NEW HYDE PARK 2024_04_26

KIDS GUIDE

PILIPS, STRAUSS QUESTIONED ON BLAKEMAN

State aid to schools rises in budget deal

N. Shore Districts sees gains with $1.3B increase, continuation of Hold Harmless

BY CAMERYN OAKES

Nassau County schools will receive a year-to-year 5.69% boost in state aid, with a majority of North Shore districts seeing increases from the prior year and from Gov. Kathy Hochul’s initial proposal.

The New York State Legislature adopted the 2024-2025 $237 billion state budget nearly three weeks late Saturday, which encompassed an additional $1.3 billion in school state aid and the continuation of the foundation aid Hold Harmless policy.

Overall, more than $35.3 billion is being allocated to schools throughout the state, increasing by 3.82% from the prior year.

Also adopted in the budget is a 421-p tax incentive to construct housing outside New York City, including $650 million in discretionary funds for pro-housing communities, $500 million for the construction of up to 15,000 new homes on state land and incentives for accessory dwelling units.

The school aid increase comes after months of pushback from local school districts opposing the governor’s proposal to repeal Hold Harmless, a procedure that ensures school districts receive the same amount or more in foundation aid from year to year.

But with all school districts adopt-

ing budgets before the state budget passage, it is uncertain how these late school aid numbers will impact their budgets.

The Manhasset School District was at the forefront in advocating for the continuation of the Hold Harmless policy, with nearly every budget meeting including a push for residents to advocate for the re-implementation and to reach out to their representatives.

The district was facing a $629,000, or 20.7%, drop in its foundation aid. Yet it crafted its budget on the assumption that these funds would be restored. If it was not restored, then its fallback was fulfilling those $629,000 in missing funds with FEMA recovery funds.

The Manhasset School District will now be receiving the largest proportional increase in state aid with a 25.4% boost. In total, it will be getting $6,318,661 in state aid, a $1,279,686 increase from the prior year.

The state aid numbers are based on state legislation as reported by Newsday. The state aid numbers represent the total state aid, with breakdowns for foundation aid not available.

Included in the state aid proposals is the allocation of nearly $1 million for universal pre-K, which some schools are unable to utilize if they do not have such a program.

Continued on Page 44

ECLIPSE GLASSES DONATION

Seven vie for two seats on Herricks ed board

BY TAYLOR HERZLICH

The Herricks School District will hold a contested trustee election May 21, with seven candidates vying for two seats.

Incumbent Trustee Brian Hassan is running for re-election. Challenger Maria Bono is also running for his current seat.

Newcomers Eric Lo, Surendra Gupta, Shaheda Amin Quraishi, Ra-

vinder S. Ratra and Russell M. Stuart are all running for the seat left vacant by Trustee Nancy Feinstein, who is stepping down from the board after serving as a trustee for 12 years.

Continued on Page 37

PHOTO COURTESY OF HERRICKS SCHOOL DISTRICT CREDIT

Denton Avenue students collect eclipse glasses to send to South American students who will view an eclipse Oct. 2.

Pilip, Strauss pressed on Blakeman’s ‘militia’

Residents question the legislators, express concerns

4 vie for 2 seats on FP-Bellerose board

Incumbent prez, VP challenged in race

BY TAYLOR HERZLICH

The Floral Park-Bellerose School District will be holding a contested trustee election May 21, as incumbents President Beth Kierez and Vice President Jaclyn O’Donohue face challengers for their seats.

Michele Vincent is running to replace Kierez, while Linda Grein is opposing O’Donohue.

The deadline to file a petition to run for the Board of Trustees closed Monday at 5 p.m.

District residents are set to vote on the proposed budget and elect two trustees May 21.

Kierez, the current president of the board, has lived in Floral Park since 2005. She is a high school assistant principal, Floral Park-Bellerose trustee and Sewanhaka trustee. She currently has four children in the district.

her priority is to avoid piercing the tax cap by holding on to a small cushion in the budget.

“I think that my track record has proven as an educator and as an advocate for the last not just three years but 21 years that at the end of the day my goal is to always put the children first,” Kierez said.

Challenger Vincent has two children, a sixth grader and a secondgrader, in the district. She said she has more than 20 years of experience in social work and education and is an active member of the community.

BY TAYLOR HERZLICH

Legislators Mazi Melesa Pilip and Scott Strauss responded to resident concerns at a Lakeville Estates civic meeting Wednesday night, including a barrage of questions about their support of Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman’s special deputy sheriff program and a Las Vegas Sands proposal to build a casino at the Nassau Hub.

While the legislators discussed community issues they have addressed, such as installing new street medians and creating more signage at dangerous intersections, most of the conversation was dominated by discussion of county-wide news, especially the executive’s special deputy sheriff program.

“The militia is not very well-defined. It’s very concerning,” Sabine Margolis, a resident, said. “I mean, I have at least 10 questions here.”

Margolis is behind the digital petition demanding that Blakeman halt the creation of the citizen sheriff program.

The petition, which has amassed

nearly 2,300 signatures, calls on Blakeman to instead direct his attention to “protecting Long island’s precious natural resources, revitalizing our downtowns, fixing the county’s broken assessment system, finding a solution to the Nassau University Medical Center’s financial problems, lowering our taxes, etc.”

Margolis walked to the table at which Pilip and Strauss sat, said she knows Pilip is a “woman of [her] word” and handed the legislator a paper with her list of questions.

“A very similar program is run successfully up in Westchester County,” said Strauss, who replaced long-serving legislator Richard Nicolello and represents District 9. “The applicants are being vetted very thoroughly by the Nassau County Police Department and the Sheriff’s Department, which is going to be conducting the training of the program. We’ll take it step by step as it comes to us, but we’re interested as well. We’re residents here.”

The exact Westchester program Strauss was referring to is unclear. One possibility is the Public Safety Emergency Force, a specialized re-

serve unit made up of part-time deputy sheriffs.

All members of the PSEF are “duly sworn peace officers” who often assist with traffic and crowd control at special events, like street fairs and fireworks celebrations, and have worked with the Westchester County Police in the past during the Sept. 11 attacks, hurricanes, power outages and presidential, vice-presidential and papal visits, according to the Westchester government website.

Members of the PSEF have “full police powers” while on duty and all volunteer members are provided with a county-issued firearm, according to the website.

Margolis argued that before Strauss and Pilip voice their support of the program, they should have answers to vital questions, such as under what circumstances the deputy sheriffs will be deployed, what the deputy sheriffs have the authority to do, how the police officers and deputy sheriffs will work together, what training will be guaranteed and how much the program will cost taxpayers.

Continued on Page 44

“Education truly is a passion for me. Making sure that children have a smile on their face at the end of the day, that they’re happy, that they’re enjoying school, that they’re enjoying learning,” Kierez said. “I think that if a child leaves school and they feel supported, that they feel socially emotionally well, that they feel at the end of the day that their voice matters, then you’ve done your job.”

Kierez said she has worked as an educator for more than 20 years. If re-elected, she hopes to continue to combine two schools into one seamless, holistic district and remain fiscally responsible while bringing in new academic programs.

She said she is happy with the current adopted budget. Kierez said

She said she has served as the sixth grade co-chair for the PTA, a member of the strategic planning committee, a member of the John Lewis Child School shared decisionmaking committee, a member of the budget advisory committee for the district, the committee chair and den leader for Cub Scouts Pack 482, Vice President of the Wednesday Mother’s Club and a volunteer for Liz’s Day and the Hance Foundation.

Vincent said she will advocate for a full review of special education practices throughout the district as trustee. She said she will also push for more transparent discussions during board meetings.

“I will continue to advocate for equity within the district. While progress has been made, there continues to be noticeable inequities between the two schools,” Vincent said in a statement. “I will work tirelessly to align the two schools even further while maintaining the traditions unique to each school.”

Continued on Page 45

PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE CANDIDATES

Four candidates vie for two seats in Floral Park-Bellerose election. Left to right: Jaclyn O’Donohue, Linda Grein, Beth Kierez, Michele Vincent.

PHOTO BY TAYLOR HERZLICH

Nassau County Legislators Mazi Melesa Pilip and Scott Strauss answering questions at a Lakeville Estates Civic meeting Wednesday night.

Board presents plans for ex-site of Marcus Christ Sewanhaka adopts budget, names Agrusa superintendent

BY TAYLOR HERZLICH

The Village of New Hyde Park board discussed the upcoming construction of Marcus Christ Hall Thursday night, an addition to the village hall to be used as a community center and replace the building of the same name that was demolished more than a year ago.

The board hopes to go out to bid on the construction project by this summer, Mayor Christopher Devane said.

Michael Guido presented the initial proposed plans for the one-story Marcus Christ Hall, which he called a “heavy timber construction project.”

The project covers a large construction site with minimal entryways, which will make moving construction vehicles, cement trucks and cranes to and from the site hard, Guido said.

“It’s a difficult build because [of] the constraints around the property,” Guido said.

Some residents who live near the location of the upcoming construction project attended the board meeting.

“It’s gonna be messy and then it’s going to be beautiful,” Devane said. “We’re going to do everything possible to try to mitigate construction noise. I know as I say that, how hard that actually is.”

This construction project follows the completion of a disruptive, years-long Third Track project on the Long Island Rail Road, which laid an additional track on the Main Line for 9.8 miles and removed seven streetlevel crossings.

Devane said he will provide a monthly update to village residents during the duration of the construction project.

Devane estimated the project would cost the village between $2.5 million to $3 million. The village currently has $1.1 million set aside to finance the project. Half of the $1.1 million

Continued on Page 44

Sport Psychology

BY TAYLOR HERZLICH

The Sewanhaka Central High School District announced the appointment of Regina Agrusa as the next superintendent of schools and presented a proposed 2024-2025 budget of $255,707,308 with a 2.47% tax levy increase at a meeting Wednesday night.

Agrusa has been a steady district employee for 27 years, starting as a school counselor at Elmont Memorial High School in 1997.

“She has had glowing evaluations and recommendations,” William Leder, president of the board of education, said. “It’s my honor to introduce our soon to be new superintendent, Regina Agrusa.”

The audience erupted into cheers and applause, standing as Agrusa took to the podium to share a message of gratitude.

“I have loved every year and every opportunity the Sewanhaka school district have provided me with,” Agrusa said.

Agrusa will assume the position July 1.

Kevin O’Brien, assistant superintendent for finance and operations, presented the 2024-2025 draft budget.

“[The budget draft] doesn’t include a lot of reductions and eliminations and Kevin, I give you all the credit for that,” Thomas P. Dolan, interim superintendent, told O’Brien.

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:

Center

The proposed budget of $255,707,308 includes a budget-to-budget increase of $11,015,856 or 4.5%. The 2023-2024 budget was $244,691,452.

State aid is projected to increase by $1,325,000 for a total of $72,925,547 in the 2024-2025 budget.

Last year, the district state aid jumped by more than $13 million. The 2023-2024 state aid was $71,600,480 and the 20222023 state aid was $57,872,971.

The proposed tax levy is $166,242,000, representing a 2.47% tax levy increase. This tax levy increase just reaches the tax

cap, but does not go over, O’Brien said.

The 2023-2024 tax levy was $162,234,358.

Administrative costs are projected to increase 4.77% or $1.4 million, O’Brien said.

Program costs are projected to increase 3.76% or $6,998,000, O’Brien said. These costs will go toward the expansion of dual enrollment course offerings, focused support in the English as a new language program, an updated health curriculum and more.

PHOTO COURTESY OF FUTURE ENGINEERS

Sewanhaka High School in Floral Park.

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 difficult 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 staff 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 Certified 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.

Call 516-222-8883

or visit online at DrGomes.com

2 NHP-GCP trustees unopposed in election

BY CAMERYN OAKES

New Hyde Park-Garden City Park Board of Education Trustees Danielle Fagan and Binu Jacob are running for re-election this May in a race without any challengers.

Both Fagan and Jacob were elected to the board in 2021 after running in an uncontested race. They both filled the seats left by former trustees Jennifer DeRocchis and David Del Santo, who opted not to run again.

Now Fagan and Jacob will run again unchallenged to fulfill another round of three-year terms. This would their second terms for both.

Nobody else filed petitions to run for the trustee seats, but individuals can be elected via write-in votes on the day of the election.

The new term would begin on July 1 and continue to June 30, 2027.

Efforts to solicit comment from Fagan and Jacob were unavailing.

The election will be held from 6 a.m. until 9 p.m. on May 21 at Michael J. Tully Park, located at 1801 Evergreen Avenue in New Hyde Park.

Community members will also be able to vote on the New Hyde Park-Garden City Park budget of $48,101,950 with a 2.88% for the 2024-2025 school year on Election Day. This bud-

get is a 2.34% increase from the school district’s current budget of $46,999,885.

Also on the ballot is the Sewanhaka School District budget of $255,707,308, which includes a 2.47% tax levy increase that falls within the allowable tax levy cap. The proposed budget is increasing by 4.5% from the district’s current budget of $244,691,452.

2 teens rescue 3 men from Manhasset Bay

BY TAYLOR HERZLICH

Two teenagers from Manhasset saved the lives of three men April 14 when they rescued the strangers after their boat tipped over into freezing waters in Manhasset Bay.

“Preparedness is important,” Nicholas Liolis, 19, told Newsday. “I just want people to learn from these mistakes and not do the same thing.

Nicholas Sarlanis, 17, and Liolis were out boating when they noticed three men in the water with lifejackets on about 40 minutes after they had seen the three men launching their own boat into the water, the teens told Newsday.

The duo told Newsday they immediately jumped into action to get the men out of the water, looping their boat around, getting the men on board and tying their capsized boat to their own boat.

The average sea temperature around New York City in April is around 45 degrees, according to seatemperature.org. Cold shock can occur in waters

at just 50 to 60 degrees, making conditions dangerous for swimming, according to the National Weather Service.

The Port Washington Fire Department received reports of a sinking capsized boat in Manhasset Bay and three boat passengers in the water at approximately 4:52 p.m., Fire Marshal Matthew Kerin said.

Another report to the Fire Department said the stranded passengers had been retrieved by a private boat that was in the process of returning to

shore with the capsized 12-foot metal skiff in tow, Kerin said. Assistant Chief Pat Saccocia arrived at the scene and found two of the passengers who had been in the water, but they were not injured, Kerin said.

Both Manhasset teens appear to have extensive fishing experience. The two have personal social media accounts with photos of catches from days on the bay and even a social media account dedicated to fishing.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE SCHOOL DISTRICT

New Hyde Park-Garden City Park Board of Education Trustees Danielle Fagan and Binu Jacob are both running for re-election unopposed.

PHOTO COURTESY OF WIKIMEDIA COMMONS

The Manhasset Bay.

BY CAMERYN OAKES

About 66 miles of electrical transmission lines are proposed to be installed in Long Island, with a majority running throughout Nassau County, in a multi-year, $3.2 billion project to bolster the island’s transmission network and work towards environmental goals.

The Propel New York Energy project is a collaboration between the New York Power Authority, the state’s public power utility, and New York Transco, a New York developer, owner and operator of bulk electrical transmission facilities.

The project includes the implementation of new and upgraded electrical stations along with nearly 90 miles of underground and submarine – or below the sea floor – transmission lines.

The electrical transmission lines will connect the electrical sources to the substations, which then distribute electricity to surrounding homes and businesses through separate distribution lines.

“It’s the backbone of the electric grid,” New York Power Authority senior program director Ana Stachowiak said.

About 58.5 miles of transmission lines will be in Nassau County, along with two new substations. Another 1.6 miles of lines will be installed in Suffolk County.

A majority of the lines will be placed in Long Island, with just 12 miles in New York City and 12.6 miles in Westchester County.

Nearly 10 miles of submarine lines will also be installed, cutting through Hempstead Harbor and the Long Island Sound. Of this, 6.25 miles will be considered part of Long Island.

The transmission lines are planned to be placed under existing public rights of way and utility properties throughout Nassau County and in Suffolk County, Queens, the Bronx and Westchester County.

The Propel New York Energy project is proposing nearly 20 miles of underground electrical transmission lines through the Town of North Hempstead.

The project would establish three ties between Long Island and the statewide power grid, mostly utilizing 345kV transmission lines.

Three segments of the transmission lines route will run through North Hempstead on Northern Boulevard, Mineola Avenue to Willis Avenue, and Glen Cove Road.

Of Nassau County, a majority of the lines will run through the Town of North Hempstead and cut through 11 villages. Approximately 19.5 miles of lines will be installed in North Hempstead.

The villages these lines would cut through are

Ex-G.N. urologist on trial for sexual abuse

Westbury, Old Westbury, East Hills, Roslyn Harbor, Mineola, Williston Park, Roslyn, Flower Hill, Lake Succes, Russell Gardens and Thomaston.

The project intends to bolster reliability, resiliency and redundancy in the electrical grid, while also working towards environmental sustainability goals. This would be achieved through the updated transmission lines which could utilize more clean energy sources.

A majority of the electrical grid downstate is reliant on the use of fossil fuels. The transmission project would bolster the use of renewable energy sources

by establishing clean energy pathways that current lines can not sustain.

Construction is anticipated to begin in mid-2026 with about a four-year construction period. Transmission lines are planned to be in service by mid-2030.

While construction is anticipated to take four years, Stachowiak said that does not mean it will be in a single location for the entire duration of the project.

“It’s a long, linear project,” Stachowiak said.

To install the transmission lines underground, a two to three-foot-wide trench would be dug into the selected roadways.

The submarine lines will be installed via a boat with a jet plow used to reach the sea floor and dig below to lay the submarine cables.

For sensitive areas where cables need to be installed, horizontal directional drilling will be used to prevent trench digging.

The project proposal is preliminary and details are still subject to change pending community feedback.

The project is amid its pre-permitting outreach and survey phase which is when they will solicit community and municipality feedback on the project. This is a required component before permits can be applied for.

The application of a state permit to begin the project is anticipated to be filed this summer, but the process is estimated to take place through 2026. It is estimated that the permitting process will take about two years.

The community engagement encompasses garnering feedback and providing education to individuals potentially impacted by the project.

Individuals can provide comments or ask questions by calling the toll-free line 1-800-347-9071 or emailing the developers at info@propelNYEnergy. com. Additional information can be found on its website PropelNYEnergy.com.

Mineola’s Killer Body Fitness fights to survive Transmission project proposed on LI

BY CAMERYN OAKES

A former Great Neck urologist is scheduled to face trial Wednesday on federal criminal charges relating to sexual assault and abuse he is accused of committing against patients over decades.

Hundreds of ex-patients, including minors at the time of the alleged offenses, have named him as a predator, which has resulted in several civil lawsuits in tandem with the federal indictment.

Dr. Darius Paduch, 56, worked at Northwell Health in Great Neck and Lake Success from 2019 until his arrest and subsequent termination in April 2023. He previously was employed at Weill Cornell Medicine in Manhattan for 16 years prior.

His medical specialties included male infertility, erectile dysfunction and genital abnormalities.

Paduch faces a federal indictment including seven counts of inducing a person to travel to engage in unlawful sexual activity and six counts of inducing a minor to engage in unlawful sexual activity.

“As alleged, Darius A. Paduch was a serial sexual abuser. Purporting to provide clinical care, Paduch instead violated patients — including minors — to gratify his own sexual desires,” U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said in an October statement. “As alleged in [the October] Superseding Indictment, Paduch’s abuse was pervasive,

A former urologist employed at Northwell Health in Great Neck and Lake Success is set to face trial Wednesday for a federal indictment charging sexual assault and abuse of patients.

spanning over a decade and victimizing patients inside and outside the clinical setting.”

The indictment involved crimes alleged to have been committed against eight of his patients – six of whom were minors at the time of the alleged abuse.

It concerns abuse that is suspected of occurring from about 2007 to 2019, yet the multiple

Continued on Page 45

BY SAMUEL SCHULTZ

Killer Body Fitness, a gym for women run by women in Mineola, has recently absorbed several blows that threaten its survival.

Now, business owner Brittany Cole is holding a fundraiser to save her business.

For the past year, Cole has run her studio with no air conditioning or heat.It started last April when the $20,000 commercial AC/heating unit above her building went out.

To minimize the impact, portable fans and heaters have been held. Some classes are even held outside, weather permitting, with group runs down Horton Highway and Jericho Turnpike.

But Cole’s clientele has decreased from 80 recurring clients to about 25.

“It affects me when I have to see my instructor wear two hoodies because she’s cold while teaching a class. That makes me feel uncomfortable,” Cole said. “My staff and customers are like family, and you don’t want to see your family suffer.”

Now pregnant with her second child and fighting to keep her storefront open, Cole’s business is struggling financially.

“With the amount of money lost within the past year, we can barely afford to keep open,” Cole said. “It’s very important to me to have

and be able to keep and maintain this special place for women because when it comes to the fitness industry, it can be a very vulnerable industry for people who have not worked out. When you finally find that space where you can work on your health, the last thing you want to do is strip that away from someone. It’s like stripping away healthcare.”

But Cole is not giving up. Though she was previously unaware that replacing the air and heating system was a part of her lease agreement, she is now facing the hurdle head-on.

Cole plans to hold a fundraiser June 1 in addition to a GoFundMe page to help replace the HVAC system, which costs an estimated $20,000.

The fundraiser will feature a full day of free classes so local women can learn about Killer Body, help the business stay open and help them find a second home.

There will be other vendors and businesses from the Mineola community at the event as well. Confirmed classes on the fundraiser day will be held at 9 a.m., 10 a.m., and 11 a.m.

Cole has faced challenges before.

She moved her fledgling Killer Body business, which at that time was just a collection of clientele at multiple gyms, from Orlando, Fla. to New York in 2019.

Continued on Page 45

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE NEW YORK POWER AUTHORITY

PHOTO COURTESY OF NORTHWELL HEALTH

Man who set himself on fire backed Suozzi in‘13

BY TAYLOR HERZLICH

A former Long Island resident died Friday hours after he lit himself on fire in a park across the street from the Manhattan courthouse where jurors were seated in the hush money trial against former President Donald Trump.

The one-time Long Islander, who police identified as Maxwell Azzarello, worked on the campaign for Congressman Tom Suozzi (D-Glen Cove) in 2013, when the legislator unsuccessfully ran against Edward Mangano for the seat of Nassau County executive.

“Max Azzarello worked on my campaign for Nassau County executive in 2013 as part of our field staff,” Suozzi said in a statement. “Even though I haven’t seen or spoken to Max since then, I recall him being very kind, smart and hardworking. His is a tragic story and I am keeping Max and his family in my prayers.”

NYPD officers responded to a 911 call at approximately 1:39 p.m. on Friday. When police officers arrived at the downtown Manhattan scene, they saw a man engulfed in flames. FDNY personnel extinguished the fire, NYPD officials said.

The 37-year-old man was transported by EMT personnel to New York-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center in Manhattan, according to NYPD officials. At the time of a NYPD press conference livestreamed on X at 3:07 p.m. Friday, Azzarello was reportedly in critical condition. He died later that night.

Azzarello lived in St. Augustine, Fla., but previously lived on Long Island. He resided in Sea Cliff between 2001 and 2022 and graduated from North Shore High School in Glen Head in

2005, according to public records obtained by Newsday.

Witnesses at the scene observed a man walking from Leonard Street to the center of Collect Pond Park, across from the courthouse, where he opened his bag, removed pamphlets and began throwing the papers throughout the park, NYPD Chief of Department Jeffrey Maddrey said.

The pamphlets appeared to be a form of propaganda spouting conspiracy theories, including messages about Ponzi schemes and claims that local educational institutes are fronts for the Mafia, NYPD Chief of Detectives Joseph Kenny said.

The man then poured liquid on himself from a canister and lit himself on fire, taking a few steps before falling over a police barrier to the ground, Maddrey said. Some other areas on the ground in the park also lit into flames, Maddrey said. The liquid the man used appeared to be an alcohol-based cleaning substance, Kenny said.

“Civilians, court officers and members of the Police Department, they run into the park. They make efforts to put him out,” Maddrey said. “They use their coats. They use fire extinguishers. Eventually, FDNY responds and were able to extinguish the fire.”

Three NYPD officers and one court officer at the scene sustained minor injuries, according to FDNY officials.

NYPD officials said they do not believe Azzarello was targeting anyone at the scene with the fire.

Officers said they believe Azzarello arrived in New York sometime between April 13 and April 19, since his car was last seen in St. Augustine on April 13. His family members were unaware he was in New York, NYPD officials said.

PHOTO COURTESY OF WIKIMEDIA COMMONS

A former Long Island resident died Friday after he lit himself on fire near a Manhattan courthouse hearing the hush money trial against Trump.

Business&RealEstate

Solving housing dilemma a waiting game

The housing quandry is still with us here on Long Island. When checking around the nation, inventory has increased in certain areas, but for the majority of locations and states, we are still way below the normal inventory level of six to seven months.

We are currently still historically deficient in approximately 6 million homes as we need 2 million new homes per year.

The greatest demand is occurring from the millennials who are at their peak home-buying age. Gen Z and Gen X are also entering their next stage and are coming on board by either starting and/or growing a family or leaving the rental market to enter into the purchasing zone to become owners.

Homeownership is still on their radar as the safest and most beneficial way to create and build their future wealth. I believe they are no different than their parents were when they began their homeownership journey back in the 1940s-1970s.

However, the obvious change is that we baby boomers are not moving as they did years ago. Some of us prefer to age in place. Others can attribute the stagnation to the increase in interest rates.

Moreover, the other factor is that so many of us either had refinanced over two years ago and prefer not to take on a higher rate that might be two to three times greater in cost. Lastly, some may not have enough equity to pay cash, so it’s a bit of a dichotomy.

Downsizing may be another issue as inventory is still at historic lows; some may want to rent and then there are those who while considering downsizing will prefer to still own.

Depending on your age, you may need and want to discuss this with your children and have them be on the deed of anything you purchase.

If you have investments in real estate, stocks, bonds, and even businesses and other financial assets for estate purposes, you should always seek the assistance of a professional CPA, CFP, or eldercare attorney when it comes to taxes or financial planning, especially when it comes to your Will, Healthcare Proxy and Power of Attorney.

Lastly, keep in mind there is a fiveyear lookback from when you filed your Medicaid application, so be prudent and be aware and smart in your planning.

PHILIP A. RAICES

Real Estate Watch

Five states — Kansas, Washington, Nebraska, Utah, and Missouri — have averaged less than one month of inventory since the beginning of 2022.

Housing stock in the U.S. fell from 2,194,184 units in May 2012 to 629,904 in January 2022; a net decrease of over 1,500,000.

However, as rates increased 11 times along with a rise in home construction during the COVID-19 pandemic, the U.S. housing inventory was finally showing signs of growing after many years of decreasing.

From January 2022-October 2022, housing inventory increased from 629,904 to 1,173,927. This was a promising situation for buyers hoping that prices would come down.

Increases occurred in the following states: at the top was Mesa, Aziz. at 87.9%; San Diego, Calif., up 29.1%; Florida, up 45.8%; Louisiana, up 28%; Alabama, up 27%; Arkansas, up 27.2%; Mississippi, up 28%; Texas, up 22.8%; North Carolina, up 17.8%.

The high-interest rates and highest prices in over 50 years are the culprits for the major increases As these increases continue those holding out and waiting just might continue to see prices moderating further, allowing more to enter the market to purchase.

As long as demand stays stronger than normal, inventory will presumably take many years in getting back to a normal state.

Inventory decreased during the same time in the following states: NY -7.3%, NJ -9.1%, CT -7.6%, Mass -7%, Denver -32%, Illinois -9.8%, NJ -9.1%, Idaho -9.1%, and Rhode Island -7.8%

However, in contrast, eight states have averaged more than two months supply, including expensive states like

New York, New Jersey, and Hawaii. Within the Metro areas, the locations with the lowest levels of housing included the hot markets of Denver, Color; Seattle, Wash; and San Jose, Calif. These statistics were derived from indepth research from: https://WWW. InspectionSupportNetwork.com Housing inventory has been increasing since 2023, due to the higher interest rates and lower-than-normal sales as many sit on the sidelines waiting for lower rates, decreased prices, as well as greater choices.

Decisions to move out West and to some states down South may be your solution to lowering your costs, especially if you are considering cashing out in Long Island and NYC. Whatever you decide, do your homework and due diligence before making your move.

I want to wish everyone a Healthy and Happy Passover Holiday.

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.Com or via https://WWW.Li-RealEstate.Com

The “Internet of Things” and Smart Clothing

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

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

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

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

Let Sandwire Technology Group show your small business that the future is NOW.

SOLUTIONS FOR BUSINESS SUCCESS

Crystallize a rare find unearthed in Roslyn

BY TAYLOR HERZLICH

Asking the co-owners of Crystallize, a rare gemstone store new to Roslyn, to pick their favorite crystal is like asking a parent to choose their favorite child.

When asked to pick a favorite, business partners Alex Amiel, 31, and Ian Lopez, 34, sighed and ran their hands across their faces, calling it a “really tough” decision.

“They’re all really special and unique and hand-selected,” Amiel said. “I could tell you a whole story about every single one.”

Large glass cases lit by tiny bulbs line one store wall. Their shelves are packed to the brim with special finds, from a perfect pink crystal sphere to large chunks of crystallized amethyst.

Amiel and Lopez, both experts in the gemstone trade field, have spent years building their joint collection. But their careers in gemstone trading began innocently enough – with juvenile rock collections and a business class in college.

Both Amiel and Lopez were raised in Westchester. Amiel began collecting rocks and gemstones when he was 15. And when Lopez moved out on his own as a young adult, he bought small gemstones and rocks to decorate his place.

The two met as young men at SUNY Westchester Community College in an entrepreneurship class. Their task? To pitch an original business plan.

Lopez said.

Amiel and Lopez have dedicated their careers to the gemstone trade industry, studying up on industry knowledge, forming connections with mine owners and building a social media presence including more than 40,000 followers on Instagram.

But when Amiel and Lopez weren’t attending trade shows, their precious rocks just sat in boxes. The co-owners decided they needed a flagship gallery to display their collection and the Roslyn storefront was the perfect fit.

“It’s beautiful. An old, historic village,” Lopez said. “It’s safe and it’s a great place.”

The storefront at 19 Main St. includes a small viewing and shopping area and an office in the back.

Crystallize offers a range of items for sale, from valuable collectors’ items valued at tens of thousands of dollars to small affordable rocks to keep on a desk.

called “lunchbox specimens,” since miners would literally use their lunchboxes to sneak crystals out from the work site. But it is a wonder how this specimen was removed from the mine.

Crystals are sized according to the cabinet required, from small cabinet to large cabinet. The calcite specimen at Crystallize is museum-sized, the owners said. An incredibly rare find with little to no damage and near impossible to replace, the calcite is valued at $65,000, the owners said.

Other standouts include a large hunk of purple, blue and gold fluorite from the Annabel Lee Mine in Illinois and a huge slab of crystallized amethyst shaded in hues of lilac and dark purple.

Despite these crystals’ beauty, Amiel and Lopez said the art of collecting has declined over the years, perhaps making the Crystallize storefront just as rare a find as the stones it houses.

“We sort of had talked about it. Investing some money into it. What’s the limit? How far can we go from this?” Lopez said. “It became much more and more serious as time went on.”

That class assignment led to successful careers in gemstone trading for Amiel and Lopez, who travel the world to attend the biggest trade shows – from Tucson, Ariz., Springfield, Mass., and Denver, Colo., to as

Amiel crafted a plan to work as a gemstone trader, buying and selling rare finds at crystal trade shows, and presented his pitch to the class.

far away as Germany.

“People just don’t understand that this [industry] even exists,” Amiel said, “because people have been doing it for a very long time. But the majority of people think it’s either a museum thing or crystals are for jewelry, but these are all individual little pieces of art that grew in the ground.”

Buying and selling crystals is one of the oldest trades in existence, according to the business partners. The Vanderbilt family were well-known gemstone collectors as well as J.P. Morgan, the namesake of morganite,

G.N. adopts $282M school budget, 3.26%

BY CAMERYN OAKES

The Great Neck Board of Education adopted a nearly $282 million budget for the 2024-2025 school year, an increase of 3.62% from the district’s current budget.

“This is really a budget that allows us to preserve the standard of excellence that our community has learned to expect and deserves,” Superintendent Kenneth Bossert said.

The total budget amounts to $281,995,500. This decreased by nearly $4 million since the district’s previous draft budget of $285,916,013 was presented on March 26.

The decrease in expenditures is attributed to refining various expenditure areas but does not change staffing or programming, Assistant Superintendent of Business John O’Keefe said.

The nearly $282 million budget for 20242025 is increasing by $9,857,200 from the district’s current budget.

O’Keefe said that since inflation has diminished since last year, the budget percentage increase is lower than the current budget which increased by a little over 4% from the year prior.

The budget also includes a 3.26% tax levy increase, which falls within the allowable tax cap. A total of $236,985,206 in taxes is to be raised under the increased tax levy, which would fund about 84% of the district’s budget.

Bossert said that unlike other surrounding school districts, Great Neck has not been hit with such severe financial pressures.

While the district has had double-digit percentage increases in employee benefit costs in recent years, O’Keefe said this year it rose by just 3.92%.

The budget is split into seven categories, with all but one increasing from the current budget. This includes general support rising by about 4.24%, instruction – the largest expense – rising by 3.62% at $144,731,636, and transportation increasing by 4.08%.

Highlights of the budget include the full replacement of 11 retiring educators without any staff cuts, preserving class sizes, maintaining programs, expanding bilingual counseling and support, investing in facility upgrades and expanding campus security.

“This budget will allow us to continue to grow and prosper and provide every opportunity for our students to meet with success,” Bossert said.

The district is estimated to receive $15,421,256 in state aid, which would be increasing by about 4.28%. Of that total state aid, about $9,145,139 is foundation aid. State aid constitutes about 4.5% of the district’s budgeted revenues.

Continued on Page 37

One special find is a large American mineral located at the very front of the store. The massive orange crystal is a calcite specimen, with metallic chunks of sphalerite attached to the bottom of the crystal.

The calcite hails from the Elmwood Mine in Tennessee, a zinc mine opened for a commercial mining project that is now closed, the store owners said. Any gemstones excavated from the mine were snuck out, since miners were not allowed to remove the gemstones, Amiel and Lopez said.

The calcite is one of these so-

“When I was a kid, people were collecting Pokemon cards and action figures and pogs [milk caps] and all different stuff, and nowadays with kids it’s all digital,” Amiel said.

The store owners said they welcome all kinds of customers to their store, from educated traders to homeowners shopping for a new decoration to those who just want to admire the collection.

Crystallize will be hosting a grand opening June 30 from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. in collaboration with Pietro’s next door.

Toch, Chen unopposed in G.N. ed board race

BY CAMERYN OAKES

Great Neck Board of Education Vice President Grant Toch and Trustee Steve Chen are running for re-election this May in an uncontested election.

Toch, a financial analyst and tax lawyer, first ran for a spot on the school board in 2017, ultimately dropping out of the race. Former Trustee Jeffrey Shi was then elected in a contested election against Nikolas Kron.

In 2021 Toch was elected to the board in an uncontested race.

Toch volunteered on the United Parent-Teacher Council for 13 years before joining the board, along with serving as an alternate on the Great Neck Estates Zoning Board of Appeals and as a board member for Temple Beth-El.

He has served as a chairperson and member of the district’s United Parent-Teacher Council’s Budget Committee.

Chen was appointed to the board in September to fill the vacancy left by long-serving trustee Barbara Berkowitz, who had resigned in July.

Chen has two children attending Great Neck schools. He has served as a leader in various roles throughout the com-

munity, including as co-president of the Great Neck Chinese Association where he was a liaison to the Rotary, the Board of Education and the district’s Asian American Pacific Islander curricular initiative last school year.

PHOTO BY TAYLOR HERZLICH Crystallize co-owners Ian Lopez and Alex Amiel at the Roslyn gallery.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE GREAT NECK SCHOOL DISTRICT

Great Neck Board of Education Trustee Steve Chen and Vice President Grant Toch are running unopposed for re-election.

County police should start obeying the law

Just when you thought the Nassau Police Department could not do more to cover up officers’ bad behavior, it has exceeded itself and placed county residents in danger in the process.

How so?

The Police Department is now refusing to hand over disciplinary records to Nassau County District Attorney Anne Donnelly’s office in criminal cases ranging from third-degree assault to murder.

This has forced prosecutors to subpoena documented complaints against the officers.

But the county’s three major law enforcement unions have intervened to stop the prosecutors, defying court orders.

The refusal by the police to turn over the files has caused at least one criminal case to be dismissed.

Prosecutors and defense lawyers recently told Newsday that the refusal of police to turn over the records has also undermined the DA’s authority and slowed the administration of justice.

“The NCPD’s refusal to provide all underlying disciplinary records essentially gambles with valid prosecutions,” Assistant District Attorney Brianna Ryan told Newsday.

The most high-profile instance in which the Police Department has thwarted the disclosure of misconduct records is the vehicular homicide case against Amandeep Singh, a Roslyn man accused of being high and drunk when his car collided with one carrying 14-year-olds Drew Hassenbein and Ethan Falkowitz. Both were killed in the accident.

Singh’s lawyer said the information will be crucial for his defense.

Think about this for a moment.

The Nassau police, who have sworn an oath to uphold the law, are ignoring court orders obtained by the county’s chief law enforcement officer.

The Nassau County Police Benevolent Association, the Superior Officers Association and the Detectives Association have argued in court filings that releasing the records violates the officers’ privacy and could jeopardize their ability to enforce that law and possibly their

lives.

During one hearing, PBA attorney Brian Mitchell said, “We have no confidence” in the DA office’s willingness to safeguard police misconduct records from defense attorneys and their clients. So much for a good working relationship between the police and the DA.

The problem with the unions’ complaint is that most police departments in New York do disclose the names of officers charged with excessive force violations and other misconduct without harm to officers.

In New York City, complaints are heard by a citizen review board, an independent agency that probes into alleged misconduct reported by residents.

In many instances, the Citizen Complaint Review Board has undertaken an investigation, gathered evidence, found misconduct and recommended discipline all the way up to firing.

New York City also discloses the outcomes of investigations including a settlement amount.

In Nassau County, citizen complaints are heard by an internal affairs unit within the Police Department and settlements are hidden behind non-disclosure agreements.

In 2020, the most recent year that police statistics are available, there were 372 complaints against Nassau officers. The Internal Affairs Bureau found 3.2%, or 12 accusations, were substantiated.

Another review of police files found that from 2016 to 2021, Nassau County police reported zero “founded” cases of false arrest and excessive force.

But during that time 30 people won court judgments against county police for 41 allegations.

This helps explain why in 2023 the Vera Institute found Nassau County tied for second-lowest score for public transparency in the United States, just ahead of Birmingham, Ala.

The county scored 10 out of 100 in a survey that measured data provided by departments as “accessible,” “usable,” and “meaningful.”

In 2021, three Nassau County Legislators — Kevan Abrahams (D-Freeport), the minority leader; Siela Bynoe (D-

Westbury); and Carrié Solages (D-Lawrence) – asked state Attorney General Letitia James to provide oversight of the Nassau department.

James, in a letter sent to the legislators, acknowledged the benefits of establishing a remote office and criticized the county for not including “meaningful checks on law enforcement.”

James said she lacked the funding needed to establish a remote oversight office in Nassau.

But she added, “It is our firm intention that the office give special scrutiny to those jurisdictions where local accountability and formal oversight is lacking, and that certainly includes Nassau County.”

We don’t think it is a coincidence that the three county legislators who petitioned James are Democrats and people of color.

The need for transparency has grown in recent years.

Prosecutors have been bound for 50 years by a Supreme Court decision requiring them to turn over any evidence the accused could use in their defense.

But in 2020, New York passed a criminal law called “discovery reform,” which expands the type of evidence the accused has a right to use in a defense and accelerates the timeline under which the district attorney’s office has to share it.

For a misdemeanor, prosecutors must have turned over all discovery for

trial in 90 days. For a felony case, they have six months.

If prosecutors fail to provide defense lawyers with the requisite evidence before the speedy-trial clock winds down, the case can be dismissed.

The Nassau County case that resulted in a dismissal of all charges has become a state precedent after an appellate court upheld the dismissal.

The repeal of Section 50-a, a Civil Rights law that kept police disciplinary records secret, in 2020 has further undermined the Police Department’s argument for privacy.

But Nassau County continues to deny requests for police disciplinary records.

This raises big questions starting with what are they hiding

Why do Nassau County police so vehemently oppose making disciplinary records public — even though complaints against officers are handled by the police themselves — and not an independent group?

And why do Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman and county legislators do nothing about it?

The Police Department’s argument that releasing disciplinary records violates the privacy of Nassau officers — the highest paid in New York — is contradicted by the law, recent court rulings and the practice of other police departments.

Is it the desire of the department

and police unions to spare officers the embarrassment of being named in a complaint – even if it means bad apples not being held accountable?

Or do the Nassau County police routinely violate the rights of Nassau County residents and don’t want anyone to know about it?

When Laura Curran was county executive, Nassau was twice rated by U.S. News and World Report the safest county in the country.

Was that based on the use of excessive force? Were minorities treated differently than the rest of the population?

The only way we’ll know is if an independent outside agency is in charge of complaints and the complaints and their outcomes are disclosed publicly.

Blakeman, a Republican elected with Donnelly on a platform supporting police and opposing bail reform, could end the DA’s impasse with police by ordering his police chief to turn over the records.

County legislators could urge Blakeman to order the release of disciplinary records and call for a civilian review board.

Blakeman and the legislators may be concerned with the political clout of the police unions, whose endorsements carry a great deal of weight in local elections.

But allowing the DA’s Office to do its job and convicting the guilty should be more important.

David Leadbetter, world’s No. 1 golf teacher

It’s not every day that you get to meet the greatest in a field. Well, thanks to Golfzon and its partnership with David Leadbetter Golf Academy, the world’s most renowned golf instructor came to Long Island for a press conference to celebrate the grand opening of the Golfzon indoor range in Westbury.

To refer to the Golfzon as merely an indoor range is a misnomer. Golfzon was founded by South Korean Young Chan Kim in 2000 and has since become a global force in game play simulation equipment. Golfzon not only has highend simulators, but it has added moving swing plates to give you a variety of lies as you hit the ball, auto-tee and ball release, high-speed swing sensors, putting greens with slopes and cameras that trace the path of your putts and a highend lounge for food and beverages.

But for me this day was the day to meet and talk to the man himself, David Leadbetter, the swing coach to many world No. 1 players and major winners, including Sit Nick Faldo, Michelle Wie, Se Ri Pak, Nick Price, Ernie Els and Patrick Reed.

His talk offered many pearls of wisdom including things like:

“Learn as much as you can but teach as simply as you can”

“Get to know each of your students. Spend time talking to them, listening to them and getting to know who they are

as people”

“I’m always trying to learn more every day just as my golfers are always trying to get better every day”

“Arnold Palmer was always trying to improve and asked me to give him a lesson when he was 80 years old”

“Don’t be afraid to joke around and have some fun during a lesson. Golf is supposed to be fun.”

“There is virtually nothing written on how to teach the beginning golfer”

“The start of the backswing is crucial. Everything follows from that”

“A good drill is worth a thousand words”

I asked David three questions during the press conference. Since I knew he has taught golfers from every continent, my first question focused on his impressions of how golfers differ based upon nationality. Do Asian golfers differ from the Americans and are European golfer any different? My second book focuses on this issue so I was interested in his comments.

His answer was astute, concise and corroborated what I know from my own research. Korean journalists lament that their young LPGA stars seem to disappear after only a few years. One leading South Korean journalist said to me, “We have no Juli Inksters in South Korea.”

David Leadbetter worked with both Lydia Ko and Michelle Wie so he knows a

pressure.

My second question to David was to ask him what he felt was the key to his incredible worldwide success. Without hesitation he said, “I think the key to my success is that I like to help people.” This is what we call altruism in psychoanalysis, a trait which Sigmund Freud considered to be a sign of mental health and maturity. Altruism is the dedication to serving the needs of others.

the best golfers on earth, I asked him what he felt was their key to success. What distinguishes them from all the rest? What makes Nick Faldo, Nick Price or Patrick Reed better than their colleagues? He smiled and said to me: “What they have is an undying, unwavering belief in who they are and what they were put on earth to do. They all have an uncanny ability to focus, remain confident and to know that they were born to be No. 1.”

thing or two about the Asian golfer. Asian golfers, he said, are very family-oriented, respectful of their parents and therefore tend to be submissive to the parents, which can lead to certain issues including burnout. In contrast to this, he described the American golfer as more independent and although the European golfers are family-oriented, their parents tended not to be over involved.

When I interviewed a number of Swedish golfers on the LPGA years ago, they said the same thing. I was told by them that the government provided ample golfing organizations, tournaments and affordable golf courses, but the parents were not involved so the kids grew up enjoying the game without much

David Leadbetter emits sincerity, compassion, goodwill and humor. This is a compelling combination of traits that has resulted in his global reputation. One of my patients works with David and she tells me he is one of the kindest people in the world of golf.

Since he has worked with many of

My impression of David Leadbetter is that by combining compassion, intelligence, sincerity, a desire for lifelong learning, humor and an altruistic nature, David Leadbetter has arrived at the top of the mountain. Thank you, David Leadbetter, and thank you Golfzon of Westbury for bringing him to Long Island.

Congestion pricing is an MTA nightmare

Idon’t like to rock the boat, unless I think it is absolutely necessary.

But there are few subjects that get under my skin as much as congestion pricing. I know that good government and environmental advocates are keen on this historic program moving forward. Everyone wants less air pollution and fewer traffic jams in New York City. But I just feel that the MTA is hell bent on moving ahead come June, with little concern for the people who have to pay the price.

Those of us who drive in the city have been forced to deal with mile long traffic jams, often on some of our most urgent trips.

The MTA maintains that charging people tolls to get into parts of the city will cure any and all evils caused by the excess car traffic. But before we pat the bureaucrats on the back for good conduct, let’s talk a little bit about what is causing these horrific backups.

I haven’t had any dealings with the New York City Department of Trans-

portation in years, but I can attest to the fact that they are a bunch of people who are indifferent to the dumb decisions that they make.

Since early in the Bloomberg administration the city has had a fixation with bicycle lanes. Every time I drive on a street that has fast moving traffic, within weeks the traffic is stalled due to new bike lanes,

A typical case in point is Lexington Avenue. It was always a two-lane street, with parking on each side of the road. Despite large numbers of school buses, traffic moved pretty smoothly.

Obviously, that caught the attention of the DOT officials. Low and behold within a few months, the city created a bus lane, which limits most traffic to one lane. If a commercial truck is double parked, Lexington Avenue grinds to a halt.

Because of the city’s love affair with bicycles, many of the parking spots have been moved away from the curb, creating confusion and a danger

The next issue that I am vexed by is the lack of transparency of the entire program. In order to show that they were totally open, the MTA held hearings to hear the complaints of drivers who face this dramatic change in city policy.

Citizens were invited to call a set of telephone numbers and had three minutes to explain their reactions to the toll changes. Callers never had a chance to see the faces of the listeners. They could have been dozing or doing crossword puzzles, and the caller would not know.

I raise this issue because the first revenue from the tolls goes to paying off the bond interest. If the tolls don’t cover the interest costs, then the toll structure is distorted and the MTA is getting much less in revenue.

As each day goes by and the June kickoff approaches, story after story emerges about glitches in the plan.

to the innocent souls who park in this more centered lane. I don’t consider myself a suspicious person, but I could almost bet that the DOT people make these traffic changes, to create a justification for congestion pricing.

Prior to putting the toll plan into place, the MTA had spent millions of dollars installing toll stations at the various entrances to the toll zone, below 60th Street. How much has been spent to date to create this program?

Many of those electronic toll arms have been installed since early 2023. By now the MTA knows exactly what the cost is, and the public is entitled to know what they have spent.

One has pointed out that motorists leaving the Brooklyn Bridge who wish to drive onto the FDR Drive, and have no intention of entering the toll zone, will be forced to pay a toll. Those stories may be far from correct, but the congestion pricing plan is far from perfect.

Do we need a solution to the city’s gridlock? Yes! Do we need to cut back on air pollution levels?

Yes! But we need the MTA bureaucrats to show a little more concern about the travails of the people who are forced to travel by car to the city. Even motorists deserve a little more love.

PHOTO BY MARTY HACKEL

David Leadbetter and yours truly at Golfzon in Westbury

EARTH MATTERS

Providing resources for migrating birds

Asmall but significant Act to support our migrating birds, primarily those who head to the Caribbean and South America, has passed the House of Representatives with bi-partisan support. The Neotropical Migratory Bird Conservation Act was co-sponsored by Representatives María Elvira Salazar (R-FL), Rick Larsen (DWA), Dave Joyce (R-OH), and Mary Peltola (D-AK) and passed on April 2. The companion bill was introduced in the Senate by Senators John Boozman(RAR) andBen Cardin(D-MD) and passed on April 18th.

Neotropical migratory birds are those that winter south of the border and summer in North America. More than half the birds we see in North America migrate to South and Central America and the Caribbean. Because of the birds longer residency and protection need, 75% of the grants this bill will help fund are designated to go to South American and Caribbean projects.

While the act is only authorized for $6.5 million, changes to the match from 3:1 to 2:1 will make it easier for grantees to get money on the ground for conservation projects. Even with that small amount, according to the administering agency the US Fish and Wildlife Service,

“the Act has provided more than $89 million in grants to support 717 projects in 43 countries. These projects have positively affected more than 5 million acres of bird habitat and spurred partnerships on multiple levels contributing an additional $346 million.”

But there are far more projects than funds available. Only 32% of requests can be funded. The current legislation will also increase funds over five years to $10.5 million.

The long list of projects that have been funded is impressive, including great alliances with conservation partners throughout South America and the Caribbean. From projects that focus on specific endangered species to restoring and conserving habitat used by hundreds of species; great work is being done to help birds. Here are a few:

The National Audubon Society in partnership with the Panama Audubon Society has a grant to Strengthen Shorebird Conservation in Parita Bay. The project description reads, “Coastal habitats on the Pacific coast of Panama offer some of the most important stopover and wintering habitat for Neotropical migrant shorebird species in the Americas, but they face many threats. National Audubon is partnering with the Inter-

American Development Bank and Panama Audubon Society to implement a 3-year, $3 million project focused on the conservation and protection of Panama’s coastal natural capital (defined as mangroves and related wetlands), a project known as “Blue Natural Heritage”. Successful execution of this project presents an opportunity to take shorebird conservation to scale in the region and streamline bird conservation needs into national policy considerations across Panama and beyond over the next ten years.”

The simple title, Protecting Cerulean and Golden-winged Warblers in Columbia, grant to Fundacion ProAves masks a desperate situation brought under control. “Two of the most threatened Neotropical migrant landbird species, the Cerulean Warbler and Goldenwinged Warbler, depend on subtropical and montane forests across Colombia that are being destroyed at an unprecedented rate. Up until March 2020, ProAves had defended its reserves against spiraling deforestation thanks to support from NMBCA. Recently, Colombia has seen increasing deforestation rates as the shutdowns of the COVID-19 crisis has permitted illegal exploitation of natural resources on protected areas as government entities struggle to respond. With ProAves reserve rangers unable to depend on the help of authorities, eight reserves were exploited by illegal logging and squatters. With the support of NMBCA, plus an emergency grant from our ProAves Endowment, forest rangers were hired in April 2020 and ProAves added resources for fencing, signage, and increased legal support. Fortunately, this resulted in almost all invasions being rebuffed.”

Mitigating the Perils to Urban Birds grant to the Carnegie Institute in Penn-

sylvania intends to “Make Pittsburgh a more livable city for migrating landbirds by conserving high quality stopover habitat and reducing the direct anthropogenic threats birds face during migration. Carnegie Museum of Natural History (Carnegie Institute) will accomplish this goal by protecting 110.25 acres of habitat for migrating birds, restoring 8 to 15 acres of wetland habitat, researching bird avoidance of patterned glass in a flight tunnel, installing collision reducing measures on commercial buildings in Pittsburgh, enrolling Pittsburgh residents and businesses in a lights out program, and educating area residents and businesses about the importance of reducing bird-window collisions, turning lights out, and restoring native habitat to conserve migrating birds.”

This is a tiny sampling of the over 700 projects this important Act has enabled. Without protection in their wintering grounds, many of the beautiful birds that liven our spring and summer will not be returning. The Act was passed but it still needs your support. Please thank your Representatives and ask them to support full funding of the Act. This link will let you send a message directly: https://act.audubon.org/a/ nmbca-2024

Biden implements historic climate action

It’s not just rhetorical flourish or pandering promises. President Biden has taken historic actions in devising and implementing real, innovative programs and achieved unprecedented progress in tackling the climate crisis by protecting the environment in a way that benefits all Americans, cuts costs for households, and creates goodpaying jobs and careers.

The programs are detailed, but taken together, they achieve the necessary transition from a carbon-based economy and society to one that is based on clean, renewable and sustainable infrastructure.

A full week of important environmental announcements, began on Earth Day, April 22, with Biden announcing that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has selected 60 entities receiving $7 billion through the Solar for All grant competition to deliver residential solar projects to over 900,000 households nationwide and a guarantee of at least 20 percent energy cost savings per household. The grant competition is part of EPA’s $27 billion Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund, funded through the Inflation Reduction Act.

Biden also announced new actions to bolster the American Climate Corps –his groundbreaking initiative modeled after FDR’s Civilian Conservation Corps that developed such national park sites as Prince William Forest Park where he traveled for Earth Day. Beginning in 2024, the climate corps will put more than 20,000 young Americans to work

fighting the impacts of climate change today while gaining the life-changing skills to join the growing clean energy and climate-resilience workforce of tomorrow. (Apply to join the American Climate Corps through a newly launched website, ClimateCorps.gov.)

Meanwhile, Biden is also taking major steps in his historic conservation agenda to protect 30 percent of the nation’s lands and waters by 2030.

He is on track to conserve more lands and waters than any president in history – essential to preserving biodiversity and stemming the record rate of extinction due to human activity and loss of habitat.

A landmark United Nations report found that up to 1 million species are threatened with extinction, many within decades. The report finds that natural habitats are declining in rates “unprecedented in human history,” as species extinction is accelerating “with grave impacts on people around the world now likely.” (https://now.tufts. edu/2019/05/21/extinction-crisis)

So far, Biden has brought 41 million acres of lands and waters under protection — from establishing new national monuments like Baaj Nwaavjo I’tah Kukveni on the outskirts of the Grand Canyon and Camp Hale high in the Colorado Rockies, to strengthening protections for treasures like the Tongass National Forest and Bristol Bay in Alaska.

Significantly, the Interior Department released a rule to help guide the

with information, tools, resources and opportunities to support land and water conservation. This includes finding outdoor recreation places, how to volunteer on public lands, and a financial assistance tool to access grant opportunities.

Throughout Earth Week, the BidenHarris administration is announcing additional actions to build a stronger, healthier future for all: helping ensure clean water for all communities; accelerating America’s clean transportation future; cutting pollution from the power sector while strengthening America’s electricity grid; and providing cleaner air and healthier schools for all children.

A critical theme throughout these policies is that instead of environmental protection and climate action being “feel good” activities, they are critical to the nation’s economic prosperity, each family’s financial security, and each person’s health and well-being.

“balanced management” of all 245 million acres of America’s public lands overseen by the Bureau of Land Management. Essentially this rule requires that conservation and recreation — of natural habitat, cultural resources, recreation areas — be put on equal footing with resource extraction for licenses. This would actually comply with Congress’ mandate 50 years ago, but up until now, the BLM tended to tilt its decisions to benefit mining and drilling. The rule will help to ensure the BLM continues to protect land health while managing other uses of public lands, such as clean energy development and outdoor recreation.

Earth Week coincides with National Park Week and the administration just launched Conservation.gov, a new resource hub to connect people

The administration’s strongest-ever pollution standards for cars and trucks will reduce carbon emissions by more than 7 billion tons while also slashing emissions of other pollutants and tackling pollution from fossil fuel power plants. This administration is replacing every lead pipe in America so that everyone can drink clean water, cleaning up toxic waste sites and partnering with communities to remove dangerous “forever chemicals” from their water supplies.

Biden’s Justice40 Initiative set a standard of directing 40 percent of the overall benefits of federal clean energy, clean transit, and other investments that fight climate change to communities that are overburdened by pollution and disadvantaged by under-investment.

“Through clear vision and big, bold steps, the president has continued to move the United States to a leadership position on climate change; taken unprecedented and historic action. He is making sure that this doesn’t just represent opportunity or possibilities for few but, really, comeback opportunities for communities all across the country and an economic surplus that’s accessible to all Americans, whether it’s by entering pathways to a climate career or plugging into the savings that come from clean energy,” White House National Climate Adviser Ali Zaidi told a press briefing on the initiatives.

Climate change isn’t some long-off abstract, but demonstrated almost daily with devastating and tragic disasters — superstorms, wildfires, droughts, heat waves, floods – that are making the earth quite literally uninhabitable. This week we are being warned of global catastrophe due to record-warm oceans killing the coral reefs that are ground-zero for the food supply.

“This work has never been more urgent,” Biden said in proclaiming Earth Day 2024. “Climate change is the existential crisis of our time; no one can deny its impacts and staggering costs anymore.”

JENNIFER WILSON-PINES Earth Matters

VIEW POINT

KAREN RUBIN View Point

Keeping your eye on the ball in governing Nasau

As a youth baseball coach, one of the basic pieces of advice I give to my hitters is “Keep your eye on the ball.” As your entire body engages in the load-up, the hip swivel, the swing, and the followthrough, you cannot lose focus on the target. I adhere to this as a Nassau County legislator, and it is advice I feel some of my colleagues could use.

I am new to elected office, so perhaps naively I believed that most public servants were immersed in the pursuit of significant, relevant policy solutions. That’s what we get elected to do, right? Our constituents want us to focus on solutions to real problems. Unfortunately, I am quickly discovering that the Blakeman administration and the Legislative Majority have lost sight of the ball and are swinging at pitches way out of the strike zone.

County Executive Blakeman’s inane militia move exemplifies this. In

March, he began recruiting firearmowning residents to serve as non-union “special deputy sheriffs” to be mobilized during emergencies. It’s a solution in search of a problem, and the use of these untrained, inexperienced civilians is bound to undermine our worldclass police department. My Minority Caucus colleagues and I, along with retired law enforcement officers, gun safety groups, civil rights organizations and outraged residents, demanded the recission of this action at a rally on April 8.

Although Nassau is one of the safest big counties in America, we do face serious public safety issues, from rising antisemitic and Islamophobic hate crimes post-Oct. 7 to a longstanding detective shortage. We need to focus on recruiting, retaining, and training capable law enforcement to tackle these issues – random gun-owners for hire certainly will not suffice.

SETH I. KOSLOW Nassau County Legislator

Beyond public safety, our county faces a raft of urgent policy problems. Nassau University Medical Center – a lifeline for low-income and uninsured residents – is in dire financial straits. NUMC’s chairman, whom the Execu-

READERS WRITE

tive and Majority selected, refuses to accept reasonable conditions to secure state aid and save the hospital. The Executive is more focused on assigning blame to the state than getting NUMC’s finances in order.

Nassau residents are also still recovering from the twin crises of the COVID pandemic and the opioid epidemic. For the former, we received hundreds of millions of dollars from the Biden administration to help residents get by; for the latter, we received $92 million in settlements to support drug abuse prevention, treatment, and recovery services.

The Executive and the Majority have decided to keep nearly 87 percent of the most recent infusion of federal COVID money in the county’s back pocket; similarly, they have distributed a paltry $1.25 million of the opioid settlement funding. My colleagues and I have advocated for the expedited deliv-

ery of these life-enhancing, life-saving resources, but to no avail. Again, they have lost sight of the ball.

So where does their focus lie? Other than the militia, the top priorities of the Executive and the Majority appear to be spending $10 million of the aforementioned COVID aid on Nassau County’s 125th anniversary parties and pursuing doomed, expensive lawsuits against the state on political issues.

Our constituents have real problems, and we need to offer them real solutions. I will focus on doing just that: distributing county resources fairly and equitably, maintaining county services like our hospital, and ensuring safety and affordability.

Just like I tell my hitters, I will always keep my eye on the ball.

Seth I. Koslow, of Merrick, was elected in 2023 to represent the Fifth District of the Nassau County Legislature.

Approve the Linden Place apartments in G.N. Plaza

It was something of a welcome surprise when I saw a 69-unit apartment complex being considered for Great Neck Plaza nearby the railroad station. It’s a big win for everybody.

One, since it’s composed of studios, plus one- and two-bedroom units, it facilitates the needs of young single professionals who might work for Northwell or make their living in Manhattan. I’ve lived in two apartments in Great Neck within walking distance to the station and I can tell you it is a fantastic convenience. The one- and two-bedroom units will not only facilitate new residents, but provide a pathway to downsizing for existing residents who have no options to choose from. They get to stay in the community they’ve known for decades and free up some single-family inventory from a bricked-up housing market.

The location is also well-suited to give the merchants on Middle Neck Road, who have been through hell over the past few years, a needed shot in the

arm. Those 69 units will drive foot traffic without the need to drive.

Sounds great, right? So what do we get?

One person, apparently a professional NIMBYist, said: “To be honest, I don’t really see a single benefit to these new developments.”

Well, I’m glad you’re “honest,” and I just gave you about five benefits, but here are the objections you presented: “Ranging from traffic impact to the school impact to emergency response times ”

Polly want a cracker?

The make-up of the units doesn’t make for much impact on school population, and forgetting that these are small numbers, imagine working yourself into a lather over a fever dream of “emergency response times.” Who even thinks this way?

Moreover, the building is located in the village’s back pocket. It’s on Linden Place, tucked away in a corner.

Another one complained that she “retired to Great Neck after living in Queens. She loves the village for how quaint and charming it is. She fears traffic problems from the proposed complex could change the village and push her out.

“Once that building goes, then it’s not going to be good,” she said. “I’ll probably have to move somewhere else.”

Well, then you do just that. Aside from the usual tripe about “Duh Nuys and Duh Twaffic” where do people get the idea that their privilege extends to freezing the housing stock of an area the minute they move into it?

There was another such person written about in this paper a couple of years ago. Upset at the renovation of some storefronts and apartments in the Old Village, she was vocal about the “character” of the neighborhood and objected to everything being proposed. A Google search revealed she had lived

Zionism is Judaism, a lesson for colleges

For a second, imagine that black students at Columbia were taunted with chants of “Go back to Africa.”

Or imagine that a gay student at Yale was surrounded by homophobic protesters and hit in the eye with a flagpole.

Or imagine if a campus imam told Muslim students that they ought to head home for Ramadan because campus public safety could not guarantee their security.

There would be relentless fury from our media and condemnation from our politicians.

Just remember the righteous—and rightful—outrage over the white supremacist “Unite

the Right” march in Charlottesville, Va., in 2017, where neo-Nazis chanted “The Jews will not replace us.”

This weekend at Columbia and Yale, student demonstrators did all of the above—only it was directed at Jews. They told Columbia students to “go back to Poland.” A Jewish woman at Yale was assaulted with a Palestinian flag. And an Orthodox rabbi at Columbia told students to go home for their safety.

What will the response be?

Bill Spitalnick Roslyn

here all of 18 months. In a co-op.

In the meantime, for all the talk about “character,” I’ve lived in the Town of North Hempstead since 1962, and I have to tell you, the downtowns look rundown and dog- eared and the Old Village especially looks like a slum.

These newcomers have no idea how elegant this town once was. And it no longer is, because these “guardians” bricked the local economy.

Not only that, they play a role in the national fetish of NIMBYism that has had devastating effects on our society: Soaring home prices, working adults living with their parents into their late 20s, delayed family formation, and last but not least homelessness.

And let’s not forget how they’ve tortured Great Neck’s local merchants and made their lives more miserable. Who do these people think they are?

Imagine the sense of entitlement one must have to act like this. This is why local control must be obliterated.

It’s not that this one building solves all of the problems. It’s that there are thousands of villages in this state alone blocking the expansion of the nation’s housing needs in precisely this same way.

The results have been nothing short of horrific.

This is a carbon copy of the Ford dealership fiasco. That should have been a lay-up to approve.

So how do you cure it? One step at a time. I can’t imagine a more fitting project for the area that will address its biggest shortfall.

Here’s a tip for the mayor: Ignore the naysayers and don’t put housing policy in the hands of these bored busybodies. They’re reflexively hostile to any proposal, and nothing will ever satisfy them. Do the right thing for your community. And your Island.

Donald Davret Morristown

Letter from Port Library Board of Trustees prez

As the President of the Port Washington Public Library Board, I extend my gratitude to the Port Washington community for approving our budget for next fiscal year.

Your support reaffirms the importance of the Port Washington Public Library as a vital community resource. With your continued support, we look forward to enhancing our services, expanding our collections, and fostering a culture of lifelong learning for all members of our community. On behalf of the library, we thank you for investing in the future of our library and our community.

Bill Keller Port Washington

Adding to the whacking-drinking-water moles

Ithank the author for the informative Earth Matters essay “Playing whack-a-mole with our water.”

My segue begins with noting a factual error and takes things from there: “First of all, you should know that there are no government regulations on bottled water.”

It’s a common belief, it’s not correct. Federal quality standards for bottled water were first adopted in 1973. FDA regulates bottled water under the FD&C Act, which generally mirrors EPA’s standards. FDA links are below.

Federal drinking water standards work like this:

EPA regulates tap drinking water supplied by public water purveyors.

FDA regulates bottled waters. Whether called artesian, spring, well, mineral, purified…

And FDA regulates water in juices and sodas, though not completely using its bottled water standards. Sodas and flavored waters include added constituents, carbonation (CO2), colors, sugars, flavors (artificial & natural), solids, minerals, vitamins, chemicals, preservatives. For example, soda may have sodium benzoate as a preservative, which over time or exposed to heat can break down to benzene, which is toxic and a carcinogen.

States can develop their own drinking water standards, which must be at least as protective as EPAs. Some state standards are more protective than others. NJ standards for

PCE and TCE are 1ppb each, NY uses 5ppb respectively, Federal standards are 5ppb.

Private water well owners are generally responsible for ensuring the quality of their water, also well maintenance, upkeep, sampling—exceptions can occur when wells are impacted by a contaminant plume, then might fall under Superfund, Brownfields, or other federal, state, or local program.

Let’s discuss private wells and circle back.

I managed a Superfund Site where 300-plus residences with potable wells were contaminated or at risk from a spreading industrial plume. Wells were the responsibility of each residence until New Jersey deferred to EPA and its Superfund authority. EPA constructed over 20 miles of water lines to residences, a 2 MGPD treatment plant to treat the most heavily contaminated part of the plume to drinking water standards, then reinjected the treated water back into the aquifer.

Oddly, many people didn’t want to be connected to public water, because they were used to “free water,” whereas public water has recurring charges of hundreds to thousands of dollars a year.

Things get messy when property law conflicts with safety and contaminated private wells. It becomes a “takings” or seizure issue, the federal government has a bad Big Brother image as it is. Further, EPA does not

have much clout in this regard and has to get DOJ to sue each reluctant property owner in federal court to close a contaminated well. DOJ is simply overwhelmed and doesn’t want to get involved in hundreds of “takings” that can tie up federal courts for years—not even for a Superfund site. Interestingly, at the time federal judges told me over 50% of all federal court cases are immigration related. Criminal, terrorist, tax, and other cases comprise a big chunk, followed by relatively few environmental cases.

DOJ said no, so what to do? We worked with local jurisdictions to enforce their ordinances, a few had to enact new ordinances. Jurisdictions took reluctant well owners to local courts to enforce closures, quickly.

Concurrently, the site’s potentially responsible party finally agreed to pay for well closures and to hook properties up to public water (20plus miles), though not pay recurring water charges.

All in all, that’s how our environmental protections work, in a kind of hodge-podge way—relatively recent patchworks of continually evolving approaches, policies, codes, protections, cobbled onto older laws and the primacy of property law. I doubt anyone would set out to design such a system from scratch.

Remember, property is enshrined in the Constitution, as are state rights, not “protecting” the environment nor drinking water safety.

The latter mostly came about in the 1970s as add-ons, things started kicking into gear after Rachel Carlson’s provocative “Silent Spring.” I loved that treatise.

That said, when I was with EPA, I put in to assist the Army Corps of Engineers find suitable locations to drill water wells for our troops in Afghanistan, because at the time potable water was coming in through Pakistan on trucks that were continually being ambushed. I learned the Army applied different standards for its overseas base well water than EPA’s standards.

I thought the standards were somewhat less protective. I asked why and was told concentrations for some parameters may be higher because Afghanistan involved limited short-term deployment and exposure, whereas as I knew, EPA’s potable water risk modeling assumes people drink the water for 30 years. Thus, short-term exposure concentrations can be higher.

A similar analogy, OSHA’s permissible exposure levels (PELs) for workers are based on exposure time. The short term PEL for acetone in air is 1000pm; for 8 hrs the PEL is 500ppm; for 10 hrs it’s 250ppm. Concentrations decrease for longer term exposures.

In brief, FDA’s bottled water standards generally mirror EPA’s drinking water standards, but can differ mostly based on the risk modeling being applied. EPA’s website links

to convenient charts of public water supply standards. I’ve never found a convenient chart on FDA’s website for bottled water standards, I always have to go to the Code of Federal Regulations. That CFR link is below.

If interested, FDA’s Dec 22, 2023 CFR update is: TITLE 21—FOOD AND DRUGS CHAPTER 1—FDA— DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES SUBCHAPTER B – FOOD AND HUMAN CONSUMPTION, PART 165 — BEVERAGES. Subpart B — Requirements for Specific Standardized Beverages. Sec 165.110 Bottled Water.

There you have it, my limited take, in a nut shell.

Click or cut and paste these links to FDA’s bottled water information: https://www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/bottled-water-everywhere-keeping-it-safe

https://www.fda.gov/food/ buy-store-serve-safe-food/fda-regulates-safety-bottled-water-beverages-including-flavored-water-and-nutrient-added-water

https://www.accessdata.fda. gov/scripts/cdrh/cfdocs/cfcfr/ CFRSearch.cfm?fr=165.110

Stephen Cipot Garden City Park

The author worked in oil, gas, and mining, including for a Fortune 500 multinational, then had a satisfying career as a project manager and geologist with the USEPA, basically undoing what industry does so well—pun intended.

Riding NYC Transit subway to Opening Day in Bronx

Using my Senior MTA Metro Card, it only cost me $1.35 each way for my trip to Yankee Stadium. Boarding the Nassau Inter County Express Bus at the City Line in less than 30 minutes brings me to downtown Flushing.

Using the free Metro Card transfer, I can enter the New York City Transit No. 7 Flushing subway station. A quick 30-minute ride on the No. 7 brings me to my final free transfer at Grand Central Terminal. This afforded me the opportunity to ride the vintage NYC Transit subway old Interborough Rapid Transit (IRT) 1917 train from Grand Central Station to Yankee Stadium on Friday, April 5, Opening Day.

It was, as it is every year, a great excursion. This, and other equipment is not in service, but is on display at the downtown Brooklyn transit museum. I don’t have a driver’s license or own a car. As such, there is never need to

spend a fortune on Yankee Stadium parking or dealing with end of game traffic jams.

Back in the 1920s, Yankess fans rode these same trains to the ballpark. What a treat to see the old-fashioned ratten seats, ceiling fans and vintage advertisements from the past. This generation of subway cars was so well built and maintained that some remained in transit service for 45 years.

Up until the 1960s, it was common to find both penny gum and soda machines dispensing products at subway stations. It was a time when people respected authority and law.

Previous generations of riders did not litter subway stations and buses, leaving behind gum, candy wrappers, paper cups, bottles and newspapers. No one would openly eat pizza, chicken or other messy foods while riding a bus or subway. Everyone paid their way and there was very little fare evasion or ram-

pant graffiti.

Subway conductors would never dream of closing the doors while riders attempted to cross the platform to transfer from a local to the express train.

Riders did not have to deal with aggressive panhandlers. It was unusual to find fellow riders hogging two seats, yawning, coughing or sneezing without covering their mouthes. Women did not have to worry about being routinely accosted by gropers. No one had to deal with perverts engaging in other unhealthy sexual activities.

Most subway stations had clean, safe, working bathrooms with toilet paper. In those days, you had to pay separate fares for buses and subways. Bus operators had to make change while at the same time drive the bus. There was no Metro Card, One Metro New York (OMNY) or Transit Checks to help keep costs down.

In 1967, NYC Transit introduced the first 10 air-conditioned subway cars operating on the old IND system (Independent municipal NYC built, financed and operated A, C, E. F & G lines). It was not until 1975, that air-conditioned subway cars were introduced on the old IRT (NYC private franchised Independent Rapid Transit system operated 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, Franklin Avenue and Times Square shuttle lines).

Subsequently, this also included the old BMT (NYC private franchised Brooklyn Manhattan Transit system B, D, J, L, M, N, Q, R, W & Z lines), It took until 1982 to retrofit all the original IRT “Redbird” series subway cars. By 1993, 99% of the NYC Transit 6,000 subway cars were air-conditioned with the exception of a handful running on the NYC Transit No. 7 Flushing subway line.

Thanks to the hardworking NYC Transit subway yard and shops car maintenance employees, it is common

to find 98% to 99% of all subway cars in service to have functioning air-conditioning on any given summer day. The MTA also spends several billion dollars under each five-year capital plan for the purchase of new subway cars. The current 2020 — 2024 $51 billion capital plan allocated several billion for the purchase of new subway cars. The only downside is that the MTA has a history of completing new subway car procurements several years behind the original forecasted delivery and in service date for new equipment.

Larry Penner Great Neck

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

YOUR GUIDE TO THE ARTS, ENTERTAINMENT AND DINING

Sands Point Preserve to host day of enchantment on May 4

The Second Annual Long Island Fairy Festival is returning to Sands Point Preserve on May 4, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., with a rain date of May 5.

This year’s Fairy Festival promises a day of enchantment for children and adults alike on the beautiful grounds of the Preserve. This is a day where festival-goers of all ages can immerse themselves in nature, and let their imagination run free.

As a nature preserve with four major ecosystems – forest, pond, meadow and beach – the Sands Point Preserve is the ideal spot to celebrate a passion for the natural environment with a touch of fairy magic. Festival activities include a mix of previous favorites and new highlights as well.

Making their Fairy Festival debut this year are a host of new activities. They include an Old-Fashioned Games area, with community partner Shibley Day Camp.

There will be Rainbow Bubbles, thanks to community partner Be the Rainbow. Highlights also include Maypole Dancing with Berest Dance Center, Woodland Circus Skills, and Fairy Card Readings by Robyn. And don’t miss the new photo opportunities, including one by community partner Perla Fleur Artistry. Also new this year – a Costume Contest.

Returning this year is the Fairy House Walk – the heart of the Fairy Festival – along a winding forest trail that is dotted with Fairy Houses that were already built by tristate residents.

Also returning are the Fairy Aerialists, Mermaid Cove, The Troll Bridge, Art in the Forest, Fairy Dance, face painting, nature walks, the Fairy Art Gallery and Invitational, wandmaking, plenty of fairy crafts, and opportunities to build your own Fairy House on site.

Providing music, entertainment and additional attractions will be the Brooklyn Bards, Gina Marie Marchese, Steve Finkelstein, The North Folk, Alterra Productions, Timeless Tales Entertainment, If You Can Dream NYC, A Dream is a Wish Parties, Funny Face Entertainment, Antonia Fthenakis, and Flying Colors Face Painting.

“The Long Island Fairy Festival is a wonderful way to enjoy the beautiful grounds of the Preserve, and celebrate the magic surrounding this very special event. We are immensely grateful to our Sponsors and Community Partners who foster the Preserve’s ability to bring innovative programming to nurture the imagination and enrich the community through the restorative power of nature,” said Sands Point Preserve Executive Director Jeremiah Bosgang.

This year’s sponsors include Flatiron Pediatrics, Healthy Kids Pediatrics, Happy Montessori, Alana Benjamin Group, the Berest Family, Tiny Sparkles Pediatric Dentistry, the Delerme Family, and Chief Graphix.

This year’s Community Partners include Be the Rainbow; Berest Dance Center; Can You Help Too?; Dave Nutter Photography; Diana Roldan Ceramics; Fairy Card Readings by Robyn; Happy Montessori; Harman Beads; Hearts PW; Heinlein Studio; Hellen Keller National Center; Linda Nutter Photography; Lisa Marshall Color; Mia’s Menagerie and the Padilla Family; Miss Sandrine of Language Anywhere & Enrichment Classes; Mom Time Events; Nichole Losgar, Realtor; Parent Resource Center; Perla Fleur Artistry; Port Creative Kids; Port Washington School District Dept of Creative Arts; ReWild Long Island; Science Museum of Long Island; Shibley Day Camp; Soulshine; Soundview Media Partners; The Art Guild; and The Nicholas Center Tickets for the Second Annual Long Island Fairy Festival at Sands Point Preserve on May 4 are expected to sell out.

Admission is $95 per car, plus an $8 credit card processing fee. No tickets will be sold at the gate, including for walk-ins. Car-pooling is encouraged. For more information: http:// sandspointpreserveconservancy.org/ fairy-festival/ For Tickets:http:// sandspointpreserveconservancy.org/ fairy-festival-tickets/

Herricks Players to do ‘Annie Get Your Gun’

The Herricks Players have announced their upcoming production of the beloved musical “Annie Get Your Gun,” set to captivate audiences starting May 10.

story of courage, determination, and breaking boundaries.

Remarkably, the historical roots of “Annie Get Your Gun” intertwine with the local community.

Transporting theatergoers to the vibrant world of the Wild West, the Herricks Players will present the 1999 updated version of the show. Experience classic musical hits like “There’s No Business Like Show Business” and “Anything You Can Do (I Can Do Better)”.

“Annie Get Your Gun” celebrates the remarkable life of Annie Oakley, a true American icon whose legendary sharpshooting skills and fearless spirit continue to inspire audiences worldwide.

Set against the backdrop of the turn of the 20th century, this musical extravaganza promises to enthrall viewers with its timeless

Rare archival photographs depict the reallife Annie Oakley showcasing her remarkable talents right here in Mineola in 1922.

These captivating images serve as a poignant reminder of the indelible mark left by Annie Oakley on both history and local heritage. Here is one archival photo and the Herricks Players’ own Annie Oakley.

“We are thrilled to bring ‘Annie Get Your Gun’ to the stage and share Annie Oakley’s extraordinary journey with our community,” remarked Herricks Players’ Founder, Carol Hayes. “Her indomitable spirit and unwavering determination continue to resonate with audiences, reminding us all of the power of perseverance and the limitless possibilities that await when we dare to dream.”

Annie Oakley at the Mineola Fair Grounds on July 27, 1922 (AP Photo)

Author

Don’t miss your chance to experience the magic of “Annie Get Your Gun” as the Herricks Players breathe new life into this timeless classic. Join us as we embark on an unforgettable journey filled with laughter, love, and the triumph of the human spirit.

For ticket information and showtimes, please visit the Herricks Players Website or contact herricksplayers@gmail.com or the Box Office: 516-742-1926. Show dates are May 10, 11, 17, 18 at 8:00 pm and May 19 at 3 pm. The theater is located at 999 Herricks Road in New Hyde Park.

Barnat is visiting the Great Neck Library

The Great Neck Library Writing Circle offers the chance to learn, explore, and practice their writing skills. They can share their work and help each other to improve their writing.

Our meetings are on Thursdays from 2:00 to 3:30 p.m. at the Main Library, 159 Bayview Avenue, Great Neck in the Small Multipurpose Room on April 18, May 2, and in the Large Multipurpose Room on May 16 and 30 and June 13 and 27.

Be sure to join us on Thursday, May 2 for an author visit with Rhonda Barnat! Rhonda is a crisis management expert, who writes crime fiction under the pen name Rona Bell.

Her short story, “Prey of New York” was

included in the anthology ‘Where Crime Never Sleeps: Murder New York Style 4’ and cited in the Houghton Mifflin book of Best American Mystery Stories 2018, edited by Louise Penny and Otto Penzler.

Her short story “The Call Is Yours’” appears in ‘Me Too Short Stories: An Anthology’ of crime writers responding to #MeToo issues, edited by Elizabeth Zelvin and published by Level Best Books. She has contributed many pieces to Mystery Readers Journal.

All writers and genres are welcome and registration is not required. For more information, contact Great Neck Library at (516) 466-8055 or email reference@greatnecklibrary.org.

Mother’s Day

At The Douglaston Manor Sunday, May 12, 2024

Seatings: 12, 1 :30 AND 3PM

UPON ARRIVAL: TUSCAN ANTIPASTO TABLE

Herb Grilled Veggies / Mushrooms / Artichokes

Roasted Red Peppers / Salami / Fresh Housemade Focaccia

Cheese Board: Swiss / Cheddar / Fontina / Olive Medley

Bruschetta / Crostini / Fusilli Salad / Fresh Mozzarella

YOUR BUFFET STARTS WITH

Fresh Garden Salad Cucumbers / Tomato / Balsamic Baby Arugula

Salad roasted yellow peppers / Citrus Vinaigrette

Caesar Salad / Romaine / Shaved Parmigiano / Croutons

Housemade Focaccia Bread/ Butter / Hot Dinner Rolls

CARVING STATION***

gravies / sauces / condiments Italian Roast Beef & Slow Roasted Turkey Breast

BUFFET

Crab Stuffed Sea Bass/ citrus lime sauce

Chicken Marsala / Mushrooms & Rosemary

Chicken Francese / Lightly Breaded, White Wine & Lemon Sauce

Mac~n~Cheese / crisp hickory smoked bacon, cheddar, herbed panko

Cavatelli Bolognese / classic meat sauce

Baked Eggplant Rotolo/Ricotta, Mozzarella & Pomodoro

~ Herb Roasted Potatoes / Spring Vegetables

DESSERT TABLE

Cannoli / Italian Pastries / Lemon Chiffon Cake House

Baked Cookies / Chocolate Cake

ADULTS : $68. PER PERSON +SALES TAX

CHILDREN (10 YRS AND UNDER) : $45.00 PER CHILD + TAX

5% DISCOUNT FOR PARTIES OF 50 OR MORE

CALL FOR RESERVATIONS: 718

224-8787

Sitting high atop a hill, the conveniently located and easily accessible Douglaston Manor is situated above the beautiful Douglaston Golf course. Featuring stunning views of the New York City Skyline, all of our impressive ballrooms are the perfect venue for your dream wedding, social and corporate events. And, our exquisitely manicured landscape and full patio access add to your guests’ experience.

At the Douglaston Manor we have always taken great pride in our exceptional service and ability to work within your budget. We know you want every detail to be perfect and our experienced banquet managers will make sure everything goes smoothly, from start to finish.

From an intimate gathering of 50, to a larger party of 350, Douglaston Manor has everything you need and dream of. Book your visit today.

6320 Commonwealth Blvd, Queens, NY 11362

www.thedouglastonmanor.com

Great Guitar, Musical Instrument and Audio Show

It may not be the greatest show on earth, but for musicians and music lovers, it just might be the next best thing.

We’re talking about the upcoming Great Guitar, Musical Instrument and Audio Show May 4 at The Freeport Recreation Center.

The first Musical Instrument show on Long Island in five years, this shapes up to be Christmas in May for those looking for vintage guitars and equipment, pedals, amps, basses, drums, special effects, dj and audio equipment and much more. Sponsored by The Long Island Music Business Organization , it will be a day to remember.

This will be the only Musical Instrument show in the tri-state area for the next 6 months, so don’t miss out.

What can you expect at the GGMI&A show? A turnout of the Long Island Music community. The show features nearly every independent musical instrument store on Long Island, plus heavy hitters from outside the Island like Rivington Guitars.

On display and for sale will be a vast assortment of guitars and equipment, anywhere from $100 to $10,000.

The purpose of the show is to let everyone know that brick and mortar stores are alive and well, doing better than ever since the pandemic, as customers flock to the stores to feel and play the instruments, not just look at a picture on their computer screens.

Now in one place, you can meet the owners of the many fine music businesses that can answer all your questions and fill that every need.

Check out those Fenders, Gibsons, Reverends, you name it — all looking for a new home. Perfect to add to your collection or replace old equipment.

Also included will be some of the finest sound companies and recording & rehearsal studios. Plus visit the Long Island Music & Entertainment Hall of Fame booth.

In addition to the dozen of quality dealers, you might also want to check out Musician’s Row, a showcase location for many of our finest local artists.

Come down and meet them in person, and find out why the Long Island music scene is so vibrant. They’ll have giveaways, cds, and much more.

And don’t miss an opportunity to meet some of our finest local media including The Shark Radio, Long Island Talks T.V, Long Island Sound Podcast and WGBB Radio.

Have some old equipment or instruments gathering dust at home? Why not turn them into dollars? Our dealers are also there to buy or trade with cash.

Admission for the big event is only $10 in advance online at eventbrite.com or $13 at the door day of the show. (Cash only).

The show is 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, May 4. The Freeport Recreation Center is located at 130 E. Merrick Road in Freeport, conveniently located near all parkways, and 5 minutes from The Nautical Mile

For more information about the show or booths, call Rich Branciforte at 516-280-2100.

Music teachers honored by LI Music Hall of Fame

Five music teachers from across Long Island were recently honored at the Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame in Stony Brook in a special ceremony honoring the organizations most recent Educator of Note Award winners.

The teachers honored include Alan Schwartz (Great Neck, 2023), Frank Abel (Uniondale/Roosevelt, 2022), Kim LöwenborgCoyne (North Babylon, 2021), Marc Greene (Middle Country School District, 2020), and Susan Weber (Uniondale, 2019).

“It was wonderful,” said Tom Needham, Tom Needham, second vice chair and educational programs director at LIMEHOF. “When you get all these people together in one room and you hear about the number of students they’ve influenced over the years and the impact they’ve had on music education on Long Island. It’s truly incredible. We’re so excited to have this opportunity to have them all here in the room and to celebrate the good things that they’ve accomplished.”

“We all had and have such meaningful careers that have impacted music education in so many different ways,” said Susan Weber. “Bottom line is that we all love seeing the reaction with our students and former students and as time goes on how music education impacts kids and it was just a very special day.”

“It’s a wonderful opportunity and I’m just so thrilled to be amongst these people here and to have my name with these people, these legends is just one of the biggest honors of my life,” said Alan Schwartz.

“What a wonderful ride… a wonderful journey after 42 years of teaching on this very special day to receive this very special award

at the Hall of Fame. We don’t go in teaching for awards but this one right here I’m going to cherish,” said Frank Abel.

Supporting and highlighting musical education and upcoming talent through its education programs is a large part of LIMEHOF’s mission. Each year the Long Island Music & Entertainment Hall of Fame presents an Educator of Note Award recognizing outstanding achievement in Long Island music education and normally they present the awards publicly during their galas.

LIMEHOF has not held an awards Gala since 2019 in large part due to COVID restrictions these award winners were unable to receive their awards in a public ceremony, so LIMEHOF organized this special ceremony for them at their Stony Brook Museum location.

LIMEHOF says it’s important to recognize the music teachers who are top in their field and making a difference by building strong educational programs for students to be able to perform and be evaluated.

“We celebrate music history here on Long Island and everybody knows we honor people like Billy Joel and John Coltrane and other artists but sometimes people forget that the people who have the biggest impact on Long Island in terms of music are music teachers,” said Needham. “Music teachers have the ability to reach thousands of kids throughout a career.”

The 2024 Educator of Note nomination process is currently open with a deadline of Sept. 30. For more information about LIMEHOF’s Educator of Note, scholarships and other music education programs, please visit https:// www.limusichalloffame.org/educator-of-note/

Celebrating the wide variety of instruments available at the show.

PHOTO COURTESY OF LIMEHOF

Pictured left to right LIMEHOF Educator of Note Recipients Alan Schwartz, Susan Weber, Frank Abel and Kim Löwenborg-Coyne.

Pediatric Dentistry Advice Establishing Fitness Goals for Kids When Kids Should Start Volunteering

Preparing for visit to pediatric dentist

DR. ANGIE CHIN Tiny Sparkles Pediatric Dentistry

Visiting a pediatric dentist is an essential part of maintaining your child’s oral health from infancy through adolescence. Here’s a guide to help you understand when to schedule a visit and some common questions parents often have:

When to Visit a Pediatric Dentist:

1. First Tooth Eruption: The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) recommends that children should have their fi rst dental visit within six months of their fi rst tooth eruption, or by their fi rst birthday, whichever comes fi rst.

2. Regular Check-ups: After the initial visit, regular check-ups every six months are usually advised. However, your pediatric dentist may recommend a different schedule based on your child’s specific needs.

3. Emergencies or Issues: If your child experiences dental pain, injury, or other oral health concerns, it’s crucial to seek immediate care from a pediatric dentist.

Frequently Asked Questions:

When Should I Start Brushing My Child’s Teeth?

You can start cleaning your baby’s gums even before the first tooth appears. Once the teeth start erupting, use a soft-bristled toothbrush with water or a smear of fluoride toothpaste (about the size of a grain of rice).

2. How Do I Prevent Cavities in My Child’s Teeth?

Encourage healthy eating habits, limit sugary snacks and drinks, and ensure regular brushing and flossing. Your pediatric dentist can also apply dental sealants to protect your child’s teeth from decay.

3. What if My Child Is Afraid of the Dentist?

Pediatric dentists are specially trained to work with children and create a positive dental experience. They use child-friendly language, gentle techniques, and a welcoming environment to help children feel comfortable during their visits.

4. Are X-Rays Safe for My Child?

Pediatric dentists use X-rays as a diagnostic tool to detect cavities, monitor tooth development, and assess overall oral health. They use the lowest radiation dose possible and employ protective measures, such as lead aprons and thyroid collars, to ensure safety.

5. What Can I Do to Help with Teething Discomfort?

Provide your child with teething rings or toys to chew on, gently massage their gums with a clean finger, and offer cool (not frozen) teething rings or washcloths for soothing relief. Over-the-counter pain relievers may also help, but consult with your pediatrician before giving any medication to your child.

6. What Can I Expect During my Child’s First Dental Visit?

Your Pediatric dentist will conduct a thorough examination of their oral health, evaluate dental hygiene practices, demonstrate proper brushing and flossing techniques, check for any improper habits or bites, and offer any tips tailored to your child’s specific needs. This is a chance for the child to get accustomed to visiting a dental office regularly, and for the family to create a dental home. Your child would also get a new toothbrush and a toy from the prize box.

Remember, early and regular visits to the pediatric dentist not only help prevent dental problems but also foster a positive attitude towards oral care that can last a lifetime.

Establishing kids’ roles in caring for the family pet

Children and pets living together can make for a boisterous but happy household. Having pets is an ideal opportunity to introduce children to some measure of responsibility, and it may encourage youngsters to become advocates for animal welfare.

Pets require all sorts of care and companionship. Introducing children to age-appropriate pet-related tasks can set the groundwork for a lifetime of loving and caring for companion animals. Children shouldn't be given all of the responsibilities of caring for pets, but there are some notable roles they can play.

Teach gentle interactions

Toddlers and even kindergarteners may be unaware of how rough they are being. Therefore, they will need a lot of supervision and reinforcement to learn how to be gentle when petting or engaging with companion animals. Young children also may think that pets are toys and that there are no consequences when animals are handled roughly. Parents and other caregivers may need to spend a lot of time emphasizing gentle play with pets.

Start off with some play sessions

Playing together is a great way for kids and pets to bond and get some exercise. Purina behaviorist Dr. Annie Valuska suggests games like high-fi ve, rolling over, fi nding treats in hidden places, and practicing tricks or commands. Children also may be able to do short training sessions with pets, like helping them get acclimated to a new pet carrier, wearing a leash, or even moving the vacuum cleaner nearby so the animal overcomes its fear of it.

Family vet visits

Children can learn a lot about pet health and care at the vet's office. Bring youngsters along to help out and see what is involved in routine veterinary visits. Kids can soothe and distract the pet during the adminstration of vaccines and watch how a vet assesses an animal's overall health. Watching a pet go through a physical examination also may help a child become more brave in relation to his or her own medical check-ups.

Participate in feeding and bathing

Children can be responsible for putting pre-measured scoops of food in the bowl for feeding and help refill the water. Kids also may be able to offer treats to pets who are able to take them gently out of hand.

When it comes time to groom a pet, children can assist with scrub downs in the tub or at a grooming station in a nearby retail store. More hands available can help wrangle a wet and slippery animal, after all. Kids may find it soothing to brush pets, but they must do so gently.

Teach about quiet time

Pets need opportunities to rest, and children should understand that quiet time means the pet should be left alone. Kids can help set up a cozy napping spot where a dog or cat can retreat when they need some rest.

Children can be taught responsible pet care when their parents feel they're ready. With trial and error, family members can see where kids' strengths lie in caring for pets and gauge the animals's tolerance for interaction with youngsters. Pet owners must remember to ensure young children and animals are never together without adult supervision.

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How to establish fitness goals for kids

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

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hysical activity benefits people of all ages, including kids. Despite widespread recognition of the positive impact physical activity has on children, many kids are not getting enough exercise. In an analysis of data collected as part od the 2019 Youth Risk Behavior Survey, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found that less than one in four children between the ages of six and 17 participates in 60 minutes of physical activity per day.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Simple strategies to protect kids’ vision over the long haul

Parents recognize there’s no aspect of kids’ health that can be taken for granted. Common colds can appear overnight, and injuries on the playground can occur in the blink of an eye. Such issues may be hard to see coming, but the risk for colds, playground injuries and other health-related conditions, including childhood vision problems, can be mitigated with various preventive measures.

Vision issues that affect children can lead to a host of unwanted outcomes, including physical injuries and decreased academic performance. Though kids may ultimately need vision problems to be corrected with the help of an eye doctor, the following are some steps parents can take to protect their children’s vision over the long haul.

· Schedule routine eye exams. The American Academy of Ophthalmology notes that children’s vision can be screened

by various medical professionals, including eye doctors but also pediatricians, family physicians or other properly trained health care providers. The AAO recommends children at all age levels receive eye examinations. Newborns will need eye exams so doctors can check for various indicators of eye health, while a second eye exam conducted during a well visit before the child’s first birthday can confirm healthy eye alignment and movement. Exam intervals can be discussed with a physician as children age, but it’s important that kids receive routine eye exams to confirm their vision is healthy and to identify any issues that could be compromising their vision.

· Feed children a healthy diet. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend a diet rich in fruits and vegetables, which have the vitamins and minerals necessary to maintain healthy vision.

· Monitor screen time. The CDC notes that excessive screen time can exacerbate uncorrected vision problems. Daily screen time limits can help protect kids’ vision, and parents should ensure kids take frequent breaks when using digital devices. Frequent breaks from additional activities like reading, writing and drawing also can protect kids’ vision.

· Squeeze in time outdoors. Access and exposure to nature pays a host of healthrelated dividends, including some linked to eye health. The CDC notes that going outdoors affords kids’ eyes the opportunity to look at distant objects, which can provide

a respite from the eye strain and fatigue that can develop when looking at screens or books.

· Provide protective eyewear, including sunglasses. Exposure to UV rays from the sun can harm children’s eyes, so kids should wear sunglasses with 100 percent UV protection when spending time outside. The CDC also urges children to wear protective eyewear when engaging in activities such as sports that can increase their risk for eye injury and vision loss. Taking steps to protect long-term vision is a vital component of childhood preventive health care.

Signs kids may have allergies

Welcoming a child into the world is an exciting time for parents. However, new parents often lament that there is no guidebook to caring for and raising children. This becomes even more apparent when parents must confront illnesses that affect their children. It can be disconcerting when a child is affected by illness and parents feel helpless. Such feelings may arise when children's allergies first present.

Just like adults, children can be sensitive to allergens in their foods or their environments. Cedars-Sinai says allergies affect the immune system. Allergic reactions occur when the immune system reacts to something generally harmless and thinks it is a danger. So the body then attacks the allergen with antibodies, causing a number of reactions in the body.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says nearly one in five children has a seasonal allergy, more than 10 percent have eczema, and nearly 6 percent have a food allergy.

Children may experience allergies differently than adults. The American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology says some of the more common allergy symptoms in children include:

· Skin rashes or hives (atopic dermatitis or eczema)

· Difficulty breathing

· Sneezing, coughing, a runny nose or itchy eyes

· Stomach upset

· Chronic nasal congestion

· Ear infections, since allergies can lead to inflammation in the ear and may cause fluid accumulation

· Itching in ears or the roof of the mouth

· Red, itchy, watery eyes

· A severe, life-threatening allergic reaction known as anaphylaxis

Allergies can be caused by a number of things. The most common triggers are tree, grass and weed pollens, according to Cedars-Sinai. Mold, dust mites, animal dander, bee stings, pests like roaches and mice, and foods also cause allergies. Children also may be allergic to medicines, which can be scary, since parents may not have any prior warning of an allergic reaction to a new medication.

Allergies can affect anyone, and parents who suffer from their own allergies may have children who also have allergies. Doctors are not sure why allergies tend to run in families. Also, allergic symptoms can happen slowly over time. Parents who suspect their children may have allergies should discuss their concerns with a doctor for an accurate and complete diagnosis. Allergists typically use skin testing to confirm allergies. Liquid-form extracts of allergens are placed on the top layer of the skin through a pricking device, says Childrens Hospital. The skin will turn red where the test was applied if an allergen causes a reaction. Skin testing is usually faster than blood tests.

Treatment for allergies tends to involve avoiding common triggers. Immunotherapy and certain medications also may be advised. Always consult with the child's pediatrician before administering any over-the-counter allergy medications.

Tips to teach kids to roller skate

Roller skating is a popular pastime and can be great exercise. It also helps children develop skills of balance and coordination.

The first recorded use of skates took place more than 200 years ago in a 1743 theater production, during which actors attached wheels to their footwear to mimic ice skating on the stage. This was the invention of John Joseph Merlin. Other inventors saw the potential for skates. James Plimpton revolutionized the roller skate in 1863 when he designed quad wheel skates. He also established the New York Roller Skating Association and opened up a skating rink in Rhode Island to help manufacture public demand for skating to sell his roller skates.

Children can be introduced to skating while young and develop the skills to enjoy this hobby throughout their lives. Here are some tips for parents and guardians looking to school kids in the basics of roller skating.

· Prepare safety gear. It's important to stock up on safety equipment before the first lesson. Children should be equipped with helmets, wrist protection, elbow pads, and knee pads. Their skates should be well-fitting.

· Practice balance first. Balance on skates is achieved when there is equal weight distributed on the front and back wheels of the skates. This happens by standing on skates with the body angled slightly forward. Skaters should look straight ahead rather than down at their feet, which will cause them to lean forward too much and potentially lose balance. Feet should be shoulder width apart

· Soften the knees. Skaters should not have their knees locked and legs stiff. Slightly bending at the knees can also help balance and lower the center of gravity in the body. Rollerland Skate Center suggests having children start by

walking in the skates to get a feel and then encouraging short bursts of rolling. They can glide on one foot until the momentum stops, and then try the other one.

· Start on a level surface. A level surface, such as a blacktop or a skating rink, is preferential for first lessons. Skaters who are traveling downhill can pick up too much speed and then lose balance. It's best to learn to skate gradually.

· Resist the urge to step in. Parents do not want to see their children get hurt or discouraged so they may swoop in prematurely to grab a child swaying on skates, or insist on holding hands. This may not work to the kids' advantage and will only delay the development of the child's ability to skate.

· Stopping is important, too. As children get the hang of skating, they'll need to learn how to stop. Quad skates typically have the toe stop on the front of the skate. Inline skates may have the stopper on the heel. Children can build up a little speed and then practice stopping with the foot that feels most comfortable.

· Get up from falls. It's normal to fall when learning to roller skate. Safety gear can prevent many injuries. To get up relatively easily, skaters should get to a kneeling position with one knee on the floor and the other leg with the skate wheels on the floor, knee bent at a 90-degree angle. Position the chest leaning forward over the upright knee. Dig the toe stop or the boot of the leg on the ground into the floor. Reach forward to create momentum and then roll backwards so that you're in a squatting position and can get both feet parallel and the body to standing.

Roller skating is something children can learn early on, paving the way to a lifetime enjoying this rewarding pastime.

Fun ways to enjoy the great outdoors with kids

The great outdoors can be an inviting place with plenty of opportunities for adventure. It's also a treasure trove of sights and sounds that can serve as a springboard for a lifelong yearning for knowledge.

Children of the 1980s and before may remember long days spent outside with requirements to "come back in when the street lights turn on." Today's children may not have as much freedom, but they still can benefit from both unstructured and structured play outside. The following are some outdoor activities families can enjoy together.

· Fossil hunting: Whether there is a natural fossil bed nearby or not, children can use plastic colanders and shovels to dig in the dirt or sand to see if any treasures can be found.

· Collect and paint rocks: Collect stones and then paint them with vivid designs or sayings. Once painted, families can place them back into their natural surroundings for others to discover.

· Make a nature collage: Take a hike or a stroll through a nearby park and collect little treasures along the way. Glue these items to a piece of cardstock or cardboard to create a collage that will serve as a memento of the day.

· Run through a sprinkler: Pools can be great fun, but something as simple as a garden sprinkler can keep everyone occupied for a few hours.

· Visit a botanical garden: Tour a nearby botanical garden to get an opportunity to see flowers and plants that may not be native to the area. Bring sketch pads and draw your favorite plants.

· Go camping: Whether you camp in the backyard, in the woods or at a campsite, spending a night immersed in nature can be an unforgettable experience. Camping equipment can be rented or borrowed, if necessary.

· Enjoy a picnic: Bring a meal outdoors to a quiet spot, like a park or garden.

· Take a boat ride: Enjoying the great outdoors from the water brings an entirely new perspective. Purchase tickets for a fishing charter or take a tour of a local waterway.

· Feed ducks or other birds: Children can see wildlife in its natural environment, and provide some supplemental nutrition in the process. Bring along wild birdseed (bread is not a healthy option) and sprinkle some along shorelines or in the water to watch the birds arrive.

· Do a scavenger hunt in nature: While on any excursion, you can engage in a scavenger hunt. Have a list of five to 10 items to find, such as a pink flower, a leaf with a stem and a black rock. See who can find them all the fastest.

Spending time outdoors provides plenty of opportunities for family-friendly excitement and fun.

When is the right time for kids to start volunteering?

Aristotle once said the essence of life is "to serve others and do good."

It's well documented that volunteerism offers many benefits to those who are recipients of the charitable work as well as the volunteers.

According to The Corporation for National & Community Service, one in four Americans volunteers. Volunteers come from all walks of life and various age groups. Nearly one-quarter of all volunteers are people under the age of 24.

Parents and guardians who want to introduce their children to volunteerism may not know when is the right age to do so. Many experts agree that there isn't a definitive age for children to get involved in volunteering. In fact, no child is too young to volunteer. Joseph F. Hagan Jr., M.D., a clinical professor of pediatrics at Larner College of Medicine at the University of Vermont, says helping out during the toddler and preschool years helps shape a child's sense of morality.

Rather than wondering if a child is too young to volunteer, adults should focus on finding the right activity to match the child's age. For example, a three- or four-year-old child can fill bags or boxes with donated food

or help gather blankets and towels to donate to an animal rescue. However, a toddler or preschooler may not have the stamina to complete a 5K walk.

Volunteerism doesn't even have to be in the traditional sense of working with an established charity. A youngster can pick flowers from a field and deliver them to an elderly neighbor. Or a preschooler can invite a child playing alone to come play together. A toddler who loves sorting items can help sort recycling items at home and watch a parent deliver them to the recycling center.

Another way to engage kids in volunteer work is to match their interests with the tasks. Many kids can't get enough of animals, so they may want to help out an animal organization or be involved with a conservation group. A child can collect change to "adopt" an endangered species.

Kids also can visit a children's hospital and deliver gifts to youngsters battling illnesses. In such situations, kids may be more engaged if they can help kids their own ages.

Children are never too young to volunteer. Finding the right fit can inspire a lifetime of giving back that benefits youngsters throughout their lives.

Spot Pal is a clear, custom-fit, tongue-training appliance designed to teach proper tongue resting posture and eliminate tongue thrusting and sucking habits. Proper tongue resting posture helps to maximize the airway, retain the dentition, facilitate speech production and assist with facial development.

Spot Pal promotes nasal breathing, which allows you to breathe in filtered and humidified air. As a result, this can help to treat sleep-disordered breathing.

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Michael Waldman book signing at Temple Emanuel

SCW Cultural Arts at Emanuel hosted a book signing with Michael Waldman, author of the bestselling “The Supermajority: How the Supreme Court Divided America.”

It was preceded by a dialogue between Waldman, president of the Brennan Center for

Justice, NYU School of Law, and NY1 news anchor Errol Louis.

We thank Michael Waldman, Errol Louis, all who attended, and those who asked penetrating questions in the Q&A, creating a very satisfying, indeed edifying, event for a Sunday afternoon.

On Sunday, May 5 the Mineola Choral Society’s Spring Concert will take place at 3:00 p.m. at Temple Emmanuel in Great Neck, as part of the Stephen C. Widom Cultural Arts Series. The program, entitled “Sing, Sing, Sing!” will first feature contemporary works reflecting the stages of our lives by composers Erik Essenvalds (“Only in Sleep”), Randall Thompson (“Frostiana”), John Corigliano (“Fern Hill”) and Carol Hall (“Jenny Rebecca”), then celebrate Jazz, Broadway and the Big Band era through the music of Stephen Zegree (“God Bless the Child”), Frank Loesser (“Guys and Dolls” medley), and Louis Prima (“Sing, Sing, Sing”). Accompanied by the Orchestra of the Society and pianist Karen Faust Baer, the chorus will be joined by guest artists soprano Dr. Doreen Fryling.

The Mineola Choral Society, now in its 76th concert season, is an independent non-profit organization dedicated to the performance of choral music, and drawing membership from more than 30 Long Island communities and New York City. Under the direction of Dr. Meg Messina, the MCS presents two concerts a year with a repertoire that spans sacred, operatic, classical and popular choral works, and also appears as guest chorus with the Nassau Pops Symphony Orchestra for that organization’s annual Christmas concert.

Tickets for the May 5 concert are $25. For further information about this concert and the Mineola Choral Society, see the MCS website www.mineolachoralsociety.org or call 516 2941175.

In conversation with Michael Waldman and Errol Louis

Fri 4/26

GAME DESIGN SERIES WORKSHOP KIDS 4/26/24 10am1pm Ages 3-9 Port Washington NY @ 10am / $50

GAME DESIGN SERIES WORKSHOP KIDS 4/ 26/24 10am-1pm Port Washington NY 11050

Ages 3-9 Explore Differ‐ent Types of Puzzles

MAKE & TAKE Home Board Game REGIS‐TER: mazemakerwork‐shop.eventbrite.com 11

Sintsink Dr E, 11 Sintsink Drive East, Port Washington. linda@ myspectrum school.com, 516-8838035

Bobby Wilson "Mr Entertainment": Bobby Wilson show

@ 7:30pm Boulton Center For The Per‐forming Arts, 37 W Main St, Bay Shore

Marisela @ 8pm Flagstar at Westbury Music Fair, 960 Brush Hollow Road, Westbury South

Chris Ruggiero LIVE in Port Washington, NY at the Landmark Theater on Friday, April 26, 2024 @ 7:30pm / $44-$65

In Chris Ruggiero's new show, “Teenage Dreams and Magic Mo‐ments,” he tells his in‐credible story by breathing new life into the timeless music of the 50s, 60s & 70s with a live 6-piece band. Jeanne Rimsky Theater, 232 Main Street, Port Washington. info@chris ruggierosings.com, 516-767-6444

Sat 4/27

Brick Fest Live | Uniondale, NY @ 9am Nassau Veterans Memorial Col‐iseum, Uniondale

ASPIRE 10K @ 9:30am / $40 H.B. Mattlin Middle School, 100 Washington Ave, Plainview. events@elitefeats.com

Marco John Music: Elise's Neice's CafeFarmer's Market @ 1pm Elise's Niece's Cafe, located in rear, Farmingdale

Floral Park Public Library Lawn Sale

@ 10am 50 tables of treasures at the Forth Annual Flo‐ral Park Library Lawn

Sale! Rain date: Satur‐day, May 4th. 17 Caro‐line Pl, 17 Caroline Place, Floral Park. 516325-0046

Tea for Two –Children's Tea @ 1pm / $24

Join us for this family program, tailored for children ages 12 and under with adult care‐givers in attendance. Old Westbury Gardens, 71 Old Westbury Road, Old Westbury. mramirez@oldwestbury gardens.org, 516-3330048

Tracy Morgan @ 8pm / $49.50-$89.50

The Paramount, Hunt‐ington

Lovesong The Band: Stage 317 @ 8pm 317 Main Street, 317 Main St, Farmingdale

Dan Neary Music @ 11pm Nutty Irishman, 323 Main St, Farmingdale

Sun 4/28

OG 5K Run/Walk @ 10:30am / $35

Wednesday May 1st

Jesus Christ Superstar @ 7:30pm / $60

Tilles Center, LIU Post College, 720 Northern Boulevard, Greenvale

Celebrating its 50th Anniversary, a new mesmerizing production of the iconic musical phenomenon returns to the stage. With lyrics and music by Emmy, Grammy, Oscar and Tony winners Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Web‐ber, Jesus Christ Superstar re�ects the rock roots that de�ned a generation. The legendary score includes I Don’t Know How to Love Him, Gethsemane and Superstar.

Belmont Lake State Park, 625 Belmont Ave, West Babylon. events@elitefeats.com

NYCFC II vs Crown Legacy FC @ 3pm / $10-$15 Belson Stadium, Jamaica

Nate Charlie Music @ 3pm

Six Harbors Brewing Company, 243 New York Ave, Huntington

The Temptations & the Four Tops @ 7pm / $39.50$179.50

Mon 4/29

Humanist Seder at La Baraka, April 29 @ 6:30pm

Cultural Passover Seder with gourmet holiday dinner and Hu‐manist Haggadah La Baraka, 255-09 North‐ern Boulevard, Queens. ninagordon@ gmail.com, 917-7719519

Flagstar at Westbury Music Fair, Westbury Spring Camp @ 9am

Tue 4/30

Brooklyn Cyclones vs. Aberdeen Ironbirds @ 7pm Maimonides Park, Brooklyn

Apr 29th - Apr 30th

A FULL-DAY HANDS ON SCIENCE PROGRAM FOR KIDS DURING SCHOOL VACATIONS IN ROCKVILLE CEN‐TRE, NY 1450 Tangle‐wood Rd, 1450 Tangle‐wood Road, Rockville Centre. helpdesk@ cstl.org, 516-764-0045

New York Mets vs. Chicago Cubs @ 7:10pm

Citi Field, Flushing

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Wed 5/01

ROSLYN - Pre-Toddlers (18-24m year olds) –Wednesday 10:30am11:15am @ 10:30am / $275

May 1st - Jun 19th FAST Roslyn, 340 Wheatley

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Thu 5/02

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Robert J. Mitchell CPA, EA

Theresa Hornberger CPA

Marvin Goodman CPA, (ret)

DeSena attends summit for

North Hempstead Town Supervisor Jennifer DeSena was a recent panelist at Adelphi University’s Summit for Achieving an Age-Friendly Long Island: Collaboration for an Equitable and Healthy Community on April 19.

DeSena and other panelists discussed critical issues including service gaps, community dynamics, workforce needs, transportation and housing inefficiencies, funding sources, and policy change.

North Hempstead’s commissioner of the Department of Services for the Aging, Kimberly Corcoran-Galante, also participated in the summit as a panelist.

DeSena and Corcoran-Galante detailed the town’s Project Independence initiative to attendees. The mission of Project Independence is to help older residents of the town “age in place,” remaining in their own communities and familiar surroundings as they grow older.

This unique, multi-service town program involves many community partners including Northwell Health, EAC Network, Long Island University, The Rehabilitation Institute, Rebuilding Together/LI, NYU Langone Health, Catholic Health, North Shore Child and Family Guidance, Delux Transportation, Taxi Hispano Express, All Island Transportation and others. Residents of North Hempstead can learn more by www.northhempsteadny.gov/PIHome.

L.I.

Town of North Hempstead Supervisor Jennifer DeSena and Commissioner of the Department of Services for the Aging Kimberly Corcoran-Galante participating in a panel discussion at Adelphi University’s Summit for Achieving an Age-Friendly Long Island

Governor Kathy Hochul Senator Brad Hoylman-Sigal (Senate Sponsor)

Senator Jack Martins NY Senate District 7

Gina

Sillitti- Assembly Member

Charles D. Lavine- Assembly Member

Edward P. Ra- Assembly Member District 19

7 candidates vie for 2 Herricks seats

Continued from Page 1

The deadline to file a petition to run for the board of trustees closed Monday at 5 p.m.

The larger than normal budget-to-budget increase in the proposed budget is expected to an important issue in the race.

Herricks School District board members adopted a proposed 2024-2025 budget of $141,710,364, which represents a 5.2% increase from the 2023-2024 budget of $134,719,970.

The proposed tax levy increase is 2.38%, which is within the state tax cap. The average tax levy over the past seven years in the district was 1.78%, Superintendent Tony Sinanis said.

Herricks is set to receive a larger increase in state aid than initially proposed, from 6.58% to 8.32%, according to the state budget adopted nearly three weeks late Saturday. It is unclear how the new state budget will affect the adopted budget.

Board members said the larger-than-usual budget-to-budget increase was due in part to the cost of settling child sex abuse claims against the district filed under the Child Victims Act. The district has paid $1.1 million to settle four of the 21 claims thus far.

Hassan said his goal in handling the CVA costs is to not allow the budget to pierce the tax cap.

Hassan has lived in Albertson since 1977. He serves as the Albertson water commissioner. All three of his children graduated from district schools. If re-elected, this will be his 13th year on the Herricks Board of Education.

Hassan said the board should be able to finalize all of the settlements in around three or four months. The district will have to take out bonds to partially pay for those CVA claims, Hassan said.

“The challenge is going to be for the length of the bond, which is basically 15 years, how are we gonna manage the finances to pay for the bonded cost of those CVA claims?” Hassan said.

He said the board has done a good job of planning not just for the current year, but for two and three years out.

The planning addresses the district’s growing enrollment, with the middle and high school buildings approaching maximum capacity, and the long-term challenge of covering the bond cost for the next 15 years, Hassan said.

Hassan said working as a trustee is his way of giving back to the community.

“In my opinion, you’re obligated to give back,” Hassan said. “I’m a firm believer in people have either time or money, but they should not be obligated to give both. I don’t have a lot of money, so I would rather give back my time to the community.”

If re-elected, Hassan said he hopes to continue his work in finalizing a $25 million bond for capital improvements to the district. He said he is also focused on fostering a holistic approach to education by implementing additional mental health programs for students and hiring additional school counselors.

“I’ve been on the board for 12 years. We’ve accomplished a tremendous amount in the last 12 years,” Hassan said. “If people are happy with the way things have changed for the district over the last 12 years, the academic standards that we’ve presented for the district, then vote for me. If people want a change or are not happy with the way things are going, then vote another way.”

Bono said she is ready to see some changes on the board.

The former New York City school teacher has been living in Albertson for 22 years. She has three children who have graduated from the district and one child who is currently a 10th grader in the district.

If elected trustee, one of her goals is to mitigate traffic issues around the schools, especially the middle school, Bono said.

However, she said her main goal is to spark change amongst the board of education itself.

“I also feel it’s important that people on the board, that there’s a turnaround and new blood,” Bono said. “Currently, we have five members that have been there for 12 years, plus. And none of them have children on the board and I think that’s important as well in order to be relevant and be able to connect with the community.”

Bono later acknowledged that she misspoke and one member has been there for only 7 years.

Bono said her biggest concern for the district is keeping the budget under the tax cap. She said she is happy with the current proposed budget and the way administration is handling CVA costs.

“[The administration does] a good job of

getting all the programs. I don’t feel we’re in a deficit as far as what the students and the children are getting,” Bono said. “I’m actually pretty comfortable with it.”

As opposed to radical changes, Bono said she would work to keep the level of programming supported by the board the same if elected.

Bono said she has been extremely involved in the district for 20 years, including acting as the president of nearly every district PTA at some point.

“I think my reputation and my work that I’ve put into the district speaks for itself. Everyone who knows me knows that I’ve given 110% to Herricks since the minute I walked into the school district,” Bono said. “I have extremely close relationships with the administration, the teachers, the parents. My reach is very far.”

Five candidates are running in a competitive race for the seat left vacant by Feinstein. Efforts to reach Gupta, Quraishi, Ratra and Stuart were unavailing.

Lo has been a Williston Park resident for six years. While Lo works as a financial advisor, his wife owns a coffee shop in Williston Park where he said local parents often come in and speak

G.N. adopts $282M school budget, 3.26% tax increase

Continued from Page 11

O’Keefe said the state aid numbers are based on estimates as the state has not adopted its budget yet which would allocate these funds.

On Monday, the governor announced an agreement with the state legislature to reinstate the foundation aid hold harmless policy, which ensures school districts get the same amount or more in foundation aid from year to year. Since the budget has yet to be adopted, it is unknown what that change would look like.

The school budget is also funded by reserves and fund balances, which are both decreasing in use from the current budget.

About $8.9 million of reserves will be used to fund the budget, a 5.65% decrease, and $4.1 million of fund balance, a 1.81% decrease.

Reserves can only go toward funding specific budget items, which the district allocated this year to the workers’ compensation reserve, employee retirement system reserve, teacher retirement system reserve, employee benefit accrued liability reserve and unemployment reserve.

The district has gradually been diminishing its use of reserves over the two budgets and now in the upcoming one, which Board Vice President Grant Toch applauded O’Keefe for achieving.

“I know that’s not a small accomplishment,” Toch said. “I’d say particularly against the backdrop of inflation… thank you for placing us back on the path of sounder fiscal foundation, so thank you and your staff.”

The budget will face a commu-

nity vote on May 21. Included on the ballot is a proposition to establish a new capital reserve fund, which would be a new reserve account to fund future capital expenditures over the next ten years. This comes at no cost to taxpayers.

The maximum contributions to the reserve are capped at $40 million, and annual contributions are capped at $8 million. The remaining funds from the district’s expiring reserve fund account established in 2015 would also go toward the new reserve fund if adopted by the voters.

If established, the use of those funds for specific projects would also need to be voted on by the community.

A budget hearing will be held on May 8 for further discussion on the budget before the vote.

about their experience as district parents. The couple has two young children in the Herricks district.

If elected, his goals include improving school facilities, especially at the middle school, replacing outdated sports uniforms, lending his financial background to budget conversations, improving communication efforts between the board and district parents and better supporting district-wide sports and arts programs.

Lo said some of his biggest concerns for the district include CVA costs and student access to social media. He said he worries about cyberbullying and the spread of misinformation online among students.

He said he thinks the board is doing a good job of handling CVA costs and would like to work with them on this issue.

“I think residents should vote for me because I am here for the long haul,” Lo said. “I want to improve the experience for our students and, of course, hopefully the teachers as well.”

Residents are set to vote on the budget and elect two trustees on May 21 from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. at the Herricks Community Center at 999 Herricks Rd., New Hyde Park.

Toch, Chen unopposed in G.N. ed board race

Continued from Page 11

This would be Chen’s first election since being appointed to the board.

Both Toch and Chen are seeking another three-year term on the board, which would begin July 1 and end June 30, 2027.

Efforts to solicit comment from Toch and Chen were unavailing.

The school district’s election will be held from 6 a.m. until 9 p.m. on May 21, with polling locations at Elizabeth M. Baker Elementary School, Lakeville Elementary School, Great Neck South High School and Saddle Rock Elementary School.

Also up for a vote is the school district’s $282 million budget, which includes a 3.26% tax increase that falls

within the allowable tax cap.

Community members will also be voting on a proposition to establish a new capital reserve fund, which would be a new reserve account to fund future capital expenditures over the next 10 years. This comes at no cost to taxpayers.

The maximum contributions to the reserve are capped at $40 million and annual contributions are capped at $8 million. The remaining funds from the district’s expiring reserve fund account established in 2015 would also go toward the new reserve fund if adopted by the voters.

If established, the use of those funds for specific projects would also need to be voted on by the community.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE CANDIDATES

Incumbent Brian Hassan and challenger Maria Bono are competing for a seat on the Herricks board of education.

Floral Park Board of Trustees April 16 meeting reports

Deputy Mayor Lynn Pombonyo Police Department

Our Police Department continues its excellent policing, and service to our schools and community.

On a Friday night in early April, an individual barricaded himself in a building on Jericho Turnpike in Bellerose Terrace. The Nassau County Police quickly took control of the situation with many of its resources including special operations and the County helicopter. NCPD continuously contained the situation at the Bellerose Terrace location.

Throughout the evening, our up-to-date FPPD radio system enabled our Police leadership and Officers to remain in contact with NCPD and monitor that Department’s communications, as Lieutenant William Doherty remained in direct contact with his NCPD counterpart.

Simultaneously, special events involving many of our students and families were taking place at the Floral Park-Bellerose School and Village Hall. Although the NCPD activities remained contained, FPPD patrols, working with Sergeant Brian Naughton, monitored the school area and tunnel, as well as Village Hall.

The night ended safely as NCPD captured and arrested the perpetrator, and all remained safe throughout. We thank Commissioner Stephen McAllister, Lieutenant Doherty, and our Officers for their vigilance and ongoing, precise communications with NCPD, the Floral Park-Bellerose School District Administration, and the Village Board.

Other recent policing activities have included the FPPD Motor Carrier (or truck) Detail. March’s morning of truck inspections along Plainfield Avenue were conducted by Sergeant Naughton and Officer Christie Softy. A total of six inspections was conducted, and 46 VTL violations were issued. Two vehicles were towed for safety violations (improper load securement, tire violations and unsecured hazardous materials). A third truck was impounded because the registration was expired, the driver had a revoked license, and the truck had two unsafe tires. Throughout the inspections, the Officers reported that many local residents expressed great appreciation for their presence in the area and for FPPD’s attention to the truck traffic on Plainfield Avenue.

On a recent Superintendent’s Conference Day in the Floral Park-Bellerose Schools, two of our American College of Surgeons/Stop the Bleed instructors, FPPD Lieutenant Doherty and Detective Christopher Timm, conducted the program for over fifty School District employees. Teacher aids, clerical, custodial and cafeteria staff, and bus drivers participated in this life-saving Stop the Bleed training.

On Saturday, April 27th, the FPPD will once again sponsor the DEA’s National Prescription Drug Take Back Day. Between 10 AM and 2 PM, you are encouraged to drop off your unused and expired prescription drugs at FPPD Headquarters (at the corner of Village Hall). A Police Officer and Floral Park Lions Club representatives will be there to assist you and distribute helpful wellness materials. It is dangerous to keep unused prescription drugs in your home. Please keep your family and friends safe by participating in Take Back Day on Saturday, April 27th.

Conservation Society and Centennial Gardens

For the third consecutive year, Floral Park’s Centennial Gardens and Bird Sanctuary has been nominated as the Best Public Garden of Nassau County (now for 2024) by Blank Slate Media and our Herald Courier newspaper. Our Centennial Gardens has won this prestigious award in 2022 and 2023.

Let’s do it again in 2024 by going to: theisland360. com/contest2024 . At the Best of Nassau County site, look for the first category, Arts & Entertainment, then Public Garden. You’ll see our Centennial Gardens and Bird Sanctuary listed, then vote. And you can do it daily, so please vote again and again for our precious Gardens up until May 24th.

Visit the Gardens often too, and see why we are the Best Public Garden of Nassau County for the past two years!

Chambers of Commerce and Our Businesses

It’s a busy time of year as our Floral Park and Covert Avenue Chambers of Commerce have welcomed new businesses to Floral Park and Stewart Manor, as well as new Chamber members.

All businesses are invited to join Chamber meetings, but be sure to register first.

The Covert Avenue Chamber will meet at BC Bistro on Jericho Turnpike on Tuesday, April 23rd at 7 PM. The guest speakers will be Warren Hance and Kate Tuffy of the Emma, Alyson and Kate Hance Family Foundation. This important, local nonprofit organization promotes self-esteem and confidence building for girls and women of all ages with its renowned Beautiful Me program. The annual Hance Family Fun Day and 5K Run/Walk Races will take place on Saturday, May 18th. See the meeting details at: covertavenuechamber.org

The Floral Park Chamber next meets at Cara Mia on Tulip Avenue on Thursday, May 2nd at 6 PM. Network with our business owners and learn about all the exciting opportunities in our Village. Register at: floralparkchamber.org

Enjoy the spring sunshine, and SHOP AND DINE LOCAL, especially at our new businesses, right here in Floral Park and Stewart Manor!

Trustee Frank Chiara Library

We are half way through April and there are lots of planned activities and events taking place in our Floral Park Library:

• On Friday, April 19th, from 3:30 PM to 5:30 PM the library is hosting a Teen Pop Up: Taylor Swift Album Release Party. This event will be held in the teen space to celebrate the release of Swift’s latest album, “The Tortured Poets Department”. Teens are invited to listen to the album with friends while making some on brand Swiftie swag.

• On Thursday, April 25th from 10:15 AM to 11:15 AM a representative from the Charles Evans Center Community Mental Health Promotion and Support Team will be at the library to provide a variety of health and wellness information to interested parties.

• On Friday, April 26th from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM the library is having a shredding event with Shred Away, Inc. You can shred up to a 5-box maximum.

• On Saturday, April 27th from 10:00 AM to 4:00

PM the Friends of The Library will be hosting its 4th Annual Lawn Sale. Stop by and enjoy some treasure hunting to find some unique hidden gems. There will be something there for everyone.

Details on these and other scheduled events can be found on the library’s website at www.floralparklibrary.org .

Blank Slate Media is conducting its 10th Annual Contest of “Best of Nassau County” for 2024. Our Village of Floral Park Library has been voted the “Best” for 3 years in a row. We are going for number 4! To vote you can go on the Library’s Website at www. floralparklibrary.org and click on the display banner to register your vote. You can also go to www.the-

island360.com/contest2024 to place a vote for our library and for other Floral Park treasures. You can vote daily to make it happen for the 4th year.

Fire Department

Tonight, we had the honor of hearing Chief Brian Hamerman’s final Floral Park Fire Department report as the Chief of the Department. He reported that the Fire Department is in good standing with 158 volunteer members. This year, the Department responded to 1,389 incidents. The Volunteer Members dedicated 2,456 hours to training in preparation for a variety of incidents they may face. Our Fire Department is ready to respond 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Chief Hamerman during his tenure was able to have the LOSAP contributions increased to the current max, benefiting its members and very importantly, encouraging more individuals to volunteer. He moved to have a new training center built and with the assistance of his staff, he was successful.

He performed honorably as the leader of the Department. His positive, professional, and self-assured demeanor made it easy for the members to have confidence in his ability to lead the Department.

His volunteer service to our community dates back 23 years. Chief Hamerman is a volunteer firefighter, a leader, a mentor and a friend to many in the Department. He is a perfect example of what it is to be a volunteer, serving and giving back to his community.

Thank You Chief Hamerman and also a special thanks to his family for supporting him while he volunteered his service to our Village.

Tonight, the new Fire Chief Staff was sworn in: Chief of the Department Salvatore Arrigo1st Assistant Chief Gilbert Luger2st Assistant Chief Eric O’Conner3rd Assistant Chief William Lauria4th Assistant Chief Fredrick Sangen

Congratulations to our new Chiefs. We wish them all the best and a safe tenure.

Trustee Jennifer Stewart

Thank you to the Floral Park Little League for inviting us to participate in the Little League Parade and Festival. Thank you to all the volunteers who make our Little League such a wonderful place for our children to grow and play ball. Well done to fellow Trustee Mike Longobardi for his perfect ceremonial first pitch! I wish all players, coaches, Board members, and parents a wonderful season.

4VS

The one show I would like to highlight this week is the Community Spotlight. Our neighbors to the West, Bellerose Village are celebrating their Centennial Anniversary this year and 4VS diligently put together a wonderful testimonial. I encourage all of you to watch and wish them a Happy Centennial Anniversary.

DPW

Our beautiful veteran banners are being hung along Tulip Avenue, South Tyson and Elizabeth Streets, with the remainder to be hung prior to our Memorial Day Celebrations. A big thank you to Village Clerk Susan Walsh for all her work on this amaz-

ing project.

Additionally, all Village buildings have been cleaned and maintained, and the Village Hall bathroom is being refurbished. Our Sanitation Crews collected 65 tons of household waste, 8 tons of paper, 5 tons of plastics and glass as well as 14 tons of bulk rubbish. The Highway Department has swept all roads, filled pot holes on the south side and Remsen sections, milled and paved the Stewart Street/ Terrace Avenue cut-through; all snow equipment has been cleaned and thankfully stored for the season. The Parks Department is continuing to clean up all Village Parks; a beautification project has begun in the Woodbine Parking Lot, and the three flags have been replaced at Centennial Gardens.

This past Wednesday, the Board met at Memorial Park to celebrate Arbor Day 2024 with a ceremonial planting of a beautiful Red Maple near the Plainfield Avenue and Tulip Avenue intersection.

As you heard as we moved the agenda, the Village has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding with the CSEA Supervisors Unit through May of 2027.

LIRR/MTA

Yesterday, the LIRR/MTA informed the Village that there will be no train service between Floral Park and Hempstead for the weekends of April 20th and 21st as well as April 27th and 28th. We expect some trains to be idling in and around the Floral Park Station. As always, please reach out to the MTA/LIRR at MTA.info with questions and concerns.

Trustee Michael Longobardi Building Department

Construction continues at the former Centennial Hall site as the walls and supports have started to rise. Projected timeline for the project is approximately 12 months. Permits are issued and construction is expected to start on the Covert Avenue fire property pending the IDA the Mayor outlined tonight. The Architectural Review Board held a meeting on March 27th to review the aesthetics of the proposed houses at the subdivision at 32 Orchid. Since the plans are all within code requirements and the developers were receptive to the changes the board proposed to help blend it with the character of our village, the subdivision has been approved. The next meeting of the Architectural Review Board will be Wednesday at 8 PM at the pool building. Among the applications will be the proposed restaurant at 99 Covert Avenue and a review of some basic modifications to the plan.

If you are planning any construction or renovations to your commercial or residential property, please reach out to the building department for help and guidance. They have a wealth of knowledge and information on building code requirements and safety factors, which are an extremely important part of any of your renovation or improvement undertaking.

Recreation and Pool

Little League is open. This past Saturday, our little leaguers along with coaches and family marched through town to the recreation center for the Opening Day Parade and Ceremony starting our 2024 little league season. While the weather did not fully cooperate, it was a great opening day and great to see so many turn out for a fun family event. I had the honor of throwing out the first pitch to open the season; thank you for that. Thank you to the American Legion color guard for leading the parade, Floral Park Fire Department for participating, Floral Park Police Department for organizing and securing the parade route and, most important, the league board and coaches for all their tireless dedication to the kids and little league to make the parade and season happen every year.

This week the annual summer recreation booklet 2024 has been published. This book has a list of everything from summer programs at the park, to pool information, registration forms, special event nights at the pool, calendars and more. The book is available on the Village website at fpvillage.org, in the pool building lobby, and it has been posted on Continued on Page 39

Village board members and the new fire chief staff sworn in on April 16.

F.P. board April 16 meeting reports

Continued from Page 38

various social media pages. There is a QR code you can scan to have full access to the book. The pool building is open 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM Monday to Friday for information and registration.

Town-Village Aircraft Safety & Noise Abatement Committee (TVASNAC)

The next meeting will be at 7:00 PM on Monday May 20, 2024 at Hempstead Town Hall, One Washington Street, Hempstead. If you want to make a noise complaint regarding air traffic, you can call 1-800-225-1071. You can also go to the Village website at fpvillage.org which has the links under the TVASNAC Noise Complaint Contact Information Page on our home page.

Mayor Kevin Fitzgerald

Prior to the start of the meeting, Mayor Fitzgerald announced the retirement of Village Clerk Susan Walsh. On behalf of the current and previous Board Members he thanked her for her time, energy, and commitment that she has devoted to the Village and the class she brought to every event held at the Village during her tenure. Wishing her good luck in retirement and expressing gratitude for her service, she was presented with a large bouquet of flowers.

As a response to the approval of the Host Community Benefits Agreement between the Village of Floral Park and The Hillcrest of Floral Park LLC (owner of property located at 41-61 Covert Avenue) Mayor Fitzgerald made the following announcement:

As previously reported, the owner of the Covert Avenue fire property, The Hillcrest of Floral Park LLC, received the Nassau County approvals required in order for the Village to issue the building permits. We look forward to this project getting under way and, most importantly, we look forward to its completion which will be a positive addition to the Village for years to come.

Several weeks ago, the Village was informed that The Hillcrest of Floral Park LLC would seek financial assistance in connection with their financing of the project through the Town of Hempstead Industrial Development Agency (IDA). Financial assistance through the Town of Hempstead IDA involves granting the owner relief from sales taxes and building materials and also involves Payments-in-Lieu-of Taxes (PILOTs) in place of the payments of real property taxes by the owner.

There is limited ability by local governments within these laws, such as the Village, to oppose granting tax benefits by the IDA to the property owner. Nonetheless, the Village Board, administration and the special counsel that the Village hired for this matter (Spellman, Gibbons, Pollizi, Truncale & Trentacoste, LLP) worked over the last several weeks to secure a Host Community Benefits Agreement to protect the revenue for the Village that could be anticipated from this project and which will be necessary to pay for the property owner’s fair share of Village services going forward.

Under this proposed Agreement, in addition to the PILOT payments that the Village will receive from the Town of Hempstead IDA, we will receive payments directly from the property owner. These combined payments will roughly equal over the term of the PILOT the Village tax payments projected for this property. In this way, under the Host Community Benefits Agreement, this project can move forward towards completion while, at the same time, this development will bear its fair share of the costs for essential services it receives from the Village.

While there may be some debate as to the positive and negative aspects of these IDA projects on the larger county-wide level, in the Village Board’s opinion there is very little question that, for the community in which the IDA project is located, there are very real costs for providing essential services to the development.

The Town of Hempstead IDA will be holding a hearing at the Floral Park Village Hall to take comments on The Hillcrest of Floral Park LLC’s IDA Application as a whole on April 30th at 10:00 am.

This afternoon I reached out to NYRA on behalf of the Northend Civic Association and the NYRA Director of Community Affairs will be at the Northend Meeting on Thursday, April 18, 2024. I also reached out the President of the Westend Civic Association who will send an email out to his members reminding them of the event. I’m sure NYRA will be back many times over the next couple of years to update the community of what is going on with the track. I also wanted to mention that demolition of the Grand Stand did begin.

Happenings at Hillside Public Library

PROGRAMS and EVENTS

Art Class: Sashiko Embroidery – All Purpose Room

Friday, April 26, 2 – 4 p.m. This traditional Japanese embroidery and stitching is currently trending and making quite a fashion statement, and is a great way to upcycle and improve your favorite clothing that may need an upgrade. Bring a pair of denim jeans, a tote bag or any stiff fabric to work on. Dark fabrics work better for this class. The library will provide all other supplies, including a coaster sample, fabric and stencils. Beginners through Advanced Welcome! Learn the basics, plus making knots.

PLEASE NOTE:Your registration will be CANCELED if the materials fee payment ($5.00, cash) is not received by Monday, April 22, 2024.

Movie! Spaceballs - Rating:PG. All Purpose Room

Sunday, April 28 at 1 p.m. Join us in preparation for Star Wars day with this classic Star Wars parody! “A rogue pilot and his best friend team with a princess to help her save her planet when an evil space commander wants to steal all the planet’s air in this “Star Wars” spoof.”

Classic Book Club – All Purpose Room

Wednesday, May 1 at 6:30 p.m. The book being discussed is: Age of Innocence by Edith Wharton. “A love story set in late 19th century New York City. It tells the story of Newland Archer, a young lawyer, and his struggle between his arranged marriage to a beautiful but conventional woman and his passionate love for her cousin, the scandalous Countess Ellen Olenska.”

Pressed Flower Art Workshop – All Purpose Room

Friday, May 3 at 2 p.m. Celebrate “National Hug Your Cat Day” on May 30th with this beautiful blue floral feline! Artist and librarian Susan Barell will teach you how to press fresh flowers and then demonstrate her collage technique of arranging, placing and affixing delicate pressed flowers into a wonderful design. Patrons aged 18+ only.

PLEASE NOTE:Your registration will be CANCELED if the materials fee payment ($5.00, cash) is not received by Monday, April 22.

Star Wars Day – Saturday, May 4. Star Wars Day BB-8 Plate Craft – Children’s Modular Room 10:15 a.m. Create your very own BB-8 droid companion!

Star Wars Day Lightsaber Making Craft – 1st Floor Modular Room at 10:15 a.m. Create your very own pool noodle lightsaber! Will you create your very own Jedi lightsaber? Or, are you a Sith Lord in disguise?

Star Wars Day Trivia – All Purpose Room at 11 a.m. Join us for some Star Wars Trivia! Register your team to test your Star Wars knowledge and compete against others. Each team can have up to 6 members, and only one member of the team should register. Winners will win prizes!

Star Wars Day BB-8 Plate Craft – Children’s Modular Room at 11:15 a.m. and 12:15 p.m. Create your very own BB-8 droid companion!

Star Wars Day Lightsaber Making Craft — 1st Floor Modular Room at 12:15 p.m.

Floral Park Library events in May

The Library hit a high “note” last month with the successful Taylor Swift Album Release Party Teen Pop Up. No “torturing” Floral Park teens to attend and collect their Swiftie swag!

This month, the teens can choose a Community Service program, a Teen Craft Takeover for grades 6 – 12 and the monthly meetup of the Baby-sitters Club Book Club featuring Dawn and the Impossible Three. Children’s May offerings include: Play Hooray with Molly Mouse, A Time for Kids Baby Start and Family Pre-School Hour, Fun with the Pom Pom Queen (grades 3 – 5), and Toddler Time (18 months – Pre-K).

There’s also a Very Hungry Caterpillar Storytime (2.5 years — Pre-School). For Mother’s Day, a Storycraft and a special Chef’s of d’Future (1st – 5th grades).

Wednesday’s weekly Hybrid Chair Yoga remains a popular program, as does the two-session Spring Jewelry Craft with Cathy Buckley, and the two remaining Mah Jongg sessions.

Empire Safety Council Defensive Driving is May 9th. Registration opens April 21st. This month’s movie matinee is “The Holdovers.”

Booked solid Cinco de Mayo with the Charcuterie Queen promises to be wonderful – and taste full! Dr. Carla Natalucci-Hall offers a talk and tips for Dealing with the Fear of Public Speaking, too.

The wonderful Made with Love Knitting and Crocheting group meets Mondays at 6:30 pm and Wednesdays at 11:00 am. No registration necessary; no formal instruction provided. New members always welcome!

The Library Board meets Thursday, May 16 at 7:30 pm. The public is welcome to attend. Friends of the Floral Park Library Book Club meets Monday, May 6, and the Evening Edition Book Club on May 9. One-to-one tech help for tablets, smartphones, laptops and Kindles is available for our Floral Park patrons by appointment only (floralparktechhelp@ gmail.com). You can also schedule a one-to-one career consultation (résumé review, LinkedIn audit, Interview prep and Job Search advice) with Career Coach ellen o’brien.

Call the Library (516 326-6330) to check days and times for the Book Nook. All sales of books, DVDs, etc. support the Friends of the Floral Park Library, a 501c3 organization.

For more information on dates and times, events registration and program details, visit the library website, floralparklibrary.org, call 516 326-6330, or visit us at 17 Caroline Place. All events and programs are subject to change and/or cancellation.

Follow us on Facebook (floralparklibrary), Twitter (@fplibrary17), or Instagram (fplibarary, 17, floralparkchildrens, fpplteens).

Yuan donates painting of G.N. Library

The Great Neck Library would like to express our gratitude to Professor Yuan for creating a beautiful painting of the Main Library.

The painting is on display at the Main Library. Yuan has also lent his artistic skills to support programming at the library, including our Lunar New Year event and Calligraphy class.

Graduated from Suzhou Fine Arts College, Professor Yuan Yixin studied under the famous flower and bird painters Xinjia Zhang and Jixin Zhang of the Wuwen School of Painting in China. Professor Yuan has been engaged in art education for more than 30 years and once served as the executivedirector of the Suzhou Art Education Society.

The painting is on display at the Great Neck Li-

brary main level, 159 Bayview in Great Neck. For more information, please contact Great Neck Library at (516) 466-8055 or email adultprogramming@ greatnecklibrary.org.

Professor Yuan, Great Neck Library board of trustee, Library Director Denise Corcoran, and friends

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

Town of North HempsteadBoard of Zoning Appeals

Pursuant to the provisions of the Code of the Town of North Hempstead, NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Board of Zoning Appeals of said Town will meet at Town Hall, 220 Plandome Road, Manhasset, New York, on Wednesday, May 8, 2024 to consider any matters that may properly be heard by said Board, and will hold a public hearing on said date to consider applications and appeals. The following cases will be called at said public hearing starting at 10:00am.

APPEAL #21543 - Richard & Alba Pagan; 95 Primrose Drive, New Hyde Park, Section 8, Block 308, Lot 14; Zoned: Residence-B Variance from §70-42.6 to legalize an expanded driveway (paving) that covers too much of the front yard.

APPEAL #21547 – JNP Holdings Inc. (Jonathan’s Restaurant); 3000 Jericho Tpke., New Hyde Park; Section 9, Block 612, Lot 50; Zoned: Business-A Variance § 70-196(J)(1)(b) to legalize wall signs that are too tall and too big. Plans are available for public viewing at https://northhempsteadny.gov/ bza.  Persons interested in viewing the full file may do so by any time before the scheduled hearing by contacting the BZA department via e-mail at BZAdept@northhempsteadny. gov.  Additionally, the public may view the live stream of this meeting at https://northhempsteadny.gov/ townboardlive. Any member of the public is able to attend and participate in a BZA hearing by appearing on the scheduled date and time.  Comments are limited to 3 minutes per speaker. Written comments are accepted by email up to 60 minutes prior to the hearing. Timely comment submissions will be made part of the record. DAVID MAMMINA, R.A., Chairman; Board of Zoning Appeals

Plaintiff, vs.

LOIS SERRA, ET AL., Defendant(s). Pursuant to an Order Confirming Referee Report and Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered on May 30, 2019, an Order Amending Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered on February 7, 2022 and a Short Form Order duly entered on September 8, 2022, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction on the front steps on the north side of the Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on May 14, 2024 at 2:30 p.m., premises known as 31 Maple Drive West, New Hyde Park, NY 11040. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being at New Hyde Park, Town of North Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York, Section 8., Block 340 and Lot 17. Approximate amount of judgment is $511,295.36 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index # 008443/2015. This foreclosure sale will be held on the north side steps of the Courthouse, rain or shine. COVID19 safety protocols will be followed at the foreclosure sale. If proper social distancing cannot be maintained or there are other health or safety concerns, the Court Appointed Referee will cancel the sale. Cindy Cheung, Esq., Referee Friedman Vartolo LLP, 85 Broad Street, Suite 501, New York, New York 10004, Attorneys for Plaintiff. Firm File No.: 182424-1

PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that on April 16, 2024, the Board of Trustees of the Village of Floral Park, in the County of Nassau, New York, adopted a bond resolution entitled: “Bond Resolution of the Village of Floral Park, New York, adopted April 16, 2024, authorizing the construction of a concrete walkway connecting Tulip Avenue to the Spur parking lot, stating the estimated maximum cost thereof is $330,000, appropriating said amount for such purpose, and authorizing the issuance of bonds in the principal amount of not to exceed $330,000 to finance said appropriation,” an abstract of such bond resolution, concisely stating the purpose and effect thereof, being as follows:

FIRST:  AUTHORIZING the Village of Floral Park, New York to issue bonds in a principal amount not to exceed $330,000 pursuant to the Local Finance Law of the State of New York, to finance the construction of a concrete walkway connecting Tulip Avenue to the Spur parking lot, including any ancillary or related work required in connection therewith;

SECOND:  STATING that the estimated maximum cost thereof, including preliminary costs and costs incidental thereto and the financing thereof, is $330,000; appropriating said amount for such purpose; and STATING that the plan of financing includes the issuance of bonds in a principal amount not to exceed $330,000 to finance said appropriation, and the levy and collection of taxes on all the taxable real property in the Village to pay the principal of said bonds and the interest thereon as the same shall become due and payable;

THIRD:  DETERMINING and STATING the period of probable usefulness applicable to the purpose for which said bonds are authorized to be issued is ten (10) years; the proceeds of said bonds and any bond anticipation notes issued in anticipation thereof may be applied to reimburse the Village for expenditures made after the effective date of this bond resolution for the purpose for which said bonds are authorized; and the proposed maturity of said bonds will exceed five (5) years;

FOURTH:  DETERMINING that said bonds and any bond anticipation notes issued in anticipation of said bonds and the renewals of said bond anticipation notes shall be general obligations of the Village; and PLEDGING to their payment the faith and credit of the Village;

FIFTH:  DELEGATING to the Village Treasurer the powers and duties as to the issuance of said bonds, and any bond anticipation notes issued in anticipation of said bonds, or the renewals thereof;

and

SIXTH:  STATING the conditions under which the validity of the bonds may be contested; and

SEVENTH:  DETERMINING that the bond resolution is subject to a permissive referendum.

Susan E. Walsh Village Clerk

DATED: April 26, 2024

NOTICE OF SALE  SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU ONEWEST BANK, FSB, Plaintiff

AGAINST RAYMOND ARROYO, JR. A/K/A RAYMOND J. ARROYO, JR., SYLVIA P. CRUZ, ET AL., Defendant(s)   Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered October 17, 2016, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the North Side steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on May 21, 2024 at 2:00PM, premises known as 301 TULIP AVENUE, FLORAL PARK, NY 11001.  All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements erected, situate, lying and being in the Incorporated Village of Floral Park, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York, Section 32, Block 256, Lot 251253.  Approximate amount of judgment $847,127.50 plus interest and costs.  Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #017077/2009.  The aforementioned auction will be conducted in accordance with the NASSAU County COVID-19 mitigation protocols and as such all persons must comply with social distancing, wearing masks and screening practices in effect at the time of this foreclosure sale. If proper social distancing cannot be maintained or there are other health or safety concerns, then the court appointed referee will cancel the foreclosure auction. Foreclosure Auctions will be held "Rain or Shine". Leo McGinity, Esq., Referee   Gross Polowy, LLC 1775 Wehrle Drive Williamsville, NY 14221   16-000133 80132

Where no bid is made, the tax lien shall be deemed to have been sold to and purchased by the Incorporated Village of Floral Park.

▼ EMPLOYMENT, SITUATION WANTED, MARKETPLACE

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

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.

notice: All

tate 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.

A.T. STEWART EXCHANGE

SHOP 516-746-8900

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

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

Parikh to head Northwell’s Women’s Heart Program

After a nationwide search, Dr. Nisha Parikh has been named the system director of the Women’s Heart Program for Northwell Health’s Cardiovascular Institute and the Katz Institute for Women’s Health.

Parikh brings a wealth of experience with her to the role.

help take our system-wide Women’s Heart Program to the next level.”

“Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in women, but women remain understudied and misdiagnosed,” said Dr. Stacey Rosen,senior vice president of the Katz Institute for Women’s Health.

In this newly created position, Parikh will oversee the Women’s Heart Program and integrate initiatives across Northwell Health facilities. She will be implementing new policies and procedures to enhance patient care, and will also be furthering academic research and teaching initiatives.

“I’m so excited and honored to be joining Northwell Health as the system’s first director of the Women’s Heart Program,” said Parikh. “Northwell has an incredible reach that will allow us to bring life-saving treatments to so many women. And, I’m also looking forward to working with my new colleagues, who are all experts in their fields.

“The possibility to improve women’s cardiac care at the time of pregnancy is very important to me,” Parikh continued. “Especially at a time when our maternal mortality rates in the US are really high – and a leading cause of that is cardiovascular disease.”

Parikh comes to Northwell Health from the University of California, San Francisco, where she focused on women’s

heart disease and cardiac imaging.

She received her undergraduate and master’s degrees from the University of California, Berkely, and her medical degree from New York Medical College.

She trained in internal medicine at Tufts Medical Center and in cardiology at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, both located in Boston. She performed a research fellowship at the Framingham Heart Study in Massachusetts.

“Dr. Nisha Parikh is a world-class clinician, investigator, educator and leader,” said Dr. Jeffrey Kuvin,professor and chair of cardiology and co-executive director of Northwell’s Cardiovascular Institute. “We are thrilled to welcome Dr. Parikh to Northwell and are confident that she will

“Northwell Health is committed to improving the health of women across their lifespan. We are thrilled that after a national search, Dr. Nisha Parikh has joined as our health system’s director of the Women’s Heart Program, working collaboratively with Northwell’s Cardiovascular Institute and Katz Institute for Women’s Health to make a difference for our patients and our communities.”

In addition to treating patients, Parikh has published research on adverse pregnancy outcomes, reproductive health, cardiovascular risk stratification and biomarkers, and health equity. She is also a member of multiple leadership committees at the American Heart Association and has published important peer-reviewed manuscripts.

As system director of the Women’s Heart Program, Parikh said she wants to expand cardiac services for women throughout the course of their lives. She also plans to develop a chest pain program that will allow better diagnoses and treatment of coronary artery disease in women.

2 Old Westbury students earn Chancellor’s Awards

SUNY Old Westbury seniors Agustin Beas Romero and Colette Vaughan have been selected as 2024 State University of New York Chancellor’s Award for Student Excellence recipients, the highest honor bestowed upon students in the SUNY system. The students received the honor at the award ceremony on April 11 in Albany.

The Chancellor’s Award for Student Excellence acknowledges students who have demonstrated the integration of academic excellence with other facets of their lives, including leadership, community service, campus involvement, and career, athletic, or creative achievement.

“There is a place at SUNY for every New Yorker, and each year we come together to herald and celebrate the achievements of a diverse group of some of SUNY’s most accomplished students,” said SUNY Chancellor King. “This year’s winners include firstgeneration students, researchers, a single mother and grandmother, a cancer survivor, international students hailing from over 16 nations, athletes, and a student who worked with NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center— among so many more with inspiring stories of excellence in the classroom and beyond. It is my honor to celebrate the achievements of the nearly 200 CASE awardees as they inspire others and illustrate what is possible with a SUNY education.”

Agustin Beas Romero, from Brentwood with a bachelor of arts in biological sciences in May. He has been on the Dean’s List with a current GPA of 3.98 and is a member of the Tau Sigma, a national honor society recognizing academic excellence in transfer students.

Beas Romero, a member of the Collegiate Science and Technology Entry Program,has been praised for his academic skills and work as an undergraduate researcher for Dr. Zulema Cabail.

Due to his research efforts, Beas Romero earned a travel award to attend the Annual Biomedical Research Conference for Minoritized Students and presented at various conferences including the Old Westbury Institute for Cancer Research and Education, and the annual Metropolitan Association of College and University Biologists. He also serves as a volunteer at the Smithtown Gospel Tabernacle, where he is a member of their Medical Emergency Response Team.

Colette Vaughan, a psychology major from Franklin Square, will graduate with a bachelor of arts in May with a 4.0 GPA. She is a member of the Omicron Delta Kappa National Honor Society and the Tau Sigma Transfer Honor Society, and has earned an inaugural Old Westbury Social Justice Writing Award during her time at Old Westbury.

Vaughan, a DACA recipient, was the keynote speaker at The Dream. US scholarship award ceremony on-campus.

In addition to her published work in Discordia, the Old Westbury English Department’s scholarly journal, Vaughan has been an undergraduate researcher with Erik Benau and Marty Cooper conducting studies on implicit biases, and suicide risk. She is a peer teaching assistant and volunteer with Pride for Youth.

PHOTO PROVIDED BY NORTHWELL HEALTH Nisha Parikh

Final state budget boosts school aid on LI

Continued from Page 1

Some school districts that conduct pre-K with an external school have said these funds go directly to the preschool and are not seen at all by the district.

Of the 11 school districts on the North Shore, the only one to face a drop is New Hyde Park-Garden City Park with 1.99% fewer state aid funds. In total, they will receive $11,804,464, or $239,271 less than the prior year.

While receiving a nearly 2% drop, the New Hyde Park-Garden City Park was initially proposed to get a 2.13% decrease in state aid under the governor’s first proposal.

The Port Washington School District and the Mineola School District were both also proposed to receive a decrease in state aid under the governor’s initial proposal, but will now receive increases.

For Port Washington, this is a jump from

a 0.61% decrease to a 1.12% increase. This amounts to a total of $20,966,339, or $231,411 more funds than the prior year.

The Port Washington Board of Education adopted its $194.5 million budget for the next school year – which includes a 4.55% tax increase exceeding the allowable tax cap – before the state passed its budget.

Port Washington Board of Education President Adam Smith said at the meeting to adopt the budget that a session would be held to discuss any budget changes in light of changing state aid. It is unknown if such a meeting will be held yet.

The Mineola School District was also initially given a 0.63% state aid cut, but under the adopted state budget it will be getting a 1.91% increase. It will receive a total of $15,129,946, a $284,067 increase.

Two school districts, though, will be seeing drops in their state aid from what the governor

proposed yet still maintain overall increases. This includes the Roslyn School District going from a 10.17% increase to 10.15%, and Floral Park-Bellerose School District from a 4.97% increase to 4.18%.

The other school districts receiving increases in their state aid compared to the governor’s initial proposal are East Williston from 4.69% to 6.24%, Great Neck from 3.65% to 5.92%, Herricks from 6.58% to 8.32%, North Shore from 5.27% to 8.01% and Sewanhaka from 1.57% to 1.6%.

A total of $2,037,180,728 in state aid funding is being allocated to Nassau County schools, an increase of $109,615,547 from the prior year. This is $18,879,962 greater than what the governor proposed for the country in January.

Long Island school districts will be receiving $5,049,335,320 in state aid, a 4.24% increase from the prior year.

Pilip, Strauss pressed on Blakeman’s ‘militia’

Continued from Page 2

Margolis questioned what ensures the special deputy sheriffs will not be posted on Election Day.

Strauss emphasized that the special deputy sheriffs are undergoing thorough, strict background checks conducted by the county police department.

“Certainly, anybody who is a private citizen and has a licensed firearm, you know what you go through,” Strauss said. “Now they’re going to have peace officer status…so that’s even stricter. They have to be even more thorough.”

The legislators and residents bounced back and forth on the topic, with Margolis yelling to ask the legislators more questions.

A longtime Nassau County resident named Janet said the program requires more community input.

“Without haranguing and harassing, I want you to take this back to the table and really understand the community wants a lot more discussion on this…and on a lot of different levels

object to deputized people who are not professional police,” Janet said to Pilip and Strauss.

Janet said she understands there are political motivations behind legislators’ support of the special deputy sheriff program.

“We have no political agenda. The only agenda that I have and Mazi has is to do the very best we can for everybody in this audience and the people watching this at home and our residents who are not here,” Strauss said. “That’s my only agenda.”

One resident, Mike, spoke out against the Las Vegas Sands proposal to build a luxury resort-casino at the Nassau Hub, near the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum.

Supporters of the proposal argue that the casino will turn a dead zone into a moneymaker, providing ample job opportunities for residents.

But other Nassau County residents strongly oppose the casino plan. The Say No to the Casino Civic Association called the casino “predatory” and a harm to the community, claiming that it has little support outside of the Nassau

County Legislature.

Mike said he has a problem with a casino being built so close to Hofstra University.

“It is my position that it should never happen. We don’t need a large gambling outlet in the middle of a college campus,” Mike said. “That’s a very, very bad thing to do.”

But Pilip said the casino could benefit the local economy.

“The casino thing came to the floor and I can tell you 18 of the legislators supported this idea because the casino part is maybe 10% of this, but if you really look into the entire plan, it’s really going to help develop and bring our economy in a better place for Nassau County,” said Pilip, who represents District 10. “The amount of opportunities for new jobs was really big.”

Strauss chimed in, arguing that gambling addiction is a possible problem despite a physical casino.

“I was at a hockey game the other night and the person two seats next to me was gambling

on the game on his cellphone,” Strauss said. “I don’t think that having a casino in place, a physical mortar casino in place, is going to affect any gambling addictions when you can sit in the comfort of your home and not even leave the house and gamble away your life savings.”

The Las Vegas Sands proposal is competing for one downstate casino gaming license against other bids, including a plan by Hard Rock and New York Mets owner Steve Cohen to build a casino on the Citi Field parking lot. A winning bid has not yet been announced.

On another issue, Bill Cutrone, president of the Lakeville Estates civic, announced that the trade company suspected of illegally storing building materials at 2024 Hillside Ave. has vacated the property.

Cutrone said pushing out the trade company was the result of a “joint effort” between the civic, the fire marshal, the Garden City Park Fire Department, the Town of North Hempstead and the county. He said he does not yet know of any plans for the property.

NHP presents plans for new community center

Continued from Page 3

came from village taxes, which were raised two years ago and the other half came from grants, Devane said.

The village plans to take out bonds to fund the rest of the project, Devane said.

An interior rendering of the building included a folding wall divider in the main meeting room, much like sliding accordion walls included in large hotel ballrooms.

“The reason behind that is so multiple organizations can meet at the same time,” Devane said. “That way if the Cub Scouts say, ‘We have a meeting tonight,’ we don’t have to shut down the entire community center just for the Cub Scouts.”

The main meeting room will have an audiovisual system, including speakers available for presentations.

A kitchenette with a refreshment area and

a small conference room are included in the interior plans.

The plans include a community lounge to be used seven days a week as a more casual meeting spot, with some couches, tables and chairs, Devane said.

“If seniors want to come, we’re going to have a TV there. Talk about current day events or whatever the situation is. That’s always going to be open,” Devane said. “Obviously, on the

weekend it becomes a little bit more complicated just because we don’t have employees here to open it up, but we can work that out.”

Community organizations can still use that smaller space to meet upon request.

Solar roof panels are currently not included in the building plans, but the roof will be built so it is capable of holding solar panels if the village decides to add them in the future, Guido said.

Sewanhaka appoints Agrusa as superintendent

Continued from Page 3

Capital costs are projected to increase 9.03% or $2.6 million, O’Brien said. These costs will cover projects including bathroom renovations, new sidewalks, door replacements, new fences, gym ceiling repairs, a new library carpet and more across the district.

Administration is already planning ahead to next year, when they might increase their use of reserves and fund balances and issue retirement incentives to eligible employees, O’Brien said.

“Given some of the pressures we confronted, it is a sound budget that continues our mission and stays below

the tax cap,” Dolan said.

The board will hold a budget hearing May 8. Residents are set to vote on the budget May 21.

Board members said they are still debating a new mascot to replace the Sewanhaka High School’s Indian mascot.

In April 2023, the New York Board of Regents voted to ban school districts from using Native American mascots, team names, logos and depictions. School districts with Native American mascots are required to make a change by the end of the 2023-2024 school year. The Sewanhaka board voted in May to discard the high school’s mascot.

Board member said they are still gathering input from community members on possible new mascots.

“We have just a bit more work to do. However, I am confident that we will be able to announce a recommended new mascot for Sewanhaka High School at our May 28 meeting,” Dolan said.

PHOTO COURTESY OF WIKIMEDIA COMMONS

Gov. Kathy Hochul.

Incumbents challenged in FP-Bellerose race

Continued from Page 2

For the vice president spot, both the incumbent O’Donohue and challenger Grein said they believe their career experiences make them a perfect fit for the board.

O’Donohue said she brings her own unique career experiences to the table.

“My career as a nurse has given me a unique perspective that I am pleased to share with the Board of Education, as well as the staff and families of our community,” O’Donohue said in a statement. “It is important to have a board with different viewpoints and one that is not entirely made up of educators.”

O’Donohue is a lifelong Floral Park resident who has served as a trustee on the Floral Park-Bellerose board during the past three years. She graduated from Floral Park Memorial High School and went on to achieve a bachelor’s degree and master’s degree in nursing.

O’Donohue has three children in the district, a freshman at Floral Park Memorial High School and a fourth grader and first grader at John Lewis Childs School.

She has served as a member of the

district strategic planning committee, president of the Wednesday Mother’s Club, board member for Liz’s Day, treasurer for Pack 482 Cub Scouts and Girl Scout troop leader.

She is a member of the John Lewis Childs PTA and the Floral Park-Bellerose PTA.

One standout accomplishment O’Donohue mentioned is the districtwide communication improvements during her three years as a trustee, such as offering board meetings via Zoom and hosting family meets and greets at all grade levels.

O’Donohue did not comment on the adopted district budget in her statement.

“In the future, I hope to have the Floral Park-Bellerose school district be the leader in educational excellence for all children. I want our district to be the one other districts look to as an example,” O’Donohue said in a statement. “With our excellent staff and strong community support, we have the capability to achieve anything for the betterment of our children.”

Challenger Grein said her extensive educational experience makes her a good fit for the board. She said she moved to Floral Park in 2019 with her

husband and three young children. Her youngest twins are in pre-kindergarten and her oldest is in kindergarten in the Floral Park-Bellerose School District, she said.

Her husband was raised in Floral Park and she has grown to love the town and its sense of community.

“I knew he grew up in a really loving community that focuses on education … and I’ve been getting to know the community through my own eyes and my own experiences and have met some amazing people, some great friends,” Grein said.

Grein has worked a variety of jobs in the education industry. She was a teacher at public city schools in New York City and Boston, teaching first and second grade and working with special education teachers. She was the assistant principal at a school in Chicago, where she said the district was underperforming when she took the job and she left the school academically outperforming other nearby schools.

“It was around shifting the culture of belief around mathematics, an expanded definition of what it means to be good or smart at math, and then also providing a different form of in-

struction to kids, so that math was hands-on, engaging, connected to their life,” Grein said. “They felt like it had purpose.”

Her goal is to be a part of the same transformation in the Floral Park-Bellerose district.

As the district is preparing to implement a new math curriculum, Grein said she wants to get involved with the onboarding process of this new curriculum. She said she believes the curriculum resources in the district are not up to current research standards.

As far as the adopted budget, Grein said she does not have opinions on the budget yet.

“I would hope [residents would vote for me] if people are looking for someone with deep experience in education and fresh eyes to Floral Park,” Grein said.

During the trustee election, district residents will also be voting on the board’s adopted budget.

Floral Park-Bellerose board members adopted a proposed 2024-2025 budget of $39,539,684, which is up 1.72%, or $666,887, from the 20232024 budget of $38,872,797.

The proposed tax levy increase is

2.73%, which is under the state tax cap. This tax levy increase would cost taxpaying residents approximately $205 extra per calendar year, or $17 extra per month, Assistant Superintendent for Business Linda Macias said.

The district is expecting an increase in state aid. The adopted 20242025 budget estimates $9,804,446 in state aid, which is a 4.04% or $396,274 increase from the $9,408,172 in state aid included in the 2023-2024 budget.

The district will be seeing a drop in state aid from what Gov. Kathy Hochul initially proposed, yet will still maintain an overall increase. The district will go from a 4.97% increase to 4.18%, according to the state budget adopted by the New York State Legislature nearly three weeks late Saturday.

It is unclear how the new state budget will affect the current adopted budget.

Residents are set to vote on the budget and elect two trustee members on May 21 from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. at the John Lewis Childs School on Elizabeth Street in Floral Park and the Floral Park-Bellerose School on Larch Avenue in Floral Park.

Mineola’s Killer Body Fitness fights to survive

Continued from Page 8

In Florida, Cole had owned a tax office.

In early 2019, she ventured onto a new career path, becoming a dance fitness instructor, securing her personal training and cross-fit certifications and working at multiple gyms to build up clientele.

When she moved to New York, she worked as a trainer at multiple gyms in Nassau County.

When one of the gyms she was working in Floral Park went up for lease, it seemed like a perfect fit.

“I’m the first person to take advantage of any positive opportunity given to me,” Cole

said. “It was so easy for me to say, ‘Yeah, I’m a trainer now, but I can be a gym owner tomorrow.”

She took a leap of faith, asking the landlord if she could get a loan and take over the lease. Overnight, Cole became a gym owner.

Killer Body Fitness is a studio for women featuring strength training classes, core building and recovery classes, dance cardio classes and more.

The fitness center features two rooms: a studio where dance fitness classes partake and a gym for anyone who wants to do strength training.

Cole got the business idea from her own passion for fitness and her desire to help women who have never worked out before conquering that fear in a comfortable environment.

And the business name honors her late brother, Kevin Burton, who died at the age of 16. Killer Body shares his initials.

But Cole has struggled with her landlords.

“With my first space, I had a landlord who wasn’t legally my landlord. I found out during court that they didn’t even own my building,” Cole said. “They were illegally renting to me and they weren’t taking care of the building. We had leaks and mold issues.”

So Cole relocated to Mineola in 2020, hosting her grand opening just two weeks before all gyms were required to shut down due to the pandemic.

Killer Body did what it could to survive, maintaining some clientele remotely until inperson classes were permitted to resume.

Then her heating and air-conditioning problems began. Still Cole remains undeterred.

“Not everyone gets a second chance at living out their dreams,” Cole said. “The last thing I want is for an AC system to kill our community. We have to figure out a way to be able to keep this positive space for the women.”

Great Neck urologist faces sex abuse charges

Continued from Page 8

lawsuits claim it spanned more than two decades.

Paduch was arrested in April 2023 in a federal indictment.He faces up to life in prison if convicted of his charges.

Paduch is being held at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn as he awaits trial in Manhattan federal court. He pleaded not guilty to the charges.

Ten lawsuits have been filed against Paduch in New York State Supreme Court. A majority were filed in 2023, with two filed just this year.

The lawsuits are being presented by multiple “John Does,” with one lawsuit including 58 anonymous minors and adults alleging abuse.

One lawsuit states the alleged abuse is “almost indescribable,” but that Paduch “digitally-raped, fondled, groped, ogled, masturbated, objectified, and sodomized patients with both his ungloved hands as well as phallic shaped sex toys.”

Some victims are alleging that the abuse was

ongoing over multiple years, with one stating it occurred over five years while his patient, according to court documents. This victim was also a minor during the five years of alleged abuse.

“For nearly two decades, Defendant Darius A. Paduch pretended to practice medicine in the field of urology, while instead engaging in a career of racketeering, sexual exploitation, sexual abuse, and sex-trafficking of both minors and adults,” one lawsuit states. “During this time, defendant Darius A. Paduch acted as a disgusting, sadistic, and perverted sexual predator who used his esteemed and trusted position with “corporate defendants” to sexually groom, exploit, abuse, rape, molest, fondle, sodomize, and commit various acts of physical, verbal, and sexual assault and battery on thousands of patients, including the plaintiffs herein, all under the pretense of providing legitimate, medically necessary, medical care. [sic]”

Paduch is accused of grooming his patients to break down their boundaries, a lawsuit states.

“The overwhelming majority of people exposed to grooming in a medical setting will rationalize the bad-actor’s behavior as being somehow related to their actual healthcare needs,” according to one lawsuit. “In reality, the process has the effect of constantly breaking down patients’ normal and healthy boundaries. Once his patients were adequately “groomed” and their defenses were verbally, and increasingly physically, violated, Paduch was then able to physically, and sexually, exploit and abuse them at will.”

Paduch was also accused in the suits of performing unnecessary surgical procedures without anesthesia with the intent to inflict pain. It alleges that this was done to then give the patients “copious” doses of opioids to manipulate them for further abuse.

One lawsuit states the victim experienced “severe emotional and psychological distress, humiliation, fright, dissociation, anger, depression, anxiety, a severe shock to his nervous system, physical pain

and mental anguish, and emotional and psychological damage,” due to the alleged abuse.

The suits also are being brought forward against the hospitals, accusing them of negligence. One suit says Weill Cornell Medicine was aware or should have been aware of the alleged abuse that was occurring.

One lawsuit alleges the medical centers and their associated organizations – including Northwell Health – conspired with Paduch to shield the alleged abuse and sexual assault.

Allegations contend other healthcare employees were present in the room during some instances of abuse yet did not do anything to stop it.

Lawsuits state that multiple victims reported the alleged abuse to the hospitals before his arrest.

Newsday reported that Northwell Health – Paduch’s last employer – sent a letter on the date of his arrest to his patients stating he was no longer employed at the hospital. The letter does not state anything about his arrest.

LI’S HOME RUN CHAMP

Gianna Cerrone powers Manhasset girls with the long ball

BY MICHAEL J. LEWIS

Giana Cerrone was rounding third, heading from home, and the idea came to her.

So why not?

This was two years ago, at the beginning of her sophomore softball season at Manhasset. She’d just tattooed a ball from Garden City’s pitcher over the fence, for her first career varsity home run.

She was pumped. Jacked. Overcome with excitement. And she wanted to do something to remember the moment, and that all her teammates would remember to.

So about halfway to the plate, she performed an act Barry Bonds, Mark McGwire or Aaron Judge has never attempted.

She did a cartwheel. With her helmet on and everything.

“It was my first one!” she recalled the other day, sitting in the Manhasset dugout. “I missed home plate, but otherwise it was awesome.”

Not thinking it was so awesome? The Garden City coaches and players. As soon as she got back to the dugout, Manhasset coach Michael Lewis (no, not this story’s author) had a talk with his shortstop.

He explained that what she did could be perceived as showing up her opponents, and Cerrone immediately understood. And so in a great example of character, Cerrone apologized in the handshake line to each and every Garden City player, and their coaches.

“Just the kind of kid she is, because she definitely wasn’t doing it to show anyone up,” Lewis said. “She knew she was wrong and really felt bad about it.”

Since that first dinger, Cerrone has hit many more clouts over the fence, and last year she mashed her way into the record books.

Cerrone slugged 16 home runs last season, one shy of the Long Island record of 17, set by Bay Shore’s Darlene Anderson, according to the N.Y. State softball record book. She’s set a goal of 20 round-trippers this season, which would break the state record, and she’s off to a good start, with three homers in Manhasset’s first three games, all wins.

For Cerrone, the thrill of going deep hasn’t faded at all. But for her teammates…

“They don’t even come out of the dugout anymore (to congratu-

late me),” she said with a big laugh. “They’re like, eh, Giana hit another one, no big deal, we’ve seen it.”

While that’s probably an exaggeration, Manhasset players have gotten used to Cerrone’s greatness at the plate. Last season she batted .785 and drove in 77 runs, helping lead Manhasset to its first conference title

since 2009.

So, what does it feel like to smack a ball like it owes you money?

“The ball just seems bigger, and I was making good contact and it was just flying out of there,” Cerrone said. “And when you hit one, the feeling is kind of … indescribable. You just feel so powerful.”

Lewis said his slugger has improved each year since making varsity as a freshman and has become a role model for younger teammates.

“She’s gotten in the weight room and gotten really stronger, and she’s become a lot more flexible,” Lewis said. “The kids see her work ethic, and how she carries herself on the

field, and it really helps.”

When someone hits that many home runs in one season, it’s natural to ask: Why were teams pitching to her? Lewis tries to get around that by batting her leadoff, and with Cerrone’s speed, teams know that a walk to her likely means she’ll be on third with two stolen bases before they know it.

“After I hit one in a game they usually pitch behind me or way out of the strike zone,” Cerrone said. “Sometimes I have to get really aggressive and chase pitches. The better pitchers challenge me and it’s fun when that happens.”

For Cerrone, softball passion started in first grade, when she said everyone else she knew was playing lacrosse, but that sport wasn’t for her.

“Softball always seemed way more fun, and the bonding with your teammates lasts forever,” she said. “It’s funny, but softball is a game of failure, but we always find a way to succeed.”

As she grew, Cerrone started playing travel ball, and her skills improved so much that she actually made the Manhasset varsity as an 8th grader.

But after four days of practice in the spring of 2020, Covid-19 shut the season down. So she had to wait until the following year to make her debut, and she hasn’t been out of the lineup since.

College coaches have noticed, and she had some Division I offers. But Cerrone wanted to go to Syracuse University, an Atlantic Coast Conference team, to study business, and hopes to walk on to the team there. First, though, she’s doing a semester abroad in Spain this fall.

“I want to do business like my Dad, maybe buying and selling buildings,” Cerrone said.

“I really hope she plays (at Syracuse), because there’s no doubt she’s a Division I player,” Lewis said.

But first, the dream of hitting 20 homers awaits this spring. Cerrone is doubtful she’ll get it, but then again, she never thought she’d hit 16 last year.

One thing is for sure: If Cerrone hits 20 and sets a new state record? There will be cartwheels in her future.

PHOTO COURTESY OF MANHASSET H.S.

Manhasset senior Giana Cerrone led Long Island with 16 home runs last season.

7 marathons in 7 days for a cause

BY MICHAEL J. LEWIS

The legs get heavy. The knees start to ache. The brain fog sets in, because how could it not?

When you’re running hundreds of miles in a single week, towns blur and landmarks get foggy and the body screams out, ‘enough already!’

But Eva Casale keeps going. She keeps going because the thoughts of Gold Star families run through her head, and she thinks about them.

The sacrifices their family members have made, whether they fought in World War II, or Korea like her Dad, or in the Persian Gulf, or any of the conflicts America has been involved in over the years.

Those are the names, and faces Casale is thinking about as she pounds the pavement day after day, year after year.

“Every day I think about a different hero, because that’s why we do all this,” Casale said. “You meet their parents, or their siblings, and hear their stories, and it motivates you. I want to bring attention to all of them.”

Casale’s way of bringing attention is unique; since 2016, taking a year off in 2020 due to the pandemic, she and her team have run seven marathons in seven days.

Over the course of one week, Team E.V.A. (which stands for Every Veteran Appreciated) run for 184 miles, all across Suffolk and Nassau Counties.

They stop more than 300 times: at cemeteries, at roadside markers, anywhere there’s a plaque or sign commemorating a fallen hero.

Casale, who ran her first marathon at age

“Every day I think about a different hero, because that’s why we do all this... You meet their parents, or their siblings, and hear their stories, and it motivates you. I want to bring attention to all of them.”

— Eva Casale

18, is running this year from April 14-20. She began on April 14 after an opening ceremony at Town Hall in Huntington, and then wended and wound her way through Commack, Northport, Farmingdale, East Meadow, and many other towns on Long Island. On Saturday, April 20, she plans to finish at the Downtown Café in Glen Cove, her adopted hometown.

To date, Casale and Team E.V.A. have raised more than $350,000 since 2016, with the money going to Long Island veterans’ services and support.

Nearly 200 miles later, the dedication and accomplishment leaves many in awe.

“Her dedication to supporting and honoring Long Island’s veterans is truly commendable,” said Glen Cove mayor Pamela D. Panzenbeck.

Casale’s dedication to the cause has inspired many who’ve joined her on this journey over the years; from the beginning, in 2016, she wanted to honor veterans who often get forgotten by history.

“God gave me the gift of being able to run long distances, and I wanted to use it to bring attention to them,” Casale said. “There are so many veterans on Long Island who deserve to be appreciated and remembered.”

Casale began running as a kid, tagging along with her Dad in Brookhaven when he wanted to lose weight. Eventually, Eva’s dad lost weight and stopped running, but Eva never did.

After running the New York City Marathon at 18, Casale kept going and eventually started doing ultra-marathons, including a jaunt from Montauk to Manhattan that took 45 hours.

After doing some local races on Long Island that involved veterans, she began to hear family stories and got the idea for seven marathons in seven days.

At the start, Casale said locating and finding memorials to veterans on Long Island was key; in the first year she and her runners stopped at nearly 100 markers. Now, that number has swelled to greater than 300.

Some of the runners do short distances with Casale, others do an entire day’s worth. But whether it’s Casale with just a few compatriots or a few dozen, the rituals are the same: Stop at a marker, say a few words, lay down flowers or a wreath, and then move on to the next.

Every fallen hero they visit gets treated with the same dignity and respect.

“The families will often meet us there, and

they’re just so grateful we’re remembering their child or loved one,” she said. “There was one woman last year, her son was a Seargeant, and she waited for us for a long time and it was very emotional, speaking with her.”

Diana Bonacasa of Coram, whose son, staff sergeant Louis Boncasa of the New York National Air Guard, was killed in action in 2015, is one of the families Casale’s efforts has touched, and Bonacase was at the April 14 opening ceremony.

“Team E.V.A. is an exceptional group of people,” Bonacasa said. “When we have the appreciation in our hearts toward these courageous men and women, and complete a mission like the one that starts today, it shows the integrity of every member of the team.”

In addition to the mental challenge of running such a long distance, and the emotional toll as well, Casale’s body takes a pounding.

How does she handle the strain?

“Recovery Boots, I swear by them,” Casale said. “They re-circulate your blood, and I’ll put them on for a few hours each night and feel much better.

“Of course, I still am asleep by the time I get back to my driveway each night.”

Casale doesn’t know how much longer she’ll keep doing the 7 in 7 run; as long as her body holds up, she wants to keep on moving.

“It gets more difficult each year with the planning and everything, but I have a great team around me who help so much,” Casale said. “As long as I can keep running, I want to keep honoring these amazing men and women.”

PHOTO COURTESY OF TEAM E.V.A.

Eva Casale (right) of Glen Cove is once again running seven marathons in seven days to bring awareness to veterans issues.