Roslyn 2023_02_24

HEALTH AND WELLNESS GUIDE

PAGES 21-28

2 ALUMS WIN GRAMMYS

Nassau Dems bash GOP’s district lines

County plan would separate Roslyn area into four legislative districts

BY ROBERT PELAEZ

Nassau Democrats bashed a newly submitted legislative map from Republican county legislators claiming it violates federal and state laws and exemplifies extreme partisan gerrymandering.

Under the GOP plan, Roslyn-area villages would once again be split into four separate legislative districts, Minority Leader Kevan Abrahams said in a letter to Nicolello last week that his Democratic colleagues strongly objected to the maps of legislative districts pushed forward by the Republicans.

Abrahams said the proposal goes against parts of the federal Voting Rights Act and the John. R. Lewis Voting Rights Act of New York.

“As we have stated and demonstrated throughout this process, the members of the Democratic Minority Caucus will only support a map that adheres to all applicable local, state and federal laws,” Abrahams said. “The Minority delegation remains willing to cooperate, in a public and transparent manner, with the Majority in attempting to create a mutually agreeable map which meets all applicable legal standards and best serves the residents of Nassau County.”

Abrahams bashed the GOP proposal for “diluting the voting power of minority communities across” Nassau County, including having an “AsianAmerican influence district.” In 2010, Asian Americans made up 7.6 percent of Nassau’s population, which increased to 11.7 percent in 2020, according to data from the U.S. Census.

Democratic county Legislator Arnold Drucker, in a statement, expressed his displeasure with the proposal that splits Plainview and redraws the lines in his district.

“The current proposal is an extreme partisan gerrymander that carves apart Plainview and other communities across the 16th Legislative District,” Drucker said last week. “This is not about the political fate of one person over another — it is much more significant. This is a brazen attempt to dilute and render irrelevant the voices of all Democrats residing in the 16th District and it must not stand.”

The map was last redrawn in 2013. Democratic officials have chastised Republicans for their lack of transparency in developing the 2023 map. They contend that the Republican proposal allows officials to select their representatives rather than the public.

The county Legislature, comprised

Continued on Page 38

BLAKEMAN FREEZES ASSESSMENTS

ELEMENTARY OLD-TIMERS

Roslyn Estates mayoral seat sole contested race

BY CAMERYN OAKES

Three Roslyn villages are holding elections on March 21, only one of which has a singular contested election.

The three villages holding elections are Roslyn, Roslyn Estates and East Hills.

Roslyn Estates residents will be voting on three offices this election: mayor and two trustees. All officers

serve two-year terms.

Mayor Paul Leone Peters, Trustee Susan Rubinstein and Trustee Brett Auerbach are all running for re-election in their current posts.

Continued on Page 39

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE ROSLYN SCHOOL DISTRICT

Ms. Falcone and several of her Harbor Hill students celebrated the 100th day of the school year by dressing as old-timers.

N. Shore proposes $120M budget Plan includes 3.8% spending increase

BY CAMERYN OAKES

The North Shore School District is proposing a $120 million budget and a tax levy of $89 million for the 2023-24 school year, with losses of revenue and infationary costs on the mind of the board.

This budget is increasing by about 3.8%, compared to the current academic year’s budget of nearly $116 million. This refects a trend of increasing budgets over the previous fve years. The tax levy is also increasing by approximately 3.8%.

Two North Shore alumni win Grammy

Antinori, Zhao take home ‘Best Orchestral Performance’

BY CAMERYN OAKES

Two North Shore Schools alumni with the New York Youth Symphony won a Grammy for “Best Orchestral Performance,” the frst time in history that a youth orchestra has captured the award in that category.

Angelo Antinori, a percussionist and NSHS Class of 2016 alum, and Eileen Zhao, violinist and NSHS Class of 2022 alumna, were recognized at the 65th Annual Grammy Awards held Feb. 5.

Antinori participated in multiple musical groups at North Shore and earned spots in All County, All State, All Eastern and All National ensembles. He was accepted into the Juilliard pre-college program and earned a performance degree from The Cleveland Institute of Music.

Zhao was a leader in the orchestra

and select chamber orchestra at North Shore, assuming position of frst chair violinist. She earned top positions in the Long Island String Festival, All County ensembles and was a member of the Metropolitan Youth Orchestra. She currently attends Case Western Reserve, where she is pursuing a degree in biology.

Dalia Rodriguez, director of fne and performing arts for the district, said the Grammy win is a proud moment for the district.

“I stumbled across my email and I just about jumped out of my seat,” Rodriguez said about what happened when she learned the news.

Her ofce is located in the corner of the music wing at the North Shore High School, so she gets to see the arts students everyday, which included Antinori and Zhao in past years.

When she assumed her current

position, Antinori was in his junior year. She said she got to know of Antinori “very quickly” because he was gaining notoriety and attention for his talents.

“Angelo is this kind human and works so hard,” Rodriguez said. “I can tell you that what stood out to me about Angelo is his commitment beyond the school day. I would be here in the summers and Angelo would ask me if he could come in to practice. He was here all the time.”

Rodriguez was highly complimentary of both Antinori and Zhao, saying that their involvement in the New York Youth Symphony is a testament to their talents and dedication to their crafts.

She said she is so proud and happy for them because they have taken what they learned while at their North Continued on Page 39

The district board of education convened Thursday night to review the budget, the frst review since the budget was presented on Feb. 2. One more budget meeting will be held on March 9 before the budget is approved on March 23 and voted on May 16.

Superintendent Christopher Zublionis said in the meeting that while the North Shore’s budget increase is below their year-to-year budget increase parameters, he is seeing more local school districts “than usual” above their budget-tobudget increases. He attributed this to high infation.

Zublionis said that the tax cap is being modifed, bringing down the maximum tax cap amount slightly. He said this was due to “late, break-

ing numbers” in BOCES capital expenditures and state building aid.

The district’s budget is also considering budget pressures, Zublionis said at the meeting, of about $10.6 million. This includes a loss of $3.5 million in revenue, encompassing the loss of revenue from LIPA and grant losses. The district is also anticipating $7.1 million in new expenses.

“That number that we are talking about is being really driven by this infationary environment,” Zublionis said. “That [$7.1 million] number is something that other districts are experiencing, too, with infationary costs, the cost of health care, benefts, fuel, heat. Anything that is a kind of overhead cost for a school district has gone up.”

While the district is anticipating the loss of LIPA direct assessment revenue relative to last year and the tax increase coupled with that, the district did receive an increase in state aid of about $2.5 million overall.

“Unfortunately that is not enough to ofset those new expenses,” Zublionis said.

The district has applied for more grants, and continues to, but have not received any yet. The possible addition of grants would refect in Continued on Page 38

SUBSCRIPTIONS: Sue Tabakin 516-307-1045 x206 stabakin@theisland360.com

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EDITORIAL:

Brandon Duffy 516-307-1045 x215 • bduffy@theisland360.com

Manhasset Times: Robert Pelaez 516-307-1045 x203 • rpelaez@theisland360.com

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

Williston Times: Brandon Duffy 516-307-1045 x215 • bduffy@theisland360.com

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

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE NORTH SHORE SCHOOL DISTRICT

Angelo Antinori (left) and Eileen Zhao (right) won a grammy with the New York Youth Symphony. This was the first time in history that a youth orchestra has won in the category.

PHOTO BY CAMERYN OAKES

The North Shore Board of Education convened for a budget review on Feb. 16.

Roslyn teen, mother tap core values

Duo works to create not-for-profit that gives young people the chance to help people in need

BY BRANDON DUFFY

Roslyn’s Alex Silber said one of the core values she holds for herself and her children is to always be charitable.

“I’m a clinical psychologist and as I see it I’m in the business of helping people,” Silber said. “It’s something I feel strongly about.”

It must have rubbed of on her 13-year-old son, Gabe, who has for many months organized and put together diferent drives for those less fortunate.

The mother-and-son duo is in the process of creating a nonproft, The Silber Hearts, that Silber said she hopes will give young people more chances to help those in need.

“There are never enough opportunities for kids to have a direct impact on other kids and families,” Silbers said.

Recently, Gabe worked tirelessly to collect more than 100 toys to give to East Patchogue-based Angels of Long Island for their holiday shopping drive. He also collected over 200 articles of clothing for shelters, boys’ and girls’ clubs and individual families in need, stemming from an idea to donate sweatshirts from bar mitzvahs and bat mitzvahs.

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On top of his current eforts, Alex Silber said another one of her son’s passions is buying and selling sports cards and he plans to donate part of the proceeds to his endeavors.

Silber said whenever possible her family would drop of items at nurseries or daycares in the Glen Cove area, but during the COVID-19 pandemic, Gabe asked questions and got a more serious understanding of the struggles people have.

“It has been a good amount of work between organizing things and balancing school,” Gabe said. “It takes some time, but if you want to get it done, you have to put in the efort.”

The teenager hopes to make the sweatshirt and clothing drive a yearly undertaking while also adding a biyearly cereal drive for the Sid Jacobson Jewish Community Center.

“To think there are people out there that don’t have food to eat was something that really moved Gabe to take on that mission,” Silber said.

Before the idea of starting a nonproft, mother and son frst got the ball rolling for the initial toy drive with the help of an Amazon registry and Instagram account, but still felt the need to create a nonproft to better network and fnd as many op-

Continued on Page 38

PHOTO COURTESY OF ALEX SILBER

Roslyn’s Gabe Silber posing with some of the sweatshirts he collected.

Santos admits to being ‘terrible liar’

Embattled rep. regrets some falsehoods, still stands by ‘Jew-ish’ jokes during interview

BY ROBERT PELAEZ

Embattled Republican U.S. Rep. George Santos told Piers Morgan he has been a “terrible liar” on Monday while continuing to contradict reports on his heritage, education and personal background.

“I’ve been a terrible liar on those subjects,” Santos told Morgan during a television interview. “What I tried to convey to the American people is I made mistakes of allowing the pressures of what I thought and needed to be done… this wasn’t about tricking anybody.”

Morgan told the congressman he was “struck” that Santos believed his lies would not be unearthed at some point. Santos admitted he did not think people would find out, especially since the GOP nominated him to run for the same seat two years prior.

“I’ll humor you this, I ran in 2020 for the same exact seat for Congress and I got away with it then,” Santos said.

Santos lost the 2020 elec-

tion for the state’s 3rd Congressional District to former U.S. Rep. Tom Suozzi (D-Glen Cove). He defeated Democrat Robert Zimmerman for the seat in November.

Santos has been criticized for claiming to be Jewish, though the congressman reiterated to Morgan that he always claimed to be mostly Catholic and partially Jewish. He also claimed that his “party favor jokes” telling people he was “Jew-ish” have been met with great reception in the past.

The Republican Jewish Coalition, after having Santos attend a November event, has withdrawn their support of the congressman.

“People were hysterically laughing,” Santos said in reference to telling event attendees he was “Jew-ish.” “It was funny to them, they loved it.”

Santos also took a stand against the claims that he scammed a homeless, disabled veteran out of thousands of dollars that would have been used to care for the man’s service dog.

Richard Osthoff said that he met Santos, who introduced himself as Anthony Devolder, in 2016 while living in a tent on the side of a New Jersey highway.

Osthoff ’s service dog, Sapphire, was suffering from a lifethreatening stomach tumor, treatment for which would cost $3,000, the veteran told Patch.

A veterinary technician told Osthoff to use Friends of Pets United, a pet charity headed up by Santos under the Anthony Devolder alias.

Osthoff said he never saw any of the funds after a GoFundMe was set up and subsequently deleted once it got close to hitting the $3,000 goal.

Sapphire died in January 2017, he said.

“I went through two bouts of seriously considering suicide, but thinking about leaving her without me saved my life,” Osthoff told Patch. “I loved that dog so much, I inhaled her last breaths when I had her euthanized.”

“I’ve never met this man,” Santos told Morgan when

asked about the GoFundMe page. “I’ve never took on this case and I never took the money from his dog.”

Osthoff told CNN on Tuesday that he had spoken to Santos on the phone multiple times and exchanged dozens of text messages between him and the congressman to law enforcement officials. The FBI is currently investigating the matter.

The New York Times, earlier this year, obtained the two-page resume in which Santos claims he graduated in the top 1 percent with a 3.89 GPA at Baruch College. It was also reported Santos received a master’s degree in business from New York University with a GMAT score of 710.

Santos said he “did not know where the GMAT” score was obtained from and said he “did not attain a college education.”

“That, regrettably so, is one of my biggest regrets in life,” Santos told Morgan.

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE CONGRESSMAN

U.S. Rep. George Santos.

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Blakeman freezes tax assessments

County exec also extends grievance deadline as property values remain same for 3rd year

BY BRANDON DUFFY

For the third consecutive year, Nassau County has frozen its tax rolls and won’t be conducting tax assessments of properties.

The deadline for residents to fle grievances on their property assessments has been postponed 30 days from March 1 to April 1.

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

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

A Newsday report from 2019 showed some $2.7 billion in property taxes were shifted over the eight years and people who did not challenge their property taxes were assessed at a level 29.2% greater than those who did.

After calling for a reassessment of approximately 400,000 homes at the time, Curran re-implemented the freeze for the 2022-2023 and 2023-2023 tax years due to what she called instability during the CO -

VID-19 pandemic.

Last month County Comptroller Elaine Philips released a report of her yearlong audit of the 20202021 reassessment on the county’s

approximately 386,000 and 37,000 commercial properties, saying the reassessment relied on “fawed data.”

Philips said the Department of

Assessment was not fxing property information and data weaknesses before the reassessment. The comptroller’s report did not dispute the overall accuracy of the program.

Members of the Nassau County Legislature’s Democratic minority held a news conference last week to demand answers from the Blakeman administration.

“Before he became county executive, Mr. Blakeman vowed to rescind the increases that he blamed on the recent reassessment — Nassau County’s frst in nearly a decade. What did County Executive Blakeman do when he took ofce?” asked Legislator Debra Mulé (D-Freeport).

“He didn’t just break his promise to roll back the reassessment – he froze our tax rolls for a third consecutive year,” she said. “Every year the administration freezes the assessment rolls, the system gets more badly broken. It is simply unfair –and Nassau residents deserve a real plan for the future.”

Minority members of the Legislature have been critical of recent tax bill errors from the county’s Department of Assessment, including over $1.2 million in errant tax bills sent to Notre Dame Parish in New Hyde Park and 842 homeowners who received inaccurate school tax bills. Information for residents looking to appeal their property assessment can be found on the county’s website.

PHOTO BY NOAH MANSKAR

Nassau County has frozen its tax rolls for the third consecutive year.

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Full service into Grand Central kicks off

BY CAMERYN OAKES

Full Long Island Rail Road service to Grand Central Madison will begin Monday, the frst time the railroad has ofered regular rides to passengers arriving and leaving the East Side of Manhattan.

Prior to the new terminal’s opening, the only station where the LIRR stopped in Manhattan was Penn Station on the West Side at 34th Street. The new Manhattan destination from 43rd Street to 48th Street on Madison Avenue is the frst built in over a century.

North Hempstead Supervisor Jennifer DeSena echoed the impact and signifcance of the new terminal, which will bring riders from Long Island directly into Grand Central Station.

“Grand Central Madison represents a transformative project that is the culmination of many years of hard work,” DeSena said. “I thank interim LIRR President Cathy Rinaldi and MTA CEO Janno Lieber for prioritizing the needs of Long Island, and especially the residents of the Town of North Hempstead.”

The new terminal will bring changes to the LIRR schedule at all stations, efective Feb. 27.

With additional trains now running into Manhattan at all hours of the day and throughout the week, trains will be split between Grand Central Madison and Penn Station. Overall, fewer trains will be servicing Penn Station than before the new schedule.

Once full service begins on Feb. 27, Grand Central Madison will be closed from 2 a.m. to 5:30 a.m., routing all LIRR trains during that time to Penn Station.

The new terminal will be able to handle increased capacity from the LIRR’s North Shore train stations as a result of continued express

Ribbon-cutting for Dr. David Kashan

BY CAMERYN OAKES

The Greater Roslyn Chamber of Commerce welcomed Dr. David Kashan MD PC, an all-inclusive plastic surgery medical ofce, to the Roslyn community with a ribbon-cutting Thursday evening.

The ribbon-cutting for Kashan’s business marked the ffth this year, preceded by other businesses, including Concierge Pediatrics and Orwashers Bakery.

Kashan’s ofce, which he said has a goal of helping community members “feel the best in their own skin,” has been open for about six months. He said the ribbon-cutting served as a great way for him to engage with the community, meet other business owners, support one another and make connections.

“We wanted to do something also just for the community and have everyone get a chance to meet us in person,” Kashan said. “We felt like this was a good way of getting the word out that the ofce is up and running. We’re seeing patients already.”

Kashan said it was nice to see the support from his immediate community as well as from people from the surrounding areas of Long Island, Queens and Westchester who attended the event.

“We absolutely love the support,” he said.

At the ceremony, Kashan gave a speech

service on the Port Washington line and more commuters from the agency’s 3rd Track Project.

After proposing changes to the Long Island Rail Road’s Port Washington branch that would have eliminated express service as part of the East Side Access project, transit ofcials said they abandoned plans to do so in October.

A total of 103 trains per day will be servicing the branch, 10 more than the current schedule has, ofcials said. On weekends a total of fve more trains, 81 in total, will be operating along the branch.

The draft morning rush hour schedule includes 15 trains arriving in Manhattan between 6:16 a.m. and 9:51 a.m., a 36% increase from the current 11 that arrive at Penn Station between 6:21 a.m. and 9:34 a.m., according to ofcials.

The branch’s afternoon and evening rush hour schedule will also see a 43% increase in service, including three express trains. A total of 20 trains will leave Manhattan between 4:06 p.m. and 7:43 p.m., six more than the 14 trains that currently provided that service to commuters on the Port Washington branch, according to ofcials.

While Grand Central Madison is a step in the right direction in providing for the needs of commuters from Long Island, DeSena said that the work does not stop here.

“While I am hopeful that this increase in service will be a boon for our residents and businesses, I will continue to push for expanded express train service and station upgrades for residents on the Port Washington line, as the full benefts of Grand Central Madison can only truly be felt once increased service is ofered to ofset what was lost to accommodate this project,” DeSena said.

Herricks takes first look at ‘23-’24 budget

BY ANNABEL HOFMANN

The frst budget presentation for the 202324 school year was introduced to the Herricks Public School District Board of Education at their meeting on Feb. 16.

The budget was presented by Tony Sinais, superintendent of the Herricks School District, and Lisa Rutkoske, assistant superintendent for business for the district.

This budget presented at the meeting was almost $9.5 million greater than the 2022-23 budget. This represents a 7.5% increase from the previous year. Excluding pending claims and the associated legal fees, however, this is only a 5.3% increase from last year’s budget, Sinais explained.

The proposed projected lax levy increase over the 2022-23 budget is 1.83%. This is equal to the tax cap determined acceptable by the district and state.

Rutkoske presented the major drivers behind the budget increase, the largest of which is legal claims and a potential legal settlement taking up almost $2.8 million, or 30%, of the growth.

The next two largest budget drivers are health insurance and “contractual obligations,” with about a $2 million increase each.

Special education, facilities, debt, textbooks and technology were also mentioned as

causes for the budget increase.

Sinais presented some of the specifc budget features being recommended by the district administration. This included the addition of a school counselor at Herricks High School because of increased enrollment and the desire to manage counselors’ caseloads.

“We know that our counselors do a lot of work, and not just academic work but the social-emotional work,” Sinais said.

They also recommended hiring assistant principals for Searingtown and Center Street Elementary Schools.

Other budget features included funding for social-emotional learning programs, special education services, English as a New Language programs, new musical and athletic equipment, additional sports, such as varsity girl’s fag football, and more initiatives.

The presentation was intended to be transparent about where the money would go, because “we are well aware of the increase we are presenting to the community,” Rutkoske said.

Additionally, the Herricks Public School District will be receiving state aid totaling $8 million more than was granted in the 202223 legislative budget. This is a 47% increase in state aid for the school district.

“After many years of advocating, Herricks

Continued on Page 38

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE GREATER ROSLYN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

David Kashan poses with his Ten Tier Diamond Award, presented to him at the ribbon cutting.

PHOTO BY CAMERYN OAKES

Grand Central Madison will begin offering its full services to the LIRR on Monday.

E. Hills gas station

BY CAMERYN OAKES

An armed man held up a Mobil gas station in East Hills Monday morning and escaped with an unknown about of money, Nassau County Police said. The suspect is still at large.

The unidentifed suspect pressed a black frearm against a gas station employee’s back and demanded money, the cops said. The employee complied as he was “fearing for his life” and the suspect fed from the gas station at 449 Glen Cove Road with the money, according to the Nassau police. No injuries were reported. The man left the scene using the North Service Road.

The suspect is described as a white man, about 5-foot-7, with an average build. He was wearing a black ski mask, camoufage sweatshirt, black pants, white sneakers and black gloves.

An ofcial from the police’s public information ofce said there was no additional information at this time and the investigation conducted by the Robbery Squad detectives was ongoing.

Detectives are requesting that anyone with information about the incident contact Nassau County Crime Stoppers at 1-800-244-TIPS or call 911, with all callers staying anonymous.

Ex-G.N. bond trader pleads guilty to scheme

BY ROBERT PELAEZ

Great Neck resident Jefrey Soberman Parket pleaded guilty to obtaining more than $65 million from a Ponzi lending scheme that ran from 2016-2021 on Wednesday, according to ofcials from the U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York.

Parket, 59, was a former bond trader and the principal of several hedge funds, ofcials said. The Great Neck resident received the funds from individual and institutional lenders, falsifying assets and modifying statements from banks and brokerages, according to ofcials.

His actions, ofcials said, resulted in more than $37 million in reported losses for victims. He allegedly obtained the funds from victims by misrepresenting his fnancial situation and pledging false collateral, according to ofcials.

“Parket traded on his reputation as a respected fnancier and fabricated paper assets to defraud lenders of millions of dollars in loans that they never would have made if not for his lies and the sophisticated ruses he used to support those lies,” said Damian Williams, the U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York. “His scheme cost some of his victims everything they had. He will now be held accountable for his deceit.”

Ofcials, in 2022, said Parket received $50 million in loans from investors in New York,

PHOTO BY CAMERYN OAKES

The Mobil gas station located on 449 Glen Cove Road was robbed early Monday morning.

PHOTO COURTESY OF WIKIMEDIA COMMONS

Great Neck resident Jeffrey Parket pleaded guilty to obtaining more than $65 million from a Ponzi scheme conducted between 2016-2021.

New York Tech studying smell and autism

New research from New York Institute of Technology College of Osteopathic Medicine could help explain how the sense of smell is impacted in individuals with autism.

Individuals with autism have an “insistence on sameness,” and often avoid unfamiliar elements, including new smells and foods, which can impact their quality of life. While many studies have focused on the behavioral features of autism, additional research is needed to help explain its sensory aspects.

Now, a study led by NYITCOM Assistant Professor of Biomedical Sciences Gonzalo Otazu , published in the journal Nature Communications , analyzes a mouse model of autism and reports diferences in the neurological processes responsible for smell.

The team trained two groups of mice— one group with a mutation in a gene linked to autism knockout mice) and one neurotypical group—to recognize familiar scents.

When they successfully identifed the target scent, the mice were rewarded with a sip of water. Both groups succeeded in identifying the target. Then, the mice were given a more challenging task: identifying target scents as unfamiliar odors were introduced in the background.

Otazu, an electrical engineer, likens this task to Internet captchas, which require humans to visually identify letters and numbers set in a busy or obscured background. While the neurotypical mice were able to “flter out” new background odors and identify the target scents, the CNTNAP2 knockout mice struggled to do so.

To better understand where the processing error was occurring in the brains of the CNTNAP2 knockout mice, the researchers visualized the neural activity at the input of each animal’s olfactory bulb, the part of the brain that initially processes smell.

An imaging technique called intrinsic optical imaging was used to visualize neural activity near the surface of the olfactory bulb. Here, “scent signals” are transmitted to other parts of the brain for further processing, playing a key role in how the brain computes smell.

However, the input signals were very similar between the CNTNAP2 knockout mice and neurotypical mice. This suggests that scent processing in the autism model was impaired at a later step—after signals were processed at the olfactory bulb input.

This fnding was also replicated when the researchers “reverse-engineered” the brain’s processes for identifying target scents in unfamiliar backgrounds. Leveraging machine learning, a form of artifcial intelligence that uses algorithms to replicate the brain’s processes, the team applied the olfactory bulb input signals to a sophisticated algorithm that matched the high performance of neurotypi-

cal mice.

The neurotypical mice fltered out novel background scents and identifed targets, but this complex processing was impaired in CNTNAP2 knockout mice.

“We speculate that the olfactory bulbs in the mouse model of autism might be more easily overwhelmed by processing new background odors,” said Otazu. “These fndings illustrate why more studies related to the sensory aspect of autism are so important. By documenting the neural processes in the mouse model of autism, our fndings may help to explain the brain circuitry of humans with autism and one day lead to advancements that improve these individuals’ quality of life.”

The study’s other researchers include NYITCOM Associate Professor Raddy Ramos , as well as former medical students and students from New York Institute of Technology’s College of Arts and Sciences.

Water commissioners recent election winners

Re-elected and newly elected water commissioners from 21 local water districts who are members of the Nassau Sufolk Water Commissioners’ Association were sworn into ofce on Jan. 1 to begin their three-year term. Each local water district is comprised of three commissioners on each board.

NSWCA President and Locust Valley Water District Chairwomen Patricia Peterson commented on the election results, “Local voters came out to cast their ballet in meaningful elections for the men and women of their choice who harness the responsibility of safeguarding our water today, and into the future. This process is a sterling example of local representation by and for each community as water commissioners and voters must reside within their respective district.”

Voter-elected, commissioner-run districts (21 in total) provide water to over 620,000 consumers in Nassau and Sufolk counties. Peterson added, “I am extremely pleased to welcome all our new and returning colleagues to the Nassau Sufolk Water Commissioners’ Association.”

Re-elected and newly elected water commissioners from each District are as follows:

• Albertson Water District Commissioner Janell Giordano, Newly elected

• Bethpage Water District Commissioner Theresa M. Catapano-Black, Re-elected

• Carle Place Water District Commissioner Tim Stellato, Re-elected

• Cathedral Gardens Water District Commissioner Joseph Corino, Re-elected

• Franklin Square Water District Commissioner Anthony Boccella, Newly elected

• Franklin Square Water District Commissioner Ralph Pugliese, Re-elected

• Garden City Park Water District Commissioner Robert Mirabile, Newly elected

• Glenwood Water District Commissioner Peter A. Hesse, Re-elected

• Greenlawn Water District Commissioner John McLaughlin, Re-elected

• Hicksville Water District Commissioner Nicholas Brigandi, Re-elected

• Jericho Water District Commissioner James Asmus, Re-elected

• Locust Valley Water District Commissioner Peter Brown, Re-elected

• Massapequa Water District Commissioner Raymond J. Averna, Re-elected

• Manhasset-Lakeville Water District Commissioner Steven Flynn, Re-elected

• Oyster Bay Water District Commissioner Michael F. Rich III, Re-elected

• Plainview Water District Commissioner Michael Chad, Newly elected

• Port Washington Water District Commissioner Mindy Germain, Re-elected

• Roslyn Water District Commissioner Dr. Sanford Klein, Re-elected

• South Farmingdale Water District Commissioner Gary Brosnan, Re-elected

• South Huntington Water District Commissioner Paul Tonna, Re-elected

• West Hempstead Water District Commissioner C. John Sparacio, Re-elected

• Westbury Water District Commissioner Barry Green Re-elected

Organized and chartered in 1981, the Nassau Sufolk Water Commissioners’ Association is comprised of water commissioners elected by voters in each of 21 Nassau County and Sufolk County water districts.

The NSWCA is dedicated to promoting environmental excellence and best practices as well as to maintaining the highest standards of water quality and supply.

The Nassau Sufolk Water Commissioners’ Association sponsors regular educational meetings and training on topics that include compliance, the environment, security, economics, conservation, sustainability, remediation, water treatment and aquifer health, among other issues germane to water utilities.

OUR VIEWS Editorial Cartoon

GOP draws maps to hold power

The white and non-Hispanic population makes up 52.4% of the Town of Hempstead, according to the U.S. Census.

So, one might expect the six town districts to refect the almost 50-50 split between whites and minorities — with three districts with a white majority and three districts with a non-white majority.

With Republican Donald Clavin, who is white, serving as town supervisor that would give whites a 4-3 edge on the town board.

But amid boos from the audience, the Town Board voted unanimously last week to adopt a map that maintains the current 5-1 advantage for majority-white districts.

“These maps, frankly, are gerrymandering using the tactic of cracking,” said Terry Bain, a retired immigration judge from Rockville Centre.

Cracking in redistricting dilutes the voting power of the opposing party across diferent districts, which means some people’s votes count less than others.

There are major political stakes in the outcome of this.

The Town of Hempstead, with nearly 760,000 people, has more than half the population of Nassau County at 1.392 million and is by far the largest town in New York State

If it were a city, the Town of Hempstead would be the second largest in the state trailing only New York City and would be among the top 20 in the United States.

Currently, Hempstead’s Town Board is made up of Clavin and four Republican council members, all of whom are white, and Democrat Dorothy Goosby, who is black.

The sixth board seat awaits a replacement for Anthony D’Esposito, a white Republican who was elected to Congress to represent NY4 in November.With Esposito, white Republicans held a 6-1 edge on the town board.

It is true that white voters who are Republican might support a black candidate and black voters who are black would support a white candidate.

But it has just never happened in the Town of Hempstead in the more than 100 years in which Republicans have been in control of the town.

This control of Hempstead has, in turn, helped make the Nassau County Republican Party what some consider to be among the last big city political machines in the country.

Earlier in last week’s meeting, Clavin raised hopes that the Town Board would consider the requests brought by more than a dozen residents who came out to oppose the proposed redistricting.

He said he did not know when the maps would be voted on — shortly before the vote for the districts was called.

Believing that there actually was a possibility of the board making changes, Catherine DeSantis, of Rockville Centre, said the Town Board should consider new maps that provide alternative options.

“The board should make some adjustments to the current proposal and create a map that is more fair, compliant, compact, respectful of communities of color and has less cracking,” DeSantis said.

She was right.

And Hempstead residents were not alone in their opposition to drawing districts to favor one political party or group. At least in theory.

State Republican Party Chairman Nick Langworthy protested loudly — and justifably — earlier in 2022when Democrats in the state Legislature gerrymandered congressional maps in violation of an amendment to the state Constitution.

The amendment, which was passed under Gov. Andrew Cuomo in 2014 by both Democrats and Republicans after two public referendums,

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created legally enforceable protections in state law against partisan gerrymandering.

“New York Democrats have hijacked the redistricting process and this week passed and signed into law the most flthy, textbook gerrymandering that will destroy competitive elections in New York if allowed to stand,” Langworthy said in response to a congressional map approved by the state Legislature and Gov. Kathy Hochul. ”Democrats brazenly subverted the will of the people who voted twice by referendum to take redistricting out of the hands of politicians and give district drawing powers to an independent, bipartisan panel.”

We agreed with Langworthy then and agree with him now.

But the Town of Hempstead board was unmoved by his words. Come to think of it, so apparently was Langworthy, who thus far has remained silent about the Town of Hempstead. This is known as situational ethics. Langworthy’s call for fairness in elections appears to have only included district maps in which Democrats have the advantage.

We are in the process of witnessing the same forces at work in the Nassau County Legislature, which is now redrawing its districts after Republicans and Democrats on an advisory commission could not reach an agreement

Kevan Abrahams, the Legislature’s Democratic minority leader, said in a letter to Presiding Ofcer Richard Nicolello, the Republicans’ proposed map fails to create fve majority-minority districts and an Asian-American infuence district, thereby diluting the voting power of minority communities across our county.”

The county’s minority population has also grown to more than 40 percent of Nassau’s headcount at a time when only four of the Legislature’s 19 members are members of minorities. The one Republican, Mazi Melesa Pilip, is an Ethiopian Jew who represents the 10th District.

Abrahams said the Republicans’ proposed map was in violation of the Municipal Home Rule Law, equal voting rights under Section 2 of the federal Voting Rights Act and the John R. Lewis Voting Rights Act of New York.

The drawing of gerrymandered

districts – as opposed to running better candidates with better ideas to represent their constituents – appears to be Nassau Republicans’ preferred means of holding control of Hempstead and county government.

Nassau Republicans used a 10-9 advantage in seats in 2014 to draw a map with 12 districts that had more Republican registered voters than Democrats — at a time when Democrats had a 20,000-vote advantage among registered voters in the county.

To create the 12-7 advantage, Republican legislators had to draw a crazy-quilt map that ignored community boundaries. In several cases, communities, including Roslyn, were divided into four districts.

As of Feb. 21, 2021, the Democratic advantage over Republicans in registered voters had risen to nearly 100,000 — 434,327 to 335,771.

But in the last county election, the Republican advantage in the Legislature returned to 12-7. And this year, Republican legislators have once again developed a map that divides Roslyn into four districts.

Continued on Page 17

World needed to see ‘what they did to my baby’

There are images, no matter how troubling, that defy description — “the shadow of dark hangs over them, making whatever narratives we construct around them seem sentimental and beside the point,” observed poet Mark Strand.

Demetrius Haley, one of fve Black Memphis police ofcers charged with murder in the Jan. 7 assault of 29-year-old Tyre Nichols, used his personal cell phone to take photos of Nichols as he sat slumped over on the ground, handcufed and leaned up against a police vehicle.

The men who participated in the savage beating were black, as was Nichols. However, “this is not a case of individual racists,” as The Guardian newspaper explained on Feb. 7, “but another example of a policing system rabid with brutality and death.”

“It is a culture that relies on a spectrum of aggressive tactics, racial profling [and] the actual use of often unnecessary force,” concluded Ram Subramanian for the Brennan Center for Social Justice on Feb. 3.

Haley acknowledged texting at least one of the photos to fve people, including two other Memphis police ofcers and a female friend. His motivation for sharing the image has not been publicly disclosed.

Images of human carnage in the

aftermath of violence can be used with righteous intent or for prurient purposes. Still photos and videos help to raise awareness and motivate action to fght injustice.

As for images used for more prurient purposes, lynching postcards produced from the latter 1800s through the early to mid-1900s were shared widely. They became collectibles, gruesome keepsakes and reminders that served to further dehumanize the deceased, as opposed to documenting the horrors of white supremacy and need for racial justice.

Rather than use photographic images alone, Mamie Till-Mobley made a bold decision soon after her 14-year-old son Emmett Till was abducted, tortured, and lynched by white supremacists during a visit to Mississippi in 1955 when he was accused of whistling at a white woman in a grocery store.

At Emmett’s funeral in Chicago, Till-Mobley insisted on an open casket. “I wanted the world to see what they did to my baby,” she said.

Almost 70 years later, Rowvaughn Wells, Nichols’ mother, viewed the remains of Tyre’s lifeless body and the video that captured the savage beating that led to his death. “They had beat him to a pulp. He had bruises all over him, his head was swollen like a watermelon,” she remarked.

In the spirit of Till-Mobley before her, Wells supported the public release of the police videos that captured the excessive use of force against her son. She insisted that the world see the video of what they did to her baby.

As for the motivation behind Haley’s decision to share his photo of the battered Nichols, did one of Haley’s photo recipients know Nichols? Or did he send the photo as a souvenir, a hunter displaying his kill, as was customary practice when postcards of lynchings were manufactured for broad distribution more than 100 years ago?

In turn of the century lynching

postcards, victims were posed centrally in the photos. Smiling spectators gathered around the borders of the frame to verify their presence. “Sometimes they line up in an orderly fashion, as if they were at a class reunion or church picnic, [positioned] around the victim, hoisting children on their shoulders so that they can see. too,” according to photographer Shawn Michelle Smith, professor of visual studies at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago in Illinois.

Lynchings were family afairs that advanced “the intergenerational reproduction of white supremacist violence,” Smith added.

Once the lynching victim was pronounced dead, spectators “fought for shreds of clothing, body parts, pieces of rope, or anything that they could get their hands on to act as souvenirs and trophies,” wrote Meghan Lynn Jordan in her 2017 thesis, “Lynching Photographs and Their Aftermath: The Overlay of the Gaze.”

Lynching postcards often included handwritten inscriptions such as: ”This is the barbecue we had last night. My picture is to the left with a cross over it, Your son Joe.” Another postcard contained in Jordan’s thesis depicted four Black men hanging from a tree. The inscription included this line: “I read an account of the night riders afairs where it says these

men were hung without any apparent cause or reason whatever.”

It has not been openly revealed if Haley wrote an inscription to accompany the photo of Nichols that he texted. However, “sending the photograph to acquaintances, including at least one outside of the Police Department, violated policies about keeping information confdential,” according to a Feb. 7 report in The New York Times.

Police ofcials asserted that the unauthorized distribution of the photo was part of “a pattern of mocking, abusive and blatantly unprofessional behavior by the ofcers” that included cursing, laughing,and boasting about the assault.

Wells said of her son that he was “loved by his community and known to be gentle, kind, and joyful, had never been in trouble with the law, not even a parking ticket. He was an honest man, a wonderful son, and kind to everyone.”

It is unlikely that Haley shared photos of a dying Mr. Nichols with righteous intent to right a wrong or advocate for police reform. The police videos and Haley’s cell phone images are part of a diferent kind of narrative about the law enforcement system, one with a long and sordid history rooted in a culture of white supremacist violence.

Hochul’s hollow rhetoric on crime, abortion

After he was elected governor in 1982, Mario Cuomo remarked: “You campaign in poetry, you govern in prose.”

Cuomo had extraordinary oratorical skills and his rhetoric was somewhat poetic. Everyone over 55 remembers his stirring, mesmerizing speech at the 1984 Democratic National Convention.

Cuomo’s poetry, however, did not have a lasting efect. The American people preferred President Reagan’s governing prose and he was re-elected carrying 49 of the 50 states.

Similarly, Cuomo’s New York poetry did not convert into successful prose.

Norman Adler, a former Cuomo consultant, put it this way: “He will be remembered more for himself than for what he left behind. Really fne public rhetoric done of aspiration not achievement. Mario Cuomo could never match his words. It wasn’t possible.”

Which brings me to Gov. Kathy Hochul’s poetry and prose.

During the 2022 campaign Hochul’s oratorical poetry did not come close to matching Mario Cuomo’s

verse. For that matter she didn’t even match Andrew Cuomo, who defnes oratory as shouting at the top of one’s lungs.

Hochul will be remembered for two ridiculous comments she made last fall.

The frst was her message to those who disagreed with her extremist pro-abortion position: “Just jump on a bus and head down to Florida where you belong, OK? Get out of town. Because you don’t represent our values.”

The other clunky statement concerned crime. In her debate with Republican opponent Lee Zeldin, Hochul dismissed his tough law-andorder stand saying, “I don’t know why [crime] is so important to you.”

Hochul made that statement to a man who was assaulted and whose family experienced a gang shooting outside their Long Island home.

Hochul’s governing prose is as awful as her campaign poetry.

There was not one memorable line in her Jan. 1, 2023, inaugural address.

Hochul’s State of the State address, delivered to the combined

houses of the Legislature on Jan. 10, 2023, was not much better.

She did throw a bone to the 47% of the electorate who voted against her by conceding that the “bail reform law as written now leaves room for improvement.”

Yet the governor’s declaration, that she “will work with the Legislature to make thoughtful changes in bail law … consistent with the spirit behind its original passage in order

to restore the confdence in our criminal justice system” is merely hollow rhetoric.

Let’s face it, Hochul is a weak chief executive. She does not have the mettle to take on the “defund the police” Democratic-controlled Legislature, which has made clear it will not roll back any of its failed criminal justice reforms and, for the frst time in the state’s history, rejected a governor’s nominee for chief judge of the Court of Appeals.

A signifcant portion of Hochul’s address was devoted to housing.

The governor made it clear that if suburban counties (i.e., Nassau) fail to liberalize zoning laws—particularly around railroad stations— to permit more multifamily housing, the state will intervene and override local codes and impose on municipalities targets to increase the housing stock.

Fortunately, New York’s congressional Republicans have been blowing the whistle on this plan.

Arguing that the Hochul approach will “eliminate home-rule altogether,” Congressman Nick Langworthy (R-Olean) said, “Our local

governments are already drowning under the unfunded mandates and dictates from the state—the absolute last thing we should be doing is adding to their burden with this wrongheaded and unconstitutional plan.”

In conjunction with her speech, Hochul released a 276-page State of the State book, “Achieving the New York Dream.”

As for the book’s prose, it is an ad nauseum compendium of every leftwing proposal imaginable.

Hochul’s belief that her “Dream” formulas on housing, health care, the environment, public safety, education, et cetera, will make “New York safer [and] make New York more affordable” is ludicrous.

If implemented, I predict even more overtaxed New Yorkers will pack their bags and drive down to Florida.

As for the cost of these pie-inthe-sky programs, they are buried in Hochul’s record-breaking $227 billion proposed budget, which calls for higher taxes.

But more on the prose of Hochul’s State budget in my next column.

How does a craze change into a trend and then into a movement? Well, we may be witnessing a tipping point in a new ritual called the polar plunge. In years gone by, there were a few guys at Coney Island taking a dunk in the frigid waters on New Year’s Day to start the year of with a bang. That craze has now become a trend and to learn more I went out to Field 5 on the Robert Moses Parkway to see for myself.

At exactly 1 p.m. every Sunday, a group of 50 intrepid warriors meet, get a pep talk from Brendan Cooke, who started this thing, and of they

run into the deep. The water in the ocean this time of year may be around 40 degrees and I sampled how it felt by sticking just my right hand into the water. The pain was immediate and excruciating and my frst thought was that the scene in “Titanic” when Leonardo DiCaprio was in the arctic waters holding onto Kate Winslet was a falsehood. He would have been paralyzed and dead within 15 seconds.

And yet I was about to witness a large group of men and women, ranging in age from 20 to about 70 take the plunge. I was smart enough to interview a few of them prior to the plunge, forecasting that much like shock therapy, they may not be coherent afterwards. What most of them told me about why they do this each week is that it has mental health benefts and one feels clear-headed, less anxious, less depressed and on top of the world for a few days after taking the polar plunge.

I met Branden Cooke’s dad, Desmond, who has taken the 100-day challenge, which means he must do the polar plunge for 100 straight days. He told me he is 59 years old but, in fact, he looks much younger. So much for plastic surgery. All you need to do is to swim in really cold water every day and wind up looking 20 years younger.

They say the man who is responsible for the craze, turned trend, is Wim Hof, a Scandinavian who has

EARTH MATTERS

many YouTube videos about the benefts of this kind of treatment. But it takes more than a charismatic leader to create a trend as Malcom Gladwell eloquently wrote about in “The Tipping Point.” It is clear that an ascetic ritual like this will only catch on if the culture is in need of it.

Psychologist Eric Erickson once wrote that the ocean represents mother and to enter the ocean is to be symbolically reborn once again. Much like the fnal scene in the flm “Shakespeare in Love” where Shakespeare is in deep despair having lost his true love and starts to write his next play called “The Twelfth Night.”

He begins by saying: “My story starts at sea. A perilous voyage to an unknown land. A shipwreck. The wild waters roar and heave. The brave vessel is dashed all to pieces. And all the helpless souls within her drowned. All save one….a lady whose soul is greater than the ocean and her spirit stronger than the sea’s embrace. Not for her a watery end. But a new life beginning on a strange shore. It will be a love story, for she will be my heroine for all time and her name will be Viola.”

Repair and rebirth in the sea is also the theme in the flm “Castaway” starring Tom Hanks. “Castaway” is basically a remake of the literary classic “Robinson Crusoe,” which also was about a shipwreck in the ocean and a rebirth. And all this begs the ques-

tion of why our culture needs rebirth in the frst place. And the answer to that is simple. COVID put the whole world in a death grip from which we all need to be reborn. So why not use the ocean as the remedy? The ocean is the only thing bigger than COVID. Furthermore, America has been in grave need of learning more about asceticism. We live in the land of good fortune and a land of plenty. Our plentitude has bred into each of us a consumeristic, overindulged, overeaten, fat-as-can-be life of TV watching. This is not healthy. I see the polar plunge as a much needed, Spartan-like ascetic ritual and for that we ought to take note and be thankful.

Branden Cooke’s polar plunge reminded me of Tony Robbins and his frewalk of the 1970s, which was another fearsome ritualized process to help people to grow up and be reborn. Branden Cooke said to me that he started his Sunday Swim (Sundayswimx.com) to help make the world a better place. He said, “People have too many fears and too many worries. If you do this polar plunge, it will help you overcome your fears and give you peace. If you can do this, you can do almost anything you want. All it takes is a leap of faith and a little support.”

So I guess I’ll be seeing you next Sunday, 1 p.m., Parking Lot 5 on the Robert Moses State Parkway.

Is polar plunge panacea, placebo or just pain Planentary boundaries impact all of us

You may not want to drink the rainwater in Tibet. Or Greenland. Or New York. That’s because rain everywhere on our planet has been contaminated with man-made chemicals. Just think about that for a minute. Chemical industries are churning out substances that, according to research recently published, have contaminated all of the rainwater on the planet.

The research was looking at data about PFAS (per-and polyfuoroalkyl substances), those ubiquitous and toxic “forever” chemicals used in everything from carpeting and snowsuits to plastics and fre-fghting foam. We may be looking at a planetary crisis of yet unknown proportions when you start thinking about how much humans and other living things rely on rainwater for drinking and irrigating crops, among other life-sustaining needs.

But chemical contamination of the planet is just one of nine “planetary boundaries” that scientists have developed. These are thresholds within which humanity can survive and thrive. When a single boundary is crossed, it can compromise other boundaries as well as they are all in-

extricably linked.

The world actually successfully mitigated one of these potentially catastrophic breaches. In the 1980s, scientists became alarmed by the depletion of the earth’s ozone layer, which absorbs most of the sun’s ultraviolet radiation. Without this layer, they warned, exposure to the sun’s rays would cause massive increases in skin cancers and irreversible damage to agricultural crops, plants and microorganisms, ultimately afecting the world’s ecosystems and food chains. So countries came together and in 1987 the Montreal Protocol was signed, a global agreement to protect the ozone layer by phasing out the production and consumption of ozone-depleting substances, such as CFCs. or chlorofuorocarbons. The agreement has been remarkably successful in stopping the depletion of the ozone layer, and scientists are now seeing signs that it is actually repairing itself. A bit of good news!

I don’t spend every day thinking about our planet and whether we are, as a species, engaging in activities that are moving the Earth closer to the edge. During my waking hours, I am mostly focused on the minutiae of

PATTI WOOD Earth Matters

everyday life. But there is a growing number of people across the world, mostly scientists, who are spending their days studying our planetary boundaries and trying to raise both awareness and a warning fag across the global community. Some think the human footprint now rivals nature, becoming a geological force in its own right.

Consumer products that we buy and use everyday are also contributing to the pollution of our air and water, although it’s certainly not as dramatic

as a radioactive release from a nuclear power plant or the derailment and burning of train cars carrying hazardous and cancer-causing chemicals that will contaminate communities for hundreds of miles. But our appetite for red meat, our desire for non-stick pans and mascara that won’t run, our use of plastic everything, our insistence on getting on airplanes and traveling far and wide anytime we choose is a way of life that is having an impact and is not sustainable.

While not front page news, others too are paying attention. The United Nation’s Millennium Ecosystem Assessment concludes, among other things, that changes to ecosystems caused by human activities have been more rapid in the past 50 years than at any time in human history, increasing the risks of abrupt and irreversible changes. The UN Convention of Biological Diversity Researchers is also looking at the alarming rate of extinction of species, which is 100 to 1,000 times more than would be considered “normal” or natural. The group has concluded that the extinction can only be addressed through transformative changes across economic, social, political, and technological factors and

not at current trajectories. Like climate change, human activities are the main cause of this acceleration.

Natural ecosystems have declined by 47% on average: half of the coral reefs have been lost since the late 1800s, 429 million acres of forest have been destroyed and over 85% of wetlands.

The science couldn’t be clearer and it implores our community (i.e. all the people in the world), to understand that we are inexorably bound together. Wealthy countries overall are the drivers of this crisis and poor countries bear the burden. But we are seeing that burden shift to every country with the ravages of climate change.

The nine planetary boundaries are Stratospheric ozone depletion, Biodiversity loss and extinctions, Chemical pollution and novel entities (radioactive materials, microplastics, nanomaterials), Climate change, Ocean acidifcation, Freshwater consumption and the global hydrological cycle, Land system changes, and fnally, Nitrogen and phosphorus fows to the biosphere and oceans. More can be learned at https://greenly.earth/en-us/blog/ ecology-news/all-you-need-to-knowabout-the-9-planetary-boundaries.

DR. TOM FERRARO Our Town

PHOTO BY TOM FERRARO

The polar plunge has become a popular ritual today, which begs the question why.

Expect legal challenge to GOP district lines

At a Feb. 16, 2023, public hearing, Nassau County Republicans took another whack – their fourth — at redistricting.

In fact, it is notable that the day after the February hearing at which the lawyer hired by the Republicans, Misha Tseytlin, a partner in Troutman Pepper Hamilton Sanders LLP, declared the prior Republican map unconstitutional, the Republicans replaced it with yet another map.

This “fnal” map will be subject to the only public hearing on Feb. 27 at 1 p.m., to be followed immediately afterward by a vote by the Legislature to adopt the Republican map at 6:30 pm.

Tseytlin testifed that both the Republican and Democratic maps that had been subjected to prior hearings were unconstitutional (at least he admitted the Republican map was illegal), and that this new map, dated Feb. 9, was submitted instead.

But why was the Democratic map “illegal”? Because, he said, it creates fve – not four – majority minority districts – which Tseytlin called illegal “racial gerrymandering” claiming that violates 14th Amendment Equal Protection.

His argument seemed to put the Voting Rights Act of 1965 and the state’s John Lewis Voting Rights Act on their head.

According to Tseytlin, the Voting Rights Act’s Section 2 prohibited the consideration of race in drawing maps. (Are the Republicans going to defend their map in court by having the state’s Lewis Voting Rights Act declared unconstitutional?)

Just the opposite is true: Section

2 has been understood to mean that it is unconstitutional to draw districts in such a way as to prevent minority voters from electing a candidate of their choice. The Republican argument ignores 40-plus years of law and pretends the law requires race blind redistricting. Race conscious redistricting is permitted and even required under the 14thAmendment when necessary to comply with the Voting Rights Act.

But arguing against “racial gerrymandering” is key to defend the Republican map, which unlawfully dilutes minority voters. Black and Latino voters are cracked (divided) into multiple districts, making it more difcult to elect candidates of choice; Asian voters in North Hempstead are fractured into three districts even though it is possible to unify the Asian community, a community of interest, into one district.

The Republicans’ “racial gerrymandering” argument is being used to disguise what is really going on here: extreme partisan gerrymandering, which is accomplished by ignoring racial and cultural “communities of interest” who tend to vote a certain way in order to reconfgure the maps to their advantage.

In fact, it was the argument of a partisan gerrymander that the Republicans used in the Harkenrider v. Hochul case that overturned Democrats’ Congressional redistricting, and which the Democrats will use in their lawsuit if this map is adopted.

“Extreme partisan gerrymandering” is what the Democrats’ expert, Dr. Daniel Magelby, a SUNY Binghamton political scientist, concluded: that the map that is being jammed through

is an even more extreme partisan gerrymander than the current (2013) map, which similarly was forced through by the Republicans to make a permanent Republican majority on the county Legislature, despite having fewer registered voters than Democrats. He based his conclusion using the same ensemble analysis as in the Harkenrider case.

Indeed, when Tseytlin was prodded repeatedly for who was responsible for drawing maps that divided specifc communities – Lakeview, Hempstead, Bethpage/Plainview — so that their votes and voices would be diluted, Tseytlin would only say the boundaries were drawn “in consultation with the presiding ofcer” – that is, Presiding Ofcer Richard J. Nicolello.

“The presiding ofcer’s primary motivation is to favor Republicans and the Republican Party, and disfavor the Democratic Party,” said David Mejias, who was the Democratic chair of the Temporary Districting Advisory

Commission. “This resulted in maps that are unequivocally an extreme partisan gerrymander.” (Nicollelo refused to allow Mejias to testify on Feb. 16.)

The Municipal Home Rule Law is clear: “Districts shall not be drawn to discourage competition or for the purpose of favoring or disfavoring incumbents or other particular candidates or political parties” and yet in the Republican map, four (of seven) Democrats are impacted by the proposed redistricting: Arnie Drucker and Josh Lazafan are placed in the same district; Carrie Solages is redistricted out of his district; a signifcant portion of the voters in Kevan Abrahams’ new district (where he lives), is split among fve districts, and Roosevelt is moved to another district so that it is no longer a majority minority district.

Coincidence? Random? The Democrats’ expert, Dr. Magleby, said that the way the districts were drawn, in both the Feb. 9 and Feb. 17 maps, could not have happened in 10,000 tries.

“The Republican Proposal demonstrates more bias against Democratic voters than the vast majority of 10,000 neutrally drawn, computer-generated maps,” he said in his analysis.

“That can only happen if it is intentional,” Mejias commented.

The Feb. 17 Republican map makes some slight changes from the Feb. 9 map, but is still an extreme partisan gerrymander and disregards the dozens upon dozens of people who came forward to oppose the Republican eforts to pack and crack, and dilute their votes and their voices.

In the“fnal” map, Hempstead Village is awkwardly split among two

instead of three districts; Old Bethpage is now with Plainview in the 16th District, and Elmont is made whole. Lakeview remains folded into majority white districts of Lynbrook, Malverne and East Rockaway. Also, Freeport is divided so the minority portion of the population moves into a majority white, Republican district. Republicans justify these moves based purely on population numbers – keeping to a 2.5% deviation, when federal law allows 10% and state law allows 5% — but the result is the same: diluting the minority vote.

I’ve sat through several of these public hearings now that have gotten an amazing outpouring of residents, all of them in opposition to the Republican maps, because each had the same impact of cracking, packing, stacking minority and communities of interest in order to dilute their ability to elect a candidate of their choice.

While the people spoke of common religion, customs, civic groups, heritage, language, experience and longtime civic associations to justify staying together as a “community of interest,” Tseytlin defned “community of interest” as having a common train station, frehouse or school district, and absurdly argued that when you think about it, all of Nassau County is a “community of interest,” so there is necessarily “imperfect” slicing to create the 19 districts.

“The Republicans are needlessly exposing the county to a lawsuit resulting in millions of dollars at taxpayer expense all to preserve their own political power,” Mejias warned. For information see: https:// www.nassaucountyny.gov/5455/Redistricting

Nassau GOP draws maps to hold power

Continued from Page 14

Several residents said the map drawn by the Town of Hempstead will be challenged in court as it was in 2013 – and as Langworthy and his fellow Republicans did with congressional maps in 2022.

A state court eventually agreed

with Langworthy that state Democrats had violated New York’s constitution and threw out the congressional map they had drawn. The judge then appointed a special master to draw up what would be some of the most politically balanced maps in the nation.

The redrawn map goes a long way

toward explaining why Democrats in New York lost four congressional districts in the recent elections.

Combined with partisan gerrymandering that took place in Republican-controlled states like Texas and Florida, it also helps explain why Republicans were able to capture the

House of Representatives.

The drawing of maps in Hempstead and Nassau also has major consequences with everything from how the county is policed to home assessments to where money is spent and on what.

Is the Town of Hempstead board

and the Nassau County Legislature required to follow federal and state law?

We hope so. That sounds like what it will take for district maps to be drawn fairly in Hempstead and Nassau County. The alternative appears to be more of the same.

Heights,

KAREN RUBIN View Point

YOUR GUIDE TO THE ARTS, ENTERTAINMENT AND DINING

TREVOR NOAH, WOOD TALK AT TILLES CENTER

BY ANNABEL HOFMANN

The Tilles Center for the Performing Arts will be hosting Trevor Noah for a moderated discussion alongside his “The Daily Show” colleague, Roy Wood Jr., on March 7.

Wood and Noah are going to engage in a dialogue on a range of topics, possibly including their work together on “The Daily Show,” the state of the world today, hosting the Grammys and more.

“He’s such an important voice, Trevor is,” said Tom Dunn, executive director of the Tilles Center. “He brings, I think, international perspective to the challenges here in the U.S. and some youth

and some energy, and we’re delighted to have him here.”

Noah was the host of “The Daily Show” for seven years, after he took over the late-night comedy show from John Stewart. He is from Johannesburg, South Africa, and has written a memoir about his childhood during the apartheid – the strict system of racial segregation that was in place until 1991.

“Bringing Trevor Noah here, I think, is a bit of a statement booking to sort of tell our community that we are interested in younger artists from all perspectives,” Dunn said. “We’re very intentionally looking to reach out to younger and exciting

voices and to bring them into the Long Island community.”

The Tilles Center hosts a range of events, from orchestras to theater to comedy and more. For example, the center put on performances of an original play about the seasons devised and created for kids and adults on the autism spectrum, Dunn explained.

“There’s a little bit of everything and there is something for everybody,” Dunn said.

The Tilles Center also has an educational aspect as part of Long Island University-Post. It hosts matinees for students on field trips, sends teaching artists into schools in Nassau and Suffolk

counties and brings the performing arts to “tens of thousands of learners of all ages.”

“We leverage the visiting artists who come here for the benefit of the LIU students and of students in the neighboring areas,” Dunn said. “That degree of experiential learning, where Tillis can complement the academic experience, is very, very important to the work that we do here.”

More information about the Tilles Center and how to buy tickets to see Trevor Noah can be found on their website.

The key takeaway is that “you do not need to travel to New York City for world-class, live entertainment,” Dunn said.

PHOTO BY MATT WILSON/NETFLIX AND PROVIDED BY THE TILLES CENTER

Trevor Noah, former host of the Daily Show, will be at the Tilles Center on March 7.

EVENTS ARE BACK!

A best of country music at G.N. Library in NHP

The traditional image of country music is of a singer/songwriter strumming his guitar and singing songs about his own life and experiences.

There’s a lot of truth in that image, as such country legends as Ernest Tubb, Hank Williams, Loretta Lynn, Willie Nelson and Kris Kristofferson have made their names singing their own songs.

But they often sang songs by other writers, equally brilliant (if lesser-known) in their own right, people like Elsie McWilliams, Fred Rose, Cindy Walker, Harlan Howard, Hank Cochran and Shel Silverstein. They were the artists behind the artists, but their stories have rarely been told.

Now Tennessee Walt is telling those stories in “Tennessee Walt’s Three Chords” and the “Truth: Country’s Greatest Songwriters,” an allnew show that looks at the people who wrote — but didn’t sing — some of country’s greatest songs, appearing at the Great Neck Public Library (Parkville Branch) on Sunday, Feb. 26.

The artists who are profiled in the new show aren’t household names. They’re the likes of Elsie McWilliams, Fred Rose, Cindy Walker, Harlan Howard, Hank Cochran and Shel Silverstein. Cochran, Howard, Rose and Walker are all in the Country Music Hall of Fame, and McWilliams and Silverstein should be, but even many hardcore country fans have no idea who they were.

“You may not know their names,” Wren said, “but you know their songs: ‘Hobo Bill’s

Last Ride,’ ‘Blue Eyes Crying in the Rain,’ ‘You Don’t Know Me,’ ‘Heartaches by the Number,’ ‘Make the World Go Away’ and ‘A Boy Named Sue’ were all written by these men and women.

“People like Hank Williams, Loretta Lynn and Willie Nelson were brilliant songwriters,” he continued, “but they were also great judges of songwriting, and they knew a song that would be great for them when they heard it. Williams’ ‘Lost Highway,’ Lynn’s ‘One’s on the Way’ and Nelson’s “Always on My Mind” were all written by other people, and they deserve some of the credit for those songs becoming classics.

“This show is a chance for the people behind the songs to get their day in the sun.”

Three Chords and the Truth (the title is from Harlan Howard’s famous definition of a country song) is the sixth show from Tennessee Walt, following on the heels of The Other Great American Songbook, Bristol & Beyond: The Birth of Country Music, Hanks a Lot!, Riding with the Outlaws and An Afternoon in the Country. Those shows have been enthusiastically received in dozens of venues in the greater New York area, as well as in Florida, Michigan, Tennessee and Texas.

Tennessee Walt’s Three Chords and the Truth: Country’s Greatest Songwriters will be presented on Sunday, February 26, at 2 p.m. at the Great Neck Public Library (Parkville Branch), 10 Campbell Street in New Hyde Park. Admission is free. For further information, call (516) 4668055, ext. 273 or visit https://greatnecklibrary. org/branches/parkville-branch/.

Skin tips for winter vacations hot, cold

During the winter months, many people seek to escape the cold and head south to Florida, the Caribbean and other warm destinations, while others prefer heading up north to ski in the mountains.

Going from cold to warm and warm to cold climates can have negative effects on the skin. BoardCertified Dermatologist Dr. Navin Arora of Borealis Dermatology of Garden City and Syosset is sharing his knowledge and recommendations for enhancing skincare practices while vacationing during the winter months.

During his 12 years serving as an U.S. Army physician, Arora has extensive experience treating patients of all races in different regions and climates around the world. His experience gives him a different perspective on how weather and other conditions have an effect on the skin. The following are some of his tips for safe skin protection:

Safe Skin Practices During Ski Season

The winter is the time where many people travel up north to Vermont and Pennsylvania to ski. While in high altitudes and cold temperatures,skin is at risk for frostbite, wind and sunburn. In some areas, snow can reflect up to 80% of the sun’s UV rays.

The World Health Organization states that with every increase in altitude of 3,000 ft, UV rays are strengthened by 10% — 12%. Although people are in cold weather, the sun can still have adverse effects on skin.

It is essential to apply sunscreen periodically throughout the day, especially on the face, ears and areas that are exposed to sunlight. The extreme cold temperatures can also lead to dry, flaky, cracked, itchy and irritated skin.

Before applying sunscreen, people should apply hydrating lotions, creams and moisturizers to keep

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their skin hydrated. Be sure to use the correct type of moisturizers for the correct body part. Hand and body moisturizers should not be used on the face, as it may cause other skin issues.

Skiers should also wear the proper clothing to protect their skin from windburn, sunburn and frostbite. Frostbite occurs in freezing temperatures and worsens the longer skin is exposed.

While spending many hours on the slopes, skiers may not notice frostbite until it is too late. Frostbite is caused when fluids in the skin begin to freeze, causing redness of the skin. As it worsens, the skin will feel warm but cold to the touch, skin will appear waxy and will begin to feel numb; at its worst, skin will turn black as a result of dead skin tissue.

If these symptoms persist, immediately get inside to a warm room and change out of any cold or wet clothing. Then, gradually rewarm the skin with warm water.

Be sure to avoid rubbing the skin and using heated pads as this will only further irritate the skin. If conditions worsen or do not improve, seek medical attention immediately.

To be protected from frostbite, be sure to wear warm layered clothing that covers all areas of the body; most importantly, ski pants, warm socks, a ski jacket, gloves, hat, goggles and a face mask. All protective and cold-weather clothing should also be waterproof.

Limit

hot showers

After a long day on the slopes,it is best to avoid long hot showers. Hot water removes oils from the skin and improves circulation;however, the heat can lead to irritation, causing the skin to turn red.

Excessive heat mixed with soaps that contain harsh chemical ingredients can aggravate dry or

sensitive skin. It is best to either lower the water temperature, or use cool water to gently rinse off at the end of a hot shower. Pat skin dry instead of rubbing with a towel, as this can irritate the skin.

Protecting skin from the sun during warm winter vacations

Ins outhern vacation spots, the sun and UV rays are much stronger all year. Those who are unprepared can experience extreme cases of sunburn. Relaxing vacations sitting on the beach or on a cruise ship deck further increase sun exposure. This can only lead to sunburn or even more severe sun blistering and this doubles the chances of getting melanoma (skin cancer) later in life. To prevent this, it is imperative to wear sunscreen with 50 SPF with UVA or UVB protection.

This sunscreen should be reapplied every 2-3 hours. Wearing the proper clothes such as long sleeves, sundresses, sunglasses, wide-brim hats and umbrellas will also protect the skin.

Aloe and skin moisturizer can also be applied to sooth and rehydrate the skin that is damaged by sun exposure and to treat mild sunburn. For severe cases of sunburn, individuals should seek medical treatment, untreated skin could become infected which could cause scaring.

Know the effects of chlorine pools

While laying by the pool, keep in mind the effects chlorine has on the skin. Chlorine in water eliminates the oils for the skin, resulting in dry, flaky skin. Extensive time in the water can cause skin irritations, rashes, blisters and even burns.

In public pools, bacteria and germs can also cause rashes and athlete’s foot. To ensure the skin is protected, take a shower upon exiting the pool or ocean.

Showering with proper soap and shampoo and scrubbing will wash off any chlorine, bacteria and other chemicals that may be present in pools or oceans. Using moisturizer after a shower will help soothe and re-hydrate the skin.

Next, be sure to always have a dry change of clothes accessible. Staying in a wet bathing suit can cause chaffing and rashes from excess rubbing. Changing into dry clothes will prevent this from happening. To prevent chaffing, be sure to monitor how much moisture is on one’s bathing suit or clothing and a person’s activity level. Walking around in wet, damp clothing puts humans at risk. If chaffing occurs, be sure to apply chafing relief powder, gels and creams. If conditions worsen, please visit a dermatologist.

Keeping skin hydrated

While in extreme warm and cold climates, dry skin is more likely to be prevalent and cause wrinkles, form chapped skin and lips and lead to clogged pores and the formation of or worsening of acne.

Alcohol and caffeine drinks, especially coffee, drain fluids from the body. Whether someone is soaking in the sun or skiing in the mountains, drinking eight cups of water a day and incorporating foods such as cucumbers, lettuce and strawberries into one’s diet can keep the skin hydrated and protected from dryness, irritation and acne.

For questions regarding skin care, please contact Borealis Dermatology to schedule an appointment with Dr. Arora and his team. Borealis Dermatology offers two convenient locations to provide various treatments for patients in the Queens and Long Island areas. Contact Dr. Navin Arora at (516) 246-8800 or visit https://borealisderm.com/to schedule an appointment.

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Tips to tame daily anxiety

indicates anxiety disorders affect 40 million adults 18 and older every year.

Addressing anxiety

There are several steps people can take to alleviate anxiety every day

Signs you or a loved one could be dealing with depression

Anxiety affects millions of people worldwide The Anxiety & Depression Association of America indicates anxiety disorders are the most common mental illness in the United States, affecting 40 million adults age 18 and older every year, which equates to around 19 1 percent of the population

What is an anxiety disorder?

The National Institute of Mental Health says anxiety disorders include panic disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, agoraphobia, specific phobia, social anxiety disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and separation anxiety disorder Though the causes of these anxiety disorders may differ, each is characterized by excessive anxiety and related behavioral disturbances

Anxiety disorders can range from mild to severe, and could affect daily life in various ways Those with anxiety disorders are three to five times more likely to visit the doctor and six times more likely to be hospitalized for psychiatric disorders than those who do not have anxiety disorders, states the ADAA

Who gets anxiety?

Factors such as genetics, personality and lifestyle can determine if a person is likely to develop an anxiety disorder According to Healthline, those in professions such as healthcare and social work, people of color and members of the LGBTQIA+ community are more likely to experience anxiety and elevated stress levels

• Exercise: Moving more may help to relieve stress that can lead to anxiety Study participants who engaged in exercise two days per week reduced overall perceived stress Physical activity also can improve mood

• Sleep: Quality and quantity of sleep can affect mental health Doctors recommend around eight hours of sleep each night If anxiety is affecting sleep, try to establish a healthy sleep routine Turn off screens a few hours before attempting to retire Be sure the bed is comfortable Keep the room’s temperature on the cool side Also, stick to a schedule

• Supplementation: Healthline notes that some studies have found that certain dietary supplements may help with stress and anxiety An eight-week study of 264 people with low magnesium levels found that taking 300 mg of this mineral daily helped reduce stress levels. Combining magnesium with vitamin B6 was even more effective.

• Psychotherapy: The Mayo Clinic indicates counseling or psychotherapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy, can effectively address anxiety CBT often includes exposure therapy, in which a person is gradually exposed to the object or situation that triggers the anxiety to eventually build confidence that he or she can manage the situation and anxiety symptoms

• Medication: Used in conjunction with other techniques, medications may help address severe anxiety conditions. Certain antidepressants and a medication called buspirone are used to treat anxiety disorders. In limited circumstances, sedatives may be utilized, but long-term use is not recommended.

Anxiety disorders can affect anyone. Various techniques could be used to alleviate anxiety.

Depression is among the most common mental disorders in the world. According to a 2019 report from the Institute of Health Metrics and Evaluation, roughly 3.8 percent of the world’s population is affected by depression. That percentage is higher among adults (5 percent) and even more so among adults 60 and over (5.7 percent).

Despite its prevalence, depression still carries a stigma, leaving many people to confront it in silence. However, over the last several years, public attitudes toward mental health have shifted, compelling millions of people to recognize the severity of the threat posed by mental health disorders like depression. That recognition has led various prominent public figures, such as comedian Jim Carrey, athlete Kevin Love and singer/actress Lady Gaga, to publicly acknowledge their own battles with depression. Depression is nothing to be ashamed of, and recognition of that reality may compel millions of people to seek the help they need. One of the first steps toward overcoming depression is to learn how it can manifest itself. Though feelings of sadness are common in people with depression, according to ADA Health, depression is much more than a feeling of sadness, and its symptoms may be masked by physical complaints or substance abuse. That can make it hard to identify signs of depression, which underscores the significance of learning to spot its symptoms. The National Institute of Mental Health notes that the following signs and symptoms could be indicative of depression if individuals have been

experiencing them most of the day, nearly every day, for at least two weeks.

• Persistent sad, anxious, or “empty” mood

• Feelings of hopelessness or pessimism

• Feelings of irritability, frustration or restlessness

• Feelings of guilt, worthlessness or helplessness

• Loss of interest or pleasure in hobbies or activities

• Decreased energy, fatigue or feeling “slowed down”

• Difficulty concentrating, remembering or making decisions

• Difficulty sleeping, early morning awakening or oversleeping

• Changes in appetite or unplanned weight changes

• Thoughts of death or suicide, or attempts at suicide

• Aches or pains, headaches, cramps, or digestive problems without a clear physical cause that do not ease with treatment

It’s important that individuals experiencing these symptoms or those who witness them in loved ones avoid self-diagnosing their conditions or the condition of friends or family members. If any of these symptoms are present for two weeks or more, contact a physician immediately or urge a loved one to do so.

More information about depression can be found at www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/ depression.

The ADAA

Kids can set the pace for long-term health

Long-term health is not something that many young people routinely consider After all, it’s easy to feel invincible during one’s childhood and adolescence But the steps that young people take early on can affect their health as they get older

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, establishing healthy behaviors during childhood and adolescence is more beneficial to long-term health than trying to change poor behaviors in adulthood

The following are some ways young people can set the course for healthy outcomes throughout life

Prioritize healthy foods

According to the childhood recreation group Mountain Kids, habits and actions performed subconsciously are hard to break because repeat habits trigger dopamine in the brain, causing pleasurable feelings that reinforce the behavior So grabbing a slice of cake after school for a snack becomes rote Instead, stocking the

refrigerator and pantry with sliced fruits and vegetables, low-fat yogurt, lean protein like hummus and whole wheat dipping crackers can set the course for more responsible eating behaviors

Eat meals and shop together

Kids can learn what healthy eating and portion control looks like if it is modeled by their parents Children should be involved with reading nutrition labels and understanding the ingredients that comprise the foods they commonly eat When dining out, choose restaurants that utilize menus that indicate the caloric content of meals Children will learn to recognize and embrace nutritious foods and that can continue into adulthood

Eating as a family also benefits mental health Stanford Children’s Health says eating together as a family can encourage children’s confidence in themselves and improve communication Children who regularly converse and interact with their parents may be less likely

to engage in substance abuse or act out at school

Increase physical activity

The CDC says 21 percent of adolescents aged 12 to 19 are obese, and two in five students have a chronic health condition A sedentary lifestyle may be one contributor to these statistics At home and in school, adults can encourage physical activity as an effective means to prevent obesity The Department of Health and Human Service recommends that children and adolescents age six and older get at least one hour a day of moderate or vigorous aerobic activity, such as running or biking Muscle- and bone-

strengthening activities also are recommended. Kids who learn early on to appreciate physical activity reap long-term benefits that extend well into adulthood

Avoid tobacco

Tobacco and nicotine vaping products can contribute to many negative health conditions

Youngsters who avoid these products throughout their lives may improve longevity and reduce their risk for various illnesses

Children who learn healthy behaviors at a young age are more likely to continue those good habits into adulthood, which ultimately benefits their long-term health

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The CDC says 21 percent of adolescents

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Despite what people may believe, colds are not exclusive to the cold weather months and early spring. Although a person is more likely to catch a cold during the winter, it’s still possible to get a cold in the summer. During colder months, people tend to stay indoors in close proximity to others. That can make it easier for contagious cold viruses to spread In addition, during the winter, the air is cold and dry, and these conditions are hospitable to cold viruses In the summer, humidity can impede the common cold’s easy spread, but air conditioning units with recirculated air can reverse the protective nature of this humidity Even though people may spend more time outdoors during the summer, on especially hot days they may retreat indoors to cool off. That’s when cold viruses can thrive. Symptoms of summer colds aren’t different from winter colds However, the heat and humidity of the summer months can make a person feel miserable Also, when cold symptoms keep people from fun summertime activities, it can seem more impactful than suffering in winter when there’s not much to do

Sniffles, cough, sore throat ... these can be symptoms of any number of conditions, but are often a byproduct of the common cold Colds are the result of more than 200 different viruses, according to Johns Hopkins Medicine Adults experience an average of two to three colds per year, and rhinoviruses cause most of them The American Lung Association states that colds are minor infections of the nose and throat. Despite typically producing only mild illness, colds account for more visits to the doctor than any other condition in the United States People will experience many colds in their lifetimes, and this true or false quiz can test their knowledge about them

1. Colds are highly contagious.

Test your knowledge of the common cold Sport Psychology

5. Colds are sometimes serious for people.

True: People with weakened immune systems, asthma or conditions that affect the lungs and breathing passages may develop serious conditions, even pneumonia, from colds that linger

6. Colds can’t be caught from shaking hands.

False: Colds can be transferred through touch, including shaking hands. It’s recommended to wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or to use an alcoholbased hand sanitizer that contains at least 60 percent alcohol

7. You feed a cold and starve a fever.

True: Colds most often spread when droplets of fluid that contain the cold virus are transferred by touch or inhaled.

2. Cold weather or being chilled causes colds.

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False: While many colds occur during seasons when the weather is cold, transmission is likely higher then due to people staying indoors, and thus closer to one another, when temperatures dip But the cold air itself has nothing to do with the cold

3. Antibiotics are a known remedy for a cold.

False: Antibiotics treat bacterial infections, while colds are viral That means antibiotics will be ineffective at helping a person recover from a cold

4. Rhinoviruses that cause colds also can trigger asthma attacks.

True: These rhinoviruses also have been linked to sinus and ear infections.

False: Harvard Medical School says there is no need to eat more or less than usual if you have a cold or flu. However it is important to increase fluid intake to avoid dehydration. Fluids also help keep the lining of the nose and throat from drying out

8. Vitamin C, zinc, eucalyptus, garlic, and others are not proven cold remedies.

True: Various herbs, minerals and other products have gained a reputation as cold remedies but there are no scientific studies that support such assertions.

9. One should avoid caffeine or alcohol while experiencing a cold.

True: Alcoholic and caffeinated beverages can lead to dehydration, which is the opposite of what the body needs to recover

How to avoid repetitive strain injuries

Repetitive strain injuries can upset workflow and compromise exercise routines Though such injuries are often characterized as nuisances, for many people they’re much more than a minor inconvenience

Data from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration indicates that repetitive strain injuries (RSI) affect roughly 1 8 million workers in the United States each year. Such injuries are common across the globe, as researchers in Sweden estimate that roughly one in 50 workers is suffering from the symptoms of RSI These injuries also are not limited to adults, with one study from researchers at Australia’s University of Technology finding that 60 percent of children suffered discomfort when using a laptop

The Cleveland Clinic notes that RSI most commonly affect certain parts of the body, including:

• fingers and thumbs

• wrists

• elbows

• arms

• shoulders

• knees

These areas of the body are vulnerable when people routinely engage in activities in which they repeat the same motions For example, office workers who spend eight hours a day typing away at their computers may develop RSI in their fingers, thumbs, wrists, and/or elbows. Such workers need their jobs, so what are they and others who suffer work-related RSI to do?

Prevention of RSI is not always so easy, but individuals can try various strategies to reduce their risk of developing RSI

neutral position and alleviate wrist pain that results from typing all day Mouse rest pads serve a similar function and can be equally effective A keyboard and mouse pad should be low enough to allow users to relax their shoulders.

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• Consider replacing your desk and/or chair. Desks and chairs also could increase risk for RSI if it they are not compatible Office workers should be able to pull their chairs beneath their desk when they’re sitting and working If the desk is too small or low to the ground to allow that, or if the chair is not adjustable so it can be pulled up to the edge of the desk while working, workers’ posture could suffer, as they will be forced to lean into their desk and narrow their shoulders when typing The Cleveland Clinic notes that improving posture helps people avoid putting extra stress on their bodies that can contribute to RSI.

• Get up and walk around.

Prolonged periods of sitting can increase the risk of RSI Sitting at a desk all day long without taking routine breaks means those parts of your body vulnerable to RSI, such as the wrists, elbows and shoulders, are not moving all day. The strain that puts on these parts of the body increases RSI risk, which underscores the importance of taking routine breaks

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• Make adjustments to your workstation. Individuals whose RSI are a byproduct of sitting at a desk and working on a computer all day long can adjust their workstations to see if this helps reduce strains For example, a keyboard wrist rest is an inexpensive accessory that can be placed between users and their keyboards to keep their wrists in a

• Stretch before sitting down Stretching may be something associated with a workout routine, but the principles of stretching also apply to sitting at a desk Exercise enthusiasts stretch to loosen and protect their muscles and tendons from injury, and the same idea can safeguard office workers as well Some simple stretches throughout the day can keep muscles and tendons in the hands, elbows and shoulders loose and reduce the risk of RSI

Individuals vulnerable to repetitive strain injuries can employ various techniques to reduce the likelihood that these painful and potentially debilitating conditions develop

p , effectively legalizing it throughout the country that October Attitudinal shifts regarding cannabis on the part of legislators have prompted many people to wonder what, if any, medicinal benefits marijuana can provide The National Institute on Drug Abuse notes that very question has been the subject of research and debate for decades. That debate is unlikely to end anytime soon, though the NIDA indicates that suggestions about the potential medicinal properties of cannabis are not unfounded. The NIDA notes that marijuana and its components have been found to have medicinal properties For example, the U S Food and Drug Administration has approved certain medications that contain tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC, which is a compound found in the resin secreted by the marijuana plant These drugs, prescribed in pill form, are used to treat the nausea that can develop in cancer

Attitudes regarding the use of cannabis have shifted significantly over the last decade The National Conference of State Legislatures indicates that, as of early 2022, 37 states, three territories and the District of Columbia allowed the medicinal use of cannabis products By May 2022, 19 states, two territories and the District of Columbia had enacted measures to regulate the nonmedicinal use of cannabis by adults This shifting dynamic also is evident in Canada, where the Cannabis Act of 2018 created a strict legal framework controlling the production, distribution, sale, and possession of cannabis, effectively legalizing it throughout the country that October.

Attitudinal shifts regarding cannabis on the part of legislators have prompted many people to wonder what, if any, medicinal benefits marijuana can provide The National Institute on Drug Abuse notes that very question has been the subject of research and debate for decades That debate is unlikely to end anytime soon, though the NIDA indicates that suggestions about the potential medicinal properties of cannabis

The NIDA notes that marijuana and its components have been found to have medicinal properties. For example, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved certain medications that contain tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC, which is a compound found in the resin secreted by the marijuana plant These drugs, prescribed in pill form, are used to treat the

ugh it has yet to be approved in United States, the mouth spray ex® is available in various of the world, including Canada he United Kingdom The NIDA s that Sativex® is prescribed to iple sclerosis patients to treat pasticity and neuropathic pain ciated with MS oil is one cannabis-related uct to garner significant tion in recent years. CBD refers nnabidiol, a chemical found in marijuana According to the NIDA, the only CBD-based liquid medication thus far approved by the FDA is Epidiolex®, which is used to treat two rare forms of severe childhood epilepsy But consumers undoubtedly recognize just how widely CBD oil is marketed, and the Mayo Clinic notes CBD-infused foods, drinks and beauty products are available online. However, research as to the benefits of CBD is ongoing and limited That does not necessarily mean claims about the benefits of CBD are false, but it also does not mean they’re true or backed by legitimate, recognized medical research

patients receiving chemotherapy. The drugs, which are called Marinol® and Cesamet®, also are prescribed as appetite stimulants to AIDS patients with wasting syndrome

Though it has yet to be approved in the United States, the mouth spray Sativex® is available in various parts of the world, including Canada and the United Kingdom The NIDA notes that Sativex® is prescribed to multiple sclerosis patients to treat the spasticity and neuropathic pain associated with MS

As attitudes about cannabis shift, research could change perceptions about the plant that has its fair share of supporters and detractors Individuals considering cannabis for its potential medicinal properties are urged to speak with their physicians before purchasing any products.

CBD oil is one cannabis-related product to garner significant attention in recent years. CBD refers to cannabidiol, a chemical found in marijuana. According to the NIDA, the only CBD-based liquid medication thus far approved by the FDA is Epidiolex®, which is used to treat two rare forms of severe childhood epilepsy But consumers undoubtedly recognize just how widely CBD oil is marketed, and the Mayo Clinic notes CBD-infused foods, drinks and beauty products are available online However, research as to the benefits of CBD is ongoing and limited That does not necessarily mean claims about the benefits of CBD are false, but it also does not mean they’re true or backed by legitimate, recognized medical research.

As attitudes about cannabis shift, research could change perceptions about the plant that has its fair share of supporters and detractors. Individuals considering cannabis for its potential medicinal properties are urged to speak with their physicians before purchasing any products

are not unfounded

By May 2022, 19 states, two territories and the District of Columbia had measures to regulate nonmedicinal use of cannabis.

Data from OSHA indicates that RSI affects 1.8 million workers in the U.S. each year.

ART DRIVES SOCIAL

ACTION: "THE PLANT A ROW STORY"

@ 9am AT THE HEART OF PLANT A ROW'S SUC‐CESS IS ART! Port Washington Public Li‐brary, 1 Library Drive, Port Washington. marv‐@plant-a-row.org, 516510-8408

SMLI Maple Sugaring Holiday Workshop

@ 10am / $80-$90

Norm Lewis

@ 8pm / $41-$57

Tuesday Feb 28th

Gold Coast Cinema Series presents

2023 Oscar Nominated Live Action

Shorts

@ 7pm / $16

Manhasset Cinemas, 430 Plandome Road, Manhasset. info@goldcoastarts.org, 516-829-2570

A perennial hit with audiences around the country and the world, don’t miss this year’s selection of Live Action shorts. Which short will win? Join in on the fun and cast your vote for the winner on your Os‐car ballot at our screening. One lucky winner from our Oscar ballot will receive a complimentary ticket to any �lm in our upcoming 2023 Spotlight on Jewish Film Festival starting March 14. Winner will be announced after the 95th Academy Awards on March 12

Bored Teachers @ 7pm / $25-$55

The Paramount, 370 New York Ave, Hunting‐ton

Krisi Ardito live at Brixx & Barley in Long Beach

@ 7pm

Brixx & Barley, 152 W Park Ave, Long Beach

Leslie Mendelson

@ 7pm My Father's Place @ The Metro‐politan, 3 Pratt Blvd, Glen Cove

New York Islanders vs. Los Angeles Kings

@ 7:30pm / $31-$1000

UBS Arena, 2400 Hempstead

Turnpike, Belmont Park - Long Island

Learn the ins-and-outs of tree tapping in this fan-favorite workshop! We’ll head to the pre‐serve to drill our own maple trees, explore the syrup-making process, and, of course, have some pancakes! Science Mu‐seum of Long Island, 1526 North Plandome Road, Manhasset. corel lana@SMLI.org, 516564-2274

Michelle Jameson

@ 8pm Bartini Bar & Lounge, 124 N Carll Ave, Babylon

80s vs. 90s Decadia & The 90s Band @ 8pm / $15

Mulcahy's Pub and Concert Hall, 3232 Railroad Avenue, Wantagh

The Concert for Bangladesh Revisited Featuring Wonderous Stories and F

@ 8pm / $41-$71

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

Emmy, Grammy, Tony, and SAG Award nomi‐nee, Norm Lewis, is currently on tour with his albums, "The Norm Lewis Christmas Al‐bum" and "This is the Life." Jeanne Rimsky Theater, 232 Main Street, Port Washing‐ton. info@landmarkon mainstreet.org, 516767-6444

Sat 2/25

The Como Brothers @ 7pm FIRE ISLAND VINES (FIV), 17 E Main St, Bay Shore

Nate Charlie Music @ 9pm Dark Horse Tavern, 273 Main St, Farmingdale

Sun 2/26

Great Neck Winter Market

@ 10am

Great Neck Indoor Win‐ter Market Great Neck House, 14 Arrandale Avenue, Great Neck. deeprootsfarmersmar ket@gmail.com, 516318-5487

Alan Doyle

@ 8pm / $29-$41

Alan Doyle, the pride of Petty Harbour, New‐foundland, whose boundless charisma and sense of humour are eclipsed only by his magnetic stage pres‐ence. Jeanne Rimsky Theater, 232 Main Street, Port Washing‐ton. info@landmarkon mainstreet.org, 516767-6444

Karen Bella @ 3pm Six Harbors Brewing Company, 243 New York Ave, Huntington

Nitzan Gavrieli Music @ 10pm The Keep, 205 Cypress Ave, Flushing

Brooklyn Nets vs. Milwaukee Bucks @ 7:30pm Barclays Center, Atlantic Av‐enue, Brooklyn

Miles for Matt Foundation Celebrate Life X 5K Run/Walk June

3, 2023 8:30 am Start @ 6am / $15-$30

Mar 1st - Jun 26th

3340 Merrick Road, Seaford

SILVER SWIM PASS @ 7am / $30

Mar 1st - Dec 31st

SKUDIN SWIM HOLLYWOOD, 265 East Park Ave, Long Beach. 516-978-7946

Water Aerobics @ 8:10am / Free Mar 1st - Dec 31st

SKUDIN SWIM HOLLYWOOD, 265 East Park Ave, Long Beach. 516-978-7946

S’WONDERFUL, S’MARVELOUS, S’GERSHWIN!

@ 2pm

Fri

Niko Moon: Ain't No Better Place Tour @ 7pm

The Paramount, 370 New York Ave, Huntington

VOYAGE - The Ultimate Journey

Tribute

@ 8pm / $20-$40

The Paramount, 370 New York Ave, Hunting‐ton

Pianist and raconteur Jimmy Roberts show‐cases the very heart and soul of America’s Jazz Age. The Bryant Library, 2 Papermill Road, Roslyn. info@ bryantlibrary.org, 631621-2240

Kat & Brad @ 2pm

Northport-East Northport Pub‐lic Library, 151 Laurel Ave, Northport

John Maurice Restrepo Quartet @ the Twisted Cow Distillery @ 6pm Twisted Cow Distillery, 13 He‐witt Square, East Northport

Kelli Baker Acoustic LIVE at W. H. Burnett's in Oyster Bay @ 6:30pm

W.H. Burnett's Tavern, 22 Pine Hollow Rd, Oyster Bay

Dan Reardon @ 7pm

Piñons Pizza Company, 23 Birch Hill Rd, Locust Valley

The Hot Sardines @ 8pm / $46-$60

Fueled by the belief that classic jazz feeds the heart and soul, the Hot Sardines are on a mission to make old sounds new again and prove that music can bring people together in a disconnected world. Jeanne Rimsky Theater, 232 Main Street, Port Washing‐ton. Richard@land markonmainstreet.org, 516-767-6444

A Flock of Seagulls @ 8pm / $35-$60

The Space at Westbury Theater, 250 Post Av‐enue, Westbury Warped Tour Band @ 9pm / $15

Mulcahy's Pub and Concert Hall, 3232 Railroad Avenue, Wantagh

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Business&RealEstate

What effect will AI have on real estate?

With all the buzz lately about AI, I have been pondering this weekend as to what the future will look like with the technology that has been and will be created going forward. Take ChatGPT, a product of OpenAI, which Microsoft recently funded with $10 billion. Microsoft had previously provided startup capital for the company back in 2019 and 2020.

How will this application potentially afect property, investors, and our real estate industry locally, nationally and globally? I truly believe we are already in Web 3.0, a new era for the worldwide web, and evolving along at hyper-speed with artifcial intelligence as well as the blockchain technology that will provide the power for decentralization, free digital identities with crypto wallets, and open digital economies.

You might ask what efect it will have on real estate? Once learned and absorbed, everything will be recorded and processed with ease and transparency.

According to Samuel Leeds in his Feb. 16 column in Entrepreneur magazine, potential future efects could be dramatic, especially in terms of saving money.

Investors who have multiple properties will be able to use AI to predict with more accuracy maintenance schedules ahead of time by analyzing sensor data and identifying the things in those properties that are being abused and misused while advising tenants to assist in prevention of and reducing maintenance, thereby saving money. When tenants are home

and not home, technology will regulate and minimize waste in the usage of utilities, turning of TVs and lights, too.

There are currently devices that can be used to detect leaks from pipes when you are out or out of town and notify your plumber. Property managers and their crews of contractors will have a better handle on staying on top of sudden emergencies by being immediately notifed and then the required repairs can be addressed ASAP by using AI to be more proactive with predictive maintenance

Home automation is already happening at a very rapid pace between doorbells and external cameras recording everything to lights and smart devices, by using your cell to control and regulate heat while away. Technology will use weather patterns in regulating heat usage, too. The application of motion sensors when no one is home or in the ofce is already in use in both residential and commercial environments. Samsung produces Smart refrigerators that let you know when you are running low on groceries and even enable you to watch cable on it as well as other functions. It’s all happening at lightning speed.

Humans are not be able to comprehend or compute the most intricate and accurate methodologies to analyze information. However, AI can and will be much more capable of precisely and accurately predicting future property prices based on millions of bits of data in one location and the commonality of these

data points in similar areas.

All these data points could predict future market trends and potential investments based on looking at the news, crime statistics, new business openings, business registration records and so much more. With this type of software and technology, investors will be far ahead of the curve compared to others who aren’t using AI and will more easily determine the best investment opportunities.

But the downside of AI for investors could be mistakes in predictions that won’t be checked by humans, specifcally

for tenant privacy issues. and misunderstanding something that a human would not. However, in some situations, information would still need to be analyzed and checked by doing due diligence until AI is more perfected in the future.

Real Estate Brokers using AI will be more reliant on that information when making and providing data for crucial decisions afecting their client’s purchases. However, the balance should be in the combination of using AI and blockchain technology for the betterment and advancement of assisting businesses and consumers in striving for more seamless, reduced paper usage and simplifed transactions in the path to greatly reduce costs.

But most critical, for now, will still be the rapport and relationships that are nurtured and created between Broker and client that AI will hopefully never replace. I frmly believe that the human touch and close business connections that are established will always be necessary in order to perform the required services as well as the social interaction that people will still need and want.

As we have seen with the pandemic, the lack of in-person and social meetings (not on Zoom) has had an immense effect on the mental stability of many in our population. The touch and feel of a handshake, a hug, and a smile will never go out of style and will further enhance that transactional human relationship for the most expensive asset that most purchas-

MULTI-FACTOR AUTHENTICATION (MFA)

ers will ever own. It would be a truly sad day if AI ever replaced the interactions and relationships between the real estate Broker and/or agent and their sellers, investors, buyers, and renters.

These are clickable links (if you are a subscriber or become a subscriber) if you go online to https://theisland360. com/?s=philip+A+Raices

Donate to Turkey Relief

Continue to Donate to the Ukrainian Crisis and save a life or the Donate to The Ukranian Relief Fund InternationalOrganizationforMigrati ona501(c)3Corporation OR:

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Philip A. Raices is the owner/Broker of Turn Key Real Estate at 3 Grace Ave Suite 180 in Great Neck. He has 40 years of experience in the Real Estate industry and has earned designations as a Graduate of the Realtor Institute (G.R.I.) and also as a Certifed International Property Specialist (C.I.P.S) as well as the new “Green Industry” Certifcation for eco-friendly construction and upgrades. For a “FREE” 15-minute consultation, value analysis of your home, or to answer any of your questions or concerns he can be reached by cell: (516) 647-4289 or by email: Phil@TurnKeyRealEstate.Com or via https://WWW. Li-RealEstate.Com Just email or snail mail (regular mail) him with your ideas or suggestions on future columns with your name, email, and cell number and he will call or email you back.

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

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

President

and Founder Sandwire

Technology Group

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

FOR

SUCCESS

PHILIP A. RAICES

Real Estate Watch

PSYCHOTHERAPIST

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Recent Real Estate Sales in

214 Lawrence Lane, Glen Cove

3 bd, 1 ba, 1,278 sqft, Sold On: 11/16/22, Sold Price: $661,500

Type: Single Family, Schools: North Shore

27 Redwood Court, Glen Cove

4 bd, 3 ba, Sold On: 11/7/22, Sold Price: $935,000

Type: Single Family, Schools: North Shore

147 Parkway Drive, Roslyn Heights

5 bd, 4 ba, 2,365 sqft, Sold On: 11/14/22, Sold Price: $1,390,000

Type: Single Family, Schools: East Williston

11 Woodgreen Lane, East Hills

5 bd, 4 ba, Sold On: 11/16/22, Sold Price: $1,330,000

Type: Single Family, Schools: Roslyn

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

Continued from Page 3

portunities as possible.

“We wanted to raise awareness, connect with community members and ultimately really be able to create opportunities for kids to know that they also can go out and give,” Silber said.

Since starting the drives, Silber has been surprised at how people have reached out to them from far and wide, specifcally mentioning Brooklyn and even Missouri.

“We were able to pair some local families with other organizations like the Girl Scouts who were able to provide,” Silber said. “Just knowing the kind of difference we can make by even the smallest gesture honestly blows our minds and warms our hearts.”

More information on The Silber Hearts can be found on their Facebook page.

Teen, mom collecting for needy Herricks gets 1st look at budget

Continued from Page 10

has been fortunate to fnally receive its fair share it should have been [getting], had the formula been working,” Rutkoske said.

There will be further discussions regarding the budget in March and early April. Sinais stressed that “the budget does evolve over time.”

After April 4, however, there can be no more changes to the 2023-24 budget, and it will be voted on by the community on May 16. Rutkoske encouraged everyone to register to vote in order to be able to participate.

The Herricks Board of Education will have its next meeting on March 9 at 7:30 p.m. at Denton School Ave, and the budget will be discussed during this meeting as well.

County Dems bash new GOP map

Continued from Page 1

of 12 Republican ofcials and seven Democrats, was put in charge of reviewing maps, presented by he county’s Temporary Districting Advisory Commission, which split along party lines and failed to agree on a map of its own.

Commission Chairman Frank X. Moroney said in December that Democratic committee member David Mejias’ prediction of litigation was something he had heard from the start of the redistricting process.

Moroney said Republican ofcials asked the Democratic commission to work across the aisle, saying the Democrats “did not want to do that.”

“The only thing that happened here is that the Republicans of Nassau County have guaranteed litigation over an illegal map,” Mejias said in December. “If and when they lose, it’s going to cost the taxpayers millions of dollars.”

New district lines are required to be adopted by the county Legislature in March, ofcials said.

Under the GOP plan, the villages of Roslyn, Roslyn Harbor and parts of Glenwood Landing are included in the 11th District, with Greenvale, East Hills and other parts of Glenwood Landing in the 18th District, Roslyn Estates in the 10th District and parts of Roslyn Heights in the 9th District.

The 9th District population will increase by 1,160 residents,the 10th District will increase by 780, the 18th District will increase by 709, but the 11th District population will decrease by 246, according to data released by the Legislature. The 9th District’s population increase is the second-largest under the newly drawn map, with 18 fewer residents than the 2nd District.

Nassau County Legislature Presiding Ofcer Rich Nicolello is the 9th District legislator, the 10th District is represented by Republican Legislator Mazi Melesa Pilip, the 11th District is represented by Democrat Delia DeRiggi-Whitton and the 18th District is represented by Josh Lafazan, who ran in this past year’s Democratic Primary for the state’s 3rd Congressional District.

The proposal would push Lafazan into the 16th Legislative District, represented by Drucker.

The legislature’s Feb. 27 meeting will be a public hearing of the recently proposed map and a vote on the most recent proposal, according to county ofcials.

Ex-G.N. trader pleads guilty to scheme

Continued from Page 11

Florida, Minnesota, Utah and South Carolina. He was arrested on Feb. 11, 2022.

Parket pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud afecting a fnancial institution and one count of bank fraud, ofcials said. Each count carries a maximum prison sentence of 30 years.

Ofcials said Parket told the individuals that he needed short-term fnancing for real estate investments and allegedly convinced family members to provide him with funds that, he

said, would be used for other investments.

Rather than investing family members’ life savings, ofcials said, Parket pledged all his assets as collateral and used those funds to repay other lenders.

He promised to repay investors with interest but used some loans to pay of other loans and day trading debts. Ofcials also said Parket falsely represented his net worth and ownership in other investment accounts to the individuals via emails, phone conversations, in-per-

son meetings and other documents.

Parket previously acknowledged owing $5.5 million to lenders in other cases fled in New York state courts.

One of the individuals from Minnesota whom Parket obtained funds from claimed to being defrauded of a $4 million loan after Parket listed a false net worth of $27.5 million, claiming jewelry worth more than $1 million.

North Shore proposes $120M budget

Continued from Page 2

their revenue.

One trustee questioned the board’s use of reserve money in the budget and the increase of its use in the future.

“This is the big picture of what we’re doing

here,” board President Dave Ludmar said. “It’s not just revenue projections for 4-5 years from now, but it’s also a way that we have grafted a long-term approach to be able to get through this. I think the message has been for a couple of years that there was going to be a four-pronged

approach to how we’re going to be able to handle this… We have [reserves] and we need them for that ‘rainy day,’ but here we are.”

The next budget review will be held at 7:45 p.m. on March 9 in the Glenwood Landing Auditorium.

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE NASSAU COUNTY LEGISLATURE

The newly proposed Nassau County legislative district map.

Roslyn Estates mayoral race contested

Continued from Page 1

The mayoral race is the only contested election, with challenger Todd Teichman running against incumbent Peters, according to the village clerk.

Residents can vote at the Village Hall, 25 The Tulips, from noon until 9 p.m. on March 21.

The village of East Hills is holding an election for the four positions of mayor, village justice and two trustees. All ofces are for two-year terms, excluding the village justice, who serves for four years.

All candidates for the four positions are incumbents, including Mayor Michael Koblenz, Trustee Brian Meyerson, Trustee Stacey Siegel and Village Justice Howard Jaslow.

The election for East Hills will be held in the theatre at 209 Harbor Hill from 6 p.m. until 9 p.m.

The village of Roslyn’s election is for mayor and two trustee slots.

Only uncontested incumbents are running for these ofces. The incumbents are Mayor John Durkin, Trustee Sarah Oral and Trustee Marta Genovese.

Roslyn residents can vote at the village hall, at 1200 Old Northern Boulevard, from noon to 9 p.m. on March 21.

Residents who have lived in the villages for more than 30 days prior to the election are eligible to vote.

Residents eligible to vote can register in person at the Nassau County Board of Elections on the ffth foor at 240 Old Country Road in Mineola or at any New York State voter registration center.

If residents are unable to vote in person, they may request an absentee ballot. Absentee ballots must be received by the county board at least 15 days prior to the election.

Nassau county residents can get more information on registering to vote on the county’s website.

Chamber hosts ribbon-cutting for Dr. David Kashan

Continued from Page 10

thanking the community along with friends, community members and public ofcials who also spoke. Kashan was presented with a Ten Tier Diamond Award for him and his business. The ribbon-cutting celebration featured sushi, custom-made cookies and champagne.

Kashan said while he and his staf were excited to host the ribbon-cutting to celebrate the business opening, it was just as much about showing his appreciation for the com-

munity’s support.

“As much as it was for us to throw a party for the opening, it was also to throw a party to thank the community for really being so supportive,” Kashan said.

Barbara Kaplan, the chamber’s vice president of marketing and public relations, said the chamber has been hosting ribbon-cuttings for years. She has planned the events for the past six years.

She said that ribbon-cuttings are a great

way for local businesses to be introduced to the community. Ribbon-cuttings are held for businesses typically within their frst year of opening.

“The chamber wants local businesses to succeed,” Kaplan said. “The ribbon-cuttings make a newsworthy event out of their grand opening.”

Kaplan added that the chamber gets many requests from local businesses to partake in their regular ribbon-cuttings “as it is an op-

portunity to celebrate, enjoy some food and make a toast for much success.”

“Everyone loves our giant scissors and beautiful red ribbon,” Kaplan said.

He applauded the chamber’s implementation of ribbon-cuttings as it helps local businesses that are starting out and need help growing their business. He said he would like to invite community members to come by their ofce and meet him and his staf.

N. Shore alumni win Grammy with youth symphony

Continued from Page 2

Shore schools and shared that with so many others.

Antinori and Zhao are personifying the goals of the school district: for students to explore their artistry and share that with the world. That, to Rodriguez, is a “work of art.”

“We want our students to leave here not

only with skills and knowledge, but the excitement and passion to share it and continue it –the confdence to continue developing their artistry,” Rodriguez said.

This Grammy means so much to the school district, Rodriguez said, as it has validated the work that goes into the fne and performing arts department.

“It means that our investment in the whole child really does pay of,” Rodriguez said. “We’re not just thinking about what people think of the traditional academics. We really do help students fgure out and provide the opportunities for them to explore who they are in deeply meaningful ways.”

She said the district’s approach to arts edu-

cation does not happen everywhere, and it is a strength of the district that it approaches educating the whole child and providing them the opportunities to explore a diversity of talents.

Antinori and Zhao can be seen performing with The New York Youth Symphony in concert March 19 at Carnegie Hall in Manhattan.

PHOTO COURTESY OF WIKIMEDIA COMMONS. LICENSE: HTTPS://CREATIVECOMMONS.ORG/LICENSES/BY-SA/4.0/

Three Roslyn villages will be holding elections on March 21, including Roslyn, Roslyn Estates and East Hills.

nassau COMMUNITY CLASSIFIEDS

▼ EMPLOYMENT, SITUATION WANTED, CAREER TRAINING

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Phone:

SCOPE Education Services has IMMEDIATE job openings in all of the Before and After School

located in the Garden City Elementary Schools!

We are looking for energetic applicants who love working with children! Looking to fll multiple Director, Assistant Director, Group Leader and Substitute positions. All positions are part time and can accommodate fexible schedules.

Deadlines

Monday 2:00pm:

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Friday 5:00pm Buyers’s Guide

Error Responsibility All ads placed by telephone are read back for verification of copy context.

In the event of an error of Blank Slate Media LLC we are not responsible for the first incorrect insertion. We assume no responsiblity for an error in and beyond the cost of the ad.

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

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

Great Neck News

Williston Times

New Hyde Park Herald Courier

Manhasset Times

Roslyn Times

EMPLOYMENT

HELP WANTED

Administrative Openings Monticello Central School School Building Principal (2 positions). The Monticello CSD is seeking forward thinking and dynamic School Building Principals who can lead MCSD’s highly engaged faculty, staff, parents, students and community. The successful candidate will have a vision of educational excellence, be highly motivated and demonstrate the ability to impact student learning. Starting salary: $125,000, commensurate with experience. NYS SDA/SDL/SBL Certification Required plus 2 yrs. of previous administrative leadership and 5 yrs. exp. as a classroom teacher preferred. Please apply online my March 5th at: https://monticelloschools.tedk12.com /hire EOE

Counter Help Wanted for the Snack Bar the Parkwood Sports Complex Ice Skating rink in Great Neck. Will train. Please call 516-826-4540

LEGAL SECRETARY Needed for Litigation Attorney in Garden City Part-time 2 to 3 days a week (must be flexible with days and hours) Must type fast and know how to use Dictaphone to listen to cassette tapes100 words per minute Strong organization and time management skills On-site training will be provided to get up to speed on all aspects of job. $38.00/ hour Email resume to Teresa Caruso: tcaruso73@yahoo.com

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HOME HEALTH AIDE with sunny personality seeks job in eldercare. 16+ years experience with Dementia, Alzheimer’s, Stroke, Sundown Syndrome. Excellent references upon request. Call Marcia 347-551-1720

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COMPUTER & IT TRAINING PROGRAM! Train ONLINE to get the skills to become a Computer & Help Desk

Professional now! Grants and Scholarships available for certain programs for qualified applicants. Call CTI for details! (844) 947-0192 (M-F 8am-6pm ET) Computer with internet is required.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

A nonprofit organization in Nassau County is seeking sealed bids for the sale and installation of Blast resistant Film, Impact Resistant Door, Fixed Area Lighting and Physical Access Control. Selection criteria will be based on knowledge of security, adherence to projected work schedule, prior experience, references, and cost. Please email: office@ahavatshalomsynagogue.org for project specifications and bid requirements. All interested vendors must provide primary contact, phone and email address.

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NOVENA TO THE BLESSED MOTHER

EMPLOYMENT

LEGAL ASSISTANT Garden City Attorney Seeks Legal Assistant to work full time or part time. Excellent typing skills and accounting background a plus. Reply to: LTJonesAtty@cs.com OR 516-747-1141

Seeking local lady for help with daily activities. Food shopping, medical appointments and other errands. P/T Flexible Days/Hours. Call 516-829-0542

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FULL TIME Over 25 years experience. Light housekeeping, shopping, activities, appointments etc. Valid driver’s license. Excellent references and fully vaccinated. Please call 516-236-1711

Oh Most Beautiful Flower of Mount Carmel, Fruitful Vine, Splendor of Heaven. Oh, Blessed Mother of the Son of God, Immaculate Virgin, assist me in my necessity. Oh Star of the Sea, help me herein and show me here you are my Mother. Oh Holy Mary Mother of God, Queen of Heaven and Earth, I humbly beseech you from the bottom of my heart to succor me in my necessity (make request). There are none that can withstand your power. Oh, Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to Thee (say three times). Holy Mary I place this cause in your hands (say three times). Amen. This prayer is never known to fail and is to be said for 3 consecutive days. (B.P.)

MARKETPLACE

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MARKETPLACE

A.T. STEWART EXCHANGE CONSIGNMENT SHOP 516-746-8900 AntiquesFurniture-Jewelry-Silver-Mirrors-LampsArtwork Come to Consign & Stay to Shop

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

AUCTIONS

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TOP CASH PAID: ESTATE CONTENTSALL OBJECTS OF ARTJEWELRY, ETC. Please call 718-598-3045 or 516-270-2128 www.antiqueassets.com

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TIME SHARES

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CLEANING

HOME IMPROVEMENTS

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ATTORNEY

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

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PARTY HELP

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HEALTH SERVICES

FAMILY CARE CONNECTIONS, LLC Dr. Ann Marie D’Angelo PMHCNS-BC Doctor of Nursing Practice Advanced Practice Nurse Care Manager Assistance with Aging at Home/Care Coordintion Nursing Home & Assisted Living Placement PRI / Screens / Mini Mental Status Exams Medicaid Eligibility and Apllications 516-248-9323 www.familycareconnections.com 901 Stewart Ave, Ste 230 Garden City, NY 11530

Lavine reads to Glen Cove Elementary students

State Assemblymember Charles Lavine (DNorth Shore) reads to kids as part of a national program meant to encourage reading at home.

Lavine read the book “Stella Luna” to Miss Pilewski’s third-grade class at Glen Cove’s Connolly Elementary School on Thursday.

Lavine was one of several Glen Cove officials and people in prominent positions throughout the community taking part in the PARP (Pick a Reading Partner) Community Readers Day.

“I enjoyed reading to the kids very much, the kids listened attentively and asked smart questions about state government and the role I play in it,” Lavine said. “As a local leader, parent, and now grandparent of kids in the Glen Cove Schools District, I am so proud of the quality of education provided by the hardworking and dedicated professionals in this wonderful system,” he added.

The event is part of a two-week program themed Read S’more at Camp Read-A-Lot in-

volving classes competing with each other to see which can tally up the most minutes reading with their parents at home.

Students have been so successful, principal Bryce Klatsky has agreed to take on their challenge of a ‘drum off ’ with the principal at a nearby elementary school.

The program is organized by Dora Ricciardi, the school’s English Language Arts Academic Intervention Teacher, whose main role is to assist individual children who may need extra assistance in reading.

“It’s extremely important for the kids to be read to aloud to every day as there are so many benefits to that for them,” Ricciardi said. “I try to bring in people from the community to come read to the children and share a little about what their career is and how reading has impacted their lives so the kids have role models to look up to and inspire them to keep reading,” she added.

Bryant Library talk on Yoko Ono by author

Author Madeline Bocaro will speak and answer questions about the life of Yoko Ono — the extraordinary artist, feminist and activist whom John Lennon loved.

The book includes the love story of John and Yoko, the work and music they made together, and Yoko’s relationship to the Beatles.

Ono’s incredible story goes way beyond what most people know.

This free event is generously sponsored by the Friends of the Bryant Library and is open to all.

Herricks Middle School presents ‘Frozen Jr.’

Herricks Middle School recently presented the Disney favorite, “Frozen Jr.” bringing the characters of Elsa and Anna to life on stage through dance, song and story. When Queen Elsa accidentally sets of an eternal winter, her younger sister Anna along with her friends go on a thrilling adventure to save the kingdom. The show featured 71 actors, 25 musicians and a behindthe-scenes stage crew of seven students. Students performed in three sold-out performances on Feb. 10-12.

The show featured all the memorable songs from the animated flm including “Do You Want to Build a Snowman?” “For the First Time in Forever” and “Let It Go.” The production provided opportunities for all the perform-

ers to shine throughout the 14 scenes that took place in the magical land of Arendelle.

Leading roles were performed by middle school students Madelyn Glennon as Elsa, Ashley Paris as Anna, Miles Cohen as Kristof, Rohan Nair as Hans, Claud Tung as Olaf and Gianna Rivera as Sven.

“All of these young performers have worked extremely hard every day after school to put together this production. We had vocal, dance, and staging rehearsals while learning all the aspects of theater as well,” said Tyler Patrick Matos, director and choreographer.

Matos expressed his pride for all the performers. “I had an incredible team by my side, with an amazing group of

Universal pre-K debuts at N. Shore

History was made at the North Shore School District on Feb. 1 as Superintendent Chris Zublionis, Interim Assistant Superintendent CarolAnn Smyth, Glen Head Principal Peter Rufa, Interim Sea Clif Principal Megan McCormack, and members of the North Shore Board of Education happily welcomed the district’s youngest Vikings to the frst day of universal pre-K.

Three classes of approximately 15-18 students joined teachers from SCOPE at Glen Head Elementary, Sea Clif Elementary School and the Glen Cove YMCA. Students participating in the North Shore preK program were determined by a universal lottery that took place in December.

“We now added a 14th grade!

Welcome to our youngest Vikings and their families,” Zublionis said. “Funding for universal pre-K was provided by a New York State Education grant from the Ofce of Early Learning and the Ofce of State Aid. The grant gave the district approximately $5,400 per pre-K student.

It was awarded to the North Shore School District last Spring 2022, along with several other neighboring districts.”

SCOPE Education Services is a non-proft organization founded in 1964 that provides educational services to school districts in the state. SCOPE organizes pre-K programs for numerous districts throughout New York, in addition to running sports and scholastic programs throughout the year.

“We welcomed our frst UPK program this week and it was an incredible experience,” McCormack said. “The classroom was flled with pre-K students who happily attended a full day. The class will follow the school schedule, including the lunch menu, before-care and aftercare. They are already a valuable

talented and dedicated students who wanted to learn and perform,” Matos said. “I hope everyone involved in ‘Frozen, Jr.’ had an enjoyable experience, whether in the cast, crew, pit or audience.” The outstanding vocals prepared by Diana Minerva, choral teacher at Center Street School, along with the beautiful sounds of the pit orchestra directed and arranged by Eve Viavattine, Middle School Orchestra Teacher.

Anissa Arnold, Herricks director of fne and performing arts shared, “I am very proud of the dedicated and talented middle school students along with a professional production team who brought Frozen Jr. to life. Their hard work culminated in this truly outstanding performance.”

Roslyn inducts NHS students

One hundred seventy three Roslyn High School students were inducted into the National Honor Society on Feb. 8.

part of our school community. Our youngest students have met new friends and have had a few visits and welcomes from our oldest students! We are so excited to have the program at Sea Clif School.”

“It was an amazing experience to welcome our youngest Vikings to Glen Head School on Feb. 1”, Rufa said. “In just a few days, they are already embodying our shared values. They are collaborating with each other in hands-on learning experiences, communicating their observations and demonstrated that they are committed individuals by walking into their new classroom with confdence and pride. The entire school has welcomed our new Vikings with open arms, and they were even treated to an impromptu performance by our 5th-grade chorus! I look forward to watching them grow in so many ways over the coming months and partnering with their families!”

Pre-K is a time when the youngest Vikings will now be able to integrate into our schools with children their own age and develop important learning and social skills.

They will also have the opportunity to meet older students and become a part of the school community. All these valuable experiences will beneft each child so that they can learn and grow – academically, socially and emotionally – now and in the future.

“We recently heard that the Governor’s budget has included universal pre-K for the upcoming 202324 school year,” Zublionis said.

“We will begin the universal lottery much earlier this year in March 2023 to begin the enrollment process in preparation for a full year of UPK at the North Shore School District beginning in September 2023. More information will be forthcoming.”

Selection into the NHS is based on fdelity to the four tenants of the society: scholarship, service, leadership and character. All students must have a 90 or above unweighted average to be admitted.

“The Roslyn High School National Honor Society induction ceremony is a time-honored tradition where we recognize and celebrate the new inductees because they have demonstrated a commitment to self-challenge, academic achievement and community activism,” National Honor Society Advisor Laura Wenzel said. “This year’s group of students have excelled in areas of scholarship, leadership and community participation. It was a great evening and I look forward to seeing the continued dedication of the NHS members going forward.”

Superheroes theme at fair

On Feb. 9, the East Williston School District hosted its superheroes-themed STEAM Fair for students at North Side School, The Wheatley School and Willets Road School. The STEAM Fair is a hands-on, interactive event, facilitated by district staf as well as Wheatley students, which featured more than 35 diferent activities based in science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics.

STEAM superheroes were asked to build mazes, towers and balsa airplanes; create Lego launchers and bird feeders; make structures with Doodle Pens and 3D printers; code mul-

tiple types of robots, rovers and drones; create origami watches; explore dissections; analyze active and resting heart rates; and, of course, problem-solve how to save the world with bungee jumps and parachutes.

The annual event serves to foster innovation and creativity through inquiry and handson learning while remaining in alignment with New York State Computer Science and Digital Fluency Standards and Next Generation Science Standards. It allows students to have fun exploring the beauty of science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics felds.

On Feb. 9, the East Williston School District hosted its superheroes-themed STEAM Fair for students at North Side School, The Wheatley School

PHOTO COURTESY OF HERRICKS PUBLIC SCHOOLS

The Herricks Middle School’s recent production of Frozen, Jr.

PHOTO COURTESY OF EAST WILLISTON SCHOOL DISTRICT

and Willets Road School.

The National Honor Society was established in 1921 and is the nation’s premier organization established to recognize high school students.

PHOTO BY RICHARD RITTER, COURTESY OF ROSLYN SCHOOL DISTRICT

173 students were inducted into Roslyn High’s National Honor Society on Feb. 8.

Sports

Great Neck South boys hooping it up

Win 11th straight game with 57-50 playoff victory against Valley Stream North High

BY MICHAEL J. LEWIS

Steve Liebertz has been coaching high school basketball for four decades.

He’s seen and done it all. You’d think someone as seasoned as the Great Neck South sideline leader couldn’t be surprised by much anymore.

But when asked if he saw coming the remarkable run his boys’ hoops squad is currently on, Liebertz laughed.

“No, I didn’t think we’d be able to do this,” the coach said. “I thought they had potential, I thought maybe we’d improve and have a good season. But not this.”

“This” is an 11-game winning streak, the last 10 in the regular season, and a 57-50 frst-round Class A playof win over Valley Stream North on Feb. 17.

Great Neck South hasn’t lost in 2023, its most recent defeat coming on Dec. 29. Led by some precocious sophomore twins, Jesse and John Roggendorf, and junior Jesse Tricario, the Rebels went 15-5 in the regular season and easily captured Conference A-1, their frst title in fve years.

The No. 7 seed in the Class A playofs, GNS eased past Valley Stream North and is due to play No. 2 seed South Side Feb. 21.

“We’ve been playing as one, all fve of us working together on the court, and the last few months it’s all come together,” said John Roggendorf, a 6-foot-5 forward. “Last year a lot of us were young and new to varsity, and we had such great leadership from the older players that have taught us how to lead.”

The Rebels were 8-4 in league last season led by Joseph Fernandez and Justin Semmel, and this year have been led in scoring by Jesse Roggendorf. The 6-foot sharpshooter averages 18.5 points per game and has developed into more of an all-court scorer.

“I have a bigger role to fll, and and a lot of the work I did in the ofseason has helped a lot,” Jesse Roggendorf said. “Really everyone on this year’s team is playing hard and doing everything they can to help us.”

Great Neck South hasn’t just been winning, it’s been blowing teams out.

Only one victory in the streak to end the regular season was by fewer than 10 points, and the Rebels learned from early-season defeats to strong squads from Port Washington, Lynbrook and cross-town rival Great Neck North.

“I wish we could play some of those teams again now because we’re a lot more sound than we were before,” Tricario said.

In addition to the Roggendorfs and Tricario, Liebertz said contributions have been made from Edwin Serpas, who last season wrestled for the school, and Shaun Wei.

“This team doesn’t fuster,” Liebertz said. “They get down, they come back, they don’t ever seem to be overwhelmed or too worried about anything.”

The way last season ended gave the young Rebels even more motivation heading into this year’s Class A playofs. Great Neck South fell 52-51 in the frst round to Clarke, with Jesse Roggendorf audibly wincing when recalling a last-second shot he took that didn’t go down.

“I told him after that game that he’s going to be taking a lot more key shots for us, a lot more,” Liebertz said. “And that he’d make a lot of them.”

Tricario, whose dad Anthony also played for Liebertz, said that the roll the Rebels have been on can only help when things get tough in the postseason.

“We’ve talked about how last season ended and that motivates us,” Tricario said. “We know we can’t take any team lightly. But it’s been so fun seeing the students and the school get behind us. We want to keep it going and give them reasons to keep supporting us.”

PHOTO COURTESY OF GREAT NECK SOUTH HIGH SCHOOL

Great Neck South and sharpshooter Jesse Roggendorf won its final 10 games of the regular season.

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