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DeSena calls for building master plan

CAPTURING TIME

Housing leads supervisor’s agenda in State of the Town address

BY C A M E RY N O A K ES Touting unity and her accomplishments in her tenure so far, North Hempstead Supervisor Jennifer DeSena delivered her State of the Town address in which she said going forward the town will be focusing on developing a new master plan, addressing its building department and delivering on its capital project plans.

“None of this would have been possible if we did not work together,” DeSena said, “if each of us in this room did not put aside politics and ego, roll up our sleeves and get to work for this town. That’s why we are here. That’s why the residents of the Town of North Hempstead put us all here. We owe them nothing less.”

DeSena delivered her State of the Town address Friday afternoon in front of a room full of local elected officials and residents.

The supervisor said that in her second term she will be focusing on developing the town’s new master plan, which was originally devised more than 40 years ago and has not been updated since. She said the new master plan is necessary to address the current needs of residents and the town’s new

generations.

“We must update our master plan to address quality of life and sustainability expectations,” DeSena said. “Doing so will deliver the results that the original plan once sought.”

She said the town will also be pushing forward in improving its Building Department, with the “historic” independent audit by the county comptroller to be delivered in the next few weeks.

“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. “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 county’s review will include, but not be limited to, an examination of the department’s operations and procedures, the internal control environment, performance monitoring and regulatory compliance.

Also coming in the next few months, DeSena said, is work to revamp the town’s capital plan – its fiveyear plan outlining future projects. She Continued on Page 39

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE PORT WASHINGTON SCHOOL DISTRICT

Sousa Elementary fifth grade students put memories in a time capsule for the launching of their STEAM classroom and accessibility upgrades.

Daughter gives the gift of life to her ailing father

BY J ES S E F R AG A After over five months on dialysis and kidneys the size of footballs, a 52-year-old father from Mineola received a life-saving gift from his

daughter.

Dr. Elliot Grodstein and Dr. Aaron Winnick, surgeons at North Shore University Hospital in Manhasset, performed a successful kidney transplant, or bilateral nephrectomy, on

Jan. 8, to treat Matthew Carlson’s rare polycystic kidney disease.

The disease causes the organ to degenerate into, “huge balls of cysts until there is no kidney tissue left,” Continued on Page 38

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Antisemitic graffiti again at Port school Superintendent says he is outraged

BY TAY L O R H E R ZLICH

PHOTO COURTESY OF WIKIMEDIA COMMONS

Manorhaven’s Village Hall.

Manorhaven reports good financial year Accountant says village may end with small surplus

BY C A M E RY N O A K ES The Village of Manorhaven’s accountant reported that the village is in the midst of a good financial period with projections it will break even or accrue a small surplus at the end of the fiscal year in May. “We want to be healthy at the end of the year and I’m expecting that,” Bob Kordic, the village’s accountant, said.

Kordic added that the village also had year-end surpluses at the conclusion of the 2021-2022 and 2022-2023 fiscal years.

At the Manorhaven Board of Trustees meeting Wednesday, the accountant provided a financial overview of the village from the beginning of the current fiscal year on June 1, 2023, through Dec. 31, 2023. Its current fiscal year will end on May 31.

He said the village has collected about $3.4 million in property tax revenues – about 90% of the tax levy. The village also made a “dent” in collecting outstanding delinquent taxes, Kordic said, amounting to about $55,000 in principle and interest.

Kordic said the village has also collected about $63,000 in interest income, $60,000 more than the prior fiscal year at the same time.

A downside, Kordic said, is that mortgage tax revenues have decreased by $20,000 compared to last year at this time. He attributed this to a low sales rate.

The village’s court fees have increased by about $40,000 during the time period, Kordic said.

Kordic said one of the village’s biggest costs is its contract with the Port Washington Sewer District, which constitutes about one-fifth of its bud-

get. He said the contract, which is set at nearly $100,000 a month, has increased by about $10,000 per month, or 4%, from the prior fiscal year.

Mayor John Popeleski said there is no way for the village to negotiate a lower contract cost with the sewer district, adding that costs will continue to increase due to its recent bond.

“Unfortunately, they’re the only game in town… that we bring our sewer water to,” Popeleski said. “So basically there is no room for wiggle room to talk to them and say ‘Hey, can we do something better?’ Unfortunately, it’s the cost that the village has to do business with the sewer district.”

Popeleski said the village’s contract with the sewer district is ending next year, making negotiations possible, but said that he does not expect success.

Continued on Page 39

Michael Hynes, Port Washington school district superintendent, revealed during a board of education meeting on Tuesday that an additional swastika was found in a bathroom stall in Carrie Palmer Weber Middle School on Monday.

The announcement follows an initial instance of swastika graffiti on a bathroom stall reported by a student, which Hynes addressed on Friday and Monday in letters to the community.

The school district immediately opened an investigation with the Port Washington Police Department, according to Port Washington Board of Education President Adam Smith.

The Port Washington Police Department said detectives are investigating the incident, with cooperation from the school district.

“The PWPD takes all bias incidents and alleged hate crimes seriously and we continue to work together with the Port Washington Schools to ensure a safe learning environment for our children,” the Port Washington Police Department stated in a release.

Police ask anyone with information about the incident to call (516) 883-0500 or email tips@ pwpd.ny.gov.

Despite hot-topic items on the board meeting agenda, including a districtwide Pupil Personnel Ser-

vices audit and operations expenditures for the 2024-25 school year, most of the community members in attendance commented on the antisemitic incidents and board members began the meeting by discussing antisemitism.

“We are incredibly disheartened about the appearance of swastikas in the Weber Middle School,” said Smith. “This investigation remains ongoing, but I am optimistic that the perpetrators will soon be identified.”

This is just the latest reported antisemitic incident at the Port Washington Union Free School District.

A photo of three alleged Paul D. Schreiber High School students doing the Nazi salute circulated on social media in October 2023 and garnered global attention after being reposted on the nonprofit StopAntisemitism’s social media accounts.

In the photo, all three teens can be seen saluting, with one student carrying a shovel and another student wearing a gas mask.

This photo spread on social media just one week after five 14-yearold Schreiber high school students were reportedly involved in a bias incident consisting of racist, antisemitic and bullying conversations culminating in a Port Washington Police Department investigation.

And in April 2021, two swastikas were sprayContinued on Page 38

PHOTO COURTESY OF WIKIMEDIA COMMONS

Paul D. Schreiber High School.

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The Port Washington Times, Friday, February 2, 2024

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Women in business group pays it forward Mentors provide advice, guidance to help young professionals navigate the field

BY M I C H A E L J . L E W I S The changes have come slowly, but they’ve been coming for a few decades now.

As women have more and more become business professionals in fields like insurance and finance, they’ve been paying it forward as much as possible.

A few decades ago there weren’t nearly as many older mentors to help them navigate the start of their careers, no one to ask about opening up Roth IRA’s, or how many employees is too many at the beginning, or any of a thousand questions that come up when you’re in your 20’s and don’t know nearly as much as people a few decades older.

Lisa Decina-Muroff remembers those days, because she was one of those young women who didn’t have many elders to lean on. That’s one of the reasons why she and many like her try to give back as much as they can.

Decina-Muroff’s most recent venture in that vein is the Long Island chapter of Women in Finance and Business, more commonly known as WIFS. “I think the kinds of questions young women professionals are ask-

dustry. Members, partners and sponsors benefit from mutual respect for everyone’s professional development and focus interaction and access to member information on activity that supports our mission.”

Their recently-installed board includes people like Decina-Muroff, a founder and President of DKM Risk Advisors who also has a background in construction; Stephanie Larkin, the founder and CEO of Red Penguin Books and Web Solutions; and Bonnie Dougherty, a senior vice president of Valley National Bank.

Most of the membership, DecinaMuroff said, come from all different fields besides insurance and financial services; women in marketing, law, real estate and accounting also participate in WIFS-LI. Financial planning is a major area of concern for members, which is why WIFS tries to impart the wisdom of saving early and investing early in their careers.

PHOTO COURTESY OF WIFS-LONG ISLAND. Another area WIFS-LI helps in is mentorship for young high school and The board of WIFS-Long Island are (from left to right): Stephanie Larkin; Wendy Valentino; Lisa Ducinacollege kids. The organization has Muroff; Bonnie Daugherty; Kathleen Reynolds and Sabine Franco. run workshops for Hofstra University and St. Joseph’s students, explaining ing now aren’t that different from the said. “And today’s young women are ing “for the purpose of attracting, things like why to become a Women past, but there are more of us to ask very grateful.” develop and advancing women in the Certified Business, and having experts those questions to,” Decina-Muroff WIFS advertises itself as operat- insurance and financial services inContinued on Page 38

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Town denies Hillside Islamic Center’s plan Proposal for expansion struck down in party line vote, GOPers cite safety concerns

BY C A M E RY N O A K ES After more than seven months of public hearings, the Town of North Hempstead voted along party lines to deny the Hillside Islamic Center’s expansion plan, citing concerns about public safety and other concerns presented by neighbors.

The Hillside Islamic Center in New Hyde Park had proposed a plan to expand the existing mosque by building a third story on the already existing two-story structure and increasing the square footage from 5,428 square feet to 6,600 square feet.

The proposal also included expanding the center’s parking lot onto the three surrounding parcels of land, which the mosque purchased, to provide 63 more parking spaces. The expansion was intended to relieve congregation and ease traffic impacts on the neighborhood.

The attorney representing the mosque, Kathleen Deegan Dickson, said the proposal was intended to accommodate the center’s current congregation, not to increase its size. “‘If we build it they will come’: that is not the purpose of this application,” Deegan Dickson said. “This application is really ‘they have come’ and we need to build something so that we can accommodate them and

PHOTO BY CAMERYN OAKES

A resident speaks before the Town of North Hempstead board expressing his opposition to the Hillside Islamic Center’s site plan proposal for expansion. try to alleviate some of the pressure on the neighborhood.”

The town board voted against accepting the mosque’s site plan proposal at a special meeting Tuesday night, with four of the seven members voting against the proposal.

The four members – Republican Councilmembers Ed Scott, Dennis Walsh, David Adhami and Supervisor Jennifer DeSena – cited their negative vote to concerns for public safety and calls for more action to address the

current issues at hand.

Democratic Councilmembers Robert Troiano and Christine Liu voted to accept the proposal, with Councilmember Mariann Dalimonte abstaining.

Troiano said he voted to approve the proposal as it was within the town’s code and did not request any variances, saying he had faith in the town’s building department to ensure the construction was compliant and safe.

Liu, when explaining her vote to approve the proposal, said Town Attorney Richard Nicolello advised them that rejecting the application might be considered discrimination, Nicolello denied saying the vote could be considered discriminatory, calling it an “inaccurate summary.”

Legal questions surrounding the proposal were discussed during an executive session called during the public hearing.

“Religious freedom is a very im-

portant tenant of our society,” Deegan Dickson said. “Local governments have a right, have an obligation to not make the practice of one’s religion more burdensome. We’re trying to make the practice of their religion less burdensome not only for themselves but for the neighborhood.”

Dalimonte said she voted to abstain because she was “second-guessing” how to vote after Adhami voted against the proposal, saying that he Continued on Page 10

Roslyn’s Gross named Regeneron finalist

BY C A M E RY N O A K ES Three Long Island students were named finalists in the 2024 Regeneron Science Talent Search–the nation’s oldest and most prestigious science and math competition for high school seniors – including Roslyn High School senior Jacob Gross.

“I’ve known Jacob since he entered high school,” Allyson Weseley, Roslyn School District’s coordinator of secondary research, said in a statement. “He is amazing! I was so impressed with him in 9th grade that I began keeping notes about the incredible things he did and said because I knew that one day I would be writing him a recommendation for something like this.”

Gross is among a class of 40 student finalists representing 36 schools from 19 states. Included are two other Long Island seniors – Natasha Kulviwat of Jericho High School and Vincent Huang of Syosset High School.

Finalists, who are awarded $25,000, will show their work to the public, meet with prestigious leaders in the science community in Washington, D.C. and compete for a variety of awards headlined by the $250,000 top prize in March.

Gross’ project “Investigating Synergistic Interactions Among SARS-

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE ROSLYN SCHOOL DISTRICT

Roslyn High School Regeneron finalist Jacob Gross with his research.

CoV-2 Neutralizing Antibodies” stud- studied the synergy that occurs when ies COVID-19 monoclonal antibodies combining multiple antibodies, potenwhich are used to prevent and treat tially increasing treatment efficacy.

COVID-19 infection. His research “I was surprised and ecstatic to

learn that I was a finalist,” Gross said in a statement. “I really hope that going forward, scientists look into interactions between antibodies, not just

COVID, but other infections too.”

The competition, formerly sponsored by Westinghouse and then Intel before its current sponsor, pharmaceutical company Regeneron, is run each year by​​the Society for Science and the Public, with the goal of finding solutions to the world’s challenges from budding young scientists.

Earlier this month, the competition’s semifinalists were announced and included Roslyn High School’s Gross along with his fellow classmates Cayden Shen and Shayla Zheng. The semifinalists won $2,000 each.

Across the North Shore, two dozen high school seniors were named semifinalists.

Leading the North Shore schools during the semifinal round was Great Neck South High School with seven students honored. Following behind was Schreiber High School with five semifinalists and Herricks with four.

While 24 North Shore seniors were named Regeneron semifinalists, Gross was the only one to move to the final round.

“Kudos to Jacob for this significant achievement,” Superintendent Allison Brown said in a statement. “We take great pride in his success and are thrilled to see him receive the recognition he deserves for his research.”

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Super PACs’ millions play big role in CD 3 Ad blitz on behalf of Pilip focuses on immigration; Suozzi commercials hit Pilip’s silence

BY C A M E RY N O A K ES The House Republican Super PAC spent about $2.3 million in ads directing attacks at Democrat Tom Suozzi and his immigration policies and record, according to the New York Post, in the race for New York’s Third Congressional District.

The Post also reported that Suozzi and the Democrats have spent about $5.8 million on the race, compared to the GOP spending about $1.8 on Pilip’s campaign so far.

Suozzi and Republican Nassau County District 10 Legislator Pilip are facing off in a Feb. 13 special election to finish out the term of Republican Rep. George Santos, who was expelled from the House.

Television and digital ads from both campaigns have been airing in the weeks leading up to the election, with multiple focusing on the issue of immigration.

The ad from Pilip’s campaign includes a clip of Suozzi while he was Nassau County executive saying he kicked ICE, the federal agency enforcing immigration policy, out of the county. The ad also claims that he weakened border security while a congressman.

Another ad by Pilip’s campaign also sets the record straight on her abortion and Social Security stances, which reaffirms that she does not support a national abortion ban or cuts to Social Security. Suozzi and his campaign ads have claimed that she does.

“Tom Suozzi and his surrogates will do anything to try to deflect attention away from his dismal record of opening the southern border to

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE CANDIDATES

Former U.S. Tom Suozzi, left, and Nassau County Legislator Mazi Melesa Pilip (R-Great Neck) right. illegal migrants, defunding the police, and voting with Joe Biden 100% of the time,” Pilip said.

“They will go so far as to outright lie about me and my position on important issues, such as abortion and Social Security.”

She added, “Tom Suozzi and his campaign should be ashamed of the baseless lies they have been peddling, and I call on him to retract these

lies.”

Pilip said her campaign is prioritizing the protection of women’s rights and Social Security.

Suozzi has released his own TV ad, the fourth this campaign, addressing the immigration issue and Pilip’s claims about his record. The ad includes an appearance by Suozzi on Fox supporting ICE and border security, with the ad also

emphasizing his quest for bipartisan solutions and streamlining processes to citizenship.

“You can’t fix immigration from the basement, which is the campaign Mazi Pilip is running – refusing to talk to voters, ducking issues, and offering soundbites from party bosses,” Suozzi said.

“The only real solution to immigration requires a bipartisan effort that combines tougher border security with common sense reforms that stops illegal immigration and creates a pathway for those who follow the rules.“ The House Majority PACHas also released a slew of ads targeting Pilip and supporting Suozzi.

In December, the PAC announced it would be spending $5.9 million on TV and digital ads for the Democratic Party in the special election.

Immigration in CD3’s special election Pilip appeared in Queens last Thursday at the Detective William T. Gunn playground where what she called a “tent city” has been erected filled with about 1,000 migrants. Shortly after, Suozzi had his press conference at the same location to also discuss the issue.

Pilip, who called herself a “legal immigrant” at the appearance Thursday, denounced the establishment of the migrant center due to the impact on the neighborhood. She said the migrantshad diminished the safety of the residential neighborhood due to alleged alcohol and drug use, violence and criminal activity.

The Republican advocated for the securing of the southern border, funding ICE and pushing back on what her campaign is calling the BidenSuozzi immigration policies.

Continued on Page 33

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Discrepancies found in Pilip disclosures

BY C A M E RY N O A K ES Mazi Melesa Pilip, New York’s 3rd Congressional District Republican candidate, had discrepancies between her May Nassau County financial disclosure and her recent federal financial disclosure for the special election, according to Newsday.

Pilip, a Nassau County District 10 legislator Pilip, is running in the Feb. 13 special election to finish out the term of Republican Rep. George Santos, who was expelled from the House. She is facing off against former Democratic Congressman Tom Suozzi.

In Pilip’s federal financial disclosure for her special election campaign, she did not list assets that she had previously listed on her county financial disclosure last May, according to Newsday.

Included in her May county filing were assets such as medical startups and a co-op, which her campaign told Newsday was not necessary to include in the federal disclosure.

Newsday initially reported on Pilip’s financial disclosure discrepancies, obtaining the county records through a Freedom of Information law request.

They reported income amounts and ranges were redacted in the county records due to privacy, yet those figures were not redacted from the House filings.

Brian Devine, who took a leave of absence from the Town of North Hempstead to serve as Pilip’s spokesperson, told Newsday that the discrepancies in the filings were due to the startups not having been launched nor accruing any value, thus it was not necessary to report them on the federal filings despite including them in the county filings.

The co-op listed on her county filings and not on her federal filings is said by her campaign to be occupied by Pilip’s in-laws and provides no rental income. Her campaign told Newsday that lawyers advised her it was not necessary to include in federal disclosures.

“Any attempts to otherwise characterize the proper treatment of this property are either

based on a lack of reporting knowledge or politically motivated,” Devine told Newsday.

The co-op was listed on her county filings as an investment, Newsday reported.

Senior director of ethics at the Campaign Legal Center Kedric Payne told Newsday that investment properties are required to be listed on federal disclosure documents even if they do not generate income.

On both disclosure forms, she lists income from her husband’s medical practice, New York Comprehensive Medical Care, Newsday reported, yet her campaign said she stopped working at the medical practice in 2021.

Pilip initially reported in her federal disclosure to the House of Representatives clerk that she had earned about $50,000 from her husband’s medical practice in each year of 2022 and 2023 as the practice’s operations director.

In a revised filing, she then reported no income earned from the practice in 2023 and just $13,472 in 2022.

Devine told Newsday that this revision, which was made days after the initial filing, was a draft and submitted in error.

Federal disclosures show that Pilip and her husband owe the IRS income taxes somewhere from $100,000-$250,000 as of April 2023, which her campaign said has been paid off already.

The county disclosure also reported debt to the IRS by the candidate, Newsday reported, but the documents did not disclose how much or when.

In Suozzi’s House financial disclosure, he reports $659.500 in income in 2023. The bulk is attributed to consulting fees, which amount to $535,000, listed under “Suozzi Consulting.”

The Democrat also reported an income of $35,000 from Hercules Pharmaceuticals, a wholesale pharmaceutical distributor based in Port Washington, and $82,500 from Global Industrial Corp, an industrial maintenance supplier with headquarters also in Port.

Suozzi’s disclosure also includes five pages of assets and investments amounting to a range of $4-$6 million.

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Swatting incident at Roslyn Middle School Students held-in-place during Nassau Police investigation of ‘threatening phone call’

BY C A M E RY N O A K ES A swatting incident was reported at Roslyn Middle School Wednesday afternoon, reflecting a national trend of the emergency prank calls that have plagued other schools and local officials.

“Regrettably, swatting incidents are on the rise, both nationally and locally,” Roslyn Superintendent of Schools Allison Brown said in a letter to parents. “They involve making prank calls with the intention of mobilizing a significant number of police resources to a specific location.”

According to Brown, the school received a “threatening phone call” that prompted them to enact an emergency response protocol.

Law enforcement was contacted and students were in a “hold-in-place” – meaning movements were restricted within the building but a lockdown was not enacted.

Nassau County police said they were contacted by the school reporting the threat at 12:42 p.m. The superintendent said they responded within minutes.

Police determined that there was no threat to the building, students or staff and that no danger was posed at any time, according to the superintendent’s letter.

While Nassau County Police were still investigating the incident at the school when contacted at 3 p.m. on Wednesday, they said they already determined the threat to be unfounded.

“We remain grateful to them for their quick and thorough response, as well as their contin-

PHOTO COURTESY OF WIKIMEDIA COMMONS

A swatting incident was reported at Roslyn Middle School Wednesday afternoon and the threat was determined to be unfounded by Nassau County Police. uedfocus on our school community,” Brown said in the letter.

Nassau County police responded to the incident with its arson bomb squad and homeland security.

Brown said in a letter to parents that a lockdown was not enforced in response to the

incident because it was not warranted. She did not expand on why it was not necessary but said that law enforcement and the Roslyn District Emergency Response Team determined a holdin-place to be appropriate.

“During situations such as these, it is important to rely on accurate information from the

District and official sources, and I ask that you exercise caution when sharing unverified information,” Brown said in the letter. “Roslyn School District remains committed to keeping you informed, and will always place the safety of our students and staff above all else.”

Continued on Page 39

Police in standoff Town rejects Hillside with Great Neck man Islamic Center’s plan

BY C A M E RY N O A K ES A Great Neck man was arrested twice this week and charged with a slew of crimes, engaging in a standoff with police during his first arrest Friday.

Nassau County Police reported an investigation into property damage on Somerset Drive in Lake Succes Friday afternoon.

Detectives responded to a home on the street and said they observed Mitchell Levy, 36, closing window blinds and “aggressively moving throughout the house.”

Police said Levy aimed what they believed to be a black rifle at detectives who then took positions of cover and concealment.

A black pellet rifle was found in the home after the incident, police said.

Police entered the home and arrested Levy, who was then taken to a local hospital for evaluations.

News12 reported that Levy had used the rifle to fire through the windows of his neighbors’ homes and damaged property. The University Gardens community was under lockdown for hours before his arrest, and no injuries were reported.

Levy was arrested on Friday and was charged with 11 criminal counts.

Continued on Page 39

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE NASSAU COUNTY POLICE DEPARTMENT

Mitchell Levy, 36, was arrested Friday and Sunday and charged with multiple crimes.

Continued from Page 4 was closest to the issue since the center was part of his district before redistricting and he was heavily involved in the application process.

The proposal faced opposition from its surrounding neighbors, with 16 residents speaking during public comment who all opposed the expansion and urged the board to vote “no.”

Much of the concerns of the residents focused on the mosque’s Friday services, which is when it hosts the most congregates during its afternoon prayer session, and the traffic congestion that it causes.

“We live with it every Friday afternoon,” neighboring resident Joe D’Amico said. “It’s like we get a swarm.”

To ease traffic congestion, the mosque also added a third service on Fridays intended.

One of the main issues expressed by residents was mosque congregants parking illegally in surrounding areas, sometimes blocking neighbors’ driveways and parking in local shopping center parking lots.

Residents said they were also concerned about public safety, with the parking of the congregants potentially preventing emergency vehicles from accessing the neighborhood’s narrow roads or blocking residents’ cars in

their driveways.

The mosque had hired an outside security company to police parking throughout the neighborhood. Mosque community members have also volunteered to prevent parking and traffic issues.

In tandem with the mosque’s impact on the neighborhood, some residents expressed concerns about it changing the character of the neighborhood.

Neighboring resident Marietta DiCamillo called the neighborhood “too small, too busy, too residential, too narrow-streeted,” saying it is unable to support the current mosque let alone its proposed expansion.

“We live in the suburbs,” DiCamillo said, “and would like to maintain it.”

Multiple other residents also expressed concerns about the safety of the building’s construction and the number of occupants in the mosque – which some residents estimated to reach upwards of 400 congregants despite an occupancy set at around 110.

Troiano said the construction of the building would be subject to review by the building inspector once a building proposal was submitted. A building proposal would have been the next step if the site plan proposal was approved.

PW

The Port Washington Times, Friday, February 2, 2024

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12 Blank Slate Media Newspapers, Friday, February 2, 2024

Pilip targets Suozzi fundraiser host

2023

Best OF Nassau County WINNER PRESENTED BY BLANK SLATE MEDIA

BY C A M E RY N O A K ES Republican Mazi Pilip has called on her Democratic opponent, Tom Suozzi, to cancel a planned fundraiser this weekend because the organizers include a member whom she accused

of denouncing the State of Israel.

She contends the fundraiser, scheduled for Saturday in Jamaica, Queens, is featuring a host who allegedly reposted a Facebook post critical of Israel.

Continued on Page 43

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Former U.S. Tom Suozzi, left, and Nassau County Legislator Mazi Melesa Pilip (R-Great Neck) right.

Dies shortly hours after aiding Suozzi bid

BY C A M E RY N O A K ES Paul Vallone, New York City’s deputy commissioner of Veterans’ Services and a former City Councilman in northeast Queens, died early Sunday of a heart attack just hours after he conducted a three-hour phone-bank campaign for congressional special election candidate Tom Suozzi.

Vallone, who lived in Queens, was 56 and leaves behind his wife and three children.

“I have said a prayer for him, his wife Anna-Marie, Charlie, Catena, Lea, and his whole family, and I will do everything I can to live up to the values he and I shared,” Suozzi said on X. “We have lost a good man much too soon.”

New York politicians and city officials have honored Vallone in the wake of his unexpected death, taking to social media to share their sorrow and honor the legacy he left behind as the scion of a powerful political dynasty.

Suozzi said on X, formerly Twitter, that he was devastated by his friend’s death, who he described as one of his biggest and earliest supporters when he first ran for Congress in 2016.

“Paul is a great family man, a devoted father, husband, and public servant dedicated to the values he learned from his parents and family,” Suozzi said on X. “I am so sad to hear about his death.”

Continued on Page 33

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE ISLAND 360 ARCHIVES

Paul Vallone, deputy commissioner of the New York City Department of Veterans’ Services and former New York City council member, died Sunday, just hours after phonebanking for special election candidate Tom Suozzi.

Pictured from left to right Cardinal Timothy Dolan, Speaker of the New York City Council Peter F. Vallone Sr., New York City Councilman Paul Vallone with his son Charlie at a 2018 Columbus Day parade.

Blank Slate Media Newspapers, Friday, February 2, 2024

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14 Blank Slate Media Newspapers, Friday, February 2, 2024

Opinion

OUR VIEWS

Tom Suozzi for 3rd Congressional District

Editorial Cartoon

T

he special election race for George Santos’ seat in the 3rd Congressional District is particularly important and especially clear-cut for many reasons.

Let’s start with the clear-cut part.

On the merits, Tom Suozzi should easily win this race and has our strong endorsement.

Suozzi represented the 3rd district well for six years, establishing his bona fides as a centrist Democrat by serving as vice chair of the bipartisan Problem Solver Caucus and delivering federal money to his district.

He stepped down to make an unsuccessful bid for the Democratic nomination for governor against Kathy Hochul, the incumbent.

Before that, Suozzi served eight years as Nassau’s executive, helping right the county’s finances after it nearly went bankrupt under Republican leadership and required a bailout from the state.

He served four terms before that as mayor of Glen Cove.

Suozzi has also been transparent about sensible, reasoned positions on the issues, participating in interviews with the media and attending civic association meet-and-greets. He has also agreed to participate in numerous debates.

In other words, Suozzi is an experienced elected official with an extensive knowledge of the district, a long record of achievement and a willingness and ability to address the issues in depth.

Contrast this with his Republican opponent, Mazi Melesa Pilip.

Pilip has an inspiring biography – a black Ethiopian Orthodox Jew who fled with her family to Israel, where she served as a gunsmith in an Israeli Defense Forces paratrooper unit, went to college and came to the United States where she worked at her husband’s medical practice while raising seven children.

But Pilip’s government experience consists of only two years as a Nassau County legislator for which she has little to show.

Adding to our concern is her unwill-

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE ISLAND NOW ARCHIVES

Tom Suozzi. ingness to discuss the issues — with the media, at civic meetings or in debates.

At a press conference she held in Queens last week, Republican Rep. Anthony D’Esposito spoke for 14 minutes and answered questions about the southern border while Pilip spoke for four minutes and ducked all questions.

The only debate she has agreed to participate in — on News Channel 12 — will take place five days before voting takes place on Feb. 13 and five days after early voting begins. And the debate will not be available for viewing in Queens, which represents 20% of a district that includes northern Nassau County and then swings down to Massapequa.

Pilip has instead engaged in posting standard national Republican talking points on social media, such as pledging to focus on the economy, fighting inflation, securing the southern border and creating jobs.

Other than the southern border most of these issues are not problems, according to the latest economic news, and in no case has Pilip actually explained how she would help fix these problems.

She has maintained her steadfast support of Israel, but not said what that means.

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22 Planting Field Road, Roslyn Heights, NY 11577 Phone: 516-307-1045 E-mail: hblank@theisland360.com EDITOR AND PUBLISHER Steven Blank OFFICE MANAGER Holly Blank

Pilip, who is also running as the choice of the Conservative Party, which opposes all abortions, said she is pro-life while opposing a national abortion ban.

But she has not said whether she supports a 13-week national ban or even a six-week ban as has been implemented in some Republican-controlled states.

Suozzi, like Pilip, supports the release of hostages in Gaza, but also backs a two-state solution, which is supported by the Biden administration, the European Union and surrounding Arab states as the ultimate path to long-term peace but opposed by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Suozzi also supports codifying Roe v. Wade abortion protections nationally.

Pilip’s unwillingness, or inability, to say where she stands on the issues is a slap in the face of voters – Democrats, Republicans and independents.

Any candidate running for office should at a minimum be willing and able to explain his or her positions.

It is hard not to conclude that Pilip is ignorant of the issues that she would face in Congress, that the Republican Party is covering for her ignorance and that she would be a rubber-stamp for a dysfunctional Republican leadership in the thrall of former President Trump if elected.

This is unacceptable for someone seeking to take the place of Santos, who was expelled from the House after he

REPORTERS Brandon Duffy, Cameryn Oakes COLUMNIST Karen Rubin ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES Stacy Shaughnessy, Melissa Spitalnick, Wendy Kates, Barbara Kaplan ART DIRECTOR Yvonne Farley

was elected to represent the 3rd District by lying to Nassau and Queens voters about almost everything involving himself.

Santos went on to be charged 23 times by federal prosecutors and accused of numerous violations that may have included federal crimes by the House Ethics Committee.

In the process, voters in the 3rd District became a national laughingstock – and for more than a year they have had no effective representation in Congress.

The Nassau County Republican Party, which twice endorsed Santos for Congress, said they subjected Pilip to extensive scrutiny, including from three outside research firms, before making her their choice.

But incredibly, financial questions have been raised about Pilip’s finances.

In an amended financial disclosure report, Pilip removed almost $90,000 in personal income from her husband’s medical practice where she worked and added thousands of dollars in stocks and other assets to her own income.

Pilip filed the new report with the House of Representatives clerk’s office last week two days after her original one was filed due to the inaccuracies, according to her campaign.

Discrepancies were also found between her May Nassau County financial disclosure and her recent federal financial disclosure for the special election, according to Newsday.

Pilip did participate in a one-on-one interview with Blank Slate Media when running for re-election as a county legislator in October.

But at the interview, Pilip said on virtually all issues that she deferred to Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman, who had perhaps not coincidentally served in 2020 as the county Republican Party’s liaison to Trump’s re-election campaign.

With no evidence to the contrary, we think it is fair to assume that Pilip will support the MAGA cause whatever the particulars.

Pilip’s campaign – and main talking points – have recently been supported by the House Republican Super PAC’s $2.3 million in ugly attack ads that echo Trump when he descended the escalator in Trump Town in 2015 to announce his campaign for president.

“When Mexico sends its people, they’re not sending their best.,” Trump said then. “They’re sending people that have lots of problems, and they’re bringing those problems [to the United States]. They’re bringing drugs. They’re bringing crime. They’re rapists. And some, I assume, are good people.”

Fast forward to the scare-mongering ads that blame Suozzi for helping Hochul, in one commercial, and Biden, in another, for creating the crisis at the border with gun-carrying “illegals” murdering Americans with guns on our streets.

Continued on Page 31

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Williston Times • Great Neck News Herald Courier • Roslyn Times Manhasset Times • Port Washington Times

Blank Slate Media Newspapers, Friday, February 2, 2024

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OUR TOWN

Apocalypse now still a long time away

T

hings are not as bad as they seem. After all, we do have unlimited access to Netflix, Prime and other streaming services so we can watch movies like “Barbie” and “Oppenheimer.”

We can still buy a chocolate malted, eat a rib eye steak and drink a cup of coffee. And we still have newspapers which we can hold and read. You see things are not so bad.

Yes, of course we still suffer with income inequality, stagnant wages and inflation. Yes, we still have climate change and unpredictable weather.

Yes, we are still suffering with COVID, the pandemic that never seems to go away. Yes, drivers have taken to using very loud mufflers and they speed more recklessly than ever.

Our social life has been destroyed, thanks to social media. And, yes, children no longer play on the streets but have retreated to their basement to play Grand Theft Auto or Fortnite.

You would be correct to say we no longer have any Main Streets to walk along as Amazon and eBay have destroyed the local mom-and-pop stores, but who needs Mom and Pop anyway?

Yes, you might argue “how are we to cope with the growing threat that A.I. presents?” To this I would say ‘Don’t worry, be happy.” Or the grow-

ing threat of scammers one must sift through on the wild and wacky World Wide Web. To all this I shall quote Alfred E. Newman, Mad Magazine’s mascot, who once famously said: “What me worry?”

But my attitude changed recently when my best friend told me his bank account was hacked and he is out $80,000. When he went to his bank (which is perhaps the biggest one on Long Island), the manager told him and I quote, “These hackers are getting very clever.” I’m not sure that was a comfort to my friend.

After that recent theft, I have begun to take seriously all of the current angst-filled narratives that the end of mankind is at hand.

Just this week The Sunday New York Times had two feature stories about the end of us. One essay was written by the Bates College scholar Tyler Austin Bates, who is an expert on the history of Western fears about human extinction.

He described the current state of affairs as a polycrisis with an endless series of global problems, including COVID, climate change, A.I. threats, loss of Main Street and ongoing income inequality.

The other article about the apoca-

DR. TOM FERRARO Our Town

lypse was found in the magazine section and concerned the epidemic of train robberies now taking place due to 21st century e-Commerce. There are now trains that are 2 miles long filled with shipping containers.

As they slowly rumble through towns outside of Los Angeles, thieves jump aboard, break into the containers and have a field day pilfering goods like sneakers, televisions, computers and more.

This reminds me of the way rats smell food and gnaw through wood to get at it. To give you an estimate of how large this theft problem is, the estimated cost is $50 billion annually.

Which takes us back to the comment I made at the beginning of this column about how we all need to sift our way through the endless emails we receive, with about 10% of them scams that are trying to grab your money.

Long gone are the days with the scams which read “Dear Friend. I need your help. I must deposit $10,000,000 in a U.S. bank so I need for you to accept this money from me. Please contact me immediately so that we can discuss the details.”

Nowadays we have scams that look exactly like they are coming from your bank or credit card company and are alerting you that your assets have been hacked and to immediately contact them so they can help you protect yourself.

I have taken to seeing the electronic world we live in as just dangerous as the Wild West was back in the 19th century. But instead of gun slingers and prostitutes, we have hackers who use computer hardware to steal our money.

The Bates College scholar suggested that we need to learn from past crises so that we can resolve our current ones. He tried to be optimistic in order not to depress or alarm the reader.

Back in 1904, Henry Adams wrote “A Law of Acceleration,” which warned that the coming technology was like a

roaring comet and that all we could do was to hold on for dear life. There is much wisdom in that statement.

The difference between 1904 and 2024 is that now that roaring comet has accelerated and somehow it has become infected with scammers, thieves, delinquents and other types of rats, creeps and degenerates that ought to be considered the world’s greatest plague.

I’m not sure what the answer is, but I will make this prediction. Whichever candidate runs on a law and order ticket will win the 2024 presidential election.

Hold onto your money carefully, for there are many internet rats sniffing around trying to steal it.

KREMER’S CORNER

My advice for GOP primary, run Nikki run

E

ven though I am a lifelong Democrat, I can’t help but feel sorry for former Republican Gov. Nikki Haley.

People whose lives are immersed in national politics often seek to run for higher office. Considering that Ms. Haley has also been an Ambassador to the United Nations with its worldwide exposure, she has every right to think about the next step, which in this case is running for president.

Nikki Haley is a very accomplished woman. No one gave her titles because she was a political hack.

Coming from an immigrant family, she has dreamed the dream of being a successful public servant.

Regrettably, her party wants to tell her what to do and when to do it. And Nikki Haley has told the party boss, former President Donald Trump, she isn’t going to quit because he has demanded it.

I personally sympathize with Nikki. In the early 1970s I was a member of the state Assembly. Every 10 years

the Legislature creates a new districting map and when the process was done, I was thrown into a district with a fellow Democratic Assembly member Eli Wager.

Obviously, there was no room for two members in one district, so that meant that there might be a party primary.

The prospect of running against your party’s choice was unpleasant.

In the early days of Albany, legislators had roll-top desks and they would pack three or four Assembly members into the same room. Mr. Wager’s desk was 10 feet from mine. My two daughters knew him so well that they called him “Uncle Eli.” In the weeks following my declaration to run a primary, countless numbers of people approached me and urged me to withdraw. Some told me I should be loyal to the party while others told me I would have other chances to run for public office and I should wait for that opportunity.

In my case, the story had a happy

JERRY KREMER Kremer’s Corner

ending. I won a very tough primary and had a chance to rise in the leadership ranks.

Based on simple odds, Nikki Haley is not going to be the Republican candidate for president, absent some tsunami, which could always happen.

She has the absolute right to stay in the race until she has no choice but to step down. In the case of my defeated primary opponent, with my help, he secured an appointment to a state commission and eventually went on to have a distinguished judicial career.

Unlike most political offices, when you run for president and lose, the party doesn’t reward you with a consolation prize. If and when Nikki steps down, she will be treated as a pariah of the likes of Liz Chaney.

No party boss is going to offer her a cabinet post. She will be ostracized and marginalized because she had the chutzpah to run against Donald Trump.

Smart women have no place in today’s national party. There may be one or two stars in the Senate, but overall the Republican Party today is still male-dominated.

There is another reason why Nikki Haley should stay in the race. She knows Donald Trump.

Having worked for him she talks

with authority about him and what he is really like. She has seen him in action and is telling the world outside South Carolina, that if he returns to office, he will destroy the very fabric that made America great.

Other than New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, she is the last of the voices willing to tell America what a second Trump term would be like.

As a Democrat, there is no doubt that most of my readers will say that my thoughts on Nikki Haley come with political bias. But having been a party maverick in my lifetime, I can understand what Nikki Haley is experiencing.

The road ahead will be a tough one and there will be no prize for quitting, at the behest of the party hacks.

She is fighting to educate America on what another Trump presidency would look like and she is performing a public service to our nation.

Good luck Nikki. You will need that and a lot more when the crusade is over.

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16 Blank Slate Media Newspapers, Friday, February 2, 2024

E A R T H M AT T E R S

The Endangered Species Act turns 50

I

n the scramble at the end of last year, an important milestone didn’t get the attention it deserved. Fifty years ago, on Dec. 28, 1973, the Endangered Species Act was signed into law.

This groundbreaking legislation had bipartisan support and was signed by President Richard Nixon.

His official statement read; “Nothing is more priceless and more worthy of preservation than the rich array of animal life with which our country has been blessed. It is a manyfaceted treasure, of value to scholars, scientists, and nature lovers alike, and it forms a vital part of the heritage we all share as Americans.

I congratulate the 93rd Congress on taking this important step towards protecting a heritage which we hold in trust for countless future generations of our fellow citizens. Their lives will be richer, and America will be more beautiful in the years ahead, thanks to the measure that I have the pleasure of signing into law today.”

This wasn’t the first attempt to protect animals and the environment, but previous laws adopted in 1966 and 1969 didn’t have the scope and powers

of the 1973 Act. The Fish and Wildlife Service and the National Marine Fisheries Service are the Federal agencies tasked with carrying out the provisions of the Act. USFWS states that “the Act provides legal protection to plants and animals that are defined as threatened which means are likely to become endangered in the foreseeable future, or endangered which means they are in danger of extinction.

The act currently protects 1,662 U.S. species and 638 foreign species.

It has helped to save countless species from extinction over the past 50 years like the bald eagle, American alligator, whooping crane, and Okaloosa darter.”

Foreign species are protected primarily by bans on importation while domestic species are protected by a range of actions from bans on hunting, takes and sales, to keeping vital habitats undeveloped by prohibiting human actions like building, draining, logging or drilling.

The act covers a vast range of living things including crustaceans, mollusks, mammals, fish, birds, amphibians, and plants – grasses, trees,

JENNIFER WILSON-PINES Earth Matters

annual and perennial flora.

According to the provisions of the Act it, “prohibits federal agencies from authorizing, funding or carrying out any action likely to jeopardize the continued existence of any listed species or result in the destruction or adverse modification of designated critical habitat of such species.”

Over time there have been various attempts to weaken the Act under the guise of supporting business. The last

attempt under the previous president to gut the Act was quashed by a Federal judge in 2022.

There is significant pushback from western states that contain the majority of Federal lands.

The act is not without problems. It is supposed to take 2 years for USFWS to make a determination of status of a species, but on average it is taking closer to 12 years. This is due to underfunding of the agency to carry out these reviews. It’s estimated that as many as 50 species may have gone extinct while awaiting determination.

Potential loss of land use can create what are known as “Perverse Incentives” unintended consequences, wherein a landowner may carry out activities specifically designed to prevent the attraction of endangered species.

A study found that woodlot owners in the South would harvest their lands to prevent them from attracting endangered Red-cockaded Woodpeckers. One suggestion for ending perverse incentives would be to pay landowners for protecting endangered species.

But even with its issues, the ongo-

ing and growing threats from habitat loss and climate change make a commitment to the Act critically important. In September 2023 a large coalition of environmental advocates sent a letter to President Biden urging him to take action to enhance the Act. The letter states, “The unraveling of the natural world remains a fundamental threat to the well-being of all humanity, which depends on millions of species and the countless services that the web of life provides.

Each extinction brings closer the collapse of these planetary life-support systems, including carbon sequestration, pollination, water purification, oxygen production and disease regulation.

To regain the United States’ position as a global leader in conservation and prevent mass extinctions, we all must take swift action that matches the extent and scale of the problem.

Accordingly, we ask you to take the following bold actions so that national policies to prevent extinction, recover species, and address the biodiversity crisis are even more successful during the next 50 years than they have been in the previous 50 years.”

VIEW POINT

Roevember is coming for women in U.S.

A

total of 64,565 victims of rape and/or incest were forced to give birth in the 14 states with abortion bans – that’s out of 519,981 actual victims of rape or incest — in just the four to 18 months since those states, seizing on the radical Supreme Court’s Dobbs decision, overturned women’s reproductive rights and instituted the bans.

Instantly, women have been rendered less than full citizens, sentient adults, without the “equal protection” under the Constitution to make decisions to save their own lives, obtain health care, have bodily autonomy, human dignity, or the right to privacy and the ability to determine their own future that men have. And if those states have their way, pregnancy will be akin to a prison term without the ability to travel out of state.

The figures come from a study by medical researchers, Drs. Samuel L. Dickman, Kari White and David U. Himmelstein, published in JAMA Internal Medicine: “Although five of these states allow exceptions for rape-related pregnancies, stringent gestational duration limits apply and survivors must report the rape to law enforcement, a requirement likely to disqualify most survivors of rape, of whom only 21% report their rape to police.” Of the 64,565 rape-pregnancies, an estimated 5,586 (9%) occurred in states with rape exceptions, and 58, 979 (91%) were in states with no rape exception — 26 313

(45%) in Texas, alone. (https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamainternalmedicine/fullarticle/2814274) On what should have been the 51st anniversary of the landmark Supreme Court decision, Roe v. Wade, President Joe Biden, Vice President Kamala Harris and women’s Rights advocates were educating Americans on the disastrous consequences of the Dobbs decision on real people – women bleeding to death in their cars in the hospital parking lot having been refused care for a miscarriage; a 12-year-old having to flee to another state to abort a fetus after she was raped; a Texas woman, having been denied an abortion by its Supreme Court, having to escape to another state to save her own life if not her ability to have children in the future.

One out of four pregnancies result in miscarriage, but instead of getting care, women in the depths of heartbreak must fear being prosecuted for infanticide.

The Dobbs decision effectively has divided the United States into slave and free states, but while the ruling ostensibly gave states the right to deny women their reproductive rights or even their right to life, in actuality, extremists in state government and on courts are moving to ban reproductive health care nationwide.

Texas Judge Matthew Kacsmaryk unilaterally overturned the FDA’s 20-year-old approval of mifepristone used in half of all abortions, which would restrict medication abortion

KAREN RUBIN View Point

nationwide. The Supreme Court will hear the case March 26.

As was warned and feared: U.S. maternal mortality, already among the worst in the industrialized world, is rising and especially high in states with abortion bans; infant mortality, which had been going down, has risen over the past two years, a disgrace in the richest, “most advanced” nation in the world. Those states that have the most Draconian abortion bans happen also to be the worst for access to pre- and post-natal health care – even refusing the federal Medicaid expansion of post-partum care from 60 days to one year, even pulling back on funding for food stamps and children’s school lunch programs.

Is that pro-life? Or is that controlling, disenfranchising, disempower-

ing and bankrupting women (it costs $20,000-30,000 to have a baby, not counting the expense of caring for a baby, let alone one that might be severely disabled)? Cruelty is the feature.

Biden convened the fourth meeting of the Task Force on Reproductive Healthcare Access he established with doctors who reported on their quandary: providing the care under their Hippocratic Oath to protect patients vs. protecting themselves from prosecution that could result in the loss of their medical license. Add legal costs and fines in the hundreds of thousands of dollars, even life in prison, with the result doctors are fleeing states, clinics are closing and millions of women are left without access to obstetrics care.

“I said on that day that Roe was overturned, the health and lives of women in this nation would now be at risk. And that has unfortunately proven to be true,” Biden said recently. “That cruel reality is the result of extreme Republicans who, for years, have made it their mission to end the Roe v. Wade decision.”

And Vice President Harris launched a nationwide Fight for Reproductive Freedoms tour declaring “these extremists want to roll back the clock to a time before women were treated as full citizens.”

The Constitution doesn’t say women are free in some states but not others, or depending on zip code or who happens to be in political

power. In fact, state abortion bans violate Article 4, the Privileges and Immunities clause of the Constitution, that says a citizen of any state is entitled to the same rights as a citizen in any other state. Abortion bans also violate the 4th Amendment (prohibiting unreasonable search and seizure and setting requirements for search warrants based on probable cause).

The 5th protects the right to due process and prohibits self-incrimination, so Trump can plead the 5th 400 times to avoid self-incrimination, but a woman is barred from saving her own life; the 8th against cruel and unusual punishment, like forcing a woman to suffer the pain and emotional damage of carrying a dead fetus to term; the 13th against involuntary servitude; and the 14th equal protection under law, which is violated by denying women’s reproductive rights and stealing their equal right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.

Biden-Harris can only do so much. We need a Democratic Congress to codify Roe and pass the Women’s Health Protection Act, first introduced in June 2021.And ratify the Equal Rights Amendment so protections are permanent..

For women, November 2024 is Roevember. But voters in NY-03 don’t have to wait for November to stand for women’s reproductive freedom.

They can elect Democrat Tom Suozzi in the special election for Congress on Feb. 13 (early voting Feb 3-11).

Blank Slate Media Newspapers, Friday, February 2, 2024

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F R O M T H E D E S K O F S I E L A A . BY N O E

Time to address Nassau’s most pressing issues

A

s we embark upon 2024 and a new term of the Nassau County Legislature, we do so at a truly evolutionary time.

During our organizational meeting on Jan. 8, we welcomed five new Legislators, as well as six new caucus leaders within our group of 19 elected representatives.

As part of that transition, I have accepted Minority Leader Delia DeRiggi-Whitton’s appointment to serve as the legislature’s alternate deputy minority leader.

I am humbled and gratified by the decision and excited for this opportunity to be of greater service to my colleagues and the residents of Nassau County and our region.

At a time of such profound change, there is value in pausing to review the fundamentals of our legislative process, with the term of governing being key among them. Nassau’s Legislature operates in two-year cycles, and we have just started our 15th term.

Any pending, unresolved legislative items from the prior term expired at the start of the year and must now be re-submitted as part of the new business before us.

Among the items that were not acted upon were important legislative initiatives that would confront the maternal mortality crisis, add Juneteenth to the county’s list of paid

holidays, safeguard our cybersecurity, and protect consumers in the marketplace.

I plan to reintroduce these and other items, including the plan I discussed in a previous column for providing Project–Lifesaver technology to cognitively vulnerable, incomeeligible individuals.

As our neighbors in Suffolk County continue to grapple with the fallout from the crippling cyberattack that still reverberates through its daily operations, we are reminded that Nassau County is not immune from this ongoing threat, and I will be re-filing legislation to create an in-house cybersecurity team headed by a deputy commissioner of cybersecurity.

This individual and team would be directly accountable to the County Executive for protecting our systems from threats, maintaining the integrity of our IT infrastructure, bolstering resiliency and recovery strategies, and further augmenting the department’s expertise by retaining subjectexpert consultants.

We are also tasked with confronting maternal mortality – a crisis that has an especially disparate impact on Nassau County’s communities of color.

Recent data from the New York State Department of Health reveals the shocking fact that Nassau Coun-

SIELA A. BYNOE

Nassau County Legislator ty’s Black infant mortality rate, recorded at 7.8 per 1,000 live births from 2018 to 2020, is in fact worse than the rates in Brooklyn (6.8), the Bronx (6.9), Manhattan (6.6) and Westchester (5.9) during the same period.

I will resubmit legislation to establish a dedicated Nassau County task force consisting of department heads, medical experts and maternal health advocates who will be tasked with devising strategies for saving lives, preventing dangerous medical complications, and addressing the institutional healthcare disparities that have allowed this issue to persist for far too long.

Our work for the New Year must

also include the reevaluation of Nassau County’s approaches to protecting consumers from misinformation in the marketplace.

Like many of you, I use non-cash forms of payment for many transactions. I enjoy the convenience of not carrying sums of cash with me, and I take comfort in negotiating transactions in the safest possible manner.

While New York State law allows vendors to charge consumers for using credit cards, they must do so within very defined parameters.

One of my biggest frustrations emerges when I see a price posted for a product or service – and then being told I will be charged an additional 3- or 4-percent fee to use a credit card.

The correct way to comply with the law is to post the higher credit card price – preferably alongside the cash price – but the law is commonly misapplied.

Faced with this landscape, I have reintroduced legislation that would direct Nassau’s Department of Consumer Affairs to create, plan, and oversee regular educational outreach to merchants and consumers – through direct mail, digital means such as websites and social media, and PSAs – on state laws governing cash discount policies.

To aid consumer affairs in any necessary enforcement, a dedicated

hotline and/or online portal for reporting possible violations would also be established.

My goal is to educate business owners so that they self-correct their practices — accordingly, the law provides for a three-month grace period during which time a business will be given five business days to cure violations.

However, enforcement is an essential arm of any consumer protection strategy. If a violation is not cured during the five-day window, or a violation occurs after the threemonth grace period, the business owner in question will be fined up to $500 for each violation.

I hope that this overview of my priorities for the initial stages of the new term underscores the important and diversified role of our Legislature in the daily lives of the people we are entrusted with serving.

Your input is crucial for focusing and expanding the scope of our efforts, and I am looking forward to working with you to make Nassau County a more vibrant, inclusive, and prosperous place to live, work, and raise a family.

Siela A. Bynoe, of Westbury, is the alternate deputy minority leader of the Nassau County Legislature. She has represented the 2nd Legislative District since 2014.

FROM THE DESK OF DELIA DERIGGI-WHIT TON

Stop playing games with county resources

F

or Nassau County, 2024 is a year of new beginnings – a fact that is immediately evident by the ascension of two new legislative caucus leaders and a total of five new legislators.

I was looking forward to a fresh start and greater bipartisan cooperation as we confront the county’s most important issues.

Unfortunately, our first meeting did not go as I hoped it would.

Amidst COVID-19, the federal government allotted funding to help local communities weather the pandemic and recover from the many challenges it created. Nassau County received approximately $385 million in American Rescue Plan Act funds, and, as of Monday, Jan. 22, still had approximately $299 million left to allocate.

By law, ARPA funding must be allocated by the end of this year and spent by the end of 2026 – otherwise, it will be clawed back by the federal government.

Some municipalities have used these resources to fund tax rebates to residents, launch medical bill forgiveness programs, and establish other initiatives that directly aid small businesses and not-for-profit organiza-

tions.

On the other hand, Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman has recently stressed two main ideas – moving more than $222 million into the county’s operating budget and using $10 million to help stage and promote a series of galas and other celebrations for the county’s 125th anniversary.

By comparison, he proposed setting aside a relatively small portion of the funding — $15 million – to support various not-for-profit organizations and special districts that deliver ARPA-approved services.

Initially, the Minority Caucus advocated for the inclusion of approximately $12 million for worthwhile agencies in our seven districts.

When presented with the $15 million number for the entire county, our hope was to reach a compromise that increased the sum to $19 million, with an agreement to divide the funds equally at $1 million for each of the 19 districts.

This approach would have allowed each legislator to assist in arranging for the distribution of resources to the most severely impacted programs and initiatives to help communities fully rebound from the pandemic.

DELIA DeRIGGI-WHITTON Nassau County Legislator

Ultimately, the Majority would not commit to an equitable distribution approach or even a small increase on the allocation.

Naturally, this was a disappointing outcome. However, recent events have made the absence of an equity agreement a real concern.

For the last several years, applications for grant funding in my district – including those for fire departments, public libraries, and more – seem to have been stonewalled by the Blakeman administration.

During our ARPA negotiations, implications were made that my district’s grant funding was indeed being held up.

The reason? The administration did not approve of my comments in a recent column urging them to expedite the delivery of opioid settlement funds to agencies that deliver life-saving prevention, treatment, and recovery services.

Specifically, by arguing that the administration’s approach is “badly out of touch with the needs of our constituents,” it was alleged that I engaged in so-called “personal attacks.”

By fast-tracking approval for $10 million in funding for 125th anniversary celebrations while opioid funding continued to languish on our ledger books, the administration made its priorities clear.

Pointing that out is a policy critique, and I stand by my statement today. I am still dismayed that the county held back hundreds of millions of dollars in remaining ARPA and opioid settlement funds for as long as they did to bolster Nassau County’s reserves for the sake of impressing rating agencies and potentially generating interest on the funds.

In my opinion, by acquiescing to

the administration’s wishes, Presiding Officer Howard Kopel missed a relatively easy opportunity to start off his tenure in a good-faith, bipartisan manner.

Even after hearing directly from dozens of organizations that would have put these resources to such good use, the Majority rubber-stamped the administration’s plan and gave every indication that the county executive’s office will have the final say on where this $15 million will be spent.

While I hope they will be responsive to the will of the people and each district will receive a fair share, that outcome is now out of the control of the members of the Minority Caucus.

Yes, this was an incredibly disappointing start to the year, but it is just that – the start. I still have optimism that we will do a better job for the people of Nassau County in the months ahead, and that the county will use this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to give these worthwhile organizations that serve our communities the resources they deserve.

Delia DeRiggi-Whitton, the Nassau County Legislature’s Minority Leader.

She was first elected to the Legislature in 2011.

18 Blank Slate Media Newspapers, Friday, February 2, 2024

READERS WRITE

You can’t sit or eat art work at Grand Central Madison

I

t has been almost one year since the Long Island Rail Road began full-time East Side Access service to the $11.6. billion Grand Central Madison. How disappointing that MTA Arts & Design just announced that they are presenting a selection of works from photographer Stephen Wilkes’ “Day to Night” series of famous New York landmarks at this facility. Is this the best MTA can do?

Grand Central Madison has only two men’s bathrooms with a total of 18 urinals and 13 toilets, two women’s bathrooms with a total of 25 toilets, one lactation room, and two gender-neutral bathrooms each with

a single capacity all located on the Madison Concourse. There are none on the lower or upper-level platforms and mezzanine.

There is still only one waiting room located on the Madison Concourse. It has only 29 seats and seven stools for Wi-Fi connections to serve riders. There are no other seating options on the platform and mezzanine levels while waiting.

Options for recycling newspapers or beverage containers, and disposal of garbage or other waste continue to be non-existent except for a handful of garbage cans at the platform level. There are few options to dispose

of waste at either the mezzanine or Madison concourse levels. This conflicts with MTA’s claim to be environmentally friendly. There are still no open newsstands. These services are readily available in Metro North Rail Road Grand Central Terminal, Penn and Jamaica Stations.

There are 11 Ticket Vending Machines still waiting to be installed. It appears that the designed space is not wide enough to accommodate standard LIRR TVM’s. All the facility storefronts still stand vacant. This is a sad commentary on MTA Chairman Janno Lieber, MTA Office of Capital Construction and MTA Real Estate in the

management of the LIRR ESA GCM project. The original completion date was 2011. Full-time service began in February 2023. MTA Real Estate had years to find tenants for the 32 vacant storefronts. MTA Real Estate has yet to issue a Request for Proposals to find a master tenant to manage all 32 vacant storefronts. We may have to wait another year before all 32 storefronts are open for business. Commuters will continue looking at the artwork covering up the vacant storefronts.

Commuters and taxpayers have to ask when will the other vacant storefronts at other NYC Transit, Long Island and Metro North Rail Road stations be

leased. MTA Chairman Lieber would have been better off releasing an RFP to hire a private real estate management firm. They could do a better job than MTA Real Estate in the timely leasing all of these assets. It would generate badly needed revenue and provide riders with basic amenities.

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

In support of Mazi Pilip for Congressional District 3

N

ow to begin with I wholeheartily support Mazi Pilip in her run for Congress in the 3rd Congressional District for her stand on a number of issues, including the migrant issue. She had a press conference as reported outside of the Creedmoor Psychiatric Center migrant shelter

in Queens Village.

She said,” Look around me.” Neighbors are scared, concerned and angry and they should be.

Well, I’m one of them because I live a few blocks away in Glen Oaks Village. I’m a senior citizen and am concerned about my safety.

According to her campaign flier, Mazi will pass Queens Village Republican Club and proudly support the strongest law ever to fight illegal immigration, Mazi Pilip for her support of the residents of the 3rd Mazi will end President Biden’s failed economic poli- Congressional District. Let me say,” You Go Girl.” cies and protect taxpayers, and Mazi will stop the procriminal policies of Biden and Gov. Kathy Hochul.

Frederick Robert Bedell Jr. I’m a registered Republican and a member of the Bellerose

Democrats doctored pictures of Mazi Pilip in a flyer

I

am appalled by the Democrats’ lies and distortions about our community’s favorite candidate, Mazi Melesa Pilip.

I just got a flyer in the mail from the Democrats that has a doctored picture that makes Mazi look white. Apparently, the Democrats don’t want people to know that they are attacking a

black Jewish woman by lying about her.

Also, the Democrats’ flyer lied when it said that Mazi is going to outlaw abortions in New York. That’s the opposite of Mazi’s position.

Although Mazi is personally pro-life, she does not try to impose her personal views on the whole country or on New York. Mazi opposes a national

ban on abortion. Abortion is properly a decision Unfortunately, those Democrat lies worked for each state’s people. It is not a decision for last time. Don’t let the Democrats get away with Congress. these lies again. We need Mazi – not a high-taxing During the last election, the Democrats lied Suozzi. about other Republicans who oppose a national ban on abortion and falsely said that those candiJennifer Levi dates wanted a national ban.

Great Neck

Mazi Pilip for Congress? A George Santos encore

M

azi Pilip is running for the Congressional seat recently held by, and disgraced by, George Santos. Her handlers (who used to be his handlers) have fed us some glamour: her big smile; her big family. Forget that her curriculum vitae is empty, as his was. Forget that she is a creation of the same group who gave us Santos.

“Fool me once, shame on you; fool me twice, shame on me” the saying goes.

Her managers want us to vote for Pilip to represent us in the United States Congress, and they are making sure we do not have the opportunity to gauge her lack of knowledge.

She refuses to participate in open forums where we could measure her worth against that of her opponent, Tom Suozzi, for the special election on Feb. 13.

As voters, we have become aware of Pilip one glimpse at a time. For example, recently in a headline-grabbing statement she called for the resignation of the president of Hofstra University, a private institution. It was an unprovoked verbal attack. It revealed that Pilip is oblivious to boundaries, or, as a friend of mine put it, she is ignorant about the most basic aspects of living in America. Here in America, a leader in education is not to be

treated as a soft target by a politician looking to score points.

Pilip’s behavior may look merely feckless, but she was actually following the lead of the Nassau County Supervisor Bruce Blakeman, who initiated the ambush on the president of Hofstra.

Make no mistake: Ms. Pilip does not have a mind of her own. Were she to take a seat in Congress she would join the hardline dozen in the House of Representatives who are refusing to fund the federal government, who brought the House to a standstill in 2023.

Another Pilip indiscretion has come to light: She herself has prospered by the historic goodwill of our country toward immigrants, yet after living here a short time she now opposes immigration for others, in particular on our southern border. She characterizes people from south of the border as criminals, but she says nothing about our northern border. There is a racial component to her selectivity.

If you phone Ms. Pilip’s county office as I did twice, you leave a message but you never hear back. I was phoning about a problem on a county road. A year later it is still a problem.

Pilip has based her campaign for Con-

gress on three things: being a “MOM,” being against paying taxes, and having served in the IDF. Setting aside her non-specific tax-cutting and her motherhood, Pilip is left to rely on her time in the Israel Defense Forces, Israel’s military.

Israel is a country on a sliver of land surrounded for much of a century by neighbors who are big and belligerent, neighbors who vowed to push the state of Israel into the sea, to obliterate it. Those neighbor-states now mostly want peace, but stateless Hamas has kept the hate alive. As the world saw this past October, Israel can never let down her guard.

Pilip is campaigning for public office here in New York based primarily on her military service in another country whose military is legend. She parades her connection to the IDF but she omits the details. She did not join the IDF as Americans today volunteer to serve in the United States armed services. She was conscripted by law, as most Israeli females are, to serve for about 20 months.

In other words, Pilip is claiming a brief stint in the Israeli military has prepared her for a position here in our federal government writing laws for civilians.

I myself do not want us to send Pilip to Congress so she can join the reckless fringe shouting from their Congressional seats and booing the President of the United States.

I would prefer to have a rational, well-informed voice represent my family, my faith, and my democracy.

There is another touchstone issue that takes Pilip out of the running. She says she is pro-life, but isn’t everyone? We know the term “pro-life” has been appropriated by people who mean something else, people who are adamantly anti-abortion. This means she agrees with the Supreme Court decision to overturn Roe v. Wade and end the protection of women’s health.

Meanwhile, a friend tells me Pilip seems to be everywhere at social events. She has found her métier as a campaigner, but she does not trouble voters with words such as infrastructure. She offers no ideas for good government.

Mazi Pilip for Congress? Shame on you.

Rebecca Rosenblatt Gilliar Great Neck Letters Continued on Page 29

Blank Slate Media Newspapers, Friday, February 2, 2024

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Focus on loss of a Jewish community

BY J ES S E F R AG A Mitch Albom’s latest New York Times bestselling novel, “The Little Liar,” unravels the impact of lies and myths at the start of Germany’s invasion of Greece during the Holocaust.

The philanthropist, internationally acclaimed author, and journalist who began reporting at the now-defunct Queens Tribune, will discuss the book at Temple Beth Sholom in Roslyn Heights on Thursday, Feb. 15, at 7:30 p.m., in partnership with the William and Jerry Ungar Holocaust Lectureship Endowment at Queens College Center for Judaic Studies.

“When we finish this story, you may say, ‘That was impossible,’” Albom’s website states. “But here is the funny thing about truth… the less real something seems, the more people want to believe it.”

It took hurdles of deception and revenge for an 11-year-old Jew, Nico Krispis – the main character – to realize this. The story follows Krispis and two other young survivors living in Salonika, Greece, as they dodge Nazi tactics closing in on the island.

When a German officer interrogated

Krispis on the details of his tight-knit community, he couldn’t help but tell the truth.

“Moving beyond the horrors of war, seemingly insignificant events have farreachingconsequences, leading to a stunning finale for these unforgettable characters,” Booklistcolumnist Karen Clements stated in a review.

The story, narrated by the voice of Truth, reveals a unique perspective on myths andmisinformation spread by Germans to Jews.

Albom gained acclaim in 1997 for the memoir, “Tuesdays with Morrie,” which detailed the life of a former teacher with Lou Gehrig’s disease named Morrie Schwartz; the book was adapted into a movie in 1999.

Other award-winning novels include “The Five People You Meet in Heaven,” “Have a Little Faith,” and “The Time Keeper,” to name a few.

While his past works explored life, heaven, and beliefs, this is a story of hope and forgiveness. “‘The Little Liar’ is a timeless story about the power of love to ultimately redeem us, no matter how deeply we blame ourselves for our mistakes,” Albom’s website states.

Albom tells this poignant story through the intertwined lives of three young survivors who are forever changed by the perils of deception and the grace of redemption.

22 Blank Slate Media Newspapers, Friday, February 2, 2024

Arts Center hosts author of G.N. Library hosts book about Elie Wiesel, silence photography exhibit Great Neck Library is having an author event “Gold Coast Arts Center author Joseph Berger: Elie Wiesel: Confronting the Silence.”

Join us for a special conversation with author Joseph Berger moderated

by Regina Gil, founder and executive director of the Gold Coast Arts Center on Sunday, Feb. 11 from 2:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Great Neck Main Library at 159 Bayview Ave. in Great Neck.

Elie Wiesel, the Nobel prize-winning writer, was the most influential person to bring the world’s attention to the enormity of the Holocaust. His

many books and speeches bore witness to Nazi genocide and led to his preeminent role as a human rights activist.

In this new and fascinating biography, Elie Wiesel: Confronting the Silence author Joseph Berger draws upon prodigious research and interviews with family, friends and scholars to answer the question: how did this modest man, a Hasidic Jewish student and survivor of Auschwitz, become such a revered figure on the world stage,a bestselling author and moral compass for our era? And what is his legacy for the 21st Century?

This event is FREE to attend but you must RSVP through the Gold Coast Arts’ website at https://goldcoastarts.org/event/author-talk-joseph-berger/.

Books will be brought to the event. You may purchase an autographed copy of the book for $26. If you wish to pick up your book in advance at Gold Coast Arts, call (516) 829-2570 and ask for Caroline or email caroline@goldcoastarts.org.

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

PHOTO BY BRENDA BERGER

The Great Neck Library is exhibiting Coastal Photography

by Rain Gan from Feb. 5, 2024 to Feb. 24 at our Great Neck Main Library Lower Lobby, 159 Bayview Avenue in Great Neck.

Chongrun, also known as “Rain”, a high school senior student attending William A Shine, Great Neck South High School, has a profound passion for photography.

Rain specializes in capturing the beauty of landscapes and the fascinating world of wildlife.

The exhibition features a collection of photographs, including a striking snowy owl, a majestic osprey, a regal bald eagle, two graceful hummingbirds, and four stunning sunrise scenes, each adorned with its unique and

vibrant colors.

Through Rain’s lens, the wonders of nature come to life, and his artistic vision shines brightly in his work.

For more information, please contact Great Neck Library at (516) 466-8055 or email adultprogramming@greatnecklibrary.org.

PHOTO BY RAIN GAN

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23

An Evening with Leslie Odom Jr. at Staller Center The Staller Center invites you to be in “the room where it happens” with Leslie Odom, Jr., on March 9 for An Evening with Leslie Odom Jr. Renowned across stage, screen, and song, Odom, Jr. is best known for his roles as Aaron Burr in “Hamilton” and Purlie in “Purlie Victorious.” The Tony, Grammy, and Emmy Awardwinning artist will showcase an unforgettable array of music from his new album, Broadway and beyond.

Odom appears off the critically acclaimed Broadway show “Purlie Victorious,” bringing his “tonal perfection” (New Yorker) to Staller. Odom Jr.’s return-to-Broadway performance stunned critics and audiences alike with his natural charisma and charm, reflecting his power as an artist. The comedy-turned-musical originally premiered in 1961 to widespread critical acclaim.

Though the revival was only supposed to run through early January of 2024, its success extended its engagement by another month.

“Leslie Odom Jr. instantly stands out … it’s Odom who carries the play’s weight as it shifts from genre to genre and reveals further layers of character.” –New York Times.

The event will showcase Odom, Jr.’s ability to bring passion to classics and his own personal, contemporary pieces. The show will feature music from his new album “When a Crooner Dies,” past originals, and fan favorites from the hit show “Hamilton.”

Odom, Jr.’s genius expands far beyond the theater. His self-titled debut album charted at #1 on the Billboard Jazz chart. The singer released his fifth full-length album, “When a Crooner Dies,” this past November to universal praise. A collection of highly polished, smooth jazz/pop fusion ballads, the al-

bum spotlights Odom’s songwriting talents and unparalleled musical ability, with the Gazette dubbing his vocals ‘as smooth as hot buttered rum.’

His star power has earned him big screen credits, including “The Exorcist: Believer,” “Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery,” “The Many Saints of Newark,” a prequel to HBO’s The Sopranos, and One Night in Miami…earning him an Oscar nomination for his portrayal of legendary musician Sam Cooke.

An Evening with Leslie Odom, Jr. is the Staller Center’s 2024 Annual Gala, but that doesn’t mean it’s invite only.

The Staller Center for the Arts offers performance-only tickets to all of their Gala events, which means you can see some of your favorite stars at an accessible price. Odom Jr.’s performance at the Staller Center will commemorate over two decades of Staller’s annual Gala, crafted around the music that has shaped Odom Jr.’s journey, all with a world-class big band.

Leslie Odom, Jr. has emerged as one of the most dynamic and acclaimed performers in the entertainment industry. His career, adorned with Tony and Grammy Awards, three Emmy nominations, and two Academy Award nods, reflects his prowess as a vocalist, songwriter, author, and actor.

Tickets are available for the performance only, starting at $95. For performance tickets, visit stallercenter.com/gala.

Gala Supporter Tickets are also available and include access to VIP seating and a reception following the performance.

To learn more about becoming a gala supporter, visit stallercenter.com/gala.

Leslie Odom Jr.

24 Blank Slate Media Newspapers, Friday, February 2, 2024

Millie DeRiggi’s exhibit a hit at Sea Cliff Arts Center

PHOTO BY PETER M. BUDRAITIS

A standing-room-only crowd of family, friends, and local art enthusiasts packed the Sea Cliff Arts Council for the opening reception of Millie DeRiggi’s “A Beautiful Life in Paintings” on Thursday, Jan. 4.

The showcase reflected and illuminated the travels, interests, and artistic talents of the multifaceted DeRiggi — a noted local history lecturer and professor whose scholarship includes deep dives into the origins of the City of Glen Cove and a doctoral dissertation focused on the early Quaker settlers of Long Island.

DeRiggi previously served as historian for the Nassau County Museum Division, director of its collection at the Long Island Studies Institute at Hofstra University, and question/answer writer for the legendary quiz shows “Jeopardy!” and “G.E. College Bowl” during the 1960s.

When DeRiggi was unable to attend opening night due to a brief illness, her family instead brought the art show directly to her through the power of Zoom technology; her husband, former Glen Cove Mayor and Nassau County Justice Donald DeRiggi served as master of ceremonies and walked guests through the exhibition.

After fully recovering, she was on hand at the Arts Council on Saturday, Jan. 13 for an afternoon celebration of a lifetime of creativity and curiosity.

“There is no greater feeling than the one you experience when friends and family come together to celebrate the accomplishments of your parents,” said DeRiggi’s daughter, Nassau County Legislature Minority Leader Delia DeRiggi-Whitton (D – Glen Cove). “My entire family is so grateful for the warm response to her art show, and we thank the Sea Cliff Arts Council for being such accommodating and welcoming hosts for this beautiful event.”

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READERS WRITE

Don’t vote for an honorary member of The Squad

W

e certainly don’t need to send a representative to Washington who wants to be an “honorary member” of the “Squad.” To the contrary, the representative has to have the principles and convictions to stand against the Squad.

Mazi Pilip and Tom Suozzi are the candidates for the upcoming special election for NY CD3, to be held on Feb. 13.

During her relatively short tenure as a Nassau County Legislator, Mazi Pilip never made statements just for the sake of saying something. She is a focused and very smart lady.

Candidate Tom Suozzi, however, has made statements that are radically absurd.

Suozzi announced publicly that he wanted to become an “Honor-

ary member of the Squad” (https:// nypost.com/2021/12/11/tomsuozzi-once-asked-to-be-an-honorarymember-of-aocs-squad/ (https:// nypost.com/2021/12/11/tom-suozzionce-asked-to-be-an-honorary-memberof-aocs-squad/)) The Squad members, Ilhan Omar and Rashida Tlaib, are venomous vilifiers of both America and Israel.

During a speech for CAIR, Omar trivialized the terrorists who killed thousands of Americans on 9/11 as “some people did something” (https://www. bostonherald.com/2019/09/11/911-victims-son-slams-u-s-rep-ilhanomars-some-people-did-something-remark/amp/).

Omar and Talib and company are shamelessly advocating antisemitic

tropes, and have been making antisemitism “acceptable” in America.

Mazi Pilip has clearly stated that should she get elected to Congress she would stand up against the Squad.

Vote Mazi and don’t vote for “Honorary Member of The Squad Wannabes.”

Leon Manoucheri Great Neck

Nassau County GOP mishandles pandemic aid

N

assau County residents, it’s time to shine a spotlight on the allocation of our federal pandemic aid.

The recent decision by Republican-led Nassau County lawmakers to re-direct most of the $262 million to the general fund rather than the originally allocated essential community projects is not only disheartening but irresponsible!

This substantial funding, which

already had bipartisan resolutions in the Legislature was intended to directly impact our community assisting with funding mental health programs, addressing food insecurity, enhancing public safety, supporting public works projects, and aiding small businesses.

Instead, the emphasis on diverting funds to the general fund raises concerns about neglecting urgent needs for the sake of political interests.

Particularly distressing is the allo-

cation of $10 million for a marketing and tourism budget celebrating the county’s 125th anniversary. This move suggests a focus on political patronage rather than addressing the pressing needs of Nassau County residents.

Equally troubling are the actions of Legislator Mazi Melesa Pilip, a key figure in this decision and the Republican candidate in the upcoming Feb. 13 special congressional election.

Leaving the meeting before the

vote demonstrates a neglect of legislative responsibilities. Is this the representation the 3rd congressional district deserves?

Residents of Congressional District 3, remember that actions speak louder than words! It’s crucial to observe and question the decisions of our representatives, especially Mazi’s choice to walk out on responsibilities and abstain from voting.

Now, more than ever, we must

hold our elected leaders accountable.

We demand transparency and the effective use of funds for the betterment of all of Nassau County.

It’s time to prioritize our well-being over political interests and ensure that our elected officials truly represent the needs and concerns of our community.

Alexis Pace Long Beach

Tom Suozzi will help repair the world in Congress

T

om Suozzi for Congress — A Champion in “Tikkun Olam” — Repairing the World If Democratic, Republican, and Independent voters in the Third Congressional District might agree on anything, it is that our politics and world seem broken.

As a proud Jewish-American, I strongly support Tom Suozzi for Congress. Tom Suozzi embodies the principles of “tikkun olam” – the Jewish concept of “repairing the world.”

Having Tom Suozzi in Congress to fight for Israel and promote a secure and lasting peace in the Middle East could not be more urgent. As a strong non-Jewish ally, Tom is uniquely qual-

ified to fight within his party as well as work across the aisle to maintain the bipartisan support that is so critical for Israel.

Tom will work tirelessly to combat antisemitism and all other forms of hate,ensuring Jews and other religious minorities can live safely in the U.S. His commitment to many Jewish institutions in our community, including Jewish schools, community centers, and the Holocaust Center in Glen Cove, spans over three decades.

Tom Suozzi’s impact on education, healthcare, the environment, reducing gun violence, and preserving a woman’s right to choose resonates strongly with Jewish values. Tom has

received the Gun Sense Candidate distinction from Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America and has been endorsed by the Planned Parenthood Action Fund, the NY State Nurses Association, NYSUT, the League of Conservation Voters Action Fund and the Sierra Club, among others.

Despite the desperate disinformation spread by his opponents, Tom Suozzi has a deep,realistic and nuanced approach to immigration, keeping with the Jewish value of “Welcome the Stranger.” This is why Tom worked with Republicans to develop a plan to pay for a secure border and pathways for immigrants seeking a better life to remain legally and pay

taxes in the U.S. Tom Suozzi’s bipartisan approach and collaborative spirit make him a leader who can bridge divides, cultivate unity and champion the values we hold dear. His experience and proven ability to work across party lines demonstrate his effectiveness in getting things done for all his constituents.

Tom’s dedication to public service, proven track record, and commitment to transparency starkly contrast with his opponent. The voters of this district need and deserve someone who will hit the ground running, not someone requiring on-the-job training.

Unfortunately, Tom’s opponent

has refused to debate. Like her friend, George Santos, Tom’s opponent has scant relevant experience.

She won’t answer questions or state her positions even when civic groups and the media have repeatedly asked for them. His opponent also has questionable financials and resists transparency.

Please join me in voting for Tom Suozzi in the Feb. 13 special election, and thank you for considering my perspective. I look forward to seeing Tom contribute to improving our district and country.

Allison White Port Washington

Why my Jewish, pro-Israel friends must vote for Suozzi

W

ith Israel at war and Jews attacked globally, including here in the USA in academia and corporate America, we understand the stakes are very high.

Who we choose as our member of Congress will have monumental implications for Israel and for our own safety, security, and prosperity.

At the outset, I want to acknowledge our good fortune that in this upcoming special election, we have two unabashed stalwart advocates for Israel and the Jewish people.

On the GOP side, we have Mazi Melesa Pilip. Mazi is a true leader for Israel and the Jewish people. She is a shining and rising star and will be a pro-Israel pro-Jewish force for many years to come.

However, while I am a big fan of Mazi and her unabashed energetic sup-

port for Israel and the Jewish people, I am throwing my full support behind Tom Suozzi for reasons you may not be thinking about.

Let me tell you why, and why I believe that all NY-03 voters (Democrats and Republicans alike) should vote for Suozzi over Mazi. Mazi will get her chance, but this is not the time.

All true stalwart Zionists need to honestly evaluate what is most concerning.

Is it not a Democratic party that is too woke and too anti-Israel? Is not your first reaction perhaps “the heck with the Dems, I am voting for the GOP?,” especially since there is a strong pro-Israel, pro-Jewish candidate in Mazi?

I believe this knee-jerk reaction would be a huge mistake and would hasten our worst nightmare come true.

We need to strengthen the pro-Israel voices in the House Democratic caucus.

With Tom Suozzi we have a rare chance to add a proven, respected, and effective pro-Israel voice into the House Democratic caucus.

Suozzi is a leader who has the wherewithal to influence other members of Congress to do what’s right for Israel, and who will fight members of his own party. How do we know? Because he has done it before, time and again, during his 6 years in Congress.

I, and most of my friends in the GOP, know how urgently important this task is. Any Republican who does not use this opportunity to shore up the pro-Israel voice in the Democratic Party is weakening this essential element of a strong bi-partisan pro-Israel Congress.

Moreover, if Tom Suozzi as a true

centrist is defeated it increases the chances that future Democratic candidates will be more aligned with ultraprogressives on the Left.

There are three other key issues of concern to most of my friends in the GOP and Democratic Parties: the state of our democracy; crime; and abortion rights. Suozzi is pro-Democracy, propolice and pro-choice.

A Word on Experience After 11 months of George Santos delivering nothing but embarrassment for NY-03, we need someone who can hit the ground running with deep experience and a proven track record.

This is not the time for yet another GOP on-the-job-training candidate with very little experience. Mazi has two years as a Nassau County legislator, period.

Suozzi has vast political experience, including as our highly respected member of Congress from 2016-2022.

As a member of the bipartisan Problem Solvers Caucus, he has a proven track record of getting things done.

Before that he was the Nassau County Executive for eight years and before that Mayor of Glen Cove for eight years.

For all the foregoing reasons, I urge every NY-03 voter to come out and vote Suozzi on Feb. 13.

For Jews who care about rising antiSemitism and authoritarianism, protecting women’s reproductive healthcare, and keeping our communities safe, there has never been a more important vote for NY-03.

Arnie Herz Port Washington

30 Blank Slate Media Newspapers, Friday, February 2, 2024

READERS WRITE

Don’t be fooled — Suozzi has a proven pro-Israel record

I

recently read two articles in the local press that I thought were filled with highly charged negative words and blatant lies. As a Jew who is greatly concerned by the steep rise in misinformation and anti-Semitism, I feel compelled to address these points. We should not be fooled by such statements.

The authors of these articles falsely

and irresponsibly contend that Tom Suozzi “pushed” for a Palestinian state on the West Bank of the Jordan River.

This could not be farther from the truth.

Throughout his career in public service Tom has been a stalwart champion for Israel and the Jewish people. To suggest that Tom is a supporter of Hamas is not only inaccurate, but outright slanderous.

In Congress, Tom Suozzi has been one of the most consistent and outspoken supporters of Israel and her people.

He took on far-left members of “the Squad” for antisemitic remarks, proudly supported the Abraham Accords and moving the U.S. Embassy to Jerusalem, and signed on to nearly every bipartisan pro-Israel piece of legislation during his

six years in Washington.

Suozzi recently demonstrated his unequivocal support by touring Israel on a solidarity mission after the Oct. 7 attacks. What we need now more than ever is someone who is a proven leader and proven friend to the Jewish community.

There is no question that Tom has

been that strong voice we need, speaking out for the protection and justice of Israelis and all Jews across the globe and here at home. Don’t take the bait from those who inaccurately suggest otherwise.

Josie Pizer Great Neck

This college student is voting for Suozzi, a pro-Israel leader

L

ast year, campuses were rocked by disruptive pro-Palestinian protests in the wake of the horrific Oct. 7th attacks. Courtyards were flooded with students and faculty shouting “intifada” and “From the River to the Sea,” vandalizing historic buildings with vulgar anti-Israel graffiti, and threatening Jewish and Israeli students. While witnessing one of these demonstrations at Princeton University, where I am a current sophomore, I was told I needed to “learn how to be Jewish” because I showed I supported Israel.

And yet, when I came home, I was met with similar incivility towards differing viewpoints on the conflict. At a Republican rally in Queens, a Pro-Palestine protester was screamed at, while others were allegedly accosted and punched by attendees.

Why have so many people abandoned civil discourse in favor of violence towards those whom they disagree with?

Like many Jewish Democrats, I have felt a sense of dread about the war. Oct. 7th was the bloodiest day for Jews since the Holocaust, and now we’re seeing a protracted conflict with few signs of a peaceful settlement. Far left-wing activists are turning support for Israel into a partisan issue as they seek to wear down Democratic lawmakers into taking polarizing stances.

Statements from the fringes of the party make American Jews like myself start to wonder: Is the Democratic Party still for people like me?

But there’s still hope to end the malaise that comes over you every time Israel comes up when talking with a stranger, and the answer is in the way

a candidate for New York’s Third Congressional District talks about the issue: Tom Suozzi Suozzi has been one of Israel’s strongest supporters in Congress. He has consistently supported critical aid to the Jewish State and signed onto every bipartisan piece of legislation to support Israel. His voting record aside, Tom has always been there for the Jewish community, especially in the most difficult of times.

Just last month, Suozzi visited Israel to show his solidarity with the Jewish people. He met with the parents of Plainview resident Omer Neutra, who is still being held hostage in Gaza. He visited Kfar Aza, one of the communities hit hardest during the Oct. 7th terror attack. Tom has been an outspoken and reliable ally to Israel in its fight to eradicate Hamas and return the hos-

tages home safely.

Suozzi has also engaged in meaningful conversations with parties with different perspectives on the conflict.

The fact that he has made the effort to reach out to people with differing viewpoints is a symbol of the understanding that current campus politics lacks. He may not agree with them, but he is willing to have that difficult conversation with potential future constituents and understand them on a more human level. Throughout this campaign, he’s engaged with every group he can on the issues that matter to our communities.

There’s been a false dichotomy that has developed in discussions surrounding the war. Many, including activists on college campuses, think that if one feels strongly about something, they are betraying that cause by recognizing other people’s opinions and engaging

with “the enemy.” This absurd notion leads to insular communities where activism becomes a measure of how ideologically pure you are. Suozzi’s approach actively fights against the creation of these in-groups; it promotes tolerance and real discussion.

Tom Suozzi is the clear choice in this election for American Jews who support Israel, but also for people who want this conflict to end in a peaceful solution that guarantees the security of the State of Israel and mends the divides at home caused by the hateful displays we have seen over the past few months.

This college student urges you to cast your vote for Tom Suozzi in the Feb. 13 special election.

Aidan Davis Plainview

George Sculptures, with ‘Santos Deconstructed’

G

eorge Santos’ attorney said that the New York Times had “smeared his good name”.

After Election Day, I put his “good name” to good use.

I harvested many of the then “old” two-faced George Santos campaign signs from Nassau County roadways when the November 2022 election was over. This helped to more than visually clean up the local environment. In early December many Santos campaign signs were still where they had been abandoned.

I cut the back-to-back red “George” names out of all these “found objects”, and using the thin steel rods that had supported them in the ground, I made sculptures for my grandson George.

Thinking that they are rather clever, I submitted them for an early 2023 art show to be held at the library in Port Washington, Long Island, NY where I live.

After all that quickly happened concerning our newly elected Congressperson, my “art” was rejected by the Port Washington Library Art Advisory Council “after careful consideration”.

I think there were at least two reasons: they are probably readily recognizable as coming from George Santos campaign signs, so they are certainly not “politically correct,” and, “art critics” are usually not very receptive to something so whimsical, unless maybe if Alexander Calder had done it. And,

just maybe, they weren’t “art”.

I believe they are very interesting structurally, and if they were just white, without the big red “George” names, they may be more acceptable as art. And, maybe I should have titled them “Untitled” instead of the obvious “George”.

As is, though, my grandson George loves them. I only hope that someday a Leila and a Gloria will run for office so I can do the same for his sisters.

The cut-out “George” units are almost invisibly held in place by the thin steel rods. In three of the six “George” sculptures (“George” Types 1, 2, 3 and 4, “Tower of George” and “Tower of George too”) the “George” units twist, and twist the space around them.

The structures are fairly simple and straightforward, but with the orientation of “George” on both sides of each unit, they appear much more busy and complicated than they actually are.

And, with the forms “triangulated”, though they are very light, they are much more rigid, stable and strong than you might think.

“George – Type 1” is simply three “George” units making up an equilateral triangle. “George – Type 2” is four units making up two equilateral triangles that share one side. “George – Type 3” is six units making up equilateral triangles on both sides of an “open rectangle.”

“George – Type 4” has six units;

“George – Type 1” sculptures, with 9 “George” units total) intertwined; one “tower” twists clockwise and the other counter-clockwise. I didn’t have enough “George” units or metal rods to make “Tower of George too” as tall as the “Tower of George.” I realize that my descriptions may be much too detailed for such whimsical objects.

(Republican George Santos surely won the 2022 election simply because of name recognition.

Santos probably had at least 20 times more roadside campaign signs placed around Congressional District 3 than his Democrat opponent. I could have “harvested” even more long after the 2022 election.)

To give the “George Sculptures” scale, one photo shows my grandson George within the “Tower of George.”

In our DNA double-stranded molecules of nucleic acids form a “double helix”. The three faces of the “Tower of George” could be seen as forming a “triple helix” with the same doublestranded molecules of nucleic acids.

Our double helix DNA has to fold to fit inside our cells, but my connected triple helix DNA is rigid and cannot fold. The bonds may also be too strong to be broken and then reconfigured in a different order for mutations to occur and allow for “evolution.”

PHOTO BY WILLIAM RUH This triple helix configuration, though, would contain many times George within “Tower of George” the coded genetic information possible

four are square in plan, with their corners overlapping, and two are diagonals at 90 degrees to each other.

The “Tower of George” is six “George – Type 1” sculptures stacked up, with 18 “George” units total. The “Tower of George too” is two half-height “Tower of George”’s (each has three

with a simple double helix. Could DNA configured as shown in the “Tower of George” be the basis of extraterrestrial life somewhere in our universe?

No, but we could never really know, except in a science fiction short story.

My “art” may be “whimsical”, and hopefully “fun”, but so is much of the artwork by Alexander Calder. Some might think my “sculptures” are not art because of bias against where the name “George” came from, or how it is used.

Without “George” the structural forms, their premise and the way they shape space would all remain the same.

If all were white, would they then be more “acceptable”?

After George Santos was expelled from Congress in late 2023, I found a use for the “Santos” last names I had left over after cutting out the “George” first names from his campaign signs. I cut some into four parts and put them together just as I had constructed the “Tower of George too”, and called it “Santos Deconstructed”.

No rational voter should ever miss this particular George Santos, for many reasons, but I will, for only one specific reason. There will never be any more George Santos campaign signs, so my (hopefully) creatively “recycling” them has come to an end.

William Ruh Port Washington

Blank Slate Media Newspapers, Friday, February 2, 2024

31

READERS WRITE

Suozzi a friend the Jewish community can count on

A

s founding members of the Sid Jacobson JCC, my family is proud of the indispensable community center it has blossomed into over the decades.

With comprehensive programs spanning recreation, education, culture, arts, health and social services, SJJCC continues to expand its mission to promote Jewish virtues, values and traditions in a way that embraces

and enriches all people in our community.

Tom Suozzi has been a champion of the SJJCC and its mission throughout his distinguished career in public service. His deep commitment and friendship to the center was exemplified by the $850,000 grant he awarded to the SJJCC for critical roof repairs on Dec. 28, 2021 — days before his last term in Congress expired. In

other words, Suozzi never stopped fighting and used every minute of his clock to deliver results for the JCC. That is the work of a truly dedicated and experienced representative who knows how to get things done in Washington.

Suozzi has also stood firmly with SJJCC efforts to support our community in the wake of Oct. 7 and help combat the antisemitism it un-

leashed. The unprecedented level of anti-Israel hate and trope-laced propaganda that has erupted right here in our state and country — including mass calls to eradicate the Jewish homeland — has created the most alarming atmosphere of antisemitism many of us have ever witnessed.

That is why we need proven allies in Congress like Suozzi who have the demonstrated record of support-

ing Israel, combating antisemitism, and showing up for the Jewish community and all others.

More than ever our district deserves a battle-tested, competent representative with the experience, temperament and policy chops to deliver real results. Suozzi is that candidate.

Brad Schwartz Roslyn

What about LIRR Port branch capital improvements?

Y

ou can learn a great deal about the priorities of Gov. Kathy Hochul in her State of the State speech and release of her proposed 2024 budget when it comes to which transportation projects she supports.

Only months ago, she participated in the announcement of a $7.7 billion Federal Transit Administration Full Funding Grant Agreement ($3.4 billion federal/$4.3 billion local share) for Phase 2 of the Second Avenue Subway.

Now she wants to extend the Second Avenue subway west along 125th

Street in Harlem for another $7 billion.

Hochul also wants funding to be provided for the start of design and engineering to support her pet $5.5 billon Brooklyn-to-Queens Light Rail Connector project.

Hochul continues to be a vocal advocate in support of the $16 billion Gateway Tunnel (two new tunnels connecting New Jersey and Penn Station benefiting Amtrak and NJ Transit) and her $8 billion Penn Station upgrade.

In the same time frame, MTA Chairman Janno Lieber published his

agency’s proposed 2024 Program of Projects to apply for Federal Transit Administration funding.

It includes is a request for $2.2 billion toward paying for the $3.1 billion Metro North Bronx East Penn Station Access project with no Queens stop. Hochul, along with U.S. Sens. Chuck Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand, have been consistent supporters for all of these projects.

There was nothing in Hochul’s State of the State speech, release of her proposed 2024 budget or Lieber’s FTA 2024 Program of Projects to include any funding for installation of

a canopy over the Long Island Rail Road’s Little Neck Station pedestrian overpass, double tracking between the Great Neck and Port Washington stations, reopening the Elmhurst Queens station (promised since 2014) closed in1982 or construction of a new Sunnyside Yard Station (promised for decades) .

Due to the lack of action on the part of Hochul, Schumer, Gillibrand and Lieber, they appear to have no interest in providing any significant financial assistance to support advancement of these LIRR transportation improvements that would benefit

residents, taxpayers and commuters.

Supporters for any of these projects need to continue lobbying Hochul, Schumer, Gillibrand, Lieber and Acting LIRR President Robert Free if you want to see any of these projects advance.

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

Tom Suozzi is the best choice for NY3 and for Israel

I

am voting for Tom Suozzi because he is the bipartisan leader our purple district needs. He has the experience, the deep knowledge and the relationships in Washington to be an effective congressman for NY3 from day one. He is a thoughtful problem solver who has delivered results for this district in the past, and we can count on him to represent the needs of all constituents in this increasingly diverse district.

When it comes to the war in Israel and fighting antisemitism, there’s essentially no difference between the two candidates other than the fact that Mazi Pilip served in the IDF. Mandatory

military service is a fact of life in Israel, so that doesn’t really count as a qualification for Congress.

The Long Island Jewish World has endorsed Tom Suozzi, which strengthens my belief that he is the right choice.

It’s clear that both candidates are strongly pro-Israel — however, Tom Suozzi has an actual record of showing that support in Congress as well as a record of calling out both House members Marjorie Taylor Greene and Ilhan Omar for antisemitic comments from the House floor.

Yes, the fact is while Mazi’s advertisements promise that she will “stand up to the Squad,” Tom Suozzi has a

demonstrated record of doing just that.

He is not afraid to stand up to antisemitism on the left or the right. Pilip, on the other hand, has never uttered a word of criticism toward any Republican, including the fact that they are obstructing the passage of aid to Israel and a bipartisan immigration deal.

Voting for Tom Suozzi also bolsters our democracy against the anti-democratic forces in Congress seeking to rule by chaos. The leader of Tom Suozzi’s party gave the most pro-Israel speech ever given by any American president, while the de facto GOP presidential nominee and leader of Mazi Pilip’s party (whom she said she would vote

for) hosted dinners with white nationalist leaders like Nick Fuentes, recently quoted Hitler, and after Oct. 7 praised Hezbollah — a terrorist organization Suozzi voted to impose sancions on while in Congress — as “very smart.”

I have seen the leaders of the GOP House caucus running from cameras when asked about these egregious comments from their leader and refuse to hold him accountable for trying to overthrow an election.

These same people, including Mazi Pilip, are quick to denounce members of the other party, but not Marjorie Taylor Greene, Paul Gosar, or other GOP members who traffic in antisemitism

and antidemocratic propaganda. Tom Suozzi is pro-Israel and calls out antisemitism as a principle, without regard to anyone’s party membership. Suozzi is a true ally, who also took a solidarity trip to Israel in December.

I will vote for Tom Suozzi for his experience and for a stable U.S. democracy, because that is what will help Israel fight Hamas and help the U.S. continue to lead the world.

Please join me during early voting Feb.3-11 or on Election Day, Feb. 13, and vote for Tom Suozzi for Congress.

Brett B. Ashley Great Neck

Suozzi the clear choice for 3rd Congressional District Continued from Page 14 Never mind that immigration policy has been a problem for two decades. And that the murder rate in this country has seen a record drop in the past year. And that most of the people coming into the country are here legally under a broken asylum system. And that Nassau remains one of the safest counties in the United States. And that immigrants — legal and otherwise- commit fewer crimes than the average American.

More important Biden has vowed to shut down the border until order is restored under a bipartisan immigration agreement reached in the Senate that Republicans say is a once-a-generation agreement that will not have the votes next year.

The reform is tied to legislation that would pro-

vide $14 billion for border aid that would include more agents to stop illegal crossings and judges to review asylum claims as well as modify the eligibility of asylum seeks among many other changes.

But House Speaker Mike Johnson, who won the speakership in a unanimous vote of Republicans, said he will oppose the legislation after Trump voiced his opposition.

Trump has been reported to be pressuring Republicans to oppose the legislation so he can campaign on immigration during the presidential race.

This means that what the Republicans are calling a crisis of migrants crossing the southern border and an influx of fentanyl that is killing many Americans will continue for the next year. So Trump as well as Pilip would have a campaign issue.

Johnson’s opposition to the immigration legislation also jeopardizes aid to Ukraine, Israel, humanitarian aid to Gaza and money to support allies in the Far East.

The Wall Street Journal’s editorial page said last week that if Johnson prevented aid from reaching Ukraine, a democratic ally would lose its heroic fight against Russian aggression. The Journal likened the abandonment of an ally in this case to the fall of Saigon in 1975 in terms of lost national prestige.

What does Pilip say about the legislation and Johnson’s failed leadership? Nothing.

So with Republicans currently holding a twovote edge in the House, the consequences of the Suozzi-Pilip race are greater than the average con-

gressional race.

Republican turnout in non-presidential election years is usually higher than Democrat turnout in part because the Nassau GOP controls every level of government – even if registered Democrats outnumber registered Republicans by a large margin.

And Republican scare tactics on immigration and crime have been effective in the past.

But given the importance of this race to the district and the nation, voters should not let this happen.

Suozzi is a proven leader able to work across the aisle to deliver results for his district and the nation.

We strongly endorse Tom Suozzi for Congress.

32 Blank Slate Media Newspapers, Friday, February 2, 2024

Business&RealEstate

Should you wait for interest rates easing?

Have you jumped back on the fence with interest rates contributing to and creating an unaffordable environment? You are not alone in this unfortunate circumstance where so many consumers have been stuck.

More important is the lack of choices in our historic low inventory dilemma as well as the much higher prices on the existing homes for sale.

But if you truly need or want to be a homeowner, the trade-offs have to be part of your vocabulary in this current market. If not, then you need to ask yourself “how long are you willing to sit on the sidelines to wait for your starter, move-up or dream home? Have you or will you pass up a home, due to your being steadfast and maybe stubborn about wanting every little thing in your home?

You must look at current interest rates as somewhat of a short-term and temporary event as I believe sometime this year Fed Chairman Jerome Powell will finally pull the trigger and consider lowering rates by at least a ¼ point. Moreover, maybe he will do this several times during the year. Waiting until rates go down may be necessary for those whose budget will not warrant qualifying for a mortgage.

Then there are some who have something I call F.E.A.R., meaning fantasized expectations appearing real. They can afford to purchase, but are deathly afraid of buying, at what some might think or call the top of the market. But what I would like to know is where is the proof that home prices will go down? The demand from those who can qualify to purchase is the main cause for prices to keep escalating. However, the increase in prices has moderated and has not been occurring at the same excessive rate that has been experienced in the last three years.

Finding a home in this market can be challenging, but again tradeoffs should be tantamount in your decision making. Even if you can’t find your exact home with all the bells and whistles, at least you can begin to experience homeownership.

Some increased equity should still occur this year and most importantly you gain the tax write-offs (that you were providing your landlord), begin experiencing stability and building roots within your community. And now you are the landlord and have the power to decide when you want to move. Lastly, you can build your long-term financial wealth.

PHILIP A. RAICES Real Estate Watch

When rates do come down, you can always refinance and decrease your overall monthly costs in owning. The increased savings over the length of your mortgage will more than save you enough money to make it worth your while to find a home now, even at the higher current rates.

One important tip: Once purchasing, make sure you begin to grieve your real estate taxes. The deadline is March 1, 2024. You can hire a company to do this for you or

you can attempt to do this yourself.

Companies do not charge anything unless they can be successful in reducing your taxes and providing a refund. The fees can be as low as 30% of the amount refunded. If you need any recommendations, feel free to call me.

The United States is currently still far behind in the construction of residential housing. We are deficient in approximately 6 million homes to satisfy current demand. However, some areas out West and even in Florida have seen their inventory increase and even double over the last 15 months as demand has cooled for those excessively priced homes by hurricane-affected areas, especially locations by waterways.

Every year, we need a minimum of at least 2 million homes to be constructed just to keep up with those who started and expanded their families as well as those who have been stuck in rentals and are qualified purchasers. There are GenZ and GenX millennials who may have outgrown their current homes and are earning greater incomes and need to purchase a larger residence.

Many builders are offering short and long-term financing at poten-

tially better rates than conventional banks. There are many areas where there exists an excess of new housing inventory. Negotiation is the name of the game and you as the buyer today, have the power and advantage with developers of newly constructed homes. You may not have as much of the benefit of being a purchaser on Long Island for new homes (depending on the location) but better to try and fail than to succeed at nothing!

Most importantly, the winter months are the best time to find a new home as the competition is usually much less. You have to be strong in your negotiating skills in the end to save you and your family as much money as possible.

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 Electronic signature/Bio/Reviews to save to your Cell/PC contacts: https://onetapconnect.com/turnkeyrealestate-philraices

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Business& RealEstate Port’s Swell Partners CEO gets top award Swell Partners, a leading talent acquisition and consulting firm based in Port Washington, announced that its founder and chief executive officer, Cari Gatto, has been recognized as one of the winners of the Enterprising Women magazine’s 2024 Enterprising Women of the Year award.

The annual awards program celebrates the accomplishments and contributions of outstanding women entrepreneurs worldwide and is widely considered one of the most prestigious recognition programs for women business owners.

Gatto was one of the five award winners in the $10 to $25 million annual revenue category, and the only winner in this category from the northeast region.

To win, nominees must demonstrate that they have fast-growth businesses, actively support other women and girls involved in entrepreneurship and stand out as leaders in their communities.

Fueled by its innovative business model of building peak-performing teams for their clients by delivering high-quality talent, Swell Partners has consistently demonstrated exceptional growth.

Its mission to connect and inspire the world’s workforce to live and work with more joy enables Swell Partners to drive customer satisfaction and

success while staying true to its vision of creating a world of happy work people and happy workplaces.

Gatto’s vision extends beyond just thriving workplaces; it encompasses thriving communities.

She opened Commune, a studio based in Port Washington that focuses on wellness classes and programs that support mental well-being.

Through Commune and her work as a certified coach, Gatto provides a platform to mentor and support other female entrepreneurs while also providing a unique resource to the community.

Gatto expressed her appreciation for the recognition: “I am honored to be named one of the 2024 Enterprising Women of the Year. We are committed to the growth and success of our customers and our community. We remain dedicated to shaping a future where workplaces become centers of inspiration and collaboration. We are also committed to creating communities where people thrive, find strength, and connect on deeper levels.”

The Enterprising Women of the Year Awards Celebration & Conference will honor Swell Partners along with other awardees, from Sunday, April 7, to Tuesday, April 9 at the Caribe Royale in Orlando, Fla.

Blank Slate Media Newspapers, Friday, February 2, 2024

Super PAC millions shape Pilip-Suozzi race Continued from Page 6 Pilip has also criticized Hochul’s proposed budget for 2024-2025, which allocates $2.4 billion for migrant services. Her campaign has blamed the migrant funds allocation for the diminishment of funding for schools even though proposed state school aid of $35.3 billion represents a 2.4% increase.

Suozzi criticized Pilip’s press conference for providing prepared talking points, blocking reporter questions and informing reporters of the press conference on short notice. Blank Slate Media was not informed of the press conference by Pilip’s campaign.

The former congressman also found fault that Pilip was accompanied by Rep. Anthony D’Esposito (NY-04), who the Suozzi campaign called her “handler,” with the representative answering some of the questions directed at Pilip. As seen in a video taken at the press conference, Pilip spoke less than D’Esposito, giving opening remarks for about four minutes versus D’Esposito’s at least nine-minute speech.

When a reporter asked Pilip if she agreed with former President Trump that congressional Republicans should oppose the bill, D’Esposito responded to the question.

The bill would secure the southern border by making it more difficult for migrants to be granted asylum after illegally crossing the border without pathways to citizenship for migrants already in the country illegally. This bill pairs the border security funds with funding for Ukraine.

Trump has said he opposes the bill, with Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson calling the bill “dead on arrival” and other Republicans expressing opposition to it.

When D’Esposito finished, Pilip responded by saying she believes the border needs to be secured and said a bipartisan agreement could be made but that “we have to see what the deal is,” echoing what D’Espoito commented just seconds before.

Suozzi’s campaign said it was “clear that Pilip had no idea what is in the [immigration] bill.”

“My opponent is very good at telling all of us what the problem is,” Suozzi said at his press conference immediately following Pilip’s. “We all know what the problem is.

What are you going to do about it?”

When asked to address Suozzi’s comments that Pilip is not well-informed on federal issues, she blamed Suozzi for the current migrant problem and that she has done more than he has in the past two years as a county legislator.

Pilip has faced scrutiny for the lack of detail on her immigration policy views and failing to disclose her stance on the Senate’s bipartisan national security bill. Criticism from Democrats also includes her lack of an action plan for her immigration policy.

“Mazi Pilip’s refusal to speak up on Republicans holding up bipartisan immigration reform is deafening,” said Alisha Hengn, NY press secretary for the House Majority PAC.

Paul Vallone dies after Suozzi fundraiser Continued from Page 12 Vallone served as a New York City Council member from 2014-2021, representing Northeast Queens’ 19th District. He then went on to serve as deputy commissioner of the New York City Department of Veterans’ Services, the office he held at the time of his death.

Vallone came from a family of public servants, with his father Peter Sr. and brother Peter Jr. also serving on the City Council before him. His grandfather, the late Charles Vallone, was a Civil Court judge and founder of the Vallone & Vallone law firm in 1932.

The Vallone family’s roots are deep in Astoria.

Paul Vallone is remembered for his legacy, kindness and advocacy, which his obituary states “will forever resonate in the hearts of all who knew him.” He was considered a “beacon of light” with an “infectious smile and warm spirit.”

“His unwavering love for his family was

evident in every gesture, every word spoken, and every moment shared,” the obituary says. “He was a pillar of strength and support, a constant source of encouragement and guidance to those he held dear.”

While Vallone is remembered for commitment to his family, his dedication to his community has also resounded in the wake of his death.

“He tirelessly worked to make a difference, advocating for causes close to his heart and lending a helping hand wherever it was needed,” his obituary states. “His passion for service inspired those around him, leaving an indelible mark on the lives of countless individuals and organizations.”

Vallone’s family has asked in lieu of flowers for donations to be sent to St. Mary’s Hospital For Children or the Alzheimer’s Association in honor of him.

His funeral will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday at St. Andrew Avelino Catholic Church in Queens.

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Founder and CEO of Swell Partners Cari Gatto

33

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The Port Washington Times, Friday, February 2, 2024

37

Gracie Barra Jiu Jitsu thriving in NHP Thousands of people practice century-old art over business’ seventeen years of operation

BY M I C H A E L J . L E W I S Steve Nichols would like to tell you about all the benefits he’s gained from practicing the century-old art of Brazilian jiu jitsu.

He’d like to tell you about the incredible rush you’ll get when you first step on the mat, and the many benefits you’ll feel physically, mentally and emotionally from practicing a sport he’s been doing for a few decades now.

He’d like to tell you all about it. But he knows you probably won’t believe him. There’s no telling someone about this martial art; they have to experience it.

“There’s really nothing I can say that would convince you, because I can’t explain the incredible feeling of what it’s like to leverage someone off of you when they’re trying to stay on top of you,” Nichols said. “I can’t explain what it’s like when someone is trying to control you, and they cannot. It opens up a realm of life that you previously did not understand.

“It’s an incredibly addictive experience, and after you try it once, you come out saying ‘I want to do this, more.’”

Nichols knows of what he speaks, since over the past 17 years Gracie Barra Jiu Jitsu of Long Island has given thousands of Nassau County residents that rush.

Nichols, a former MMA fighter, runs Gracie Barra (pronounced “Ba-Ha”) for owner Joe Scarola, himself a famous MMA competitor who once appeared on the TV show “The Ultimate Fighter.”

With more than 350 active members, Gracie Barra teaches kids as young as 3 years old, and adults as old as 80, how to use jiu jitsu self-defense through grappling, ground fighting and submission holds.

It’s a remarkably intimate sport, similar to wrestling in that the competitors are constantly grabbing hold of each other, but its popularity has grown on Long Island, and across the country.

Located at 24 Jericho Turnpike in New Hyde Park, Gracie Barra offers a mission of “Jiu jitsu for everyone.”

“We have a really good variety of people,

increasingly more and more young women are coming in to train,” Nichols said, as a pair of grapplers sweated through a workout just a few feet away. “We’re finding that a lot of parents want their daughters to be able to defend themselves, and really the idea of giving kids confidence is something we hear about a lot.

“For a while women’s jiu jitsu wasn’t really encouraged, but it seems to be becoming more and more acceptable.”

With the rise of famous MMA female fighters like Ronda Rousey and Cris Cyborg, it’s understandable young girls see them as role models and want to be like them.

For Nichols, his gym is still bouncing back from being closed for nearly a year because of Covid. A close-contact sport like jiu jitsu wasn’t exactly conducive to social distancing and keeping six feet away from your neighbor.

“We tried it with masks but that really doesn’t help when you’re breathing and on top of people so closely,” Nichols said. “But we’re finally getting our numbers back up to where they used to be.”

Offering first-time free trial classes to all, Nichols said jiu jitsu is being used more and more as a tool by psychologists, who counsel their patients that “the environment we provide, the nurturing, can be helpful in gaining confidence and getting over fears.”

“It’s an encouraging social environment, and jiu jitsu also reveals you, because you can’t ‘lie’ on the mat,” Nichols added. “You may put on a persona in social engagements, but when you’re on the ground trying to defend yourself, you’re in fight or flight mode, and you have a chance to face your fears over and over again.”

Nichols used the example of someone who’s claustrophobic, starting jiu jitsu training by starting in a top position, so there’s no fear of having pressure put on you. Eventually, the student is eased into slightly more and more uncomfortable positions, until they feel better.

Class sizes are around 20 people, but can grow to as many as 35. All the professors, as teachers are called, are trained black belts, and students can

PHOTO COURTESY OF GRACIE BARRA OF LONG ISLAND

The Gracie Barra jiu jitsu gym in New Hyde Park currently has around 350 active students learning a sport that’s a century old. advance to more technical training while staying in their current class.

As the only school on Long Island opened under the Gracie Barra name (the Gracie family is considered royalty in the sport, while Barra is the neighborhood in Brazil where jiu jitsu began), the gym continues to attract new people all the time, and gain the love and respect of parents.

“We had a parent come in the other day whose 4-year-old started here, and they were so appreciative,” Nichols said. “He said to me that when his kid wouldn’t eat his vegetables, he said ‘do I need to tell Professor Carlos that you’re not eating our vegetables?’

“And the kid then ate all his vegetables really fast!” he said.

Man charged with use of phony prescriptions

BY C A M E RY N O A K ES A Florida man has been charged with diverting doctors’ e-prescriptions for tens of thousands of narcotics after an individual was arrested outside a Great Neck pharmacy for picking up prescriptions that were not in his name, according to the Nassau County District Attorney’s Office.

Devin Anthony Magarian, 21, from Kissimmee, Fl., was arrested

by Nassau County Police Jan. 17 and charged with unlawfully using e-prescription privileges granted to doctors to issue thousands of prescriptions for narcotics, including Oxycodone, Promethazine and Codeine, according to the DA’s Office.

Magarian was charged with criminal sale of a controlled substance and criminal diversion of pre-

scription medication, prosecutors said. If convicted, Magarian faces upwards of 20 years in prison.

He was arrainged on Jan. 17.

He is due back in court on Feb. 5.

The investigation is still ongoing.

In February 2023, an unnamed defendant was arrested after he allegedly picked up two prescriptions that were not in his name. The prescriptions were picked up at a Great Neck pharmacy, which the DA’s office did not name.

The DA’s office said an “extensive” investigation followed the arrest and found that the unnamed defendant was in contact with Magarian.

Nassau District Attorney Anne Donnelly called the operation a “wide-ranging conspiracy” which Magarian allegedly leads, com-

manding a group of associates. The associates involved were not named and the number of individuals involved was not provided by the DA’s Office.

Associates, which the DA’s office said are also called “runners,” would allegedly retrieve the prescriptions sent to chain and local pharmacies.

These prescriptions were typically prescribed using fake names, the DA’s Office said.

“This is one of the most complex and technologically sophisticated drug operations we’ve ever witnessed,” Donnelly said.

Donnelly said Magarian and his associates allegedly compromised doctor accounts used to e-prescribe prescriptions to issue and fill thousands of them. These prescriptions were for narcotics and controlled substances.

“This investigation was a case of modernday piracy; criminals stealing digital prescription pads to divert medication that put hundreds of thousands of people at risk,” DEA Special Agent in Charge Frank Tarentino said.

“Law enforcement acted swiftly to fully identify this elaborate criminal conspiracy operating through online illicit drug sales and interstate trafficking to shut it down,” he said. “This case is a prime example that drug traffickers will stop at nothing in order to make a profit.

Opioids, like fentanyl or diverted prescription medication like oxycodone, have become insipid killers who crept into the illicit drug supply and took user demand by storm resulting in 80% of all drug-related deaths.”

The DA’s Office said that Magar-

ian was conducting a Telegram mobile app channel that would advertise to customers when another round of prescriptions would be available to order, calling them “portals” for moments when orders could be placed for the drugs.

Customers would then message Magarian to purchase a prescription or a controlled substance, the DA’s office said.

The DA’s Office said Magarian was in the New York area to collect about $14,000 from an individual who was picking up Oxycodone prescriptions. They said the money was for seven prescriptions of the drug at 30mg, which amounted to 630 pills in total.

Donnelly said this operation was conducted in Nassau County and in multiple other states.

38 The Port Washington Times, Friday, February 2, 2024

PW

Antisemitic graffiti again at Port school Continued from Page 2 painted on the exterior of John Philip Sousa Elementary School, according to a letter written

by Hynes.

Hynes expressed his “outrage” at the latest in a string of antisemitic incidents at Port Washington schools.

“I’ll try to control my emotions as much as I can,” said Hynes, “but this is something that we do take not only seriously, but we put in a lot of resources to make sure to the best of our ability that it doesn’t happen again.”

One of these resources is a yearslong partnership with the Holocaust Memorial and Tolerance Center in Glen Cove, a relationship that dates back to the 2021 swastika spray-painting incident.

Adam Ruttner is a board member of the Holocaust Memorial and Tolerance Center and the

grandson of four Holocaust survivors.

Ruttner is raising two children in Port Washington, and while he said he “would not want to live anywhere else,” he choked up while speaking to board members about how “mortified” and “personally hurt” he was following the news of swastika graffiti in Weber Middle School.

Hynes said he is actively trying to bring interfaith initiatives to the district, including a conversation taking place on Jan. 31 with author David Brooks about his book “How to Know a Person.”

Hynes said he personally invited clergy members from varying local places of worship to attend the meeting.

The superintendent claimed that the district “doubled” the amount of antisemitic programming available from last year to this year.

But board members’ mention of a districtwide zero-tolerance policy was met with back-

lash.

“I’d love to hear about what zero tolerance means … because it was clear that a lot of this was tolerated,” said Orly Dotan, a parent of two Schreiber high school students.

Referring to the antisemitic incidents at the district in October 2023, Dotan said, “Kids were returned into the classrooms. Everyone knows who they [the perpetrators] were. Nothing was said. Nothing was done.”

One community member implored board members to release the PPS audit to the public, and after a brief discussion, board members agreed to do so.

The board of education commissioned the PPS audit in an attempt to slowly start auditing each department in the district, according to Smith.

An unnamed consultant held several on-site meetings with staff, parents, students and ad-

PHOTO COURTESY OF NORTHWELL HEALTH.

Press conference on Jan. 8, at North Shore University Hospital with transplant recipient Matthew Carlson; his daughter and kidney donor Stephanie Trottie; John Flanigan, vice president of Regional Government Affairs of Northwell Health; Dr. Elliot Grodstein, transplant surgeon at North Shore University Hospital; and Dr. Niraj Desai, director of Northwell Transplant Institute’s kidney transplant program.

Daughter gives gift of life to ailing father Continued from Page 1 Grodstein said in a press release.

Only about 10 of over 200 kidney transplants each year at Northwell Health are related to the disorder, according to the press release. Around 600,000 Americans live with it.

“Polycystic kidney disease is a death sentence that I overcame because of my daughter Stephanie [Trotti],” Carlson said, holding up an image of his diseased kidneys at a press conference in the hospital Tuesday morning.

Carlson, a general manager of Rallye BMW dealership, witnessed his mother succumb to the disease in 2015, around the time he began to feel its effects. He had a 50% chance of inheriting the disease.

Over time, he noticed his stomach protruding, and an inability to retain water. Each kidney grew to three-and-a-half pounds and pushed from his

lower back toward his belly.

That’s when I knew that things were getting bad,” he said at the conference. “I had two footballs that were inside of me.”

Trotti’s surgery was less difficult than her father’s. While Carlson is still in recovery, his creatinine, or measure of kidney function, is “almost normal,” Grodstein said. Kidneys of living donors usually last longer than those of deceased donors, he added.

“It’s actually just a miracle in itself that my father raised me and I could give back,” Trotti, 34, said. “Post surgery, it’s wonderful. I am back to normal, I’m back to my regular routine.”

The mother of three children encouraged others to consider her “selfless act,” by donating to those in need of organs, even if they aren’t a perfect match.

“They’re walking around, ‘Mommy’s a hero,’

which makes me feel great, but… unfortunately, I saw my father go through that,” said Trotti, who lives in Holbrook. “I would love for more people to understand that there are people out there that are suffering on dialysis every day.”

Grodstein called dialysis a “ticking time bomb,” noting that most patients with polycystic kidney disease die before receiving a transplant.

He recommends others research Donate Life New York State to learn about how to become an organ donor. “[Carlson] has a new opportunity to get together for family reunions, parties, and all the good parts of life, and that’s really thanks to his wonderful daughter,” Grodstein said. “The most important thing is to have somebody step forward on your behalf.”

ministrators, conducted anonymous surveys and met with small focus groups.

The auditor then recommended professional development efforts, improved communication between PPS employees and student family members and the addition of a third assistant director to the department, according to Stephanie Allen, the assistant superintendent of Pupil Personnel Services.

The recommended course of action would require $130,000 plus benefits to be added to the budget for a new assistant director, as well as $10,000 for five additional consultation days with the auditor to help implement these changes.

Board members had selected Generation Ready as the auditor, yet the members’ opinions on the audit were mixed.

Board member Rachel Gilliar said that she “found this report very disappointing,” full of “passive voice” and “generalizations.”

Gilliar said that as a result, “I’m a little skeptical of paying [the auditor] more money to come fix inconsistencies [during the proposed five consultation days].”

Smith disagreed, saying, “I was actually very pleased with the survey results overall.”

However, he pushed back on the need for a new assistant director, questioning whether the PPS department could start working on muchneeded improvements before hiring a new assistant director this year.

Board members also discussed parents’ dissatisfaction with the handling of student IEPs, or Individualized Education Programs, in a district with more than 1,000 special education students, according to Allen.

Kathleen Manuel, the assistant superintendent of business, discussed operations expenditures at the meeting ahead of the 2024-25 budget vote set for May 21.

Some of the new equipment expenditures proposed by Manuel include a new electric mower, custodial equipment and a maintenance vehicle to replace an old, out-of-use vehicle.

Other mentioned expenses include roof repairs, additional security measures like alarms, cameras and a new security vehicle, leased digital equipment and a significant growth in the English Language Learner department, which caters to 583 students.

Women in business pay it forward Continued from Page 3 answer questions from females who want to get into the field.

“It’s mentorship but it’s also helping them through hurdles as they get started,” Decina-Muroff said. “We’re explaining to them the importance of getting certified through the state, and things like that.”

WIFS-LI also wants to help women at all stages of their careers, not just at the beginning. The gains that have been made over the past few decades means there are more opportunities for women at the higher end of the business world, and Decina-Muroff said seeing powerful women at the top is inspiring to all.

“You talk to these young girls and they see what they can become,” she said. “We’re trying to educate and open up career paths for them that they may not have thought of.”

PW

The Port Washington Times, Friday, February 2, 2024

39

G.N. man in standoff with police Continued from Page 10

PHOTO COURTESY OF WIKIMEDIA COMMONS

New Hyde Park Road School, one of the schools located in New Hyde Park-Garden City Union Free School District which is anticipated to receive cuts in state aid.

Master plan headlines DeSena agenda Continued from Page 1 said in the past it has served more as as a “wish list” than a concrete plan of action.

“As one of my Town Board colleagues humorously but very aptly put it, ‘ the capital plan is a place where projects go to die,’” DeSena said. “That must change.”

Instead, DeSena is proposing the capital plan to be one that achieves project goals and completion by paring it down to only projects that have already begun, creating milestones and focusing on townwide initiatives.

DeSena said the town will also be revisiting its code to confront outdated laws that “hold [the town] back at times.”

DeSena touted the town’s achievements during periods of economic uncertainty and hardship, including streamlining the town government to diminish taxes and usher in tax cuts in her first two town budgets as well as utilizing federal funds and grants for projects.

“Since my first day in office, my guiding principle has been returning the Town of North Hempstead to a taxpayer-first mentality and I believe we have made great progress in this regard,” DeSena said.

She said while the town has delivered this

economic relief, more will be done as the town prioritizes “holding the line on taxes.”

“Amidst challenging economic times, leadership is measured by results, not promises,” DeSena said.

Other accomplishments included renewing the town’s collective bargaining agreement with its union employees – which provides a living wage, reduced healthcare costs and additional opportunities – as well as investing in infrastructure, parks, programs and events.

DeSena highlighted advancing town programs in the past year that included its Substance Misuse Advisory Council and Project Independence – which aids senior residents living on their own.

DeSena also expressed the town’s need to continue its sustainability and environmental actions, saying it is necessary for the health of future generations.

During her tenure, DeSena said she has prioritized collaboration among the town’s diverse community members to foster unity – something the town should continue pursuing.

“We must stay committed to the ideal that what is good for the individual is also good for the town,” DeSena said.

While DeSena noted a period of mistrust in elected officials, she emphasized the town’s transparency through North Hempstead TV, the town’s government access TV channel, public budget hearings and work sessions.

DeSena attributed the character and strength of North Hempstead to its scope, size and diversity, with the potential to thrive and progress further by pulling from its variety of community perspectives.

“We are a multifaceted community,” DeSena said.

While the town will have challenges to come, DeSena said North Hempstead is equipped to face them.

“Make no mistake, as the community and the world changes, there is difficult work ahead,” DeSena said. “No town in America can seamlessly balance the need for innovation with respect for its traditions – and certainly, this is pronounced in a community as historic and multi-faceted as the Town of North Hempstead.

It’s a challenge, I’m not going to sugarcoat it, but it’s a challenge that we are more than ready for.”

Manorhaven reports good financial year Continued from Page 2 Kordic said the village has paid off one of its bonds and its debt service costs have decreased by about $50,000 from last year. He said the village overall has had a “healthy” fund balance at about $1.4 million – more than 25% of the village’s 2023-2024 budgeted expenditures.

“This is a very, very healthy fund balance and it’s representative of the mayor and the board’s fiscal stewardship,” Kordic said.

In other news, the board voted to approve

its 2024 contract with the Port Washington Fire Department as well as accept a settlement with the Driftwood Harbor Condominiums.

The fire contract is estimated to cost the village $359,406.

The settlement concerned flooding the condo owners claimed was due to village roadwork and design, which they sought to remediate with the village. Village attorney Kenneth Gray said the village had done work on side roads near the condo, which had then caused water

to be pushed towards the residential building.

Gray said the initial claim from the condo owners was set at $4,000.

On Jan. 5, the village had settled with the condo owners to pay the actual costs of their repairs which amounted to $2,500 in total, Gray said, and all other legal and court fees were waived in the settlement.

The repairs implemented by the condo owners were a French drain and a larger dry well to combat the flooding, Gray said.

His charges include criminal mischief, criminal possession of a weapon, reckless endangerment, petit larceny and menacing a police officer. He pleaded not guilty to all charges at his Saturday arraignment.

Levy was released on bail with non-monetary conditions.

Levy was arrested again on Sunday, where he was charged with five criminal counts. This included criminal mischief, reckless endangerment, unlawful imprisonment and menacing with a weapon and without. He pleaded not guilty to all counts at his Monday arraignment.

Police did not release details of his Sunday arrest.

His bail was set Monday at $50,000 cash, $100,000 insured bond or $500,000 partially secured surety bond.

Levy is due back in court Jan. 30.

Swatting at middle school Continued from Page 10

The swatting incident at Roslyn Middle School comes two weeks after Judge Arthur Engoron, who is presiding over ex-President Donald Trump’s civil trial for fraud in Manhattan, had his Great Neck home swatted after a phony bomb threat was reported.

The swatting of Engoron’s home, which was also found to be unfounded, came days after another swatting against Judge Tanya Chutkan, who is presiding over Trump’s federal election interference case.

In October, a wave of swatting incidents was reported at schools throughout New York State, hitting more than 10 school districts including those on Long Island.

Individuals who may have information about the event can report it to the Roslyn School District or the Nassau County Police Department at (516) 573-9777.

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Blessed Mother of the Son of God; Immaculate Virgin, assist me in my necessity. Oh Star of the Sea, help me and show me you are my Mother. Oh Holy Mary Mother of God, Queen of Heaven and Earth, I humbly beseech you from the bottom of my heart to succour me in my necessity (make request). There are none that can withstand your power. Oh, Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to Thee (say three times).

Holy Mary I place this prayer in your hands (say three times). Thank you for your mercy to me and mine. Amen.(MAK)

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42 Blank Slate Media Newspapers, Friday, February 2, 2024

▼ SERVICES

COMMUNITY NEWS

Resilient Long Island symposium at Hofstra WANT TO FIND A JOB?

WANT TO FIND A JOB? LIISMA and LINPI are grateful to host tering the growth of native plants and preventThe Long Island Native Plant Initiative Chenae Bullock, a mogul, pioneer, Indige- ing the spread of invasive species is a growing and the Long Island Invasive Species ManREADY TO FILL A JOB? READY TO FILLagement A Area JOB? are proud to announce their nous perspective historian, and cultural prac- movement, bringing neighbors and profession-

2024 with Biennialthe Symposium: “Resilient Long Place your ad Slate in print and online Place your ad in print with the Blank Media Island”.

This multi-day group. event spans from and Litmor Advertising group.

BlankPublications Slate Media and Litmor Publications Advertising March 7 to 9. newspapers and ad will appear in of all our 11 ofhyper-local, our hyper-local, award winning community Your ad Your will appear in all 11 Post your ad yourself by going to https://classifieds.theisland360.com Events will begin on Thursday, March award-winning community newspapers.

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7 at 5:30pm, as guests gather for a poster session at the Scully Estate, co-hosted by Seatuck Environmental Association.

Local821 researchers andSuite students Franklin Avenue, 208 will give City, NY 11530 rapid-fireGarden presentations on their environmen(516) 294-8900 www.gcnews.com tal projects, with plenty of time for mingling and enjoying refreshments provided by local breweries and wineries.

As a centerpoint of the evening, author, artist, and founder of the non-profit Ma’s House & BIPOC Art Studio, Inc., Jeremy Dennis will offer a message on New York’s Native American cultural landscape through his project “On This Site — Native Long Island.”

With the main event on Friday, March 8th at Hofstra University from 8:00am to 5:00pm, attendees can look forward to 14 presentations covering topics from native gardening, invasive forest pests, environmental policy, and more in-person and over zoom.

There will surely be numerous opportunities for learning the latest on invasive and native species on Long Island, with an eye for preparing for future challenges together.

titioner, as the keynote speaker.

In her talk on “Indigenous Wisdom: Plant Medicines & Beyond”, Chenae will share her expertise and perspectives as an enrolled Shinnecock Nation citizen and descendant of the Montauk Tribe in Long Island New York.

According to Greg Lowenthal, LINPI President: “Long Island is known to be one of the most biodiverse regions in New York State. Fos-

Resilient Long Island Symposium event graphic

als together to protect these ecological resources. This year we are lucky to hear from Jeremy Dennis and Chenae Bullock as they center our ecological event on indigenous culture.

Finishing off the event will be interactive workshops on Native Plant Propagation and Invasive Species Management Techniques on Saturday, March 9th at the Sisters of St. Joseph, Brentwood.

Continuing education credits are pending for this event, including Landscape Architecture, Society of American Foresters, Certified Nursery and Landscape Professional (CNLP), International Society of Arboriculture, and NYSDEC Pesticide Credits.

For more information about the Resilient Long Island Symposium, and to register, please visit: https://liisma.org/resilientli-2024/ Thanks to our sponsors: New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, Hofstra University, Department of Geology, Environment, and Sustainability, GEI Consultants, and Seatuck Environmental Association.

If you are interested in sponsoring this event, or submitting an abstract for the poster session, please contact resilientli@liisma. org

Buckley Country Day 3rd graders bring history to life In an exciting and innovative approach to learning, third-grade students at Buckley Country Day School have embarked on a captivating journey into the past.

The young scholars have been diligently researching historical figures as part of a unique project that combines history, narrative nonfiction, and creativity.

Students selected a historical figure, conducted in-depth research, and then brought their chosen personality to life through engaging presentations.

What sets this initiative apart is the culminating event where students donned costumes representing their chosen figures and presented their findings to their peers, teachers, and parents.

“The goal of this project is to make reading come alive for our third graders,” said Kathryn Downing, one of Buckley’s third grade teachers. This project was a culmination and celebration of a Narrative Nonfiction unit. Throughout the students’ study of Narrative Nonfiction, third graders were given the opportunity to learn about various historical figures, both past and present. They took a close look at early life, challenges,and accomplishments of these historical figures, and even thought about life lessons the class could learn from them. Mrs. Downing continued, “by embodying historical figures,third graders not only gain a deeper understanding of the individuals who helped to shape our world, but also develop essential research and presentation skills.”

Indeed, these historical figures did seem to come to life on the screen, as the students used AI tools with their teachers to have conversations with the subjects of their research about what their lives were like, and how they were able to achieve their many accomplishments.

“This certainly enhanced the students’ learning experiences and provided an additional element of excitement to their biography study. The integration of AI tools in education offers a promising horizon filled with opportunities.” said Elizabeth Lyons, Head of Lower School at Buckley.

The students have been exploring a diverse range of historical figures, from inventors and scientists like Albert Einstein and Charles Darwin, to leaders like President Barack Obama and Justice Ruth Bader Ginsberg, activists like Malala Yousafzai and Greta Thunberg, and athletes like Simone Biles and Derek Jeter.

The project not only aligns with the curriculum’s learning objectives but also encourages creativity and public speaking skills among the students; skills that are fostered throughout the grades, culminating in an 8th grade speech presented to the entire community during Friday assemblies.

This event was an enlightening and entertaining showcase of the students’ hard work and dedication to learning about the past.

Congratulations, Buckley third graders!

Third grade students from Buckley Country Day School dressed up as important figures throughout history to present their narrative nonfiction biographies.

Blank Slate Media Newspapers, Friday, February 2, 2024

Pilip targets Suozzi fundraiser host Continued from Page 12 “There is no place in Congress for people who associate with unapologetic antisemites,” Pilip said. “The language of the post, which was shared by a host of an official Tom Suozzi fundraiser, is the same type of language that is promoted by the Hamas terrorists, who viciously attacked the Jewish State on Oct. 7.”

Suozzi said he was not aware of the posting Pilip cited and criticized Pilip for drawing attention away from their common cause to support Israel.

“My opponent’s attempts to distract from her basement campaign in which she has refused to present herself to the press or the public is cheap and denigrates our common cause to combat antisemitism and support Israel,” Suozzi said.

Pilip, a Republican Nassau County District 10 legislator, is facing off against the former Democratic congressman in the Feb. 13 special election to finish out the term of Republican Rep. George Santos, who was expelled from the House.

She held a press conference Friday, where she was joined by Rep. Anthony D’Esposito (NY04) and Jewish leaders, to denounce the fundraiser host Ahnaf Alam for what her campaign called a “vile and hateful” Facebook post.

The alleged post by Alam, which is a reposting of a post from an account called Let the Quran Speak, is about an interview with Rabbi Yisroel Dovid Weiss, who is the spokesman for Neturei Karta.

Let the Quran Speak is a Canadian organization focused on speaking about Muslim issues.

Neturei Karta is an organization founded in Jerusalem by Haredi Jews that opposes Zionism and advocates for the dismantling of Israel.

The post continues by stating that Neturei Karta promotes the idea that “Jewish people didn’t have a right to self-determination” and the establishment of Israel “prior to the coming of the Messiah is sinful and an act of rebellion against God.”

You can access us in print and online Local stories, sports & entertainment All at your fingertips

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Alam, who Pilip said reposted the Facebook post about the interview with the rabbi on Oct. 16, is listed as a member of the Suozzi fund-raiser to be held on Feb. 3.

Efforts to contact Alam were unavailing.

According to his LinkedIn profile, Alam is a tax auditor with New York City’s Department of Finance and executive director at New American Democratic Club, which embraces social diversity, opportunity and economic empowerment in the New York State and Bangladesh.

Screenshots of the post were provided to Blank Slate Media by Pilip’s campaign. Alam’s Facebook page does not show the post cited by Pilip, with only one post on his page from before the past weekend.

Pilip said the post was “offensive and disgusting.”

“I am personally offended and hurt that Tom Suozzi and his campaign would include an official member of their fund-raising team,” Pilip said. “I have vivid memories of living in fear of antisemitism as a child, and the type of hate-filled themes that were shared across social media by an official member of his fund-raising team is hurtful to all Jews and anyone who cares about Israel.”

Pilip, who was born in Ethiopia and immigrated to Israel as a child, called for Suozzi to apologize to the Jewish community, reprimand Alam for the post, boycott the fund-raiser and donate the proceeds from the fund-raiser to an Israeli non-profit organization.

“I will be a congresswoman for all people, and I will continue to reject all forms of hate,” Pilip said. “I hope that Tom Suozzi will step away from members of his campaign team who embrace and share antisemitic and divisive views.”

In response to Pilip’s accusations, Suozzi said he condemns all antisemitism, is “unequivocally pro-Israel” and that his voting record is a reflection of this.

Suozzi’s campaign did not respond to a request for further comment by the time of publication.

43

▼ LEGALS PUBLIC NOTICE OF COUNTY TREASURER’S SALE OF TAX LIENS ON REAL ESTATE

Notice is hereby given that commencing on February 20th, 2024, will sell at public on-line auction the tax liens on certain real estate, unless the owner, mortgagee, occupant of or any other party in interest in such real estate shall have paid to the County Treasurer by February 15th, 2024 the total amount of such unpaid taxes or assessments with the interest, penalties and other expenses and charges against the property.

Such tax liens will be sold at the lowest rate of interest, not exceeding 10 percent per six-month period, for which any person or persons shall offer to take the total amount of such unpaid taxes as defined in Section 5-37.0 of the Nassau County Administrative Code.

Effective with the February 2019 lien sale Ordinance No. 175-2015 requires a $175.00 per day registration fee for each person who intends to bid at the tax lien sale. Ordinance No. 175-2015 also requires that upon the issuance of the Lien Certificate there is due from the lien buyer a Tax Certificate Issue Fee of $20.00 per lien purchased. Pursuant to the provisions of the Nassau County Administrative Code at the discretion of the Nassau County Treasurer the auction will be conducted online. Further information concerning the procedures for the auction is available at the website of the Nassau County Treasurer at: https://www.nassaucountyny.gov/526/County-Treasurer Should the Treasurer determine that an in-person auction shall be held, same will commence on the 20th day of February 2024 at the Office of The County Treasurer 1 West Street, Mineola or at some other location to be determined by the Treasurer.

A list of all real estate in Nassau County on which tax liens are to be sold is available at the website of the Nassau County Treasurer at: https://www.nassaucountyny.gov/527/Annual-Tax-Lien-Sale A list of local properties upon which tax liens are to be sold will be advertised in this publication on or before February 07th, 2024.

Nassau County does not discriminate on the basis of disability in admission to or access to, or treatment or employment in, its services, programs, or activities. Upon request, accommodations such as those required by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) will be provided to enable individuals with disabilities to participate in all services, programs, activities and public hearings and events conducted by the Treasurer’s Office. Upon request, information can be made available in Braille, large print, audio-tape or other alternative formats. For additional information, please call (516) 571-2090 ext. 1-3715.

Dated: January 24, 2024 THE NASSAU COUNTY TREASURER Mineola, NewYork ____________________________________________________________________________________________ _TERMS OF SALE Such tax liens shall be sold subject to any and all superior tax liens of sovereignties and other municipalities and to all claims of record which the County may have thereon and subject to the provisions of the Federal and State Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Civil Relief Acts.

However, such tax liens shall have priority over the County’s Differential Interest Lien, representing the excess, if any, of the interest and penalty borne at the maximum rate over the interest and penalty borne at the rate at which the lien is purchased.

The Purchaser acknowledges that the tax lien(s) sold pursuant to these Terms of Sale may be subject to pending bankruptcy proceedings and/or may become subject to such proceedings which may be commenced during the period in which a tax lien is held by a successful bidder or the assignee of same, which may modify a Purchaser’s rights with respect to the lien(s) and the property securing same.

Such bankruptcy proceedings shall not affect the validity of the tax lien. In addition to being subject to pending bankruptcy proceedings and/or the Federal and State Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Civil Relief Acts, said purchaser’s right of foreclosure may be affected by the Financial Institutions Reform, Recovery and Enforcement Act(FIRREA),12 U.S.C. ss 1811 et.seq., with regard to real property under Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation(FDIC) receivership.

The County Treasurer reserves the right, without further notice and at any time, to withdraw from sale any of the parcels of land or premises herein listed. The Nassau County Treasurer reserves the right to intervene in any bankruptcy case/litigation where the property affected by the tax liens sold by the Treasurer is part of the bankruptcy estate. However, it is the sole responsibility of all tax lien purchasers to protect their legal interests in any bankruptcy case affecting their purchased tax lien, including but not limited to the filing of a proof of claim on their behalf, covering their investment in said tax lien. The Nassau County Treasurer and Nassau County and its agencies, assumes no responsibility for any legal representation of any tax lien purchaser in any legal proceeding including but not limited to a bankruptcy case where the purchased tax lien is at risk.

The rate of interest and penalty at which any person purchases the tax lien shall be established by his bid.

Each purchaser, immediately after the sale thereof, shall pay to the County Treasurer ten per cent of the amount for which the tax liens have been sold and the remaining ninety per cent within thirty days after such sale. If the purchaser at the tax sale shall fail to pay the remaining ninety per cent within ten days after he has been notified by the County Treasurer that the certificates of sale are ready for delivery, then all amounts deposited with the County Treasurer including but not limited to the ten per cent theretofore paid by him shall, without further notice or demand, be irrevocably forfeited by the purchaser and shall be retained by the County Treasurer as liquidated damages and the agreement to purchase shall be of no further effect. Time is of the essence in this sale. This sale is held pursuant to the Nassau County Administrative Code and interested parties are referred to such Code for additional information as to terms of the sale, rights of purchasers, maximum rates of interest and other legal incidents of the sale.

Furthermore, as to the bidding, 1. The bidder(s) agree that they will not work with any other bidder(s) to increase, maintain or stabilize interest rates or collaborate with any other bidder(s) to gain an unfair competitive advantage in the random number generator in the event of a tie bid(s) on a tax certificate. Bidder(s) further agree not to employ any bidding strategy designed to create an unfair competitive advantage in the tiebreaking process in the upcoming tax sale nor work with any other bidder(s) to engage in any bidding strategy that will result in a rotational award of tax certificates.

2. The tax certificate(s) the Bidder will bid upon, and the interest rate(s) bid, will be arrived at independently and without direct or indirect consultation, communication or agreement with any other bidder and that the tax certificate(s) the Bidder will bid upon, and the interest rate(s) to be bid, have not been disclosed, directly or indirectly, to any other bidder, and will not be disclosed, directly or indirectly, to any other bidder prior to the close of bidding. No attempt has been made or will be made to, directly or indirectly, induce any other bidder to refrain from bidding on any tax certificate, to submit complementary bids, or to submit bids at specific interest rates.

3. The bids to be placed by the Bidder will be made in good faith and not pursuant to any direct or indirect, agreement or discussion with, or inducement from, any other bidder to submit a complementary or other noncompetitive bid.

4. If it is determined that the bidder(s) have violated any of these bid requirements then their bid shall be voided and if they were the successful bidder the lien and any deposits made in connection with said bid shall be forfeited.

Dated: January 24, 2024

THE NASSAU COUNTY TREASURER Mineola, New York

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44 The Port Washington Times, Friday, February 2, 2024 PW

▼ LEGALS

Notice of Formation of FaithSound. Articles of Organization filed with Secretary of State of NY (SSNY) on 11/22/2023. Office location: Nassau County. SSNY designated as agent of Limited Liability Company (LLC) upon whom process against it may be served.

SSNY should mail process to Vespfree Giles: 28 Roger Drive.

Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

Notice of Formation of ACE OF SWORDS LLC. Articles of Organization filed with Secretary of State of NY (SSNY) on 202312-29. Office location: County.

SSNY designated as agent of upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY should mail process to ACE OF SWORDS LLC: 272 Plandome Road Manhasset NY 11030. Purpose: Any lawful purpose NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING Town of North Hempstead - Board of Zoning Appeals Pursuant to the provisions of the Code of the Town of North Hempstead, NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Board of Zoning Appeals of said Town will meet at Town Hall, 220 Plandome Road, Manhasset, New York, on Wednesday, February 14, 2024 to consider any matters that may properly be heard by said Board, and will hold a public hearing on said date to consider applications and appeals. The following cases will be called at said public hearing starting at 10:00am.

APPEAL #21510 - Brian & Jennifer Fox; 34 Bayview Avenue, Port Washington; Section 5, Block 54, Lot 309; Zoned: ResidenceA/Residence-C Variance from § 70-100.1A to construct an outdoor kitchen with a barbeque, gas green egg and an outdoor bar in a side yard.

APPEAL #21511 – Panagiotia Christakis; 24 Ridge Dr., Port Washington; Section 6, Block 80, Lot 1; Zoned: Residence-A Variances from §§ 70-29(C), 7030(C), & 70-101(B) to construct additions that would make the house too big and would be located too close to the street, and to construct an open porch that is too close to the street.

PW

Assessment Roll and Grievance Day NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Assessor of the Village of Port Washington North has completed the Assessment Roll of the Village of Port Washington North for the year 2024, and that a copy thereof has been filed with the Village Clerk on January 30, 2024 and that it may be seen and examined by any person during business hours at the Village Hall, 3 Pleasant Avenue, Port Washington, New York 11050, until the 20th day of February 2024; NOTICE IS FURTHER GIVEN that the Assessor has available for review assessment inventory and valuation data and that this information and any other information which the state board may require by rule and regulation may be reviewed during the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.

Monday through Friday at the Village Hall, 3 Pleasant Avenue, Port Washington, New York; NOTICE IS FURTHER GIVEN that on the 20th day of February 2024, at the Village Hall, 3 Pleasant Avenue, Port Washington, New York 11050, the Board of Trustees and the Assessor will meet for the purpose of hearing complaints in relation to assessments from 10:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. on said day. Each complainant shall file with the Village Clerk on or before February 20, 2024 a statement under oath, specifying the respect in which the assessment complained of is incorrect, which statement must be made by the person whose property is assessed or by some person authorized to make such statement who has the knowledge of the facts stated therein.

Dated: January 30, 2024 Port Washington, New York

By Order of the Board of Trustees VILLAGE OF PORT WASHINGTON NORTH Palma Torrisi, Village Clerk

Plans are available for public viewing at https://northhempsteadny.gov/ bza. Persons interested in viewing the full file may do so by any time before the scheduled hearing by contacting the BZA department via e-mail at BZAdept@northhempsteadny. gov. Additionally, the public may view the live stream of this meeting at https://northhempsteadny.gov/ townboardlive. Any member of the public is able to attend and participate in a BZA hearing by appearing on the scheduled date and time. Comments are limited to 3 minutes per speaker. Written SUBSCRIBE comments are accepted by email TODAY up to 60 minutes prior to the TO START hearing. Timely comment SUBSCRIBE TODAY TO START submissions will be made part of RECEIVING the record. DAVID MAMMINA, RECEIVING YOUR COPY YOUR COPY OF R.A., Chairman; Board of Zoning OF THE Appeals

PORT WASHINGTON MANHASSET TIMES TIMES

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COMMUNITY NEWS

Upcoming events at the Port Washington Library Sandwiched In — Beam Me Up!: The Creation of Star Trek, Fri. 02/02 @ 12:00pm, Lapham Meeting Room. Join Clive Young as he explores the fascinating creation of the all-time best-known science fiction franchise.

Inside the Musician’s Mind: Rex Fowler of Aztec Two-Step, Sat. 02/03 @ 2:00pm, Lapham Meeting Room. Hear about Rex’s experiences and continuing musical adventures with Aztec Two-Step 2.0. He will discuss and read from his recently released memoir, See, It Was Like This…Books will be available for signing and purchasing. Sponsored by the Friends of Library.

Folk Artist Dave Ruch in Concert, Sun. 02/04 @ 3:00pm, Lapham Meeting Room. Folk Artist Dave Ruch will give a special concert featuring traditional and historical songs of New York State. Sponsored by the Music Advisory Council.

Art Lecture with Alice Schwarz: Joshua Johnson, American Painter, Tues. 02/06 @ 12:00pm, Lapham Meeting Room. In celebration of Black History Month, join museum educator Alice W. Schwarz in exploring the folk portraits by Joshua Johnson, the earliest known professional Black painter. Sponsored by the Friends of the Library.

Film: “Cause for Alarm!”, Tues. 02/06 @ 7:00pm, Lapham Meeting Room. (1951 — 74 min.) Join us for this film screening, scheduled to coincide with the Author Event with Foster Hirsch on Thursday, February 8 at 7 p.m.

Small Business Workshop: Preparing a Business Plan, Wed. 02/07@ 7:00 p.m., Hagedorn Meeting Room. Topics covered in this session include startup costs, budget preparation, projections, and methods for getting financing. Presented by the Long Island chapter of SCORE. Discussion Group (Ages 60+): Treat Yourself on Valentine’s Day, Wed. 02/07 @ 7:00pm, Lapham Meeting Room. Join us for an informal discussion that aims to build community with intelligent discussion, laughter, and social interaction.

Nonfiction Book Club, Tues. 02/08 @ 7:30pm, Hagedorn Meeting Room. This month’s selection is The Art Thief: A True Story of Love, Crime, and a Dangerous Obsession by Michael Finkel.

Copies of the books can be found at the Information Desk and on Libby. Registration required.

Meet Author Foster Hirsch, Thurs. 02/08 @ 7:00 pm, Lapham Meeting Room. Join author Foster Hirsch as he discusses his new book,Hollywood and the Movies of the Fifties: The Collapse of the Studio System, the Thrill of Cinerama, and the Invasion of the Ultimate Body Snatcher — Television. Mr. Hirsch explores Hollywood’s most turbulent decade and the demise of the studio system. Books will be available for purchase and signing. Co-sponsored by the Gold Coast Arts Center.

Sandwiched In: Madam C. J. Walker, First Female Self-Made Millionaire, Fri. 02/09 @ 12:00pm, Lapham Meeting Room. Join Professor Ron Brown for this special program celebrating Black History Month. Delve into the inspiring story of Madam C.J. Walker, the first female selfmade millionaire. Hear her incredible story and the roles she played in the social and political culture of the Harlem Renaissance. Sponsored by the Friends of the Library.

Medicaid Sign-Up Help, Fri. 02/09@ 2:00pm, North Study Room. Free walk-in assistance from the Nassau-Suffolk Hospital Council.

SoundSwap: The Jann Klose Band, Fri. 02/09 @ 5:00pm, Lapham Meeting Room. Jann Klose is an award-winning pop singer-songwriter raised in Kenya, South Africa, Germany, and the United States. Singles from his most recent album, Surrender (2023), have accumulated over 5 million streams and charted on Top 40 radio both here and in his native South Africa. Join Jann and his band for what promises to be a great evening of live music!

Hootenanny: The Beatles and the British Invasion, Sat. 02/10 @ 2:30 p.m., Lapham Meeting Room. Join us in celebrating the Beatles’ historic arrival at New York’s JFK Airport in February 1964. Be part of the festivities with PWPL’s historian Tony Traguardo and local musicians, enjoying rare Beatles footage, spirited live performances, and singalongs.

Hypertension Screenings, Tues. 02/13 from 11:00 a.m. — 2:00 p.m., Joan and Arnold Saltzman Reading Room. St. Francis Hospital Blood Pressure Screenings. No registration is required.

Microsoft Office for the Perplexed, Wed. 02/14 @ 2:30pm, Hagedorn Meeting Room.

Learn the basics of Microsoft Office. This slow-paced class will cover topics like creating a Word document or Excel sheet. Registration starts February 1.

Sandwiched In: Make Up or Break Up? Love Duets at the Opera, Fri. 02/16 @ 12:00pm, Lapham Meeting Room. To celebrate Valentine’s Day, join Tanisha Mitchell as she explores the drama, passion, and pain of love through some of the opera’s most famous duets. Ms. Mitchell will also offer a live performance of an aria for our audience.

Alzheimer’s Information Session, Fri. 02/16 @ 2:00pm, Hagedorn Meeting Room. Representatives from Parker Institute’s Willing Hearts, Helpful Hands program will be available to provide information on their services to Alzheimer’s patients and their caregivers.

Defensive Driving, Sat. 02/17 @ 9:30am, Hagedorn Meeting Room. The course will be from 9:30 a.m. — 3:30 p.m. Registration is required. Priority will be given to PWPL cardholders. A payment of $33 will be collected.

Weekly Community Meetups: Tuesdays — 3 to 6 p.m. • Chess Wednesdays — 6 to 8:30 p.m. • Needlecraft BYOP (Bring your Own Project) Sponsored by the Friends of the Library.

Thursdays — 12 to 3 p.m. • Mahjong Fridays – 2 to 5 p.m. • Scrabble For the complete listing of PWPL’s events, visit PWPL.org/events

For the latest news, visit us 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at

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The Port Washington Times, Friday, February 2, 2024

45

COMMUNITY NEWS

Port students shine at all-county music festival Over 100 Port Washington School District students were selected to perform in the 2024 Nassau Music Educators Association All County Music Festival—held at the Tilles Center for the Performing Arts on multiple days this month.

The festival brings music students together from schools throughout Nassau County.

To qualify for selection, most students perform at the New York State School Music Association Adjudication Festival and the students must be nominated by their music teachers.

A committee of Nassau County music educators make the final selection of which students will perform in the various groups. Kevin Scully, director of creative arts for Port Washington UFSD, noted that this is the largest number of students that the District has ever had selected.

He attributes that to his hardworking faculty.

“Thank you for all you have done to give so many of our students this wonderful opportunity. From NYSSMA preparation to extra help sessions to the actual process of nominating the students, your efforts are greatly appreciated,” said Scully.

The Port Washington students performed in five different divisions—broken down by grade level—in the categories of Band, Chorus, Orchestra, Vocal Jazz, and Jazz Band.

Congratulations to the following students: Daly Elementary School:Isabel Berman, Grace Chen, Bradley Ganatra, Hayden Hershkowitz, Jack Rabin, Karishma Rehani, Asher Ross, Rue Sandler, Morgan Sim, and Dillon Zwerlein.

Guggenheim Elementary School:Jake Bronstein, Spencer Champeny, Isabella Devito, Leah

Di Marzo, Vann Gebbie, Kaito Kumagai, Miranda Siegel, and Vanessa Wang.

Manorhaven Elementary School:Natalya Chang, Kendall Evans, Addison Goldsmith, Mollie Kass, Logan Levy, Violet Seo, Akari Shirota, Olivia Sobel, and Eden Stock.

Salem Elementary School:Ava Babarcich, Jonathan Ban, Emma Cassens, Kiran Cherena, Savannah Detor, Charlotte Goldsmith, and Henry Peral.

Sousa Elementary School:Sofia Aguilar, Serena Capraro, Aya Iwata, Cailyn Jiang, Garrison Liu-Gammon, Hannah Peters, Owen Weav-

er, Alexander Yuen, and Sophia Zappala.

Weber Middle School:Ethan Ascher, Cameron Brook, Anthony Carillo, Corinne Cheah, Audrey Cheah, Michaela Conlon, Addison Craig, Campbell Fein, Lucien Fernandez, Laylie Fogel, Sydney Fonseca, Benjamin Garcia-Benitez, Sophia Gebbie, Ashley Guo, Lila Hershman, Shiyun Hu, Erin Kim, Jooah Kim, Lena Kim, Victoria Koo, Gabriela Leder, Lucas Lee, Chaemin Lee, Ava Lefkowitz, Sophie Liu, Evan Mallari, Sylvie Melman, Ben Milgrim, Paul Moon, Claire (Jia) Park, Nicholas Piccciuto, Daniel Princian, Marisyn Scully, Luke Serna, Jonah Shapiro,

Ezra Smolow, Sophie Sobel, Evan Wang, Ellie Watling, and Benjamin Zawadzki.

Schreiber High School:Matisse Byrnes, Gavin Cheevers, Marley Coren, Sadie Feingold, Aaron Gilbert, Aine Hassett, Aisling Hassett, Gabriel Jaffe, Milan John, Julian Kimball, Alexandra Lazear, Timothy Lee, Vivian Leung, Annie Li, Maximo Lopez, Averie Masia, Aurora Mata, Cassidy Metzner, Elizabeth Milgrim, Gavin Miller, Daniel O’Farrell, Charlie Paredes, Eunice Park, Connor Roditi, Eve Siff-Scherr, Myla Tannenbaum, Anastasia Theodoropoulos, Sayuki Toyama, Charlotte Walz, and Monica Weber.

PHOTO BY PORT WASHINGTON SCHOOL DISTRICT

Weber Middle School All County Music Festival attendees

PSEG LI circuit reliability project begins in Port PSEG Long Island is improving the reliability of the energy grid in Port Washington.

The storm hardening work on this distribution circuit is part of many system improvements included in the “Power On” program.

“This Power On infrastructure improvement project in Port Washington is part of PSEG Long Island’s ongoing, multi-year effort to continue to improve electric reliability for customers,” said Peggy Keane, PSEG Long Island’s vice president of Construction and Operations Services. “We are working hard to reduce the number of outages that occur during severe weather by strengthening the electric lines that directly power homes and businesses.”

The work began in early January and will last for approximately two months. PSEG Long Island’s licensed and approved contractors will work along distribution lines in Port Washington. T To ensure traffic moves safely, PSEG Long Island will provide cones, flaggers and signage at the worksites, as needed. Local officials will also be notified in advance regarding any potential traffic concerns.

The storm-hardening improvements include: • Stronger poles: PSEG Long Island will replace some existing utility poles with stronger, more durable poles that are capable of withstanding winds up to 135 mph. The new poles will be approximately the same height as the existing poles, have a stronger base and will be placed no more than 5 feet from the current pole locations. PSEG Long Island will actively coordinate the removal of old poles

with other utilities and municipalities.

• Narrow profiles: To help wires deflect falling limbs instead of catching them, PSEG Long Island will be installing shorter cross arms atop some poles.

• Stronger wire: Current wire will be replaced with more resilient and durable wire.

• Upgrading: PSEG Long Island will upgrade or replace worn equipment as necessary.

Crews will be working on the following streets in Port Washington: Bogart Avenue between Port Washington Boulevard and Elm Street Elm Street between Bogart Avenue and Fairview Avenue Fairview Avenue between Port Washington Boulevard and just east of Elm Street PSEG Long Island prepares year-round for extreme weather to maintain reliable service for its 1.2 million customers.

Since 2014, the company has made significant investments in strengthening the electric infrastructure. Using funding from both FEMA and LIPA, PSEG Long Island has completed storm hardening and reliability work on more than 1,000 miles of distribution mainline circuits.

Power On, a program that started in the spring of 2020, continues the work now that the FEMA program has concluded.

Since the launch of Power On, more than 335 miles of the most vulnerable distribution mainline and branch line circuits on Long Island and in the Rockaways have been stormhardened with stronger poles, thicker wire and other modern equipment.

These investments have strengthened the system so that fewer customers experience outages and, when they do occur, the duration is shorter, especially during extreme weather.

In 2023, the sections of circuits that are storm-hardened saw a 44% reduction in damage leading to outages compared to the rest of the distribution system.

Power On focuses on mainline circuits, the backbone of PSEG Long Island’s distribution system. The main lines feed the many branch lines that power the homes and businesses in individual communities.

For more project details, visit psegliny. com/inthecommunity/currentinitiatives/ stormhardeningprojects.

PHOTO COURTESY OF PSEG LONG ISLAND

PSEG Long Island crews perform storm hardening work as part of the company’s multi-year effort to strengthen the grid.

46 Blank Slate Media Newspapers, Friday, February 2, 2024

SPORTS DOUBLE TROUBLE WWW.THEISLAND360.COM

Twin brothers John, Jesse Rossendorf lead G.N. basketball

BY M I C H A E L J . L E W I S The battles in the backyard would get fierce, because the twin boys of course wanted to get the better of each other.

When John and Jesse Roggendorf were little kids, basketball quickly became their passion, and they’d have 1-on-1 wars behind their house in Great Neck.

John, older by two whole minutes, was bigger and rougher back then, and he’d push Jesse around as much as possible. But Jesse didn’t back down and so, well, you know, there was blood and bruises occasionally that parents John and Berenise had to clean up.

“Only sometimes (was there blood),” Jesse recalled with a smile.

“We just always were working to get better, and having him to practice against made me a lot better.”

Fortunately for Great Neck South, John and Jesse are on the same team now, and the younger twin has been a big reason for the Rebels’ success the past two seasons.

Last year as a sophomore, Jesse pumped in 18.5 points per game, including 41 in an eruption against Calhoun last January, helping Great Neck South reach the second round of the Class AA playoffs.

This season, with first-year head coach Mike Holleran taking over from longtime and now retired/assistant coach Steve Liebertz, Roggendorf and Great Neck South are poised to soar even higher.

The 6-foot-1 guard is pouring in 20.2 points per game, good for eighth-best in Nassau County, and has added four assists per game as well.

The sharpshooter has also made 49 3-pointers, the third-highest total in the county, in leading his team to a 12-3 overall record, and 8-1 in Conference AA-1 play through games of January 26.

“Jesse could always shoot the ball, and had good range, but he’s taken that even farther this year,” Holleran said. “He can now make (shots) regularly from 23-25 feet.

He’s very very tough to guard.”

Roggendorf said his mindset began to shift during freshman year, when he first made varsity and found that a few

years of playing AAU ball with Team Relentless had made him stronger.

He became a starter for GNS midway through his freshman season, and had an immediate impact.

“He was tough and didn’t back down, even though he was a little smaller back then,” Holleran said.

“And he was a great dribbler and great at getting open in transition.”

Roggendorf came to hoops in first grade, he said, as he and John searched for a sport that suited their relentless energy.

As he grew, Roggendorf found an escape between the lines of a court.

“It was always something where if I was stressed out or just not feeling great, I’d get on the court and it was great for me,” he said. “It’s just always been something I could turn to.”

With a compact jump-shot release, Roggendorf is able to score points in bunches, like he did in the Calhoun game.

“That was an amazing feeling,” he said with a smile. “Everything I threw up was going in that day.”

Trying to pattern himself after current players like Steph Curry and old-school stars like Allen Iverson and Derrick Rose, Roggendorf said he’s still trying to improve his midrange game, with Holleran urging him to drive more and finish at the rim.

“He’s getting stronger and he’s able to get past guys and score inside,” Holleran said. “Always telling him to do it more.”

Hoping to play at a Division II or III school, Roggendorf is most focused now on getting Great Neck South a county championship. Last season saw the Rebels enjoy a late 11-game winning streak that carried them into the playoffs, before losing to eventual Long Island champ South Side.

“Our mentality is we want to PHOTO COURTESY OF THE ROGGENDORF FAMILY win big things, and get that ‘chip,” Roggendorf said. “Everybody is foGreat Neck South junior Jesse Roggendorf is the eighth-leading scorer in Nassau County this season, cused in and feeling like we can get averaging 20.2 points per game. it.”

FOR MORE SPORTS VISIT US ONLINE TODAY AT WWW.THEISLAND360.COM

Blank Slate Media Newspapers, Friday, February 2, 2024

PHOTO CREDIT: MYLES TINTLE.

Manhasset’s Jack Mulholland (20) was named first-team all-state in Class A for his outstanding season.

Manhasset running back, linebacker Mulholland scores big

BY M I C H A E L J . L E W I S For most of his high school career, Manhasset’s Jack Mulholland has thought of himself as a lacrosse player who also plays football in the autumn.

But after the senior season he just had, the running back/linebacker may have to change that assessment, because he just achieved an incredible gridiron honor.

For what’s believed to be a first for a Manhasset football player since 1996, Mulholland was chosen as a first-team all-

state selection in Class A by the New York State Sportswriters Association. (Conor Denihan won the honor in 1996) “It means a lot, being the first kid from here in almost 30 years to do it,” Mulholland said. “I was definitely not expecting it, but it’s a great honor and I am really excited about it.”

Mulholland was barely off the field for Manhasset, which went 7-3 in the fall and lost in the second round of the Class A playoffs to Carey.

The bulldozing fullback rushed for

996 yards and scored 18 touchdowns on offense, while on defense he made 72 tackles.

And he didn’t take special teams plays off, either; the 6-foot-3, 225-pounder made 28 of 29 extra points as well.

“He leads by example and is humble to a fault,” Manhasset head coach Jay Iaquinta said. “He’s a role model as to how to conduct and prepare to be a studentathlete.”Mulholland, who has committed to play lacrosse at Dartmouth next year, said he was happy his team overachieved

in the fall.

“A lot of people thought we wouldn’t be as good as we ended up doing, with a new quarterback and other new starters,” he said. “We had a great year and all the hard work paid off.”

Mulholland and his lacrosse mates will begin their quest for a third straight state title in March.

New Hyde Park two-way star Aidan Garvey was named second-team all-state as well.

Hofstra alum named Falcon head coach Hofstra alumnus Raheem Morris has been named the new head coach of the Atlanta Falcons.

In this role, he makes history as the first black full-time head coach in franchise history, and its 19th coach overall.

This is not Morris’ first go-round

with the Falcons. He was interim head coach for 11 games in 2020.

Prior to this most recent appointment, Morris served as the Los Angeles Rams’ defensive coordinator, a position he’s held since 2021, boasting a Super Bowl win during his time there.

His resume also includes head

coach of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2009-2011) and assistant coach for the Redskins (Commanders), Buccaneers, Rams, and Falcons.

Morris graduated from Hofstra University with a degree in physical education in 1998, after playing safety for Hofstra from 1994 to

1997.

During his time on Hofstra’s football team, he made 141 tackles and was awarded the Mayor’s Trophy (1997).

He joined the coaching staff at Hofstra in 1998 as graduate assistant coach before moving on to Cornell

University as defensive backs coach and special teams assistant. Morris returned to Hofstra as defensive backs coach from 2000 to 2001 before moving to the NFL coaching ranks.

Morris is originally from Irvington, N.J..

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48 The Port Washington Times, Friday, February 2, 2024

Be on the lookout for Scout.

We’re everywhere in Roslyn — even your mailbox.

$117+M

2023 Sold/Pending*

The Scout Residential Team at Compass are your home-grown Roslyn experts. We have a combined 100+ years of living and working in this community, and we are proud when our clients benefit from that experience.

Want to learn more about our team and successes? Check your mailbox for a bifold with more information about us, coming soon to each home in Roslyn and its villages.

The Scout Residential Team O: 516.200.1098 scoutresidential.com scoutresidential The Scout Residential Team is a team of real estate agents affiliated with Compass. Compass is a licensed real estate broker and abides by Equal Housing Opportunity laws. *Source: OneKey MLS

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