Roslyn Times_2023_07_07

Roslyn grants athletic awards for teens killed

School creates memorial rewards in honor of Hassenbein, Falkowitz

BY CAMERYN OAKES

Roslyn High School introduced four new athletic awards in honor of Drew Hassenbeing and Ethan Falkowitz, two middle schoolers who died after the car they were traveling in was struck by a truck allegedly being driven by a drunk driver.

Hassenbein and Falkowitz, both 14, were killed on May 3 while driving home from a tennis match celebration. Their car was hit by Roslyn resident Amandeep Singh who prosecutors say was under the influence of alcohol and cocaine and driving 95 mph on the wrong side of the road.

Both middle schoolers played on the high school’s varsity tennis team.

Each of the teenagers had two awards offered in honor of them, one devoted to tennis and the other booster basketball – the sports both teens participated in.

Michael Brostowski, director of health, PE & athletics for the Roslyn School District, said the idea for the scholarships came from their tennis coach who did not want the teens to be forgotten by their community.

“Establishing a memorial award in their names was the very least that we could do as a school community,” Brostowski said.

The awards were handed out at the

Senior Athlete & Spring Sports Awards Night at Roslyn High School on June 12. Both of the teens’ fathers presented the awards at the ceremony on behalf of their sons.

The Roslyn Tennis Drew Hassenbein Scholarship Award is given to one male and one female varsity tennis player who has exemplified academic excellence, leadership, athletic commitment and community service with integrity, a strong work ethic, team and personal commitment to their sport. The recipients were Gavin Koo and Ava Veneziano.

The Roslyn Booster Basketball Club Drew Hassenbein Award was awarded to Spencer Smith for his passion and talent in Roslyn athletics which is similar to Hassenbein’s.

“Not only was Drew a tremendous tennis player, but he was also a talented and passionate basketball player, participating in Roslyn Booster Basketball starting at an early age,” the scholarship description states. “Drew was a fierce competitor on the court and someone who was focused and motivated on achieving his goals. You could always count on Drew to hustle and make a big shot. Off the court, Drew was a kind soul that was admired and respected by teammates, coaches and competitors alike.”

Continued on Page 25

Christopher Morley pool closed by county parks

BY CAMERYN OAKES

Christopher Morley Park’s pool has been a staple in the community for kids and adults alike to escape the summer’s sweltering heat. But

this summer it will not be opening –nor another summer in the foreseeable future.

Nassau County Legislator Delia

DeRiggi-Whitton (D-Glen Cove) told Blank Slate that she had spoke with

the Nassau County parks commissioner who confirmed the pool in Roslyn Heights will be closing.

DeRiggi-Whitton said the decision was made by the parks adminis-

Continued on Page 26

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE ROSLYN SCHOOL DISTRICT

Principal Craig Johanson congratulating a student. See story on page 36.

Town suspends building commissioner

BY BRANDON DUFFY

North Hempstead Building Commissioner John Niewender was suspended without pay for the month of June for workplace retaliation, Supervisor Jennifer DeSena said.

The building department is currently undergoing an audit that DeSena requested last year by Nassau County Comptroller Elaine Philips.

“This suspension shows that my administration has a zero-tolerance policy for workplace retaliation, and will hold our management to a higher standard than in prior administrations,” DeSena said in a statement to Blank Slate Media. “While I can’t comment further on the specifics, since I took office, I have expressed deep concern regarding the operations of the Building Department under the prior administrations, and this situation does nothing to allay my concerns about the department’s ability

nuBest salon, spa a cut above the rest Celebrates 50 years serving clients

BY KARINA KOVAC

Michael Mazzei, 83, had a vision 50 years ago when he signed a 99year lease on the Best & Co. department store in Manhasset.

His ambitious goal was to transform the space into a “department store of beauty,” with comprehensive services beyond what a salon typically offers.

Today, Mazzei looks back on the dream that became a reality, nuBest Salon and Spa, which officially opened on June 19, 1973, coincidentally Mazzei’s birthday.

With a team of over 100 hairstylists, colorists, nail technicians, and aestheticians, the salon is still a thriving hub of beauty and self-care, catering to thousands of clients a week in a bustling 20,000-squarefoot space.

“Celebrating nuBest’s 50th anniversary feels like a dream,” said Mazzei, “I am so proud of what my family and I have been able to achieve with nuBest. We have created a community for our clients with the help of nuBest’s highly trained

and extremely talented staff.”

In 1973, the salon offered more than beauty services. It was a shopping destination for clothing, which provided customers with purchasing options and a unique experience. Over the years, Mazzei has continued to redefine what a salon is and put his creativity into product development.

In the 1990s, Mazzei collaborated with the former creative director of the salon’s color department, Leland Hirsch, to create ARTec, a line of hair care products. The line was later acquired by L’Oreal, the world’s largest cosmetics brand.

In the early years, Mazzei started his expansion strategy, breaking through walls to incorporate adjacent spaces into the salon. This allowed for the creation of a separate color department and spa area. Mazzei has become known for his innovation and staying ahead of industry trends. This intuition led him to hire architects in the 1980s to give the salon a modern and captivating facade that still stands today.

Continued on Page 25

to manage day to day operations in a professional and efficient manner.”

Gordon Tepper, spokesperson for the town, told Blank Slate Media the town does not comment on personnel matters.

DeSena sent a letter to Niewender on May 19 alerting him of his upcoming suspension. Earlier this year DeSena said she had to intervene on behalf of the comptroller’s office to have the building department turn over certain documents.

An independent investigation was conducted by the law firm Lamb & Barnosky LLP, which the town uses as outside counsel to investigate equal employment opportunity complaints, and was obtained by Newsday named inspector Paul Vetere as who filed the complaint.

The report said Niewender and assistant to the commissioner Joseph Geraci reprimanded Vetere during an

Aug. 8 meeting for “bashing” them to other employees, Newsday said.

The Nassau County Comptroller’s office told town officials on Aug. 8 they would be beginning the audit that DeSena previously requested last July.

Niewender has been in his current role since 2014 and worked in various capacities in the same department since 2004.

In 2007, five building department officials were indicted after a 16-month investigation by then Nassau County District Attorney Kathleen Rice for receiving favors and payments in exchange for granting permits without inspections.

All five were later convicted, including former Commissioner David Wasserman, who was sentenced to one year in jail in 2008 after pleading guilty to grand larceny and falsifying business records.

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PHOTO COURTESY OF THE OFFICE OF THE SUPERVISOR Nassau County Comptroller Elaine Philips is currently auditing the North Hempstead Building Department.

PHOTO PROVIDED BY NUBEST Michael Mazzei.

Taking away kids’ fear of the dentist

North Shore Smiles in Roslyn prioritizes tailored, compassionate care for children

BY CAMERYN OAKES

The dreaded message: “You are due for your annual teeth cleaning.”

But Dr. Tiana Hakimi is working to eliminate that dread by establishing positive memories at her Roslyn Heights dentist’s office for children to take into their adulthood.

North Shore Smiles Pediatric Dentistry is located on the second floor at 25 Red Ground Road in Roslyn Heights. It is owned by board-certified pediatric dentist Hakimi who, after 15 years working in the field, opened her own practice in March.

Hakimi is a graduate of the New York University College of Dentistry who began her career practicing general dentistry.

But in 2013, Hakimi shifted her career aspirations slightly when she discovered a calling for pediatric dentistry.

Hakimi said the goal of her dentistry practice is to be patient-centric and provide a pleasant dental experience for children to prevent fears and misconceptions of the dentist’s office later in adulthood.

Hakimi said that many of the fears of the dentist in adulthood are formed during an individual’s childhood, and she said this is avoidable by treating a

child with compassion.

“A lot of those phobias and fears start in childhood,” Hakimi said. “So

in order to prevent those fears, or the misconception that the dentist is scary or painful if you shape these experi-

ences in a positive light for someone who is young and a child, those fears do not come to reality and get extin-

guished.”

She said every child is different and therefore requires different approaches to their dental care.

At Hakimi’s office, this starts with speaking with the parent for the dentist to understand any needs or concerns of the child before treating them. She said this is important as getting to know the patient as a child can be beneficial in making them more comfortable.

Taking this information, the dentist can then cater their care to the child to prevent any traumatic incidents.

She said children also have the ability to make decisions during their treatment, from choosing the flavor of their toothpaste and fluoride to the show they watch while they are being treated.

“The child does get a lot of say in the appointment so they don’t feel out of control and they feel like they are participating,” Hakimi said.

She said they also cater their verbiage to the child, using phrases like “putting their tooth to sleep” to make them feel more comfortable with the care they are receiving.

“There’s a way to say things to a child to make the child feel comfort-

PHOTO COURTESY OF TIANA HAKIMI

Dr. Tiana Hakimi opened North Shore Smiles Pediatric Dentistry to offer compassionate dental care to children.

Edward Stack, ex-Hall of Fame prez, dies

Port Washington resident, 88, helped lead baseball organization for more than 60 years

BY CAMERYN OAKES

Edward W. Stack, former president of the Baseball Hall of Fame, died June 4 in a Port Washington senior care facility at the age of 88.

The New York Times reported that his daughter, Amy Stack, said his death was caused by complications of an injury that led to the amputation of his left leg.

He is survived by his wife, Christina Stack, daughters Amy Stack, Kimberly Stack and Suzanne Stack, three grandchildren and his sister.

Funeral services were held on June 15 at the United Methodist Church of Sea Cliff.

Stack served as president of the Hall of Fame from 1977 to 1993. He spent more than 60 years in leadership positions for the organization.

“Ed Stack’s leadership and vision guided the museum for six decades as the Hall of Fame grew in size and stature,” Jane Forbes Clark, chairman of the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum, said. “We were privileged to have him serve this institution and the Village of Cooperstown in so many capacities, and his legacy of dedication, generosity and compas-

sion will remain with us forever.”

After stepping down as president, Stack remained on the Hall of Fame’s board until his death a month ago.

Stack was born Feb. 1, 1935 in Rockville Centre and grew up in Sea Cliff.

He graduated from Pace University with a bachelor’s degree in business administration in 1956. After graduating, he joined the The Clark Estates family business.

Stack became the secretary of the Baseball Hall of Fame Museum

in 1961 after the death of founding President Stephen C. Clark.

Just 16 years later, Stack became the third president and chairman of the institution.

He is remembered for his contribution to the organization’s growth

while in leadership positions.

“I worked closely with him on projects to expand the Hall of Fame and the Hall of Fame Library,” Howard Talbot, the late former Hall of Fame director, was quoted saying in a press release. “He always knew how to get people to work together.”

Stark also served as director of The Clark Estates, vice president and director at the Clark Foundation, the Scriven Foundation, the Nourse Foundation, the Fernleigh Foundation, the Baseball Assistance Team and The Farmers’ Museum. He was also a member of the Salvation Army’s Nassau County Advisory Committee.

He received the Otsego County Chamber’s Citizen of the Year award in 2001, the United States Baseball Federation’s Executive of the Year Award and the Congressional Achievement Award in 1990.

Pace University awarded him an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree and Alumnus of the Year.

In lieu of flowers, the family requested donations be made to the United Methodist Church of Sea Cliff, the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum or the Glimmerglass Opera Festival, Cooperstown, N.Y.

Gounaris named prez of Herricks ed board

BY BRANDON DUFFY

The Herricks Board of Election swore in James Gounaris and Henry Zanetti as president and vice president, respectively, for a second straight year during their reorganization meeting Saturday.

Gounaris also provided updates on the Herricks High School tennis courts, which are currently locked.

The two trustees also won their most recent re-election bid. Gounaris defeated challenger Bhajan Ratra while Zanetti was re-elected in an uncontested race during district elections in May.

Gounaris said the tennis courts are in need of significant repairs and that they were locked in the winter to preserve them for the spring tennis season and they are currently locked because of construction set for the summer. The president added the courts would be reopened to its normal usage once the work is complete.

The courts are going to be

fully rehabilitated, Gounaris said, with new foundations, resurfacing, paint and nets.

“We pride ourselves on always having our facilities availably, it’s been that way since I’ve lived here and the board expects to move forward with that,” Gounaris said. “We un-

derstand it’s an inconvenience to many people who use those courts in the summertime but unfortunately we have no other window of opportunity to do this type of work.”

The tennis courts at Herricks Middle School are expect-

PHOTO COURTESY OF WIKIMEDIA COMMONS, LICENSE: HTTPS://CREATIVECOMMONS.ORG/LICENSES/BY-SA/4.0/ National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum, Cooperstown, N.Y.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE ISLAND 360 ARCHIVES Herricks Board of Education President Jim Gounaris, left, and Vice President Henry Zanetti.

ranked 2nd best for kids in N.Y.

BY BRANDON DUFFY

Cohen Children’s Medical Center in New Hyde Park was named one of the best children’s hospitals in the state for the 17th year in a row.

The hospital ranked second on U.S. News & World Report’s list of best hospitals for children in New York, only behind New York-Presbyterian Hospital-Columbia and Cornell.

Hassenfeld Children’s Hospital in Manhattan, part of the NYU Langone network, earned the top spot in New York for pediatric cardiology and heart surgery care while being named the fifth-best children’s hospital in the state. Hassenfeld Children’s also earned a top-15 national ranking for pediatric cardiology and heart surgery.

“Once again, Cohen Children’s Medical Center has achieved high rankings for the groundbreaking work being done by our team members in a variety of specialties,” Northwell Health President and CEO Michael Dowling said in a statement. “We understand how stressful a hospital stay can be – not only for our young patients but for their families. For this reason, every member of this hospital’s staff works together to provide a comforting and healing environment for the children and

the people who love them.”

Cohen Children’s also earned top-50 national rankings for nephrology, cancer, pediatric pulmonology, pediatric urology, neurology, neonatology, pediatric diabetes and gastroenterology, according to the news outlet. The hospital also tied for seventh best children’s hospital in the mid-Atlantic region, which includes Delaware, the District of Columbia, Maryland, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Virginia and West Virginia.

Honors and accolades, specifically from U.S. News & World Report, were named in a recent suit filed by Langone against Northwell in June.

Langone, which has a hospital in Mineola, alleges Northwell, intentionally copied their “unique” color and font in multiple forms of advertising–including billboards and digital ads–to exploit their reputation.

The lawsuit, filed in New York’s Southern District Court, accuses Northwell of engaging in “deceptive trade practices.”

Langone cited its placement in U.S. News & World Report’s 2022-2023 “Best Hospitals Honor Roll,” the top spot in New York and No.3 in the nation, as evidence of goodwill and reputation that Northwell has not achieved.

PHOTO COURTESY OF NORTHWELL HEALTH

Cohen Children’s Medical Center earned eight top-50 national rankings in special care by U.S. News & World Report.

N. Shore beaches get grades from A- to C

BY BRANDON DUFFY

North Hempstead Beach Park in Port Washington received an A- in the nonprofit Save the Sound’s water quality rankings.

The town-owned beach was the highest of four in the North Shore graded in the biennial report, receiving its highest grade in five years.

North Hempstead Bar Beach in Port Washington received a B grade for the fourth consecutive year while Manorhaven Beach and Village Club at Sands Point, which is privately owned, earned C+ and C grades, respectively.

Manorhaven Beach was also included in the 10 lowest-scoring beaches in the region from 2020 to 2022.

Of the over 200 beaches included in the report, 78% of Long Island Sound beaches earned A or B grades, according to a release.

“Water quality at beaches across Long Island Sound has come so far – but we may be at a tipping point. Increasing rainfall brought on by climate change threatens to undo decades of progress unless we act now,” Vice President of Water Protection David Ansel said. “We’re calling on elected officials to prioritize investment in repairs and improvements to sewer lines and stormwater systems. Steps we take in the next five years may well set the course for the health of Long Island Sound over the next 50.”

Poor water quality can be attributed to, among other things, pollutants in stormwater runoff that reach the beaches, the nonprofit said.

“There’s abundant impervious surface covering extensive areas in our region that precipi-

NHP man killed by LIRR train

BY BRANDON DUFFY

A New Hyde Park man died Monday after being struck by a train at the village’s LIRR station, the MTA said.

Shaheryar Muzaffar Gill, 28, was hit around 9:15 a.m. in an incident that caused delays and cancellations to Port Jefferson, Oyster Bay and Ronkonkoma until full service resumed by 11:00 a.m., the MTA said.

An investigation is ongoing and no criminality is suspected, the MTA said.

tation cannot penetrate. Instead, it runs off our roofs and driveways, the streets, parking lots, and sidewalks of our neighborhoods,” the nonprofit said. “It has to go somewhere, so torrents of stormwater make their way into storm drains that discharge into nearby waterways or run directly into Long Island Sound or the rivers and

streams that feed it.”

Septic tanks pose another challenge to increasing water quality. Earlier this year the North Hempstead Town Board allocated $3.1 million in American Rescue Plan Act funds to convert businesses on Plandome Road in Manhasset to a main sewer line.

Town takes temp on climate change

BY BRANDON DUFFY

A survey distributed last year by North Hemsptead’s Climate Smart Communities Task Force showed that over 70% of people that responded are concerned about the impacts of climate change in the town.

North Hempstead’s Town Board and task force sent the survey out in June 2022 which received approximately 500 responses that were collected and analyzed, according to a town release.

Key findings include 84% of respondents feel climate change is an urgent problem that needs to be prepared for, 73% felt unsafe from extreme storms and 72% from a loss of power and 84% are concerned about climate change for the next generation

About half of the respondents see the biggest barrier for progress as a resistance to change while 67% answered politics, according to the town.

“It is always important to check in with residents to ensure that their priorities match ours,” Supervisor Jennifer DeSena said in a statement.

“Results from the survey confirm that our residents are worried about the impacts of climate change and want to get involved with actions the Town is planning to reduce emissions and help us adapt and thrive in a changing environment.”

An overwhelming majority of respondents, 83%, said they want to be part of the solution and they are interested in engaging in solutions

that could include reducing waste, increasing recycling and resiliency measures, among other things.

Climate Smart Communities is a state program that helps municipalities work to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. North Shore villages that are registered as a Climate Smart Community along with the town include Flower Hill, Great Neck Estates and Great Neck Plaza.

“It is clear that this is an urgent, time-sensitive issue that the community recognizes,” said Council Member Mariann Dalimonte said. “The town will be embarking on new initiatives to help our environment and participating in climate actions and projects to help us become a Climate Smart Community. I am very proud of efforts I am leading, including introducing a bike share program in Port Washington to reduce car dependency and adding oysters to our waterways to improve our water quality.”

In March, the town board voted to adopt a Climate Action Plan, which includes a goal to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 20%.

Staff from all town departments and the state Department of Planning and Environmental Protection will be responsible for overseeing the implementation of the plan.

Oversight efforts include tracking and monitoring progress toward emission reduction goals, identifying proposed changes in policy, education and engagement, among other things.

“The information gathered from the survey enables us to prioritize certain climate-smart projects based on community interest,” Council

The town will also be continuing a program started last year where one million oysters will be placed in Manhasset Bay. A single adult oyster may filter up to50 gallonsof water every day.

North Hempstead Council Member Mariann Dalimonte, whose district 6 includes Manorhaven Beach, North Hempstead Beach Park and Bar Beach, said she is committed to improving the water quality at Manorhaven.

“The Town of North Hempstead takes the quality of our waterways very seriously. I was very pleased to see the grades at North Hempstead Beach Park and Bar Beach, but clearly work still needs to be done to improve the water quality at Manorhaven Beach,” Dalimonte said in a statement. “I can assure the residents of North Hempstead that I will work proactively with my colleagues on the Town Board and other partners in government to enhance Manorhaven Beach’s water quality.”

North Hempstead Supervisor Jennifer DeSena said the report, released on the first day of summer on June 21, shows where more work could be done.

“When they [residents] see results like this, that we have some excellent beaches and some that really need our attention, they will join in our efforts,” DeSena said in a statement. “And they’ll support what we spend in our budget … getting safer water quality.”

Save the Sound compiled data for the report from information collected by health departments for each community, which is uploaded to the Environmental Protection Agency Water Quality Portal database.

The Town of North Hempstead’s Climate Smart Communities Task Force distributed a survey in June 2022 gauging residents on climate change.

Member Veronica Lurvey said. “For example, the findings showed increased interest in reducing the greenhouse gases emitted by landfills through activities such as composting. I am very interested in a municipal compost program that will make composting more accessible to our residents.”

The survey will again be redistributed every five years to gauge the progress in reducing fears of climate change in the town.

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE TOWN OF NORTH HEMPSTEAD

PHOTO COURTESY OF WIKIMEDIA COMMONS

North Hempstead Beach Park in Port Washington.

Rep. Santos silent in return to court

documents to congressman’s defense

BY CAMERYN OAKES

Embattled Rep. George Santos appeared in federal court Friday where prosecutors say they had delivered about 80,000 pages of documents to the defense earlier in the week, as reported by CNN.

For the first time since he pleaded not guilty last month to a 13-count federal indictment, Santos appeared in court where he was reported to have sat in silence for the duration of the hearing.

His federal indictment includes seven counts of wire fraud, three counts of money laundering, one count of theft of public funds and two counts of making materially false statements to Congress.

If convicted of the top charges, Santos could face up to 20 years in prison.

His next hearing is scheduled for Sept. 7, a week prior to Congress going back into session. The judge originally proposed Sept. 14 but Santos’s attorney, Joseph Murray, requested an earlier date in order for Santos to return to sessions.

Murray said Congress’ August recess would be a suitable time to review the plethora of documents handed from prosecutors. He told the judge the defense and prosecutors had a “good working relationship” when establishing the next court date, CNN reported.

Santos has admitted to lying about his education and work history, but he has notaddressed other inconsistencies and has equivocated when asked about his business dealings and how they related to his political efforts.

Federal prosecutors accused Mr. Santos of orchestrating a scheme to solicit political contributions that he used for personal expenses; of fraudulently receiving more than $24,000 in pan-

demic unemployment benefits while he was actually employed; and of knowingly making false statements on House financial disclosure forms.

Santos is also being investigated by the House Ethics Committee. Republican House members rejected a Democratic proposal to expel Santos from the House.

The 3rd District representative was arrested in May following the charges

and released on a $500,000 bail bond that was co-signed by three individuals.

Santos refused to release the names of the individuals, one of which repealed their sponsorship due to media coverage of the arrest.

A federal court ruling made by Federal Magistrate Judge Anne Shields determined that Santos had to reveal the names of the co-signers on his $500,000 bond.

Santos and his attorney Murray, whose law office is located in Great Neck, fought the ruling through a June 9 appeal.

The appeal letter from Murray stated that a “media frenzy” has ensued in the wake of 13 federal fraud charges granted filed on May 9 against Santos and his arrest the following day.

“These attacks have been extremely angry, anti-gay, anti-Republican and all around anti-social,” Murray states in the letter. “Moreover, even the government recognizes the unique and potentially dangerous/harassing environment that Defendant has been subjected to in that the government was so kind to offer assistance for Defendant entering the courthouse on May 10, 2023, by avoiding the mass of media that had appeared at the courthouse.”

Murray stated in the letter that releasing the names of the co-signers of his bail bond would subject them to the

same harassment. He said due to the political climate, the threat of political violence, the co-signers’ ages and employment, their privacy interests are “more concerning.”

He said that if their names are released, it is “very likely” the co-signers, who we now know are Santos’ father and aunt, will withdraw as well land may subject Santos to pretrial detention and more onerous conditions.

After weeks of refusing to reveal the names and fighting federal court rulings, court documents unsealed Thursday reveal the co-signers to be his father and aunt.

Santos’ father Gercino dos Santos Jr. and his aunt Elma Preven signed a $500,000 unsecured bond that bailed the representative out of jail after his arrest for 13 federal charges.

As the bond is unsecured, Santos’ father and aunt did not have to put down any cash or property to bail out the representative.

The two family members are responsible for Santos to appear in court and follow the terms of his release. If he does not, they would then be responsible for paying the $500,000 bond.

Under his bond agreement, Santos, who is running for re-election, may travel between New York and Washington, D.C., but must obtain advance permission for other trips.

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE SANTOS CAMPAIGN

Republican U.S. Rep. George Santos.

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Helen Keller hosts Access-Ability Awards

Helen Keller Services, a national non-profit working with individuals who are blind, have low vision,DeafBlind and/or have combined hearing-vision loss to live, work and thrive, this week hosted its 3rd Annual AccessAbility Awards recognizing companies, non-profits organizations and individuals doing work to support the individuals who are DeafBlind, blind or have low vision in a variety of ways.

The awards were timed to coincide with both the June 27tbirthday of Helen Keller and with DeafBlind Awareness Week, celebrated June 25 to July 1.

The awards were hosted by Academy Award-nominated director Doug Roland, who wrote and created the 2019 short film “Feeling Through,” about a young man’s chance encounter with a DeafBlind man that changed his perception of the disability.

The awards were presented in a special virtual ceremony on Tuesday, June 27 at 3:00 – 3:30 p.m. EST and broadcast virtually on the Helen Keller Services website here.

“In recent years, we have observed significant advancements in fostering accessibility and inclusivity within the communities we engage with. However, there remains a substantial amount of work yet to be done,” said Sue Ruzenski, CEO of Helen Keller Services. “We are privileged to recognize the commendable efforts of these companies, as they utilize their skills and resources to enhance the accessibility and inclusivity of our society through their services, practices, products, and initiatives to promote workforce diversity.”

The recipients of this year’s Access-Ability Awards were:

Navilens: This groundbreaking technology company has developed a system using your mobile camera to scan and get the necessary information contextualized throught the NaviLens accessible QR code, to enhance accessibility for visually impaired individuals, including those who are DeafBlind. NaviLens helps make cities smarter and more inclusive. The capabilities of the NaviLens code allow users to interact more easily and be accessible with their environment.

Kellogg’s: As part of Kellogg’s Better Days®Promise commitment to inclusivity and accessibility, the company has incorporated NaviLens codes on the packaging of some of its most iconic cereals in the U.S.

The technology allows blind, partially sighted, and DeafBlind people to find the boxes from a few feet away and hear information on the products using the NaviLens app on their smart phones. Kellogg is the first food

company in the world to use NaviLens on product packaging. Procter & Gamble: P&G actively promotes accessibility and inclusivity in their products and work environment. Their commitment extends to the DeafBlind community, including Haircare brand Herbal Essences is one of the pioneers in (the accessibility) field, adding raised stripes to their shampoo bottles and raised circles to their conditioner bottles. P&G is setting the industry standard for superior packaging design — products that are both sustainable and accessible. They too have stated to use Navilens on packaging seeing the need to make it as accessible as possible.

Netflix: Netflix is one of the world’s leading entertainment services with 233 million paid memberships in over 190 countries. Through expanding Audio Description and Subtitles for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing to be available in more languages and in more films and series, Netflix is working to create an entertainment experience for everyone regardless of language, device, connectivity, or ability, and connect members to their next favorite story. NV Access: Development of a groundbreaking screen reader called NVDA (Non Visual Desktop Access) for Windows computers. A not-for-profit software development company, that is revolutionizing technology access for the blind and vision impaired. Through their free and open-source screen reader, NVDA, blind and DeafBlind individuals are empowered worldwide. The nonvisual desktop access software is available in 175 countries, 55 languages and is used by 250,000 people worldwide. We thank NV Access for removing barriers and providing equal access to education, employment, and daily life for blind and vision-impaired people at no cost to the user.

Compass 365: Compass365 is the SharePoint/Microsoft 365 services division of General Networks, an industry-leading IT systems integrator that delivers

technology consulting to customers who need to manage and process business-critical information. As a Microsoft Gold Partner and employee-owned they had the opportunity to make HKS intranet accessible at Compass365 transforming organizations using SharePoint/Microsoft 365. With their expertise and dedication, they empower businesses to leverage technology, enhancing efficiency and effectiveness across industries and make it accessible for all. Helen Keller Services benefited directly when Compass helped make HKS’ new intranet, Helen’s Hub, accessible to blind and deafblind employees.

“The companies we are honoring have made remarkable strides in enhancing the quality of life for individuals who are DeafBlind, blind, and have low vision,” said Larry Kinitsky, Chairman of HKS. “We are sincerely thankful for the commitment of numerous companies in advancing accessibility, and we eagerly anticipate continued innovation in the times ahead, improved accessibility and look forward to more innovation in the future.”

The primary objective of DeafBlind Awareness Week is to foster a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by DeafBlind individuals and to celebrate their unique abilities and contributions to society. Throughout this week, various organizations and advocates host events and activities to increase public awareness and promote inclusivity and accessibility for DeafBlind individuals.

This year’s campaign focused on working-aged adults in the DeafBlind community, highlighting the Helen Keller National Center’s role in connecting them with employers. The theme for this year’s campaign is “OFFICE ROCKSTARS CAN BE DEAFBLIND!” Allies and supporters of the DeafBlind Community can show their support on social media by posting and using the hashtag #HKSDBAW2023 throughout the week.

Fairness in education should start here

Private universities across the country are scrambling to respond to the ruling by Republican-appointed members of the Supreme Court that race cannot be used in making college admission decisions.

Some are describing the Republican court majority as conservative or ultra-conservative in making its ruling on Affirmative Action.

Reversing nearly 50 years of precedent, policies and procedures instituted by private institutions to diversity the racial compositions of their schools is anything but conservative.

But it is now the law of the land. So what now?

The first target of those seeking to promote diversity and fairness in the admission process is rightly preferences for legacy applicants whose parents or grandparents attended the school.

There is no evidence that legacy students are better qualified and those admitted under the preference are overwhelmingly white. Lawsuits have already been filed against the practice at Harvard University.

Larry Summers, the former Treasury secretary and president of Harvard, also called for colleges taking a hard look at admissions preferences for those who excel in “aristocrat sports” and “resist being impressed by those who have benefited from highpriced coaching through the admissions process.”

Summers also recommended the elimination of early decision and early admission options to make the process fairer for applicants from less sophisticated and less-advantaged families.

These suggestions would certainly be jarring to North Shore parents and students, who have greatly benefited from these practices. But they would make the system fairer.

The University of California Davis has come up with another approach to ensure diversity in its student body by increasing black enrollment – a socioeconomic scale.

The scale rates every applicant from zero to 99, taking into account their life circumstances, such as family income and parental education. Admission decisions are based on that score, combined with the usual portfolio of grades, test scores, recommendations, essays and interviews.

This system answers one of Affirmative Action’s flaws – giving minority children of wealthy parents, particularly with Ivy League degrees, who attend prep school an advantage over poor kids from disadvantaged backgrounds with access only to substandard public schools.

Additional changes should also address another Affirmative Action flaw — the disadvantaging of AsianAmerican students — of whom there are many on the North Shore.

All of these proposals are intended to correct for what Justice Sonia Sotomayer called in her dissent “an endemically segregated society where race has always mattered and continues to matter.”

But efforts to level the playing field in college admissions are actually downstream from where the problems for blacks and Latinos actually begin — in public schools.

In Nassau County and across the country, public schools are called the first step in leveling the playing field for children of all races. But, in fact, they do the exact opposite.

Thanks to a public school system primarily financed by property taxes, districts that are predominantly white or Asian spend far more per student than districts that are predominantly black or Latino.

This state-sanctioned system puts black and Latino students at a disadvantage from the get-go.

On the North Shore, spending per pupil is high but ranges dramatically from $47,627 in the North Shore School District to $27,00 in Herricks.

Next year, East Williston will spend $42,627 per pupil, Great Neck $40,000, Roslyn $39,344, Mineola $38,140, Manhasset $35,334 and Port

Washington $34,571.

None of these districts’ black population is more than Roslyn’s 3.4%. Hempstead School District, which is predominantly black, spends $22,600 per pupil.

The high spending per pupil on the North Shore is intended to provide the best education and best support for getting children into the best colleges. Which leads to better-paying jobs once they graduate.

This advantage is the reason many people have moved to the North Shore.

Many North Shore parents will increase that advantage by providing their children with after-school tutoring, courses to improve scores on national tests and even writing application letters.

For a parent, doing everything they can to help their child be well prepared for college and to get into the best colleges is natural.

But these advantages tilt the playing in the favor of children living in affluent districts, which tend to be predominantly white and Asian, especially on Long Island, Long Island is one of the most segregated suburbs in America where,

as of 2019, half of the black population lived in just 11 of the island’s 291 communities and 90 percent lived in just 62 of them, according to 2017 census estimates.

This is not by accident.

The segregation seen on Long Island is the direct result of where roadways were built, the setting of boundaries for the 124 school districts, housing prices, and racial steering and blockbusting.

They are also the work of the federal government, which until the 1960s used redlining to deny blacks mortgages, and the private sector.

William Levitt, who is widely credited with being the father of modern suburbia beginning in Nassau County, barred the sale of homes to blacks and prohibited the resale of properties to blacks through restrictive covenants.

These policies go a long way in explaining the enormous gap in family wealth between blacks and whites in this country.

Nor did discrimination against blacks on Long Island end with the passage of the Civil Rights Act and the Fair Housing Act in the 1960s, which barred discrimination.

A 2019 investigation by Newsday found that some real estate agents routinely steered prospective buyers to areas based on race.

Summers said he believes “much of the strength of our university system derives from its pluralism, with fierce competition among institutions large and small, public and private, sectarian and non-sectarian, specialized and liberal-arts oriented, research or teaching focused.”

And even the Supreme Court in its affirmative action ruling exempted the military academies “in light of the potentially distinct interests that military academies may present.”

Elected officials at every level in New York should now address how to make the public education system fairer to black and brown students before they apply for college.

One way would be to further decrease or, even better, eliminate the large disparity in spending per pupil between school districts through further changes to state aid formulas. This means more money for less affluent districts and the same or less money for more affluent districts.

Did Merrick Garland spit the bit on Jan. 6?

There has been extensive reporting of late about the DOJ and FBI slow-walking the investigation into the White House’s role in the fake elector scheme and Jan. 6 attack against the Capitol.

That is even though Merrick Garland pledged he would pursue justice without fear or favor, when he was being vetted to become attorney general.

“More than a year would pass before prosecutors and FBI agents jointly embarked on a formal probe of actions directed from the White House to try to steal the election,” reported the Washington Post on June 20. “Even then, the FBI stopped short of identifying the former president as a focus of that investigation,” wrote Carol Leonnig and Aaron C. Davis who broke the story.

Did Garland slow-walk the investigation intentionally? Was he driven, consciously or unconsciously by political considerations?

The Department of Justice’s mis-

sion is to enforce federal laws, seek just punishment for the guilty, and ensure the fair and impartial administration of justice.

Even so, “A wariness about appearing partisan, institutional caution, and clashes over how much evidence was sufficient to investigate the actions of Trump and those around him all contributed to the slow pace,” according to Leonnig and Davis.

As the DOJ and FBI aggressively pursued hundreds of blue-collar foot soldiers who committed criminal acts including violently assaulting law enforcement officers on the grounds of the Capitol, they appeared to have dragged their feet for more than a year in going after the white-collar plotters, the higher-ups, who endeavored to steal the election by orchestrating a coup.

As delays mount, what one observes is Trump getting the special treatment that he quite often projects onto his adversaries, undermining the people’s faith in the rule of law.

It is indeed political to sit on one’s hands and do nothing. Garland clearly did not do nothing. However, as the old adage goes: justice delayed is justice denied.

Am I being overly harsh in questioning the motives behind the apparent inertia? Was the initial delay

in aggressively pursuing the case an overcompensation by DOJ so as not to appear partisan? Did AG Merrick Garland act without fear or favor? If not, why not?

Any perceived timidity by Garland in DOJ’s pursuit of the White House plotters is inherently political. Assigning Special Prosecutor Jack Smith was an important step in the right direction, but the timing was such that Trump’s tried and true tactic of delay prevailed.

Smith, in his investigation of the mishandling of classified documents, has secured a grand jury indictment, in which Trump was charged with 31 counts of violating a part of the Espionage Act.

It remains to be seen how much time was made up by Smith’s efforts. Further delays in the timing of the trial could blow up the investigation depending on when the trial is set and or what the outcome of the 2024 presidential election is.

In the former case, with further

delays, no trial might happen until after the election. In the latter, should he win the presidency, Trump will obliterate the investigation and begin the pardon parade.

“When this dark chapter is over and Trump has been held accountable, we’ll need to do an autopsy to ascertain why DOJ/FBI leadership failed to meet the urgency of the moment,” tweeted former federal prosecutor Glen Kirschner.

Any time partisan sensitivities factor into helping the wealthy, connected, and powerful to evade accountability for their bad acts, faith in the rule of law diminishes and loses all credibility, respect, and integrity.

In this case, I am left with the impression that Lady Liberty peaked over her blindfold, held up a forefinger to see which way the wind was blowing, and decided to lean into political consideration, as opposed to expeditiously pursuing justice.

Or, did Merrick Garland just spit the bit?

New York’s last master builder is gone

There are very few people who read this column who know much about a man named Richard Ravitch, which is their loss.

Ravitch passed away a few days ago at the age of 89. There are some people who you could write about who accomplished one thing and that could be monumental.

But Ravitch did multiple things for the people of our state, which makes his loss so historic. His passing is a strong reminder of how few, if any, real leaders are left in New York.

Ravith was first and foremost a builder. His company HRH built many affordable housing projects such as Waterside and Manhattan Plaza, the Whitney Museum of American Art and the Citicorp Center.

These were accomplishments in and of themselves but he did so much more.

At times when the state was in need of a creative mind, he was there with ideas and was able to get

results.

When New York City was on the verge of bankruptcy, he stepped in with a bold plan to save the city and its eight million residents from the possible collapse of the Big Apple.

When the state’s mass transit system faced a literal shutdown, he was asked to take over the Metropolitan Transportation Authority.

He came up with numerous suggestions on how to rebuild an aging and dying system. He found ways to buy new subway, bus and commuter equipment without saddling the riders with massive fare increases.

Every day the MTA was a challenge, but Ravitch was never afraid to take on more and more headaches, followed by solutions.

My favorite Dick Ravitch story took place during my time as chairman of the Assembly Ways and Means Committee. We were in the middle of a late-night session when Ravitch asked if I had a few minutes to spare.

While the floor debate droned on, he sat down to make what he

called a “minor request.” I asked what he needed and he wanted “$500 million to create a Metro card system for the subways and buses.”

My response was, “Dick are you asking for a half a billion dollars” and he replied “yes.”

I asked for more information, especially about the issue of what the

unions might say to a proposal that might cost them some jobs.

“If you get me the money I will take care of the union issues and give the riders a faster way to use the mass transit system,” he said.

I wasn’t quite sure how to get that much money but promised to try to help him carry out a brilliant idea. Two months later, I got a commitment from the governor for the funds and gave Dick Ravitch the money he needed to create the Metro Card system.

Somehow, whenever New York State had an emergency the name of Richard Ravitch came up.

In 2000, when Lt. Gov. David Paterson was elevated to the position of governor, he turned to Ravitch and asked him to be his lieutenant governor.

At that stage in Ravitch’s life, the last thing he needed was to go back into public service.

But Ravitch never ran away from a challenge and he accepted the assignment. By joining Paterson he accomplished two things. He

helped firm up the state operations and gave Paterson instant credibility.

Once Ravitch finished his term in Albany, he could have retired from the public scene, but instead took on more and more challenges.

In 2011, he joined with Paul A. Volcker, a former chairman of the Federal Reserve to form a state budget crises task force to draw attention to the fiscal vulnerabilities of governments across the country. That was followed by his appointment to advise a federal judge and the governor of Michigan on how to keep Detroit from falling into bankruptcy.

I look upon Dick Ravitch as the last of the master builders.

I don’t refer to just bricks and mortar alone. He was a brilliant strategist, a smart negotiator and a person who never quit until he got the job done.

There are no more Dick Ravitchs on the horizon, which makes his passing, a more gigantic loss for every New Yorker.

Heights,

The fear of success afflicts many athletes

We have all heard the term ‘fear of success’ but few actually understand what it means. I think ‘fear of success’ may be one of the human being’s biggest problems yet little is written about it.

It was Freud who first wrote about it in his 1925 essay “Those Wrecked by Success” but no one has been able to expand upon this odd and counter intuitive concept since then.

Freud suggested that success often to illness since people often feel undeserving and sometimes guilty about success.

Well, let’s take a moment and try to deconstruct this odd term ‘fear of success.’

The best way to understand something is to find a good example of it. So let’s take Naomi Osaka, formerly the tennis world’s No. 1 ranked player and see what we can learn.

It certainly was not a fear of failure that prompted her to walk away from fame and fortune at the ripe old age of 21. In her farewell note to the tennis world she admitted that she was just too sensitive to continue to try to cope with the pressure, the questions from the media and the expectations placed upon her young shoulders.

She had enough and said ‘no more.’

She is not alone in her inability to cope with the crucible of success and the pressure it brings.

The “27 Club” refers to the many celebrities who committed suicide by drug overdose at age 27 to escape from the anxiety-ridden pressure of success.

This would include Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin, Kurt Cobain, and Jim Morrison to name but a few. Some lasted a little longer like Marilyn Monroe and Michael Jackson.

These are all good examples of the level of anxiety experienced when one finally gets to that magical place

where you get to drink from the poisoned chalice of fame and fortune.

Now you may ask yourself, that’s all well and good but how does all that apply to little old me? How could I suggest that the fear of success is mankind’s biggest problem, even bigger than your fear of failure?

To answer that I will use one of Carl Jung’s favorite metaphors called liminal space.

Liminal space is the concept which means that there are doorways or thresholds that we must walk through to get to the next level of success. He called these doorways liminal space, the process of transition or the threshold to the next level.

Anthropologist Arnold van Gen-

VIEW POINT

nep and noted mythologist Joseph Campbell also frequently wrote of liminal space in a religious or spiritual context.

But we do not have to go beyond the every day to observe there threshold spaces that we are faced with if we are to transcend ourselves and become a success.

A salesman who must make that phone call, a golfer who must finish off the round in order to win an event or a young man who wants to say hello to the girl of his dreams, these are all threshold moments that we need to get through in order to succeed.

But, alas, many of us sense the danger involved in getting to the next level not just because we fear rejection as we walk through the doorway, but because we fear the anxiety and pressure to be felt when we get into the next room.

The salesman knows that after he makes the call, he will have to have that extended conversation in order to make the sale.

The golfer knows that if he continues to make pars, the closer he gets to 18, the more anxiety he will experience.

And the young man who is afraid to say hi to the girl of his dreams also realizes that after he says hello, he is going to be faced with the pressure of an extended conversation. It is only

the movie “Jerry Maguire” that the girl says “You had me with hello.”

Life is never that simple.

I think the fear of success is something that most people experience subconsciously and this means that success is assiduously avoided by them.

Instead of trying to grab the brass ring and go for it all, people turn away, embrace mediocrity and leave all the heroics to movie stars and athletes. It is enough for most people to experience the tension of pressure, warfare or competitive anxiety from the safety and security of the couch.

Or as Arnold “The Terminator” Schwarzenegger would say “no pain, no gain and no guts, no glory.”

Most people say they want success but I think most are instinctively afraid of what happens when they get there.

Do they have the guts, the fortitude and stamina to handle the pressure? I can almost hear a Jack Nicholson shout “Pressure! Pressure! You punk, you can’t handle pressure!”

The truth is that the higher you go up, the tougher the competition and the tougher the foes you must face. That seems to be the truth of it and the question is how does one go about finding the courage to walk through that doorway and live up to one’s true potential?

New tyranny on Independence Day 2023

Last year at this time, I expressed little to celebrate Independence Day after the White Christo Fascist Supermajority on the Supreme Court declared women less than full, sentient adult citizens with agency over their body, their life, or their future.

This year, the SCOTUS6 repeated their shameful, shameless crusade to overturn diversity, inclusion, equality and progress toward the revolutionary American ideal of “freedom and justice for all” with their decisions declaring gender nonbinary humans less entitled to human rights or decency, and affirmative action in college admissions and Biden’s effort to help those struggling to get into the middle class through student debt relief after generations of systemic discrimination “unconstitutional.”

They perversely cited “equal protection” and “First Amendment” rights, when in fact, they are undermining the hard-won progress toward equal protection while giving supremacy to some over others in exercising rights to speech and religion.

“I am disgusted that the assault on human rights by the Supreme Court continues,” declared Gov. Kathy Hochul. “This decision — released on the final day of Pride Month — to roll

back the rights of LGBTQ+ couples will be devastating to people across the country who are simply looking to love the person they choose. Here in New York, the birthplace of the modern movement for LGBTQ+ equality, we remain committed to implementing laws and policies that protect this community. We will never stop fighting for equality.”

Now the SCOTUS6 are stepping up their misogyny and contempt for women and children having equal opportunity to survive, let alone thrive and live in freedom, in announcing they will consider overturning a law that keeps firearms out of the hands of domestic violence abusers and protects survivors.

This comes one year after the Court recklessly overturned a century-old law that established commonsense gun safety regulations in New York (at the same time overturning state’s rights, while handing the abortion issue over to states), with mass shootings now at a rate of two a day, 120 killed and 200 injured each and every day, and guns the leading cause of death for those under 18.

How does this square with the Declaration of Independence’s statement, “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are cre-

ated equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.”

July 4th is supposed to celebrate “freedom” from tyranny, but this Supreme Court majority that holds itself unaccountable – shielded from accountability for corrupt influence and conflicts of interest – has assumed monarchal power.

We saw it in overturning Voting Rights (passed by Congress), the COVID mandates (negating the concept of “public health” and a government’s

obligation to secure the welfare of its people), and climate action (overturning the Clean Water, Clean Air and Environmental Protection acts).

The SCOTUS6 have basically said they have the authority to make, change or repeal law, not the Congress, and repeal any policy or action by the executive branch (that is, except when a Republican is in office, then the Unitary Executive theory of the Federalist Society prevails), and their decisions, no matter how contorted or contrived, cannot be questioned (and yet they have no problem reversing generations-long precedent when it suits, essentially questioning the decisions of prior justices).

What all these laws that the SCOTUS6 have overturned have in common is that they move the nation closer to its ideal of the right to life, liberty and happiness for all, not just the privileged and powerful.

So much for checks and balances which have preserved a government “by the people” for 247 years. These justices have said they are immune, untouchable and unaccountable by ethics or laws that govern other public officials including judges.

They have the unmitigated gall to suggest the fabulous riches, luxuries and favors taken from wealthy and

powerful political and ideological activists have not bought their access and favor — that smacks of how the Church sold indulgences to erase the sins of wealthy parishioners.

I give the Supreme Court no credit for its 6-3 ruling against North Carolina Republicans in Moore v. Harper, which centered around the fringe Independent State Legislature Theory – a fabricated doctrine that asserts state legislatures have sole authority to establish federal election laws without review by state courts or governors. (Three of the SCOTUS6 were fine with that egregious theory which basically would allow the state legislature to overrule popular vote and state constitution: Justices Clarence Thomas, Neil Gorsuch and Samuel Alito.)

That’s not the only tyranny that we Americans are being subjected to, who, like frogs in a gradually heating pot, naively believe in the inevitability, endurability of the “Land of the Free” (much as in the oxymoron, “American Exceptionalism”).

Besides the tyranny of the Supreme Court monarchists, we are ruled by a tyranny of the Minority enabled by the antiquated Electoral College (established in order to preserve

Continued on Page 18

DR. TOM FERRARO Our Town

KAREN RUBIN View Point

PHOTO BY TOM FERRARO

Fortune favors the bold

Silencing voices, concerns on Leeds Pond

Many Americans are concerned about the ongoing undermining of our democracy by people in government and by fellow citizens.

Whether it’s maligning people for speaking out against police brutality and painting them incorrectly as “anti-law enforcement” or establishing barriers and hurdles to voting through legislation, there are all too many examples of people trying to keep other people from exercising their free speech rights because they don’t like what is being said.

Too often it’s not even really about not liking what’s being said; it’s more about creating an us vs. them situation in the pursuit of power. It would be more effective, and more democratic, to hear each other, and find common ground to build on for the common good.

This silencing of others is also happening in our community right now.

A group of our neighbors is speaking out against a request by a developer to place a large amount of fill on a residential housing building site located on Leeds Pond in the Village of Plandome Manor.

At a recent Board of Zoning Appeals meeting, at least three well-respected scientists and landscape professionals spoke in favor of denying the developer’s application.

They based their recommendations on their own analysis and conclusions regarding the damage to Leeds Pond that would be caused by the fill and its runoff. Hundreds have signed a petition and others have submitted public comments opposing the application because of the harm the fill would have on the pond.

In response to the opposition, the mayor of Plandome Manor sent a letter to her constituents, accusing the opposition of providing false in-

formation, in a flyer distributed by Save Leeds Pond, a group formed to organize the opposition.

The mayor wrote, “[i]t appears that inaccurate and misleading information is being disseminated to the residents of Plandome Manor and the Town of North Hempstead by an anonymous village resident through a flyer and petition titled “Save Leeds Pond.”

I would like to take this opportunity to dispel any misconceptions surrounding the matter at hand.”

The letter proceeds, “[t]he flyer and petition mention a Board of Zoning Appeals (BZA) application that allegedly affects Leeds Pond. I want to assure you that the information presented in the flyer is entirely incorrect. The BZA application pertains solely to the amount of fill placed on a piece of property. There is no work being proposed that affects Leeds Pond whatsoever.”

The mayor’s assertion that “no work being proposed . . . affects Leeds Pond whatsoever” fully disregards the testimony of multiple experts to the contrary and has no factual basis.

There is work requiring fill and the fill will affect Leeds Pond. Therefore, there is work that affects Leeds Pond. The mayor’s letter directs residents to disregard what the opposition is saying on the mayor’s say-so, without any justification other than the Mayor said it.

In her letter, the mayor highlights that the state Department of Environmental Conservation approved a permit for the construction project as proof that the current request to place fill on the site is not problematic.

As she writes, “it is essential to note that the building project in progress has received full approval from the [DEC]. The DEC, being an authoritative regulatory body on wet-

LYNN CAPUANO Earth Matters

lands like Leeds Pond, has evaluated and granted their consent for the project, ensuring compliance with all relevant state and village codes. All necessary precautions and measures have been taken to adhere to the guidelines and regulations set forth by the DEC, ensuring the environmental sustainability and integrity of the area.”

Unfortunately, this is a misrepresentation.

DEC awarded a permit for the construction. Now the developer wants to unload a substantial amount of fill on the site. That has not been reviewed by DEC and certainly hasn’t been approved by DEC.

Read carefully, it is clear that the mayor’s statements are not accurate. The DEC issued a permit for: “Removal and reconstruction of a singlefamily dwelling. Installation of a new septic system.”

It requires that “[a]ny … excess excavated materials shall be immediately and completely disposed of on an approved upland site more than 100 feet from any regulated freshland water.”

The reason for this is to prevent

runoff of the material (silt, soil) into the pond where it will damage the pond and its ecosystem.

The permit also requires that the work area “be graded to conform with the elevation and contours of the undisturbed land immediately adjacent to the work area.” The permit was issued in March 2022.

In April this year, DEC issued the developer a notice of violation for not complying with the grading requirements of the permit and for clearcutting vegetation within a wetland without a permit.

The current application to the village to place fill on the property at the very least undercuts the intent of the permit as the runoff from a smaller pile of fill on the property is causing erosion and sedimentation already.

Not only does the mayor mispresent information, but she in turn accuses the opposition to the application of misrepresenting information without ever stating what information was misrepresented.

In essence, she calls the opposition liars and then expects that people should believe her that there is nothing to be concerned about.

She invokes a permit from another government entity to give herself some credibility, but a careful reading of her statements quickly exposes her misrepresentation of the situation.

In one of the last few paragraphs of the letter, the mayor writes, “We understand the concerns that may arise from hearing such information, especially when it pertains to our cherished ecosystems. However, it is our duty to provide you with accurate and reliable information, dispelling any misconceptions that may cause unnecessary anxiety or worry among village residents and environmentalists.”

After offering to answer ques-

tions, the mayor reiterates her primary message, “In conclusion, I would like to emphasize that the flyer and petition circulating within our community contains misleading and inaccurate information. I urge you to disregard these documents and trust the expertise of the relevant authorities who have ensured that all appropriate protocols are followed.”

We still don’t know what the misleading and inaccurate information is nor do we know who the relevant authorities are or what protocols they followed to address the specific issue of the fill and the threat it presents.

The letter ends with “We remain committed to transparency, accurate communication, and the well-being of our beloved Village.”

It is as if saying, being committed to transparency is the same as being transparent. Unfortunately, this is not the case.

It is incumbent upon all of us to stand up in the face of efforts to shut down voices and to challenge those that accuse others of falsehood without any evidence or basis for doing so other than to try to silence them.

However, the threats to Leeds Pond are real; just as real as they were over thirty years ago when people speaking out to bring attention to threats to the pond from sediment, succeeded in getting a coordinated and successful effort to restore the health of the pond.

Again, the pond and its entire ecosystem are endangered and we must speak out to protect it and to protect our neighbors who are exercising their democratic and constitutional right to voice their opinions.

I have no doubt Save Leeds Pond organizers and supporters would happily speak with the mayor.

Please visit https://saveleedspond.org/u-can-help/ to see what you can do to help.

Remember bus driver Ralph Kramden?

Gotham Bus Company driver

Ralph Kramden would have enjoyed the NYC Transit Museum 30th Annual Bus Festival this past June 10. It included a display of vintage buses from decades ago. Up until 1969, bus drivers had to make change and drive, at the same time. No one dared bring any food on the bus or leave any litter behind.

In the mid-1960s, air-conditioned buses were just becoming a more common part of the fleet. You had to pay separate fares to ride either the bus or the subway. There was no Metro Cards affording free transfers

between bus and subway along with discounted weekly or monthly fares.

Employee transit checks to help cover the costs didn’t exist.

This older generation of buses did not include air conditioning we take for granted today. They were nonexistent during the 1964-65 New York Worlds Fair. Air-conditioned buses were still a novelty. In 1966, NYC Transit purchased 600 buses with this new feature. Subsequently, all future new buses would include air conditioning.

By the 1990s, 100% of the bus fleet was air-conditioned. This year marks the 54th Anniversary of NYC Transit

bus drivers no longer having to use a coin collector to make change for riders. Aug. 31, 1969 was the first day that bus riders either had to deposit a subway token or the exact amount in coins directly into the fare box.

Drivers would no longer be required to make change. They could concentrate of driving instead of multitasking. It became the passenger’s responsibility to deposit the exact fare in cash or subway token directly into the fare box when boarding the bus. All the driver had to do was look through the upper portion of the fare box and make sure that the fare was

paid. Previously, drivers had to deal with potential robbery while in service due to carrying cash.

Safety increased for drivers, passengers, and buses. There were fewer traffic accidents involving buses. Bus operators spent more time concentrating on driving and less making change for riders. On-time performance improved as passenger boarding time sped up. Drivers no longer had to deal with money when returning to the bus garage. Other transit employees known as “Vault pullers” would unlock the bottom of the farebox and empty the contents. Coins and subway token

revenue would be sorted, counted and wrapped within the safe confines of a secure money room within the garage. Fast forward to today, and you can see how MTA public transportation using your Metro or OMNY card is still one of the best bargains in town.

Larry Penner Great Neck

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

Coming to grips with genocide and the past

Germany has been coming to grips with its Nazi past, the deliberate slaughter of its Jewish citizens and destruction of Jewish culture. Before and during WWII, everything pertaining to Jewish life was targeted for violence and annihilation.

Under the Nazis, laws were successively passed that stripped Jews of citizenship, homes, businesses, degrees, valuables, jewelry, and winter clothing. The degradations were endless.

Places of worship were destroyed, sacred texts burned, property confiscated, destroyed, or turned over to non-Jews, culminating in the mass incarceration of Jews, inhuman transport to staging areas, slave labor work camps, concentration camps, and death camps. Even names were stripped, in the Nazi system victims were given a crude number tattoo.

Six million Jews were murdered, their ravaged bodies reduced to dust and ashes, and dumped in unmarked mass graves.

Birth records and official records were typically destroyed after they had been screened to identify Jewish ancestry, and especially as allied forces closed in to get rid of the evidence of crimes. The goal of the Nazi system was to brutally wipe Jews off the face of the earth.

In atonement, German jurisdictions have been erecting monuments and memorials to the victims. Some of which are more notable than others; each jurisdiction manages its own particular remembrances.

For the city of Koblenz (population 120,000) located at the juncture of the Moselle and Rhine Rivers, the Jewish population prior to the Nazis was 800-1000.

Of these 22 survived the Holocaust. Koblenz’s Jewish cemetery dates back 1,000 years. Jewish inhabitants now number about 1000, who mostly emigrated from former Soviet republics.

There were several lesser and major peri-

ods of persecution and tolerance toward Jews in German history. The medieval Jewish population of Koblenz was completely annihilated, Jews that had not succumbed to the plague were murdered by their neighbors.

Jews were historically barred from most professions, except for money lending, trade and finance, because managing money and bartering were not considered Christian endeavors, somehow believed to be tainted or sinful.

It wasn’t until the 1800s when France ruled the Rhineland that Jews were granted citizenship. Antisemitism increased after Germany lost WWI, culminating with WWII and the Holocaust.

Koblenz has numerous Holocaust memorials. The most interesting I was able to locate are by the German artist Gunter Demnig, who is best known for his Stolperstein (“stumbling block”) memorials to the victims of Nazi persecution, including Jews, homosexuals, Romani, mental patients, and the disabled.

They serve to highlight the inhuman scope of National Socialism and Nazi war crimes. The majority commemorate Jewish victims.

These are small, engraved brass plates embedded in front of a former residence of a victim who was deported and murdered. According to Wikipedia, Demnig’s memorials number more than 100,000 “stones” in 26 European countries, thus making the world’s largest memorial.

These are two Koblenz Stolperstein memorials:

HERE LIVED

EUGEN STERN

BORN 1894

DEPORTED TO AUSCHWITZ

MURDERED 1944

HERE LIVED

KÄTHE STERN

BORN BLUMENTHAL

1908

DEPORTED 26 FEBRUARY 1943

MURDERED IN AUSCHWITZ

A historian I consulted informed me that many Koblenz Jewish victims were educated professionals, which also fostered jealousy among neighbors.

Neighbors and friends were often those who identified Jews, turned them in, participated in the roundups, and received their property and belongings. In the case of Dr. Stern, the same people that Dr. Stern would have

OUR VIEWS

helped, nursed back to health and deliver their children.

It never ceases to amaze me how cruel and evil people can be.

Koblenz has many Stolperstein. I also found about 30 other memorial bricks in a sidewalk next to Liebfrauenkirche (the Church of Our Lady, dating to 1200).

Most of these bricks are not as finely crafted, many had only a first name. Many records did not survive WWII, when local people were consulted decades later they may have only recalled a first name.

One thing to note with these memorials is there are no graves or tombstones, victims and their possessions were purposefully obliterated. Many have no living descendants, so homage to their ancestors ended with the Holocaust.

Another thing, I seemed to be the only one stopping and looking down at the memorials when encountered in a sidewalk or street. An elder person saw me doing so, briefly stared, then like everyone else simply walked on.

I continued my search not far from the river at the edge of night. There are no words for this night. There is only the flicker of light while humanity moves on from the middle of nowhere. Each of us is a link in the long chain of humanity. If it breaks we all bleed.

On one side are violence, genocide, death, evil, and war. The other side, and I really hope we’re on the other side, is bright with the need for the light that nourishes life and the generations dance with us.

There is no way to make victims whole, but we take care of them by preserving their memory. I will always remember them on the way to eternity.

Fairness in education should start here

Continued from Page 14

The state tax cap should also be modified to exempt districts that fall below a certain level of spending per pupil. This would make it easier for districts seeking to close the spending gap per student through tax increases.

Towns and villages should also make zoning changes to permit more affordable housing. This would allow more students from less affluent families to attend high-spending schools.

This would also help address an 800,000 housing unit shortfall in New York that hurts businesses seeking employees, married couples from buying their first homes and empty nesters from downsizing. It would also enable Nassau to become less segregated.

The state should offer both carrots to encourage the development of affordable housing and sticks to penalize those who refuse to do their part. Perhaps by giving less state aid to

municipalities.

President Lyndon Johnson said in a 1965 commencement speech at Howard University, “You do not take a person who, for years, has been hobbled by chains and liberate him, bring him up to the starting line of a race and then say, ‘You are free to compete with all the others,’ and still justly believe that you have been completely fair.”

Yes, it is now nearly 60 years since Johnson

VIEW POINT

spoke those words and much has improved. But much hasn’t.

Blacks spent more than 250 years as slaves, barred from learning to read or write. They faced another 100 years as second-class citizens under Jim Crow. And blacks have faced systemic discrimination that continues to this day.

It is time for public schools in New York to be part of the solution, not part of the problem.

New tyranny on Independence Day 2023

Continued from Page 16

the hierarchal power of rich land and slave owners); Senate apportionment (Wyoming has two Senators and 40x the voting power of California while the District of Columbia with more population has no voting rights at all), the filibuster and absurd rules that allow a single Senator to put the kibosh on anything/every-

thing in order to extort and hold government hostage (Sen. Tuberville is holding up military promotions to extort an end to access to reproductive care in the military); and congressional gerrymandering which has made a mockery of “one person, one vote” and the very notion of “equal protection.”

“Independence Day is a prominent remind-

er that the great State of New York remains committed to the founding principles our great country was built upon — equality, freedom and justice for all,” declared Gov. Hochul. “New York State stands firm in our continued commitment to upholding and safeguarding the democracy that was stood up 247 years ago.”

Here is what it means to be a “Patriot”: pay

your fair share of taxes; serve on a jury when summoned; respect the equality, humanity and democratic rights of others; help your neighbor and your community; defend your country against enemies foreign and domestic; stand up for the rule of law, “justice for all”, and free and fair elections; and most of all, exercise your sacred right and obligation to vote.

Stephen Cipot Garden City Park

PHOTO BY STEPHEN CIPOT

YOUR GUIDE TO THE ARTS, ENTERTAINMENT AND DINING

17th annual Huntington festival at Heckscher on July 22

12:30 Open Mic (hosted by Toby Tobias)

1:30 Huntington’s Own: Josi Bello, Suzanne Ernst, Ray Lambiase

2:00 LI Guys: James O’Malley, Hank Stone, Bob Westcott

2:30 LI Gals: Rorie Kelly, Nico Padden, Christine Sweeney

3:00 Huntington’s Own II: Bill Lauter, Annie Mark, Mark Newman

4:00 A Pair of Duos: The Levins and Catherine Miles & Jay Mafale

4:30 Let’s Hear It for the Guys: Roger Street Friedman and Toby Tobias

5:00 Classic Folk Covers: Mara Levine and Stuart Markus

5:30 Women of Note: Louise MosrieCoombe and Carolann Solebello

6:00 DinnerBreak

7:15 A Conversation with Cliff Eberhardt and Lucy Kaplansky

The 17th annual Huntington Folk Festival is set for Saturday, July 22, at Heckscher Park, located off Main Street (Route 25A) and Prime Avenue, in Huntington.

Extending from 12:30 -10 p.m., with a dinner break from 6-7:15 p.m., the free event is co-presented by the Huntington Arts Council, Folk Music Society of Huntington and AcousticMusicScene.com as part of the 58th Huntington Summer Arts Festival produced by the Town of Huntington.

An evening concert featuring internationally touring singer-songwriters Lucy Kaplansky and Cliff Eberhardt will be preceded by a series of amplified song swaps and an open mic during the afternoon.

Hailed as “the songwriter laureate of modern city folk,” (The Boston Globe), Lucy Kaplansky is a NYC-based contemporary folk singer-songwriter with a luminous voice whose

recordings have frequently topped the folk and Americana radio charts.

Among the most respected and covered touring songwriters on the folk scene, Massachusetts-based Cliff Eberhardt, like Kaplansky, cut his musical teeth playing NYC clubs centered around Greenwich Village during the folk/songwriter renaissance of the 1980s. When not doing their own thing, Kaplansky and Eberhardt have been part of an On a Winter’s Night tour that also features John Gorka and Patty Larkin.

Prior to the evening concert on the park’s [Harry] Chapin Rainbow Stage, Michael Kornfeld, president of the Folk Music Society of Huntington and editor & publisher of AcousticMusicScene.com (an online publication for the folk, roots and singer-songwriter communities), conducts an on-stage conversational interview with the evening’s featured artists at 7:15 p.m.He also emcees a series of amplified song swaps

from 1:30-4 p.m. near a canopy tent on the upper lawn area overlooking the stage and from 4-6 p.m. on-stage.

These will be preceded by an hour-long open mic hosted by singer-songwriter Toby Tobias, who co-hosts the NorthShore Original Open Mic that is co-presented by FMSH and the Cinema Arts Centre in the Cinema’s Sky Room on three Wednesday nights each month, while FMSH’s monthly Hard Luck Café concert series takes place on the third Wednesday.

Artists slated to showcase their talents during the afternoon include (in alphabetical order by last name): Josie Bello, Suzanne Ernst, Roger Street Friedman, Rorie Kelly, Ray Lambiase, Bill Lauter, Mara Levine, The Levins, Annie Mark, Stuart Markus, Catherine Miles & Jay Mafale, Louise Mosrie, Mark Newman, James O’Malley, Nico Padden, Carolann Solebello, Hank Stone, Christine Sweeney, and Toby Tobias.

8:00 Evening Concert: Cliff Eberhardt and Lucy Kaplansky

Festivalgoers are advised to bring lawn chairs and blankets and a picnic supper (or they can walk into Huntington Village and enjoy a meal at one of its many restaurants).

The Huntington Summer Arts Festival is produced by the Town of Huntington and presented by the Huntington Arts Council. Additional support is provided by Presenting Sponsor Canon U.S.A., with partial funding from the New York State Council on the Arts and the Suffolk County Department of Economic Development and Planning.

The Lloyd Frazier Memorial Golf & Tennis Outing

Old Westbury Golf & Country Club

270 Wheatley Road, Old Westbury, NY 11568

and 388 Restaura

Monday, July 17, 2023

Fine Art Fair to be held at Sands Pt. Preserve

Old Westbury Golf & Country Club

Please Join Us!

Please Join Us!

SCHEDULE

270 Wheatley Road, Old Westbury, NY 11568

The Lloyd Frazier Memorial Golf & Tennis Outing

The Lloyd Frazier Memorial

Golf & Tennis Outing

Registration Begins at 10:00 a.m. Brunch

EVENT CHAIR: GERALD LAURINO

EVENT CHAIR: GERALD LAURINO

HONOREE: CHRISTOPHER TSARSI

HONOREE: CHRISTOPHER TSARSI

Chris & Tony’s Restaurant and 388 Restaurant

Driving Range and Putting Green Goody Bag Pickup

Chris & Tony’s Restaurant and 388 Restaurant

Monday, July 17, 2023

Old Westbury Golf & Country Club

270 Wheatley Road, Old Westbury, NY 11568

Ripple Creative, a creative agency specializing in cultural events and community development initiatives, and The Sands Point Preserve Conservancy, a 216-acre park that was once a Guggenheim estate, have announced a rcollaboration in the form of the first-ever Fine Art Fair at Hempstead House, on Sunday, Feb. 11, 2024.

This curated event will bring together 20 talented and independent fine artists from various mediums, offering art enthusiasts a captivating visual experience.

a diverse range of styles and mediums, promising a dynamic exhibition for attendees.

“We are thrilled to partner with The Sands Point Preserve to bring this Fine Art Fair to life,” said Amanda Khalil, co-founder at Ripple Creative. “Our goal is to provide a platform for talented artists to showcase their work, foster connections within the artistic community, and offer a memorable experience and opportunity to purchase fine art to enthusiasts.”

Tennis Clinic and Round Robin Begin at 1:00 p.m.

270 Wheatley Road, Old Westbury, NY 11568

SCHEDULE

HRegistRation Begins at 10:00 a m

BRUNCH

Driving Range and Putting Green

Goody Bag Pickup

Hmain shotgun staRts at 12:00 p.m.

Lunch on the Course

HCoCktail ReCeption and

Begin at 5:00 p m

HdesseRt, pRogRam, and awaRds CeRemony Begin at 7:00 p.m.

SCHEDULE REGISTRATION

Registration Begins at 10:00 a.m.

Htennis CliniC and Round RoBin

Begin at 1:00 p m

HpiCkleBall Begins at 1:00 p m

To register, you may fill in and mail the enclosed RSVP form, or simply log on to www.rmhcnym.org/events/golf2023/

For further information, please contact Shauntelle Dixon, Special Events Manager at sdixon@rmhcnym.org, or telephone (516) 775-5683 ext. 135.

Pickleball Begins at 1:00 p.m.

The Fine Art Fair at Hempstead House will celebrate and showcase the diversity and creativity within the world of fine art.

As part of this exciting initiative, we are delighted to extend an invitation to artists who excel in the fields of painting, sculpture, photography, mixed media, drawing, watercolor, digital art, and fiber works.

The Sands Point Preserve Conservancy, a scenic location renowned for its natural beauty and historical significance, provides the perfect backdrop for this immersive art experience. Visitors to the event can explore the grounds and soak in the bucolic ambiance while appreciating an eclectic mix of artistic expressions and providing an opportunity to purchase unique artwork.

Artists interested in participating in the Fine Art Fair are invited to submit their applications for consideration. Exhibitors will be selected based on their professionalism, artistic merit, and ability to present their work in an engaging manner. This curated selection process ensures

For further information, please contact Shauntelle Dixon, Special Events Manager

or simply log on to www.rmhcnym.org/events/golf2023/

“We look forward to hosting Ripple Creative’s Fine Art Fair at Hempstead House, and to welcoming the community to this curated experience,” said Jeremiah Bosgang, executive director of Sands Point Preserve Conservancy. “As visitors take in the works of some of the region’s finest artists, they will also have the opportunity to spend time inside Hempstead House, the former home of Daniel and Florence Guggenheim, who in their day were big supporters of the arts.”

The Fine Art Fair at the Hempstead House promises to be a highlight for both artists and attendees alike. This is an excellent opportunity for artists to gain exposure, network with fellow creators, sell their work and engage with art enthusiasts in a vibrant and supportive environment.

For more information and to submit an application, please visit www.ripplecreativepw. com. The deadline for applications is September 1, 2023. Don’t miss your chance to be a part of this extraordinary event celebrating the power of fine art.

Comptroller Elaine Phillips | Clerk Maureen O’Connell | Presiding Officer Richard Nicolello | Legislator Howard Kopel Legislator Denise Ford | Minority Leader Kevan Abrahams | Legislator Siela Bynoe | Legislator Carriè Solages

Legislator Debra Mulè | Legislator C. William Gaylor III | Legislator John Giuffrè | Legislator Mazi Pilip | Legislator John Ferretti

Legislator Delia DeRiggi-Whitton | Legislator James Kennedy | Legislator Thomas McKevitt | Legislator Laura Schaefer

Legislator Arnold Drucker | Legislator Rose Marie Walker | Legislator Joshua Lafazan | Legislator Michael Giangregorio

powered by Fri 7/07

Grease @ 7:30pm

The Argyle Theatre at Babylon Village, 34 W Main St, Babylon

Learn to Play Tennis

at the SYJCC @ 9am Jul 8th - Aug 12th

Reverend Jefferson / Spiral Eye at My Father's Place

@ 8pm / $35

Reverend Jefferson and Spiral Eye will be play‐ing at My Father's Place on July 7. Ad‐vanced tickets are $35, and tickets the day of the show are $40. My Father's Place, 3 Pratt Boulevard, Glen Cove. myfathersplaceproduc tions@gmail.com, 516580-0887

The Disco Nights

@ 8pm / $15-$35

The Paramount, 370 New York Ave, Huntington

Sat 7/08

The 90's Band @ 7pm Plattduetsche Park, 1132 Hempstead Turnpike, Franklin Square

Candis Alek: Head Over Heels - The Musical @ 8pm Cultural Arts Playhouse, 170 Michael Dr, Syosset Mobile Home Park

Let your little ones learn to play tennis at the SYJCC this Summer! 74 Hauppauge Rd, 74 Hauppauge Road, Commack. jwertheimer @syjcc.org, 631-4629800

Sun 7/09

Great Neck Farmers Market

@ 10am

Shop local and shop fresh at the Great Neck Farmers Market! Fire‐�ghters Park, 30 Grace Avenue, Great Neck. deeprootsfarmersmar ket@gmail.com, 516318-5487

Friday Jul 14th

Bill Kirchen at My Father's Place

@ 8pm / $55

My Father's Place, 3 Pratt Boulevard, Glen Cove. myfa thersplaceproductions@gmail.com, 516-580-0887

William Knight Kirchen is an American guitarist, singer and song‐writer. He was a member of Commander Cody and His Lost Planet Airmen from 1967 to the mid-1970s and later worked with Nick Lowe. Guitar Player magazine described Kirchen as "Titan of The Tele‐caster" for his prowess on the guitar.

Thu 7/13

Father's Place on July 13. Gen‐eral admission is $30, and VIP tickets are $90. My Father's Place, 3 Pratt Boulevard, Glen Cove. myfathersplaceproduc tions@gmail.com

Flag Football Summer Clinic @ 9am powered by Pioneer Sports - learn to play �ag football while hav‐ing fun! 74 Hauppauge Rd, 74 Hauppauge Road, Commack. jw ertheimer@syjcc.org, 631-462-9800

2023 Four Seasons in MusicAmericana @ 5pm / $50-$60

In a celebration of America’s Indepen‐dence in 1776, artistic director Kathryn Lock‐wood gathers her amazingly talented friends and colleagues to present a wonderful program of works by American compose Sands Point Preserve, 127 Middle Neck Road, Sands Point. info@sand spointpreserve.org, 516-571-7901

Michelle Jameson: Catchers Fish house @ 12pm Catcher's Fish House, 301 Woodcleft Ave, Freeport Mon 7/10

FAST Sports Camp 2023

- Week 1 - Full Day @ 9am / $675

Jul 10th - Jul 14th

PAL Field Port Washington, 325 Main St, Port Washington. 516801-3533

Forever Simon & Garfunkel

@ 7pm West Islip Public Library, 3 Hig‐bie Ln, West Islip

Tue 7/11

Jewish Learning Series @ 12:30pm

Join the Mid Island Y JCC and a host of guest presenters for interesting and relevant lec‐tures and discussions related to Judaism and Jewish Culture.

Mid-Island Y JCC, 45 Manetto Hill Road, Plainview

Sands Point Preserve offers ball‐room dance class series for all skill lev‐els July 11, 18 & 25 @ 7pm / $25-$60

This July, the Sands Point Preserve is offer‐ing a series of three classes to learn ball‐room-dancing basics in a casual setting. Sands Point Preserve, 127 Middle Neck Road, Sands Point. info@sand spointpreserve.org, 516-571-7901

The Manes Foundation Adult Cultural Center

Presents Daytime Stained Glass @ 10am / $210

Kelly Schulte-Smith will teach us the artistry and techniques of Stained-Glass, includ‐ing design, cutting, grinding, copper foiling and soldering. Mid-Is‐land Y JCC, 45 Manetto Hill Road, Plainview

Gold Coast Cinema Series presents Two Tickets to Greece

�lm screening @ 7pm / $16

Childhood friends re‐unite for a trip to Greece in this wildly en‐tertaining comedy!

Manhasset Cinemas, 430 Plandome Road, Manhasset. info@gold coastarts.org, 516-8292570

Wed 7/12

Krisi Ardito live at Mannino's in Commack @ 6:30pm Mannino's Italian Kitchen and Lounge, 2158 Jericho Turnpike, Commack

Live at Five Outdoor Concert Series

Featuring Half Step @ 5pm / $5-$20

Jul 13th - Jul 14th

Join the Science Mu‐seum of Long Island for our 3rd Annual Live at Five Outdoor Concert Series. Guests are in‐vited to bring a blanket and chairs and enjoy a night of good old fash‐ioned family fun. Sci‐ence Museum of Long Island, 1526 North Plandome Road, Man‐hasset. liveat�ve@ smli.org, 516-629-9400 Stu Feiner at My Father's Palce @ 8:30pm / $30 Stu Feiner will be playing at My

The best place to promote your events online and in print. Visit us @ https://theisland360.com/local-events/

Temple Beth-El Rockin' the Rooftop with The E Street Shuf�e

@ 7:30pm / $50

Temple Beth-El is once again Rockin’ the Rooftop when The E Street Shuf�e, a Bruce Springsteen tribute band, comes to town on July 13 at 7:30 p.m. Temple Beth-El of Great Neck, 5 Old Mill Road, Great Neck. info @tbegreatneck.org, 516-487-0900

Fri 7/14

Natalie Barbieri: Face to Face - Long Island's premiere Billy Joel-Elton John tribute band @ 7pm

Plattduetsche Park, 1132 Hempstead Turnpike, Franklin Square

Brooklyn Cyclones vs. Greensboro Grasshoppers @ 7pm Maimonides Park, 1904 Surf Ave., Brooklyn New York Mets vs. Los Angeles Dodgers @ 7:10pm

Citi Field, 120-01 Roosevelt Av‐enue, Flushing

Strange Parade NY: Strange Parade is back to Finleys @ 8pm

Finley’s Of Greene Street, 43 Green St, Huntington

by

LIJ earns a top ranking among cancer hospitals

Northwell Health’s R.J. Zuckerberg Cancer Hospital at Long Island Jewish (LIJ) Medical Center has been named one of “America’s Best Cancer Hospitals 2023” by Newsweek in its inaugural 2023 rankings of leading cancer hospitals in the country.

Ranked 86th on the prestigious list, R.J. Zuckerberg Cancer Hospital was recognized for its high-quality care and comprehensive services for cancer patients.

Northwell Lenox Hill Hospital’s oncology program in Manhattan also earned a place on Newsweek’s list, ranking at 89, whose breast cancer care was notably mentioned. Both Zuckerberg Cancer Hospital and Northwell Lenox Hill Hospital are part of the Northwell Health Cancer Institute, which treats more than 19,000 cancer patients annually, more than any other provider in New York State.

For its 2023 “America’s Best Cancer Hospitals” list, Newsweek recognized 175 leading cancer hospitals for rankings from among 4,000 total hospitals that were in consideration for the award list.

Newsweek’s rankings are based on a national survey of over 2,000 healthcare professionals who were asked to recommend leading cancer hospitals in the country based on multiple aspects, including nurse staffing, medical equipment, patient education and counseling, and supportive and palliative care.

Hospitals were rated based on treatments for various types of cancer, including prostate, lung, cervical, breast, colorectal and leukemia. In addition, hospital quality metrics relevant to oncology care and results from patient surveys were used to analyze patient experience.

“Northwell is thrilled with the tremendous recognition of two of our major cancer centers – R.J. Zuckerberg Cancer Hospital and its outpatient center, and Northwell Lenox Hill Hospital – both of which are on the forefront of technology, treatment and research,” said Dr. Richard Barakat, physician-in-chief of the Northwell Health Cancer Institute. “I applaud our team of superb clinicians who are dedicated to ensuring the highest quality, integrated cancer care to our diverse patients across our entire health system.”

Cancer is the second cause of mortality in the United States and requires intensive and ongoing treatment.

According to the National Cancer Institute, there are 16.9 million cancer survivors in the U.S., many of whom need follow up care throughout their lives.

Newsweek launched its America’s Best Cancer Hospitals list to provide patients and their loved ones with a comprehensive resource for informed decision-making across regions and in various oncology disciplines.

“On behalf of our entire staff, we are extremely proud to be named to News-

New showers at town Beach Park

North Hempstead Town Council Member Mariann Dalimonte was proud to recently unveil new showers at North Hempstead Beach Park in Port Washington.

After speaking with residents,

Dalimonte worked with the town’s Department of Parks and Recreation to add three new showers to the beach. These will allow visitors to rinse off sand after an excursion to the beach.

The R.J. Zuckerberg Cancer Hospital and the R.J. Zuckerberg Cancer Center each offer dedicated nurse navigation programs to guide patients through every step of their cancer journey.

The 150,000-square-foot R.J. Zuckerberg Cancer Center, Northwell’s largest, includes 64 infusion bays and provides outpatient treatment in the specialties of medical oncology including chemotherapy, immunotherapy and hormone therapy; comprehensive radiation medicine; surgical and neurological consults; clinical trials; diagnostic imaging; a pharmacy; and support programs for cancer patients and their loved ones.

In the last year, R.J. Zuckerberg Cancer Hospital has received the following accolades for top clinical care in several oncology specialties, including:

Surgical

at the R.J. Cancer Hospital at LIJ Medical Center perform a novel procedure to deliver pressurized aerosol chemotherapy directly to the surface of a tumor.

week’s first rankings of leading cancer hospitals in the country,” said Dr. Michael Gitman, executive director of LIJ Medical Center. “Our clinical staff is highly focused on making the R.J. Zuckerberg Cancer Hospital and Cancer Center a premier destination for cancer patients in New York and other areas. Coupled with state-of-the-art diagnostics and innovative treatment options, the campus offers

world-class care in a convenient and accessible location.”

The R.J. Zuckerberg Cancer Hospital, Northwell’s only cancer hospital, delivers the most complex care available and includes 164 of LIJ’s 583 beds, dedicated to treating patients with various types of cancer including breast, pancreatic, lung, head and neck, colon, leukemia, urologic and gynecologic cancers.

Society of Thoracic Surgeons, threestar ratings for quality performance in lobectomy for lung cancer and pulmonary resection for lung cancer;Surgical Review Corporation Center of Excellence in Robotic Surgery and Minimally Invasive Gynecology; and,National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers, American Cancer Society.

To reach the Northwell’s Cancer Institute or to make an appointment / contact a nurse navigator through Northwell’s Cancer Care Direct, call 833-2234732; or online at cancercaredirect@ northwell.edu.

Woodland restoration project

North Hempstead Council Member Veronica Lurvey joined with the Science Museum of Long Island on June 15 to learn about their ongoing woodland restoration project at the

Leeds Pond Preserve. Local officials were able to hear more about the project which aims to restore native plants to the Preserve’s 36-acre property. Currently, the area

Security robot at Parker Jewish

Enhancing its already robust security/safety measures, the Parker Jewish Institute has introduced an autonomous security robot, from Knightscope, the advanced public safety technology company.

The Knightscope K5 Autonomous Security Robot is designed and trained to patrol Parker’s lobby and hallways. Bolstered by artificial intelligence, the 5.5-foot-tall, 3-footwide robot provides actionable intelligence to Parker’s security team members, alerting them if it encounters anything warranting their immediate attention.

Weighing 400 pounds, and featuring the most advanced technology, the robot travels at walking speed, between 1 and 3 miles per hour, as it provides further protection for the Institute’s patients, residents, visitors and team members. The

robot also features a duress button, which, when pressed, immediately notifies on-site Parker’s on-site security teams when someone is in need of assistance.

“Our security robot is deployed throughout the day, further increasing the security of everyone on the Parker premises,” said Michael N. Rosenblut, Parker’s president and CEO. “We are pleased to implement this state-of-the-art technology, making Parker a safer, more secure environment, which is of utmost importance to us.”

The security robot is a welcome figure at Parker. Members of the Parker community recognize the robot as an important security element. Most importantly, the security robot further boosts Parker’s safety profile, allowing team members to focus even more on patient care.

has perennial vines and other invasive species which are harmful to native plants, and the animals and organisms that need the native plants to survive.

“Our security robot is deployed throughout the day, further increasing the security of everyone on the Parker premises,” said Michael N. Rosenblut, Parker’s President and CEO.

oncologists

North Hempstead Town Council Member Mariann Dalimonte, left, Supervisor of North Hempstead Beach Park Joseph Iannotti, and Department of Parks and Recreation Commissioner Kelly Gillen with a newly installed shower at North Hempstead Beach Park.

PHOTO COURTESY OF PARKER JEWISH INSTITUTE

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nuBest salon, spa a cut above the rest

Continued from Page 2

The salon received a boost to its brand after a 1984 New York Times article showcased its affordable prices and the exceptional quality and breadth of its services.

The exposure catapulted nuBest into the spotlight, attracting sophisticated Manhattanites and celebrities. The year also saw the salon featured in the opening sequence of the movie “Desperately Seeking Susan,” which showed actress Rosanna Arquette in the salon.

The journey of Mazzei into the hair business began with his actual trip to America. As an Italian immigrant, he arrived in Queens at the age of 14 and started working in a soda shop. Through his uncle, who was a barber, Mazzei

discovered his interest in hair and decided to pursue formal training in cosmetology.

Continuing Mazzei’s legacy now is his family. His son, Jamie, and his cousins Vincent Cascio and Christian Fleres, have taken on the day-to-day operations of the business. And most recently, the business has reached its third generation, with Jamie’s son Marco, 19, following in his family’s footsteps working as his father’s assistant and paving his own way as a future hairdresser.

One of the main elements that set nuBest apart besides its services, is its commitment to nurturing talent, Mazzei said. He implemented a comprehensive trainee program that gives aspiring hairstylists the opportunity to learn from ex-

perienced professionals, starting with washing hair at the sinks and assisting seasoned stylists, to gradually having chairs of their own.

The journey of nuBest Salon and Spa has not been without its challenges.

In 2011, Mazzei faced kidney failure, but his son Jamie saved his father through the donation of one of his own kidneys in a successful transplant.

The Covid-19 pandemic presented an unprecedented obstacle for the salon. Forced to temporarily close its doors, Jamie and the staff used this time to strategize plans for a safe reopening.

When the salon finally welcomed back its clients, it did so with half the number of chairs

North Shore Smiles opens in Roslyn

Continued from Page 3

able that is not a buzzword or trigger word to make them feel fearful,” Hakimi said.

And if there is something they don’t want to do, Hakimi said that’s okay in their office.

She said if a patient is fearful of a certain aspect of treatment, they do not have to participate. Instead, the dentist works to build a relationship with their patient so the child feels more comfortable and may engage in the treatment in the future.

“Every child is different,” Hakimi said. “Every child needs to be treated with compassion.”

She said that a lot of medical and dental practices have become very large and corporate, and in doing so lose touch with their commu-

nity. Hakimi said opening her own practice is combatting this issue.

“I like to spend time with my patients,” Hakimi said. “It’s very individualized and it’s very personal and it’s like a family here.”

The waiting room at North Shore Smiles Pediatric Dentistry. (Photo courtesy of Tiana Hakimi)

Hakimi grew up in Manhattan, but a 2015 move to Port Washington brought her to Long Island’s North Shore.

Both of Hakimi’s parents own their own healthcare practices, so she said she was called to pursue the same thing as it was a lifelong goal of hers.

She opened North Shore Smiles Pediatric

Dentistry in Roslyn Heights in order to have a location close to her family and in the community she is raising her kids in.

She said that while opening her own practice has been stressful, it is also deeply rewarding.

In doing so, she is aiming to set an example to her children in pursuing their dreams and striving for their passions, as well as women alike to show that they can do anything.

“You sometimes just have to make believe,” Hakimi said. “It was a scary jump to make but I had a lot of support from my husband, from my parents, from my community and friends and family that all believed in me and said ‘You can do it.’ And I did and I’m very happy I did.”

Athletic awards in memory of slain teens

Continued from Page 1

The Roslyn Tennis Ethan Falkowitz Award is given to senior athletes who have exemplary sporting behavior, classroom excellence, kindness, a positive attitude, dedication to school service and leadership. Mia Bloom, Benjamin Fortunoff and Zachary Sheena received the award.

The Roslyn Booster Basketball Ethan Falkowitz Memorial Award was given to Kate Glennon and Dylan Kasper for their teamwork and positive energy like that of Falkowitz.

“On the court, Ethan was the ultimate team player who exemplified the importance of hard work and was always working to improve his skills,” the scholarship description states. “Ethan took on whatever role you asked and made every team he was on better. Off the court, Ethan was an easy-going kid with an infectious smile who only saw the good in people.”

“I just hope that we continue to select people for the Ethan and Drew memorial awards that represent their commitment and their tenacity in the future and that we continue to remember them as competitors and great kids,” Brostowski said.

Roslyn Middle School’s Ethan Felkowitz, top, and Drew

for distancing, a separate temperature check-in station, and the use of disposable smocks and chair covers.

During the pandemic, Jamie and Cascio lent their talents to the local community by giving free haircuts to doctors and staff at North Shore University Hospital in Manhasset.

Throughout the years, nuBest Salon and Spa has nurtured a loyal clientele who have become an integral part of its enduring story.

During the 50th anniversary party, many clients, some for decades, spoke about the salon’s enduring reputation and the trust they have in the Mazzei family’s skillful hands.

nuBest Salon & Spa is located at 1482 Northern Blvd in Manhasset.

Gounaris prez in Herricks

Continued from Page 4

ed to undergo a minor repair soon and should be opened afterward, Gounaris said.

Superintendent Tony Sinanis added when the courts are opened up the public is free to use them when classes are finished for the day or when there is not a tennis match. Sinanis requested residents that use the court to limit their time to one hour so everyone that wants to has an opportunity to play.

Sinanis clarified the project’s timeline during public comment, saying the work is expected to begin July 10 and take approximately three weeks to complete, depending on weather and other possible delays.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF SPORTIME ROSLYN AND LONG ISLAND TENNIS MAGAZINE

Hassenbein, bottom.

Christopher Morley Park pool closes

Continued from Page 1

tration because the pool requires major funding to repair it. She said the administration was not willing to allocate funds to the needed project.

She estimated the costs to address the pool’s needs to be worth millions of dollars in repairs, making the project cost prohibitive for the county.

She said the pool’s closure is a big loss for the community.

“I really feel terrible because I know a lot of different groups use the pool,” DeRiggi-Whitton said.

She estimated that about 1,000 people use the pool overall.

She said the Christopher Morley Park pool is a main source of fun and cooling off for many people in the community, but that there are other options available. This includes the Manorhaven Park pool and others along the South Shore.

While there are other options, DeRiggi-Whitton said they are not as convenient as Christopher Morley Park is to many people due to its central location.

She said that the administration may be leaning towards permanently closing the pool, but she is unsure of the pool’s status in the future. She said there is a potential for a parks administration in the future to decide to invest in repairing the pool, but that it is not being allocated under the current administration.

“It’s a shame to see it happen,” DeRiggi-Whitton said. “I know it’s a tremendous amount of money but I really do like to see things for kids to keep them busy… it’s a loss.”

Staff at Christopher Morley Park declined to provide comment to Blank Slate about the matters.

PHOTO COURTESY OF NASSAU COUNTY

The Nassau County Parks Department has chosen to close the pool at Christopher Morley Park.

Business&RealEstate

Purchasing a vacation or retirement home

A fast-track program offers an accelerated process to obtaining permanent residency for applicants looking to invest in the Dominican Republic or retire in the Dominican Republic.

Applicants typically receive an Investment Residency card within approximately 45 days of submitting a completed application.

There are several ways to qualify for the fast-track process, as outlined below:

The pensionado visa option requires an applicant to have a minimum income of at least US $1,500 per month plus US $250 per dependent from a pension.

The rentista visa option requires an applicant to have a minimum income of at least U.S. $2,000 per month from any investment-derived income during the past 5 years.

The investor visa option requires an applicant buying a house in the Dominican Republic or buying a condo in the Dominican Republic to make a minimum investment of US $200,000 in real estate in the country via a registered company.

Find out more: Best places to buy property in the Dominican Republic

There are many advantages to becoming a resident of the Domini-

can Republic.

1. You can easily enter the country without a tourist card or visa without having to show a return ticket when entering.

2. You can remain in the country legally with an identification card (Cédula de Identidad Personal).

3. You can apply for a Dominican driving license. Non-residents can only drive in the country for a period of 90 days with an international license.

4. You can work and conduct business in the Dominican Republic.

5. You can enjoy some tax benefits such as low inheritance tax.

6. You can enjoy a fantastic lifestyle in spectacular surroundings and a high standard of living with relatively low costs compared to other islands in the region.

After two years of permanent residency, individuals may be eligible to apply for citizenship of the Dominican Republic.

In the case of the accelerated Residency by Investment Program, a foreign national has the option to apply for “Investment Citizenship” within 6 months of obtaining Residency by Investment.

In either case, applicants must have spent significant periods of

PHILIP A. RAICES Real Estate Watch

time in the country to qualify and must be able to demonstrate fluency in Spanish, knowledge of the country’s values, traditions, and culture, as well as ties to the country. Researching and absorbing the cultures and customs of a particular country will go a long way in providing you additional information on how real estate is done and give you an edge in the methods and processes that are used from “soup to nuts.” Hiring the right professionals to educate you, whether it be a lo-

cal attorney, mortgage person, home inspector, or whomever you need to be part of your team will save you stress, time and money.

I would suggest that you go online on Google, Zillow or Yelp, where the vast majority of reviews and testimonials are posted and see what past and current clients say about the agent and the services that were provided to determine if the majority were positive.

Some negative remarks can happen as there are those that will never be happy or satisfied and are constant complainers about everyone and everything. Those you can take with a “grain of sand.”

But if the greatest number are positive with 4 or 5 star reviews, then their reputation must be excellent. I would also consider taking on 2 or 3 brokers and associate brokers in a given area, who have attained specific designations as I have earned, e.g. GRI, CIPS and the Green Designation.

The majority of countries have no multiple listing services and it becomes a bit of a Wild, Wild West. So using multiple agents will greatly benefit you as they each may have different listings and not share them with any other agent. So what one

agent may have another will not possess.

When purchasing for a vacation, investment, or retirement home do your due diligence and research so you will have the knowledge to make the smartest and most beneficial decisions. I will be providing other potential locations in my future columns, so watch for them.

Lastly, If you need assistance with selling, purchasing or investing, locally, domestically, or internationally feel free to call me anytime at (516) 647-4289.

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 Certified International Property Specialist (C.I.P.S) as well as the new “Green Industry” Certification for ecofriendly 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

Phishing: A Real and Present Danger to Small Business

Phishing is a form of cyber fraud that uses bogus emails in order to lure victims to part with something of value, such as passwords and credit cards. It does this by mimicking a trusted sender, convincing an employee to click a link. This immediately installs malware like viruses and ransomware to the company’s network where it can access invaluable data.

Sandwire Technology Group fights back on behalf of its clients, small and midsize businesses (SMBs), with limited budgets. Our CyberSafe stack serves as a defensive shield, featuring:

• Email/data backup to retrieve and restore data

• Spam filtration, secure email platform

• Artificial Intelligence (AI) driven anti-phishing software

• Dark web monitoring/credential exposure protection

• Employee training with phishing tests and educational videos

Phishing emails are becoming increasingly difficult to spot, a trend that sees no end. Today, nearly every major data breach begins with a successful attack. Is your company protected?

Business& RealEstate

Fairway names a new partner

Fairway Consulting Group,a leading executive search firm focused on providing outstanding talent solutions for the pharmaceutical, biotechnology, diagnostic, and medical device industries, announced today the appointment of a new partner, Ilanna Oleksiak, to support the company’s expansion to additional verticals within the life sciences industry and across additional geographies.

Having been with FCG for nearly a decade, Ilanna has grown with the business and most recently held the role of Client Partner, leading partnerships with key clients across the R&D and commercial practices, and served as part of the Leadership Team.

Throughout her tenure, she has successfully placed numerous executive-level life science professionals with both small biotech and big pharma.

“Ilanna’s passion for the business and the strong relationships she has developed over the years, make her well positioned to be a Partner and a key player as we expand our business,” said Dan Gold, President of Fairway Consulting Group.

In addition to her dedication to her clients, Ilanna is committed to serving as a mentor to FCG’s recruiting talent to provide the team with guidance and opportunities for growth.

“I am beyond excited to step into this next phase of my career at Fairway Consulting Group. I feel I have just scratched the surface and am more driven than ever to advance our brand and reputation to become the most eminent boutique search firm in the life science industry,” said Ilanna Oleksiak, Partner at Fairway Consulting Group. “It has always been a relationship business to me and I truly value all of the connections I’ve made. It’s not just about placements. The end goal is that we are hiring talented people who can change the trajectory of a company, and in turn positively impact patients. It’s a full circle, and while I’m not the researcher developing life-saving science, I very well could be hiring the person who develops the next innovation that does.”

Ilanna earned a master’s degree in public health from Hofstra University.

PHOTO COURTESY OF FCG

Leading executive search firm, Fairway Consulting Group, appointed Ilanna Oleksiak as partner to support the company’s expansion to additional verticals within the life sciences industry and across additional geographies.

nassau COMMUNITY

To Place

Your Ad Call

Phone: 516.307.1045 x 218

In Person:

Field Road Roslyn Heights, NY 11577 We’re Open: Mon–Thurs: 9am-5:30pm Fri: 9am-6pm

Deadlines

Monday 2:00pm: Classified Advertising

Tuesday Noon Legal Notices/ Name Changes

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.

POSTING PROVISIONAL APPOINTMENT

EAST ROCKAWAY UFSD

MARKETPLACE

A.T. STEWART EXCHANGE CONSIGNMENT SHOP 516-746-8900

INTERNAL POSTING

EAST ROCKAWAY JR./SR. HIGH SCHOOL ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER (2 POSITIONS) 12 Month Position

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS PER NASSAU COUNTY CIVIL SERVICE

EAST ROCKAWAY UFSD CENTRE AVENUE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL HEAD CUSTODIAN 1

TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE: Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited or New York State registered college or university and Four years of satisfactory administrative staff experience, which must include participating in budget preparation, and/or personnel and/or procurement activities.

WE’RE HIRING

BLANK SLATE MEDIA is a fast-growing media company with 6 award-winning weekly newspapers and a website in Nassau County, a full array of digital services and high-profile events.

MUST BE REACHABLE ON THE CIVIL SERVICE HEAD CUSTODIAN 1 LIST

We have openings in several categories that we are looking to fill immediately.

Antiques-Furniture-Jewelry-Silver-Mirrors-Lamps-Artwork Come to Consign & Stay to Shop Visit.... Our Shop 109 Eleventh St. Garden City Mon-Fri 10-4 (Wed till 6) Saturday 12-4 Shop Our Online Store ATStewartExchange.org Items to Consign? Email photos (with sizing info) to: store@atstewartexchange.org

All proceeds benefit The Garden City Historical SocietyLike us on Facebook & Instagram

INVITED ESTATE

NOTE:

1. Experience, as outlined above, in excess of the four-year requirement, may be substituted for college education on a year-for-year basis up to a maximum of four years.

2. A Master’s degree from a regionally accredited or New York State registered college or university may be substituted for one year of the experience as outlined above.

SALARY IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE EAST ROCKAWAY CUSTODIAL UNIT BARGAINING AGREEMENT

AnticipAted StArt dAte: to Be determined

Please submit letter of interest and resume by July 10, 2023, to:

STARTING DATE: On or after July 3, 2023

MS. DIANE DRAKOPOULOS

n REPORTER. FULL TIME.

We are looking for a versatile, self-starter with good writing and reporting skills, and journalism experience.

You will report on all aspects of your communities including local government, politics, education, business and humaninterest stories.

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

Email: ddrakopoulos@eastrockawayschools.org

Please submit letter of interest no later than May 17, 2023, to: Diane Drakopoulos Personnel Clerk 443 Ocean Avenue East Rockaway, NY 11518

Email: ddrakopoulos@eastrockawayschools.org

n ENTERTAINMENT. PART TIME

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

n SALES. FULL TIME.

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

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

SALES BY TRACY JORDAN is doing VIRTUAL TAG SALES and ONLINE AUCTIONS now! Sell the contents of an entire house or sell just a few things! You can host your own sale on invitedsales.com and Facebook and Instagram or we can do it for you. We can photograph, advertise and handle the winning pickups for you within a week! Don’t worry about your closing date, we can get your house ready on time! We are a one stop service for all your needs when you are moving or selling a property! Selling, donating, discarding and cleaning out services can be done to meet your time frame with minimal stress. Contact info@invitedsales.com for more information or call 516-279-6378 to schedule a consultation or receive more information. Visit us at www.invitedsales.com for a listing of our upcoming Virtual Tag Sales and Weekly Auctions!

PIANO FOR SALE SAMICK BABY GRAND Model SG-172 Black Pristine Condition $2,500 Call: 516-650-6801

ESTATE SALE GARDEN CITY

Saturday, July 15 9am to 3pm 117 Weyford Terrace Garden City, NY 11530 Fine china, glasses, dishes, household items, paintings, clothing, toys, amateur radio equipment, Christmas village, all types of furniture, desks, piano, pool table, juke box. Something for Everyone !! NO EARLY BIRDS !!

WANTED TO BUY

LOOKING TO BUY! Estates, Oriental items, Gold, Silver, Costume Jewelry, Dishes, Flatware, Watches, Clothing, Old Photos, Coins, Stamps, Records, Toys, Action Figures, Comics, Art and Furniture. Immediate Cash Paid Call George 917-775-3048 or 718-386-1104

AUTOMOTIVE AUTOS WANTED

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

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

REAL

VACATION RENTAL

3 BR House $2050-per week. 2 BR House $1850-per week. IDEAL FAMILY VACATION. Call 631-298-8433

SERVICE DIRECTORY SERVICES

ARE YOU BEHIND 10K OR MORE on your taxes? Stop wage and bank levies, liens and audits, unfiled tax returns, payroll issues, and resolve tax debt FAST. Call 888-869-5361 (Hours: Mon-Fri 7am5pm PST)

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

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

HOME IMPROVEMENTS

Barbato 516-775-1199

BATH & SHOWER UPDATES in as little as ONE DAY! Affordable pricesNo payments for 18 months! Lifetime warranty & professional installs. Senior & Military Discounts available. Call: 866-393-3636 CHIMNEY KING ENT. INC. FREE ESTIMATES Stainless steel liners cleaning & repair specialists. Masonry specialist. FULLY licensed & insured. NYC NASSAU SUFFOLK 516-766-1666 or 631-225-2600 Since 1982 chimneykinginc.com

HANDYMAN Careful & Reliable Serving GARDEN CITY and surrounding area since 2003 Repairs & Installations of all types Carpentry, Moldings, Lighting and More 35-yr Nassau Resident References Lic#170101 Phone/Text Friendly Frank: 516-238-2112 Email: Frankcav@optonline.net

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

PARTY HELP

LADIES & GENTLEMEN RELAX & ENJOY Your Next Party! Catering and Experienced Professional Services for Assisting with Preparation, Serving and Clean Up Before, During and After Your Party Bartenders Available. Call Kate at 516-248-1545

CLEANING

HOME IMPROVEMENTS

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

PAULIE THE ROOFER STOPPING

LEAKS IS MY SPECIALTY! Slate & Tile Specialists All types of Roofing Local References Licensed & Insured 516-621-3869

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

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

PAINTING & PAPERHANGING

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

CLEANING AVAILABLE EXPERIENCED POLISH HOUSE CLEANER

Recent Real Estate Sales in

35 Fairway, Roslyn

5 bd, 4 ba, Sold On: 5/2/23, Sold Price: $2,660,000

Type: Single Family, Schools: North Shore

352 Elm Drive, Roslyn

4 bd, 3 ba, 2,222 sqft, Sold On: 5/17/23, Sold Price: $1,230,000

Type: Single Family, Schools: Herricks

60 Harbor Lane, Roslyn Harbor

6 bd, 6 ba, 7,700 sqft, Sold On: 5/25/23, Sold Price: $5,000,000

Type: Single Family, Schools: Roslyn

4 Coachman Drive, Roslyn

4 bd, 3 ba, 2,737 sqft, Sold On: 5/31/23, Sold Price: $1,299,000

Type: Single Family, Schools: Herricks

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.

NOTICE OF FORMATION of limited liability company (LLC).

Name: TRABERT 66 LLC. Articles of Organization filed with Sec. of State of NY (SSNY) on 04/26/2023. Office location: Nassau Co. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served and address SSNY shall mail a copy of process is 15 Tappentown Lane, Brookville, NY 11545. Purpose: any lawful purpose.

REFEREE'S NOTICE OF SALE IN FORECLOSURE

SUPREME COURT - COUNTY OF NASSAU

U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS TRUSTEE FOR ADJUSTABLE RATE MORTGAGE

TRUST 2005-2, ADJUSTABLE RATE MORTGAGE-BACKED PASS-THROUGH CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2005-2, Plaintiff - against - RASHIN NOSRATABDI A/K/A RASHIN NOSRAT, et al

Defendant(s).

Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered on September 8, 2017. I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction on the North Side steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court located at 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, N.Y. 11501 "Rain or Shine" on the 17th day of July, 2023 at 2:00 PM. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being in the Herricks, Town of North Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York.

Premises known as 70 Sugar Maple Drive, Roslyn, NY 11576.

(Section: 9, Block: 645, Lot: 6) Approximate amount of lien

$659,929.93 plus interest and costs.

Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed judgment and terms of sale.

Index No. 001076/2014. Ralph Madalena, Esq., Referee. Stein, Wiener & Roth LLP

Attorney(s) for Plaintiff

1400 Old Country Road, Suite 315 Westbury, NY 11590

Tel. 516-742-1212 NOSRATABDI63240

Dated: April 28, 2023

During the COVID-19 health emergency, bidders are required to comply with all governmental health requirements in effect at the time of sale including but not limited to, wearing face coverings and maintaining social distancing (at least 6-feet apart) during the auction, while tendering deposit and at any subsequent closing. Bidders are also required to comply with the Foreclosure Auction Rules and COVID-19 Health Emergency Rules issued by the Supreme Court of this County in addition to the conditions set forth in the Terms of Sale

NOTICE OF HEARING

Town of North Hempstead

Historic Landmarks Preservation Commission

Notice is hereby given that a public meeting of the Historic Landmarks Preservation Commission will be held on Thursday, July 20th, 2023 at 7:00 PM at Town Hall, 220 Plandome Road, Manhasset.  For more information, contact landmarks@ northhempsteadny.gov

The Commission will consider the following applications:

Application for the issuance of a Certificate of Appropriateness to replace existing windows; replace existing façade (style/type TBD).; remove existing chimney; remove windows to accommodate interior alterations; remove rear and side entrances; replace front door; install skylight; replace roof with similar materials; replace façade of garage to match dwelling; and replace garage door (style/type TBD). Property located at 192 Garden Street, Roslyn Heights Historic District (Section 7, Block 27, Lots 1-4, 45).

Application for the issuance of a Certificate of Appropriateness to remove three trees; install white PVC fence; replace and expand existing rear paved areas and front walkways (style/type TBD); and construct 100s.f. covered BBQ/gazebo. Property located at 36 Jefferson Avenue, Roslyn Heights Historic District (Section 7, Block 36, Lots 11-14).

SCHOOL NEWS

High school 2023 graduation

The Roslyn High School commencement ceremony for the Class of 2023 was held on June 23 at the Tilles Center.

Two-hundred and seventy-three students dressed in Roslyn blue entered the room to Pomp and Circumstance and cheering family members.

Following the Presentation of Col -

ors and the Pledge of Allegiance, the Roslyn High School Senior Chorus performed the Star Spangled Banner and the Roslyn High School Alma Mater.

Principal Scott Andrews opened the ceremony with introductory remarks, followed by a welcome speech by OCC President Lindsay Cohen.

Greetings from the Roslyn Board

of Education were given by President Meryl Waxman Ben-Levy, followed by congratulatory remarks from Superintendent Allison Brown.

Salutatorian Kristi Lam and Valedictorian Jake Konigsberg gave speeches, followed by the presentation of diplomas. The Recessional was performed by the Roslyn High School Wind Ensemble.

Middle School 2023 graduation

Roslyn Middle School hosted its 8thgrade graduation ceremony at Hofstra University on June 22 at 11 a.m.

Two-hundred and seventy-six students entered the arena to “Pomp and Circumstance.”

The students, along with administrators, wore a custom-designed tennis pin in honor of former classmates Ethan Falkowitz and Drew Hassenbein as part of a collective effort to show compassion and support for the families.

Once everyone was seated, the Roslyn Middle School Chorale, led by Director Dorothy Burns, sang “The Star Spangled Banner” and “Hello, Goodbye.”

Principal Craig Johanson gave remarks and recognized three retirees: science teacher Theresa Arcarola, world language teacher Cecily Lawrence and mathematics teacher Carolyn Smith.

Roslyn Board of Education President Meryl Waxman Ben-Levy encouraged the incoming freshmen class to take full advantage of everything that Roslyn High School has to offer.

PFA Co-Presidents Liz Neale, Brooke Sokolov and Sharon Somekh also gave remarks and congratulated the students on their milestone achievement.

Assistant Principal Christopher Roth presented the PFA Character of Distinction Awards to Sam Greenfield, Liat Somekh, Dylan Sakaria and Jasmine Wang. Assistant Principal Melissa Hornik presented the Vanessa Gray Award to Ruby Charnes.

School Counselor Gail Kennedy presented the William Alexander Award to Adam Camisi.

The 8th graders took the stage one by one as their names were called. Each was given a certificate by Ben-Levy. They were congratulated by members of the Roslyn Board of Education, Superintendent Allison Brown and Principal Johanson.

The siblings of Ethan Falkowitz and Drew Hassenbein went on stage to accept

their brothers’ graduation certificates, receiving several minutes-long standing ovations.

Roslyn High School Principal Scott Andrews wrapped up the ceremony with remarks to welcome the incoming freshmen of the Class of 2027.

He was followed by the Recessional, performed by the Roslyn Middle School Band under the direction of Timothy Doran.

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE ROSLYN SCHOOL DISTRICT Roslyn Middle School graduation ceremony.

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE ROSLYN SCHOOL DISTRICT

The Roslyn High School Class of 2023.

High school club raises $1K 5th graders move up, 8th graders out

Beginning June 15-20, families, administration, faculty and staff were warmly welcomed to the Moving Up ceremonies of each of the three North Shore Elementary Schools led by their respective principals including Bridget Finder (Glenwood Landing), Megan McCormack (Sea Cliff) and Peter Rufa (Glen Head).

In addition, Principal Ryan O’Hara at North Shore Middle School led his eighth graders in a memorable Moving

On ceremony which was held on June 22 at North Shore High School.

Congratulations go out to all of the fifth and eighth graders at the North Shore School District who received diplomas and celebrated their special days to the delight of their parents, teachers, families and friends.

For many more graduation photos, please visit www.northshoreschools.org.

We wish you the best of luck and a happy and healthy summer!

The Roslyn High School Habitat for Humanity Club raised $1,000 to donate to Habitat for Humanity and provided much needed physical labor to help build a home on June 7.

Hyunkyung Park, left, Winnie Li, Brandon Wivietsky, Eliza Bloom, Amanda Lerner, Marley Dalessio, Mia Bloom, Emily Wivietsky, Phoebe Abraham and Club Advisor Bill Coggin.

North Shore valedictorian

Valedictorian, Ava Bartoli

Ava Bartoli took the podium at the 2023 North Shore High School Commencement Ceremony while family, faculty and her peers watched with joy and admiration.

Sea Cliff Elementary students celebrated Moving Up day outside on the blacktop with their principal Megan McCormack.

Elementary students engage in mock trial

Elementary students in Mock Trial Tier 3 participated in a year-long program to learn about the judicial system and what it takes to be a lawyer. They learned how to correctly question witnesses from both the defense and the prosecution.

On June 7, they went before a judge in a Mineola courtroom to present the case of Goldilocks vs the Three Bears. The students at East Hills defended Goldilocks, while the students at Harbor Hill set out to prove to the

court that Goldilocks was guilty.

“Watching the students present their cases and work the courtroom was not only exciting, but a rewarding experience after all of the time spent preparing for the trial,” Harbor Hill teacher Nanette Maleganos said.

“It was an absolutely wonderful thing to see all of the hard work pay off for our students,” East Hills teacher AnneMarie Kellan said. “Both sides did a great job and it was fun to see them in action and think on their feet.”

“Today marks the end of one chapter and the beginning of the next,” Bartoli said.”We have made unforgettable memories, lasting friendships and achieved excellence in many ways. Whether in the classroom, on the field or on the stage, we have all left our mark on the school and today is the day to look back on all these accomplishments.”

“As we move on from high school, we should cherish the friendships we made as these could last a lifetime and can be our greatest support system in this new chapter of our lives,” Bartoli said at the conclusion of her speech. “We must take our lessons and experiences and use them to become the people we want to be. Our hard work will continue to pay off so we must put 100% of our effort into everything we do. It is then that we will achieve our goals.”

Congratulations to Bartoli, the Valedictorian of the North Shore School District.

Bartoli began her North Shore roots as a student at Glenwood Landing School. Her academic achievements include recipient of the Harvard College Book Prize, Rensselaer Medal Award, AAPT Award for Achievement in Physics and the First National Bank of LI Award for Math. She also received the Scholar Athlete Award for 2023, the Margaret Johnsen Memorial Scholarship and Seal of Biliteracy in Italian.

She was a member of the National Honor Society, Mu Alpha Theta (National Math) Honors Society, Rho Kappa (National Social Studies) Honors Society, and the Science National Honor Society.

Bartoli’s athletic achievements are remarkable. She was on the starting lineup for our Varsity Lacrosse Team and was awarded Honorable Mention All-County 2022, Honorable Mention Academic and All American 2022, Academic All American 2023, All-County 2023 and Newsday Top 100 girls lacrosse players on Long Island.

In addition to lacrosse, Bartoli was a starting guard for the Varsity Basketball Team earning Honorable Mention All-County 2021 and 2022, Academic All-State Team 2022, All-County 2023, All Defensive Team 2023 and Newsday

Top 100 Girls’ basketball players on Long Island.

A member of the soccer team, she was NCGSCA Scholar Athlete 2022 and received scholar athlete awards all three seasons this year.

Her volunteer work includes Toys for Tots and Island Harvest where she has helped with both toy and food drives throughout high school.

Bartoli will be attending Bryant University, majoring in actuarial mathematics, and pursuing her love of lacrosse.

Everyone at the North Shore Schools is very proud of her many accomplishments and wishes Bartoli only the very best of luck now and in the future.

Salutatorian, Ruben Shonik

Ruben Shonik stood at the podium as the Salutatorian of North Shore High School and spoke about accomplishing difficult tasks.

“In the coming years, it is guaranteed that we will all feel suffocated by a task or several that seem overwhelming out of reach,” Shonik said. “So, the next time you are faced with a burden seemingly too great to overcome, I want you to remember a piece of advice my grandmother gave me: ‘If not you, who?’”

“Every one of you has the potential to be part of something exceptional,” Shonik said at the conclusion of his speech. “The many accolades received by this class are a testament, above all else, to the potential each one of us has the power to discover. Remember that truly significant achievements are not the product of uncultivated talent, politics or mere luck but rather come as a result of the authenticity, grace and persistence that we all have a

responsibility to exhibit.”

Congratulations to Shonik, the Salutatorian of the North Shore School District.

Shonik was an elementary student at Sea Cliff School. While at North Shore, he was a student at Juilliard Pre-College, where he studied with Pablo Rieppi and Ian Sullivan of the New York City Ballet, world-renowned marimba soloist Eriko Daimo and timpanist Jonathan Haas.

He participated in the Pre-College Orchestra and Percussion Ensemble, and was accepted into the 2022 All-State Music Festival, where he was principal Timpan and played in the All-County honor band/orchestra at the Tilles Center. He also played in the New York State Band Directors Association Honor Band.

Additionally, he was Principal Percussionist of the North Shore High School Wind Symphony, Captain of the Drum Line, and participated in the Jazz Band, Pep Band, Jazz Quartet and the Northwinds Symphonic Band.

Shonik’s academic achievements include the Principal’s Award for Academic Excellence, Orion Award, Angelo D’Avino Memorial Scholarship, John Philip Sousa Band Award, George Eastman Young Leaders Award, Cradle of Aviation Space Environmental Science Award, Seals of Biliteracy and Civic Readiness and the African American History Award.

He was a member of the Science, Rho Kappa, World Language and National Honor Societies.

He received Outstanding Freshman (2019), Sophomore (2020), Junior (2021) and Senior (2023) Band Awards and was the Co-President of the Tri-M Music Honor Society.

In addition, he volunteers every summer to play percussion/drumset in the pit orchestra for the Port Summer Show.

Shonik will be attending the Cleveland Institute of Music where he will be pursuing his passion for music.

Everyone at North Shore is extremely impressed with his accomplishments and wishes Shonik the very best now and in the future.

Please join us in congratulating both Bartoli and Shonik for their hard work at the North Shore Schools.

We wish them both the best of luck now and in the future discovering their dreams. The Class of 2023 is an extremely talented one and we are just so proud of them all!

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE NORTH SHORE SCHOOL DISTRICT

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE ROSLYN SCHOOL DISTRICT

Roslyn elementary students who participated in the Mock Trial Tier 3 program.

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE ROSLYN SCHOOL DISTRICT

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE NORTH SHORE SCHOOL DISTRICT

North Shore High School valedictorian Ava Bartoli and salutatorian Ruben Shonik.

STAR ON, OFF FIELD

Roslyn’s Matt Fiegler recognized for baseball, volunteer work

BY MICHAEL J. LEWIS

The kids sat there at Cohen’s Children’s Hospital completely enraptured, both by the presents in front of them and the music emanating from the kids playing it.

It was the holiday season of 2019, and the last place any young person wants to be during Christmas and Hanukkah is cooped up in a room getting medicines and hooked up to machines.

So the members of Miracle Musicians, both of them, had come to the facility to try to play some tunes and bring out some holiday cheer.

Matthew Fliegler was blowing on his trumpet with gusto that day, and the kids heard him loud and clear.

The just-graduated Roslyn High School student loves two things more than any other: making music and playing baseball, and on this day, he was doing a third thing he loves as well: Helping other people smile.

“They were really into it, and it was such a fun atmosphere considering where we were,” Fliegler said. “I was just so happy we could brighten their day just a little bit with some music, to distract them and make them feel good.”

Fliegler beamed when he talked about that day, but that afternoon at Cohen’s was just one of the many ways he gives back to his community.

He and Miracle Musicians founder Sammy Lichtenstein played monthly at the Sid Jacobson Jewish Community Center in Roslyn at their “Curb Your Mitzvah” events, and Fliegler was also active in Special Olympics volunteering.

For those reasons, and his fantastic play on the baseball diamond this season for Roslyn, as he batted.413 at the plate and as a pitcher went 3-2 with a 2.54 ERA, Fliegler was honored on June 14 with the Michael Capozzi Scholar-Athlete Award.

The honor, presented by the Nassau County Baseball Coaches Association, goes to a student-athlete who combines excellence on the field with a strong commitment to community service off the field and academic excellence in the classroom.

Fliegler, headed to Cornell this fall, became the third Roslyn player in six years to win the award.

“He works harder than almost any player I’ve ever seen,” said Roslyn

head baseball coach Dan Freeman. “From the first day he was on the team, he’s struck me as a born leader and kid who was talented but wanted to work hard to get better. I couldn’t be more proud of him and I’m thrilled he got this award.”

Fliegler said the award meant a lot to him especially because Roslyn’s last winner, Danny Rosman in 2021, was one of his mentors on the Bulldogs squad.

“He and our other captains when I was sophomore, Hayden Leiderman and Jordan Zucker, really taught me a bunch about baseball and about life,” Fliegler said. “They really showed me the way.”

For Fliegler, who sports an academic average of 103, doing community service is something he always saw as part of being a good person.

“I know some people do fundraising and give money and that’s great, but for myself I always wanted to be in person directly and help people one

on one,” he said. “By joining (Miracle Musicians) I knew I could help make people’s days brighter.”

In addition to playing at the JCC, where director of Teen Services Steve Cohen said the Miracle Musicians “always keep the joint jumping” with their music, Fliegler and Lichtenstein have played at the Sunrise nursing home in town, entertaining the senior population.

On the field, Fliegler’s baseball career has been on a straight trajectory since eighth grade, when after a one-year fling with playing tennis, he returned to baseball to begin climbing the ladder toward varsity.

“I love tennis too, but once I hit eighth grade my parents encouraged me to pick one and I loved the team sport aspect of baseball,” Fliegler said.

A three-year varsity player for Roslyn, Fliegler shone with his lefthanded pitching and his hitting which he says “isn’t flashy” but results in singles and doubles sprayed around the field.

“He never gets tired and always wants the ball on the mound,” Freeman said. “He’s such a humble young man and never talks about the wonderful stuff he does off the field. For a kid as young as he is, to treat people as well as he does is really something.”

Fliegler’s leadership shone this season as he tossed a no-hitter against Great Neck North on April 4, and then was one of the Roslyn athletes who tried to keep the sports community together at the school after the devastating tragedy on May 3 that saw school tennis players Ethan Falkowitz and Drew Hassenbein killed in a car accident.

“Matt led the charge in helping everyone on our team deal with the pain, and was really there for the other kids,” Freeman said. “He’s a born leader.”

“That was such a terrible time for everyone at the school, and everyone playing then had to fight through the grief,” Fliegler said. “We were all in

pain, but we all knew we had to go out and try to focus on what we could do ourselves, and try to just focus on playing.”

Fliegler, who also helped Roslyn win a state marching band championship, plans to study environmental sustainability at Cornell, an interest sparked when he said he was terrified of thunderstorms as a kid.

He hasn’t decided if he’ll try out for the baseball team at college; he said he was pretty sure he was done with the sport a few weeks ago, but realizing his career may be over has made him reconsider.

“I don’t know, it’s hard to let go of,” he said with a smile. “But I’m very excited to go up (to Cornell) and be in that great campus environment.”

And you can have no doubt that Fliegler’s trumpet, and love of helping others, will be going with him as well.

PHOTO CREDIT: ROSLYN HIGH SCHOOL

Roslyn’s Matt Fliegler, a baseball star on the mound and at the plate, won a prestigious award in June for his great work on and off the field.

District hosts retirement event

A group of seventeen retiring faculty and staff were honored at the June 22 Roslyn Board of Education meeting for their years of service to the Roslyn School District.

The retirees were given commemorative plaques and congratulatory speeches by fellow staff and educators.

Roslyn Board of Education President Meryl Waxman Ben-Levy paid tribute to retiring BOE Trustee Bruce

N. Shore High School grads

Valauri and deeply thanked him for his many years of dedicated service to the district.

Goodbye and best wishes to: Theresa Arcarola, Jean Barbieri, Cynthia Cushing, Michael Douglas, Sophie Duval, Cathleen Giannattasio, Peter Hayes. Jose Hernandez, Cecily Lawrence, Karen Lucchese, Alesandra Malier, Todd Postol, Robert Rosenboom, Clifford Samuels, Carolyn Smith, Gladys Weiser, and Steven Wood.

It was a cloudy day on June 23 but that didn’t dampen spirits as the North Shore High School seniors donned their caps and gowns for the 2023 Commencement Ceremony.

Parents, families and administrators happily gathered in the gymnasium at North Shore High School to watch the ceremony led by Principal Eric Contreras.

Speakers included Superintendent Christopher Zublionis, Valedictorian Ava Bartoli, Salutatorian Ruben Shonik and North Shore Board of Education President David Ludmar.

Congratulations to all the North Shore High School graduates and their families who attended the 2023 Commencement Ceremony.

To begin the ceremony, the Pledge of Allegiance was led by Senior Class Co-Presidents Romolo Fabiili and Michael Granelli followed by the “Star Spangled Banner” sung by Gregory Saridakis accompanied by members of the North Shore High School orchestra conducted by Jason Domingo.

Principal Eric Contreras congratulated his seniors and praised them on this wonderful milestone. He said that they were a special class who expressed how much friendships matter.

In honor of Nicholas Pedone, who would have graduated with the class, they asked if a seat could be reserved and decorated for him. Everyone then stood and applauded Mr. and Mrs. Pedone who were in the audience.

“Here at North Shore you have

North Shore High School’s class of 2023 throw their caps into the air at the conclusion of their graduation ceremony Friday morning.

also been individual beautiful shining stars in your own individual journeys,” Contreras said. “And at the same time, you have all been one beautiful constellation of stars in the midnight sky. Just like actual constellations, you have shone individually, and you have also collectively made each other brighter.”

In addition, both Superintendent Zublionis and Board of Education President Ludmar spoke to the graduating seniors.

During the “Presentation of Class” each senior was called to the podium to receive their diplomas. Upon completion, Contreras stated that they had fulfilled all the New York State High School requirements to graduate.

To a loud round of applause by all of those in the audience, the graduates joyously tossed their hats in the air!

Congratulations Class of 2023!

At the conclusion of the 2023 Commencement Ceremony, the North Shore Alma Mater was led by Aidan Tandy and Liam Tandy.

“In the spirit of Nick, fight hard, smile big, and take care of each other,” Contreras said. “I love you I love you, and I am proud of you. You are my stars, our stars, and your parent’s stars. Come back and visit.”

Principal Contreras then wished all his seniors the best of luck in the future!

Congratulations to the Class of 2023!

111 receive Seal of Biliteracy at North Shore High

The Seal of Biliteracy is an award given to high school graduates who have demonstrated a high level of proficiency in English and one or more world languages.

Congratulations to our 111 North Shore High School students who are the recipients of the New York State Seal of Biliteracy. Eight of those students received the seal in two* world languages – a language studied at the North Shore and their home language.

Congratulations to:Ibrahim Aboumandour, Christian Accardi, Maria Alarcon*, Matthew Arboleda, Alexa Artale, Aidan Attina, Matthew Baron, Ava Bartoli, Gabriella Basile, Angelina Batas, Maya Best, Alexander Bischoff, Nathaniel Brower, Matias Buschfrers, Madeline Bush, Elisa Busse, Gavin Butler, Ryan Camardella, Mary Casale, Michael Cerrone, Analise Clarke, Richard Cook, Colin D’Angelis, Julia De Sario, Kiera Denley, Ella Desane, Michael Dey, Gabrielle Ditrapani, Jared Dominguez, Andrew Donnelly, Kerbelyn Dugan Matarrita, Ethan Fichtl, Michael Fleming, Angelica Frangopoulos*, Natalie Gaeta, Valentina Ghersi, Faith Glazarev, Christopher Goslin, Luke Gottfried, Michael Granelli, Brianna

Graziosi, Molly Guerin, Arianne Guss, Penelope Ham, Patrick Hart, Tikdem Heffernan, Yousef Helo*, Rose Horstmann, Karen Huerta-Soto, Tara Hynes*, Joseph Ickowicz, Maya Ikawa, Jack Kaufman, Aidan Kiggins, Gabriel Kopcsik*, Andrew Kraupner, Nicholas La Rosa, Antonella Lagos, Matthew Laudisio, Madelyn Launer,

Grace Ledden, Heather Lennon, Maggie Leporin, Jessica Lillis, Peter Liotta, Nicholas Livoti, Samantha Lockwood, Abigail Maler, Dean Mallen, Matthew Malone, Daniela Martini, Gabriella Mehraban*, Alexandra Mele, Giulia Mele, Maxim Mokhoff, Layla Morrissey, Eric Mullen, Kaitlyn Murphy, Matthew Nochowitz,

Ella Orsino*, Eric Orsino, Annette Park, Jack Potter, Summer Rice, Eliza Ritter, Dylan Roth, Alexa Salvatori, Madelyn Samtani*, Gregory Saridakis, Keith Scala, Ruben Shonik, Danny Sotiryadis, Ava Steele, John Stehling, Liliana Stella, Gabriella Stiffler, Samuel Sturge, Nehir Tan, Sofia Tedesco, Giovanni Troia, Viv-

ian Varkaris, Jehilyn Velasquez, Paola Villacis, Bianca Villacis, Omar Wali, Emily White, Will Winchester , Abigail Wong, Gina Wu, Michael Ye and Brooke Zapken. “Their hard work and commitment to their language studies is commendable,” Ana Aguiar-Mady, Director of World Languages and ENL, said.

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE NORTH SHORE SCHOOL DISTRICT

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE ROSLYN SCHOOL DISTRICT Roslyn School District retirees at the 2023 ceremony.

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE NORTH SHORE SCHOOL DISTRICT

111 North Shore High School students received the New York State Seal of Biliteracy.