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MANORGAVEN PROPOSES $5.4M BUDGET

Dems blast Blakeman trans ban

Question legality of executive order

BY CAMERYN OAKES

Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman signed an executive order Thursday morning barring transgender girls and women from competing on female sports teams that play at county facilities.

“It’s very important to me as county executive that we set a tone and tenor of respect for all people,” Blakeman said. “However, what we are finding out in the last few months is that there is a movement for biological males to bully their way into competing in sports or leagues or teams that identity themselves or advertise themselves as girls or female or women’s teams or leagues.

We find that unacceptable.”

Surrounded by young girls holding signs reading “protect women’s sports,” some wearing athletic attire and most elementary school-aged, Blakeman announced and signed his executive order Thursday morning.

The county executive said all sports teams using Nassau County facilities have to register under three categories, men’s and boys’, women’s and girls’ and co-ed.

Blakeman said that he is not aware of any incidents involving transgender athletes in Nassau County, but that the order is to get the county “ahead of the curve.”

Continued on Page 42

Port presents $196M draft budget

BY SAMUEL SCHULTZ

The Port Washington School District is proposing a preliminary 20242025 rollover budget which features a 6.8% increase from last year.

The districts budget for the current school year is set at $184,265,295, but assuming the 2023-2024 budget rollovers, the district would see an

increase to $196,705,700 in 20242025, marking approximately a $12,440,405 rise.

While the state has implemented a 2% tax cap on the budget, Assistant Superintendent for Business Kathleen Manuel explained that the district’s tax levy growth factor is only at 1.02%, meaning that the allowable tax levy to increase is $5,240,635- an

increase of 3.39%.

The 2023-2024 tax levy limit amounted to $154,523,228 while the newly presented tax levy limit would amount to $159,763,863.

Manuel presented the draft budget at the Board of Education’s meeting Tuesday night, focusing on the key factors in that determined this preliminary budget as well as, the amount of revenue required for the rollover budget.

Key factors to take into consideration include expiring pandemic funds the American Rescue Plan funds, given to school districts in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, will expire in September 2024,

health insurance premium increases, along with increased contractual salaries and benefits.

Taking a look at the revenue required to reach the rollover budget, the required property tax levy would be $165,149,146 resulting in the Port Washington School District being $5.3 million over the allowed tax levy limit of $159,763,863.

The Port Washington School District is estimated to receive $ 20,268,574 in 2024-2025 under Gov. Kathy Hochul’s state aid proposal. This is a 5.56% increase from the district’s state aid last year of $19,201,487.

As of Feb.7. The Port Washington

School District has an enrollment of 5,334 which is 73 more students than at this time last year.

To be under the allowable tax levy limit Manuel mentioned some of the next steps. These include, the reallocation of funds to have as little impact to students as possible, looking at staffing by program, by building, as well as stakeholder input, and more legislative advocacy.

Superintendent Michael Hynes said he is adamant about addressing this issue sooner than later.

The budget will be a topic of discussion at next week’s March 5. Board of Education meeting.

PHOTO BY KAREN RUBIN

Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman signed an executive order Thursday that bars transgender girls and women from competing on female sports teams at county facilities.

Manorhaven presents $5.4M draft budget

3.55% increase includes rise in tax levy under cap

BY CAMERYN OAKES

The Village of Manorhaven is proposing a preliminary 2024-2025 budget of nearly $5.4 million, a 3.55% increase from the current budget that will coincide with a tax increase under the state’s cap.

“I’m very happy with this budget that we’re going into,” Mayor John Popeleski said. “I really crunched a lot of numbers with [village accountant Bob Kordic] and I feel like this is a sound budget that the village can work with and be very comfortable.”

The Manorhaven Board of Trustees reviewed the preliminary budget for the first time Wednesday night but will continue to discuss it at future meetings.

The preliminary budget of

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$5,361,078 marks an increase of $183,580 from the current 2023-2024 budget of $5,177,498.

The village’s taxes levied are proposed to increase by $81,399, or a tax levy rise of 2.32%.

Kordic said that while this appears to exceed the state’s 2% tax increase cap, it is actually compliant with the limits due to exemptions the village qualified for.

Kordic said mortgage tax revenues will remain the same due to prior decreases as well as high interest rates and weaker home closings.

One of the biggest decreases in the proposed budget’s revenues is in rental registrations, which is dropping by 65.06%. In 2024-2025, the village’s preliminary budget projects revenue of $188,000 in rental regis-

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tration fees in contrast to projected revenue of $538,000 at the end of the current fiscal year.

Kordic attributed this decline to an odd year, saying it is an “off year” on rental registrations.

This waxing and waning trend is evident in the village’s budgets, which show drops in rental registration fee revenues every other fiscal year.

In 2021-2022, the village’s budget had rental registration fee revenue of $377,625, which then dropped to $118,375 in 2022-2023. This trend continued with a rise in 2023-2024 amounting in total to $538,000 and is projected to now fall again in the next fiscal year.

Kordic said in the future he is drafting plans to balance the village’s Continued on Page 42

TO REACH US

Local Starbucks stores seek union

Employees organize in Old Westbury

BY TAYLOR HERZLICH

Employees at two Long Island Starbucks locations, along with 20 other stores nationwide, are the latest to file petitions seeking union recognition.

Baristas at the Starbucks Garden City location at 184 Seventh St. and the Starbucks Old Westbury location submitted signed union cards to the National Labor Relations Board Tuesday. The employees aim to be recognized as part of Workers United New York New Jersey Regional Board, an affiliate of the Service Employees International Union.

“We have worked through violent threats from customers, unsafe weather conditions and a global pandemic. Despite our willingness to work regardless of this disregard for our health and safety, we have been met with higher and higher expectations without being given the resources to meet them,” baristas from 21 Starbucks stores nation-

wide said in a letter to Starbucks CEO Laxman Narasimhan.

“Across the country management is cutting hours, writing inconsistent and unreliable schedules, and placing more and more work on fewer and fewer partners. Starbucks’ profit driven behavior makes doing our jobs impossible,” the letter continued.

Employees at the Starbucks Garden City location said they were not allowed to comment on the push to unionize, and a manager-in-training at the location said they were told to direct inquiries to the Starbucks website.

Local employees at Starbucks locations in Farmingville, Westbury, Lynbrook, Massapequa and Wantagh have voted to unionize over the past two years.

As of Feb. 14, 391 Starbucks stores have won union elections across 43 states, according to More Perfect Union, a nonprofit.

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PHOTO BY TAYLOR HERZLICH

Starbucks’ Garden City location at 184 Seventh St.

PHOTO COURTESY OF WIKIMEDIA COMMONS

Manorhaven’s Village Hall.

Dominick’s unveils chicken finger truck

Deli set to hit the road offering an abbreviated menu that features fan-favorite dishes

BY TAYLOR HERZLICH

While Long Island has no shortage of Italian-American delis, Nicholas “Nick” Marino says his favorite thing about Dominick’s Deli is its unique “old school vibe.”

Marino, 37, runs Dominick’s Deli with his father-in-law Dominick, the deli’s namesake. The deli’s vibe, bolstered by a green-and-white striped awning above the entrance and a bustling deli counter no matter the time of day, is likely due to Dominick’s own work history.

Dominick moved to the United States from Italy with his family when he was around 8 years old. He worked in the deli business his whole life, starting as a stock boy who swept floors and cleaned up shop and moved his way up to deli manager of Eastern Meat Farms in Franklin Square.

“He eats, breathes and sleeps the deli business,” says Marino, which is why it is no shock that Dominick decided to open his own delicatessen.

Marino shares this entrepreneurial streak with his father-in-law. As a kid, Marino always knew he wanted to run his own business — he just didn’t know what kind. He thought he might follow his own family’s foot-

steps and work in construction.

After graduating from New Hyde Park Memorial High School, studying at St. John’s University for a year and taking a stab at the police test, Marino

joined Dominick’s in what he thought was a temporary position while he tried to figure out his future.

“[I] felt like it was meant to be,” says Marino. “I picked it up fast, I

liked being here, and the rest is history.”

And what’s not to like? Marino, who has been in a relationship with his wife since high school, has known

Dominick for many years. “He’s like a father to me,” says Marino.

Marino’s brother-in-law Vinny and sister-in-law Daniella also help run the deli. “This place wouldn’t be what it is [without them],” says Marino.

Now, as Dominick is nearing retirement, Marino’s main focus is helping the deli reach the next level.

Enter Dom’s Chicken Finger Truck. It’s a spacious, freshly painted truck that Marino plans to operate on a regular basis, tentatively Monday through Friday at 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Marino is waiting for the permits to arrive to start using the truck, but the deli has already started booking out the truck for parties.

Dom’s Chicken Finger Truck will feature a miniature menu with some of the deli’s best-sellers, including Marino’s favorite and the deli’s mostpopular sandwich, the Broadway. The Broadway is a hero sandwich featuring chicken cutlets, fresh homemade mozzarella, prosciutto and Italian dressing.

Of course, the truck will also offer Dominick’s famous chicken fingers, fried to perfection with a surprisingly sweet taste. The secret ingredient? “Made with a lot of love,” says Marino.

Continued on Page 42

The Spring Real Estate Market Is Knocking on Our Door

As the spring season approaches, it’s time to gear up for the bustling real estate market. If you’ve been contemplating selling your home, seize this opportune moment to start preparations. Don’t miss out on maximizing your equity!

Contact me for a personalized strategy that aligns with your goals. For a quick overview of your home’s potential value and a snapshot of the broader market, simply scan the provided QR code.

PHOTO BY TAYLOR HERZLICH

Nick Marino stands in front of the Dominick’s Italian-American Deli’s chicken finger food truck.

NHP residents raise project safety concerns

Complain at Lakeville Civic Association of early-morning construction at 2024 Hillside Ave.

BY TAYLOR HERZLICH

New Hyde Park residents are worried about alleged safety hazards at 2024 Hillside Ave., a commercial property and former location of Heritage Indian Cuisine.

One resident brought up her concerns about the property at a Lakeville Estates Civic Meeting last Wednesday. She said the property, which is located next to the CVS Pharmacy at 2030 Hillside Ave., is being used to store dangerous building materials.

“Five o’clock in the morning, I hear the trucks, beep beep beep, making deliveries or taking things out,” the resident told Town of North Hempstead Supervisor Jennifer DeSena. “It’s not supposed to be there.”

The property has been a problem since last fall, when the owner was issued a cease-and- desist notice, according to the resident.

The former captain of the Garden City Park Fire Department, Tony Colon, supported the resident’s claims. Colon is an involved member of the community, having served as a volunteer firefighter for more than 20 years and a fund-raiser for the Garden City Park Christmas tree lighting annually.

Colon said the owner of the property lied and falsely claimed he want-

ed to use the property to start a new restaurant prior to its purchase.

“This guy lives in Jamaica Estates,” said Colon. “He has a history of

just doing whatever he wants. Everything’s illegal.”

The resident said that when padlocks have been put on the cyclone

fence surrounding the property, the owner just clips the locks.

The resident, who said she has been living on Hillside Avenue for

46 years, claimed the building is condemned, with X’s on the walls, boarded-up windows, a missing door and rodents running around the property.

“Why isn’t the Sheriff’s Department there arresting anybody?” the resident asked DeSena. “They’re blatantly breaking the law and I’m paying good taxes for it.”

“It’s not just an eyesore,” said Colon, who called the property a safety hazard. “He has propane tanks in there, which are illegally stored. I can’t tell you how many illegal things are on this property.”

Colon also claimed there are metal beams on the property leaning against the CVS Pharmacy, which he worries might fall through the glass and injure or kill CVS employees.

Colon said the fire department had a meeting to try to get the fire marshal involved in getting these building materials moved, but to no avail.

“If that building goes on fire, it’s pretty much a surround and drown,” said Colon. “We [the fire department] are not going in it … the next thing that goes in there is gonna be a demolition crew.”

The resident said she has already spoken about the property with some-

Continued on Page 43

PHOTO BY TAYLOR HERZLICH

Building materials at 2024 Hillside Ave.

BY CAMERYN OAKES

A Nassau County Comptroller audit of the Town of North Hempstead’s Building Department reveals a slew of inefficiencies in the department’s procedures.

“We found significant operational deficiencies and have provided detailed recommendations that can help the Building Department improve efficiency and increase transparency,”

Nassau County Comptroller Elaine Phillips said. “In addition, the audit revealed that an attitude shift toward prioritizing constituent service would benefit the town, its residents and business professionals.”

The audit was requested by Town Supervisor Jennifer DeSena, who said she made repairing the building department a priority of hers since taking office two years ago.

Continued on Page 49

PHOTO BY KARINA KOVAC

North Hempstead Town Hall in Manhasset.

S:11.45"

T:12.45"

Ex-Schechter School CFO begins trial

David Ostrove accused of stealing $8.4 million to fund a ‘lavish lifestyle,’ says Suffolk DA

BY TAYLOR HERZLICH

The criminal trial against the West Islip man accused of stealing $8.4 million in school revenue from the Schechter School of Long Island began Monday.

David Ostrove, the school’s former chief financial officer, stole $8.4 million from the private Jewish day school to fund a “lavish lifestyle” for himself, according to the SuffolkCounty Assistant District Attorney in her opening statement.

Ostrove, 52, is charged with first-degree larceny and first-degree money-laundering.

He worked at the Schechter School, located in Williston Park, for more than a decade. He is accused of funneling school funds to his personal bank accounts through digital money transfer applications PayPal and Stripe over an eight-year span.

The disgraced former CFO is charged with spending the stolen money on a host of luxuries, including the purchase of five homes on Fire Island in a four-year period, two Mercedes Benz vehicles, a 1965 Mustang, a 2021 Lincoln Navigator and collectible coins, the Suffolk County DA’s office said.

“The Schechter School administration put complete trust in [Ostrove] to conduct financial transactions on behalf of and in the best interest of the Schechter School and its students,” ADA Jessica Lightstone told the jury. “The defendant violated that trust.”

Lightstone said Ostrove made 786 transfers from Schechter School business accounts to his

Ostrove continued to make transfers from a school Stripe account to a personal bank account, Lightstone said.

The Suffolk County DA launched an investigation after being notified by PayPal officials of potential fraud, said Detective and Investigator George Bean. Bean was the only witness to take the stand Monday.

Bean said when he first approached Ostrove in March 2022, Ostrove claimed the Fire Island homes were purchased as “personal investments.” The detective’s investigation connected the purchase of the Fire Island properties with funds from Ostrove’s personal accounts to corporations registered to his home address, the detective said.

Lightstone said Ostrove used school funds to make upgrades to the properties, raking in more than $600,000 in rental income between 2018 and 2022.

A month after Bean first approached Ostrove, Ostrove was suspended from his job as chief financial and technology officer and director of operations at the school, said Bean. Ostrove was arrested in July 2022, according to court records.

Defense attorney Ralph Franco Jr. questioned how one school official could be the sole culprit for such a hefty theft in his opening argument.

personal PayPal and bank accounts from 2014 to 2022. Eventually, PayPal froze the school’s account, said Lightstone.

PayPal places limitations on accounts for sev-

eral reasons, including unusual account activity, non-compliance with regulatory requirements, excessive claims and charge backs and rapid increase in sales volume, according to the PayPal website.

“The prosecution is suggesting that for a period of roughly eight years, Mr. Ostrove would have stolen in excess of $1 million a year and nobody knows,” said Franco. “Just think about that.”

The criminal case is expected to continue for five weeks.

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The criminal trial against the West Islip man accused of stealing $8.4 million in school revenue from the Schechter School of Long Island began Monday.

Bove Health Center recognized for resident experience

For the sixth year running, the Vincent Bove Health Center at Jefferson’s Ferry Life Plan Community has received the Pinnacle Quality Insight Customer Experience Award for outstanding resident satisfaction and overall achievement in skilled nursing care.

The Pinnacle Award process examines “Best in Class” service in skilled nursing over a 12-month period of study by surveying residents and their families about the quality of 14 target areas: Nursing care, activities, dining services/food quality, cleanliness, laundry services, therapy services, response to problems, dignity and respect, individual needs, would they recommend to others, the overall customer experience and satisfaction by residents or family members. The survey placed the health center in the top 15% of skilled nursing facilities nationwide.

“For more than 20 years, Jefferson’s Ferry, Long Island’s first Life Plan Retirement Community, has set a high bar for extraordinary care,” said Jefferson’s Ferry President and CEO Bob Caulfield. “We strive every day to provide the highest quality care experience in a community setting that respects individuality and promotes dignity, privacy, and independence for every resident.

The Pinnacle Award is a direct reflection of our families’ recognition of the outstanding work that our staff performs on a daily basis

and a vote of confidence that all of us take very seriously.”

The survey sampling of Vincent Bove Health Center residents and their families takes place over the course of a year with monthly telephone interviews that ask the participants open-ended questions to rate their experiences in the specific categories. Jefferson’s Ferry staff receive that feedback each month to gain a better understanding of emerging resident needs and make improvements when necessary.

“The Pinnacle Award is especially meaningful to our caregivers and other staff, as the results come directly from the people they help on a daily basis,” explained Anthony Comerford, vice president of Health Service at Jefferson’s Ferry. “It is important to know that we are consistently hitting the mark, meeting or exceeding the best standards or practices within our industry. Our goal is always to provide residents with the peace of mind to live their best life here. The staff and residents form close relationships based on mutual respect, trust, and quality care.”

Pinnacle Quality Insight is a customer satisfaction measurement firm with more than 26 years of experience in post-acute healthcare. Pinnacle conducts over 150,000 phone surveys each year and works with more than 2,500 care providers in all 50 U.S. states, Canada and Puerto Rico.

Grievance filing period extended

Town of North Hempstead Receiver of Taxes Mary Jo Collins has announced that the Nassau County Assessment Review Commission has extended the period to file a grievance for the 2025/2026 tax year to March 18.

To grieve your assessed value, you must file an AR1 form with the Assessment Review Commission. You can file the AR1 online using Assessment Review on the Web at https://www.nassaucountyny.gov/1510/assessment-reviewcommission, or you can mail a paper version to the Nassau County Assessment Review Commission at

240 Old Country Road, 5th Floor, Mineola, NY 11501.

If mailing the AR1 application, we recommend that you make copies for yourself and mail it Return Receipt requested. You may also deliver your AR1 application in person to the Assessment Review Commission.

If you need any additional information on grieving your assessment, you can call the Nassau County Assessment Review Commission at (516) 571-3214. For general tax questions, you can contact my office either via email tax@northhempsteadny.gov or (516) 869-7800.

Lenten night at Corpus Christi Church

A Lenten Night of Prayer & Reflection will be held on Thursday, March 14 at 6:30 p.m. in Corpus Christi Church’s Fitzgerald Hall, hosted by The Catholic Daughters of America. The speaker for the

evening is Bishop Andrzej. The cost is $30, which includes a complete turkey dinner. For information or to make a reservation call Patricia Gavin at (516) 741-8095. All are welcome!

Blank Slate Media welcomes your submissions. Please e-mail them to news@theislandnow.com

For the sixth year in a row, the Vincent Bove Health Center at Jefferson’s Ferry Life Plan Community has received the Pinnacle Quality Insight Customer Experience Award for outstanding resident satisfaction and overall achievement in skilled nursing care. Pictured are Jefferson’s Ferry’s President and Chief Executive Officer Bob Caulfield, Director of Admissions Dawn Flowers-Leib, Director of Housekeeping Patti Gallagher, Culinary Manager Heidi Vargas, Assistant Director of Nursing Kathy Koutouvidis, Director of Nursing Richelle Rugolo, and Vice President of Health Services Anthony Comerfor

Port, Roslyn districts partner to train irrigation contractors

The Roslyn Water District and Port Washington Water District recently joined together alongside the Irrigation Association of New York to host their third annual Irrigation Contractor Training event.

The goal of this yearly event is to educate irrigation contractors on the most effective ways to help customers in the area conserve water and follow the District’s mandatory 2024 irrigation requirements while irrigating their properties this spring and summer.

It is also part of a push to make sure that residents have a plan to retrofit smart irrigation controllers into their home irrigation systems, which is mandatory for all

RWD residents by 2025.

“Our residents put trust into irrigation contractors to ensure that their systems run properly and efficiently, and the Roslyn Water District looks to help them do so in any way we can,” said RWD Chairman Michael Kosinski. “Water conservation is a community effort and education is an important part of making our efforts successful. We are thankful to have seen such enthusiasm from these contractors and we look forward to seeing them put this new knowledge to use.”

This year’s training event took place at the Port Washington Library, the first time it has been conducted in person as opposed to a webinar format.

RWD Superintendent Richard Passariello and PWWD Commissioner Mindy Germain detailed the various water conservation needs and mandates throughout their respective Districts, as well as what they have done to work with their communities to get the message out there.

IANY board member Mike Dwyer also presented on some of the irrigation industry’s best practices, providing attendees with even more ideas of how they can help customers conserve water.

“The Irrigation Association of New York promotes the efficient use of water through training events where we partner with water districts to help irrigation professionals understand the need for reducing water use,” said Dwyer. “The goal of these yearly training sessions is to help irrigators and customers achieve water savings through education. Since products and methods are constantly changing, education is the only way to keep up. Promoting best practices and encouraging the adoption of new technology will help Long Island water districts save water.”

“It’s nice to see the education from the water companies’ side, from our peers in the industry and from the customer’s side,” said Jennifer Moran of Pacific Lawn Sprinklers, one of the event’s attendees. “It’s just good for everyone to get on the same page.”

Roslyn Water District Superintendent Richard Passariello, far right, and Port Washington Water District Commissioner Mindy German, second from left, were joined by PWWD Superintendent Paul Prignano, far left, and Irrigation Association of New York board member Mike Dwyer, second from right, in concluding the 2024 Irrigation Contractor Training event by raffling off a free smart irrigation controller to Jack Raia of Jack & Son Landscaping and Irrigation, center.

Opioid money not being spent: Dems

BY TAYLOR HERZLICH

Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman’s administration has spent less than $202,000 of more than

$92.5 million in proceeds to the county from opioid settlement funds, according to Nassau County Legislature Minority Leader Delia DeRiggi-Whitton.

Continued on Page 49

Nassau County Minority leaders, along with Corinne Kaufman, prepare to file the “Families Against Fentanyl Act.” Nassau County Legislature Minority Leader Delia DeRiggi-Whitton holds a photo of Paige Gibbons.

Judge says Las Vegas Sands lacks valid lease at Coliseum

BY TAYLOR HERZLICH

A state judge on Friday said Las Vegas Sands lacks a valid lease to operate the Nassau Coliseum and the land around it. This is the latest blow to the company’s plan to develop a resort and casino at the arena.

Nassau County granted Las Vegas Sands a 99-year-lease to operate the Coliseum. Sands paid Nassau Live Center LLC $241 million to take control of the Coliseum lease, according to a company filing with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.

Friday’s ruling is a second win for Hofstra University, which sued Nassau County last April arguing that the county violated open meeting laws when it transferred the lease from the Coliseum’s former tenant, Nassau Live Center LLC, to Las Vegas Sands.

State Supreme Court Justice Sarika Kapoor ordered Nassau in November to redo the process of lease transferal and conduct an environmental review before considering a new lease. The county is appealing that ruling.

Nassau argued that Sands maintained leaseholder rights under their original private deal. The county moved forward with development in the Town of Hempstead to begin environmental and zoning reviews.

“The assignment of the original lease … is not a mere private transaction between nonparties,” wrote Kapoor in her decision. “The fact remains that the assigned lease has been terminated.” She said that any new lease agreement between Nassau County and Las Vegas Sands would need to comply with Open Meetings Law.

The Say NO to the Casino Civic Association said in a statement they were “not surprised at all” about Kapoor’s most recent ruling.

RENDERING COURTESY OF LAS VEGAS SANDS

A rendering of the Las Vegas Sands’ casino and entertainment venue proposal.

The association insisted that “her first ruling, back in November, made it abundantly clear that Nassau County violated both SEQRA [State Environmental Quality Review Act] and Open Meeting Laws during the land lease transfer process.”

The association accused Nassau County Executive Bruce A. Blakeman of “flagrantly” ignoring Kapoor’s ruling from November.

“We want confirmation from Mr. Blakeman and the County Legislature that any actions taken under the assumption that LVS controlled the lease will be immediately unwound,” the association’s statement continued. “We want reassurances that control of the Nassau HUB land and coliseum operations have been returned to Nassau Live Center.”

PHOTO BY TAYLOR HERZLICH

Nassau freezes assessments. Again

Dem legislators, critics say decision for 4th year in a row increases inaccuracy and inequality

BY CAMERYN OAKES

Nassau County has frozen its property tax assessment once again for the fourth year in a row, leaving taxpayers stuck with their assessment unless disputing it by grieving their taxes.

“Four consecutive years of frozen assessments has created a degraded assessment roll, and that unfortunately means that we are back to the days when, in order for a homeowner to protect themselves and their family from unjust over taxation, they must grieve their assessment,” Nassau County Legislator Debra Mulé (D–Freeport) said. “If you have not already done so, I strongly encourage you to exercise your rights and visit my website to learn how you can complete the simple application process without paying an outside firm to do it for you.”

The frozen tax roll maintains the assessment of the county’s 385,000 homeowners for the 2025-2026 tax year.

“As a result of the instability in the real estate market, for a multitude of reasons including post COVID and inflation, it is prudent to freeze the rolls for an additional year to provide stability to taxpayers,” Acting Assessor Joseph Adamo said in a statement reported on by Newsday.

Taxpayers can challenge the assessment of their property by filing a tax grievance, which can be done online.

The deadline to grieve one’s taxes has also been extended to March 18.

A Newsday report from 2019 showed about $2.7 billion in property taxes were shifted over the

eight years. It also revealed that people who did not challenge their property taxes were assessed at a level 29.2% greater than those who did.

The freezing of the county’s assessments again was initially reported by Newsday last week.

“In the wake of Newsday’s recent report about the Blakeman administration freezing Nassau’s

assessment rolls for the fourth consecutive year, it is more important than ever for homeowners to grieve their assessed value and protect themselves from the further degradation of the tax rolls,” Nassau County Deputy Minority Leader Arnold W. Drucker (D-Plainview) said.

“Grieving is simple and you can do it yourself

LIA calls affordable housing, childcare top priorities in ‘24

BY SAMUEL SCHULTZ

The Long Island Association lists expanding options for affordable housing and affordable childcare along with opposing costly new mandates on businesses among its top policy priorities for 2024.

With this year’s list of priorities, the region’s leading non-profit business organization since 1926 advocates to amplify the voice of the business community while spurring economic growth.

The announcement of the list comes at a time when the LIA cautions that “regional affordability is truly at a breaking point.” Long Islanders currently spend $700,000 on average to buy a home, shell out thousands of dollars on childcare and pay among the highest property taxes in the nation, according to the LIA.

The LIA policy priorities focus on addressing the crisis of affordability, targeting the cost of doing business and generating an economic return.

To boost economic activity the LIA is urging support for the Sands New York project at the Nassau Hub, the Midway Crossing at the Ronkonkoma Hub and the modernization of Belmont Park. This is to “support business expansion and transformative economic development

Matt Cohen, president & CEO of LIA

projects that expand the tax base”, the LIA said. The organization is also in favor of moving forward with offshore wind and renewable energy projects “that will create jobs and decarbonize our energy mix,” the LIA said. These projects include Sunrise Wind, Empire Wind, Beacon Wind and emerging projects in the New

York Bight.

The LIA is fighting for the creation of more available, affordable homes for the region’s younger and older populations. This advocacy includes “providing incentives to municipalities, residents and developers and streamlining the environmental and permitting process for builders.” Its agenda also includes efforts to “expand public-private partnerships to support workforce housing and offer employers a resource to attract and retain talent.”

Additionally, the LIA seeks to continue to maintain a safe environment for businesses by supporting law enforcement and stronger gun laws as well as addressing human trafficking, drug abuse, hate crimes, gangs, and cyber threats.

Ultimately, the LIA is advocating for programs that help boost infrastructure and economic growth, resulting in a more diverse workforce. The association is also emphasizing supportfor colleges and universities along with a plan to reinforce aid to the region’s nonprofits that address food insecurity, mental health issues and more.

The full list of priorities can be viewed on the LIA website: httpse://longislandassociation.org

— you do not have to pay a politically connected tax outside firm,” Drucker said. “If you have not already filed a challenge, visit my website today and learn, step by step, how to exercise your rights.”

Nassau began to freeze tax rolls in 2008, a practice that was continued by former Executive Ed Mangano for eight years before his successor, Laura Curran, lifted it in 2018.

After calling for a reassessment of approximately 400,000 homes at the time, Curran reimplemented the freeze for the 2022-2023 and 2023-2023 tax years due to what she called instability during the COVID-19 pandemic.

During that period, thousands of residents filed grievances on the value of their homes, winning reduced assessments and shifting the tax burden onto others who did not challenge their assessments.

In March, Nassau County Comptroller Elaine Phillips said the county was not ready to undergo a reassessment, saying that her audit revealed the county relying on “flawed data.”

Nassau County has settled about 70% of the tax assessment disputes in recent years, Newsday reported. From 2012-2019, the county settled 1 million, or 80%, of its tax disputes.

According to Newsday, Nassau County’s tax reductions have risen over the past years, with reductions granted to 48% of taxpayers who disputed their assessment in 2021-2022, 73% in 2022-23 and 67% in 2023-24. In 2019-2020, 80% of disputes resulted in reductions, which then dropped to 25% in 2020-2021.

Pilip registers as a Republican after election bid

BY CAMERYN OAKES

Nassau County District 10 Legislator and former Republican nominee for New York’s Third Congressional District Mazi Pilip (R–Great Neck) officially registered as a Republican after keeping her Democratic Party affiliation during the special election to finish the term of ousted Rep. George Santos. The announcement was made

by Pilip in an Instagram post Monday, where she is pictured signing her party registration forms.

“It’s official – I have changed my party registration to Republican,” Pilip wrote in an Instagram post. “While I have always served as a member of the Majority in the County Legislature, I was registered in another party. I am proud to be part of and registered as a Republican.”

In the closely watched special election, Pilip lost to Democratic nominee Tom Suozzi, who secured 63% of the district’s votes. The election was in response to the expulsion of Santos from the House in December.

Pilip faced scrutiny during the special election due to having been a registered Democrat since 2012 despite representing the county’s 10th District as a Republican and running for Congress on the Republican and Conservative lines.

Also scrutinized was her voting history, which showed that after registering in 2012 she did not vote until the 2016 election with another hiatus until voting again in 2020.

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE CANDIDATE

Nassau County Legislator

Mazi Melesa Pilip (R-Great Neck).

PHOTO BY NOAH MANSKAR

The Nassau County Legislative building.

D’Esposito gets GOP nomination for 2nd run

BY TAYLOR HERZLICH

The Nassau County Republican Committee officially nominated Congressman Anthony D’Esposito (R-Island Park) as the party’s nominee in New York’s Fourth Congressional District Monday.

“I am running for re-election in order to continue fighting for commonsense Long Island values in Congress and to ensure our district remains represented by someone focused on advancing the interests of Nassau County neighbors, and not the regressive policies of Washington progressives,” said D’Esposito.

D’Esposito first ran for Congress in 2022, securing a victory and flipping the seat from Democrat to Republican in what became known as “the red wave.”

While in Congress, D’Esposito supported the impeachment of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas. House Republicans claimed Mayorkas was to blame for issues at the southern border amid high illegal immigration. Mayorkas’ impeachment was only the second Cabinet impeachment in the country’s history.

D’Esposito supported H.R. 2, the Republican-backed “Secure the Border Act,” which passed the House but had not made it through the Senate before a new, comprehensive border bill was introduced in January 2024. The bipartisan Senate Border Deal died after Senate Republicans blocked it and a foreign aid package in February.

The congressman also supported a House

U.S. Rep. Anthony D’Esposito represents the state’s 4th Congressional District.

resolution that overturned a Washington, D.C., law that lowered penalties for certain crimes.

Prior to his work in Congress, D’Esposito served as an NYPD detective for more than a decade and worked as chief of the Island Park Fire Department.

“I love this community, and with the support of my Nassau County neighbors I will continue fighting on Capitol Hill for safe streets, affordable communities, and SALT cap relief for all Long Islanders,” said D’Esposito.

Continued on Page 37

Santos sues Kimmel in Cameo dispute

BY CAMERYN OAKES

Former Rep. George Santos made headlines following his expulsion from Congress when he took to Cameo to sell personalized video messages for $350 a pop. Now Santos is suing TV host Jimmy Kimmel for deceptively purchasing

these videos to ridicule him on his show.

In a lawsuit filed Feb. 17 in the federal court for the Southern District of New York, Santos alleges “deliberate deception and wrongful appropriation” by Kimmel. Santos’ suit alleges copyright infringement, fraudulent inducement,

Continued on Page 37

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD

PHOTOS COURTESY OF WIKIMEDIA COMMONS

Former Rep. George Santos is suing late-night talk show host Jimmy Kimmel, alleging Kimmel deceptively purchased his Cameo videos with the intent of ridiculing him on his show.

Blakeman hits new low in transgender ban

Bruce Blakeman could not cite a single case in Nassau County of a transgender girl or woman competing on a female sports team that plays on county facilities at his press conference last week.

Nassau’s county executive also said he did not know how many transgender athletes are competing in Nassau at a time when transgender people make up 0.5%-1% of the county’s population.

He briefly referenced a women’s basketball game in which an opposing coach allegedly forfeited against a team with a transgender athlete during the press conference at which he surrounded himself with young girls holding signs saying “Protect Women’s Rights.”

But when asked where this happened, he replied, “I believe that was in Connecticut.”

The absence of a problem did not stop Blakeman from signing an executive order barring transgender girls and women from competing at any sporting event or competition at all county-owned facilities, such as pools, beaches, gyms and athletic fields.

We would call this a solution in search of a problem. But that would understate the cruelty, bigotry and perhaps illegality behind an order aimed at vulnerable children.

As Great Neck businessman Robert Zimmerman, a gay man who unsuccessfully ran for Congress against fellow gay man George Santos, pointed out, transgender youth “face a suicide rate of almost 40% and violence against LGBTQ young people is at new heights.”

The executive order, which goes into effect immediately at more than 100 sites, requires organizations applying for a permit to “expressly designate” whether the teams are male, female or co-ed based on their members’ “biological sex at birth.”

This means that organizations such as Little Leagues and travel soccer teams will be required to, at a minimum, check players’ birth certificates.

Blakeman spokesman Chris Boyle said the order will be policed by the county’s Parks Department, which issues the permits. Perhaps Parks Department employees will receive badges to carry out

their new responsibilities.

We assume privately run sports leagues have their own policies regarding transgender players based on their impact on competition and don’t need Blakeman’s guidance.

For public schools, the state Education Department determines how transgender issues are handled.

So, the question is why Nassau County would need to get involved in a decision that would be better handled by individual sports leagues and the state Education Department.

Blakeman justified the ban by standing the truth on its head

“It’s very important to me as county executive that we set a tone and tenor of respect for all people,” Blakeman said. “However, what we are finding out in the last few months is that there is a movement for biological males to bully their way into competing in sports or leagues or teams that identity themselves or advertise themselves as girls’ or female or women’s teams or leagues. We find that unacceptable.”

Just how exactly does the executive order set a tone of respect for all people? Certainly not for transgender girls.

And who are the “we” who found out about this secret movement of biological males bullying their way into competitions?

And where is this movement taking place?

Certainly not in Nassau County, where even Blakeman said he did not know of a single case of a transgender girl or woman competing on female sports teams that play on county facilities.

And if Blakeman is so concerned about ensuring fair competition, does he have any plans for boys and girls who are unusually large or small for their ages?

Will the county soon step in to have leagues separate players by size or whether or not they have reached puberty?

Blakeman topped off his barrage of misinformation by saying he was “not precluding anybody from participating in sports.”

This, too, is wrong. The order is guaranteed to drive out transgender girls who don’t want others to know their status if

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for no other reason than their personal safety.

Blakeman’s announcement came just weeks after a 16-year-old nonbinary student in Oklahoma died following an altercation in a high school girls’ bathroom.

What’s next for Blakeman, who served as the Nassau County Republican Party’s liaison to former President Trump’s 2020 presidential campaign?

Fellow MAGA Republicans have in recent days also voiced opposition to same-sex marriage, abortion, contraception and even recreational sex.

The Alabama Supreme Court ruled 8-1 last week that frozen embryos are considered children under state law, putting in vitro fertilization on hold in the state.

Will Blakeman take action based on any of these other movements?

New York Gov. Kathy Hochul and Attorney General Letitia James joined Democratic state and county officials as well as LGBTQ and civil liberties officials in blasting Blakeman’s order for what it is and raising questions about its legality.

“There is nothing lower than trying to score cheap political points by putting a target on the backs of some of our state’s most vulnerable children,” Hochul said in a statement. “We’re proud New York has some of the nation’s strongest protections for the LGBTQ+ community, and my administration is committed to enforcing these laws.”

James said in a statement that her office was reviewing its legal options, describing Blakesman’s order as “transpho-

Cameryn

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Stacy

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bic and deeply dangerous.”

“My office is charged with enforcing and upholding [anti-discrimination] laws, and we stand up to those who violate them and trespass on the rights of marginalized communities,” James added.

Blakeman’s executive order is not his first venture into the culture wars and this one coincides with a series of setbacks for him and his administration.

On Friday, he suffered another legal setback in his No. 1 economic project –a multibillion-dollar resort and casino at the Nassau Coliseum.

A state judge ruled for a second time that the Las Vegas Sands lacks a valid lease to operate the Nassau Coliseum. The judge found in April that Nassau’s planning commission violated open meeting laws in a ruling on the lease.

Blakeman’s political clout was also recently dinged following the loss of Republican Nassau County Legislator Mazi Pilip to now Democrat Congressmanelect Tom Suozzi in the race for New York’s CD-03. Blakeman was a strong backer and visible supporter of Pilip, who lost by 8 percentage points.

And one of Pilip’s and Blakeman’s favorite targets – President Biden’s handling of the southern border – took a major hit recently when House and Senate Republicans rejected a very conservative immigration reform plan after former President Trump called for them to turn it down to aid his presidential run.

So is Blakeman’s executive order a coincidence following these setbacks? We

don’t think so.

Blakeman has made decisions with heavy political implications before.

His administration filed a lawsuit in June against an annual hip-hop festival three days before the event was scheduled to take place, citing violence at two hip-hop concerts held outside Nassau years before.

The concert went forward after its promoters agreed to contribute $80,000 to cover the cost of the county Police Department’s role in policing the event.

In December, Blakeman demanded that Hofstra University President Susan Poser resign or be fired for sounding insufficiently tough following Hamas’ vicious terrorist attack on Israelis.

The problem was that unlike some university presidents at elite institutions around the country, Poser responded quickly and forcefully to the attack.

Just two days after the attack she called it a “horrific and brutal attack by Hamas on Israel and the unspeakable, organized violence and hostage-taking against men, women, and children.”

And Hofstra suffered none of the protests and antisemitism seen at other collect campuses where school administrations did not immediately speak out strongly.

Blakeman has now returned to the culture wars. This time he is targeting vulnerable transsexual girls and boys who want to play sports. These are children, who Blakeman says are a problem.

It is hard to think how he could go any lower.

The beauty of mathematics in sports, life

Despite the common complaint from every teenager that they’ll never need mathematics after they graduate from high school, in fact math is a constant in our lives and something we enjoy every day.

Baseball is by now obsessed with statistics and analytics as the film “Moneyball” amply demonstrated. I work with professional athletes and they are all consumed by the analytics of their pitching velocity, spin rates and curve or fastball movement. PGA golfers are the same. They love to discuss things like club face angles, “Moments of Inertia” and spin rates.

The world of film frequently connects with the world of mathematics. The recent blockbuster “Oppenheimer” focused on many math whizzes, including Robert Oppenheimer as well as Albert Einstein. The Oscar-winning film “A Beautiful Mind” starring Russell Crowe was about John Nash, the math genius at Princeton. Federico Fellini’s cinematic masterpiece “8 ½” not only used a number as a title but used the geometric symbol of a circle in the final scene as he had his characters hold hands and dance around circus ring.

Poetry often uses geometric references as well. Robert Frost’s classic poem “The Secret Sits” reads like this “We dance round in a ring and sup-

pose, But the Secret sits in the middle and knows.”

E. B. White’s marvelous short story “The Ring of Time” is all about a young girl practicing on the back of a circus horse as she rides in circles around a ring. The geometry and the triumph of circles.

I traveled into Manhattan last week to catch a glimpse of the New York City Ballet perform the Jerome Robbins piece “The Concert.” To my surprise the best piece in the program was not “The Concert” but rather Balanchine’s “Bello Della Regina” set to music by Verdi. The charm of the Balanchine piece was his embrace of symmetry and geometry through choreography. That ballet was made of duets, trios, and quartets of dancers all moving in synchrony. Great choreography is geometry in motion and George Balanchine may be the greatest choreographer in history.

Obviously, photography is controlled by mathematical proportion or what is referred to as the rule of thirds. Perhaps the best photographer in history was Henri Cartier-Bresson, who always seemed to capture “the decisive moment” as he photographed. But the reality is he knew all about geometry and composition and simply set up the situation with those angles in mind and then waited patiently for the “decisive

mund Freud and one reason for his vast impact has something to do with his theory of the id, the ego and the superego. This theory is pure geometry with the unconscious housing overwhelming emotions underneath and separated from the ego by a thick line of defenses. Any school child can understand this theory. It’s geometry at its finest.

Angelina Jolie is said to have a perfectly proportioned face or the perfect phi mask..

moment” to arrive in the frame.

As a kid the only subject I enjoyed was mathematics. To me mathematics seemed definitive, clear and beautiful. When I got to college my plan was to major in math, but my second semester calculus course was taught by Dr. Martin, a young professor from MIT who was very smart but did not have a clue as to how to teach. I got an F in the class and had to rethink my career plans.

I wound up choosing psychology and you may ask what clinical psychology has to do with math. In fact plenty. Any good theory in psychoanalysis has a simple and comprehensible geometry to it. The most important and the most famous psychologist in history is Sig-

Mathematics has a long and distinguished history with names like Pythagoras, Isaac Newton, Poincare, Rene Descartes, Euclid and Einstein. But they are like the famous Rodney Dangerfield catch phrase “I can’t get no respect.” But respect they should have. Virtually every cultural domain you can think of, including sports, film, poetry, photography and dance, owe a great debt of gratitude to the numbers game. So let’s here it for the catchphrase 1 + 1 = 2. What could be prettier than that?

Maybe the only thing prettier that a simple equation is the female face and you could argue that female facial beauty has little to do with mathematics. But long ago the Greek philosopher Proclus stated: “Wherever there is number, there is beauty.” Thousands of years ago the Golden Ratio was discovered. The Golden Ratio is the number 1 to 1.618, which is now used by all plastic surgeons to guide their effort to enhance female facial beauty. They call this the phi mask and as an example,

The Golden Ratio was used by Leonardo Da Vinci to create his sculptures as did the designer of the Parthenon in Athens. The Golden Ratio is also used by credit card companies as they manufacture the cards. Don’t you feel that the shape of the credit cards seems just right? I know I do.

So three cheers for numbers, math and that Golden Ratio. I know in your heart of hearts, you love credit cards, the face of Angelina Jolie, the statue “David” and the sight of the Parthenon just as much as I do.

One can observe geometry in nearly every human domain. This photo demonstrates the way sports likes geometric spheres.

All eyes will stay on Long Island elections

Afew weeks ago, the eyes of the political world were focused on Long Island’s 3rd Congressional District. The contest for the seat once held by George Santos, was a costly one estimated by some to have cost at least $12 million.

The victor, Tom Suozzi, was able to bring out a large number of Democrats to the polls and made a serious dent in Republican districts.

Numerous political observers have attested Suozzi’s victory to the fact that he was a well-known former Congress member which was just a part of the winning scenario.

Historically, Democrats do not turn out in larger numbers during primary contests or special elections. Many traditional party members are accustomed to showing up on election day in even years and stay home in odd-year contests.

The Suozzi-Pilip dustup brought out a respectable number of Democrats and quite a few Republicans stayed home or voted for Suozzi. Republican leaders have attributed their lower turnout to bad

weather. But there is more to that story than just who has the best alibi.

For the past six-plus years former President Trump has been telling party voters that absentee ballots are some form of governmental evil and they should refrain from submitting applications.

Party leaders throughout the country have repeated the Trump chorus and discouraged their voters from even touching a paper ballot. It has been a potent message and state after state reports a low use of mail-in ballots.

This November, once again, the eyes of the national political world will focus on Long Island and some upstate Congressional districts, because the New York results could determine the control of the House of Representatives.

The national Democratic Party has targeted five Republicans and no matter how comfortable they feel at this very moment, they are in serious danger of being wiped out.

The five are Michael Lawler and Marcus Molinaro from the Hudson Valley region and Anthony D’Esposito, Andrew

The bipartisan border bill which provides aid to Israel and the Ukraine, will somehow make its way onto the House floor, whether by partisan floor pressure or the Speaker being forced to move it on his own initiative.

Because any Republican member can force the speaker out of office with one resolution, it is likely that the Democrats will seek to force floor action.

Most Republican House members are prepared to withstand the pressure to keep the Senate compromise bill from being acted on but the New York State five don’t have that luxury.

It would be almost suicidal to vote against a border security package and the potential slaughter of millions of Ukrainians by the Russians will put enormous pressure on the New York five.

of cases before it that could bring out an avalanche of Democratic voters on Election Day.

One is a case involving a pill used by more than half of America’s women.

If the Court denies the ability of the FDA to approve its use, it will stir up millions of placid Democrats, independents and some Republicans.

Should the court deny Mr. Trump the immunity he is seeking, it could result in a Trump criminal trial well before the election. Current polls indicate that an estimated 32% of the Republicans and independents will not vote for a candidate who is convicted of a crime.

Any conviction at the top of the ticket could cause problems for down-ballot candidates

Garbarino and Nicholas La Lota of Long Island. In the next five months, they will be faced with numerous votes on highly controversial issues, as well as out-sized pressure from Donald Trump to vote his way or the highway.

President Trump has a strong base in Suffolk County, but the Suozzi election proved that Republican voters could either stay home or vote for a Democrat.

The New York five has another looming headache in the form of the U.S. Supreme Court. The Court has a number

Faced with all of these challenges, the five Republican incumbents will have to find ways to insulate themselves from a political tsunami.

Sometimes people facing a vicious storm can find ways to survive, but the bigger the storm the less likely is their chance of survival.

PHOTO BY TOM FERRARO

Weather, climate change, global warming

During a patch of unusual weather, it’s not uncommon to hear someone claim that it proves or disproves the existence of climate change or global warming. When our area got its first measurable snow in over 700 days, that triggered quite a few of these pronouncements. But while they overlap, they are not the same.

Weather is the current conditions occurring in a local area or region; rain, snow, drought, hurricanes, tornados, or a mild sunny day.

Global warming is the rapid rise in average surface temperatures around the world over roughly the last century. Scientists point to increased release of greenhouse gases from humans burning fossil fuels as the main cause.

Though the earth has experienced dramatic temperature changes in the past, none were in such an extremely short time period that can’t be traced to a specific event like a massive volcanic ash discharge or meteor collision.

Climate change includes the

earth’s rising average temperature and other effects that are occurring because of it, like rapidly melting mountain glaciers and ice packs in the Arctic and Antarctic, heavier rainstorms, more frequent and intense droughts, shifts in flowering plant times, shifts in insect hatch times, rising sea levels, and forest fires.

This recent rapid temperature rise coincides with the modern industrial era. This led to the proposal for a new geological era to be christened the anthropocene, or human age. This concept was introduced by atmospheric chemist and 1995 Nobel Prize winner, Paul Crutzen, in 2000.

It’s proposed that this new era of human driven influence should replace the current Holocene Epoch that began at the end of the ice age, roughly 11,000 years ago.

The anthropocene is proposed because of the effects of human activity on the earth’s soil, atmosphere and biology that are now preserved in layers of sediment and biological specimens, including everything from nuclear fallout to pollution to steadily

And the reverse can also be devastating — though we live in a temperate area with a decent average rainfall, a small shift in that pattern can bring on drought, and that will impact the recharge of our sole source aquifer, our only source of clean drinking water. Unlike NYC with its vast reservoir system, all our drinking water comes from under our feet.

off cycle to the insect hatches they depend on to recover from that exhausting journey. Polar Bears are starving, as the lack of pack ice prevents them from hunting for seals.

The half a million residents of the low-lying islands of the Maldives face the loss of their homeland within their lifetime.

rising temperatures.

Living, as we do, on an island, we will experience the impacts of climate change in the form of sea level rise, flooding and more frequent and intense storms as experienced in Sandy and Irene. Since I live near the shoreline of Manhasset Bay, at only 22 feet in elevation above sea level, that threat is something I consider often.

VIEW POINT

The recharge capacity is already diminished by increased impervious surface from buildings, roads and parking lots and increased demand. When I hear calls for increasing the available housing and population of the island by another third, which would necessarily increase impervious surface, and without taking into account the finite amount of available water, I am horrified by the short sightedness and lack of environmental awareness.

But we are currently buffered from these changes by technology and infrastructure. Migrating birds arriving on their breeding grounds after flying thousands of miles are now

NASA predicts that, “Beyond 2100, the consequences of sea-level rise could well force an inland retreat by human civilization to higher elevations.

By 2150, storm surges likely will be twice as high, or higher, than they are today. And in general, after 2100, rising sea levels in the 3 to 6.5-foot range (1 to 2 meters) will cause widespread damage to coastal areas.” A t the top of the target list is NYC and the surrounding coastal areas.

By now you’ve heard the litany of personal changes you can make to reduce your carbon footprint, and there are online calculators to give specific items to reduce your impact. If we don’t each do our parts, the Anthropocene might be a very short era.

‘Russia, if you’re listening….’ still the message

Considering that 90% of the military aid we send to Ukraine is actually spent here in the United States on U.S. defense manufacturers and American workers, you have to wonder why the House Republicans led by Speaker Mike Johnson are blocking aid.

This is especially puzzling after the House GOP recently killed the bipartisan legislation that was tied to the immigration “reform” of their dreams and will likely let the federal government shut down rather than pass the budget that had already been agreed to.

The answer is that Johnson is the leader not of the U.S. House, but of the Putin Chaos Caucus, going back to Steve Bannon and Trump’s Russia collusion that tilted the 2016 election in his favor. Bannon (a paid Russian operative) has stated his goal is to bring down American democracy – Trump is his (Putin’s) tool.

For Trump, the goal is a kleptocracy, for his sycophants it is their dream of an oligarchy, and for Johnson and the Christian Nationalists it is a theocracy.

Ukraine has now entered the third year in its noble fight against Putin’s unprovoked invasion, unbowed even in face of the heinous war crimes inflicted upon them.

President Joe Biden arrives at JFK on Air Force One. Immediately following the murder of Alexei Navalny, he imposed 500 more sanctions on Russia and is calling upon Speaker Mike Johnson to put the National Security Supplemental, providing crucial aid to Ukraine, which passed the Senate, to a vote in the House © Karen Rubin/ news-photos-features.com

President Biden and Western democracies recognize the threat Putin poses – he has ambitions of establishing a new Russian Empire, and once he has dispatched Ukraine, will move against Poland, Lithuania and others in the former Soviet Union.

Trump only sees a ticket back into power (and out of jail).

Trump’s declaration that he would allow, even encourage Russia to invade a NATO member that hasn’t paid up, is equivalent to him saying in 2016, “Russia if you’re listening .” It is an invitation and an incentive for Putin to again interfere in the election as Russia did in 2016, with its disinformation, propaganda and attacks on voting machinery (for which the whistleblower Reality Winner went to prison for exposing Russian hacking in the election).

Jack Posobiec, a QAnon leader who helped promote the “Pizzagate” pedophile conspiracy theory against Democrats, joyfully hailed the “end of democracy” at the recent Conservative Political Action Conference during a panel moderated by former White House adviser Bannon, a felon and white supremacist.

“Welcome to the end of democracy. We are here to overthrow it completely,” far-right OANN anchor Jack Posobiec declared. “We didn’t get all the way there on Jan. 6, but we will endeavor to get rid of it and replace it with this, right here.”

These traitorous politicians need to be held to account (14th Amendment), but the immediate emergency is getting weapons and aid to Ukraine to stand against the invigorated Russian invasion and derail Putin’s strategy to wait

“Supporting this bill is standing up to Putin. Opposing this bill is playing into his hands. As I’ve said before, the stakes on this fight extend well beyond Ukraine. If we don’t stop Putin’s appetite for power and control in Ukraine, he won’t limit himself to just Ukraine. And the costs for America and our allies and partners will rise.”

ity in Europe since World War II, and remain a sovereign, democratic nation.

for November when he can re-install his agent, Trump.

It speaks volumes that Trump has never said a bad word about Putin – in fact, praises him fawningly – not even after the unexplained death of Alexei Navalny in a Siberian penal colony. Instead, Trump obscenely appropriates Navalny’s mantle of a “political dissident” in describing his own “persecution” for actual crimes committed for his own benefit, vowing retribution to anyone who crossed him once he regains power.

In contrast, Biden met with Navalny’s wife and daughter and issued 500 more sanctions against Russia.

Biden has spoken out on the urgent need for Congress to pass the National Security Supplemental bill that includes aid for Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan and humanitarian aid to Gazans.

“We can’t walk away now. That’s what Putin is betting on,” Biden said.

Some 31,000 Ukraine soldiers have died so far in their heroic fight over the past two years (though this shouldn’t faze Republicans who tolerate 43,000 Americans dying each year to gun violence. But not one frozen embryo shall perish!).

Since 90 percent of the U.S. defense aid for Ukraine is actually spent in the U.S. (because the weapons that Ukraine needs are only manufactured here), the European Union, which has already donated $60 billion worth, and other countries could basically buy them and send them to Ukraine (Germany is actually proposing to do this).

Americans who believe in Ukraine and democracy could even send up a GoFundMe account on Ukraine’s behalf.

There is also a possibility that Biden could adopt FDR’s Lend Lease program in a replay of 1941 when an isolationist Congress refused to come to Europe’s aid against Hitler, and use his authority “to lend or lease war supplies to any nation deemed ‘vital to the defense of the United States’.” https://www.archives. gov/milestone-documents/lend-leaseact

But act. The emergency is clear: Ukraine is fighting the war to prevent the unraveling of the international structures that kept peace and prosper-

Taiwan will be next. North Korea –now in alliance with Russia – may be encouraged to strike South Korea. And when Putin moves on Poland and Lithuania, that will trigger Article 5 of the NATO charter, in which case the U.S. would be brought into the war, unless Trump has done what he has vowed and abandoned NATO.

There is another thing: the United States would be violating the 1992 Budapest Memorandum, a promise that the U.S., United Kingdom and ironically Russia made to defend Ukraine, then the third largest nuclear power in the world, housing thousands of nuclear arms stationed there by Russia.

No country will trust the United States again, the U.S. will lose its place as global leader, an extinguished “superpower.”

The Doomsday Clock remains set at90 seconds to midnight. The Bulletin’s Science and Security Board, which sets the clock, cited“Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and the increased risk of nuclear escalation” as major reasons for moving the clock to 90 seconds before midnight last year.

Ukraine is one domino in the MAGA Republican ProPutin Chaos Caucus plan to kowtow to Moscow, destroy democracy and install a theocratic/oligarchic autocracy.

“For those Republicans in Congress who think they can oppose funding for Ukraine and not be held accountable, history is watching. History is watching. A failure to support Ukraine at this critical moment will never be forgotten,” Biden declared.

KAREN RUBIN View Point

JENNIFER WILSON-PINES Earth Matters

What American Rescue Plan Act means for you

In recent months, you have likely heard a great deal about the American Rescue Plan Act and the hundreds of millions of dollars that Nassau County has received through this initiative.

ARPA is a $ 1.9 trillion economic relief package enacted by the federal government on March 21, 2021.

Funds were awarded with the intent of promoting economic recovery, delivering direct relief to Americans adversely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, and ensuring that local municipalities are well-resourced to continue in the delivery of essential services.

Nassau County received $385 million in ARPA funding.

In accordance with the law, those funds must be allocated by the end of this year and expended by Dec. 31, 2026. As of Feb. 5, the County has allocated and spent approximately $86.4 million, according to the Federal ARPA Funding Tracker and internal financial reports.

During the Jan. 25 legislative session, we addressed County Executive Blakeman’s proposal to allocate more than $262 million of approximately $299 million in remaining funds, with $222 million going to the county’s

general fund for revenue replacement, $25 million for water/sewer infrastructure, and $15 million to be distributed among the 19 legislative districts.

Before I took office, the county executive and the legislative majority allocated $10 million to promote tourism related to Nassau County’s 125th anniversary.

In both instances, the Republican Majority voted unanimously to approve this proposal, and the Democratic minority voted unanimously against approval.

I voted against these proposed allocations for several reasons. While revenue replacement is permissible under ARPA expenditure guidelines, I believe that $222 million for that purpose is far too much, especially when you consider that Nassau County has reserves of over $733 million besides the ARPA funds.

Greater consideration should be given to prioritizing the needs of residents and utilizing more of these funds to deliver direct relief to Nassau County residents.

Considering the substantial amount of available ARPA funds, it would be feasible to increase the allocation to the legislators for their

Additionally, allocation of funds must not be political.

When asked during the legislative session whether the allocation of these funds would be equal, Presiding Officer Kopel declined to make such an assurance, meaning that Legislative District 1 has not been given a say in how much or in what proportion these funds will be allocated.

Then there is the issue of the county’s use of $10 million in ARPA funds to promote tourism and events related to the 125th anniversary celebration.

Again, while this is legally permissible, this money is better spent directly on the residents.

lizing $25 million in ARPA funds for these purposes means less tax revenue needs to be expended for those purposes.

The level of urgency shown for these issues, as well as revenue replacement and tourism promotion, must also be applied to funding essential programs and services for those most affected by the ravages of the pandemic.

We also continue to face tremendous challenges in the realm of affordability.

respective districts without diminishing a substantial amount of available funds.

I advocated, to no avail, for at least $19 million, which would have been just a $4 million increase.

As a result of our daily constituent work, I believe that each of the 19 Legislators are most aware of the immediate and pressing needs of their respective districts and know what organizations are best positioned to provide assistance and be good stewards of these resources.

Moreover, if funds are allocated for this purpose, there should be a demonstrable, data-based connection between the amount of money spent and projected revenue from increased tourism.

There should also be an effort to forge public/private partnerships to help defray costs.

The common thread that runs through all of this is our priorities as a governing body.

Nassau County’s infrastructure, including its roads and drinking water and sewer systems, are in desperate need of updating and repair. Uti-

Thoughtful and well-planned utilization of these resources gives us an opportunity to provide services to the community using funds that are not drawn from the County budget. Such an approach defrays costs and helps keep a lid on the cost of living in Nassau County.

Having failed to demonstrate a comprehensive and equitable approach for allocating ARPA funds to address these issues, I could not in good conscience vote to approve the requested allocation of ARPA funds. We can – and must — do better.

Scott Davis, of Rockville Centre, was elected in 2023 to represent the Nassau County Legislature’s First District.

Responding to hate on college campuses

College and university campuses are intended to be places of discovery, development, and debate. They are places designed to advance student knowledge, skills such as writing, speaking, and listening, abilities such as analysis and leadership, and values such as teamwork and respect for others.

In classrooms and during community gatherings, experts share knowledge and students are invited to exchange and debate varying points of view and learn from one another’s experience. This has always been the case, even when emotions are high as in the case with the Hamas-Israel war. Unfortunately, in response to recent events, the media have focused almost entirely on elite institutions where billionaire bullies seem to believe that wealth equals wisdom.

Antisemitism, Islamophobia and racism are facts of life in society at large and intrude upon the campus as well. But what these terms mean can vary. Antisemitism is especially complex: it can mean anti-Jewish, anti-Israel’s existence, anti-Israeli government policy, and/or anti-Zionist, depending upon one’s perspective. The term has been applied by some to those who criticize the policies of the government of Israel, even if nei-

ther its people nor its right to exist are questioned.

There have been acts of antiIsrael, anti-Muslim and racial bias on campuses, to be sure. There have been marches and leaflets in support as well. Now Congress and the Department of Education Office of Civil Rights are gearing up for investigations of antisemitism in American higher education. Republican Rep. Elia Stefanik of New York is sponsoring H. Res. 927 “Condemning antisemitism on university campuses”.

The goal of higher education is to promote freedom of inquiry and free speech. The campus should be safe, but not necessarily intellectually comfortable. After all, questioning assumptions and assertions can cause discomfort. However, this does not ignore the fact that some Jewish students, faculty and staff feel uncomfortable in discussions with those who support human rights for Palestinians even as they support the right of Israel to exist. These are complex issues. People in and out of Israel can hold in mind two thoughts at the same time: security for Israel as an independent state and sympathy for Palestinians as members of the human family.

We should not be more critical of youthful exuberance for justice and

ples include the Dartmouth College series sponsored by professors from Jewish and Islamic Studies, and the programs of the American Historical Association to assist teachers and professors in how to teach about the current war.

College campuses are places where the idealism and aspirations of young people can be nurtured by examining the lessons of history, especially the history of those deemed “others.” Students can be prepared for their roles as citizens and professionals through campus-wide discussions that honor civil discourse and respect for evidence.

pendent state? Why are certain words and phrases deemed offensive? What is the relationship of these questions to the Nazi-caused Holocaust? Discussions of these and similar questions help us think about the current crises in the Middle East.

the rule of law than we are with the actions of elected officials who deny our nation’s history of racism, the evidence of human-caused climate change and the rampant rise in income inequality as a matter of public policy.

Incidents of hate on a campus require response. If the incidents are marches and rallies or anonymous posters expressing hate or worse for Jews or Israel or Muslims or others, they should be addressed. University leaders can do this without resorting to political rhetoric. Current exam-

The time-honored tradition of “teach-ins” is an appropriate response because often those claiming justice for their side do not know the history of the issues in contention. For example, what was the Balfour Declaration of 1917 and the so-called British Mandate in Palestine? What was to be the fate of the people living on the land designated for a Jewish state? What is the relationship of conflicts in Yemen, Lebanon and Egypt to those in Israel and Gaza?

What is the history of governance in Gaza? How would the territory of present-day Israel be changed if Palestine were recognized as an inde-

A university seeks truth, teaches and expands knowledge through questions. Ideologues close their eyes, ears and minds to viewpoints that differ from their own, including questions that challenge assumptions. They do not seem to know that one can be “right” without the other being wrong, that acknowledging the humanity of one group does not deny the humanity of another.

This perspective is not to deny the fact of antisemitism, Islamophobia and racism or the reality of the tragic events of Oct. 7, 2023. It is to use the moral authority of the university to foster respectful dialogue and peaceful engagement based on a knowledge of facts and an appreciation of different points of view. It is to find in a world of conflict a vision of hope.

Dr. Robert A. Scott, president emeritus, Adelphi University and Ramapo College of New Jersey; author, “How University Boards Work,” Johns Hopkins University Press, 2018

READERS WRITE

County executive Blakeman – leave trans kids alone

Bruce Blakeman couldn’t care less about girls’ sports.

By signing an executive order to ban teams that allow transgender girls and women to play within Nassau County athletic facilities, Bruce Blakeman continues to distract from his shirking of responsibilities as

Nassau County Executive.

Since his marginal win against Curran in 2021, after campaigning on the promise of $128 million in tax cuts, Blakeman has rejected every cut in annual budget proposals.

In 2022, amidst the highest rates of new COVID-19 cases and hospitaliza-

tions in the county, he issued a series of orders against mask mandates in schools.

What has he been doing instead in his capacity as executive?

Attacking the participation of the county’s small percentage of transgender girls and women in athletics, a right which is supported by experts in the field

including the National Women’s Law Center.

Blakeman’s order does not mention transgender boys and men — instead hiding his under-researched and dangerous “order” behind a thin veil of Victorian-era patriarchal values and personal opinion.

“Part of good government is listening to your constituents,” Blakeman said in a recent interview with the New York State Capital. Listen to this constituent, Bruce – do your job, and leave trans kids alone.

Carter Allen Garden City

Blakeman takes low road on transgender athletes

This week Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman issued an executive order banning transgender athletes from competing in events aligning with their gender identity at countyrun facilities. Let’s be clear: This is a cynical ploy by Blakeman to score political points and incite local contro-

versy by exploiting a red meat issue. While the subject of trans athletes has become a polarizing one nationally, I implore our residents to avoid taking Blakeman’s bait. Instead, we should engage in discussion of this issue with respect, civility and sensitivity to our trans neighbors and their families who deserve to

feel safe, welcomed and valued in our county.

I understand that this is not an easy issue. And I appreciate that concerns on both sides of this debate touch on differing notions of what constitutes fairness. With that said, we must be mindful that this legislation will affect trans youth in school

and on sports teams who will be listening to and internalizing the rhetoric and tone we use.

As a lifelong resident of Nassau County who is also a member of the LGBTQ community, I know how truly accepting and tolerant our residents are. I believe we are uniquely capable of setting a positive example of dis-

course for the rest of the nation that avoids the divisive pitfalls and cynical politics of grievance that Bruce Blakeman is attempting to leverage to his advantage.

Brad Schwartz Candidate for New York State Senate: District 7

Washington shouldn’t borrow to pay for foreign aid

With a $34.2 trillion and growing national debt, the United States Senate’s proposed $95 billion aid package, which includes $60 billion to Ukraine, $14 billion to Israel, $8

billion to Taiwan and $9 billion for humanitarian aid to Gaza, should be paid for by reprogramming existing funding within our $5.5 trillion federal budget. Every billion sent to all four

should be matched by providing a billion more to secure our own southern border with Mexico and northern border with Canada. There should be separate votes for each of these funding initiatives.

The private sector and citizens must make difficult financial decisions on how to use existing resources. Americans prioritize their own family budgets. They make the difficult choices in how existing house-

hold funds will be spent. President Biden and Congress must also do the same.

D’Esposito should focus on problems, not Mayorkas

As the dysfunction of the Republican House majority continues, it’s safe to predict that the GOP will continue to spend their time pursuing baseless impeachment inquiries simply for political gain – not passing any meaningful legislation that will help Long Islanders and all Americans who are struggling to make ends meet.

The NY-03 election showed that voters are rejecting the Trump-MAGA agenda and Republican political stunts are backfiring.

Mazi Pilip’s loss isn’t all that surprising: even conservative-minded New Yorkers are sick and tired of Republicans’ partisan games and political stunts.

It’s clear that MAGA Republicans’ top goal is not to work on real solutions for issues like the economy and the border, it’s to make sure they do everything

they can to appease Donald Trump and help him get back to the White House.

As a resident of New York’s 4th Congressional District, I was disappointed by my representative, Anthony D’Esposito’s vote to impeach Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas.

Pushing ahead with an impeachment simply due to policy disagreements is undemocratic and not an impeachable offense under the Constitution.

MAGA Republicans are setting a dangerous precedent of impeaching anyone they disagree with – regardless of any evidence of wrongdoing.

The Constitution gives Congress a way to address policy disagreements, but it is through legislation, not impeachment. That is reserved for treason, bribery, and other high crimes and misdemeanors. I am deeply concerned for the state of our democracy, as im-

peachment is weaponized, and used to bypass the legislative process as a political stunt.

But we know that House Republicans don’t care about any of that. They are laser-focused on one thing: re-electing Donald Trump.

Long Island’s House Republicans – including Reps. Anthony D’Esposito, Andrew Garbarino, and Nick LaLota –could be working on a bipartisan immigration reform deal that addresses our broken immigration system.

But instead of actually doing something to address the issues with our outdated and broken immigration system, they continue to pursue baseless, extreme, and harmful impeachment charades.

Even Republican Sen. James Lankford, who has been working on the Senate’s bipartisan immigration reform deal, called out his House Republican

colleagues, saying that impeaching Secretary Mayorkas won’t do anything to change the policies they are trying to impeach him over.

Meanwhile, our local communities desperately need help. Families are struggling to pay their rent amidst record high housing prices.

They’re wondering if they can afford their monthly prescription medication, and they’re praying they have enough money in the bank when they check out at the grocery store.

Our local congressmen don’t seem to care. If they did, they would be working toward actual solutions that make our lives better.

Instead, Rep. D’Esposito seems to have other priorities, like voting to cut funding for vital services that Long Islanders rely on, including Medicaid, K-12 education, and nutrition programs.

Anthony D’Esposito was elected to represent my neighbors and me, not to do Donald Trump’s bidding. Long Island communities, and Americans across the country, need Congress to come together and work to solve the urgent issues of our time.

But House Republicans would rather divide our country and focus on baseless impeachment stunts than actually solve problems.

It’s time for D’Esposito to stand up to House leadership and tell them enough is enough – end this baseless impeachment stunt and work with their colleagues on real solutions.

Joe Sackman

Joe Sackman is the chair of the Long Island Progressive Coalition and resident of Hicksville.

Larry Penner Great Neck

YOUR GUIDE TO THE ARTS, ENTERTAINMENT AND DINING

Audience to join orchestra for Symphony No. 5 at temple

On Sunday, March 10 at 3:00 p.m., Stephen

C. Widom Cultural Arts at Emanuel will present the Massapequa Philharmonic under the direction of David Bernard for a fully immersive InsideOut Concert where you will experience Beethoven’s Symphony No. 5 from your seat INSIDE the orchestra.

The experience of not only hearing, but seeing and feeling the music with an entire symphony orchestra around you is extraordinary—the iMax of Classical Music—better than any escape room! Even if you’ve heard and seen Beethoven’s Fifth many times, experiencing this amazing work up close is revelatory.

As amazing as it is to hear Beethoven’s Fifth on a recording or even in a live performance, experiencing this work from inside an orchestra is on a whole other level.

Beethoven’s Fifth is iconic. The opening four-note theme (and what follows) truly

rocked the world for generations. Their rhythm, short-short-short-long, was used as the letter “V” in the design of Morse Code, and the opening theme was taken as the theme of the Allies in World War 2 signifying “V for Victory.”

This work has captivated audiences for over 200 years, being chosen as the opening work for the inaugural concerts of the New York Philharmonic and the National Symphony, and was included in the recording sent into space to demonstrate humanity’s artistic accomplishments.

Called “the Johnny Appleseed of Classical Music” by Long Island Weekly, maestro David Bernard has helped the arts thrive through his innovative approaches to audience and orchestra building as music director and guest conductor.

Bernard serves as music director of the Park Avenue Chamber Symphony, Massapequa

Philharmonic and the Eglevsky Ballet. He is an active guest conductor, appearing with the Brooklyn Symphony, the Dubuque, Iowa, Symphony, the Greenwich (Conn). Symphony, Greater Newburgh Symphony Orchestra, and the Philharmonic of Southern New Jersey.

For over 36 years, the Massapequa Philharmonic Orchestra has brought exciting concerts featuring World-Class soloists to Long Island’s audiences.

Under the direction of renowned conductor, David Bernard, the Massapequa Philharmonic’ has built significant partnerships with the Nassau County Museum of Art and the Massapequa Public Schools, fulfilling a vision of outreach and cultural leadership across Long Island.

Under Bernard, the orchestra has performed sold-out shows at the Madison Theatre at Molloy College.

Most recently, the Massapequa Philharmon-

ic has begun serving as Orchestra-in-Residence at the Nassau County Museum of Art, producing video concert events and chamber music alongside the exhibits at the Museum.

Please note seating is limited for this immersive experience inside the orchestra. Be sure to get your tickets and confirm your attendance now.

Tickets are $25.

For further information, to register and purchase a ticket online, go to:

https://www.scwculturalarts.org/sunday-series or, call (516) 482-5701 to purchase a ticket over the phone.

Temple Emanuel of Great Neck is located at 150 Hicks Lane, Great Neck, NY 11024.

Maestro David Bernard engages with audience during InsideOut Concert

Gold Coast film fest to focus on Jewish film

To include American and Israeli movies, stars at the Manhasset Cinemas over 3 weeks

Gold Coast International Film Festival will be presenting the best new Jewish and Israeli films as part of its 2024 spotlight on Jewish film.

The GCIFF lineup showcases 6 critically acclaimed features comprised of a diverse collection of outstanding international narrative and documentary works, featuring an exclusive opening night historical drama “One Life” starring two-time Academy Award-winner Sir Anthony Hopkins.

All film screenings will take place at the Manhasset Cinemas at 430 Plandome Road in Manhasset.

“One Life” is a vivid and stirring historical drama based on true events. Two-time Academy Award winner Sir Anthony Hopkins gives an intensely moving performance as Sir Nicholas Winton, a humble, mildmannered British stockbroker who helped rescue hundreds of Jewish children from Europe on the verge of the Second World War, an act of compassion that was almost forgotten for 50 years.

It’s not until the BBC show “That’s Life!” re-introduces him to some of those he helped rescue that he finally begins to come to terms with the guilt and grief he carried — all the while skyrocketing from anonymity to a national hero. (March 4 at 7:00 pm; English)

“Supernova,” a documentary on the Oct. 7 massacre at the Supernova Festival in the Negev desert marks a

Leonard Lehrman to perform

Enjoy an afternoon of classical music at The Bryant Library on Sunday, March 10 at 3:00 pm, featuring songs composed, translated, arranged and transcribed by longtime Roslyn resident Leonard J. Lehrman, in honor of his 75th birthday year.

The program is co-sponsored by The Professor Edgar H. Lehrman Memorial Foundation — founded in 1986 by Leonard’s father, Nathaniel S. Lehrman (1923-2020).

Leonard J. Lehrman

historic turning point for Israel.

In this emotional film, survivors, first responders and parents recount their stories and the horrors they witnessed. Filmed just a few days after the events, their trauma is evident, their grief over friends lost is palpable, their continued fear is apparent.

Using materials meticulously collected from dozens of sources, the attacks were documented in real-time, by both perpetrators and victims, providing unprecedented insight into the massacre. With special remarks from Natalie Sanandaji, Nova Music

Festival Survivor, in partnership with Combat Antisemitism Movement. (March 6 at 7:00 pm; Hebrew with English subtitles)

“All About The Levkoviches” is a heartwarming family comedy about a generous and stubborn elderly boxing coach who gets along with everyone except his own son. They’re reunited after the death of the old man’s wife and forced to face old grievances.

As they sit shiva and mourn for a week, they embark on a journey of rediscovery, healing, and understanding. (March 11 at 7:00 pm; Hungar-

“The Monkey House” is a splashy cinematic gem melding a literary mystery, a rambunctious comedy, and a moving character study that follows the unexpected connection between two lost souls. Envious of his more celebrated colleagues, a oncesuccessful novelist tries to revive his fading career by launching a highly inventive scam.

He recruits a reckless actress and trains her to assume the somber identity of a lit master’s student. Their lives will alter forever. Nominated for 11 Israeli Academy Awards including Best Director for legendary Israeli director Avi Nesher. (March 18 at 7:00 pm; in Hebrew and Italian with English subtitles)

“Remembering Gene Wilder” is a loving tribute to Gene Wilder that celebrates his life and legacy as the comic genius behind an extraordinary string of film roles.

ian and Hebrew with English subtitles)

“The Boy In The Woods“ tells the powerful saga of courage and compassion based on the astonishing true-life story of Maxwell Smart, a young Jewish boy who lost his entire family in the Holocaust yet survived the Nazi occupation of Eastern Europe by hiding in the forests of Poland. Max’s epic tale and harrowing journey of survival is an inspiring testament to the indomitable human spirit. (March 13 at 7:00 pm; English)

It is illustrated by a bevy of touching and hilarious clips and outtakes, never-before-seen home movies, narration from Wilder’s audiobook memoir, and interviews with a roster of brilliant friends and collaborators like Mel Brooks, Alan Alda, and Carol Kane. Remembering Gene Wilder shines a light on an essential performer, writer, director, and allaround mensch. (March 21 at 7:00 pm; English)

For more information on each film and to purchase tickets visit www.goldcoastarts.org

Temple Isaiah to host lecture by historian Brown

Temple Isaiah of Great Neck will be hosting a lecture on Sunday, March 10t at 2:00 P.M. titled “Vladimir Putin’s War Against the West” presented by Ronald J. Brown, a professional historian specializing in world history and events.

Brown discusses that the Russians believe that Moscow is the Third Rome, heir to the first Rome in Italy and the Second Rome in Constantinople.

Additionally, President Putin’s imperial dreams include not only Ukraine and other eastern European realms, but Central Asia as well.

Brown poses the question — Will Putin be able to restore the ancient Russian dream of Moscow as the Third Rome and create a new empire extending as far as Central Asia?

Brown, named Teacher of the Year at Touro College, is currently an assistant professor of history and political science at Touro College and professor at the Unification Theological Seminary.

He is the author of three books on New York City religious history, a docent at the New York History Society and a featured speaker at the New York Council for the Humanities.

Brown has been listed as a noteworthy religious studies educator by Marquis Who’s Who.

For further information on this presentation, please contact Temple Isaiah of Great Neck at (516) 487-5373 or isiahgn@ yahoo.com. Temple Isaiah is located at One Chelsea Place, off Cuttermill Road. The suggested contribution is $15 and light refreshments will be served.

PHOTO COURTESY OF GOLD COAST ARTS

Williston Park New York

Presents:

In Honor of St Patrick and

II gg nn ss

Ignis Angelicus

Most Heavenly Choir, Soloist & Orchestra

Most Heavenly Choir, Soloists & Orchestra

Music of Ireland and Italy

Most Heavenly Choir, Soloists & Orchestra

BY STEVE M. D i MARE

Confusion is probably the word on the minds of most home improvement shoppers. Between fast talking salesmen and a plethora of options and features, some homeowners lose sight of their most valuable shopping asset — common sense. Here are six tips to use while shopping for home improvements that could come from any person with nothing more than good old fashioned horse sense.

TRUST YOUR INSTINCTS:

The biggest mistake most people make is buying from a person they don’t entirely trust. Most people think it is acceptable to buy home improvements from a person they don’t entirely trust because they think all salesmen or contractors are alike.

You should never buy anything from any company or person you don’t trust and feel one hundred percent comfortable with.

SEE THE PRODUCTS:

Sometimes what sounds good in description and looks great in pictures turns out to be a total disappointment.

You should never sign a contract without seeing the product first and never be afraid to tell your salesman just that.

An honest salesman will understand your apprehension and welcome you to go to the showroom before signing a contract. Always ask for a sample and don’t be afraid to ask questions.

DO YOUR HOMEWORK:

A company’s reputation says it all. Always inquire how long a company has been in business and how many jobs they complete each year.

This information will give you a good idea about a com-

pany’s experience. Unified completes approximately over 8,000 jobs per year and has been in business since 1989. That’s around 300,000 since the company was started.

Always check with Consumer Affairs and the Better Business Bureau to determine when the company was first licensed to ensure they didn’t change names along the way or go out of business.

VISIT THE SHOWROOM:

Unified never recommends buying any product or home improvements from a person or company that does not work out of a showroom, factory, or professional storefront. Even though the price will be lower, anyone who works out of a house, truck, or post office box, can seem to disappear into thin air. Take the time to go out and see the place of business, even if the contractor comes to give you an in home estimate.

GET DIRECT ANSWERS:

If a company and salesman are really honest, you should be able to get direct answers over the telephone, including exact prices and descriptions with-

out having to give your name or address and without talking to a specific person. An honest company should have nothing to hide.

GET EVERYTHING IN

THE CONTRACT:

Before signing a contract, make a quick list on your own of everything you expect from the job and everything the salesperson promised you. Then compare your list with the contract to be sure each item is clearly written. Don’t hesitate to have the salesman add what is missing.

When it comes to improvements or upgrades for your home you want to make sure you hire a professional company who has been in business for a long time in order to ensure your home is in good hands.

Doing your own research and talking to multiple companies can help you get a better understanding of the industry, products available on the market, and types of contractors in your area.

Steve M. DiMare is president of Unified Home Remodeling

Mark has successfully accomplished the most complex transactions seamlessly — always prioritizing his client’s best interest.

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

“Mark was extremely dedicated to the sale of the home. Very professional, courteous, efficient and went above and beyond what I believe to be the normal practices in the industry. I would highly recommend this agent! Mark is extremely knowledgeable and was able to guide us smoothly through the entire process. Because Mark handled everything from A-Z, I had hardly anything to do except sit back and wait for the closing.”

— Anthony B.

“Mark was very well prepared starting with our first meeting with him, he had a plan, he executed the plan, and when we ran into issues with potential buyers getting cold feet, he went out and found new buyers, and ended up negotiating a sale at what we all agreed was the top of the market.”

— Jeff G.

Whether you are thinking about selling or just curious about the market, I’m here to guide you every step of the way. Get in touch today for all of your real estate needs

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Fri 3/01

Nate Charlie Music @ 7pm

Churchill's, 18 S Park Ave, Rockville Centre

The Late Wedding - QC Drama, Theatre & Dance Dept. @ 7pm / $5

Kupferberg Center for the Arts, 153-49 Reeves Avenue, Queens

Dan Reardon @ 7pm

The Coop, Farmingdale

Let's Sing Taylor - With Special Guest Let's Sing

Harry @ 7:30pm / $19.50-$39.50

The Paramount, 370 New York Ave, Huntington

The Irish Tenors @ 8pm / $70

The Tenors’ powerful vocal line-up of An‐thony Kearns, Ronan Tynan and Declan Kelly. Tilles Center, LIU Post College, 720 Northern Boulevard, Greenvale

Raanan Hershberg: Brokerage Comedy Club @ 8pm Brokerage Comedy Club, 2797 Merrick Rd, Bellmore

Nellie McKay @ 8pm

My Father's Place at The Roslyn Hotel, 3 Pratt Blvd., Glen Cove

Sat 3/02

Wilderness Survival Series - Water Puri�cation @ 10am / $35-$40

Join us for the Saturday Wilderness Survival Skills, a new program for 2024! This series of mini workshops, led by survival enthusiasts

Eric Powers and Mike Evans, is ideal for be‐ginners and seasoned Sands Point Preserve, 127 Middle Neck Road, Sands Point. info@sand spointpreserve.org, 516-571-7901

Randy Jackson of Zebra @ 7pm Great South Bay Brewery, 25 Drexel Dr, Bay Shore

Raanan Hershberg @ 8pm

Governor's @ The Brokerage Comedy Club, 2797 Merrick Rd, Bellmore

Robinson Treacher

Music: Somerset Brew‐ery (Featured Artist) @ 8pm Somerset Brewing Company,

The

94 Cherry Valley Ave Unit C, West Hempstead

An Evening with Jessica Vosk @ 8pm / $56

A concert with Jessica Vosk. Tilles Center, LIU Post College, 720 Northern Boulevard, Greenvale Mike Viola @ 8pm

My Father's Place Roslyn Hotel, Roslyn

The 90's Band @ 10pm

Tap Room, 47-51 N Village Ave, Rockville Centre

Sun 3/03

PWHL: New York V Minnesota @ 12:30pm / $23.50-$61.50 UBS Arena, 2400 Hempstead Turnpike, Belmont Park - Long Island

Graztopia Live@Sand City South @ 2pm

Sand City Brewing, 150 S Well‐wood Ave, Lindenhurst

A Closer Look: Photography Exhibition Reception @ 3pm

A CLOSER LOOK: Pho‐tography Juried Art Ex‐hibit The Art Guild, 200 Port Washington Boule‐vard, Manhasset. info@ theartguild.org, 516304-5797

Michael Malone @ 8pm

Jeanne Rimsky Theater, 232 Main St #1, Port Washington

Saturday Mar 2nd

Sap to Syrup Family Workshop on the Leeds Pond Preserve

@ 10am / $20 Science Museum of Long Island, 1526 North Plandome Road, Manhasset. info@smli.org, 516-627-9400

This Family workshop is fun for the whole family and a great way to be in‐volved in your child's science education while rediscovering your own inner child!

New York Arabic Orchestra @ 3pm / $44

A beautiful afternoon of classic and contempo‐rary Arabic music. Tilles Center, LIU Post Col‐lege, 720 Northern Boulevard, Greenvale

Mon 3/04

GCIFF 2024 Spotlight on Jewish Film presents ONE LIFE

@ 7pm / $16

One Life opens 2024 Spotlight on Jewish Film Manhasset Cin‐emas, 430 Plandome Road, Manhasset. info@goldcoas tarts.org, 516-829-2570

Featured Featured Featured

Brooklyn Nets v. Memphis Grizzlies (Nets Unite: Noche Latina)

@ 7:30pm / $43-$5950 Barclays Center, 620 Atlantic Ave, Brooklyn

The Jelly feat. Yellow Shoots

@ 8pm

C'Mon Everybody, 325 Franklin Ave, Brooklyn

Tue 3/05

New York Islanders vs. St. Louis Blues

@ 7:30pm / $20-$200

UBS Arena, 2400 Hempstead Turnpike, Belmont Park - Long Island

Dustin Lowman: The Letdown

@ 8pm Halyards, 406 3rd Ave, Brook‐lyn

"History of Long Island Cooking" by Diane Schwindt @ 6pm / Free

FREE "History of Long Island Cooking" pre‐sentation brought to you by the Bryant Li‐brary's Local History Collection and Roslyn Landmark Society in the Bryant Libary's He‐len Glannon Room on March 5! The Bryant Li‐brary, 2 Papermill Road, Roslyn. info@roslyn landmarks.org, 516625-4363

Wed 3/06

GCIFF Spotlight on Jewish FilmSUPERNOVA @ 7pm / $16

Documentary on Octo‐ber 7 Supernova Festi‐val massacre Manhas‐set Cinemas, 430 Plan‐dome Road, Manhas‐set. info@goldcoas tarts.org, 516-829-2570

Phil Smith @ 7pm Craft Kitchen & Tap House Huntington, 363 New York Ave, Huntington

Long Island Nets Vs. Westchester Knicks @ 7pm / $12-$102 Nassau Veterans Memorial Col‐iseum, 1255 Hempstead Turn‐pike, Uniondale

Visit us @ https://theisland360.com/local-events/

Thu 3/07

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

Drew Baldridge @ 8pm

Mulcahy's Pub and Concert Hall, 3232 Railroad Ave, Wan‐tagh

Fri 3/08

Featured

Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey presents The Great‐est Show On Earth @ 7pm / $20-$90 UBS Arena, 2400 Hempstead Turnpike, Belmont Park - Long Is‐land

Featured

Joe Gatto's Night Of Comedy @ 7pm / $29.75-$59.75 The Paramount, 370 New York Ave, Hunting‐ton

Screaming Orphans @My Father's Place @ 8pm

My Father's Place, 1221 Old Northern Blvd, Roslyn

Bachman-Turner Overdrive @ 8pm / $29.50-$69.50

NYCB Theatre at Westbury, 960 Brush Hollow Road, Westbury

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

Broadway’s

Broadway’s

Town officials attend Black History event

Town of North Hempstead Supervisor Jennifer DeSena and Council Member Robert Troiano recently attended a Black History Month celebration hosted at the Town’s “Yes We Can” Community Center on Thursday, Feb. 15.

Members of the “Yes We Can” Community Center After-School and Teen programs read quotes, poems,

sang and danced to celebrate African American historical figures with a focus on pioneers from the arts and music industry.

The theme of this year’s event was “African Americans and the Arts.” Students celebrated the works of Dr. Martin Luther King, Maya Angelou and Langston Hughes, among others.

‘Completion Corps’ helping students with financial aid

The new Free Application for Federal Student Aid is now available and SUNY Old Westbury is offering help to the local community navigate the new system.

Old Westbury has built a team of students to help prospective students and their families navigate the FAFSA form, which helps determine a student’s eligibility for financial aid.

A recent visit to Westbury High School is one of multiple off-site pop-up venues that the team will conduct in the coming months. While at Westbury, the students offered one-onone guidance with students and parents in preparing for and completing the FAFSA.

“The changes made to the FAFSA have simplified in many ways the process of applying for aid,” said Bryan Terry, vice president for enrollment management and marketing at SUNY Old Westbury. “For many families, though, and especially those who are sending their first to college, there remain nuances and needs that can be hard to understand.

Through these student leaders, our goal is to ease the process and helps students get all the aid available to them.”

Along with visits like the Westbury event, the team at SUNY Old Westbury is planning office hours, campus events, and both in-person and virtual visits to other regional high schools.

The SUNY Old Westbury FAFSA Completion Corps team is led by Jaclyn Congello, the university’s director of orientation, and is comprised of 10 students.

The students participating in the Westbury High School event were: Keshun Stanley Bunn of Brooklyn, Annie Chavez of the Bronx, Nahiyan Islam of Mastic, Paula Mendoza de Escalante of Glen Cove, Sydney Theresa Royal of Elmont, Fida Siddiqui of Farmingdale, and Me’khi Vanterpool of Floral Park.

To arrange a visit by the SUNY Old Westbury FAFSA Completion Corps to your school or community organization, contact Congello at congelloj@oldwestbury.edu.

The Old Westbury students are making this effort as part of the State University of New York FAFSA Completion Corps, a program announced last fall where as many as 48 students across six SUNY campuses are being trained to provide FAFSA assistance to high school students, adult learners, and enrolled college students in their region through financial aid nights, working with community organizations, and interacting on campuses.

FAFSA is the starting point for most federal and state financial aid. The updated 2024-25 form, which launched on Dec. 31, expands eligibility for federal student aid, including Pell Grants, and provides a streamlined user experience with fewer questions.

Approximately 610,000 new students from low-income backgrounds will be eligible to receive Federal Pell Grants due to updates to student aid calculations. Plus, applicants will be able to skip as many as 26 questions, depending on their individual circumstances. Some applicants may be required to answer as few as 18 questions, which could take less than 10 minutes.

USMAA women aid PAL volleyball

Members of the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy women’s volleyball team recently donated their time to the Great Neck PAL’s Winter 2024 volleyball program.

The PAL players received instruction from USMMA Head Coach Tony Nocera and senior athletes, Meredith Buchanan and Amy Jones, and freshman athletes Alexa Tipps, Sierra Richardson, and Erin Stillinger. The clinic focused on skills such as bumping, setting, serving and hit-

ting. The PAL athletes also had the opportunity to scrimmage with the USMMA team to demonstrate their skills. The Great Neck PAL volleyball program is a coed program for players in grades 4-9.

“We were thrilled to partner with the USMMA women’s volleyball team to bring this special event to the young members of our PAL community,” said Debbie Ungaro, PAL director, Great Neck Unit. “It was a great experience for our players and much appreciated.”

Pictured left to right North Hempstead Council Member Robert Troiano, “Yes We Can” Community Center Executive Director Tyronza Murray, and Town Supervisor Jennifer DeSena celebrating Black History Month with members of the community center’s after-school and teen programs

PHOTO COURTESY OF SUNY OLD WESTBURY OFFICE OF COMMUNICATIONS

SUNY Old Westbury student Fida Siddiqui provides guidance and advice to a family from Westbury about the new FAFSA.

PHOTO COURTESY OF SARA RIETBROEK

USMMA women’s volleyball team with Great Neck PAL athletes,

Buyers need to act quickly in this market

If you don’t know or are not aware of it by now, our housing inventory is as low as I can ever remember going back 50-plus years. That and our higher interest rates compared to our lowest 2.50% rates back in 2020-2021 have drastically altered the purchasing and selling decisions of many over the last four years. Moreover, prices have been another major stumbling point for the majority of purchasers searching for their “next place to call home.”

Once a home, HOA, condo, or co-op is found, there is no time to waste in securing an inspection and the most crucial contract to be signed and executed by both parties. Having your commitment letter will also be critical in proving your qualifications and capability in making sure you can complete and finalize the transaction. This is especially true in the purchase of a co-op, when one must get approved by a co-op board.

The speed in which you or you and your significant other make a decision on a purchase or even a rental in our current market will many times determine the success and outcome of whether or not you will take possession of the property.

In this still frenzied market faced with strong demand one cannot vacillate or hesitate in making that important decision. For most, it is one of the most important decisions that you will ever make in your lifetime. Moreover, time is of the essence in our current housing market, which necessitates a very quick decision especially when an offer is accepted.

PHILIP A. RAICES

Real Estate Watch

What is worse is when a bidding war occurs, which seems to be the norm lately on Long Island. You must be ready, as they say, to “do or die” to come out the triumphant winner. Then your emotions set in and this can be a very scary, worrisome, and devastating situation. Some need a home and can surely afford the cost of ownership. Then some want to buy a home, and when reality sets in, it’s called “champagne tastes and beer pockets” as the buyers are potentially going overboard in what their budget realistically says they can qualify for in the view of their lender. Banks are being much more conservative in their decision-making and no longer provide financing just because would-be buyers are breathing and have a pulse as they did before the implosion of our market in 2008.

Never let your emotions get the best of you, your wife, and/or girlfriend, no matter what. Although your decisions may in most occurrences have to be quick and decisive, you aren’t yet committed and contractually obligated until the papers are executed by both you and your seller. This may be the most expensive purchase of your lifetime, and you must be financially and mentally prepared to pull the trigger so as not to lose the home to another hungry bidder.

Unfortunately, some are not truly ready and may not have been properly advised by their agent, mortgage person, or attorney as to the pitfalls and issues involved in the best and most efficient way to approach their purchase. A checklist of important things to think of should be made in advance of going out and searching for a place. Your agent should be knowledgeable in their expertise and years of experience to guide you in going over what is most important. It comes down to educating the client, which will minimize and hopefully eliminate the major mistakes that can come along the way during the process of either searching or the eventual purchase. Missteps could cost substantial sums of money and cause unnecessary stress in the end.

I will provide weekly stats for the previous month with a different town throughout Nassau County so my readers will be aware and updated as to how their market is progressing. This week I will highlight Great Neck where I reside.

Residential Sales: 1/2022 1/2023 1/2024

Average Sale Price: $1,219,194 $1,219,705 $1,296,936 (+6.4% yoy)

Median Sale Price: $1,200,000 $1,290,000 $l,260,000 (half the homes are more and half the homes are less than the numbers shown) (-2.3% yoy)

Condo Sales: 1/2022 1/2023 1/2024 (-31.8% yoy)

Average Sale Price: $525,000 $550,000 $375,000

Median Sale Price: $525,000 $550,000 $375,000

Average and Median prices were exactly the same yoy

Coops Sales: 1/2022 1/2023 1/2024

Average Sale Price: $257,640 $227,000 $324,500

Median Sale Price: $270,000 $230,000 $370,500 (+33.7% yoy)

Numbers courtesy of the Multiple Listing Service of Long Island (LiRealtor.com)

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

Com My New digital business card/Bio/Reviews to save to your Cell/Ipad/Ipod or PC contacts and that you can purchase on: https://onetapconnect.com/turnkeyrealestate-philraices

TECH TERMS to know

MULTI-FACTOR AUTHENTICATION (MFA)

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

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

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

READERS WRITE

America the Beautiful. We must keep it that way

Hey fat boy Trump you look very pale

Because the White House is no longer for sale and you’re afraid of going to jail Fact is you’ve snowed so many people.

You laugh at their ignorance and stupidity because they don’t understand your theme song Me! Me! Me!

There’s a sucker born every minute and so many are in his crowd.

But why the hell are their voices so annoying and so loud.

Oh say can’t you see that he’s taken all of you on a ride.

Join him at Mar-a- Lago.

You’ll see the so many secret documents he decided to hide.

Did Putin pay him plenty just to take a glance and put Rubles in Trump’s pocket, enough to make the Fat Man dance, wearing his golden sneakers that he’s hawking for sale.

To raise money for his impending bail.

He loves Putin. The whole world heard him say so.

We New Yorkers know one sure thing about Trump. He’ll do anything for dough.

Traitor! Traitor!

Another Benedict Arnold for sure.

Hey Trumpsters! You’re smart, but you should know by now that he’s rotten to the core.

He’ll lie to your face and do it with a smile.

He’s the epitome of wickedness and trickery and guile. You listen to his words, but fail to see what he’s done.

He’s put our beloved country in danger, putting We The People all under the gun.

January Sixth! Why can’t you just believe your own eyes.

Seeing Congressmen and Senators running scared. if you listened closely you could hear their agonizing cries. Majority or minority. Both were afraid at that moment they were going to die.

From the White House Trump watched all this on television. Like a drug, it gave him a high. When it was over, even his own people blamed him.

You don’t believe it?

See and hear what they said on the tapes.

The man is capable of anything. Check out other accusations against him.

The Rapes!

But Trump’s so good at convincing people that it was all contrived. A lie.

But You and We The Good People know better.

His excuses really don’t fly.

Have you forgotten investigations that followed. In America we let courts decide.

Guilty, the final word in all the verdicts. There’s no more places for him to hide. A challenge! Check out the evidence. There’s so much available to see.

If you or I were accused of such crimes, we’d already be seeking a plea.

This is America. Patriotism!

Home of the free and the brave. Trump had it all, but for his ego he dug his own grave.

So many of his faithful loved him, but he doesn’t give a damn about any of you.

All he wanted was power, even another Civil War. That’s what he was trying to do.

Tearing apart our country for his own interest. That is the epitome of sin.

We, the People of America must stand tall and together. that is the only way we’ll win. America can still be the greatest.

O Say, Can You See our flag flying high Representing Life, Liberty and our Pursuit of Happiness. God please, don’t let it all die. History shows democracy is best. Let us pray. America the Beautiful. We must keep it that way. America the Beautiful. We must keep it that way.

Alvin Goldberg Great Neck

Republican Party backs D’Esposito for re-election

Continued from Page 13

He endorsed former President Donald Trump Monday. “We want to elect President Donald Trump back to office!” D’Esposito said in a video from Monday night.

D’Esposito serves in a district that largely voted for President Joe Biden in the 2020 election.

“Anthony D’Esposito falling in line to endorse Donald Trump is unsurprising and mir-

rors how he’s repeatedly caved to the most dangerous, far-right factions of the Republican Party,” said Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee spokesperson Ellie Dougherty in a statement. “In Congress, D’Esposito has

voted for legislation to restrict abortion, in addition to cutting funding for public safety. And after 13 months in office, he’s also failed to advance any meaningful, bipartisan policies to fix our border.”

Santos sues Jimmy Kimmel in Cameo dispute

Continued from Page 13

breach of contract and unjust enrichment.

Efforts to reach press representatives for “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” for comment were unavailing.

The lawsuit alleges that Kimmel placed 14 Cameo requests from Santos that used fake names to make phony message requests.

The Cameo videos were then broadcast by Kimmel on his late-night talk show under a segment called “Will Santos Say It?” that began in December after Santos was expelled from Congress.

Video messages from Santos included a congratulatory statement for someone who consumed six pounds of loose ground beef in under 30 minutes and for the successful cloning of a Schnauzer dog named Adolf.

Overall, five Cameo videos from Santos were played on Kimmel’s late-night talk show.

Cameo is a website where individuals and businesses sell personalized video messages to fans who request a specific message. These personalized video messages can be purchased with prices ranging depending on who the Cameo is purchased from.

Santos states in the suit that the Cameo videos were purchased “under the guise of fandom” and Kimmel misrepresented himself with the purpose of “capitalizing on and ridiculing” the former congressman’s “gregarious personality.”

The lawsuit contends this was done for commercial gain and is an example of copyright infringement and violates original agreements.

Santos is seeking statutory damages of $750,000, and for additional damages to be determined in a trial.

The lawsuit was filed against Kimmel as well as ABC and the Walt Disney Company.

Santos was expelled from Congress on Dec. 1 after the House of Representatives voted him out of office after being subjected to scrutiny and ethics probes for lying to voters about himself. He now faces a federal indictment of 23 counts of wire fraud, money laundering and theft of public funds and was amid plea negotiations in December.

After a special election sparked by the removal of Santos from the House, former representative Tom Suozzi was elected Feb. 13 to finish Santos’ term in representing New York’s Third Congressional District.

Dems slam Blakeman’s trans ban

Continued from Page 1

Blakeman also said he did not know how many transgender athletes are competing in Nassau County, but that overall transgender people make up 0.5%-1% of the county’s population.

With a low number of transgender people living in the county, of which it is uncertain how many are competing in sports, Blakeman said this concerns a national issue.

Under the executive order, transgender girl and women athletes will now be forced to compete in the leagues that correlate with their sex assigned at birth, limited to competing only on boys’ and men’s teams or co-ed teams.

“So this is not precluding anybody from participating in sports,” Blakeman said. “ It’s identifying that there are women and girls who spend a tremendous amount of time and effort to excel and compete in their sports that are women’s sports.”

The county executive said the purpose of the executive order is to protect women’s and girls’ sports in the county by preventing transgender girls and women athletes from competing.

Blakeman said transgender women present an unfair advantage when competing in women’s sports, calling it a form of bullying.

The ban only concerns transgender girls and

women, as Blakeman said there is no advantage for transgender boys and men to compete on boys’ and men’s teams.

State Attorney General Letitia James and the New York Civil Liberties Union condemned Blakeman’s executive order, with both saying they intended to look into the legality of the ban.

“This executive order is transphobic and deeply dangerous,” James said in a statement. “In New York, we have laws that protect our beautifully diverse communities from hate and discrimination of any and every kind. My office is charged with enforcing and upholding those laws, and we stand up to those who violate them and trespass on the rights of marginalized communities. We are reviewing our legal options.”

Bobby Hodgson, Director of LGBTQ Rights Litigation for the state’s civil liberties union, called the executive order illegal in a statement and said the union will be seeking out ways to strike it down.

“Requiring girls who are trans to compete on boys’ teams effectively bars them from sports altogether,” Hodgson said. “Participating would mean being outed and being denied the same opportunities other girls enjoy: to challenge themselves, improve fitness, and be part of a team of their peers. At its heart, this order is an attempt to shut trans people out of public

spaces. In the wake of growing attacks against LGBTQ+ rights nationwide, we must defend trans people’s rights, uphold New York law, and ensure their equal participation in all aspects of life, including sports.”

Robert Zimmerman, who lost to former Rep. George Santos in the 2022 congressional race – the first to feature two openly gay candidates — slammed Blakeman’s executive order in a Facebook post.

“At a time when transgender youth face a suicide rate of almost 40% and violence against LGBTQ young people is at new heights, Bruce Blakeman’s illegal and dangerous Executive Order contributes to dividing people and threatening vulnerable young people,” Zimmerman wrote.

He said he has faith in James to fight back against this ban.

Many organizations representing civil rights and LGBTQ+ interests were present at the Nassau County Legislative building, rallying against the executive order.

Present was the National Organization for Women (NOW) Nassau County, which called Blakeman’s administration focused on “culture wars rather than improving the lives of Nassau County residents.”

“Trans women are women. Trans girls are

Deli food truck offers fan favorites

Continued from Page 3

He also hopes to expand the business by adding a second location, a smaller version of the deli that offers fast, casual dining since Dominick’s current location juggles individual customers and catering orders.

There’s no question that business is thriving at Dominick’s Deli. While Super Bowl Sunday is usually a particularly busy

day for delis, Marino says this year was busier than ever: “It was the busiest day in the history of the deli.”

Employees began preparations for the big day at least a week beforehand, putting in large orders and then staying late on Friday and Saturday.

It seems likely that the deli’s success is a direct result of the labor of love that comes from working in a family business. Perhaps

Marino sums it up best when he describes the difference between a good deli sandwich and a great deli sandwich.

“When you’re making [a sandwich], you gotta make it like you’re making it [for] yourself,” says Marino. “You have to make it like you’re gonna eat it or someone you love is gonna eat it. You have to take pride in making it.”

Manorhaven presents draft budget

Continued from Page 2

back-and-forth trend in rental registration fee revenues, potentially proposing a reserve fund established to address gaps in the budget.

One of the biggest costs for the village in the upcoming budget is the contract with the Port Washington Sewer District, Kordic said, which amounts to $1.24 million and represents a 16.38%, or $175,000 increase in the budget proposal.

The total costs for sewage treatment and disposal in the preliminary budget add up to $1,386,822, or about 25.87% of the total budget.

Popeleski said that the preliminary budget also includes additional funds for potential sewer projects and repairs that may

be needed in the next fiscal year – tucking away $80,000.

The village owns its sewer system, Popelesi said, which is aging and may require repairs in the future.

Because of both the sewer contract increase and the drop in rental registration fee revenues, Kordic said there is a $600,000 gap in the budget that will be filled by the village’s fund balance.

After the money is pulled from the fund balance, Kordic said it will still remain at a healthy level of about 25% of future budgeted expenditures. He said there are no policies on how much should remain in the fund balance, but that the state expects about 10% of future budgeted expenditures – which Manorhaven would remain above.

Other changes in the budget Kordic noted were a drop of $48,000 for buildings and alteration revenues and a $20,000 reduction in the clerk/treasurer’s salary.

Manorhaven’s state aid is projected to be $254,471 in the next fiscal year. This is a $6,000 drop from the current fiscal year, which is attributed to a decline in the state’s consolidated highway aid.

Kordic said mandated expenses, like the New York State retirement system, are projected to increase and are accounted for in the preliminary budget.

The budget is required to be adopted by May 1, and adjustments can be made to the budget before being adopted. Popeleski said he anticipates the village adopting the 20242025 budget at the April meeting.

girls. Full stop,” Patrica Pastor, Nassau NOW president, said. “Blakeman’s thinly veiled attempt at publicity not only violates the spirit of fairness and inclusion in sports but is a tired and long-standing approach to divide us. We won’t let that happen. We stand with the Trans community today and always.”

Melanie D’Arrigo, vice president of Nassau’s National Organization for Women and co-founder of LGBTQ+ group Be The Rainbow, echoed that transgender women and girls are women and girls and the county executive’s order is intended to violate the “spirit of fairness” and divide communities.

“County Executive Blakeman’s discriminatory order does not protect women. It protects bigots,” D’Arrigo said. “Instead of using his administration to serve the residents of Nassau County, he is attacking marginalized kids. It’s an egregious abuse of power and a pathetic attempt to weaken the LGBTQIA+ community and the women’s movement. We will not be shaken nor deterred.”

A petition has been started by the LGBT Network, a Queens and Long Island-based LGBTQ+ nonprofit, to end the transgender ban in Nassau County that the organization called illegal.

Addressing backlash from LGBTQ+ advocacy groups, Blakeman said that not everyone within the LGBTQ+ community supports transgender girls competing on girls’ sports teams.

“And I would suspect that there is a large group of lesbians who support us because they worked very, very hard to be taken seriously as athletes and to be treated fairly,” Blakeman said.

The county executive’s order was met with a slew of backlash, not only from protestors and organizations present at the signing of the order but also by local officials denouncing his action.

State Assemblywoman Gina Sillitti (D-Port Washington) called Blakeman’s order an attempt to make headlines she said she fears will result in a “culture of hate” directed at transgender children.

“Words matter. Far too often, hateful rhetoric leads to hateful action,” Sillitti said, referencing the recent death of a transgender teen in Oklahoma after allegedly being attacked in a school bathroom.

Nassau County Legislative Minority Leader Delia DeRiggi-Whitton (D-Glen Cove) said Blakeman’s order is another example of his selfpromotion.

In support of Blakeman and his executive order include newly elected Republican Nassau County District 18 Legislator Samantha Goetz and Republican Rep. Anthony D’Esposito (NY04).

“Preserving women’s sports is just common sense,” D’Esposito said in a statement. “Every American deserves respect, but we can’t deny that there are differences between biological males and females.”

Nassau County has almost 100 sports facilities throughout the county catering to a variety of sports.

Blakeman said some of the county facilities are utilized by local schools and colleges, both public and private. This order would then apply to the students at these schools.

Ahead of the county’s busy summer sports season, Blakeman said this order will be implemented for leagues applying for permits currently.

When asked what prompted this order, Blakeman signaled to a national issue.

The county executive said this executive order had been discussed over the past few months and was backed by his legal team’s research. He said he is not aware of any policy in New York State that would strike down his executive order.

Despite the executive order barring transgender girls and women athletes from competing on female sports teams in the county, Blakeman said Nassau County is accepting of all lifestyles.

Civic hears resident concerns

Continued from Page 4

one in DeSena’s office and the Sheriff ’s Department.

Colon said the town has been scheduling court dates at which the property owner does not appear. Then the judge, instead of fining the property owner, adjourns court for a later date, according to Colon.

DeSena reminded town residents that there are legal procedures the town has to follow.

“That whole block is gonna blow up, with the United States Post Office right next to it!” said the resident. “And that’s when [the town will] do something. Something bad has to happen.”

“Well, hopefully not,” replied DeSena.

On Friday, piles of silver metal beams, a stack of red metal beams piled against the side wall of CVS Pharmacy, a yellow forklift, wooden planks and boarded-up windows were visible on the 2024 Hillside Ave. property.

newspaper readers who read a grocery ad took action after seeing the ad.*

All

Publisher's

All real estate advertised herein is subject to the Federal Fair Housing Act, which makes it illegal to advertise any preference, limitation, or discrimination because of race, color, religion,

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.

EMPLOYMENT

SEEKING LOCAL COLLEGE

STUDENTS Math-Accounting Majors for part time permanent position in accounting department at Garden City business. One full day per week or 2 half days. $19-$21/hour Send Resume to: GardenCityOffice@aol.com

SITUATION WANTED

A HOME HEALTH CARE AIDE Irish trained woman with 10 years experience and excellent checkable references available. Honest and reliable. Licensed driver with own transportation. Please call 516-383-7150

HELP WANTED

FULL TIME BOOKKEEPER/ADMIN

ASSISTANT for busy L.I. Law Firm. Handle accounts receivables and payables, bank deposits and admin tasks to support Accounting Director. Must be willing to work in office, detail oriented and accurate with strong organizational skills. Knowledge of Quickbooks & Excel a plus. Send resume to: jobs@scahillpc.com

SITUATION WANTED

Health Aide/Companion Gentle. Optimistic.

Experienced with many medical conditions and kinds of people.

Families have told me I created a lovely environment, more than they could have hoped for. I am seeking work in Nassau County or Manhattan.

I have my own car. I’ve worked mostly in the Great Neck area. My references are outstanding & available upon request.

Please Call: 917-499-9520

MARKETPLACE

A.T. STEWART EXCHANGE CONSIGNMENT SHOP 516-746-8900 AntiquesFurniture-Jewelry-Silver-Mirrors-LampsArtwork 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!

AIDE/CARE GIVER: Caring, Efficient, Reliable. Available FT Live In nights & weekends to care for your sick or elderly loved one. Cooking, tidy up, personal grooming, administer medications. 15 years experience. References available. Fully Vaccinated. Please Call 516-951-8083

ELDER CARE Experienced woman seeks position to care for the elderly live in or live out. Certified HHA. CPR experience. Excellent references. Please call 516-800-6442

CERTIFIED CNA/HHA LOOKING FOR JOB. Available for Elderly care. Meds reminder, Dr. appts. Shopping, Light housekeeping. Have own car. Please call Chery at 718-306-3017 30 years experience.

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

WANTED TO BUY

ELDER CARE Certified HHA/ PCA Experienced woman with 21 yrs. experience seeks to take care of the elderly. Will assist with daily baths, prepare meals, laundry and light housekeeping. Please call Winsome: 917-937-1236

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Audit slams building department

Continued from Page 6

“The Building Department is one of the most forward-facing, necessary services that the town administers and it must be able to be relied on,” DeSena said at the 2024 State of the Town address. “With this report’s findings, we will be better able to improve the department’s processes – making its services more dependable and user-friendly for our residents and businesses.”

The audit was requested by DeSena in July 2022.

politicized Town Board that restructured the administrative process in 2021 to intentionally deny me necessary oversight,” DeSena said in a statement to Newsday.

She said the now Republican-controlled Town Board will be implementing changes based on the audit.

available for the building department can modernize permitting processes for department employees and permit applicants.

DeSena said in a statement to Newsday that the building department’s historical dysfunction needed an overhaul after issues in the department led to frustrations by local businesses and residents.

“At the heart of these difficulties rests a departmental lack of accountability, that unfortunately was exacerbated by a

Findings in the audit include “significant problems” with the department’s online permit portal that underutilized software features, a lack of standardized procedures and operational oversight leading to operational inefficiencies, a lack of communication and transparency with permit applicants, and a lack of standardization for permit expedition procedures.

The audit also states that the town’s “bifurcation” during the 18-month audit had a negative impact on the implementation of the building department portal.

The county said that the software

They said the department is not utilizing this software “to improve process flow, facilitate communication, and enable constituents to easily track their permit applications online.”

If utilized more, the county said this software would “improve constituent and employee satisfaction, increase efficiency and transparency, and help the Building Department to standardize processes and implement quality control.”

During the audit process, the county comptroller’s office spoke with residents, members of the town’s administration, commissioners and staff, architects, engineers and contractors. They also conducted two customer satisfaction surveys.

life-saving initiatives.”

In September 2022, Blakeman said the county planned on spending $15 million annually for four years on drug prevention, education and treatment.

DeRiggi-Whitton, a frequent critic of Blakeman’s failure to spend proceeds from opioid settlement funds, filed the “Families Against Fentanyl Act” Monday along with a number of fellow legislators. It is a resolution requiring the inclusion of of fentanyl-detecting strips in Narcan kits distributed by Nassau County agencies.

Nassau had received a total of $92,522,907 from settlements with opioid drug manufacturers, distributors and sellers as of Feb. 22, according to the Minority Caucus. Of those proceeds, $6,761,703 had been encumbered, but only $201,833 had been spent to date, based on recent internal reports.

DeRiggi-Whitton said the $92 million set aside from opioid settlements cannot be used for anything other than opioid treatment, recovery and prevention sources, meaning that the Nassau County administration is just sitting on the funding. Most of the money has been sitting in an unused bank account, according to DeRiggi-Whitton.

“No community has been spared from the scourge of the opioid crisis, and the $92.5 million that Nassau County has received could make a tremendous impact upon the lives of those who are in the grips of addiction,” said DeRiggiWhitton. “Considering the wave of devastation that we have experienced and the promises that have been made, it is infuriating to know that … just a sliver of these funds have actually been spent on

DeRiggi-Whitton, who was joined by six fellow Nassau County lawmakers and members of the Minority Caucus at a press conference Monday, said she originally asked for just $10,000 from the opioid settlement funds to go toward the Narcan kits.

“The Minority’s legislative proposal to include fentanyl testing strips in Narcan kits — which should have been considered and voted on when we first proposed it two years ago — is a proven, low-cost approach,” said Nassau County Legislator Debra Mulé (D-Freeport).

Fentanyl is an incredibly potent synthetic opioid. Just two milligrams of fentanyl, roughly the amount of 10 grains of salt, is enough to cause a fatal overdose, said DeRiggi-Whitton.

The United States Drug Enforcement Administration seized more than 78.4 million fentanyl-laced pills last year alone.

Overdose death rates have remained high since the pandemic as states struggle with the opioid-fentanyl epidemic.

DeRiggi-Whitton criticized Nassau County spending, specifically targeting Nassau County lawmakers’ recent approval of $10 million to be spent on the county’s 125th anniversary celebration.

“The $10 million for the 125th anniver-

sary went out like that, and we’re only at $7 million for this opioid funding that … cannot be used for anything else,” said DeRiggi-Whitton.

“Even Suffolk has done a much better job than we have at distributing [the funds],” said DeRiggi-Whitton. While Nassau County distributes opioid funds on a reimbursement basis, Suffolk County operates on a grant model.

The grandmother of one fentanyl victim attended Monday’s session of the Nassau Legislature.

Paige Gibbons, 19, of Pittsford, N.Y., died on Nov. 20, 2022 from accidental fentanyl poisoning after consuming what she believed was a Percocet pill during a sleepover with friends. The pill in actuality was 100% fentanyl.

Her family’s story has been shared around the country and was notably featured in a commercial sponsored by the New York State Office of Addiction Services and Supports that aired during the Super Bowl.

Corinne Kaufman, Gibbons’ grandmother, filed the “Families Against Fentanyl Act” alongside the Nassau County legislators. Kaufman implored Blakeman to direct the opioid settlement funds toward fentanyl and opioid awareness and programming.

“The [fentanyl] strips cost about a dollar. It’s important to have them in every Narcan kit and make them available to all,” said Kaufman. “It might have saved Paige’s life.”

GOING FOR GOLD Manhasset boys swim team wins division title

BY MICHAEL J. LEWIS

It had been a minute, as the kids say, since the Manhasset boys swim team had had this kind of success.

A whole lot of minutes. Like, 36 seasons’ worth of minutes.

In 1988, when breakdancing was still cool, Ronald Reagan was president and Michael Jordan was just a young Chicago Bull who hadn’t won anything, the Manhasset boys team won a division championship.

Not since then had it happened again.

Until now.

But led by the addition of a young team member who has made a big difference, and the improvements by many others, Manhasset is ruling the roost again.

Coach Matt McGrane’s boys won the division championship for the first time in 36 years this February and then went on to finish a strong second at the Nassau County Class B meet.

Thanks to those strong efforts, Manhasset has placed five competitors at the state meet on March 1 in Ithaca.

“It’s been a wonderful season with so many kids stepping up and showing improvement,” McGrane said. “The kids have all worked hard and come ready to swim and get better.”

Junior Ryan Lombard, a state qualifier as part of the 200 medley relay team, said winning the division was a huge goal, and that the kids were aware of how long it had been.

“Coach told us and we set the goal and to finally do it, oh my gosh, it felt not real,” Lombard said, laughing. “Coach was so happy, we were all so happy, and really proud of what we’d done.”

The Manhasset swimmers and McGrane point to two big reasons for the team’s success this year: First, the improvement of the many team competitors who are not year-round club swimmers.

Junior Brendan So, a state qualifier in the 100 butterfly and the 200 medley relay, said the dedication of those student-athletes was immense.

“Those of us who did it in club season and year-round, we’re used to the crazy number of hours you have to put in,” So said. “But the mental willingness, and the physical willingness, to be training 9-10 hours per week, to get yourself faster in the pool, that has made a huge difference in our times.”

The other major change this season was the addition of the youngest member of the team, but one of the most crucial: Seventh-grade diver Kevin Jiang joined the squad this year and has finally given Manhasset a chance to accumulate diving points, instead of forfeiting those in each meet.

Jiang had a strong season and finished sixth at counties.

“To be able to go to these meets and be hanging with other teams, and then get to the diving part and seeing them get 10 points, 13

points while we got none, it was frustrating,” Lombard said. “But Kevin comes in and gives us huge points there, and he’s always so much fun to have on the team. He’s a lot younger than us but when we’re tired he really brings the energy.”

Some of the top performances at county included Andrew Koek winning the 100 breaststroke (and setting a school record in the process, in 57.49), So taking third place in the 100 butterfly, the 200 free relay team of Lombard, So, Theodore Shum and Ryan Dissanayake placing third, and the 200 medley relay team of Shum, Koek, So and Ryan Lombard finishing second.

Ma, making states for the first time in the 500 free, credits McGrane’s enthusiasm and leadership for the team’s success.

“He really understands all of us, our strengths and how to improve our weaknesses, and he handles the team energy really well,” Ma said. “He connects with each kid and makes us all better.”

With the team season behind them, the Manhasset swimmers going to states said they’re hoping for Top 10 finishes.

“We have some people going for the first time and a few who’ve been there before, but I’d love to get a Top 10 or Top 20 finish,” So said. “The competition is huge but it should be a great experience for all of us.”

Roslyn boys eyes title victory

BY MICHAEL J. LEWIS

Before the start of every practice for the Roslyn boys basketball team, head coach Greg Tull walks up to each player and shakes their hand.

Sometimes he asks them about their day, sometimes about their family, and sometimes it’s even related to the sport that’s brought them together.

But each day, Tull tries to make a connection to each kid.

“He’s just getting to know us better personally every time he does that,” said junior Jake Kenyon. “It’s just very personal, every day.”

Shaking a hand before practice: Such a little thing. Such a big thing.

Little things add up to big things sometimes, and that’s how a dramatic turnaround like the one the Bulldogs have experienced can happen.

Under second-year coach Tull, Roslyn went from 6-11 in 2022-23 to 18-3 so far this season. With a combination of seniors who’ve been through the program and can proffer experience and younger players who have given the team a B-12 shot of enthusiasm and skill, the Bulldogs are currently in rarefied air.

Tuesday night Feb. 27 Roslyn will face perennial power South Side at 8 p.m. at Farmingdale State College in the Class AA Nassau semifinals.

If the third-seeded Bulldogs are able to win that one, they’ll play for their first county crown since 2009 on Saturday at 3:30 p.m. at Farmingdale.

It’s all pretty heady stuff for a group that’s still learning how to win.

“We saw some seeds of this last year, but having a full year to have everyone go through spring workouts, summer workouts, and get great competition has made a big difference,” said Tull, a former player at Queens College in his first head coaching job.

“The kids from Day 1 last year bought in and worked really hard, so we’re not surprised we saw some success.”

While last season’s varsity team struggled, the JV went undefeated under coach Gerald Eugene, and several players from that squad have excelled and made the varsity stronger this year.

That group is led by Kenyon, a 5-foot-10 guard who has an old-school game, scoring most of his points in the

Continued on Page 51

PHOTO COURTESY OF MANHASSET HIGH SCHOOL

The Manhasset boys swim team captured its first division crown since 1988, and placed second in county Class B this season. Five swimmers advanced to state.

Roslyn shoots for 1st county title in 15 years

Continued from Page 50

paint (averaging 12.1 points per game), and junior Zach Cuppersmith (11.3 ppg).

And the senior leadership group has also been strong, led by guard Mason Goodstadt (the team’s leading 3-point shooter, averaging 13.5 points per contest), and senior Harris Mihalatos.

Combine those elements with a frequent trap-pressing defense Tull advocates, and Roslyn stormed through league play with a 12-2 record.

“Harris is one of those kids who does so much that doesn’t show up in the boxscores, leadership wise and holding every single player accountable,” Tull said. “When he speaks, the kids listen, everywhere.”

Goodstadt said that he’s adjusted to being just a scorer last year to being an allaround leader this season, and that Tull “radiates positive energy.”

“You saw it right away after last season, everyone’s energy was higher, louder, and everyone showed up for offseason work-

outs,” Goodstadt said. “And as things got rolling, we got more and more support from the community. Our student section is as rowdy as anybody’s.”

That homecourt advantage helped the Bulldogs get their signature win this season, a 58-53 triumph over powerhouse Elmont on Jan. 18. That victory announced to Nassau County that Roslyn basketball was back.

The Bulldogs beat Jericho in the quarterfinals on Feb. 20, but now they face a huge challenge against South Side, the defending Long Island Class A champion.

“To be the best you’ve got to beat the best, and they’re a powerhouse program that is so well coached and always has great kids,” Tull said. “I’ve told the kids that in the playoffs you’ve gotta play with a greater sense of urgency, and really compete every second. I think our kids understand that, so I think it’ll be a great game.

“We’re not just excited to be here,” Kenyon said. “We’d be excited to win.”

WILLIAM J ALLSBROOK Jr

“William, you were always my hero. I wanted to be just like you, but I didn't play football or basketball like 'The Will', just didn't have your touch. I enjoyed watching you and was always proud to be your brother. Never does a day go by that I do not think of you. What would it be like to be able to call you. I have told my daughters about you letting me drive Mom and Dad’s new car around Tarboro although I was only 14 years old. October 2, 1970, Daddy’s birthday and the day that changed my life. You were my hero before Nam and you are still and one day I hope to walk with you again. I Love you. Mike”

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PHOTO COURTESY OF ROSLYN HIGH SCHOOL Senior guard Mason Goodstadt (10) and the Roslyn boys basketball team have had an outstanding season, with an 18-3 record entering Tuesday’s Class AA semifinal.