate in high school sports in the United States, while less than half a million athletes compete at the collegiate level. Football is among the most popular sports at both the high school and college level. Though more than one million student-athletes compete in high school football, data from the NCAA 2018-19 Sports Sponsorship and Participation Rates Report indicates that just a little more than 73,000 played college football during that school year.

Scholastic sports can teach student-athletes valuable lessons they take with them for a lifetime, all the while engaging them in the thrill of competition. High school student-athletes may aspire to continue their playing careers in college, but data from the National Collegiate Athletic Association indicates only a small fraction of young people will get that chance. The NCAA reports that roughly eight million students currently participate in high school sports in the United States, while less than half a million athletes compete at the collegiate level. Football is among the most popular sports at both the high school and college level. Though more than one million student-athletes compete in high school football, data from the NCAA 2018-19 Sports Sponsorship and Participation Rates Report indicates that just a little more than 73,000 played college football during that school year.

Enr iching non-sp or ts extracurricular activities

Aschool experience goes beyond lessons learned in the classroom Part of what helps shape well-rounded students are the skills they sharpen and memories they make while engaging in extracurricular activities

Extracurricular involvement shows that students can stick with activities for extended periods of time, indicates they have passions and interests, and illustrates that they can take initiative outside of their schoolwork.

Athletics is a popular extracurricular activity A love of sports often develops in elementary school, with children participating in recreational or school-based leagues each year That enjoyment of the game only builds in middle school and high school However, there are plenty of students who are not sports enthusiasts but still fill their afterschool hours with activities that can help cultivate leadership, teamwork, time management skills, confidence, and much more The following are some extracurriculars that go beyond the scholastic playing fields

• Ar ts act ivities: These can include painting, sketching, ceramics, jewelry-making, and yarn work

• Band or chorus: Music instruction is ideal for those who want to explore a passion for singing or playing an instrument

• Theater: Students can participate in theater productions after school. It’s possible to get involved both in front of the curtain and behind with positions in the cast, crew and even promotional team.

• Newspaper: Many schools still produce student-led newspapers in print or digital versions Students handle all of the roles, from reporting, editing, photography, and managing the publication

• Foreign language clubs: Students may want to expand on their foreign language studies by participating in language clubs Often these clubs include learning more about the cultures where specific languages are spoken, including exploring culinary delights and possible travel

• Philanthropy: Like-minded students may want to participate in school-organized volunteer activities These keep students busy, but also benefit recipients in many ways

Activities can include beach sweeps or volunteering at animal shelters

• Coding and programming: Students can learn the basics of writing code and building computer applications or websites.

• Culinary ar ts: Certain schools may be equipped with kitchen facilities and still offer elective courses in culinary arts, while others may reserve cooking classes to extracurricular activities If a school does not have a culinary club, chances are students can find a cooking class offered through a private group

There are plenty of extracurricular activities to engage students who are not interested in athletics Students also can start new clubs if there are deficits in offerings at their schools

powered by

Mullett @ 8pm Cold Spring Country Club, 22 E Gate Dr, Huntington

Runner's Edge Main Street Mile @ 8:30am / $13-$35 242 Main Street, Farmingdale

Live Vinyl: Labor Day Eve at The Bayview Freeport @ 2pm Bayview Catering on the Water Venue, 395 Woodcleft Ave, Freeport

Hempstead House Garden & Mansion

Tour

@ 10am / $20

Join us for a special tour of Hempstead House and its brandnew garden. Hemp‐stead House, 127 Mid‐dle Neck Road, Sands Point. info@sandspoint preserve.org, 516-5717901

Zac N Fried @ Plattsduetache @ 6:30pm Plattduetsche Park, 1132 Hempstead Turnpike, Franklin Square

The 90's Band @ 7pm Salt Shack, 100 Ocean Pkwy, Babylon

New York Mets vs. Seattle Mariners

@ 7:10pm Citi Field, 120-01 Roosevelt Av‐enue, Flushing

Grif�n Woodard Quintet at A Jazz Festival For The Ages 2023 @ 3pm St. Markella Greek Or‐thodox Church, 1960 Jones Ave, Wantagh

The Offspring with Sum 41 and Simple Plan: Let The Bad Times Roll Tour @ 6pm / $59

Northwell Health at Jones Beach Theater, 1000 Ocean Parkway, Wantagh

Gary Sellers Band: Charolette's Speakeasy

@ 7pm Charlotte’s Speakeasy, 294 Main St, Farmingdale

Category3: Shore House Bar & Grill

@ 9pm Half Moon Bar & Grill, 22 E Park Ave, Long Beach

Nate Charlie Music @ 5pm Spotlight NY Huntington, 370 New York Ave, Huntington

NYCFC II vs. Philadelphia Union II @ 5pm / $10-$15

Belson Stadium, 8000 Utopia Parkway, Jamaica

Friday Sep 8th

STING: MY SONGS 2023

@ 8pm / $67-$232

Northwell Health at Jones Beach Theater, 895 Bay Parkway, Wantagh

Sting’s My Songs concert is an exuberant and dynamic show fea‐turing his most beloved songs, written throughout the 17-time Grammy Award winner’s illustrious career both with The Police and as a solo artist. Fans can expect to be taken on a musical journey with timeless hits.

Anders Osborne Duo

@ 7pm / $48

Anders Osborne Duo

Please note: the front section of the theater is general admission standing room for this show. Jeanne Rimsky Theater, 232 Main Street, Port Washing‐ton. boxof�ce@land markonmainstreet.org, 516-767-6444

James Taylor @ 7:30pm / $40-$185

Northwell Health at Jones Beach Theater, 895 Bay Parkway, Wan‐tagh

Sugar Ray @ 8pm

Harry Chapin Lakeside Theatre, East Meadow

Round of 16

Men's/Women's @ 11am / $96

Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, Flushing Meadows Corona Park, Flushing

Tue 9/05

Jewish Learning Series @ 12:30pm

Join the Mid Island Y JCC and a host of guest presenters for in‐teresting and relevant lectures and discussions related to Ju‐daism and Jewish Culture. MidIsland Y JCC, 45 Manetto Hill Road, Plainview

Wed 9/06

Mike Tedesco @ 5pm Hilltop Kitchen & Bar, 150 Jeri‐cho Turnpike, Syosset

Social Singles @ 6:30pm / $12

Join us at the Mid-Island Y JCC for ongoing social programming for singles ages 55+ to connect with one another. Mid-Island Y JCC, 45 Manetto Hill Road, Plainview

Thu 9/07

Mon 9/04 ////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

The Troubador Sessions with Abi‐gail Dowd & Roger Street Friedman @ 7pm Sea Cliff Arts Council, 86 Roslyn Ave, Sea Cliff

Fri 9/08

Rob Appelblatt (Splatt): SPLATT.LIVE! @The Rust & Gold @ 6pm The Rust & Gold, 70 Gerard St, Huntington

Bangers and Mash @ The Village Lanterne @ 6pm The Village Lanterne, 155 N Wellwood Ave, Lindenhurst

Jill Sobule @ 7:30pm

Unitarian Universalist Congre‐gation of Shelter Rock for Soul‐ful Sundown, Manhasset

The Kingston Trio: Jeanne Rimsky Theater @ 7pm Jeanne Rimsky Theater, 232 Main St #1, Port Washington

Brooklyn Cyclones vs. Wilmington Blue Rocks @ 7pm Maimonides Park, 1904 Surf Ave., Brooklyn

Brett Dennen: Fool in Paradise Acoustic Tour @ 7:30pm / $39

Brett Dennen: Fool in Paradise Acoustic Tour Soulful Storyteller and Vibrant Folk-Pop Virtu‐oso Jeanne Rimsky Theater, 232 Main Street, Port Washing‐ton. boxof�ce@land markonmainstreet.org, 516-767-6444

George Thorogood and The Destroyers - "Bad All Over The World" @ 8pm / $39.50-$89.50 The Paramount, 370 New York Ave, Hunting‐ton

Larry Carlton @ 8pm / $65-$100

The Space at Westbury The‐ater, 250 Post Avenue, West‐bury

LIZA + WILLIE Live at Puerto Plata on the Water @ 8pm Puerto Plata Seafood On The Water, 42 Woodcleft Ave, Freeport

Anthony Hamilton @ 8pm / $39.50-$149.50 NYCB Theatre at Westbury, 960 Brush Hollow Road, Westbury

David Cross - Worst Daddy In The World Tour @ 8pm / $25-$52.50

The Paramount, 370 New York Ave, Hunting‐ton

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.

Business&RealEstate

Are you purchasing a home or lifestyle?

When buying a home the quality of the schools is a major factor, especially if you have or plan to have children, and even for those not considering having children, but for the purposes of resale. The more advanced the school district (students scoring higher in math and science and other crucial tests) the higher the home values are in the short and long run.

According to the National Bureau of Economic Research, every $1 increase in state aid per pupil has an aggregate efect of raising housing values by $20. So there is a direct correlation between quality school districts and the price of homes. Janelle Ward, who is a content journalist for Homes.com, wrote a piece that provides additional proof about quality schools and the value of homes in those areas. You can read her column online and click on the short link there: valueofhomevschooldistricts.

The unfortunate problem is within those school districts that perform adversely, home values can be diminished and be considerably lower. The solution is to attract better-quality teachers and pay higher salaries. This will only be accomplished when those states consider providing more aid to bolster those un-

derperforming schools. But it’s also the parents’ role to be more disciplined and create a better environment by making sure their children study more. School administrators need to keep the students occupied with better after-school physical and thought-provoking activities with safe places to congregate and not hang out in the streets with those who may not have a quality future. So schools play a major and monumental role for most buyers in their purchasing decisions.

Secondly, many may not contemplate or realize it is not just about buying a home. What is also tantamount in the process are the amenities in the community or surrounding areas, whether it is ongoing and regular activities for children as well as for adults. In order to build strong quality roots within the town, one must also see if there are any service clubs like Rotary, to join in order to bolster the quality of life and give back to the community with programs to assist those who may need it most.

This will surely aid in building potentially new long-term relationships and friends while adding to a quality lifestyle. Once you do your research and make a decision to buy into a com-

munity, this will only be the beginning of your journey to make connections with your neighbors. What I have seen over the years has been a decline in block parties. A concerted efort should be made to bring them back. This could lead to rekindling past relationships or begin new ones to get acquainted with your neighbors.

The COVID-19 pandemic has been detrimental in keeping people away

from each other as they have made serious moves out of crowded cities to the suburbs over the last 3-plus years. Unfortunately, there is now another new highly mutated COVID-19, variant called BA.2.86 (nicknamed Pirola) around the globe that is apparently been found in Virginia, Michigan, and now possibly in Ohio. However, the other 47 states appear to be fne.

So start now to make up a colorful fier and distribute it around your block and see who responds to get together to form a committee to create a benefcial block party. Maybe a fund-raiser could be the main theme for a local or national organization. Make sure that it is also fun for the kids as well. This will enable them to begin to connect with new kids on the block and build new bonds and lifetime friendships.

Being outside would be a safe space to congregate during your block party. But for those who feel a need and more comfortable wearing an N95 mask during the event that would be a healthy course of action. Scheduling meaningful regular block parties will also create a camaraderie that would not normally occur without these types of events.

Find out if there is a community pool, established safe and updated

WHAT IS THE DARK WEB?

parks, restaurants, and local events that are regularly scheduled on a yearly basis. If you have a hybrid work environment, see how far away the LIRR is as that may also be an important factor, too.

Are there special happenings occurring within the town during the holidays? Inquire where the religious institutions are located, so you can visit them to determine if they are a good ft. There are many variables that will go towards contributing and creating a lifestyle that you and your family will be happy and comfortable within your specifc budget. One must make a list of the items that are most important to your family besides schools to be sure that when you submit an ofer that gets accepted, you will then be investing in your most valuable asset, your home and that everyone will be happy in their new surroundings.

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 viahttps://WWW.Li-RealEstate.Com

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Business& RealEstate

Paris-Campbell joins FCA board

FCA, a leading health and human services not-for-profit organization on Long Island, recently named Magdalonie ParisCampbell to its Board of Trustees.

Paris-Campbell, the Director of External and Legislative Affairs for AT&T Services, Inc., is a well-respected and highly visible community advocate with close ties to government officials and other Long Island leaders.

In her position with AT&T she supports its Atlantic Region Public Safety Solutions by managing all External Affairs activities on Long Island, including working with local governments and the various Long Island communities.

“I couldn’t be more pleased to welcome Magdalonie to FCA’s Board of Trustees,” said FCA President and Chief Executive Officer Jeffrey L. Reynolds. “As a person who readily connects with others in the community to resolve problems, develop partnerships and inspire action, Magdalonie will provide an important voice on the board.”

A results-oriented External Affairs leader, Paris-Campbell has been driving community engagement initiatives, supporting strategic public policy, and influencing legislative outcomes for more than 15 years.

Prior to her current role, Paris-Campbell served as the Long Island Regional Director for U.S. Senator Kristen Gillibrand, district director for state Sen. Todd Kaminsky, and chief of staff for state Sen. Ada L. Smith. Paris-Campbell’s work in the community has spanned regional issues affecting the environment, economic development, foreign affairs, immigration, military, health care, agriculture, telecommunications, technology, and education.

Her active volunteerism in the community includes being a founding member of Long Island’s first AfroFest. She also serves on the boards for the United Way Long Island, Long Island Association, Vision Long Island, and Long Island Software & Technology Network.

Paris-Campbell has been recognized as a 2022 Premier Business Women Honoree by the Richner Business Network and featured in the Baldwin Herald. She was also named to the City and State 2021 & 2022 Long Island Power 100: The Most Influential Individuals in Nassau & Suffolk counties.

A former Child Protective Specialist (CPS) worker, ParisCampbell holds a Master’s degree in Social Work Enterprise Administration from Columbia University and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Forensic Psychology from John Jay College of Criminal Justice.

She lives with her family in Baldwin Harbor.

Canceled Chapin tribute

Continued from Page 6

“Harry Chapin was one of the greatest humanitarians who ever graced Long Island’s shores,” Drucker said. “County Executive Blakeman’s self-serving, vindictive dismissal of Harry as just a political operative grossly mischaracterizes the significance of his contributions to our society and the ongoing fight against hunger.”

Excluding its first year in 2005 and 2020 online-only version due to the pandemic, the event has been hosted at Eisenhower Park – the venue Chapin was slated to play at but never made it to when he was killed on his way in an accident on the Long Island Expressway

Each year, 16-17 musicians perform Chapin’s songs to honor him and keep his memory alive.

In tandem with the musical performances is a food drive, which Markus said has collected about seven tons of food for Long Island Cares over the years.

Markus said that the Republican Party, with which Blakeman is aligned, has historically counteracted the humanitarian efforts that Chapin fought for, pushing actions “at the expense of programs that help the poor and working classes put food on their tables.”

“I am loathe to volunteer nor would I try to persuade anyone else to volunteer their time and efforts in a way that would abet the self-promotion of a politician whose platform would exacerbate the problem that Harry dedicated his life to solving,” Markus said. “It feels deceptive, dishonest, and frankly, rather dirty.”

He said while he does not feel good about the current status of the concert and the degree to which Blakeman has put his name on it, he is offering Blakeman a compromise: the concert will be rescheduled so long as all the signs, excluding the one historically beneath the proscenium, are removed. If not, he said the show can always be conducted virtually as it was in 2020.

Blakeman concluded his letter to Markus stating that he would continue to promote the event as it is the right thing to do, not for Markus’ approval.

“It is up to him to decide which is more important to him: honoring and promoting Harry’s legacy and mission or promoting his own name,” Markus said.

SEPTEMBER 8

GUIDE TO FALL

DEADLINE: SEPTEMBER 1

SEPTEMBER 15

GUIDE TO WILLISTON PARK

STREET FAIR

DEADLINE: SEPTEMBER 8

SEPTEMBER 29

GUIDE TO MINEOLA

STREET FAIR

DEADLINE: SEPTEMBER 22

OCTOBER 13

GUIDE TO COVERT AVENUE

STREET FAIR

DEADLINE: OCTOBER 6

OCTOBER 20

GUIDE TO NEW HYDE PARK

STREET FAIR

DEADLINE: OCTOBER 13

League, UUCSR announce candidate forums

Voters in Port Washington, Manhasset, and Great Neck can mark their calendars for Oct. 12 and Oct. 19 evening Candidate Forums, cosponsored by the League of Women Voters of Port Washington-Manhasset and by the Women’s Group of the Unitarian Universalist Congregation at Shelter Rock, located at 48 Shelter Rock Road in Manhasset.

Candidates for supervisor and receiver of Taxes for the Town of North Hempstead are confrmed for 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. on October 19 at UUCSR.

Light food will be available from 5:30pm. All four candidates have confrmed their participation and acceptance of League procedures for timing, sequencing, civil discourse, etc.

Running for town supervisor are Jennifer DeSena (Rep., Con.) and Jon Kaiman (Dem.). Running for receiver of taxes are Mary Jo Collins (Rep, Con.) and Veronica Lurvey (Dem.). DeSena is the incumbent supervisor. The incumbent Receiver of Taxes, Charles Berman, is retiring.

Four forums for local town and county leg-

islators are planned for Oct. 12, beginning at 5:00 p.m. and running to 9:00 p.m., with light food available from 4:30 p.m.

The two forums for Town of North Hempstead Council Districts 4 and 6 are confrmed by all four candidates: Town Council District 4 candidates James Gounaris (Rep, Con.) and Christne Liu (Dem.) and Town Council District 6 candidates Mariann Dalimonte (Dem). and David Franklin (Rep, Con).

District lines have been adjusted following the 2020 census and the only incumbent is Dalimonte.

Two forums for Nassau County Legislative Districts 10 and 11 are planned but not yet confrmed because two of the four candidates have been non-responsive to the League invitation.

For District 10, challenger Weihua Yan (Dem) has agreed, while incumbent Mazi Malesa Pilip (Rep, Con) has not agreed to participate or to the procedures despite repeated outreach over multiple weeks.

For District 11, incumbent Delia DeRiggiWhiton (Dem) has agreed, while challenger

John Stalzer (Rep, Con) has not responded at all to repeated outreach over multiple weeks, including from party leaders.

Two forums are also confrmed for Glen Cove Mayor (on October 2) and Glen Cove City Council (on October 25), both at the Glen Cove High School, starting at 7:00 pm. In total, the League is delighted that 22 of the 24 candidates listed by the Nassau County Board of Elections have promptly and fully accepted our League’s invitations and procedures for participation.

National, state, and local LWV policy requires at least two candidates for an ofce participate in any League-sponsored forum.

Allowing only one candidate to speak to an audience— invited by the League at a venue arranged by the League — is considered a “contribution in kind” and violates our strict nonpartisan policy.

Historically, those candidates who refuse League invitations include incumbents who do not wish to share a stage or ofer airtime to challengers.

Similarly, both challengers and incumbents

may refuse to participate if they are not confdent in their abilities to address relevant issues before a wide range of voters — such candidates have been both Republicans and Democrats.

Voters should let candidates of all parties who seek to represent them know they value League forums — forums where voters hear from all candidates for a given ofce in the same public space, answering the same voter questions, using civil discourse in a process designed to be nonpartisan and fair.

Similarly, voters can reach out to those candidates who have not yet confrmed participation and agreement to procedures to let them know that representing all voters begins with making oneself available to all voters.

The League of Women Voters, a nonpartisan political organization, encourages informed and active participation in government, works to increase understanding of major public policy issues, and infuences public policy through education and advocacy. The League does not support or oppose any political party or candidate

Zucker School, Jovia Financial Credit partner

This summer, the Medical Scholars Pipeline Program (MSPP) and College Pipeline Program (CPP) at the Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell partnered with Jovia Financial Credit Union for the frst time for days of philanthropy and fnancial literacy.

As part of the partnership, Jovia frst presented the pipeline programs with a $ 3,000 check, to ensure that students continue to enroll in these fantastic programs and to further support diversity, equity and inclusion in healthcare. More specifcally, this charitable donation will

help sponsor two MSPP students and cover their frst year of enrollment into the MSPP program.

“I cannot thank Jovia Financial Credit Union enough for their support. This donation assures that we can continue ofering this wonderful program to our pipeline students and eases the fnancial burden on them,” said Gina Granger, assistant director of pipeline programs at the Zucker School of Medicine. “I am excited for the start of this partnership and look forward to future activities together.”

The MSPP, now in its fourteenth year, was

created to provide an educational pathway for underrepresented in medicine students from select high schools in the fve New York City boroughs and Nassau County to enter healthcare professions.

Since its inception in 2010, 253 students have been accepted into the three-year program and 133 students have graduated. While the mission of the MSPP is to expose students to careers in medicine, the program also helps them plan for their future regardless of what career path they choose.

The CPP at the Zucker School of Medicine seeks to enhance the matriculation of underrepresented in medicine and economically-disadvantaged students to medical school.

This three-year, summer-intensive, academic enrichment program is designed to provide highachieving college students who are interested in a career in medicine a pathway to medical school. To date, 26 students have enrolled in the program and three students have been ofered early admission to the Zucker School of Medicine.

PHOTO CREDIT: HOFSTRA UNIVERSITY

Zucker School of Medicine pipeline students pictured with Jordan Kaplan and Chris DiLeonardo from Jovia Financial Credit Union

nassau COMMUNITY CLASSIFIEDS

▼ EMPLOYMENT, SITUATION

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

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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.

WANTED, CAREER TRAINING, MARKETPLACE

NOVENAS/PRAYERS

NOVENA TO THE BLESSED MOTHER

WE’RE HIRING

BLANK SLATE MEDIA is a fast-growing media company with 6 award-winning weekly newspapers and a website in Nassau County, a full array of digital services and high-profle events. We have openings in several categories that we are looking to fll immediately.

n REPORTER. FULL TIME.

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

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

n ENTERTAINMENT. PART TIME

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

n SALES. FULL TIME.

We are looking for a highly motivated. self-starter with excellent communication and customer service skills to sell newspaper advertising, digital services and event sponsorships.

To apply, send your resume to: sblank@theisland360.com.

SITUATION WANTED

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

516.307.1045

HELP WANTED

Oh Most Beautiful Flower of Mount Carmel, Fruitful Vine, Splendor of Heaven. Oh, Blessed Mother of the Son of God, Immaculate Virgin, assist me in my necessity. Oh Star of the Sea, help me herein and show me here 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 succor 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 cause in your hands (say three times). Amen. This prayer is never known to fail and is to be said for 3 consecutive days. In Gratitude (M.T.F.)

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

ANTIQUE LOVERS TAKE NOTE! BRIMFIELD IS HEREALL SHOWS! September 5-10. New shows open daily! BrimfieldAntiqueFleaMarket.com

2024 Show Dates: May 14-19 July 9-14 September 3-8

INVITED ESTATE SALES BY TRACY

JORDAN is doing VIRTUAL TAG SALES and ONLINE AUCTIONS now! Sell the contents of an entire house or sell just a few things! You can host your own sale on invitedsales.com and Facebook and Instagram or we can do it for you. We can photograph, advertise and handle the winning pickups for you within a week!

Don’t worry about your closing date, we can get your house ready on time! We are a one stop service for all your needs when you are moving or selling a property! Selling, donating, discarding and cleaning out services can be done to meet your time frame with minimal stress. Contact info@invitedsales.com for more information or call 516-279-6378 to schedule a consultation or receive more information. Visit us at www.invitedsales.com for a listing of our upcoming Virtual Tag Sales and Weekly Auctions!

MERCHANDISE FOR SALE

Autographed Collectors Baseball Items. Golf balls and useful power tools like new! Best offer. Call 516-514-6026

EMPLOYMENT HELP WANTED

BOOKKEEPER/TRUST ACCOUNTING

Small western Nassau CPA firm seeks bookkeeper to assist with small business and trust accounting work. Candidate’s ability to effectively communicate with clients both in writing and orally is required. Benefits/pension/vacation. Proficiency in QuickBooks mandatory and Accounting CS a plus. Ideal candidate would have prior experience working for a CPA or law firm. Rate of pay: $47-$50 per hour Please include resume and contact information to: hr@jklcpas.com

SITUATION WANTED

CARETAKER AVAILABLE Ukrainian woman seeking position as Housekeeper, Caretaker. Available all week. Preferred location Garden City, Uniondale, East Meadow, West Hempstead. Hardworking and well organized. Exellent Cook. Cleans perfectly. Teacher. She loves people and likes animals.. Speaks Ukrainian, Russian, Polish and communicative English. Very good references. Call Catherine: 516-547-6554

HELP WANTED

GARDEN CITY LAW FIRM LOOKING TO FILL TWO PART-TIME RECEPTIONIST POSITIONS.

Hours 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. and 12:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday thru Friday.

If interested, email your resume to mgherlone@mclaughlinstern.com

ANNOUNCEMENTS

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AUTOMOTIVE AUTOS WANTED

***AAA*** AUTO BUYERS $Highest$

Ca$h Paid$ All Years/Conditions! WE VISIT YOU! Or Donate, Tax Deduct Ca$h. DMV ID#1303199 Call LUKE 516-VAN-CARS 516-297-2277

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

REAL ESTATE FOR RENT

MARKETPLACE 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

TAG SALE

GARDEN CITY TAG SALE Saturday, September 9th 9am to 3pm 7 Mulberry Ave Garden City, NY 11530 House is sold. Partial contents priced to sell. Mahogany dining room and bedroom sets, living room chairs, sofa, end tables, kitchen table, curio cabinets. Cash or certified check.

INVITED ESTATE SALES BY TRACY

JORDAN Thursday, September 7, 2023 9:30 a.m. 105 Somerset Ave Garden City, NY 11530 Public sale selling furniture, vintage items, clothes, vintage toys, Christmas items, barware, bicycle, electronics, kitchenware, china, collectibles, basement, garage and more...Visit www.invitedsales.com for pictures & details!!

REAL ESTATE FOR SALE CONDO/CO-OP FOR SALE

GARDEN CITY WYNDHAM EAST APARTMENT FOR SALE Move-inready. 1 Bedroom, 1.5 Bath, Kitchen with granite counter tops, marble baths, plenty of closets, private balcony, laundry, separate storage unit, apartment comes with 2 parking spaces. Asking $700,000 Call 516-524-3336

SERVICE DIRECTORY SERVICES

JACK’S CUSTOM FRAMING We can frame anything! Quality Care & Workmanship Thousands of frames to choose from!! Over 30 years in business! 92 Covert Ave, Stewart Manor 516-775-9495

MY CARING PLAN’S local advisors have helped thousands of families with unique needs find senior living. Can you afford 2k a month in rent? We can help for free! 866-989-1812

Secure your home with Vivint Smart Home technology Call 866-601-1219 to learn how you can get a professionally installed security system with $0 activation.

ATTORNEY

GARDEN CITY PROFESSIONAL

OFFICE SPACE FOR SUBLET IN LAW FIRM SUITE 1305 Franklin Ave Third Floor Suite 3 to 4 windowed offices and 2 to 3 Admin Asst. workstations available. Shared reception area and kitchenette, use of conference rooms and copier included. Walk to LIRR Mineola station, courts, government buildings and GC downtown. Ideal for attorneys, accountants, insurance agents. Available September 1st Contact Michael Sparacino: michael.sparacino@brosnanlaw.com

HOME IMPROVEMENTS

ARBORVITAE 6-foot Reduced to $125/ each. Free Installations, Free Delivery. Fast growing, High-quality Beautiful & Bushy! Order now to reserve for early Fall delivery. Lowcosttreefarm.com

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HANDYMAN Careful & Reliable Serving

GARDEN CITY and surrounding area since 2003 Repairs & Installations of all types Carpentry, Moldings, Lighting and More 35-yr Nassau Resident References Lic#170101 Phone/Text Friendly

Frank: 516-238-2112

Email: Frankcav@optonline.net

ROOFS, GUTTERS, CARPENTRY, BATHROOMS, KITCHENS, NEW BASEMENT ENTRANCES, EXTENSIONS, MASONRY, FLOORS, WATERPROOFING, DRAINS, LEAKS, STOOPS, DECKS, DRIVEWAYS, DEMOLITION, RESIDENTIAL & COMMERCIAL ARIS

CONSTRUCTION 10% Discount w/ad. Call 516-406-1842 www.ArisLI.com

HOME IMPROVEMENTS

PAULIE THE ROOFER STOPPING LEAKS IS MY SPECIALTY! Slate & Tile

PAINTING & PAPERHANGING

MICHELANGELO PAINTING & WALLPAPER Interior, Exterior, Plaster/Spackle, Light Carpentry, Decorative Moldings & Power Washing. Call: 516-328-7499

LEAK REPAIRS Plumbing Repairs Bathrooms,

STEPHANIE A. D’ANGELO, ESQ. Elder Law, Wills & Trusts Asset Preservation, Estate Planning, Probate & Estate Administration/Litigation 901 Stewart Ave, Ste 230 Garden City, NY 11530 516-222-1122 www.dangelolawassociates.com

HOME IMPROVEMENTS

AQUATEC LAWN SPRINKLERS

SPRING TURN ONS Backflow Device Tests Free Estimates Installation Service/ Repairs Joe Barbato 516-775-1199

MADE IN THE SHADE CUSTOM WINDOW TREATMENTS Blinds, Shades, Shutters, Draperies Top Brands at Discount Prices! Family owned & operated www.madeintheshadensli.com 516-426-2890

MASONRY All types of stonework Pavers, Retaining Walls, Belgium Block Patios, Foundations, Seal coating, Concrete and Asphalt driveways, Sidewalks, Steps. Free Estimates Fully Licensed & Insured #H2219010000 Boceski Masonry Louie 516-850-4886

Recent Real Estate Sales in

211 Floral Boulevard, Floral Park

3 bd, 3 ba. 2,226 sqft, Sold On: 6/27/23, Sold Price: $757,000

Type: Single Family, Schools: Floral Park-Bellerose

30 Gladiolus Avenue, Floral Park

3 bd, 2 ba. 1,104 sqft, Sold On: 6/26/23, Sold Price: $649,000

Type: Single Family, Schools: Floral Park-Bellerose

65 Old Broadway, New Hyde Park

4 bd, 2 ba. Sold On: 6/30/23, Sold Price: $720,000

Type: Single Family, Schools: New Hyde Park-Garden City Park

46 Nugent Street, New Hyde Park

4 bd, 2 ba. 1,681 sqft, Sold On: 6/29/23, Sold Price: $833,000

Type: Single Family, Schools: New Hyde Park-Garden City Park

Editor’s note: Homes shown here were recently sold in New Hyde Park, by a variety of real estate agencies. This information about the home and the photos were obtained through the Zillow.com. The homes are presented solely based on the fact that they were recently sold in New Hyde Park and are believed by Blank Slate Media to be of interest to our readers.

Racist graffiti at Center St. Elementary playground

Continued from Page 1

The gymnasium in the community center had its walls and stage repainted alongside a new floor installed. Sinanis said the only remaining parts to be installed are chairs and carpets to run down the aisles.

Each elementary school in the district is getting its cafeterias redone including new floors and paintjob on the ceiling and walls.

High School projects include the ongoing renovation of the tennis courts, new furniture for certain classrooms, renovated bathrooms and a “zen den” relaxation area for students.

Following each board meeting, the district will be emailing board highlights and discussions to increase transparency. The email will be sent to parents, staff and anyone who requested to receive district communications.

The next Herricks Board of Education meeting will be held on Thursday, Sept. 7 and 7:30 p.m.

Cadet sexual assault case ends

Continued from Page 10

four days before her graduation from the academy, Midshipman-X revealed her identity in a lawsuit filed against Maersk Line, Limited.

Hicks was joined in her lawsuit by a second USMMA student who had also supposedly been sexually harassed and subjected to a pattern of unwanted sexual touching aboard the same Maersk ship.

Maersk Line officials they terminated five crew members after conducting an investigation of the assault. Six other senior maritime officials have either surrendered their license or accepted Coast Guard suspensions in the years following the allegations of sexual assault while at sea, records show.

No one has faced criminal charges.

On Feb. 2, 2022, the Coast Guard Investigative Service made a criminal referral of the Midshipman-X case to the U.S. Department of Justice, through the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Florida.

Officials in Florida, where Sison lives, looked into the case but decided not to press criminal charges against him. In March 2023, the U.S. Coast Guard initiated an action against Sison for breaking the rules by having alcohol on the Alliance Fairfax ship in 2019 without permission.

The Coast Guard later added a charge that Sison sexually assaulted Hicks, they also said that Sison’s actions put the safety of the ship in danger.

In August, a Coast Guard investigating officer filed upgraded administrative charges that sought to forever revoke Sison’s merchant mariner credentials.

The Coast Guard charging documents say that Sison’s “engagement in a sexual act with the junior crew member, while the junior crew member was physically incapable of declining participation in, or communicating unwillingness to engage in, that sexual act was sexual abuse.”

The Coast Guard said they have a commitment to maintaining a workplace free from harassment. They also said in a statement how Sison’s

license surrender means they were withdrawing the charges.

Ryan Melogy, Hicks’ attorney, expressed mixed emotions about Sison surrendering his credentials and how the case was handled.

“Like many others, we’re disappointed the U.S. Department of Justice declined to criminally prosecute Sison, and I am personally deeply frustrated at U.S. Attorney Roger Handberg’s mishandling of the case, Melogy said in an email to Blank Slate Media. “There was no legitimate reason for him to take more than a year and a half to make the decision to do nothing.”

Melogy wrote he wishes the absurdness of the situation will bring more attention to the matter.

“I think the whole thing is absurd and hopefully so absurd that it gets the attention of Congress,” he wrote. “On the other hand, we’re happy the Coast Guard brought administrative sexual assault charges against Sison, that he has surrendered his merchant mariner credential, and that he is no longer a danger to women aboard ships.”

He also wrote of Hicks reaction.

“Hope is happy to put this chapter of her life behind her and she feels that she did achieve some measure of justice in the end,” he said.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office ofMiddle District of Florida said they would not comment on the case. Efforts to reach Sison’s lawyer, Edward MacColl of Thompson, MacColl & Bass, were unavailing.

Hicks’ blog post titled “I Was a 19-Year-Old Virgin When I Was Raped by a 60+ Year-Old 1st Engineer Aboard a Maersk Ship During Sea Year. I Know Several Other Current USMMA Students Who Were Also Raped During Sea Year” sparked investigations into how women at the academy are treated.

In the post, Hicks said she knows, “that in total there are at least 10 young women currently enrolled at the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy who were raped during their Sea Year.”

In her blog post, Hicks also detailed remarks Sison allegedly made

to her before and after the incident.

“The 1st Assistant Engineer, a man in his 60s, often made derogatory comments about women and told me early in the trip that ‘you should know your place, and it ain’t out here. A woman’s place is in the home,’” she wrote.

Later, after leaving a Middle Eastern port, Hicks saw liquor brought onboard and subsequently consumed. She described the men’s behavior as “like animals, drinking straight out of the bottles of liquor, doing shot after shot, being extremely annoying.”

Under pressure to consume alcohol, Hicks said she had approximately 8 to 10 shots of hard liquor before blacking out. When she woke up, she was in “total shock.”

“Around 6 or 7 am I woke up in my bed completely naked, and began freaking out, she wrote. “My clothes were all over the floor and they were soaking wet, I had a massive hangover, there was blood on my sheets, and I knew immediately that I had been raped. I was a virgin and had been saving myself, and as soon as I woke up I could feel that I was very sore and knew exactly what had happened.”

Hicks started to recall fragmented memories from the night prior, including moments spent with her laying in the shower with Sison above her.

Another memory involved Sison allegedly compelling her to kiss him, with the recollection of his breath smelling of cigarette smoke. Then she described Sison forcing his genitals into her mouth. While unable to recollect the assault itself, she wrote, “I don’t remember being raped, but I know it happened, and I know the 1st Engineer did it.”

Hicks opted not to report the incident. She said she believed her account might not be taken seriously and grappled with Sison’s position as one of the top four officers on the ship, aligned with other senior officers who were his friends.

“If it came down to the word of a 19-year-old cadet versus the word of one of his best friends, who was he going to believe?” she wrote.

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE ISLAND 360 ARCHIVES

Herricks Board of Education President Jim Gounaris.

PHOTO BY JANELLE CLAUSEN

Hope Hicks is one out of 61 women since 2019 who reported instances of alleged sexual assault, harassment or stalking they faced while at the United States Merchant Marine Academy in Kings Point.

Plan for Miller Brothers site up in the air

Continued from Page 1

“From a village standpoint we are trying to improve the quality of our stores and buildings so it becomes an attractive place to live and shop,” Devane said in January. “And if we do it right, other owners can tell themselves if we fx up our buildings, too, people will pay top dollar to live in the apartments above.”

Devane reiterated those sentiments Thursday night, saying when he drives on Jericho he chooses “to look straight ahead because I don’t like what I see to the left and to the right.”

The Miller Brothers property, which is adjacent to New Hope Community Church and two properties away from village hall, is one of the deepest from the turnpike.

Trustee Rainer Burger said one of the lessons learned from a 2015 application to turn the property into a Harley-Davidson motorcycle dealership–-which was met with resident opposition–-was to gauge public feedback ahead of time before fnalizing proposals submitted to the board.

“Once you get that, incorporate their comments and come back to us and we will hold a formal public hearing,” Burger said, summing up what the board told developers this year.

In unrelated village news, Devane said the village intends to go out for bid on the new Marcus Christ Hall by the end of the year. The village is in the process of getting numbers fnalized but has $700,000 in grants for the project, with $250,000 from Nassau County and $450,000 from the state, Dev-

ane said.

The village is also planning on going out to bid to tear down the 97-year-old DPW building and build

a new one within the framework of the approximately $5.1 million budget, Devane said.

The board also approved an ap-

plication during a public hearing to renovate the existing mixed-use building at 608 Jericho Turnpike to replace the businesses on the frst

foor and add three residential units for a total of 10 in the building.

G.N. Superintendent Bossert details district plans

Continued from Page 3

to all community members, is scheduled for Sept. 13, at 5:30 p.m. in the William A. Shine-Great Neck South High School library, on 341 Lakeville Rd.

“Just as the board has engaged in meaningful conversations with Dr. Bossert, we are excited to present this opportunity for the school community to get to know our new educational leader as well,” Board of Education President Rebecca Sassouni said.

Bossert said he was looking forward to engaging with the school community.

“My top priority for my frst 100 days as superintendent is to meet with stakeholders and develop relationships grounded in our shared commitment to ensure the success and well-being of every student,” he said. “I’ve had the pleasure of meeting with many individuals and small groups since my arrival in August, and I thank the board for organizing this event for the entire GNPS community.”

In Bossert’s “Superintendent’s Entry Plan: The First 100 Days” document posted on the Great Neck

Schools website, he detailed his plans for the upcoming year. Objectives listed include developing key relationships, organizational review, fnancial review, site visits, curriculum review, human resources, transportation, technology, public relations and communication.

“The success or failure of the new superintendent can hinge upon the relationships developed with the various stakeholders within the school community,” Bossert writes in the document, “I will work vigorously to ensure that I create a positive rapport with all constituent groups.”

These groups include the PTA/ PTOs, SEPTA, UPTC, along with local civic leaders.

He will also gain insights into the district by reviewing district materials and previous goals to continue the trajectory of goals already in the process. Financials will also be looked at by Bossert. “In the tax cap era, this will be one of the most critical components of the frst 100 days,” he writes, “It will be imperative to gain a full understanding of the fnancial standing of the district and any challenges that

may be faced in the future.”

Over the summer, Bossert told the Aug. 23 meeting he began his tour of the schools and facilities to get a sense of the needs of each building and property. Specifcally, he plans to visit the cafeterias during lunch to make himself a “visible presence within the buildings and build familiarity with the students (as well as support staf).”

He views that as a time management challenge. “It is important to take the time. I have always worked under the mantra that ‘paperwork will always be there, the buses roll at 3 p.m.’”

Students may also see Bossert riding on the bus to ensure the transportation department is “operating at a level of maximum efciency without jeopardizing student safety,” he writes. “This will give me the ability to gain frsthand insight into the various routes and portions of the community that I may not be familiar with. In addition, this will give me the opportunity to ‘shake hands’ with parents awaiting students and distribute my contact information (business card) for those

interested.”

The biggest impact on students during Bossert’s frst 100 days will be his review of their curriculum. He plans to implement a cyclical review process for the curriculum that will make sure core curriculum and special areas are reviewed on a rotating basis, or as New York State mandates.

“This process will be of particular importance as we move forward in implementing curriculum aligned with the Next Generation Standards and the revised 3-8 testing program in E.L.A. and Mathematics as well as the new Regents Exams and AP exams,” he writes.

Prior to her tenure as the district superintendent of Great Neck Public Schools, Prendergast held a series of diverse roles during her career. These included positions such as assistant superintendent, classroom teacher, principal, dean and assistant principal.

Prendergast held a doctorate of education as well as a professional diploma at St. John’s University. Additionally, she had a master’ degree in math education for grades 7-12 from

CUNY Lehman College. She also helda bachelor of science in elementary education (nursery-grade 6) and mathematics for grades 7-9, acquired from St. John’s University.

“Dr. Prendergast always led with grace and dignity, attention to detail and a caring attitude. These attributes not only made her an outstanding superintendent but were the qualities that endeared Dr. Prendergast to those who knew her well,” wrote the Board of Education in a statement after her death. “She guided our staf, students and greater school community through several challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic, with patience, understanding and a commitment to working with all community stakeholders.”

Bossert ofcially started his tenure as superintendent of the Great Neck Public Schools on Aug. 1. His fve-year term will end on July 31, 2028.

For more information on the meet-and-greet, call the Superintendent’s Ofce at (516) 441-4001.

PHOTO BY BRANDON DUFFY

New Hyde Park Mayor Christopher Devane gives his report during the Thursday, Aug. 24 Board of Trustees meeting.

Within moments of signing on, you will be provided with proofs and confrmations. You will also receive your notarized affdavits in an email once the ad (ads) have been published, expediting your internal paperwork.

G.N. resident helps ABA write book

Continued from Page 10

involves other authors from Rivkin Radler, including Michael Cannata, Michael Kotula, and Frank Misiti.

The handbook has been used as a resource for experienced practitioners, offering foundational knowledge and key case precedents to expedite their research. Simultaneously, it serves as

a guide for newcomers to navigate the intricate terrain of CGL policies.

Established in 1950, Rivkin Radler LLP operates across multiple locations, including Albany, NY; Hackensack, NJ; Jacksonville, FL; New York City; Poughkeepsie, NY; and Uniondale, NY.

With a team of approximately 235 attorneys spanning 22 practice groups,

the firm has earned national recognition, being designated an American Lawyer Media “Go-To” Firm by its clientele.

Moreover, the firm holds a place among the National Law Journal’s 350 largest firms in the United States. For more information, visit: http://www. rivkinradler.com/.

Horvat called for fill violation

Continued from Page 11

mandating such consideration.

“The dry wells do not meet DEC standards,” said Frank Piccininni, an environmental professional with 20 years of experience. “More importantly, the submerged dry wells clearly will not function as intended. The applicant and owners should remove the dry wells and all landfill from the property restoring the original pre-construction natural contours and topography.”

Furthermore, the lawsuit contends that the BZA wrongly categorized the application as a Type II action under the State Environmental Quality Review Act when it does not meet the criteria for such classification.

The BZA has previously asserted that only the state Department of Envi-

ronmental Conservation has the authority to assess the environmental impacts of granting the application.

The lawsuit application includes exhibits featuring saturated dry wells, laboratory testing of dry well water and the surrounding soil, rainfall totals and drainage of silt, groundwater table water level charts and a presentation by Christopher J. Gobler.

Gobler holds the title of chair of Coastal Ecology and Conservation, director of New York State Center for Clean Water Technology, and is a professor at Stony Brook University in the School of Marine and Atmospheric Sciences.

Gobler’s presentation titled “Leeds Pond, Ecosystem at a tipping point” shows Leeds Pond on a map that’s bred Diarrhetic Shellfish Poisoning and can

cause fish kill events. It also charts how more nitrogen in the water makes harmful algae grow faster and/or more toxic, which can be poisonous to animals.

Gobler writes that “500 cubic yards of soil contains thousands of pounds of nitrogen and phosphorus” that “when washing into Leeds Pond, this will stimulate the growth of algae and harmful algal blooms.”

A notice of violation was issued by the DEC in April 2023.

The notice cited excessive fill, clearcutting, and violations of Article 24 of the Freshwater Wetlands Act. At a June 2023 Board of Zoning Appeals meeting, experts representing Save Leeds Pond presented evidence suggesting flaws in the developer’s drainage plan, indicating potential harm to Leeds Pond.

Football team begins season with defending champions

BY MICHAEL J. LEWIS

There are two schools of thought when it comes to football schedules, as to when it’s best to play a powerhouse.

Some coaches want to play them later in the season when your own squad has gotten into a rhythm and knows exactly where it’s supposed to be on every play, so as to be totally prepared for the major foe.

Other coaches would rather get the Goliath team immediately, so as to see exactly where they stand for the rest of the year.

Count Coach Colin Meier and his New Hyde Park football team into the latter category. The Gladiators are coming of a strong 5-4 season in 2022 and will start 2023 with the best team on Long Island staring across from the other sideline.

In moving up to Conference 2 this year, New Hyde Park “gets” to open up with Garden City, a program that has won a record seven consecutive Nassau County championships, and has captured 30 victories in a row.

So much for a warm-up game, eh?

“I’m excited to see them right away, absolutely,” said Gladiators star QB Aidan Garvey. “Maybe we can get up on them, surprise them a little bit, score some points. Of course, it’s a huge challenge playing them but we’ll see right away where we are.”

“It’s defnitely a big way to start, playing those guys,” Maier said. “But I really like our team this year.”

The Gladiators went 5-4 and lost to Long Beach in the frst round of the playofs last season, but return several exciting playmakers on ofense led by the electric Garvey.

The 5-foot-8, 185-pounder has a lethal combination of speed and power and rushed for 922 yards and 11 touchdowns last season from the backfeld.

This year Garvey is switching to quarterback, a spot he played on JV and where he’ll have to be in charge of the whole ofense.

Garvey, who said he put on 25 pounds since the end of last season, said he welcomes the change.

“It’s just a matter of making sure everybody is lined up right and knowing what everyone is supposed to be doing,” Garvey said. “I’m excited to be able to throw the ball and hopefully make good decisions on whether to run or pass.”

“The kid always makes the right move on the feld, it’s incredible,” senior wide receiver Anthony Lasala said of Garvey. “He puts the ball exactly where you want it, and trying to tackle him is not fun at all. I’m excited to have him at QB.”

Helping Garvey on ofense will be senior wideouts like Lasala and running back Nick Garafolo, both of whom Meier said should be much improved in 2023.

“Anthony has got great size (6-foot-3) for a wideout, and he’s really smart about getting open and fnding spots in the defense,” Meier said. “And Nick, he got used to the speed of varsity last year and is really elusive; I think he’s going to be very efective for us this year.”

Powering the ofensive line will be returning starters Koray Kilinc, a 6-foot-3, 255-pound tackler, and fellow senior Eric Shi, also 6-foot-3 and weighing around 235 pounds.

Both will be counted on to open holes for Garvey and Co., as well as give him time to pass.

“Koray is so strong, and good with hands and never stops moving his feet,” Lasala said. “He’s such a strong blocker because he hits you and he hits you hard. And Eric lays the boom on you and is just a big, big dude.”

Meier said the ofense will run multiple sets this season (“whatever it takes to move the ball”) and hopes to get a new spark from senior running back Cody McLean, who has transferred back from Kellenberg.

On defense, the Gladiators will feature Kilinc on the defensive line, with linebackers like Shi and defensive backs like Lasala helping out. Newcomer Tito Ruiz is also expected to help at defensive back (“the guy is great, like he was built in a lab” Garvey said), along with newcomer Adam Marouf on the defensive line.

“We’ve got great kids who really work hard in the ofseason and come in ready to work and learn,” Meier said. “We don’t have organized youth football here, so some of the kids are learning as we go. But they learn fast.”

New Hyde Park 2023 schedule: 9/2: at Garden City, 2 p.m.9/9: vs. Sewanhaka, 2 p.m.9/14: vs. Carey, 4:30 p.m.9/23: at Roslyn, 2 p.m.9/30: vs. Elmont, 2 p.m.10/7: at Mepham, 2 p.m.10/14: at Long Beach, 2 p.m.10/28: vs. Jericho, 2 p.m.

PHOTO BY NEW HYDE PARK HIGH SCHOOL

Star running back Aidan Garvey has moved to QB this season for New Hyde Park football.

Players to watch at the U.S. Open

BY IVANNA ZHANG

With the US Open’s main draw starting in less than a week and the thrilling actions of the fan week at Flushing Meadow’s Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, the last major event of the year is certainly going to be boiling with heat! From Aug. 22 to Aug. 27, tennis enthusiasts can roam around the grounds for free to see the main draw players practice, and also watch the nail-biting qualifying matches!

Here are some notable players, already in the main draw, to look out for during the main draw and fan week.

Man (Main Draw):

Novak Djokovic

Djokovic hasn’t returned to the United States since 2021 due to his vaccine status, but now the restrictions are cleared, he started off his U.S. swing with a bang!

On Aug. 20 at the Western & Southern Open, he earned himself another Masters 1000 title. At 3 hours, 49 minutes, Djokovic triumphed against his new rival the Spaniard Carlos Alcaraz in a three-game thriller.

In 2021 at the US Open, Novak suffered a loss against “The Octopus” — Daniil Medvedev. Djokovic is undoubtedly one of the favorites of the Open. However, the nerves could get to him as it could be the historically remarkable No. 24 grand slam title

Carlos Alcaraz

At only 20 years of age, Alcaraz currently reigns no.1 in the ATP rankings. He claimed his second grand slam title in Wimbledon by beating Djokovic in a five-set thriller, arguably one of the greatest matches played this year.

Not to mention the fact that Carlos was also the defending champion from last year. The Flushing Meadow crowd loves his passion and his personality! We are all looking forward to a potential Djokovic vs. Alcaraz final!

Casper Ruud

This year hasn’t been so great for Casper Ruud. Despite being in the final of Roland Garros, Ruud has only won one title of 250 in Estoril this year. He is zero out of three for his grand slam final record.

On the bright side, Casper managed to advance to the final last year. So, this might be a chance for Casper to prove himself and revenge for last year’s loss against Alcaraz.

Jannik Sinner

Sinner played a nail-biting match against Alcaraz last year during the quarterfinals! The game lasted 5 hours and 15 minutes! On Aug. 13, the Italian won his maiden ATP Masters 1000 title at the Canadian Open in Toronto.

This year might be the year for Sinner to make a sensational run that is even better com-

pared to last year! We are hoping to see another stunning rematch between Jannik and Alcaraz

Frances Tiafoe

Currently ranked No.10 in the world, Frances Tiafoe made history last year by beating one of the GOATs Rafael Nadal in Round 16. The American later went on his amazing run to the semifinals, where he suffered a loss against the tournament champion Carlos Alcaraz. Frances advanced to round three this year for all the previous grand slams.

So, this might be a chance for him to break through beyond round three. Ultimately, with the crowd largely in his favor, this could be one of his greatest runs in a grand slam tournament.

Daniil Medvedev

Daniil Medvedev’s 2023 season could be considered one of his greatest seasons yet. He clinched five titles, one of them being his maiden title on clay. Moreover, he also had a great run in Wimbledon, where he advanced to the semifinals.

However, apart from his success in the grasscourt grand slam, he has underperformed in the Australian Open and Roland Garros. With Daniil being the US Open title holder in 2021, he could bounce off from his Wimbledon success, and have another long run in this tournament.

Alexander Zverev

Zverev withdrew from the 2022 US Open after hurting his ankle against Rafael Nadal in the semifinals of Roland Garros that year. Despite recovering from a heart-breaking injury, he made some impressive runs this year.

At the Western and Southern Open, he played a close match against the tournament champion Novak Djokovic in the semifinals, ultimately coming short with a score of 6(5)-7 and 5-7. The US Open this year might just be what he needs to gain back his winning momentum.

Chris Eubanks

Much like his fellow American Frances Tiafoe, Chris Eubanks influences every member of the Wimbledon crowd this year during his magical run.

In the Round of 16, he beat the Greek Stefanos Tsitsipas in a five-set thriller, but his dream ended after he lost against Daniil Medvedev in the quarterfinals. However, with the electric audience of the US Open, Eubanks might recreate or even surpass his record at Wimbledon.

Woman (Main Draw):

Iga Swiatek

Iga Swiatek is the defending champion of the US Open last year. She is also undoubtedly one of the favorites this year. The Polish had three remarkable runs for the previous three grand slams: the fourth round in Melbourne, champion in Paris, and quarterfinal in London.

Iga is looking to claim her fifth grand slam title in her career, and her second grand slam title this year.

However, with players like Aryna Sablenka and Ons Jabeur, the run will definitely be a difficult one.

Aryna Sablenka

Aryna is another fierce contender for the trophy. She claimed her maiden grand slam title in Australia at the start of the year and has been on a roll ever since.

The current world number two earned three titles this year. Moreover, Aryna Sablenka sits at No.1 in the Race to the WTA Finals Leaderboard with 6,910 points; however, with Swiatek and Rybakina trailing close behind, the season’s last major offers a big opportunity to lock down her number one spot.

Ons Jabeur

Ons Jabeur’s grand slam runs had been bittersweet. The Tunisian has reached the finals in three of the past five Grand Slam singles events.

On the other side, she has a record of zero out of three for her grand slam finals. She lost to Rybakina last year at Wimbledon, Swiatek at the U.S. Open, and, most recently, to Vondrousova at Wimbledon. Much like Casper Ruud, this is an opportunity for her to claim her maiden title.

Mirra Andreeva

At only 16 years of age, Mirra Andreeva is one of the fiercest competitors this year. Andre-

eva experienced her best season this year, with a career-high singles ranking of No. 66, achieved on 17 July 2023.

During her second grand slam appearance in her career this year in London She made it to the Round of 16, ultimately falling short to Madison Keys. A long run in the U.S. Open this year will be the cherry on the cake. We are excited to see her performance against some of the other title contenders.

Jessica Pegula

The 29-year-old American Jessica Pegula had a relatively successful 2023 season so far. She claimed her first title in 2023 on Aug. 13 in Toronto, in a dominating 6-1 and 6-0 win. Her run in Toronto is more impressive considering she beat the world number 1 Iga Swiatek in a three-setter in the semifinals. With the crowds in her favor, this slam might be her chance to claim her maiden grand slam title!

Caroline Wozniacki

Caroline Wozniacki stepped away from the sport in 2020 due to her battle with rheumatoid arthritis that left her in constant pain, but she is back! The wild card receiver will make her grand slam debut after coming back at the U.S. Open this year. Caroline has made the finals of the U.S. Open twice in her career (2009 and 2014).

With her being back in the picture, she could pose a threat to the other seeded contenders, and we can’t wait for her to step onto the big stage again!

Venus Williams

Venus Williams has suffered a devastating knee injury but plans on playing in the U.S. Open. The 43-year-old is a seven-time grand slam champion, and the crowds go crazy to see her on court!

Last year she lost in a close match first round against Alison Van Uytvanck with a score of 1-6 and 6-7. With the crowds in her favor, we can’t wait to see Queen Venus get back onto the court and make some more memories!

Coco Gauff

The American Coco Gauff is another fierce title contender. She claimed her title in the Southern & Western Open on Aug. 20 so she is hot going into the US Open!

During her run in Cincinnati, Coco claimed her first victory on an eighth attempt against her longtime rival Iga Swiatek. This win will make her gain confidence going into the US Open. The crowds will be cheering for their fellow Americans.

Of course, this list only covers only a few of the notable players competing this year. Don’t miss the other players such as Elena Rybakina, Caroline Wozniacki, Marketa Vondrousova, Andrey Rublev, and more!

Picture of Arthur Ashe Stadium during fan week

G.N. ed board approves three administrators

Over the summer, the Great Neck Board of Education approved three administrative appointments for the upcoming 2023–24 school year. At the July 6 board meeting, Diana Haanraadts was made the next assistant superintendent for Elementary Education, Jennifer Andersen was named the director of Community Education and Brendan Nelson stepped into his roll of North Middle School Assistant Principal.

Haanraadts was appointed following the retirement of Kelly Newman, efective Sept. 1, and Andersen was appointed after the retirement of Samantha Tarantola, efective Aug. 1. At the Aug. 17 meeting, Nelson was appointed as assistant principal at North Middle School, efective Aug. 31.

Haanraadts comes to the Great Neck Public Schools from the Massapequa School District, where she has served as an administrator for the past 18 years. She frst joined Massapequa as an elementary principal in 2005, and was promoted to assistant to the superintendent in 2011.

In her current role as assistant to the superintendent, Haanraadts will collaborate “with principals and curricular department supervisors across six elementary schools to create dynamic, engaging, and meaningful learning environments,” the district said.

“She developed orientation programs and workshops to support new

faculty members, as well as mentorship and training programs for all instructional staf in support of district initiatives and highly efective teaching techniques. Haanraadts also provided information and support for families through parent workshops,” the district said.

“I am extremely eager to start my next chapter in the Great Neck Public Schools,” said Haanraadts. “Through all of the people I have met in this process, I know what a special place Great Neck is and I am honored and humbled to join this amazing team of Board of Education members, staf, families and community.”

Prior to working in Massapequa, Haanraadts was an elementary assistant principal in Valley Stream District 30 from 2001 to 2005, and an elementary classroom teacher in the New Hyde Park-Garden City Park School District from 1993 to 2001.

Haanraadts has a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Education from Dartmouth College, a Master of Arts in Teaching of Writing from Hofstra University, and a Certifcate of Advanced Study in School Leadership from Hofstra University. She holds New York State Certifcations for School District Administration, as well as Nursery, Kindergarten, and Elementary Education.

Andersen has spent her 27-year spanning teaching and administrative career at North Middle School. Andersen has moved from her position

as North Middle assistant principal to become the director of Community Education. Community Ed is a districtwide program located at the Cumberland Center that ofers a variety of opportunities for educational enrichment, intellectual engagement, and social connection.

Andersen served as an assistant principal at North Middle since 2015.

“Her administrative responsibilities included developing the school’s master schedule, assisting with department budgets, coordinating special programs, supervising staf, and supporting the entire North Middle community,” the district said. “These skills, along with her proven ability to build relationships among staf, students, and the community, provide a strong foundation for her new role.”

“It seems surreal to be leaving my home at North Middle School after 27 years, and I will miss the parents, teachers, and most of all the students so very much. I am, however, thankful for the opportunity to apply the skills I have honed as an administrator at NMS as the new director of Community Education at Cumberland,” said Andersen.

Prior to becoming an assistant principal, Andersen taught English at North Middle from 1996 to 2015. For the latter eight years of her time as a classroom teacher, she also served as the school’s dean of students.

Andersen obtained a Bachelor of Arts in English from SUNY Bingham-

Upcoming events at the Hillside Public Library

The Hillside Public Library would like to thank all our patrons who generously donated to the School Supply Drive for the Coalition for the Homeless. Your donations were greatly appreciated!

SEPTEMBER 2023 PROGRAMS and EVENTS

Movie! 9 to 5 – Rating PG. All Purpose Room

Friday, September 1 at 1 p.m. Get ready for Labor Day with this fun classic! Three female ofce workers become friends and get revenge against their boss, a sexist egotistical lying hypocritical bigot, and in so doing create a more efcient and pleasant work environment.

Classics Book Club – Virtual and 1st Floor Modular Room

Wednesday, September 6 at 6:30 p.m. The book being discussed is: Franny and Zooey by J.D. Salinger. “The story takes place in an unnamed college town during Franny’s weekend visit to her boyfriend Lane. Disenchanted with the selfshness and inauthenticity she perceives all around her, she aims to escape it through spiritual means.”

Nutrition and Intuitive Eating: How to Satisfy Your Body’s Cravings Nutritiously – Virtual. Thursday, September 7 at 6:30 p.m. Change your life one bite at a time! Join Northwell Health’s Executive Chef Sonny Rios and Registered Dietitian Victoria Stellas to change your palate and crave healthy snacks! Learn how to incorporate nutrition advice into your life to improve your health with healthy cooking techniques, easy meal planning ideas, and basic nutrition principles. This program is brought to you courtesy of Nassau Libraries Health Share.

Movie! Avatar: The Way of Water – Rating PG13. All Purpose Room

Friday, September 8 at 1 p.m. Join us for an out of this world sequel! “Jake Sully lives with his newfound family formed on the extrasolar moon Pandora. Once a familiar threat returns to fnish what was previously started, Jake must work with Neytiri and the army of the Na’vi race to protect their home.”

Paint Night: Autumnal Equinox – Virtual

Friday, September 8 at 7 p.m. Sketching and Acrylics with Alma for everyone! Create a captivating Autumn water view sunset to enhance your home decor, or gift to someone special. For a list of supplies needed, please go to the library’s website.

End of Summer Reading Party – All Purpose Room

Saturday, September 9, 10:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. Join us to celebrate the end of summer with fun, games, trivia, and prizes! Summer Reading Rafe winners will be chosen during the party.

ton and a Master of Arts in Teaching English from SUNY Stony Brook. She holds New York State Certifcations for School District Leader, School Building Leader, and Secondary English Education.

Nelson has flled a vacancy at North Middle left by Andersen’s administrative transition from North Middle to Community Ed. He comes to Great Neck from the North Shore Central School District, where he served as the middle school assistant principal since 2018.

“However, members of the GNPS community may recognize Nelson from his three years as a school counselor at North Middle School from 2015 to 18,” the press release states.

“I am so excited to be coming back home to North Middle. I’m grateful to Dr. Bossert, Dr. Lando, and our Board of Education for putting their faith in me to bring my years of experience back to the north side of town,” says Nelson. “I look forward to working hard alongside Dr. Cozine, Mrs. Gunning, and all of our truly wonderful staf to provide a great student experience for all of our students.”

Nelson’s career in education spans 21 years as a teacher, counselor, and administrator. He started as a high school social studies teacher in the Sewanhaka in 2002 through 2003 and Rye Neck from 2005 to 2007 school districts before becoming a school counselor. He served as a middle school counselor for 11 years

F. Park 9/11 ceremony

The Village of Floral Park will be observing the 22nd Anniversary of 9/11 on Monday morning, 8:30 am on September 11th at the Relic Memorial located in front of Village Hall.

All families, friends and neighbors are invited to join the Floral Park Fire Department and the Village Board of Trustees as we remember the lives that were tragically lost on that day.

— including eight years in the Rye Neck school district and three years at Great Neck North Middle School — before becoming a middle school assistant principal.

Nelson earned a Bachelor of Arts in Education and a Master of Arts in School Counseling from Manhattan College, and a Master of Education in Educational Leadership from American College of Education. He holds New York State Certifcations for School Building Leader, School Counselor, and Secondary Social Studies Education.

PHOTO COURTESY OF GREAT NECK SCHOOLS

Brendan Nelson was appointed Great Neck North Middle School assistant principal.