Williston Times 2023_10_27

Serving Williston Park, East Williston, Mineola, Albertson and Searingtown

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Friday, October 27, 2023

Vol. 72, No. 43

LIVING 50 PLUS

COUNCIL DEMS BLAST DeSENA BUDGET

KAIMAN, De DeSENA TRADE BLOWS AT DEBATE

PAGES 25-28

PAGE 2

PAGE 6

DIG PINK

Sheridan speeding draw residents’ ire Trustees asked for help to address threat to safety

BY B R A N D ON D U FF Y Williston Park residents who live on Sheridan Avenue have asked the village’s Board of Trustees to consider solutions to stop speeding on the road.

Ed Patisso read a letter to the board during Monday night’s meeting on behalf of his neighbors, saying drivers looking to bypass stoplights on Hillside Avenue do so by speeding through Sheridan, which is one block away.

“These drivers are willing to jeopardize the safety of our families, including our children and elderly,” Patisso said.

He added the two-way road narrows considerably due to cars oftentimes being parked on both sides of Sheridan and cars need to get through it quickly so it doesn’t block traffic from an oncoming car.

“Our vehicles have been sideswiped, severely damaged and pushed onto the sidewalk,” Patisso said. “We’ve even witnessed a car flipping over. Sheridan could become the site of a future tragedy if not addressed immediately.”

Patisso asked the board to consider installing a speed hump and additional speed limit signs.

Mayor Paul Ehrbar said he has spoken with residents throughout

the village and the speeding issue is one that does not have a simple solution, calling it a “very difficult situation.”

“Every block in the village has the same issue,” Ehrbar said. “There are too many cars in the street, people do not stop at stop signs and there’s not enough officers in Nassau County to cover every street in Williston Park.

Ehrbar went on to say that installing a speed hump would create issues for plowing the road in the winter, also citing the cost and the potential demand from other residents for a speed hump on their Continued on Page 42

Mineola OKs three-story, 30-unit residential plan Trustees give go-ahead to project at 155 First Street

BY B R A N D ON D U FF Y PHOTO COURTESY OF @HERRICKS_SPORTS_PHOTOS ON INSTAGRAM

The Herricks girls volleyball team hosted Plainview-Old Bethpage JFK on Monday, Oct. 16.

The Mineola Board of Trustees Wednesday night approved a three-story, 30-unit residential building to be built at 155 First St. The structure, located across the village’s post office on the corner of First and Main Streets, will have its units built on top of 54 parking spaces, which will be at ground level.

Mineola’s board of trustees held a public hearing for the application on Wednesday, Oct. 11 and reserved a decision until this week so the developers could resubmit

new renderings, which were approved.

The building’s layout will be 28 one-bedroom residential units and two studio apartments. On the first and second floors will be 12 units and six on the third floor.

Currently, the property is located within the village’s downtown overlay district which the board unanimously approved last year. It gives Mineola more flexibility when considering developments.

The development, which is approximately 10,000 square feet and 40 feet high, will also replace

the current 20,000-square-foot building on the property.

Trustee Paul Cusato was the only trustee out of the five-person board to vote against the project, saying that he felt the project was too big for the area.

“Many many years ago we had Morgan Parc come to this village and I voted no at that time because I thought the building was just too big,” Cusato said, referencing the approximately 311,500 squarefoot complex that was built in 2019 on Second Street. “I feel the same thing about this structure. I Continued on Page 43

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The Williston Times, Friday, October 27, 2023

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Town Dems critical Rabbi’s family makes of DeSena’s budget it back from Israel

Promise amendments, a final vote before Election Day

Leaves behind son serving in IDF

BY B R A N D ON D U FF Y

BY K A R I N A KO VA C

North Hempstead Democrats panned Republican Supervisor Jennifer DeSena’s $163.9 million tentative budget for the town before voting to certify its review of the spending plan.

Council Members Robert Troiano and Veronica Lurvey voted against certifying the budget during a resolution that would turn it into a preliminary budget and officially set the voting date for the final budget as Thursday, Nov. 2. Democrats Peter Zuckerman and Mariann Dalimonte voted for certifying while saying there are issues that still need to be fixed.

“I am being asked to certify the completion of the review of the budget submitted by the supervisor when parts of that budget remain hidden from me,” Troiano said before voting. “I cannot in good conscience vote yes.”

DeSena’s second tentative budget of her administration includes a 10% property tax cut and maintains town services and programs. Director of Governmental Research Steven Pollack gave a brief presentation on the highlights of the budget before the meeting was opened to public comment, where three residents spoke.

Among the concerns for the Democrats was the potential impact on the budget from the town’s recent agreement on a four-year collective bargaining agreement with the CSEA Unit 7555, which represents over 80% of the town’s workforce.

The town in a press release issued Wednesday afternoon before the public hearing announced the agreement, which needs to be ratified by the labor union before the town board can approve the new contract. The four-year contract will run from Jan. 1, 2023, to Dec. 31, 2026.

Deputy Supervisor Joseph Scalero said during the budget workshop meeting Oct. 17 that the tentative budget was submitted before an agreement was made and that projections are based on numbers from the contract that expired earlier this year.

Lurvey added that she has issues with multiple cuts in the budget proposal, the lack of an agreement with Harbor Links Golf Course in Port Washington and the effect a $10 million tax cut could have on the town’s Aaa budget rating in

When the devastating surprise attack from the militant group Hamas started to unfold on Oct. 7, Chabad of Great Neck Rabbi Osher Kravitsky’s family was in Israel for an Israeli Defense Force ceremony for their son Menachem, who is his second son to serve in the IDF and enlisted as a lone soldier.

The ceremony was cut short as alerts blared and rockets began to be shot down over the Iron Dome.

Osher’s wife, Sara Kravitsky, director of the temple’s preschool, landed in New York last Thursday night after a week and a half of bomb-filled skies and helping to provide soldiers with home-cooked meals and supplies.

Menachem volunteered for the Israeli Defense Forces after his 18th birthday and over the summer was accepted into the Golani unit that oversee the Gaza border. His older brother did two tours of duty years prior and Menachem wanted to follow suit.

Menachem was having his induction ceremony by the Western Wall with his family present when alerts began to sound and he was immediately deployed, Osher Kravitsky said.

PHOTO BY KARINA KOVAC

The North Hempstead Town Board is expected to vote on the 2024 budget on Thursday, Nov. 2. the future.

“All budgets reflect priorities and involve difficult decisions to balance community needs and impact on taxpayers,” Lurvey said before voting. “At this point, there is such a lack of information that I cannot say that I have completed my review. I vote no.”

DeSena said that she expects amendments to be made and follow the same budget process as last year. After submitting her first tentative budget, DeSena and Lurvey both submitted amendments to the proposal that included an 11% and 5% tax cut, respectively.

“I expect amendments, I would love to get them before 7 p.m. the night before the budget hearing, but there will be amendments just as last year,” DeSena said in reference to when Lurvey’s amendment last year was submitted.

DeSena went on to say there were no cuts in the budget and that Highway Superintendent Douglas Schlaefer got

what he asked for his department in the proposal.

Schlaefer said on Oct. 17 he was not asking for anything new for his department in the upcoming budget.

“We’re going to live within the confines of whatever budget is crafted here and we’ll successfully operate with that,” Schlaefer said to the town board.

Additional concerns from town Democrats include a $2 million cut to road paving, a $1 million cut to tree planting and maintenance, a $1 million cut to sidewalk work and a $250,000 cut to beautification funds.

On Oct. 17 Pollack said the Highway Department’s budget is decreasing in part due to one-time appropriations that were made last year that are not included in the proposal for next year.

Town board members can submit amendments to the preliminary budget up to 24 hours before the next town board meeting.

“Within the hour a rocket went over and the Iron Dome intercepted and everyone there had to go into the tunnels,” said Sara Kravitsky. For hours they waited and during that time news started to emerge of “the kidnappings and the brutality; that’s when it got scary,” she said.

That’s also when both parents found out their son was pulled out of the base. Back in Great Neck Osher Kravitsky was praying his son would be be put in a safe unit, worried he was not yet a seasoned fighter like his older brother, who had served two tours with the IDF. Then news emerged of what happened to the initial unit Menachem was assigned to.

“After the holiday on Saturday night, I got the shock of my life,” the rabbi said. “It was bittersweet. The base that my son was supposed to be in, the unit that he was supposed to be in, they were all murdered.”

He went on to say, “the terrorists just walked in, and they weren’t prepared. This happened so abruptly, they shot everyone while they were in their bed, and he was supposed to be there. But as a miracle, he was not.”

Continued on Page 42

PHOTO BY KARINA KOVAC

Chabad of Great Neck Rabbi Osher Kravitsky asked everyone to increase good thoughts and deeds to spread kindness and light in the world.

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Israel-born East Port police say report, posts Hills trustee leads of migrant drop-off not true

supplies drive

BY C A M E RY N OAKES In the wake of the war in Israel, community members have begun gathering donations for Israeli soldiers to fill more than 100 duffel bags tailored for specific troops and their needs.

“Right now [time] is of the essence because you don’t know if the soldiers are going into Gaza right now,” East Hills Trustee Clara Pomerantz said.

“So if it’s tomorrow, they need this stuff.”

The collection drive is being coordinated by Pomerantz alongside Stephanie Small, a congregant of the Old Westbury Hebrew Congregation.

Pomerantz was born in Israel, moving to the United States at the age of six, with much of her family still living in her birth country. She said this is why she was so passion-

ate about taking up this project.

She said through familial connections to Israel she was able to learn about the needs of the IDF troops and receive lists of items in demand.

“So every day they’re asking for different things,” Pomerantz said.

Israeli soldiers holding up student drawings they received in their duffel bags. (Photo courtesy of Clara Pomerantz) Pomerantz said she joined efforts with the Sid Jacobson Jewish Community Center to collect donations for IDF troops, with the JCC focusing on wound care and Pomerantz’s drive collecting tactical gear.

In tandem with tactical gear, Pomerantz said they are also collecting wound care, food, sleeping bags, waterproof clothes and hygiene products.

Continued on Page 42

BY C A M E RY N O A K ES A recent news report claimed that more than 15 migrants were dropped off at various local Long Island Rail Road stations in late September, but the Port Washington Police Department say they have received no report that supports this claim.

The North Shore Leader published a story this week claiming that a charter bus transported migrants from New York City and dropped them off at the Port Washington, Roslyn and Manhasset stations early in the morning on Sept. 27.

The publication cited information for its story was provided by witnesses and residents.

Port Washington Police Chief Robert Del Muro released a statement on Tuesday saying that they had not garnered any complaints or official record from either citizens or police officers that support this incident, what they referred to as a “rumor,” occurred.

Del Muro said the department also does not have any evidence to support these claims. He said they have also not noted any increase in the homeless population, which he said they are “generally aware of.”

The story from the North Shore Leader questioned whether this supposed incident was a part of Gov. Kathy Hochul’s plan to relocate migrants for job opportunities.

The governor announced on Oct. 2 that the Department of Labor had reached an agreement to secure 18,000 jobs provided by more than 400 employers to asylum seekers and migrants who could legally work in the United States.

Of the 18,000 jobs available, nearly 1,300 are available in Long Island.

North Hempstead Councilmember Mariann Dalimonte

PHOTO FROM THE MTA

The station for the Port Washington branch of the LIRR sent an email newsletter addressing the rumors. She said she contacted both the governor’s office and the Port Washington Police Department, both confirming the rumors were not true.

She advised residents to take caution in believing such claims.

“We are all living through a period of increased political polarization, heightened tensions, and anxieties, and during a time when false information spreads rapidly through social media,” Dalimonte said. “Please do your best to avoid enabling and perpetuating these problems.”

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LIU buys JCC camp site in zoning fight Use of 14-acre site next to school was deemed not religious enough to allow continued operation

BY C A M E RY N O A K ES LIU Post has purchased the property that once housed Camp Jacobson, a Jewish day camp hosted by the Sid Jacobson JCC, after litigation forced the day camp to end operations in 2022.

According to the JCC, the lot was sold to the university on Sept. 21. The 14-acre plot of land at 340 Old Wheatley Road, where the camp was formerly held, is located next to the university’s campus and was sold, according to Newsday, for $8.5 million.

JCC Executive Director David Black said in an email sent to families on Oct. 18 that the JCC struggled to address the aftermath of its closure in 2022, considering alternative uses and the financial hit from the litigation. He said he is both happy and sad to have sold it to the university.

Black said funds from the sale will go towards renovations of the JCC’s main site at 300 Forest Drive.

The East Hills-based Jewish community center purchased the property in Brookville in 2008.

The day camp, which was established in 2009 and brought in thousands of children from more than 400 families, ended its operation last year when the JCC announced its closure in a Sept. 13, 2022 email to parents and a Sept. 27, 2022 press release.

“We are confounded and deeply disturbed by this turn of events,” the Sept.

13, 2022 email from Black and former Board President David Levy states. “Sid Jacobson JCC exists to create and foster community by enhancing the lives of individuals and families through hundreds of programs. Camp Jacobson has served thousands of children, providing a dynamic summer experience steeped in Jewish principles, practices, and values and providing jobs to hundreds of dedicated people each year who provide your children with incredible summers.”

Black looked upon the camp’s impact fondly in an email sent to families on Oct. 18 to inform them of the sale.

“Thousands of children, their laughter and growth still in our heads, enjoyed kosher, value-driven, upstanding summers of joy,” Black said in the Oct. 18 email. “Camp is where lifelong friendships are formed. Camp is where extraordinary growth takes place. Camp is where values get translated into lifetime memories. All this we embodied.

All this we took great pride in providing.

The JCC said that the closure was due to a years-long litigation battle with the Village of Brookeville due to an order made by the village and claims of zoning issues.

“The shame of our closure falls squarely on the Village of Brookville,”

PHOTO COURTESY OF SID JACOBSON JCC

Children running around at Camp Jacobson.

Black said in the Oct. 18 email.

Issues between the village and the community center began in 2014 when the camp requested to widen the drive and construct new building amenities like additional classrooms and bathrooms. The JCC said these projects were part of the camp’s multimillion-dollar master plan.

The Village of Brookeville Zoning Board denied granting the project’s necessary permits in 2017, according to court documents, saying that the property was not being used within the village’s zoning regulations.

The JCC said that the village also declared “the camp not Jewish enough to warrant protections under the law” as a religious or educational institution, which the JCC sued to overturn in 2017.

State Supreme Court Justice James McCormack ruled in favor of Brookeville.

“Although the JCC is a religious organization,” the court filings said, “the evidence presented to the ZBA supports its determination that the activities and programs offered at the Day School and Camp are standard recreational activities that are offered at any summer camp.”

The courts sided with the village, determining that the camp was recreational and thus not granted deferential zoning treatment for religious use.

“They bent to the whims of the few

and destroyed the dreams and hopes of the many,” Black said in the Oct. 18 email. “But the law is the law, and while they decided to invoke an angle of it that they never brought up during ten years of operation, the courts agreed, and our camp was closed.”

But while the permits were not required to be granted under the court’s decision, the camp was able to continue operations.

About a week after their 2022 summer camp ended, the village informed the center that it had filed a motion in State Supreme Court to force them to stop using the property.

Newsday reported that court records show the JCC opted to close the camp in their own decision following a 2022 lawsuit filed by the village attempting to shut down the camp.

“We disagree with the rationale behind the decisions of the village and the courts,” the Sept. 13, 2022 email states.

“Our hearts are heavy at this moment, but our intent is to rise again.”

In the wake of the recent sale, Black expressed thanks to the JCC community, individuals involved in the day camp and the LIU. “We wish LIU Post well and hope they use those grounds to enhance society and build community,” Black said in his Oct. 18 email. “Toward those ends, we will always be at their side.”

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DeSena, Kaiman spar at League event Supervisor candidates in heated debate over taxes, building department and campaign tactics

BY B R A N D ON D U FF Y North Hempstead Republican Supervisor Jennifer DeSena and Democrat challenger Jon Kaiman clashed sharply ahead of Election Day at a candidate forum held by the League of Women Voters Port Washington-Manhasset.

The two candidates disagreed over the benefits of DeSena’s $10 million tax cut in her 2024 budget proposal, Kalman’s previous tax record during his time as town supervisor and improving the town’s building department, among other things.

DeSena, of Manhasset, is running for a second two-year term after being the first Republican nominee to claim the supervisor post in more than 30 years, succeeding Democrat Judi Bosworth, who did not seek re-election.

Prior to public service, DeSena was the executive director of the Manhasset Coalition Against Substance Abuse and previously was an enforcement attorney with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Kaiman, of Great Neck, has served as the Suffolk County Deputy Executive since 2017 under Democrat Executive Steve Bellone, who is term-limited and not seeking re-election. Kaiman also was supervisor of North Hempstead from 2004 through 2013 before being appointed by then Gov. Andrew Cuomo to serve as a special adviser on Superstorm Sandy and is a former chair of the Nassau Interim Finance Authority.

DeSena defended her budget proposal and pushed back against the notion that her $163.9

Elect

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE CANDIDATES

Supervisor Jennifer DeSena, left, and ex-Supervisor Jon Kaiman, right. million tentative budget for next year would include service cuts.

DeSena said the proposal maintains town services, 13 out of 18 departments saw increases and the five that saw decreases were due to personnel changes leading to a decrease in salaries or one-time appropriations from last year not

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being included.

“This is a statement that people have been saying,” DeSena said. “I did not cut any services at all.”

Kaiman said a budget hole totaling approximately $11 million has been created from a shortage in revenues to cover expenditures. Kai-

man went on to say dipping into reserves can provide relief but is not sustainable long term.

“Inevitably, there is no way to have a budget like this that looks beyond this year,” Kaiman said.

The North Hempstead Town Board has a voting day set for Thursday, Nov. 2 to approve next year’s budget. The seven-member town board can make amendments to the proposal prior to Nov. 2.

Kaiman again defended his tax record during his time as supervisor, a major topic that has been the target of political mailers and advertisements, saying of the nine budgets he voted on, five of them had no tax increase and four had increases of $6, $7.50, $15 and $16 on average for North Hempstead households.

DeSena said her claims of Kaiman raising taxes approximately $20 million, or 44%, during his time as supervisor are publicly sourced. Advertisements against Kaiman and his tax record are cited by North Hempstead’s comprehensive annual finance report.

When asked about streamlining building department operations, Kaiman said permits are being delayed and costs increase because of it for businesses. The Democrat said he would propose adding plan examiners, building inspectors and go digital where possible.

“I will take responsibility to find out what the problem is,” Kaiman said. “I would go to the stakeholders, civic leaders and the community to find out the challenges they are facing.”

Continued on Page 49

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10 The Williston Times, Friday, October 27, 2023

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Charged with exposing Denton Ave. staff himself to teens in NHP feels blue... ribbon

BY B R A N D ON DUFFY

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE NASSAU COUNTY POLICE DEPARTMENT

Ernest Fuentes Lozano, 24, of West Hempstead.

A West Hempstead man was charged with exposing himself and touching his genitals in front of three teenagers three separate times in Nassau County.

Ernest Fuentes Lozano, 24, allegedly approached three girls, aged 13, 14 and 17 from his black SUV on Tuesday, Oct. 17, according to polce.

The three incidents reportedly took place in Herricks in the vicinity of Mayflower Avenue, New Hyde Park and West Hempstead.

Herricks Superintendent Tony Sinanis said in a statement to families the district consulted with police to make sure all safety precautions were being taken. Sinanis said no one was injured in the incident and the crossing guard who witnessed it also reported to the police.

Lozano is charged with three counts of public lewdness and two counts of endangering the welfare of a child.

BY B R A N D ON D U FF Y Denton Avenue School principal Dominick Tolipano said the elementary school’s recent recognition as a Blue Ribbon School is a testament to the community at large.

“It’s a tribute to the hard work of the parents, students and last not but least the faculty and staff,” Tolipano said during Thursday night’s Herricks Board of Education meeting.

School officials were recognized by the board and presented a certificate of recognition by the North Hempstead Town Board.

The U.S. Department of Education recognized Denton alongside only two other elementary schools on Long Island to receive the prestigious award.

The National Blue Ribbon Schools Program started in 1982 and recognizes exemplary schools on a yearly basis in two categories, superior graduation rates and test scores and closing achievement gaps for students with different backgrounds.

Denton and the other Long Island schools were cited for their high performance.

In unrelated district news, to celebrate school board recognition week, three students from Herricks Middle School played “Por Una Cabeza” on the cello and two violins.

Afterward, board members James Gounaris, Henry Zanetti, Juleigh Chin, Nancy Feinstein and Brian Hassan were each gifted a large puzzle piece that showed a group picture of the board when put together.

PHOTO COURTESY OF HERRICKS PUBLIC SCHOOLS

Denton Avenue principal Dominick Tolipano.

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12 The Williston Times, Friday, October 27, 2023

WT

N. Hills neighbors split on church plan

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engineering firm that their comments on the development had been addressed, with some conditions, and they felt comfortable with the board making a decision.

“It’s been an iterative process,” Deegan Dickson said. “I think it’s been very fruitful for all involved.”

Bruce Migatz, who jokingly said he switched sides, said his clients who neighbor the church and were initially opposed to its expansion have said they are now OK with the amended project plans.

Migatz read a letter from his clients, who live adjacent to the church, stating their consent for the board to approve the revised plans without further revisions.

He said the access road expansion proposed in the new plan is better than what is currently at the property, which is why his clients consented to the application. While this has eased their concerns, he said they still want to ensure it is adequate to accommodate the increase in building size.

Migatz said his clients are still concerned about the ability of fire and emergency services to access the property. He asked the village to request that the Manhasset-Lakeville Fire Department review the access.

While the adjacent neighbors have expressed approval for the new site plan, that is not true for another neighbor who has opposed the expansion.

Michael Hopkins, who represents another neighbor of the church, said his client remains opposed to the proposal due to an “undue hardship” it places upon his own property. Hopkins read a letter from his client addressing the issue.

“To place such an undue hardship on my property is unrealistic and unfairly weighted,” Hopkins read from the letA proposal of additions and ter provided by his client. renovations to the Greater New Hopkins said the main conYork Conference of Seventhcern of his client is the setback Day Adventists in North Hills of the property close to his has split neighbors concerned property line, which is one of about the impact of the project, the variances requested by the when one expressed support for church. He said even within the the amended plans at a hearing scope of religious use, the deWednesday night after opposvelopment is excessive. ing it for months.

Mayor Marvin Natiss quesThe church, located at 7 tioned whether the building’s Shelter Rock Road, is proposexpansion falls within the ing a series of changes to the scope of religious use, which is building and site, including assessed differently than other expanding the parking lot, the uses, as the purpose of the exbuilding’s setback, a new repansion is for accommodating cording studio and other buildoffice spaces and events. ing expansions. The proposal “If it was just for religious is requesting variances for the use, I’d understand our limitabuilding’s height, distance to tions, but because you’re telling the property line, building and me it has offices and banquets structure coverage, floor area and people all being in the ratio and required parking same rooms at the same time, spaces.

I do have some concern,” Natiss No decision was made dursaid. ing the public hearing at the Natiss also pointed out North Hills Board of Trustees that the original application meeting Wednesday as the proposed the plans as an extrustees opted to reserve their pansion of a commercial use decision on the matters. and was later changed to an Kathleen Deegan Dickson, expansion of a religious use. an attorney representing the Deegan Dickson said this was church, said the project plans a typo that was not caught by had changed to address neighher prior to submitting the apbor requests to mitigate implication. pacts on their properties. This Village attorney A. Thomas included widening the access Levin said the scope of religious easement to 20 feet, moving use has been determined in the upper parking lot further courts to be broader than refrom the property line, adjustligious services and practices. ing the rear landscaping and Deegan Dickson confirmed this, painting the building a neutral explaining that the church’s use color. of office spaces and banquet “We thought, just to be a halls is still for the purpose of good neighbor, we would actheir religious practices. commodate,” Deegan Dickson “Just like any other relisaid. gious institution, you need to Deegan Dickson said the have administrative offices,” church had received a letter Deegan Dickson. “If you want from the village’s consulting to have other religious leaders come visit you, you need a place to have lunch.”

Deegan Dickson said the current spaces are used for multiple purposes and require them to be converted for different uses. She said this proposal would provide separate rooms for different uses.

She said that while the building plans are to expand the building, the church’s operations are not expanding with it. She said the purpose of the building expansion is to accommodate the existing use and the church’s religious use will remain the same as it has been since the 1970s when it was established.

The North Hills Board of Trustees will convene again PHOTO COURTESY OF THE ISLAND 360 ARCHIVES at the village hall for its next meeting, which will begin at The Village of North Hills Village Hall.

7:30 p.m. on Nov. 15.

The Williston Times, Friday, October 27, 2023

WT

13

4 assisted-living Blakeman honors Israel facility residents music fest attack survivor hospitalized

BY K A R I N A KO VA C

BY K A R I N A KO VA C Four residents of the Atria Park assisted-living facility in Great Neck Plaza were hospitalized Sunday while complaining of “gastrointestinal discomfort,” Chief Fire Marshal Michael Uttaro said.

Uttaro said the Manhasset Lakeville Fire Department received a call for a sick female on the second floor of the Community Room of the facility at 6:49 p.m. Sunday evening. MLFD EMS Capt.

Lee Genser requested MLFD fire units to respond after the initial EMS crew encountered more than one resident complaining of gastrointestinal discomfort.

Ambulances from Great Neck Vigilant Fire Dept., New Hyde Park FD, Port Washington FD, and Nassau County Emergency Ambulance Bureau

were called in to respond since more than one resident felt ill.

The Nassau County Fire Marshal Hazardous Materials Response Team was requested

by MLFD Chief Michael Farrone at the scene to respond with multi-gas-detection meters to investigate if carbon monoxide or the possibility of any odors were causing the problems residents were having.

The Fire department and NCFM Hazmat team found no issues with the air quality.

Uttaro said four residents were transported to local hospitals for evaluation with three going to North Shore University Hospital in Manhasset and one to St. Francis Hospital in Roslyn.

As of Tuesday, one resident has been returned to the facility with no symptoms, Newsday reported.

Continued on Page 43

Nassau County executive Bruce Blakeman gave a citation to Tribe of Nova music festival survivor Natalie Sanandaji, 28, and Shop Delight employee Shuke Ma, who donated a week’s pay to support Israel, on Monday for their courage and support during the Israel/ Palestine conflict.

“She has been a witness,” Blakeman said of Sanandaji, “a witness to the terror that took place and she’s traveling around and meeting with various groups, and being on various media outlets, to tell the truth as to what happened. The savagery, the butchery of innocent civilians, young people. It’s something that should shock everybody.”

Sanandaji, a Jewish New Yorker born to Israeli and Iranian parents, narrowly escaped Hamas’s assault on the music festival celebrating the festival of Sukkot near the border with the Gaza Strip Oct. 7. At least 260 attendees at the festival were killed in the surprise attack, according to Israeli rescue service Zaka. More were taken hostage.

Sanandaji recalled camping at the festival with a few friends when one of them said some rockets had been fired

Sport Psychology

in their direction and everyone should be alert, but it was a normal occurrence.

But soon the rockets kept coming, the Great Neck resident said, and they realized this was not an ordinary situation with the number of rockets fired climbing to 10, then 20.

Security stopped the music and asked everyone to evacuate. Her group began walking and stopped at a restroom, only to find out that later that moments after she was there, Hamas soldiers shot into the bathrooms.

Continued on Page 43

PHOTO BY KARINA KOVAC

Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman recognized Great Neck residentsNatalie Sanandaji, a survivor of the music festival in Israel, and Shuke Ma, a cashier who donated her weeks pay to the cause, for their bravery and support during Israel’s war with Hamas.

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Opinion

OUR VIEWS

2 cheers for D’Esposito for his speaker vote

L

et’s give some credit where credit is due to Rep. Anthony D’Esposito (NY-03) and two other Republican Long Island representatives who voted three times last week against Rep. Jim Jordan for speaker of the House.

Jordan, a right-wing bomb thrower and a founding member of the Freedom Caucus, had no right to even be nominated given his record and the fact that he got as close as he did to becoming second in line to the president shows just how far House Republicans have fallen.

A congressman since 2007, Jordan had passed zero legislation since taking office. That is zero legislation. By the man nominated to be speaker of the House.

Former Republican House Speaker John Boehner called him a “legislative terrorist.”

And former Republican Rep. Liz Cheney, co-chair of the Jan. 6 Committee, tweeted about the threat voting for Jordan posed to democracy due to his support of President Trump’s conspiracy to overturn the election and the pressure he placed on Vice President Mike Pence to not fulfill his ceremonial role to certify the election.

“Jim Jordan was in Trump’s conspiracy to steal the election and seize power, he urged that Pence refuse to count lawful electoral votes,” Cheney tweeted. “If R’s nominate Jordan to be speaker, they will be abandoning the Constitution.”

So here was that.

It appears, though, that Cheney’s warning to Republicans at the end of her tweet may have been more important to D’Esposito and fellow Long Island Congressmen Nick LaLota and Andrew Gabarino.

“They’ll lose the House majority and they’ll deserve to,” Cheney concluded.

For D’Esposito this would seem particularly worrisome since his seat is considered to be one of the most in danger in 2024.

Still, in a party in which violence is increasingly being normalized, the three Long Island Republicans’ votes do deserve acknowledgment.

LaLota began receiving threats shortly after he cast the first of his three votes against Jordan.

“If I see your face, I will whip all the hair out of your head, you scumbag,” read one expletive-laden email.

Other representatives who voted against Jordan’s candidacy said they had personally received death threats and even members of their families became targets.

D’Esposito, Garbarino and LaLota explained their opposition to Jordan in a press release before Jordan pulled out.

“We remain steadfast that the next speaker of the House prioritize our neighbors’ concerns, particularly: SALT cap relief, healthcare funding, flood insurance legislation, and assurances that we curb runaway federal spending in a responsible manner that averts any potential government shutdown,” the three men said.

The SALT cap refers to the limit on deductions for state and local taxes that were imposed in 2017 as part of the tax cut that heavily favored large corporate corporations and the rich approved by Trump and congressional Republicans.

The limit has been vehemently opposed by both New York Democrats and Republicans.

Still, the three Long Island representatives didn’t actually completely rule out voting for Jordan.

“While Chairman Jordan has not yet made an offer addressing our priorities, we remain in communication with the chairman in hopes of finding common ground,” they said in their press release before he left the race.

Jordan, it appears, was unwilling to meet the Long Island Republicans’ price for getting their votes.

Instead, the three Republicans cast their votes for former Long Island Rep. Lee Zeldin in three separate votes This made sense on one level since Zeldin had made a strong showing in his race againstKathy Hochul in 2022 as the Republicans’ choice for governor – despite the Democrats’ large advantage in registered voters across the state.

But on another level, the choice of Zeldin was odd.

Zeldin rose to prominence as a leading defender of Trump when he was impeached for threatening to withhold much-needed military aid to Ukraine in

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Editorial Cartoon

fighting the Russians unless President Volodymyr Zelensky dug up dirt on thenpresidential candidate Joe Biden.

Zeldin worked at the time with a small group of right-wing legislators who included, yes, Jim Jordan.

Zeldin spent 12-hour days crossexamining diplomats who testified and raced to television cameras to flay Democrats, with Trumpian flair.

‘It was significant,” Jordan said of Zeldin’s work “He was willing to put in the time and he’s a sharp guy. That’s the kind of combination you want.”

Jordan and Zeldin were joined in opposing Trump’s impeachment by then Rep. Mark Meadows, who later became Trump’s chief of staff and has since been indicted in Atlanta for his role in trying to overturn the presidential election on Jan. 6.

Zeldin was also one of more than 140 House Republicans and 10 senators who voted against certifying the results of the 2020 presidential election.

That vote, by itself, should disqualify any elected officials from holding office.

But Zeldin went further than that.

On the daythe U.S. Capitol was ransacked, as stunned lawmakers emerged from hiding and police officers were still counting the injured, Zeldin walked into the Rotunda, held up a shaky camera, went live on Fox News and blamed Democrats for the assault.

“This isn’t just about the president of the United States,” he said, referring to what prompted the attack. “This is about people on the left and their double standards.”

D’Esposito’s support of Zeldin is not the only instance in which he was, shall we say, inconsistent on policy matters.

A week before the first vote for House speaker, D’Esposito announced in a press release that he had introduced legislation to expel fellow Republican Rep. George Santos (NY-04) from Congress whose presence has posed a threat to D’Esposito and other Republicans.

This came a day after federal officials announced a superseding indictment against Santos that included 10 counts of wire fraud, money laundering, theft of public funds and lying to Congress.

This brought the total number of charges against Santos to 23 – all of which he pleaded not guilty to.

“George Santos’ many deceptions coupled with the ever-expanding legal case against him further strengthen my long-held belief that he is unfit to serve in Congress, and for that reason, I will be sponsoring a resolution to immediately expel George Santos from the House of Representatives.,” D’Esposito said in the release.

He was joined by LaLota and fellow Reps. Marc Molinaro, Brandon Williams and Mike Lawler.

House Democrats had in May proposed a resolution to expel Santos, but House Republicans including D’Esposito voted to send the resolution to the Ethics Committee, which has yet to render a decision.

A vote to expel Santos was said to be politically perilous for House Republicans at that time since they held only a narrow majority and could not afford to

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

lose more than a handful of votes to pass legislation – or elect a House speaker.

Should Santos be expelled? Sure. He faces 23 credible charges, has a long history of lying to voters and his campaign treasurer has already pleaded guilty to the same charges he faces.

Yes, he is entitled to a presumption of innocence in the eyes of the law. But not for voters. He should go. Same with Democratic U.S. Sen. Robert Menendez.

But why don’t D’Esposito and his fellow Republican representatives hold Trump to the same standard?

Trump faces 91 credible felony charges that include trying to overturn the 2020 presidential election and stealing classified documents that include nuclear secrets and war plans for Iran.

He has already been convicted in civil court of what a federal judge says amounts to rape and his company has been found guilty in New York State of massive fraud stretching back many years.

And three of his top campaign lawyers have pleaded guilty in Atlanta in the last week for their role in trying to overturn the 2020 election on Trump’s behalf.

D’Esposito and the other two GOP representatives appeared willing to support Jordan as a speaker if he met their price. They backed Zeldin. And they have not called for Trump to pull out of the Republican presidential primary.

So we say two cheers for D’Esposito and the other Long Island Republicans.

We’ll add a third cheer if they do not vote for another election denier for House speaker.

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Blank Slate Media Newspapers, Friday, October 27, 2023

15

THE BACK ROAD

Searching for a miracle close to home

I

n her recently released memoir “Enough,” Cassidy Hutchinson referred to her grandmother as “a paragon of resilience and grace.” She encouraged me “to search for miracles in the overlooked corners of the world,” Cassidy recalled.

Cassidy served as assistant to ex-President Trump’s chief-of-staff Mark Meadows. As she came to her final days working in the White House, she found a miracle close to home.

“My grandmother promised that if I learned to be curious and attentive, I could help others see what’s often overlooked,” and that “a single act of courage can reach beyond one’s imagination.”

As far as I know, Cassidy’s grandmother was not a trained mental health practitioner. Even so, her advice to her granddaughter rings of a counseling intervention known as the “miracle question.”

When a counselor asks a client the miracle question, they build a good story line leading one to imagine how different their life might be if the miracle happens overnight.

The storyline for Cassidy, to quote Superman, was to find her way back to “truth, justice, and the American way.”

Cassidy’s story is about a young woman rediscovering her core values amid the morass of duplicity, chaos, and corruption that enveloped the Trump White House, buttressed by a multitude of illegal schemes to thwart the peaceful transfer of power and overturn the outcome of a free and fair election.

Looking back at her decision to testify at the bipartisan Jan. 6 Committee and tell the whole truth and nothing but the truth without invoking the Fifth Amendment, Cassidy stands out as one of the more courageous actors of the hearings.

At the same time, seasoned legis-

ANDREW MALEKOFF The Back Road

lators and government officials remained bystanders, fearful of losing personal protection and political advantage.

Cassidy is one of the few who has stood above the malevolent gargoyles keeping watch, but doing nothing to protect the Constitution

and the Americans they vowed under oath to safeguard.

In coming to her decision to fully testify, Cassidy searched her childhood past to better understand the origins of her passion for politics, public service, and the American way – democracy.

Emotions were unwelcome in the Trump White House,” Cassidy noted. “It was imperative to turn them off as a means to survive.”

She found, though, that she had to turn her emotions back on in order to find her way back home.

Fast forward to her final days in the White House, Cassidy came to the realization that her behavior and beliefs did not match up.

Cognitive dissonance set in and she struggled with how to reconcile the discrepancy between what she valued and how she was living her life.

She struggled mightily until she met two people who were key to her finding her miracle. Republican

Senator Liz Cheney and Alexander Butterfield, former deputy assistant to President Richard Nixon, encouraged and inspired her.

Fifty years ago, Alex Butterfield revealed during the Watergate hearings of the existence of an audio recording system in the Nixon White House. When Cassidy first learned about Butterfield, he was still kicking at 97-years-old.

They connected through mutual acquaintances and soon discovered that they were kindred spirits despite an age gap of 70 years.

After testifying, Cassidy downplayed people’s admiration and deep gratitude for her forthrightness: “I did my civic duty. I felt more like an American and didn’t require or deserve any more than a “thank you for your testimony.”

Cassidy is an American hero.

Where are the others?

Hiding in plain sight.

Eyes wide shut.

KREMER’S CORNER

Life or death for GOP in House speaker vote

T

here are many battles taking place these days, probably too many to list at one time.

The war in Israel has pushed the news from Washington D.C. off to the side, but there is no way to ignore the struggle for power taking place in the House of Representatives.

Some spectators view it as just a political spectacle but it is actually a battle for the soul of the Republican Party.

Once upon a time, the Republican Party was a known commodity.

It stood for big business, tax cuts for the wealthy, free trade and sometimes it was an isolationist party.

But the party of Ronald Reagan, George H.W. Bush, George W. Bush, Bob Dole and John Mc Cain has become a captive of former President Donald Trump, who has molded the party into a lump of clay, manipulated by one man to suit his personal needs and gain.

Despite the fact that there are

seven announced candidates for the Republican presidential nomination, other than former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, there is no challenger that has the backbone to challenge Donald Trump.

Even though Trump has cost the party the White House and the House, the other six dwarfs sit by quietly, hoping for some political miracle that will propel them into the White House.

Perhaps by some miracle, by the time this column is in public view, the House will have picked a new speaker, but there is more of a chance that they will be conducting business with an acting speaker.

After allowing a small band of right-wing renegades to torpedo Speaker McCarthy, the party then knee-capped Steve Scalise, the No.2 candidate.

That left the majority party with the worst possible choice in Jim Jordan, a flame-throwing member who most people believe was work-

JERRY KREMER Kremer’s Corner

ing hand-in-hand with Mr. Trump to overturn the elections on Jan. 6.

My moderate Republican friends tell me that they shudder at the thought that Jordan even was under consideration for the job that would make him No. 2 in line

if there was a vacancy in the presidency.

Jordan lacks the credentials and the decency to be considered for such a critical role in the administration of our national government.

As chair of the Judiciary Committee, he is willing to issue multiple subpoenas to anyone who has the last name Biden but defied a congressional committee when they issued a subpoena to him.

Jordan had one more so-called claim to fame to qualify him for the speaker’s job. He was given a fullthroated endorsement by Mr. Trump who urged his colleagues to put him in the speaker’s chair, “as the best qualified person for the job.”

The former president has been trying to manipulate the entire House for the past three years and his support for Jordan was meant to be the crowning moment for an expresident who is currently facing 94 criminal charges.

The 2024 election is getting

closer by the day and the actions of the House will decide whether the party is able to win enough seats to hold on to power. The chaos that has occurred on the House floor is not exactly a recommendation for continued control of that major legislative body.

And the person who will run that body can either make or break the fate of the House Republicans.

A Jordan victory means a shutdown of the government, cuts in military spending and no aid for the war in Ukraine.

To an outsider, the struggle in the House looks like just another skirmish between some power-hungry politicians. That is not the case.

It is really a battle for the soul of the Republican Party. If the Jim Jordans of this world can take over the House, then the institution as we know it will have died.

For the Republican Party to be a party, the Jim Jordans of this world must be defeated.

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16 Blank Slate Media Newspapers, Friday, October 27, 2023

OUR TOWN

Our inevitable future as a cyborg nation

I

n the war between man vs. machine I suspect it’s inevitable that man will lose. Mankind is still ahead, but it’s not clear how long our lead will last. Humans will become just another step in evolution and like the film “The Matrix,” we will be enslaved by machines and will become their pets or batteries to keep them going.

There has been so many nightmarish movies about this theme that it’s almost impossible to list them all.

Let’s see there has been “Bladerunner” starring Harrison Ford, “2001: A Space Odyssey” with Keir Delay, “The Terminator” series with Arnold Schwarzenegger and the film “A.I.” There is also those half-man/halfrobot flicks like “Ironman.”

And if you have any doubt that films are excellent predictors of the future, just refer back to the 2011 medical disaster film “Contagion” starring Matt Damon, Jude Law and Gwyneth Paltrow. This was a film about a highly contagious deadly virus that started in China and quickly spread around the world, causing a global collapse. And nine years later we had COVID. Films are eerily prescient.

Donna Haraway wrote “The Cyborg Manifesto” back in the 1980s, describing this unnerving new blend of man and machine. And the classic text ”The Age of Spiritual Machines” by MIT genius Ray Kurzweil

is a foreboding that artificial intelligence will soon outpace us and demand rights just like we do.

The threats that cyborgs present to humans is very real, but I’m just as oblivious as the next guy and have been happy to deny all of these existential/evolutionary threats so long as I have a steady income and can put food on the table. Last week, however, I read a piece in The Sunday New York Times that scared me.

David Salle, one of the powerhouse artists of the 1980s and 1990s has taken on a new student to teach. He is teaching an algorithm that lives inside of his iPad to become a sophisticated creator of art. Salle reports that his A.I. is a fast learner and he/she/it is producing some great pieces of art.

Now if that doesn’t snap you into attention, maybe this will. A few

PHOTO BY TOM FERRARO

Cars are but one example of the problematic manner in which machines seduce mankind.

DR. TOM FERRARO Our Town

months ago, I had a contest from the ChatGPT, a computer-based writing program. I chose the topic “350 words on the American zeitgeist.” I wrote my 350 words and since I have written about this subject before, I came up with what I thought was a pretty sophisticated brief on the current American zeitgeist. It took me about 90 minutes to do so.

Then I asked the ChatGPT to do the same. It took three seconds to produce a comprehensive essay on the same subject. The two essays were about even in scope and meaning. If you like math, that means it took me 5,400 seconds to produce what it took ChatGPT to do in three seconds. That means ChatGPT is about 1,800 times smarter than me. This may not concern you, but

it seems somewhat disconcerting to me. And as they say, speed kills.

My guess is that the writers’ strike in Hollywood is connected to the ever-increasing threat of A.I. If a Hollywood producer can create a great script in three seconds, why bother paying a writer, even a great writer, to do the same? It’s cheaper to use a computer. And computers don’t ask for raises. At least not yet.

I am certain that in the not so far away future , computer programs will outperform psychologists, doctors, postal workers, sanitation workers, financial analysts and many others.

Science fiction films now express the struggle we face with A.I., a struggle that is highly problematic.

But I do have one response to David Salle’s quest to have his A.I. student become a painter of masterpieces. I am willing to bet that no matter how beautiful the A.I. masterpiece turns out to be, when human beings view it, they will feel an odd sense of sadness or deadness or nausea. Part of the joy of viewing a piece of art is in sensing that the artist enjoyed doing the work and that the artist has chosen the enviable life of a painter.

If I were to view a near perfect piece of art and did not know it was done by a machine, I would feel good about it, and unconsciously identify with and admire the artist who chose this kind of life. If I was then

told that this art was in fact created by a machine, I would undoubtedly feel nausea, the same kind of nausea that existentialists like Jean Paul Sartre referred to. But in this case, it would not be because I was realizing that life had no meaning or because God was dead but rather because I would realize that the machines had no meaning and, alas, the machines won and that man was dead.

I suspect I may be too pessimistic. David Brooks did have a column in this week’s New York Times teaching us how to be better humans. He suggested we show each other more respect and listen more to others.

That’s commendable advice, but he failed to discuss things like how we ought to interact with machines and A.I. Maybe he could teach us how not to get angry when your Skype shuts off for no apparent reason, when your computer freezes, how to find a human to talk to when you call up a company on the phone or how not to get anxious when you try to fill out some lengthy bureaucratic computer form and get lost half way through and must start all over again.

We desperately need some good advice on how humans should interact with cyborgs. These kinds of relationships will become more and more frequent and it takes a special human not to lose their humanity in the process.

E A R T H M AT T E R S

Hard numbers show cost of climate change

O

n July 23, 2018, the temperatures in Japan reached a high after a weeks-long heat wave that smashed previous temperature records. On that day, a customer known to Tatsuro Maesawa, a 36-year-old bike shop owner, stepped into Maesawa’s store. He moved clumsily and complained he had a headache and felt powerless.

He had reduced concentration, was feeling dull and walked unusually.

Luckily, Maesawa recognized the symptoms of heatstroke, having experienced it himself a few days earlier. He gave the man some water and had him rest until his body cooled down. The man recovered though his experience is a powerful example of the life- threatening risks of climate change. Unfortunately, a 6-year-old boy was not so fortunate.

He died from heat exhaustion on a school trip to a park that same week.

In July 2021 Monash University in Australia published the results of a 20-year analysis of mortality and temperature data across the world in The Lancet Planetary Health. The study evaluated deaths related to increases in hot temperatures and in cold temperatures. The results attributed 5 million extra deaths a year to abnormal hot and cold temperatures.

Specifically, the study found 9.3 percent of global deaths are due to cold and hot temperatures.

There are geographic differences in how abnormally high and low temperatures impact mortality rates.

Eastern Europe and Sub-Saharan Africa have the highest heat- and coldrelated excess death rates. Europe suffered the highest excess death rate per 100,000 people due to heat exposure. Sub-Saharan Africa had the highest death rate per 100,000 people due to exposure to cold. More than half the deaths associated with abnormal cold and heat occurred in Asia, particularly East and South Asia.

This study included baseline data from 43 countries across five continents with different climates, socioeconomic and demographic conditions and differing levels of infrastructure and public health services.

Temperature changes in the United States were tied to more than 173,000 deaths each year.

Below there are 5,000 dots to represent the 5 million people dying each year because of abnormally hot and cold temperatures resulting from climate change. …………………………………………………

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You can do something. Early voting starts Oct. 28. Election Day is Nov. 7. Please vote.

Blank Slate Media Newspapers, Friday, October 27, 2023

17

VIEW POINT

GOP incapable of governing; elect Dems

T

he absurd “public hearing” on Oct. 18 over the “tentative” North Hempstead town budget confirmed the ineptitude of Town Supervisor Jen DeSena and her Republican colleagues, in contrast to the thoughtful, earnest and responsible governance of the Democratic councilmembers: Veronica Lurvey (who is running to become Receiver of Taxes), Mariann Dalimonte, Peter Zuckerman and Robert Troiano.

They pointed out that the budget does not provide for the anticipated contract agreement with the CSEA union, which accounts for 75% of the town’s workforce.

Nor does it provide any funding toward the animal shelter, despite having passed a voucher program, and despite DeSena’s claims, does in fact cut funding for services to deliver DeSena the 10% tax cut she can use to campaign for her reelection.

“The administration is unwilling, unable to answer questions about the impact of the agreement reached with CSEA, the impact of the agreement on the budget I’m being asked to vote and certify tonight,” Troiano declared. “This contract may represent material change to budget created weeks earlier.”

Despite DeSena’s claim her proposed 10% cut would not result in reduced services, Lurvey cited the $2 million cut in paving, $1 million cut in tree planting and maintenance, $1 million cut for sidewalks, and $250,000 cut in beautification funds.

She also cited the failure to account for a new CSEA contract, the lack of agreement for the management of Harbor Links golf course, a significant revenue source for the

town, and cited concern that DeSena’s tax cut – which would likely deplete reserves – would cause a drop in the town’s bond rating, making capital improvements more expensive.

DeSena’s response: you can’t budget for what you don’t have a number for and, in answer to finding money for the animal shelter so many have been advocating for years, “Oh, we move money around all the time”.

Really? She supposedly already negotiated the union contract but did not provide any details to the councilmembers – so much for her absurd campaign slogan to offer “transparency and accountability” and even more absurd promise to “bridge the partisan divide” which hadn’t existed before she took office.

The performance of DeSena – who couldn’t answer a substantive question about the budget without calling upon Steve Pollack, director of governmental research who apparently is the stand-in controller — screams out for a true public-service-minded leader with experience who actually knows what he is doing and has the record to prove it: Jon Kaiman.

In the upcoming election, these public-service minded candidates deserve the responsibility of serving on North Hempstead’s Town Council: Mariann Dalimonte (6th District) always has a thorough knowledge of issues and presses to accomplish important things for Port Washington and the town.

She is vigilant about the town’s finances, places the highest priority on protecting and improving our environment – beaches, parks and wa-

KAREN RUBIN View Point

terways – and has guarded against overdevelopment while promoting thriving downtowns.

Peter Zuckerman (2nd District) also has worked to maintain vital programs like Project Independence, road resurfacing, beautifying parks and protecting our environment while upholding the fiscal responsibility that has earned the town its AAA bond rating.

Christine Liu is challenging Republican James W. Gounaris to represent the town’s 4th district. She already has served as community liaison for Assemblywoman Gina Sillitti, as vice chair for Nassau County Asian American Advisory Council, co-founder of Herricks Chinese Association, a member of the Nassau County Police Commissioner’s Community Office, and her work as a former attorney for the Department of Homeland Security. She says she would focus on increasing public safety and combating hate crimes and racism, creating more affordable senior housing and services and revitalizing downtowns and busi-

nesses.

Veronica Lurvey has been an outstanding councilmember and has proved her dedication, intelligence, and values for the role of Receiver of Taxes. Lurvey has shown she understands the role is way more than administrative: it involves outreach and education, providing bilingual services to accommodate our diverse community.

“Because Blakeman has not fixed the assessment system, taxpayers who hadn’t been grieving their taxes are now locked into paying more than their fair share,” she stated.“All Blakeman did was freeze the assessment (politically expeditious but the unfairness in assessment remains).

“The Receiver of Taxes needs to be community-minded” and educate residents how to grieve, how to qualify for an exemption. “With my experience in the communities that I serve, as well as my connections, I will be able to do that,” she stated.

The town’s receiver of taxes must also be responsible for finding and fixing mistakes, especially, she said, because there is no County Assessor and hasn’t been one for a year. “Nassau doesn’t have anyone running a quality control operation.

Therefore, when mistakes are made, it’s been Charlie Berman who catches them. The Receiver of Taxes needs to be providing important oversight and drive the solution.”

Also essential to the role, she said, is accessibility. “The job of the receiver of taxes has become an ombudsman for the residents, when they have questions or concerns, the office has to be accessible, responsive, and well versed. As a council member, my office has always been accessible and responsive.”

For county legislator, Democrat Weihua Yan is challenging Republican Melesa (Mazi) Pilip to represent District 10 (Great Neck, Manhasset, Lake Success).

In her time in the county Legislature, Pilip has proved herself a champion at “grip and grin” politics – basically smiling, empathizing and then doing nothing.

Her campaign literature is really curious, declaring “her ideas are making a difference” but if you look at the small list, none of them are actually her ideas or her achievements.

Notably, there is nothing about her goals if she continues in the role as our county legislator. She has no actual ideas, no vision, no objectives – she just goes along with her Republican colleagues.

Weihua Yan is promoting having lived the American Dream, having emigrated from China as a teenager, becoming a computer scientist and founding several tech companies and having been elected president of the Great Neck Library Board.

He advocates for fiscal responsibility, public education, public safety, protecting the environment and supporting small businesses.

Siela Bynoe (District 2), Delia DeRiggi Whitton (District 11), Arnie Drucker (District 16) and Josh Lafazan (District 18) have proved outstanding representatives for their districts despite the countervailing forces of the Republican majority and County Executive Bruce Blakeman.

Early voting takes place from Saturday, Oct. 28 to Sunday, Nov. 5. Great Neck House, 14 Arrandale Ave, Great Neck, is an early voting location. Tuesday, Nov. 7 is Election Day.

READERS WRITE

Jews deserve same respect as other minorities

I

wholeheartedly agree with both of Rebecca Rosenblatt Gilliar’s main points in her letter to the editor: that it is severely misguided to make an allegation of antisemitism against those who unintentionally scheduled a street fair on Rosh Hashanah and that anti-Semitism should retain its traditional spelling with a capital letter to show respect to Jews.

The horrific terrorist attack in Israel on Shemini Atzeret underscores the importance of both of these.

At this deeply challenging time, it is more important than ever both to refrain from alienating our allies of other faiths and ethnicities by making frivolous allegations of antisemitism and to demand that Jews be shown the same respect as people of any other demographic group.

However, I suspect that she may be unaware that changing anti-Semitism to “antisemitism” is not the lone act of

the individual to whom she responds but rather has been promoted by numerous leading Jewish organizations, including the Anti-Defamation League and the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance.

To justify the change, the ADL asserts on its website, “The speakers of [Semitic] languages, however, do not have a shared heritage or history.

There is no such thing as a Semitic peoplehood.”

This is almost certainly wrong.

The reason why Semitic languages are grouped together in the first place is that their similarities suggest that they all evolved from a single language.

This language is known by linguists as proto-Semitic, although it was likely known by its speakers by another name that is no longer known, as it dates back before the invention of writing. Therefore, there are no written records of this language.

Over time, the speakers of protoSemitic split into subgroups that migrated to different places where they were geographically isolated from each other.

The language evolved in different ways for each subgroup, giving rise to different Semitic languages that ultimately evolved into the ones that are spoken today: Hebrew, Arabic, and Amharic.

Of course, the languages spoken by people don’t always come from their ancestors. This is especially the case when it comes to colonization, which spread Indo-European languages like English, French, and Spanish to peoples throughout the world who don’t descend from the speakers of proto-Indo-European.

However, in most cases, the original speakers of similar languages share common ancestors. Genetic studies of Jews and Arabs suggest that these two

Semitic-speaking peoples are no exception.

The word “antisemitism” arose in Europe at a time when Jews were the only Semitic people present on the continent in significant numbers.

Therefore, it is understood to refer specifically to a hatred of the Jewish people, not to any or all Semitic peoples. It is used to include hatred of Jews on racial or ethnic grounds, in contrast with anti-Judaism, which refers only to hatred of Jews on religious grounds.

For those who wish to claim that Arabs cannot be antisemitic because they are Semitic themselves, it is wishful thinking that removing a capital letter will somehow substitute for educating people about the oldest form of racism known to Western civilization.

Any benefit from this change will surely be more than compensated for by the reduction in the respect shown

to the Jewish people.

Indeed, it seems awfully coincidental that the change from “antiSemitism” to “antisemitism” happened at right around the same time that “black” became “Black” while “white” remained “white.”

It sure seems consistent with an elevation in status for certain minority groups and a reduction in status for others. For anyone who thought that having white skin protected most Jews from being targeted on the basis of our race or religion, the atrocity committed earlier this month in Israel ought to have shattered this illusion.

Jews deserve the same respect as any other minority, and we should make clear to the organizations that speak for us that we do not support this change.

David Golub Mineola

18 Blank Slate Media Newspapers, Friday, October 27, 2023

READERS WRITE

North Hempstead Dem slate effective, engaged

T

he recent League of Women Voters forums was an excellent format including questions from voters regarding the issues we care about. The responses provided important context and more than sound bites on the issues.

Our experienced incumbents, District 6 Town of North Hempstead Councilmember Mariann Dalimonte and District 11 Nassau County Legislator Delia Deriggi-Whitton showed their command of the complex topics and deep understanding of the processes that result in getting things done for their constituents.

I also appreciate Councilmember

Dalimonte’s recent effort to get to the truth about an unsubstantiated post that was meant to sow doubt and fear and foster a sense of grievance in our community.

Town of North Hempstead Council District 4 candidate Christine Liu, showed an impressive and eloquent vision and ability to use her prior experience to bring positive change and foster community engagement.

Town of North Hempstead Supervisor candidate Jon Kaiman shows he is ready to step back into the role with fresh ideas about a community approach to housing and use of our tax dollars for grants.

He has the experience to lead and bring consensus. His recent endorsement by Newsday and prior multiple re-elections to TONH Supervisor cast doubt on the claims of disparaging TV ads and mailers. He is clearly the more effective candidate in this race.

Veronica Lurvey brings knowledge of town process, application of legal standards and understanding of the varied needs of all residents. She is well suited for the role of receiver of taxes.

Did you know that recent redistricting means some residents on the peninsula may have a change in Nassau County Legislature representa-

tion?

Regarding the current District 10 Nassau County Legislator Mazi Melesa Pilip not showing up to the forum or speaking to our local news outlets to provide her new constituents an opportunity to see where she stands, please ask yourself if that lack of communication and respect is what you want in your representative.

If you see Weihua Yan on your ballot for District 10 Nassau County Legislator know that he was ready and willing to provide residents the opportunity to get to know him and have their questions answered at the LWV forum.

I hope you will support the highly motivated and well-prepared Democratic candidates for the Town of North Hempstead Supervisor, Town of North Hempstead Council (Districts 2,4, and 6), Receiver of Taxes, and Nassau County Legislature (Districts 10 and 11).

Please vote! Every vote matters!!

For those in Port Washington, early voting starts Saturday, Oct. 28, at the Port Washington Public Library and Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 7, at St. Peter’s parish.

Julie Appel Port Washington

Will Mahgerefteh support G.N.’s LGBTQ community?

O

n Monday, Oct. 16 the League of Women Voters held a forum for the candidates for trustee of the Great Neck Library.

There are four candidates running, but only three of the candidates were present: Scott Sontag, Sara Rivka Khodadadian, and Aliza Reicher.

Absent from the forum was trustee candidate Chayim Mahgerefteh.

I understand that Mahgerefteh could not make it, but the election is less than a week away and to know very little about this candidate is disconcerting. Moreover, a quick Google

search reveals some troubling information.

According to The Yeshiva University Observer, in his capacity as a student council member at Yeshiva University, Mahgerefteh abstained from voting on the approval of an LGBTQ club at his university.

The club needed a certain number of yes votes to proceed; by abstaining, council members (including Mahgerefteh) effectively blocked the club.

As a Great Necker very concerned about preserving inclusivity in our community, I have been upset

by this piece of information. In a time when LBGTQ books are being banned across the country, and where the LGBTQ community is under attack, it’s paramount that Great Neck remain a place of tolerance and inclusivity.

We have seen local candidates in past elections in Great Neck use LBGTQ issues as campaign issues, and then subsequently lose these elections. Is this why Mahgerefteh hasn’t been engaging with the community?

Is he trying to hide his stance on this issue?

Will Mahgerefteh clarify his position on not just LBGTQ books and the

issue of book banning, but also how he feels about supporting the LBGTQ community in Great Neck?

Will he support meaningful initiatives like Pride Month at the library? Will he protest against the Great Neck giraffe wearing a rainbow scarf to support LBGTQ folks, as members of our community have before?

I hope Mahgerefteh will address these concerns promptly and thoroughly.

After attending the library forum this past week, I will be putting my support behind Aliza Reicher,

who was the only candidate who not only took a strong stand against book banning, but who also said in no uncertain terms that she stands with the LGBTQ community.

The library election is on Oct. 30, from 10 am to 10 pm. There are three different voting sites—check the library website to find yours.

Please come out to vote for Aliza Reicher for trustee, and Daniel Pitt Stoller and Joana Stolove for the nominating committee.

Carl Schweitzer Great Neck

Democrats offer strong slate for N. Hempstead races

I

have always emphasized quality over quantity.

However, in this case, it is gratifying to note that the Town of North Hempstead has the good fortune to have both. I am referring to the current team of candidates on the Democratic line for the Town of North Hempstead’s election on Nov. 7.

And that is how they should be categorized, a connected, cohesive team of people who are strongly committed to making the Town the most viable place in which to live. The candidates are a blend of intelligence, compassion, vision and creative thinkers.

Qualitatively and quantitatively, collectively and singly, each of them has impressive credentials; some have already served as elected officials within the Town of North Hempstead, and others have not. However, of the latter, they also possess those identical laudatory qualities.

I am proud to support the following candidates: Jon Kaiman as the candidate for Town Supervisor needs no introduction. In order to become a public servant, he had the foresight to seek higher education and earned a law degree at Hofstra Law School and was awarded a Master of Public Administration from Harvard University.

There is no doubt that those de-

grees provided him with a foundation of how to be the most productive and knowledgeable in order to govern.

Jon has a long history of public service. Among his numerous accomplishments include his past service as Town Supervisor which he held for 10 years.

It would be a welcome return to this position which will provide the opportunity to enhance the programs and projects that he initiated.

Other credentials that emphasize Jon’s accomplishments include former Nassau County District judge, chairperson for the Nassau County Interim Finance Authority and Suffolk County deputy executive.

Jon’s focus is demonstrated by his creative efforts regarding our taxes, the environment and the human factor for the elderly and students alike.

These are some examples: during his tenure as Supervisor, he maintained a stable tax rate, and he created Project Independence which provides medical, social and transportation services for senior citizens.

He created the Clean Sweep project which focuses on having all our town streets regularly swept and particularly in the Spring to remove accumulated debris. He initiated the town’s school recycling program, partnering with students to participate in recycling efforts.

Most of all, it has been verbalized over and over again, Jon is immensely concerned with seniors, especially their living conditions and has worked hard to make their lives and living conditions as clean and comfortable as possible.

During Jon’s tenure as supervisor, federal and state grants that were awarded to the town must be attributed to Jon’s aggressive pursuit.

Consequently, tens of millions of dollars provided funds for various programs to benefit his constituents such as the Yes We Can Community Center.

It is gratifying to note Veronica Lurvey’s candidacy for Receiver of Taxes and following in the footsteps of Charles Berman who so ably held the seat for many years.

As a former corporate attorney, Veronica is cognizant of honest and ethical transactions.

Prior to this candidacy, as a town councilwoman, Veronica’s dedication to serve her constituents was demonstrated in numerous ways regarding finances such as continually verbalizing her concerns for responsible budgeting, tax cuts without diminishing services, in addition to the need to maintain the town’s Aaa Bond Rating.

My personal connection to Veronica has resulted in concluding that her brilliance, caring and hardworking nature, combined with her legal exper-

tise would be an asset to our Town as its receiver of taxes.

This is Christine Liu’s first candidacy to become an elected official, however, she is no stranger to the political arena.

As Community Liaison for state Assemblywoman Gina Sillitti, I have seen her in action resolving problems for constituents intelligently, creatively and graciously.

She has demonstrated her concern to the community at large in addition to her own Chinese community. Christine has many attributes that has demonstrated her total focus on important community and individual values.

Just to name a few of her accomplishments; she was an attorney for the Department of Homeland Security, a member of the Nassau County Police Commissioner’s Community Council, vice-chair for the Nassau County Asian American Advisory Council and co-founder of the Chinese American Association.

Although Weihua Yan’s candidacy is a new venture, nevertheless, he has demonstrated a compelling voice to our community’s safety, and cultural and economic well-being. He is deeply committed to deterring the hate and violence that has prevailed within the country and in Israel.

If elected as the Nassau County legislator, District 10, he has vowed

to dedicate himself to initiating and maintaining programs and projects that benefit the community such as tax reassessment, public safety, school funding and addressing climate change.

Weihua brings to his candidacy a rich and varied resume. He served as president of the Great Neck Library Board. His strong business background includes founding numerous companies which included diapers.com. That company was sold to Amazon.

The key is Weihua’s success is being focused and resolute to achieve beneficial results for himself and for those whom he will serve.

Considering the credentials of each of the candidates, and collectively, their devotion to the Town and the programs and projects they wish to achieve. It is incumbent upon all of us to ensure that outcome by voting for all of them on November 7th and we will all be beneficiaries.

Vince Lombardi said, “Individual commitment to a group effort — that is what makes a team work, a company, a society work, a civilization work.”

Lois Schaffer Great Neck Letters Continued on Page 32

Blank Slate Media Newspapers, Friday, October 27, 2023

community conversation. a special evening in support of

ISRAEL

Monday, October 30th @ 7:30pm.

presented by Gold Coast Arts & Temple Beth-El

featuring a conversation with:

Avraham Melamed

Israeli survivor; 1972 Munich Olympics Massacre together with:

Ambassador Ido Aharoni

Israel’s former Consul-General, New York & the Tri-State area

Jon Loew

producer, Netflix Series, Spy Ops

join us at Temple Beth-El of Great Neck 5 Old Mill Rd, Great Neck, NY 11023

complimentary admission - advance RSVP required

click here https://tinyurl.com/GCA1030 or call 516-829-2570 security will be strictly enforced and no bags will be permitted

no entry will be granted to anyone without a ticket. presented in partnership with the following organizations:

ADL New York/New Jersey | AJC Long Island | Great Neck Chinese Association Great Neck Synagogue | Great Neck United Parent-Teacher Council Holocaust Memorial & Tolerance Center of Nassau County Jewish National Fund-USA | North Shore Hebrew Academy Sephardic Heritage Alliance, Inc. (SHAI) | Temple Israel of Great Neck

19

20 Blank Slate Media Newspapers, Friday, October 27, 2023

Kaiman touts experience and record Former supervisor cites 311, Project Independence, presents plan to fix building department

BY B R A N D ON D U FF Y Former North Hempstead Supervisor Jon Kaiman said if elected in November he would address inefficiencies in the town’s building department.

Kaiman, of Great Neck, is the Democrat challenger running against Republican Jennifer DeSena for town supervisor. Kaiman currently serves as the Suffolk County deputy executive and previously held roles as the head of the Nassau County Interim Finance Authority, a state oversight board that controls Nassau County’s finances, and served as an adviser to former Gov. Andrew Cuomo on the Superstorm Sandy recovery effort.

From 2003 to 2014, Kaiman was the North Hempstead supervisor.

“We will implement a plan that fixes the Building Department,” Kaiman said in an interview with Blank Slate Media. “Everyone who knows me knows that I know how to go govern and to fix what’s broken.”

Kaiman said part of the answer to streamlining operations in the department includes hiring more inspectors as well as plan examiners and investing in more technology to increase efficiency.

“We need to put in guardrails so you know when you submit an application that within a matter of days it’s going to be reviewed,” Kaiman said.

Kaiman was very critical of DeSena’s handling of the department, which Nassau County Comptroller Elaine Philips has been auditing since August 2022 at DeSena’s request. Building Department operations have been a constant talking point in multiple town elections.

“When you have a supervisor who is really just an appendage of the political party and her job is to just feed them and take from them…she’s taking their political apparatus and she feeds them whatever,” Kaiman said of DeSena’s decision to call for an audit. ”It has nothing to do with governing because she’s clearly failing at that and there’s just nothing happening.”

On housing, Kaiman said he disagreed with Gov. Kathy Hochul’s proposal ahead of this year’s state budget to prioritize state-mandated zoning over local control.

Hochul’s proposed New York Housing Compact in January called for building 800,000 new homes over the next decade to address the state’s housing shortage.

Kaiman agreed that Long Island should be open to more appropriate housing developments, which is only possible when the proposals themselves don’t create too much density, overburden school systems or jeopardize the environment, among other things.

Former North Hempstead Town Supervisor Jon Kaiman Kaiman said communities in the town have to decide on the character of the neighborhoods they want to operate within and determine what housing opportunities are appropriate based on that.

On lowering crime, Kaiman said the supervisor’s role can provide a platform for having a dialogue between

communities and first responders to help them navigate the challenges in their neighborhoods.

“We’re at the ground level, we’re the frontline so the town supervisor is able to engage with the county, village police and mayors in a way that makes sure we’re addressing needs.”

Kaiman also defended his track record during his first stint as supervisor, which has been constantly attacked in political mailers and advertisements, many paid for by the New York State Republican Committee. The mailers target Kaiman’s tax record, salary as supervisor and work as the head of the Nassau Interim Finance Authority.

Kaiman said the “sheer volume” of mailers against him was surprising and pointed out that the Republican Party is spending $1 million to $2 million to bring down his name.

“If you tell a lie enough times, the Republicans have learned that people start to believe it. That’s their strategy right now,” Kaiman said. “I have confidence that the good people of North Hempstead will see through those lies and look at my history and stick with me.”

Kaiman said claims that he raised taxes by 44% during his tenure as supervisor are “made up” and that over 10 years taxes in total went up between approximately $40-$45 for the aver-

age household in the town. Of the nine budgets that he voted on in the town, five of them had no tax increase and one of them produced a tax decrease, he said.

The four budgets he voted on in which taxes went up were marked by “nominal increases” ranging from increases of $6, $7.50, $15 and $16 on average for North Hempstead households, he added.

Kaiman said the first year he was in office the Town Board did an analysis that changed salaries throughout town hall, leading the supervisor’s salary to go from $100,000 to the $133,000 that remains today. During the rest of his tenure, Kaiman said he did not increase his salary.

North Hempstead’s supervisor salary is the lowest of the three towns in Nassau County, according to SeeThroughNY. Mailers against Kaiman also allege he approved a $31 million tax hike as chairman of the Nassau Interim Finance Authority in 2014 for a 3.4% tax increase at the time.

Kaiman said NIFA’s role was to “do the math” and make sure the budget, submitted in 2014 by Republican County Executive Edward Mangano, added up and it was not their responsibility to increase or decrease taxes.

Continued on Page 37

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VISIT SANDSNEWYORK.COM

Blank Slate Media Newspapers, Friday, October 27, 2023

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22 Blank Slate Media Newspapers, Friday, October 27, 2023

Want to challenge yourself and enjoy learning for fun?

Join us at the Frick Estate Lectures Nassau County Museum of Art

The Frick Estate Lectures

The Frick Estate Lectures is a lifelong learning program designed for intellectually curious adults who enjoy expanding their minds while delving into the liberal arts for personal enrichment and pleasure. We at The Frick Estate Lectures offer you a chance to explore works of art, music, literature, drama, history, philosophy, and more as you participate in these stellar programs with others of your same mind.

You will be taught by professors who are experts in their fields – no inferior courses allowed. Below are just two examples of what’s coming up this fall:

THE CHANGING FACE OF AMERICA: PHOTOGRAPHY AND IMMIGRATION, 1880-1920

With Professor Willie Hiatt, History professor, photographer, and published author – From 1880-1920, a period of rapid industrialization and urbanization, as many as twenty million immigrants arrived in the United States. This slide/lecture explores the role of photography in representing immigrant life and shaping how the United States was imagined as a haven for the “huddled masses yearning to breathe free.”

Among the photographers discussed will be Jacob Riis (1849-1914) and Lewis Hine (1874-1940), who captured the changing face of the nation and exposed the limits of the American Dream.

10:00 am – 12 noon, Wednesday, November 1

THE SINGULAR IMPRESSIONISM OF EDOUARD MANET

With Artist/Art Historian Christopher Parrott – During the Impressionist era, Edouard Manet rose to infamy as a result of his large-scale paintings “Olympia” and “Luncheon on the Grass.” This special slide/lecture will discuss how Manet was much more than a provocateur; his scandalous works will be viewed alongside more modest and intimate paintings, such as his small-scale floral still life works. Although known by his peers as a “dandy” and man of his time, Manet was also a great student of art who looked to history while making timeless works of his own. In an effort to trace this process, the lecturer will delve into Manet’s deep stylistic debt to Velazquez and other Old Masters.

10:30 am – 12:30 pm, Tuesday, November 21

Lurvey, Collins clash on the receiver’s role

BY C A M E RY N OAKES

Lurvey previously was a project finance attorney for the law firm of Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom for 13 North Hempstead Counyears. She said she worked on cilmember Veronica Lurvey global, high-profile, corporate and Flower Hill Trustee Mary finance transactions involving Jo Collins debated Thursday more than $15 billion during night in their pursuit to be this time. elected as the town’s receiver “I was accountable for evof taxes, proposing their ideas ery penny and I will continue to help residents understand to be so as your receiver of the tax process and better the taxes,” Lurvey said. functionality of the position.

She said what distinguishes her from Collins is her legal expertise, which reinforces the legal knowledge required for the receiver of taxes.

“A lot of what the receiver of taxes does is rooted in law,” Lurvey said. “It’s rooted in very complicated, legal provisions that have to be interpreted.”

She said she would apply the skills she has learned in governance to the position of the receiver of taxes “to maintain the highest level of PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE CANDIDATES responsiveness and accountability.”

“And perhaps most imporFlower Hill Trustee Mary Jo Collins and Town Counciltantly to keep your tax dollars member Veronica Lurvey are both seeking to be elected safe,” Lurvey said. as the town’s receiver of taxes.

Continued on Page 49 Lurvey, a nearly five-year council member for the Town of North Hempstead, said she has worked to listen to and address the concerns of her District 4 constituents. She said she is unable to run for re-election because the newly drawn district maps now exclude her from the district she has represented.

But she said there is still work to be done in the Town.

Monday, November 13 · 10 am Town of Oyster Bay Golf Course

Southwoods Road and Jericho Turnpike, Woodbury, NY 11797

Israel is at war and we can help! Join us on the border between Nassau and Suffolk for an Emergency Golf Outing to support the crisis in Israel. Hear an update on the current state of Hadassah Medical Organization and Israel's crisis at the Nineteenth Hole!

Everyone must RSVP by 11/6 - No Walk-ins Registration and Sponsorship Options: $200 per golfer $800 for a foursome $1,800 includes registration for a foursome, sponsor a tee box and listing on scroll of honor $3,600 includes registration for a foursome, sponsor a green and listing on scroll of honor $5,000 includes registration for a foursome, sponsor a contest (Long Drive, Nearest to the Pin, Chipping, Putting, etc.) and highlighted on scroll of honor

You can still help even if you can't join us! $500 - listing on scroll of honor $1,000 - Sponsor a tee box

If you want to be challenged and learn something new, sign up for whatever interests you on our website www.thefrickestatelectures.org You may also phone 516-415-1101 to register or request a printed catalogue, but hurry since classes close out early!

Register online with the QR code or visit: https://tinyurl.com/NASGolf23 Event Committee: Ryan Reszelbach, Ian Sterling and Danny Weiss According to Hadassah policy, advanced registration and a signed participant release are required for all events.

If you have any questions or need help registering, contact nassau@hadassah.org or 973-241-1500

BLANK SLATE MEDIA October 27, 2023

YOUR GUIDE TO THE ARTS, ENTERTAINMENT AND DINING WWW.THEISLAND360.COM

Gold Coast Arts Center continues mission to boost the arts

BY K A R I N A KO VA C The Gold Coast International Film Festival, an annual cinematic celebration that champions dozens of independent foreign and documentary films, has been captivating audiences since its inception in 2011.

Hosted by the Gold Coast Arts Center, a nonprofit multi-arts hub with over 25 years of dedication to promoting and supporting the arts, this event shines a spotlight on films that might not find a place in mainstream media.

“Our mission has always been to promote and support the arts through education, exhibition, performance and outreach,” said Caroline Sorokoff, the Gold Coast International Film Festival Festival director and associate director at the Gold Coast Arts Center, “And one of the many, many things we do in addition to our school for the arts, our theater, our gallery, and many things that we do is we have a year-round film screening program, and an annual Gold coast International Film Festival, which those programs showcase independent foreign and documentary films that you can’t see elsewhere.”

Although the films that are festival is not in mainstream media, it can promote a love of movie-going that extends to any movie playing.

All films in the festival are curated by the center and span from dozens of countries and genres. They’ve shown short films, feature films, documentaries, narratives, comedies, dramas, thrillers, “pretty much a little bit of everything,” Sorokoff said.

Seeing an international film can make people from that country feel seen and help others to expand their worldview, she said, “We all become better people when we expose ourselves to things from all over the world, and cultures and backgrounds.”

The festival started last week and ends on Oct. 30 at 7:30 p.m. with a newly added free event called Community and Conversation, a special evening in support of Israel.

The event is in partnership with Temple Beth-El of Great Neck, where it will take place. It features Avraham

Melamed, a 1972 Munich Olympics Massacre survivor from the Israeli attacks.

With him will be Ambassador Ido Aharoni, Israel’s longest-running counsul-general in the New York and tri-state areas and Jon Loew, producer of the Netflix series Spy Ops, of which some clips will be shown.

Advance registration is required and can be found at https://tinyurl. com/GCA1030 or by calling (516) 829-2570.

Melamed, an Israeli Olympian who was at the 1972 Munich Olympics where the terrorists killed Israeli athletes will speak on his personal experience of being there during a terrorist attack.

“We’re making this free to the public, because, you know, as an art center, we always take very seriously our obligation to not only entertain, but to educate,” said Sorokoff, “And this is an event that really kind of, is extremely timely, and will bring people together and show that art is a way of bringing people together. In times of need.”

The effect of art on a community cannot be understated.

“I think that the arts make any community richer,” said Sorokoff, “and I mean, richer in a spiritual and intellectual way and it makes life better. So, whether it’s by going to a movie or a concert, or you know, enjoying live music somewhere or taking a class in one of the arts.”

Many opportunities to explore the arts are available at the center, which includes cartooning, fashion design, ceramics, fencing, robotics, musical theater, and “almost anything you can imagine,” she said.

Sorokoff said the arts are a way to bring people together, whether in an audience, taking a class, or participating in a lecture, “those are things that just bring people together in a positive way. And we’ve always been about that for over 25 years, but it’s something that’s even more important now.”

Through the film festival, the arts center and Manhasset Cinemas have seen a mutually beneficial way to get people to get outside and involved with arts and cinema since COVID-19

PHOTO BY KARINA KOVAC

Caroline Sorokoff, the Gold Coast International Film Festival Festival director and associate director at the Gold Coast Arts Center, encourages residents to get out and expand their worldview through the arts. made it difficult for both intuitions to get attendance.

Hopefully, Sorokoff said, it’ll reignite love in people to get out and enjoy movies and see other films coming out.

“We’re grateful that we still at least have one movie theater left in our region. We want to we want it to stay and we want more of them to open,” she said.

The Town of North Hempstead

is a founding sponsor of the event, and other sponsors include the Nassau County Industrial Agency and the New York State Council on the Arts.

“The Town of North Hempstead has always been a proud partner of the Gold Coast Arts Center as they engage and enrich the lives of our residents through the arts,” said North Hempstead Council Member Veronica Lurvey. “We are thrilled to continue to sponsor the Gold Coast

International Film Festival this year, so residents from near and far can take part in the impressive and diverse array of films and features that the festival has to offer.”

Lurvey thanked the efforts of Gold Coast Arts Center Executive Director Regina Gil, Sorokoff, “and the entire team at the Gold Coast Arts Center who have worked incredibly hard to make this year’s film festival another wonderful success.”

24 Blank Slate Media Newspapers, Friday, October 27, 2023

Author Nihil Goyal at Preserving New Orleans sound Emanuel book signing with jazz band at the Landmark On Sunday, Oct. 29 at 3:00 PM, Stephen C. Widom Cultural Arts at Emanuel will host Nikhil Goyal, author of “Live to See the Day: Coming of Age in American Poverty,” an indelible portrait of three children struggling to survive in the poorest neighborhood of the poorest large city in America.

The New Yorker designated Live to See the Day, a “Best Book of 2023.”

Following a discussion and Q&A, moderated by Robert Zimmerman, there will be a book signing. Attendees will have the opportunity to purchase the book at a discounted price.

Bill McKibben, American environmentalist and founder of 350.org, wrote of “Live to See the Day” …

“A monument of superb and dedicated reporting, very much in the vein of Katherine Boo and Jason DeParle.

An act more of empathy than sympathy, “Live to See the Day” captures harsh realities in convincing, telling detail, and it will leave you looking for ways to make changes. Fortunately, Nikhil Goyal has some to offer. An instant classic.“ Nikhil Goyal is a sociologist and policymaker who served as senior policy advisor on education

Nikhil Goyal’s “Live to See the Day” named a “Best Book of 2023” by The New Yorker

and children for Chairman Sen. Bernie Sanders on the U.S. Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions and Committee on the Budget.

He developed education, child care, and child tax credit federal legislation as well as a tuitionfree college program for incarcerated people and correctional workers in Vermont.

He has appeared on CNN, Fox, and MSNBC, and written for the New York Times, Washington Post, Wall Street Journal, Time, The Nation, and other publications. Goyal earned his B.A. at Goddard College and M.Phil. and Ph.D. at the University of Cambridge.

All members of the community are invited to attend. Light refreshments will be served. Admission is free.

Temple Emanuel of Great Neck is located at 150 Hicks Lane, Great Neck, NY 11024. Call 516.482.5701 to RSVP and for further information.

Landmark on Main Street is bringing a taste of the Big Easy to Port Washington on November 4 for the Big Easy Gala with the Preservation Hall Jazz Band.

Landmark will be honoring longtime supporters Ellen Brown and Bob Schwartz. The gala will also honor S.F. Falconer Florist for their contributions to the community throughout the years.

The evening will begin at Harbor Links Golf Course in Port Washington with a special menu highlighting New Orleans cuisine featuring some classic New Orleans cocktails.

The night then moves on to Landmark on Main Street’s Jeanne Rimsky Theater for a pre-show reception with catering from Biscuits and Barbeque Cajun restaurant and cocktail tasting from Wandering Barman in Brooklyn.

The highlight of the night is a performance from the legendary Preservation Hall Jazz Band. The evening’s talent is generously sponsored by Rachelle and Damon Gersh.

Tickets are available at three levels.

Full evening tickets are $300 and include dinner at Harbor Links, the pre-show reception at Landmark, and VIP seating for the performance. VIP Pre-show reception tickets are $150 and include an open bar at Landmark, access to the pre-show reception at Landmark, and preferred seating at the show. Concert-only tickets are $58 and include balcony seating for the performance.

About the honorees: Ellen and Bob met while commuting on the Long Island Railroad. They moved to Port Washington in 1979 for the better LIRR commute and have been in Port ever since.

Ellen spent many years as the box office manager for the Landmark’s Jeanne Rimsky Theater. Together Ellen and Bob have sponsored numerous shows and have attended over 100 Landmark concerts as they continue to support and enjoy what they call their local gem.

S.F. Falconer Florist has been a pillar in Port Washington for more than 100 years and has been at the same location on South Maryland Avenue for over a century. S.F. Falconer Florist has dedicated itself to contributing to many of the town’s organizations and has been

lauded as one of the most caring and generous businesses of Port Washington.

About Preservation Hall Jazz Band: At a moment when musical streams are crossing with unprecedented frequency, it’s crucial to remember that throughout its history, New Orleans has been the point at which sounds and cultures from around the world converge, mingle, and resurface, transformed by the Crescent City’s inimitable spirit and joie de vivre.

Nowhere is that idea more vividly embodied than in the Preservation Hall Jazz Band, which has held the torch of New Orleans music aloft for more than 50 years, all the while carrying it enthusiastically forward as a reminder that the history they were founded to preserve is a vibrantly living history.

A Blank Slate Media Special Section • October 27, 2023

26 Blank Slate Media Newspapers, Friday, October 27, 2023

BY B A R RY K L I TS B E RG , Nassau County Medicare Counselor, FCA Medicare is a federally run health insurance program for people who are 65 years of age or have collected Social Security Disability for 24 months. It is also available for individuals with permanent kidney failure or Lou Gehrig’s Disease.

If you are not yet collecting Social Security, you have to apply for Medicare during the three-month period before your 65th birthday. You may apply for Medicare by calling the Social Security Administration at 1-800772-1213 or online at: https://www.ssa.gov/ medicare/. If you are already collecting Social Security, you will receive your Medicare card automatically in the mail.

Medicare beneficiaries have the opportunity to change their current health plan during the yearly Open Enrollment period (Oct. 15 to Dec. 7). Navigating Medicare and choosing a plan that best meets your needs can be tricky.

Our healthcare needs change over time, so you should carefully consider your foreseeable healthcare needs each year. A plan that worked

there are any changes that might impact them for 2024. You should have this notice by Oct. 1.

Plans frequently change their premiums, co-pays, deductibles, and formularies. Providers may leave or be added to a plan’s network.

It is important to keep informed about your coverage.

“The Medicare & You” 2024 booklet, which arrives in homes of all eligible for Medicare by late September, contains valuable information about Medicare benefits and a description of changes for next year. Medicare beneficiaries should review their coverage during the Open Enrollment period to determine if their current coverage is still the right one for them.

Medicare beneficiaries who are in a Medicare Advantage Plan (HMO or PPO) and don’t change their plan by Dec. 7 will have an additional opportunity to switch Medicare Advantage plans between Jan. 1 and March 31.

Barry Klitsberg The Medicare website (www.medicare. for us previously may not be the best choice gov) can help you reevaluate and compare available plans. going forward.

Free Help Available Through FCA As we head into the Medicare Open EnrollIf you don’t have ready access to a comment season, it is important for people to read mail from their current health plans to see if puter otherwise need assistance, Family and

Children’s Association (FCA) can help guide you through the process with free help available by calling its Nassau County Health Insurance Information Counseling and Assistance Program (HIICAP) at 516-485-3754. One of our counselors will be happy to assist you.

FCA’s HIICAP is a free service that has trained counselors who can provide you with unbiased expertise on what Medicare plan can best meet your individual needs. HIICAP counselors can help you switch plans, in many cases over the phone. In person appointments are also available.

The HIICAP (Health Insurance Information Counseling and Assistance Program) is supported in part by the U.S. Administration for Community Living, Department of Health and Human Services, and the New York State and Nassau County Offices for the Aging.

FCA can help. Answers to your Medicare questions are just a phone call away.

Barry Klitsberg is an Assistant Health Insurance Information Counseling and Assistance (HIICAP) Coordinator at FCA in Garden City and an Aging Services Program Specialist at US Department of Health and Human Services.

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How seniors can engage with their communities

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hough a significant percentage of individuals report desires to retire later in life, many people stop working around the age of 62. The desire for a later retirement may stem from financial concerns or because some people wonder just what they will do when they’re no longer working.

Retirement is a time for hardworking individuals to enjoy themselves and their newfound free time. Interacting with the community can keep the brain engaged and foster beneficial social connections. In recognition of the value of staying engaged, the following are a few ways for seniors to become more involved in their communities.

• Join a club or group. Identify an activity you find interesting and determine if there is a way to get involved with it in your community. Senior centers or adult activity providers may sponsor local programs.

According to the World Health Organization, approximately 15 percent of the world’s adults aged 60 and over suffer from a mental disorder.

• Participate in worship. Many older adults find they want to reconnect with their faith at this point in their lives, even if attending services hadn’t been a top priority earlier in life. Reach out to your local house of worship and find out when services take place and which activities they offer.

• Read to children. Volunteer your services at the library by reading to youngsters. Interacting with other generations can be inspiring.

• Volunteer at a soup kitchen or food pantry. Times continue to be challenging for many people who may find it hard to cover their expenses.

Soup kitchens and food pantries can be a saving grace for those who might otherwise miss meals. Volunteering some hours at these organizations can do worlds of good and help you make a difference.

• Befriend neighbors. A passing “hi and bye” wave may have been the norm when you were busy working a job. Now that you have free time, you can get to know neighbors better and even take turns hosting get-togethers.

Moving to a retirement or active adult community with others in similar positions may facilitate such friendships.

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• Volunteer with local government. Find out ways you can become involved civically. Perhaps you can run in a local school board election or try to become a member of the town council?

• Become a substitute teacher or paraprofessional. Many schools are experiencing shortages of qualified staff. You may find your place helping to shape the minds of youngsters by volunteering at schools or taking on parttime jobs in the classroom.

Seniors can be more engaged in their communities, thus strengthening their “social capital,” the term scientists often use to describe the strength of their social relationships, and the extent to which people feel physically and emotionally supported by their communities.

he Alzheimer’s Association® reports that remaining socially active throughout adulthood can possibly delay the onset of dementia. And that’s not the only • Geriatric Nurse Care Management benefit to remaining socially engaged as an adult, which researchers have • Assistance with Aging at Home linked to reduced rates of disability and mortality. The Alzheimer’s Association® • Assisted Living & Nursing Home Placement also indicates that social engagement may reduce the risk for depression in older • Elder Care Consulting and Counseling adults. That’s a significant benefit, as the National Council on Aging notes that the • Medicaid Application & Consulting Services risk for depression is elevated among older adults compared to young adults.

• Housing Options for Aging Retirees can consider a host of ways to remain socially engaged, whether it’s Nassau Queens volunteering, participating in clubs or moving to communities tailored to individuals 55 and older. Such communities may facilitate social engagement among residents (516) 248-9323 (718) 470-6300 by establishing or promoting clubs, organizing group sightseeing trips and arranging for other opportunities for inhabitants to get to know their neighbors.

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Blank Slate Media Newspapers, Friday, October 27, 2023

Studying the humanities for pleasure at any age

BY K AY H U T C H I N S S AT O , Executive Director, The Frick Estate Lectures at Nassau County Museum of Art

One of the best ways for us to stay sharp as we mature is to expose ourselves to new ideas as well as novel ways to consider what we already think we know well.

As we do this “mental exercise” we nurture our cultural curiosity and our natural desire to satisfy it, which makes living even more exciting and meaningful.

This is exactly why lifelong learning can offer us such an invaluable experience, no matter what our age. It provides each of us with a wonderful opportunity to stimulate our minds, expand our interests, and enrich our existence.

And what better way to truly stretch ourselves than to participate for pleasure in the study of fascinating subjects taught by engaging professors who love sharing their knowledge with us and with other intellectually curious adults?

After having spent years in the workplace or raising a family, we as mature adults are now in a position to know ourselves better than we did when we were younger, and we are more confident that we can look forward to things other than earning a living.

That’s where studying the liberal arts and fine arts comes in, not only to provide us with pleasure and knowledge but also to keep us cognitively alert and active for years to come.

As research studies have shown, when we join

in for pleasure with a group of like-minded adults to do such guided activities as reading the classics together or discussing and appreciating great art, more neurons can be generated in our brains and new connections can be formed.

These activities may even lower our personal stress levels by providing us with the intellectual pleasure that follows as we enjoy acquiring some forms of new knowledge which we can be proud of.

Another benefit of engaging with like-minded individuals in these studies is that when interacting with others we are naturally able to alleviate feelings of anxiety and isolation – all of which is vitally important for us after the past few years of limited social interaction due to circumstances beyond our control.

Joining others to delve into topics that have triggered our curiosity may be challenging at first, but that’s what’s needed to help stimulate our brains and improve our cognitive functions.

Lifelong learning can not only enrich us but can also improve our memories, increase our attention spans, and enhance our reasoning abilities – all of which are worthwhile achievements for anyone at any age.

In short, lifelong learning can provide countless benefits, and studying the humanities as you learn for pleasure is an excellent way to stay connected to things that enhance your life.

Once you embark on this journey, you’ll soon be able to reap the rewards, so start looking around right now for mentally challenging programs to enroll in and get yourself back out there in the mix.

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Fri 10/27

Sat 10/28

Firepit Fridays

Matthew's Monster Dash 5K/Goblin's Fun Run & Toy Drive

@ 5pm / $57 Oct 27th - Nov 24th The Adventure Park at Long Is‐ land, 75 Colonial Springs Rd East Gate, Wheatley Heights. in foLIAP@myadventurepark.com

Featured

Community & Conversation. A special evening in support of ISRAEL.

@ 10am / $35 Centre Island Beach, Bayville. events@elitefeats.com

//////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////// Of�cial Huntington ////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

Crystal Waters

Featured

@ 7pm Mulcahy's Pub and Concert Hall, 3232 Railroad Ave, Wan‐ tagh

Halloween Bar Crawl - October 28th, 2023!

@ 5pm / $7.99-$12.99 Come on down to Hunt‐ ington NY and explore //////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////// the best bars for our Of�cial Halloween Bar Featured Crawl! Prepare yourself for an amazing spooky pub crawl journey in celebration of Hal‐ loween! The Rust & Gold, 70 Gerard Street, Huntington. info@pub crawls.com

Featured

@ 8pm / $45 In his latest attempt at humor, Colin breaks down the one area he’s actually gifted in: Per‐ sonality. Tilles Center, LIU Post College, 720 Northern Boulevard, Greenvale Bill O'Reilly & Sid Rosenberg "A New York State of Mind" @ 8pm / $59.50-$179.50 The Paramount, 370 New York Ave, Huntington

@ 6pm Bacaro Italian Tavern, 1020 Park Blvd, Massapequa Park

Colin Quinn: Small Talk

@ 5pm / $61 Oct 28th - Nov 25th The Adventure Park at Long Island, 75 Colo‐ nial Springs Rd Gate 3, Wheatley Heights. info LIAP@myadven turepark.com

Featured

@ 1pm Do you love spooky season like we do? This one is for you. Gold Coast Arts Center, 113 Middle Neck Road, Great Neck. info@gold coastarts.org, 516-8292570

Sun 10/29 Graztopia Live @Sand City South

Featured

Wed 11/01

@ 3pm Beacon's Trunk or Treat is back! Bring your cos‐ tume game for our con‐ tests, prizes, bounce houses, trunk or treat‐ ing, food and more!

Beacon Church, 201 I U Willets Road, Albert‐ son. heidi@bea con.church

Mon 10/30

@ 6:30pm / $12 Join us at the Mid-Island Y JCC for ongoing social program‐ ming for singles ages 55+ to connect with one another. MidIsland Y JCC, 45 Manetto Hill Road, Plainview

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Thu 11/02 Brooks Williams: House Concert @ 7pm House Concert, Merrick

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Fri 11/03 Nate Charlie Music @ 7pm EGP, 2823 Long Beach Rd, Oceanside

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Featured

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Pink Talking Fish //////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////// //////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////// @ 8pm / $45 Pink Talking Fish is a Hybrid Tribute Fusion Act that takes the mu‐ sic from three of the world’s most beloved bands and creates a special treat for fans of the music. Jeanne Rim‐ sky Theater, 232 Main Street, Port Washing‐ ton. boxof�ce@land markonmainstreet.org, 516-767-6444

A special evening in support of Israel is presented by Gold Coast Arts & Temple Beth-El. Join us as we feature a conversation with Avraham Melamed, Israeli Survivor; 1972 Munich Olympics Massacre; Ambas‐ sador Ido Aharoni, Israel's former Consul-General, New York & the TriState area; and Jon Loew, producer of the Net�ix Series Spy Ops.

TRUNK or TREAT

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Monday Oct 30th

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Tue 10/31

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Calendar information is pro‐ vided by event organizers. All @ 2pm / $73.50 @ 8pm events are subject to change The Plaine Truth or cancellation. This publica‐ Tilles Center - Krasnoff Theater, NYCB Theatre At Westbury, 960 @ 7pm tion is not responsible for the 720 Northern Boulevard, Brush Hollow Rd, Westbury Rockwood Music Hall, 196 accuracy of the information //////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////// Brookville Allen St, New York City contained in this calendar. //////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////// ////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

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32 Blank Slate Media Newspapers, Friday, October 27, 2023

READERS WRITE

Vote for Chayim Mahgerefteh for G.N. Library on Oct. 30

I

have the privilege of knowing Chayim Mahgerefteh since I started high school back in 2013. I was lucky to be on the wrestling team with him and got to witness firsthand his level of dedication and de-

termination.

Chayim is a very resolute man who has a strong will when he puts his mind towards any area of focus, whether it be his school studies or work experience. He also embod-

ies and personifies the idea of humility, a trait or well-suited to manage the Great Neck Libecoming increasingly rare these days. brary’s budget.

Given my personal experiences of knowCody Campbell ing Chayim, and his role as a CPA, I could not think of anyone more capable, trustworthy Great Neck

Vote for Chayim Mahgerefteh for G.N. Library trustee

I

t’s with great honor that I endorse Chayim Mahgerefteh for the Great Neck Library Board of Trustees.

I have known Chayim for many years and he even interned for me one summer.

Chayim was an outstanding intern who learned

quickly and provided positive results. I am confident that with those skills, as well as with his background as a CPA, he can be a big asset to our beloved library.

Additionally, Chayim’s warm personality makes him a pleasure to speak with. He has the

habit of listening to others and evaluating all Voting locations are based on zip code. Please factors before making a decision. I strongly be- look on the library website for details of where lieve that Chayim has the right mindset to man- to vote. age the library’s budget.

Michael Aryeh Please vote for Chayim Mahgerefteh on Monday, Oct. 30, between 10 a.m. and 10 p.m.

Great Neck

No one better than Mahgerefteh for library trustee

I

am pleased to express my support for Chayim Mahgerefteh for Great Neck Library Trustee. Chayim is a thoughtful and caring member of our community and will be a model representative for the position.

I have the pleasure of knowing Chayim

for many years through our time together in school and various community events. Chayim has consistently been a hardworking individual in his studies and personal ambitions, which I believe will translate to the role of library trustee.

I urge the members of our community to and all other zip codes vote at the Manhassetvote for Chayim on Monday, Oct. 30, between Lakeville Fire House at 21 78th Ave. in New 10 a.m. and 10 p.m. Zip codes 11023 and Hyde Park.

11024 vote at the Main Library at 159 BayAllen Yazdan view Ave., zip code 11021 votes at the Great Neck Plaza Village Hall at 2 Gussack Plaza, Great Neck

Mahgerefteh right choice for G.N. library trustee

I

’ve known my good friend Chayim Mahgerefteh since we’ve been in middle school.

Ever since I’ve known Chayim he has always been someone I could trust. I’ve never met anyone else as passionate about working towards their goals like Chayim.

He also has a special gift of being able

to make friends with anyone. Chayim has always been very serious about studying and his education, which paid off as he is now a very successful CPA. His experience as a CPA and the person he is makes him to be trusted to manage the library’s budget. I hope you consider voting

for Chayim for library trustee.

The election will be on Monday, Oct. 30 and the polls are open from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM. According to the library website, zip codes 11023 and 11024 vote at the Main Library on Bayview Avenue, zip code 11021 votes at the Great Neck Plaza Village Hall

located at 2 Gussack Plaza, and zip codes 11020, 11030, 11040, and 11362 vote at the fire house located at 21 78th Ave. in New Hyde Park Josh Kokhavim Great Neck

Nassau County Board of Elections needs an overhaul

E

lection season is again upon us. Nassau voters will be heading to the polls to participate in local elections to the Nassau County Legislature, town councils, and mayoralties. Whether you’re a Democrat, Republican, or Independent, I think we can all agree that our elections should be well-run and accessible.

Sadly, that is far from the case in Nassau County.

Starting with election results. Do you want to see how Nassau citizens voted in 2021?

Well, too bad, because the Nassau Board of Elections does not even have an elections archive! The Board of Elections website only displays the results of the most recent election, which is then wiped when new elections are held.

You’ve got to be kidding me.

An elections department that doesn’t even have election results?

This is the minimum standard for any elections administration.

Folks shouldn’t have to review old newspaper articles to get election results. The Suffolk County, New York City, and Westchester County Board

of Elections get this right. Why can’t Nassau?

Speaking of the Nassau Board of Elections, I want to let you in on a little secret: it’s not a board. It doesn’t have any board members, there are no public meetings to attend, and there are no agenda minutes.

Instead, two Commissioners, appointed by the party chairmen of the Nassau Democratic and Republican Party, run our elections.

Who are these commissioners?

What are their powers and responsibilities? What do they look like? I wish I could tell you, but the Nassau Board of Elections website doesn’t even provide backgrounds or biographies!

What do the chairmen of the two big parties have to do with elections, anyway? Why do they get to appoint unaccountable Commissioners to run our elections in a county where more than a quarter of the voters are Independent?

These commissioners have made it very difficult to conduct election analysis.

Unlike the NYC Board of Elections, where all geographical election

data and district boundaries data are free and open to the public, the Nassau Board of Election will charge you several hundred dollars for a piece of paper with the information.

Not the useful computer information—a piece of paper.

This makes it difficult to conduct post-election analysis for campaigns, individuals, and the press. Beautiful maps like the one that Newsday made in 2021, that shade the margin

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A voter registration app.

of victory for each candidate in every individual voting precinct, are nearly impossible to make with a multi-hundred-dollar paywall in the way and slow government correspondence to boot.

I couldn’t possibly discuss the issue of election reform without discussing election worker pay.

This issue is near and dear to my heart, as I have been an election worker in all three past elections, starting in 2020 when I turned 18.

This year, I’m not going back, and the reason is obvious.

Election workers work a grueling 18-hour shift. Unlike retail workers, who deal with rude and ungrateful customers, election workers deal with rude and ungrateful individuals who threaten them with the police, legal recourse, and writing you up to the authorities for no reason.

And all that for $290, a number that has stayed the same for three years.

Against the backdrop of high inflation numbers, this means pay has effectively been cut a staggering 15% from three years ago. On a per-hour basis, $290 barely breaks the state

minimum wage.

We get paid below fast-food workers. Nothing wrong with fast food work, but shouldn’t there be a little more luster attached to the people who are supposedly “making our democracy work”?

Predictably, older election workers are quitting and young people, who we need to be involved in politics, aren’t even considering joining.

And that’s why we end up with long lines on Election Day and the closing of voting areas closer to your home: there simply aren’t enough workers to fill the roles.

Nassau County is home to 1.4 million people. We’re one of the wealthiest counties in not just New York State, but the country.

The Nassau County Legislature can do better. Make the board more transparent, open up election information, and pay our workers more.

Raise the standards of the Nassau County Board of Elections to something that we the citizens deserve and would be proud to have.

Matthew Adarichev Westbury

Blank Slate Media Newspapers, Friday, October 27, 2023

33

READERS WRITE

Magehrefteh, civic-minded candidate for library trustee

I

t is always heart-warming to see young men and women express civic-mindedness, whether in ways small or large, especially in these times. One such example is that of Chaim Mahgerefteh, a 20-something who grew up here in Great Neck, running for Great Neck

Library trustee, bringing his professional expertise as a CPA at one of the major accounting firms in the U.S. to bear on our community and our children. I’ve known him since his time in grade school with my own children. Chaim is serious yet delightful, diligent to a fault, thought-

ful and responsive. Our library system provided heartily support his candidacy and look forward foundational support to his academic achieve- to seeing Chaim not only give back, but be a role ments, and he is energized at the prospect of model in civic responsibility for all of us. giving back by maintaining and enhancing its Ben Lunzer capabilities for the next generation of students in our diverse and motivated community. I Great Neck

Jon Kaiman is the right choice for town supervisor

W

e are writing to ask that you join us in voting for Jon Kaiman for Town Supervisor on Tuesday, Nov. 7.

Like all municipalities, the Town of North Hempstead faces major challenges: How to nurture our local businesses and promote vibrant downtowns?

How to protect our waterfront environment and promote climate resiliency? How to foster a community that is welcoming and affordable, but also fiscally responsible and sustainable?

The people of North Hempstead deserve a thorough and serious discussion about how to address these questions from both Town Supervisor candidates. Sadly, the discussion so far has been decidedly one-sided.

Jon Kaiman is running a substantive, ideas-driven campaign. He has reminded voters of his track record of achievements by highlighting the keystone accomplishments from his prior terms as town supervisor: establishing Project Independence, creating the Town’s 311 Call Center, restoring wetlands, and removing pollution from our waterways and bays

And, he has clearly stated his plans for future actions that will build on those accomplishments, such as his proposed town-wide sustainability plan.

Taken together, these demonstrate that Jon is an accomplished public servant who has achieved tremendous successes before and has a clear vision for how to move the Town forward yet again.

By contrast, Jen DeSena has taken a far less substantive approach. Since August, the DeSena campaign has barraged our mailboxes and airwaves with round after round of ugly attack ads funded by unprecedented expenditures by the Nassau County GOP (that is, the people who employed the same tactics to bring U.S. Congressman George Santos just last year).

These ads are filled with false and misleading claims, the most frequently repeated one being that Jon Kaiman enacted massive tax hikes during his 10 years as supervisor.

In truth, town taxes were remarkably stable under Jon Kaiman’s leadership. Five of the budgets he passed as supervisor included no tax increase, one decreased taxes, and four included nominal tax in-

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WHICH ASSISTED LIVING COMMUNITY IS THE BEST OPTION? My role as a Senior Advisor is to assist families and elderly individuals make the best possible decisions when it comes to choosing an Assisted Living or Memory Care Community.

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that GOP strategist Steve Bannon gloatingly calls “flooding the zone with […],” and it is insulting to all of us.

Some will say “Eh, but that’s what all politicians do.” But that is not true. Many candidates run honest, substantive campaigns that critique their opponents’ records without scurrilous personal attacks or unnecessary viciousness.

In this race, only Jon Kaiman is upholding these standards. He is running an honorable campaign that respects voters and informs them of his qualifications for the office as well as his plans to make our town a better place.

He has certainly criticized his opponent, especially for her endorsement of George Santos, but these criticisms have been truthful and fair.

Jon Kaiman has made a powerful case that he is the right person to be our next Town Supervisor.

Please join us in voting for him on Nov. 7, or during early voting from Oct. 28 through Nov. 5.

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creases ranging from an average of $6 to $16 per household.

Perhaps worse, other ads in this deluge are clearly meant to amplify fears and appeal to prejudices.

One example is an ad claiming “Crime is terrorizing our families —Blame Jon Kaiman.”

Not surprisingly, the ad doesn’t even try to explain how a person who has not held office in the Town since 2013 could possibly be to blame for current crime levels.

Another fact-free ad warns “Don’t let Jon Kaiman destroy our neighborhoods” and accuses him of trying to “ram through Bronx-style multi-family housing.”

Again, this is totally baseless, but we know exactly what sort of a dog whistle they’re sounding by using the term “Bronx-style.”

Such campaign ads are not meant to spark discussion about the crucial issues facing our communities; nor are they meant to inform voters. Instead, they are meant to distract voters from the incumbent’s paltry record while sowing confusion about the issues and suppressing turnout. It’s a technique

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34 Blank Slate Media Newspapers, Friday, October 27, 2023

READERS WRITE

Elect Chayim Mahgerefteh for G.N. library trustee

I

am writing to support my friend Chayim Mahgerefteh for Great Neck Library Trustee. Chayim has been a friend since the ninth grade who always tries to help others and put a smile on people’s faces.

Throughout high school Chayim has been a seri-

ous student, always asking teachers questions and diligently studying. His CPA certification is a testament to his work ethic. Chayim is what many would call “a man of the people” and he is who should be trusted with the library budget.

If you care about our taxpayer dollars being in

good hands then please cast your vote for Chayim at 2 Gussack Plaza, and zip codes 11020, 11030, 11040, and 11362 vote at the Manhasset-Lakeville on Monday, Oct. 30.

Polls are open from 10:00 AM until 10:00 PM. Fire Department at 21 78th Ave. in New Hyde Park.

Residents with zip codes 11023, 11024, and 11363 vote at the Main Library at 159 Bayview Avenue, zip Julian Hajibay code 11021 vote at the Great Neck Plaza Village Hall Great Neck

Mahgerefth not attending debate a red flag for voters

O

nce again Great Neck faces a local election more impactful on our cherished institutions (schools, libraries, parks) than any national, state or county election. Last week we attended the debate for the trustee position currently held by Scott Sontag.

Three of the four candidates showed up and, in my opinion, did very well. The fourth candidate, Chayim Mahgerefth was not available.

After the debate, I called a current trustee who is not up for election and commented that

all three candidates did well. Can you imagine my reaction when she said, “It may not matter as the ‘frontrunner’ wasn’t there.”

Apparently, Chayim is following the “playbook” of Emil Hakimi, who ran for the GN School Board with the knowledge that he had about 3,000 votes.As one columnist for the paper said, “Nowadays these campaigns are not waged in the public arena, but in the basement of certain houses of worship which violates the church/ state laws and jeopardizes the tax free

status accorded to houses of worship.”

We don’t know much about this candidate. Apparently, while at Yeshiva University, the group association he was president of abstained when it came to recognizing an LGBTQ+ group that was applying for official status.

Is candidate Mahgerefth an ardent book banner?

Friends, neighbors, residents, it is important you vote Oct. 30. Check the library web-

site for your polling place location. Too many of you/us are content if the book we wanted is available, if the Steppingstone concert is great or walking the Lazy River. The Park district has a $20 million budget. The Library has a $10$12 million budget.

Have a say in choosing the custodians of our precious institutions.

Steven M. Walk Great Neck

Accounting prof endorses Mahgerefteh for library

I

am writing this letter to wholeheartedly recommend Chayim Mahgerefteh for the position of Great Neck Library trustee.

I have had the privilege of knowing Chayim for many years, as he was my student at Yeshiva University for two courses, where he consistently demonstrated his remarkable qualities of diligence, intelligence, and seriousness.

Chayim was a standout student, always eager to learn and consistently achieving excellence in his academic pursuits. His dedication to his studies and his commitment to his goals were truly commendable.

Furthermore, his ability to grasp complex

concepts and apply critical thinking to solve problems made him an exceptional student and a genuine asset to our academic community.

What has continued to impress me is Chayim’s determination to maintain a strong connection even after graduating from college. He has always been proactive in seeking opportunities for personal and professional growth, and he has often reached out for guidance and advice.

This level of persistence and the value he places on building and nurturing relationships speaks volumes about his character.

Chayim has since gone on to become a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and has gained

valuable experience in the financial sector. This experience has endowed him with a strong financial background that would be invaluable in the role of a Library trustee.

Chayim’s meticulous attention to detail, analytical skills, and deep understanding of financial matters make him a well-qualified candidate to oversee and maintain the library’s budget.

I am confident that Chayim Mahgerefteh would be a conscientious and dedicated Library Trustee for the Great Neck Library. His passion for learning, coupled with his professional expertise, will undoubtedly contribute to the library’s growth and success.

Chayim’s unwavering commitment to the community and his ability to manage financial resources prudently make him the perfect candidate for this role.

I wholeheartedly endorse Chayim Mahgerefteh’s candidacy for the position of Great Neck Library trustee. I believe that his integrity, intelligence, and unwavering dedication to the community will serve the library well.

Thank you for considering Chayim for this important role, and I am confident that his contributions as a library trustee will be exemplary.

Dr. Leonard Fuld, CPA Teaneck, N.J.

Serving those who served our nation in the military

D

iplomacy is required, now more than ever, from international conflicts to civility amongst our neighbors. The most logical place to start is on the local level, working with our elected officials in a civil forum to discuss our needs as a community.

Recently, I returned to speak with Veterans in the Town of North Hempstead since prior to the pandemic.

Each time, Councilmember Veronica Lurvey invited me in an effort to build connections within the Veterans’ community and among elected officials.

She is keenly aware of the information and services gap between the government and Veterans and hopes to bridge that gap by listening to our concerns and building relationships.

The theme of our talk was Military and Diplomacy, where I had the chance to reflect on my service in the U.S. Army for over 30 years and in my recent role as a Department of Defense Civilian.

My military career has spanned a wide range of assignments, from combatting the War on Drugs in Central and South America to fighting Al Qaeda in Afghanistan immediately after 9/11 and Al Shabaab in Somalia.

As a civilian, I served as the director of the International Training Branch, 7th Army Training Command in Germany, where I oversaw the train and equip program for the Ukrainian

Armed Forces.

Currently, I am the program manager of Security Assistance for the Office of Defense Cooperation at the U.S. Embassy in Spain.

In each of these posts, I worked closely with local leaders to secure information for operational requirements and most of all negotiate for peace. Diplomatic skills have been valuable skills throughout my assignments and my life.

Skills not all that different than those required of a community leader and shown by Lurvey in how she organized the event.

Veterans and their family members had a chance not just to listen to me or elected officials speak, but more important to ask questions and mingle, to share and connect.

North Hempstead Councilwoman Veronica Lurvey speaks with Maj. Lance Jensen (ret.) and fellow Veteran SGT Angwang

During that time, I was not surprised to learn about the disconnect that local Veterans and their families face from our government and the concerns that surfaced during the open discussion.

Several points stood out, including the convoluted veteran’s tax exemption policy in New York and how the town offices should help Veterans and family members navigate through the bureaucracy.

Unlike many other states, New York’s veteran entitlements are fragmented and left to individual municipalities to determine what, if any, entitlements veterans receive.

Another matter surfaced, under Supervisor DeSena the community’s 4000+ veterans lost access to the mobile health clinic that provided assistance for those who have difficulty traveling to the Northport VA. Previously, it was established by former Supervisor Judi Bosworth who also created a veteran’s advisory committee to listen to and act on the concerns of our community. Through that connection, Bosworth, a true community diplomat, accomplished so much.

Unfortunately, DeSena did not stay to engage with the Veterans and their family members and hear these concerns.

The only time she gave was at the start of the event when shook my hand and said “thank you for your service.” While I appreciate the ac-

knowledgment, a true “thank you” to all Veterans begins with truly engaging on the issues that are of importance to us and our families.

This includes staying to listen, leveraging the Veterans’ Advisory Committee, and bringing back the mobile health unit. Further, sponsoring more events for Veterans and their families, along with organization leaders of VFW, American Legion and other veteran groups to discuss and address their needs.

That is what service to the nation is all about.

Diplomacy requires one thing more than anything else: listening. Without convening meetings and advisory boards to understand one another, there is no way we can make progress at home or abroad.

On the battlefield and around the world, Soldiers work hard to protect those that cannot protect themselves. It is at home, where those Soldiers and Veterans need civilians to help to protect our lives.

Maj. Lance Jensen (Ret.) LifeMemberSpecial Forces Association, Chapter 19, NJ/PA/NY Life Member Veterans of Foreign Wars Life Member American Legion Life Member AUSA Program Manager of Security Assistance for the Office of Defense Cooperation at the US Embassy in Spain

Blank Slate Media Newspapers, Friday, October 27, 2023

35

READERS WRITE

Responding to the antisemitic acts of Port students

I

read with great dismay about the antisemitic acts that were conducted by several Schreiber students.

I have some suggestions as to what I believe the school district should do…

These students must be taken to the Holo-

caust Museum in Glen Cove. Few young people including many young Jewish children, do not have great knowledge of this horrific event.

Secondly, I would suggest that these students attend an after-school program where they should be shown actual newsreels of the

concentration camps, the dead bodies being like. bulldozed into mass graves, the ovens and gas Our schools have the responsibility of dechambers that were used, etc. They should also livering this education. see footage of the Nuremberg trials.

Education is one of the best ways to comHank Ratner bat ignorance, racism, antisemitism and the Port Washington

Why Lurvey is the best choice for receiver of taxes

B

y electing Veronica Lurvey, as the Town of North Hempstead’s next receiver of taxes, she will continue the outstanding work of our long-serving current Receiver, Charles Berman.

Veronica will implement the same professionalism that was exercised under Mr. Berman’s leadership over the past 14 years.

The receiver of taxes is the department that issues the tax bills and collects the taxes on behalf of the county, town, school and library.

It is not a department that oversees any “fiscal restraints in the Town’s spending or any other financial management.”

She will add an enhanced vision to the operation of the receiver of taxes department. Veronica will bring a level of professionalism, responsiveness and transparency to the office of Receiver of Taxes.

Her corporate background will bring valuable expertise to the position. We need a proven professional who will be able to provide the skills

and leadership to enhance the receiver’s department.

Knowledgeable of the town’s operations with her four years as town councilperson, will add enriched vision to the operations of the Receiver of Taxes Department and provide her with the ability to start the newly elected position on the first day running.

New visions to collecting, issuing, and reviewing for material errors on the County’s tax rolls are the principal responsibility of the re-

ceiver.

We need a proven professional, who be able to provide the skills and the leadership to work to enhance not recreate one of the best receivers departments in the state, not having a “new vision.”

I know who I have voted for on my absentee ballot and you too should support Veronica Lurvey as our town’s next receiver of taxes.

Charles Schneider Manhasset

Vote Chayim Mahgerefteh for G.N. Library trustee I want to share my endorsement of Chayim as a friend and fellow CPA, and throughout our Chayim has the right skills to lead the alloca- trustees.

Mahgerefteh for Library Trustee. I have had the relationship he is consistently shown his tremen- tion of financial resources for our GN library and pleasure of knowing Chayim for many years, both dous work ethic and focus in all of his endeavors. will bring a responsible mindset to the board of

Abe Sedgh Great Neck

Elect Weihua Yan to the Nassau County Legislature

W

e write in strongest possible commendation of our good friend Weihua Yan for Nassau County Legislature in District 10 in the general election on Nov. 7.Weihua is a true successful businessman, community leader, family man, and American. He is committed to reducing our tax burden and restoring fiscal responsibility by making it easier for businesses to flourish in Nassau County and thereby strengthen the county’s revenue base. He will help keep us safe by hiring more police and creating a Hate Crimes Unit for Nassau County, and will protect our environment and precious natural resources.

Please watch this two minute video of Weihua talking about why he is running, what distinguishes him from his opponent, and what he will accomplish for us as a County Legislator. In a time when our political and governmental institutions are under attack from illiberal forces, Weihua has demonstrated unequivocally that he understands the norms of our democracy and the responsibilities of a candidate for, and holder of, public office.

He has appeared at every candidate forum to which he’s been invited to defend his platform and ideas including the League of Women Voters’ Forum, the “gold standard” for candi-

dates to subject themselves to public critical scrutiny. His opponent has not.

Weihua has demonstrated his respect for the voters and that he is the best equipped candidate to protect our democracy from those who are threatening it. When they moved to Great Neck 15years ago, although they are not Jewish, Weihua and his wife Carey sent their two sons to Hebrew School at Temple Beth-el in Great Neck because they were fascinated by Jewish religion and culture and wanted to forge a genuine connection with that significant part of our demographic in District 10. That speaks volumes about Weihua’s character. He understands

what it means to be an American and a citizen of the larger community and will put the interests of all of our residents first and foremost rather than succumb to parochial interests.

Weihua is the best candidate to represent all of us in the Nassau County Legislature. Please join us in voting for him on Election Day, Nov. 7. Early voting is also available from Oct. 28 through Nov. 5: click here for early voting locations. For more information on how, when, and where to vote, please click here.

Robert and Anne Yamins Great Neck

PHOTO PROVIDED BY WEIHUA YAN

Weihua Yan

In support of Proposal No. 2 in November election

T

he Board of Commissioners of the Great Neck Water Pollution Control District would like to announce our support for Proposal Number Two, which is on the ballot this

November. This amendment proposes a 10-year extension of sewer project debt exclusion from debt limits.

Over the past years, when this exclusion was first put into place, we have

seen numerous municipalities throughout Long Island replace aging septic tanks with modern sewer systems.

By excluding the construction costs of these projects from the debt limit, we

are encouraging the expansion of sewer Two pass on Election Day. infrastructure throughout our state, Commissioner Patty Katz helping to preserve our environment for Commissioner Jerry Landsberg generations to come.

Commissioner Steve Reiter We hope to see Proposal Number

Re-elect Mariann Dalimonte to Town Council

I

am writing to support the re-election of Councilwoman Mariann Dalimonte.

Previous writers (Pete Gaffney and Anthony Schettino, Oct. 16) have spoken eloquently of many of her first-term accomplishments and

strengths as a public servant.

I wish to add a personal thanks for the several times that Councilwoman Dalimonte responded, quickly and effectively, to issues impacting me and my neighbors.

I’m impressed with the wide

range of projects and issues she has taken on during her first term and the progress that has been made despite the pandemic.

Councilwoman Dalimonte is helping to set in motion many initiatives tied to long-standing problems

that previous representatives have term in which to continue this work. largely ignored. She understands that our natural ecosystems, business Lori Rothstein ecosystems, and communities are Port Washington deeply interwoven and that there are no fast and simple solutions.

Letters Continued on Page 40 I believe she deserves a second

36 Blank Slate Media Newspapers, Friday, October 27, 2023

Business&RealEstate

Many reasons for selling and moving There are a multitude of reasons for moving. From what my clients tell me and what I have read, it is to downsize and lower the overall cost of living. Some want to be closer to their children and grandchildren. Some don’t want to deal with the regular interior and exterior maintenance of owning a house.

Others want to reduce their responsibilities and when going on vacation, want to turn the key to their apartment and just leave and not worry about roof leaks, broken pipes, or anything else involved in the upkeep of a home. Dealing with snow that may or may not happen this winter is a factor as well as the high cost of heating bills.

Some will absolutely have to move due to health issues, finances, loss of job, or business failures. In this situation, the possibility of foreclosure might be looming in the near future. Selling now will hopefully provide a means to walk away with some serious equity to either buy or rent in another lower-cost state.

I see on the horizon many more homeowners who will be in financial straits due to lack of adequate or decreasing income and escalating credit card balances being used to pay their expenses. I am advising and urging them to work on creating a beneficial strategy before going down a more negative and stressful rab-

bit hole.

It is a hard reality to face up to challenging and stressful events and waiting too long by procrastinating will only prolong the inevitable. Unfortunately, this is somewhat of a normal condition for so many, when they consistently don’t face up to their situation in a timely manner and cause much greater harm to themselves and their families. Thinking, contemplating, and planning in advance with a Realtor will be a more beneficial course of action that most need to pursue and will not only minimize the confusion and worry about moving but create a more calming and more stress-free environment.

If you are senior or about to retire, you may want to simplify your life by downsizing. Moreover, your children may want you to move closer to where they are living. Some are fortunate when their kids are nearby. But for others, as they grow older, children can even be potential caregivers and Medicaid will pay them.

One must check for all the specific details to become educated by calling and inquiring from your Medicaid provider.

My professional and personal opinion is that the lack of sufficient income due to future layoffs, reduced business activity, and increased debt will be major reasons for people to consider moving. People are

PHILIP A. RAICES Real Estate Watch

generally proud and never want to admit to themselves or their children that they have financial issues. But my thoughts are if you are currently or will be heading in that direction, then an immediate plan of action should be considered.

If after utilizing and considering all your options, you cannot come up with a viable solution, then consider involving your children and have a serious discussion with them to see what they can do to assist. However, if you presently own a home and have accumulated a lot of appreciation, then you must consider

selling as an option and be able to pay all your debts, while still keeping your credit strong and to finally have peace of mind.

If your credit has suffered, then after selling, renting for the foreseeable future might also be the answer.

As you grow older, family and many friends may have moved or passed on, leaving your network with much fewer contacts and you with a lack of socialization. This has been proven to be a serious health issue and has been noted in many studies that have been conducted and published in health periodicals. Maybe your location has been less desirable for you and/or your significant other. Family situations constantly change either due to marriage or divorce, and may be additional reasons for the need to consider moving. Being in a marriage can create a positive situation if both are gainfully employed with salaries that will hopefully allow them to purchase or stay where they are and save.

As I have stated in past columns, New York State is losing its population of Millennials, GenZs, and GenX due to the cost of living as well as the excessive $1.6 trillion of student loans that have to begin being paid back this month. I believe interest rates will eventually come down, but when is the big question?

I am not quite sure anyone has a

clear-cut answer or solution to these issues. But for sure, the need and priority for more low-cost housing that Gov. Kathy Hochul wants to stem the tide of people leaving whether young or old is of No. 1 importance. Will enough localities come on board with the financial benefits she is offering that only a few have taken advantage of? Time will surely provide us with the answer. However, one must do what is comfortable financially and otherwise to have a life worth living.

Philip A. Raices is the owner/Broker of Turn Key Real Estate at 3 Grace Ave Suite 180 in Great Neck. He has 42 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 eco-friendly construction and upgrades. For a “FREE” 15-minute consultation, value analysis of your home, or to answer any of your questions or concerns he can be reached by cell: (516) 647-4289 or by email: Phil@TurnKeyRealEstate.Com or via https://WWW.Li-RealEstate.Com Just email or snail mail (regular mail) him with your ideas or suggestions on future columns with your name, email and cell number and he will call or email you back.

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

the future is now

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

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

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

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Kaiman touts experience in supervisor bid Continued from Page 20 “We take their budget, we do the math and we determine whether or not the expenditure side equals the revenue side,” Kaiman said of his time at NIFA. “And if it does, we certify it. If it doesn’t, we reject it and tell them they need to come back.”

Last month, DeSena submitted a $163.9 million tentative budget that includes a 10% tax cut. Kaiman said it’s appropriate to give taxpayers something back from the town’s reserves that he called “significant” but cautioned that town services such as project independence and code enforcement can be cut if the reserves are depleted.

“This administration is just wiping out the reserves over a series of years so that they can have the political messaging that they are just cutting taxes,” Kaiman said. “It should be something that can be covered next year or in the years after so you’re not going to be stuck and it should be invested in ways that reduce the cost of government.”

DeSena in a statement to Blank Slate Media said all the facts cited in the campaign literature are sourced from publicly available records and that his record is in “stark contrast” to hers of cutting taxes and restoring integrity to town hall.

“Jon Kaiman can keep denying the truth, but it does not change the fact that taxes soared $20 million (44%) during his tenure as Supervisor,” DeSena said. “He also can’t refute the criminal convictions that occurred in North Hempstead under his watch. Even Nassau’s D.A. termed his Building Department cronies, ‘a systemic ring of greed and corruption.’”

Kaiman said North Hempstead should vote for him on Election Day based on his track record.

“It’s really important that people believe that local government can be trusted,” Kaiman said.

Kaiman added he hopes the town can disregard the “disinformation and lies” spread by DeSena and his opponents.

“That that’s who she is and that’s who they are,” Kaiman said.

Blank Slate Media’s interview with Jon Kaiman can be found on YouTube.

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READERS WRITE

Aliza Reicher for library trustee

I

n the age of Amazon, eBooks and Tik Tok, Great Neck’s brick-and-mortar library remains a thriving center of community life. With inviting facilities and a vast array of programming, the library offers Great Neck residents so much more than just the greatest new releases in non-fiction.

I am proud to be running for the single open position on the Great Neck Library Board of Trustees. I’ve been a bankruptcy lawyer for more than 16 years, half of that in private practice and half as an attorney writer and editor on bankruptcy and finance topics. I also teach personal finance and budgeting as a volunteer. You could say financial responsibility is my jam. Whether for a family of four or an institution, there’s always a way to create margins, better utilize available dollars, and in-

vest surplus cash. I am eager to use my financial oversight skills to help the library leverage its massive budget to better serve the community.

The library board has had a rough go these last few years, including involvement in frivolous lawsuits draining upwards of $500,000 in taxpayer funding, board infighting, and most recently, a board member’s mid-term resignation. My goal as trustee is to build consensus and shift the focus to what matters the most to Great Neck’s vast and diverse library users: enhancing the library collection, diversifying programs and engaging in better community outreach.

Finally, and most importantly, libraries are on the forefront of the fight against censorship. 2023 has seen a steep increase in attempts to ban books

both at the library level and at the legislative level as new state laws are being introduced to restrict the availability of certain books. Most bans are of books focused on topics regarding minority communities (check out @aliza4GNlibrarytrustee for some of my thoughts on banned books). No community should ever be silenced through book banning. I am prepared to be a fierce and unwavering ally against censorship at any level in the library.

A vote for me is a vote for financial responsibility. It is a vote for collaboration and cooperation. It is vote for the commitment to guard against and censorship. Vote for Aliza Reicher for Great Neck library trustee on Oct. 30.

Aliza Reicher Great Neck

Re-elect DeSena as supervisor

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A

continues to drive up prices. Beyond this, Supervisor DeSena has listened to the concerns of residents and recommitted the Town to investing in our infrastructure, bringing much needed refurbishment to our roads and parks, while reducing the Town’s reliance on borrowing and debt at the same time.

Above all else, Supervisor DeSena has shown a clear dedication to the betterment of our Town, as she has worked to bring people together and find commonsense solutions to the challenges we face as a Town. Her approach is one of honesty, integrity and transparency for the needs of our diverse community.

Supervisor DeSena’s track record in

office reflects her commitment to moving North Hempstead forward, and working hard to make sure our Town remains a great place to live and raise a family. Her tireless efforts have contributed to a safer, more vibrant, and inclusive community for all residents.

As we consider the future of North Hempstead, Jen DeSena is the leader we need to continue our progress. I urge all fellow residents to support her re-election and help ensure that North Hempstead continues to have a bright future and does not return to the dark days of the past.

Three great library election candidates

Elect Chayim as trustee

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T

he Great Neck Library is the crown jewel of our community, and next week all of us have the opportunity — and the obligation — to vote to fill one seat on the board of trustees and two seats on the nominating committee.

I will be voting for Aliza Reicher as a board trustee, and Daniel Pitt Stoller and Joanna Stolove as nominating committee members.

They oppose book bans and censorship, use the library and know it intimately, and can be counted on to take their fiduciary and governance obligations seriously.

The breadth and depth of the Library’s offerings, spread across four branches and thoughtfully curated and delivered by our librarians and professional staff under the leadership of our library director, are truly extraordinary: thousands of books in circulation, in print, e-book, and audio formats; intellectually interesting and stimulating programming for patrons of every age; musical performances and film showings and discussions; access to local and internationally acclaimed museums and

s Election Day draws near, I am writing to express my strong support for the re-election of Jen DeSena as North Hempstead Town supervisor. Since her first day in office, Supervisor DeSena has proven to be an exemplary leader who has consistently demonstrated a deep commitment to our community.

In these challenging times, leadership is not just about making promises, but about delivering results. Supervisor DeSena’s record is sterling. Under her tenure as supervisor, back-to-back tax cut budgets were delivered, relieving some of the financial burden taxpayers face at an important time, especially as inflation

cultural institutions; a STEM lab; and, of course, the Levels Teen Center (I encourage everyone to attend a Levels theater production; we saw Jean-Paul Sartre’s “No Exit” last spring — first-rate!).

Overseeing all of this — the library’s budget, operations, and the fulfillment of its vision — is a board of trustees composed of seven patrons who are willing to volunteer their time and expertise for the benefit of the library.

A professional, functioning board of trustees is critical to the Library’s success. Trustees should bring something to the figurative (and literal) table around which they meet; some professional and/or life experience that helps the board navigate the myriad issues that confront it.

They should be willing to respect the views and opinions of fellow trustees, and the judgment of our professional Library staff. Trustees must be able to put the library’s interests — its mission, finances and operations — above their own preferences and agenda.

And they absolutely must have the spine to stand up to, and speak out against, book bans, censorship, and at-

tacks on the dignity and rights of all our neighbors.

Aliza Reicher lives in Harbor Hills with her family, including her two young children. They love our Library and use it all the time. She is an experienced corporate bankruptcy attorney and legal editor.

Aliza’s strong financial, corporate, and legal background, combined with her love of education and her commitment to freedom of expression, means she will help the Library spend its resources – our tax dollars – wisely, and to expand opportunities for all its patrons.

Daniel Pit Stoller, a candidate for the first open nominating committee position, is an English teacher at Schechter School of Long Island and a part-time acting instructor in the Great Neck Public Schools recreation program.

He graduated from Great Neck South High and received degrees from the University of Pennsylvania and New York University. Danny worked at Junior Levels for seven years.

Joanna Stolover, a candidate for the second open nominating committee position, is a licensed clinical social worker with degrees from the Wurzweiler School of Social Work at Yeshiva University and SUNY Buffalo.

She is a Girl Scouts Troop Leader, Camp Consultant, and Delegate; on the Great Neck Public Schools Board Advisory Committee and the Saddle Rock PTO Executive Board; and a Member of the Aging Life Care Association.

These are three excellent candidates. We are lucky that they are willing to serve our community in this way.

Please vote for them.

Rory Lancman Great Neck

Jeff Stone Port Washington

I am happy to write to express my support for Chayim Mahgerefteh for the Great Neck Library Board of Trustees.

Chayim is one of the most kind-hearted people I know who cares deeply about the community. I have the pleasure of knowing Chayim for many years, but I really got to know him when we were on the wrestling team together at Great Neck North High School. Not only did Chayim work hard in the wrestling room and in the classroom, but I always saw him studying at the library.

Chayim has the mindset of a leader and I appreciate the work ethic he has built over the years. Importantly, Chayim is someone who recognizes the value of education. I am confident that he will be the perfect person to serve as trustee for the Great Neck Library.

Troy Fritzhand Jerusalem

The Williston Times, Friday, October 27, 2023

WT

41

Recent Real Estate Sales in the

46 Orchard Drive, East Williston

652 Concord Avenue, Williston Park

3 bd, 4 ba, 3,000 sqft, Sold On: 8/31/23, Sold Price: $1,500,000 Type: Single Family, Schools: East Williston

4 bd, 3 ba, Sold On: 9/1/23, Sold Price: $730,000 Type: Single Family, Schools: Herricks

45 Netz Place, Albertson

5 Berry Place, Albertson

4 bd, 2 ba, Sold On: 8/14/23, Sold Price: $750,000 Type: Single Family, Schools: Mineola

4 bd, 2 ba, Sold On: 8/25/23, Sold Price: $675,000 Type: Single Family, Schools: Mineola

Editor’s note: Homes shown here were recently sold in New Hyde Park, the Willistons, Mineola and surrounding areas 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 New Hyde Park, the Willistons, Mineola and are believed by Blank Slate Media to be of interest to our readers.

42 The Williston Times, Friday, October 27, 2023

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Sheridan residents say speeking a threat

A car accident that took place on Sheridan Avenue in July.

Continued from Page 1 roads as well. The mayor said when issues have been brought to the village about parking or speeding, he has reached out to the 3rd Precinct and they’ve responded with enforcement.

There have also been two car accidents on Sheridan in the last two years, Ehrbar said, according to information provided to him by the precinct. The village’s mobile speed radar sign that tells drivers their current speeds is currently stationed on Sheridan, he said. “It’s a frustrating thing, I don’t want PHOTO COURTESY OF ED PATISSO you to think we’ve been ignoring you, but it’s a difficult problem and there’s no

easy solution,” Ehrbar said.

In unrelated village news, trustees reserved a decision on a special permit application by Albert Zolezzi Auto Body. The application is to add two bays in the rear of the property for mechanical work.

The village’s annual Ragamuffin Parade will be on Saturday, beginning at 3:30 p.m. at village hall.

The parade will proceed west on Lafayette Street, north on Park Avenue, east on Center Street, crossing Willis Avenue, east on Dartmouth Street and north on Broad Street to Kelleher Field.

At Kelleher, there will be games, races, a best costume contest and a DJ.

Rabbi’s family returns from Israel where sons serve Continued from Page 2 All flights were canceled, and Osher Kravitsky was trying to find ways to get his wife and their 9- and 4-year-olds with her back safely, but she wanted to stay a little longer to help others and show her support. She started buying and collecting food and toiletries for the soldiers with other families there while her husband sent money for goods.

He raised about $15,000 for bedding, toiletries, religious items and cigarettes for soldiers.

“Home became like a warehouse overnight,” the rabbi said, as religious studies students began helping collect provisions.

“While she was away, I couldn’t sleep,” Osher Kravitsky said, “but at the same time thousands of other people couldn’t sleep either so I was getting calls day and night…It was very difficult being away from them in such a pivotal time.”

“It hurts me to think that my son is going

to have to shoot or be shot at,” he said of his son, “It really does. War is war. It leaves scars on both sides.”

At that time, the Lebanon border up north where Sara Kravitsky was staying became an active war zone, so she decided to leave Israel with her children, but leaving was no easy feat.

“We were trying to be very strategic,” Sara Kravitsky said, since videos were circulating of rockets exploding next to planes near Ben Gurion Airport. Together, they traveled three hours to the airport, taking a bulletproof bus at 5:45 a.m. to a high-security train.

“There’s soldiers everywhere, all armed soldiers everywhere, because they’re moving back and forth to bases and things,” Sara Kravitsky said, “so at that point, we knew we were very safe.”

The United States has been sending over charter planes, but no one knew till they got to the airport which country was receiving people

from Israel that day. Sara Kravitsky and the two children were sent to Athens for a day, then Amsterdam and finally New York.

Sara Kravitsky said if she had not had her young children with her, she would have stayed, having felt a sense of serving a purpose there.

At one point during her stay, she and some girls in the seminary school cooked meals for 150 soldiers and they drove together to a base with food and supplies like underwear, T-shirts and other necessities as bombs were flying overhead.

“The tanks were going off and you’d hear the tanks popping, like non stop, or the jets coming over,” Sara Kravitsky said she encountered while delivering meals. “So there was a lot of action,” but “there was no time to be scared the unity of everyone coming together helps with the fear.”

Osher Kravitsky said in a message to his son now fighting in Israel “to remain confident and

strong. You’re not protecting Israel. You’re protecting Judaism for over 3445 years. Past, present and future.”

He also said there has been a lot of misinformation around the Israel/Palestine conflict, some deliberate. While online he said he saw videos of terrorists going into Holocaust survivors’ houses and shooting them.

“And for what? Just because you’re born Jewish?” the rabbi said. “The irony is some of these people that were murdered were far-leftwing people who were against the Jews, but they’re against the military and they were murdered as well.”

The rabbi dismissed the widely held view that the current conflict is based on ideology.

“People say it’s an ideological war. It’s not.

It’s a cancer that’s destroying humanity. Anytime you find a system and a systematic approach based on hate and death, then it’s bound to destroy”

Israel-born trustee leads aid drive in East Hills Continued from Page 3

going to come out alive and here we are wards of 80 pounds. Pomerantz said they have also raised more than $7,000.

Individuals have been dropping off packing his boots.”

More than 100 bags have been sent The duffel bags are sent to Israel via donations at high volumes, Pomerantz said, as well as purchasing items through so far to Israeli troops, each weighing up- two methods: on a cargo flight that detheir Amazon wishlist.

Included in the duffel bags are cards from students at the Old Westbury Hebrew Congregation’s religious school, of which Pomerantz is the director of.

Each duffel bag packed is designated for a specific troop, filled with items they have specifically requested.

“It’s tailored to whoever needs what,” Pomerantz said.

Included in the requests are minute details, including shoe sizes for specific soldiers.

“We’re packing a size nine, we’re packing a size 10 and my daughter and PHOTO COURTESY OF CLARA POMERANTZ I are looking at each other,” Pomerantz said about a time when she went shop- Children from the Old Westbury Hebrew Congregation hold up their ping for requested items. “We had the same idea: we don’t know if this soldier is drawings to be sent to Israeli soldiers.

parts twice a day or with individuals who are flying to Israel.

Through the cargo flights, Pomerantz said more than 60 duffel bags have been sent to Israel.

But the problem with this method is that when the bags arrive in Israel they end up sitting at the airport for a few days until it is cleared by security and can be sent to the troops.

Pomerantz said the upside of sending the bags with individuals is that they do not have to wait at the airport to be processed and can be given more quickly to the troops.

Pomerantz said coordinating this collection drive was something that just fell together through her connections in Israel and here on Long Island.

“I just found out from phone calls and connections and people [saying] ‘call him, call her,’” Pomerantz said. “You call five people and you end up with the right

thing.”

The coordination of the donation collection and shipping requires intense planning and around-the-clock devotion by volunteers, Pomerantz said, with an individual at the airport for every shipment to handle the bag clearance.

While she said conducting this donation drive can at times be sad and emotionally tolling, it’s worth it to provide for the troops.

“It’s an urgent thing,” Pomerantz said. “It’s urgent.”

Pomerantz said it is nice to see the community come together, thanking Mayor Michael Koblenz and Rabbi Michael Stanger for their support.

Donations can be dropped off at the Village Hall, the East Hills Theater or the Old Westbury Hebrew Congregation in the designated bins. Individuals can also contribute through the collection’s Amazon wishlist.

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43

Mineola board OKs 3-story, 30-unit plan Continued from Page 1 think it’s too big for that corner so I’m going to vote no.”

Pereira said before voting for the project that proposals such as this one are the exact reason the districts were created last year.

In unrelated village news, Paul Pereira thanked all parties involved for the successful exchange program the volunteer fire department held with representatives from Pereira’s hometown in Estarreja, Portugal.

“I would like to thank the entire village staff but really the entire villager of Mineola,” Pereira said.

“They went home with nothing but amazing memories.”

During the week of Oct. 9, fire department officials from the Por-

tuguese city, including New have outsiders coming in, we real- be reminded by those who are not will be traveling to Estarreja in 2024 York City-born Mayor Dia- ize we live in a pretty special place,” here every day like we are.” to celebrate the 100th anniversary Representatives from the village of the city’s fire department. mantino Sabino, explored what the Pereira said. “Sometimes we need to village and New York City had to offer.

The week was part of a cultural exchange where the department trained with the visiting firefighters and held a fundraiser with proceeds going toward a new training facility in Estarreja, among other things The idea came when Pereira, who is from Estarreja, was introduced to the chief of the fire department in the city, Joaquim Rebelo, while on a trip to Portugal with the Mineola School District, where he SCREENCAP COURTESY OF BRANDON DUFFY works.

“Sometimes we can’t see the forest for the trees and when we The Village of Mineola Board of Trustees held a meeting on Wednesday, Oct. 18.

Four assisted-living residents hospitalized in G.N. Continued from Page 13 The current status of the three hospitalized patients was not disclosed. However, fire officials had previously reported that all patients were transported in a stable condition, with no indications of life-threatening symptoms.

The Nassau County Health Department was notified of the incident and is coordinating with the state Department of Health and the Atria staff to determine the cause of the norovirus illness outbreak.

“Their investigation is continuing,” Uttaro said in a statement.

A norovirus is characterized as a highly contagious virus inducing vomiting and diarrhea by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Blank Slate Media calls to the Atria Park facility were answered by initial operators, but were told the director was bombarded as of Tuesday morning by queries and was hard to reach.

Atria Park issued a statement Tuesday to Newsday, that said no other residents at the facility have

exhibited any symptoms of illness.

“We remain in contact and are following the guidance of the local Department of Health and NYSDOH. Escalated infections-control protocols remain in place in our memory care neighborhood, including regular screening and monitoring,” Atria Park said in the statement.

“We know that the norovirus is more common in the winter months, and our infection control protocols are thorough and designed to be implemented quickly when symptoms are exhibited,” the facility said.

PHOTO BY KARINA KOVAC

An assisted living facility in the Village of Great Neck Plaza experienced a norovirus outbreak last week, with three residents still hospitalized.

Blakeman honors Israel music fest attack survivor Continued from Page 13 Walking to their cars, the group was unaware that Hamas terrorist were on foot with guns. While driving out of the festival grounds, security told everyone to pull over and run.

“We couldn’t understand why running would bring us to safety faster than driving,” Sanandaji said, “But that’s when we heard the first gunshots. And as soon as we heard the first gunshots, we opened our doors and started to run. We realized that being in our cars and being with so many cars in a confined space made us an easier target for the terrorists.”

As they ran, they mulled their options, thinking perhaps they should stick it out in a ditch with other festival goers. But they “decided that that was a bad idea, and that if the terrorists found us in the ditch, we would have nowhere to run,” she said.

The group found out later those who stayed in the ditch were killed.

“It just made you realize how every decision you made in that moment, every split-second decision, either saved your life or got you killed,” she said. “You had no idea of knowing

which decision was the right decision.”

Four hours of running later, the group sat under a tree for shade when they saw a man in a white pickup truck driving toward them.

“We kind of realized we have nowhere to run to, we have nowhere to hide,” she recalled. “If this is a terrorist, that’s it, this is the end. And we kind of all just looked at each other and sat back down and accepted our fate. Luckily for us, it wasn’t a terrorist.”

It turned out to be a man from the neighboring village of Patish, who drove towards the chaos to help those in need. After dropping them off in the village, he drove back to try and save more people, Sanandaji said.

Other men from the village also took off in their vehicles asking in which direction the fighting was happening. Sanandaji and her friends stayed in a local bomb shelter, where villagers brought them food and water, she said. She was able to return home after a friend of hers gave her their plane ticket since they had bought one for an earlier flight and had an extra.

“A lot of people have asked me since getting back to New York if I feel safe. With all

the protests happening, it’s hard to feel safe I’ve never seen this amount of antisemitism in New York.”

She told Blank Slate Media that “it’s very hard to get back to your ordinary life, especially when you’re just like waiting for the second shoe to drop, because you know, it’s only going to get worse before it gets better and we’re only going to lose more lives.”

Sanandaji said the bloodshed isn’t a fight between Palestine and Israel.

“This is a fight between Israel and Hamas,” she said, “a terrorist organization that is just as complicit in the deaths of innocent Palestinians as it is in the deaths of innocent Israelis.

They’re using the citizens of Gaza as their own human shields.”

She added, “And another thing I want people to understand is that even if this was a fight between Palestine and Israel right now, killing innocent Israelis is not going to free Palestine, killing other innocent people is not going to help any other person.”

Parvaneh Khodadadian, Sanandaji’s cousin, said she was so happy that she’s back in New York safely and pointed out that they

have five family members serving on the front lines in the Israeli Defense Force.

“We are not thinking about Jews and Muslims, we are thinking about humanity,” Khodadadian said. “We are thinking about all the lives that are lost. A Muslim mother suffers as much as a Jewish mother, this is a loss of human life.”

As a member of SHAI at the Great Neck Senior Center, she has been singing with seniors to take their mind off the news.

Ma, a cashier at Shop Delight supermarket in Great Neck as well as a resident, was also honored and given a citation from Blakeman. Ma, of Asian descent felt compelled after hearing stories about the war from the Great Neck community and said a prayer for those involved in the conflict.

“It’s important that all religions get together against evil,” Blakeman said. “This was evil, and we have to recognize what it was.

You know here in America, we celebrate religious freedom, everybody can celebrate their religions the way they want, especially here in Nassau County we have every race, religion and ethnic group right here.”

44 The Williston Times, Friday, October 27, 2023

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COMMUNITY NEWS Notice of Formation of Patel Law Associates, PLLC. Articles of Organization filed with Secretary of State of NY (SSNY) on 202309-26. Office location: Nassau County. SSNY designated as agent of upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY should mail process to The Firm: 151 Nassau Drive Albertson NY 11507. Purpose: Any lawful purpose Notice of Formation of PreciousView Windows and Doors. Articles of Organization filed with Secretary of State of NY (SSNY) on 2023-08-24. Office location: Nassau County. SSNY designated as agent of Limited Liability Company (LLC) upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY should mail process to Li Chan: 28 Center Drive Syosset NY 11791. Purpose: Any lawful purpose Notice of Formation of GradeAconvo . Articles of Organization filed with Secretary of State of NY (SSNY) on 202306-29. Office location: Nassau County. SSNY designated as agent of upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY should mail process to LegalZoom: 7014 13th Avenue 202 Brooklyn NY 11228. Purpose: Any lawful purpose

FOR YOUR LOCAL NEWS VISIT US ONLINE AT

theisland360.com

Happening at the Williston Park Library From the Director During the month of October, the library will be participating in the Great Give Back. We will be collecting pet food and supplies to be donated to Baxter’s Pet Pantry, a division of LI Cares. A donation box will be located inside the library by the front window.

We are once again asking everyone to NOT put donations in the book bins outside the library. They are for library materials only. Donations will be accepted inside the library during regular business hours.

New titles added to the collection: Breakaway—Jennifer Weiner All the Dead Shall Weep—Charlaine Harris Payback in Death—JD Robb Enchanted to Meet You—Meg Cabot 23 ½ Lies—James Patterson Code Red—Kyle Mills Talking to My Angels—Melissa Etheridge Together: The Healing Power of Human Connection in a Sometimes Lonely World—Vivek Murthy, MD Happiness Falls—Angie Kim Hotel Laguna—Nicola Harrison Amazing Grace Adams—Fran Littlewood Summer Stage—Meg Mitchell Moore Adult Programs Reiki—November 2 & 16—6pm in the Assembly Room of Village Hall. $10 p/person; p/session. Call the library (742-1820) or email willistonparkprograms@gmail. com to register.

Book Discussion—Wednesday—October 25—7pm in the Assembly Room of Village & via Zoom. https://adelphiuniversity.zoom.us/j/96885670102?pwd=VGtSYnkyUW9acVJy V0tyNUtUZnMyZz09 Meeting ID: 968 8567 0102 Passcode: WPBookClub or just call 1-929-205-6099 on your phone and it will ask for the meeting id and password above. Copies of Hidden Valley Road are available at the Circulation Desk.

Halloween Cocoa Sticks—Tuesday—November 14—6pm in the Assembly Room of Village Hall. $6 material fee p/person. Call the library (742-1820) or email willistonparkprograms@gmail.com to register.

Thanksgiving Side Dishes with Barbara Sheridan—Wednesday—November 15— 6pm in the Assembly Room of Village Hall. $5 p/person due at registration. Call the library (742-1820) or email willistonparkprograms@gmail.com to register.

Stack of Gingerbread Ceramic—Wednesday—December 6—6-8 pm in the Library. $15 material fee due at registration. Call the library (742-1820) or email willistonparkprograms@gmail.com to register.

Book Discussion—Wednesday—December 6—7pm in the Assembly Room of Village Hall and via zoom. TITLE CHANGE—Copies of 12 Topsy-Turvy,Very Messy Days of

Christmas by James Patterson are available at the Circulation Desk. https://adelphiuniversity.zoom.us/j/96885670102?pwd=VGtSYnkyUW9acVJyV0tyNUtUZnMyZz09 Meeting ID: 968 8567 0102 Passcode: WPBookClub or just call 1-929-205-6099 on your phone and it will ask for the meeting id and password above Reiki—December 7 & 21—6pm in the Assembly Room of Village Hall. $10 p/person; p/session. Call the library (742-1820) or email willistonparkprograms@gmail. com to register.

St. Francis Outreach Bus—Thursday—December 14—10am-2pm in front of the library. No registration necessary. Free health screenings for adults 18+.

Children’s Programs Story Time with Miss Beth—TIME CHANGE—Tuesdays—November 7, 14, 21, & 28; December 5 & 12—12:00-12:45 pm in the Children’s Room. Limited to 15 participants. No Walk-Ins! Email willistonparkprograms@gmail.com or call the library (742-1820) to register.

Zombie House Painting with Lisa Colon—Saturday—October 21—10-11am in the Children’s Room for ages 7+. $5 p/person. Per Vendor: Limited to 20 participants.

Email willistonparkprograms@gmail.com or call the library (742-1820) to register.

Halloween Crafting day for Kids—Friday—October 27 in the Children’s Room for ages 3-5, while supplies last. Email willistonparkprograms@gmail.com or call the library (742-1820) to register.

STEM Lego QR codes—Monday—November 10—4-5pm in the Children’s Room for grades 3-6. Call the library (742-1820) or email willistonparkprograms@gmail. com to register.

Yayoi Kusama Flower with Doris Benter—Saturday—November 18—10-11am in the Children’s Room for grades 1+. Call the library (742-1820) or email willistonparkprograms@gmail.com to register.

Minecraft Thanksgiving Turkey Building with TD3 Innovative Gaming—Saturday—November 25—11am-12:30pm in the Children’s Room for ages 7+.Per vendor, limited to 10 children. Parent/guardian must stay with their child. Call the library (742-1820) or email willistonparkprograms@gmail.com to register.

STEM: DIY Fake Snow with Lisa Colon—Friday—December 8—4-5pm in the Children’s Room for ages 5+. $5 material fee due at registration. Call the library (742-1820) or email willistonparkprograms@gmail.com to register.

DIY Chemistry Lab with Stemtastics—Tuesday—December 26—11am-Noon in the Assembly Room of Village Hall for grades K-8. $5 material fee due at registration.

Per vendor, limited to 15 participants. Call the library (742-1820) or email willistonparkprograms@gmail.com to register.

PEN PAL PROGRAM The library is proud to work with Kayla, of Girl Scout Troop 1825 on her Gold Award. She has established a Pen Pal Program for children in grades 1-8. If any children are interested, parents are welcome to stop by the Reference Desk to complete a small registration form. This is not a sponsored library activity; Kayla will be in charge of the project. All information is confidential.

BOWEN welcomed to the Mineola biz community LIKE US ON FACEBOOK AT FACEBOOK.COM/ THEISLAND360 LIKE US ON TWITTER: @THEISLAND360

The Mineola Chamber of Commerce held officials from the village, town, county, and a ribbon-cutting ceremony for BOWEN, a state were on hand to welcome BOWEN to creative media and digital marketing firm. Mineola.

Chamber board members and many elected It is located at 183 Mineola Blvd.

THE AWARD-WINNING

BOWEN a creative media and digital marketing firm

The Williston Times, Friday, October 27, 2023

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45

SCHOOL NEWS

Herricks student gets Herricks students invited for trio of musical honors dress rehearsal at Met Opera Herricks High School senior Meredith Daly has been honored with three prestigious recognitions for her outstanding musical accomplishments and will be showcasing her talent at two upcoming concerts.

Meredith has been named first place winner of the Metropolitan Youth Orchestra (MYO) of New York Concerto and Vocal Competition. She will be performing with MYO’s Nassau Principal Orchestra at Adelphi University Performing Arts Center on Nov. 5.

She has also been selected to perform at the New York State School Music Association (NYSSMA) All-State 2023 Symphony Orchestra taking place Nov. 30 through Dec. 3 in Rochester, NY. Finally, Meredith has recently been recognized by the Long Island Arts Alliance (LIAA) as one of 20 recipients of the Scholar-Artist Merit Award, placing her among the top student musicians on Long Island.

Meredith is a member of the Herricks High School Honors Wind Ensemble and serves as co-vice president of the Herricks High School Tri-M Music Honor Society. Her primary instrument is flute, but she is also proficient at piccolo.

The district applauds Meredith not only for her musical achievements, but for her exceptional scholastic aptitude, inspired leadership and positive attitude as part of the Herricks High School community.

PHOTO COURTESY OF HERRICKS PUBLIC SCHOOLS

Herricks High School senior Meredith Daly has been recognized for her musical talent by three prestigious organizations, including the Metropolitan Youth Orchestra of New York, the New York State School Music Association and the Long Island Arts Alliance.

On Oct. 6, members of the Herricks High School Music Department participated in a field trip to the Metropolitan Opera House where they saw a final dress rehearsal performance for the opera “La Boheme” by Giacomo Puccini.

For many of the students, it was their first time ever experiencing this New York City landmark, as well as being in the audience for a live opera. Many of them took time to absorb the ornate majesty of the legendary opera house before taking their seats for the performance. Following the opera, the students commented on the incredible music and voices, as well as the set design and overall grandness of the production.

The educators who accompanied the students were equally as excited to be a part of this unique musical adventure. “This is one of my favorite trips to do each year,” remarked high school orchestra director Catherine Birke. “It’s a joy to watch the students become totally invested in something I love so much. I’m lucky to share these incredible musical and cultural experiences with them.”

PHOTO COURTESY OF HERRICKS PUBLIC SCHOOLS

Herricks High School students visit the Metropolitan Opera House for a dress rehearsal performance of “La Boheme” on Oct. 6.

Students explore Education goes outdoors for art in outdoors E.W.’s Willets Road students AP and Advanced Portfolio Photography and Advanced Portfolio students from The Wheatley School in the East Williston School District recently went on a field trip to explore how art and wildlife conservation go hand-in-hand at the Bronx Zoo. Students worked in a classroom setting with instructors and animals,

as well as explored exhibitions to photograph and draw on-site and learned about the importance art has in a zoo.

The trip brought awareness to the wide range of job opportunities available as an artist and supported empathy toward wildlife conservation. It also allowed for students to diversify their artistic portfolios and create lasting memories.

PHOTO COURTESY OF EAST WILLISTON SCHOOL DISTRICT

AP and Advanced art students from The Wheatley School were inspired in their artwork by a trip to the Bronx Zoo.

For the past 30 years, seventh graders at Willets Road School in the East Williston School District have participated in an outdoor education program at an off-site location.

The program is a weeklong outdoor adventure where they camp for four nights and attend various classes led by instructors throughout the day, as well as engage in community building activities throughout meal times and evenings. Through guided discovery, communal living and hands-on exploration, students build on character development and learn about the interrelationships that exist both socially and in nature.

This unique experience assists students in the development of leadership and communication skills, in gaining self-confidence, learning about the environment and human impact, and in developing new friendships with peers.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF EAST WILLISTON SCHOOL DISTRICT

Seventh graders at Willets Road School participated in an outdoor education program.

46 Blank Slate Media Newspapers, Friday, October 27, 2023

COMMUNITY NEWS

Parker Jewish gala on Nov. 7 at Queens Museum The Parker Jewish Institute is hosting its 2023 gala at 5:30 p.m., on Tuesday, November 7, 2023, at the Queens Museum, in Flushing Meadows Corona Park. This year’s gala will feature live musical performances, food, a patientart auction, and fun.

All of the funds raised will support

Parker’s mission of enhancing programs and services for the Institute’s patients and residents, as well as support the thousands of people who access the Institute’s continuum of services each year.

The 2023 gala will include dinner

by Abigail Kirsch, as well as elegant

kosher and Indian cuisine upon request. Serving as the evening’s Master of Ceremonies is WCBS 880’s Marla Diamond. The evening will also feature Radio Host and Rabbi Joseph Potasnik.

Wanda Houston is the evening’s musical guest, performing a mix of jazz and R&B. The attendees can participate in

the Patient Artwork Auction, which has been curated to include the works of Parker’s talented artists.

“We are so excited to host this year’s gala at the iconic Queens Museum, and express our deepest gratitude to our donors and sponsors, said Michael N. Rosenblut, The Parker Jew-

ish Institute’s President and CEO. “Our incredible volunteers help make a difference to so many in our community.”

Sponsorship opportunities are still available. To learn more about the sponsorships, as well as tickets and donations, please visit parkerinstitute. org/event/parkers-annual-gala.

3 Music Institute students NYSSMA all-state winners Music Institute of Long Island, located in Manhasset at the Community Reformed Church announced its Three New York State Schools Music Association all-state 2023winners.

Besides the three participants, we have another student, a cellist, who is waiting to be called from the alternate list.

All-State is very difficult to get into even if you receive a perfect score of 100. Especially if you are from Long Island, a very competitive area.

The All State Music Conference showcases students from all over New York State, performing in 2 orchestras, bands, jazz band, choir and piano showcase.

The Music Institute of Long Island’s NYSSMA all-state sinners: Christian Li, Alston Leung and Hugh Choi all are juniors in high school.

Li, piano, Port Washington. He began playing piano at the age of three and has been taking piano lessons from Elena Basok from Music Institute of Long Island for over 10 years.

He has competed and won many international music competitions, including the Grand Prix Prize and performed at Carnegie Hall for which he won best soloist several times.

This year Christian has been selected to perform at the All State’s Piano Showcase.

Christian was one of the 11 students selected in the entire New York State to perform based on hundreds of submissions.

While in Hong Kong for 2018-2022 he was able to complete the ABRSM Level 8 piano performance exam with distinction and also founded a non-for-profit organization where he organized an online charity concert using music and technology. He raised over $4,000

Christian and Alston, 10, playing the piano and violin. in donations for global charities such as “Save the Children” and “Save the Music Foundation”.

Christian has performed for many charities and nursing homes. He raised a lot of money for the Tsunami in Japan and Hurricane Sandy by participating in practice marathons implemented by the Music Institute of Long Island.

Christian besides being a pianist he is also a choir member and music producer. He is a piano accompanist for his high school choir and orchestra. He also digitally produces his own digital music and distributes his work on Spotify.

Besides his passion for music, Christian is

also a competitive swimmer, he is part of his schools’ varsity swim team and Long Island Aquatics Club. Christian’s other hobbies include golfing, skateboarding, watching sports and traveling.

Alston Leung, violin, Great Neck South, at the age of 16, Alston has already spent 13 years honing his skills in both piano and violin, beginning his studies at the tender age of 3 at the Music Institute of Long Island.

Under the tutelage of Director Carol Kushner for violin and pianist Alla Bell for piano, Alston has not only developed his talents but also competed in numerous competitions organized by various music organizations. He has won Grand Prix Prize and first place in many music competitions.

His exceptional performances have led him to grace stages at prestigious music halls such as the Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall and the Bruno Walter Auditorium at Lincoln Center.

Alston has won music competitions earning him solos with orchestra. In recognition of his outstanding abilities, Alston achieved full scores at NYSSMA level 6 for both violin and piano in 2022 and 2023.

Since 2013, Alston has generously shared his musical talents with the community, performing at hospitals and benefit concerts ie Lustgarten Foundation, Cerebral Palsy and nursing homes.

His passion for the arts extends beyond music; he is also an accomplished artist who has been winning awards in various art contests since he was just 6 years old. His artistic prowess was recognized in 2022 when he received two honorable mentions at the Scholastic Art

and Writing Awards.

Alston has performed as soloist and in many chamber groups on both violin and piano. In fact he and Fellow MILI student and ALL STATE Winner, Christian Li (see above) have performed in a violin/piano duo earning the Grand Prix Prize and performed at Carnegie Hall.

Hugh Choi, flute, Great Neck South High School, started playing the flute, given to him by neighbors, in 3rd grade. He learned the basics from a local church. Hugh came to Music Institute of Long Island in 2021, studying with Kristine Dubyn, he made huge progress in this short time.

Hugh has participated in All County annually since 5th grade and has been a member of both the New York Laureates Orchestra and Metropolitan Youth Orchestras.

While at MILI Hugh has performed in various concerts, chamber groups and performed at the Benefit Concert for Ukraine- faculty and select student concert.

His love for music and flute is palpable and contagious. Hugh would practice for hours at MILI, any time there was a room that was available. His attitude changed towards flute while studying at MILI and he knew this was what he wanted to do with his future.

With his talent, focus and persistence in practicing, Hugh applied and was the only new flutist accepted into the Preparatory Program at the Juilliard School, NYC Besides flute he enjoys playing Badminton and he is the captain of his Varsity team. We wish him lots of success and he will always be part of MILI.

Third quarter bills are always the highest The Roslyn Water District would like to remind residents that third-quarter bills, which are currently being processed, are typically the highest water bill of the year as they account for the high-usage months of July, August and September.

In fact, nearly two-thirds of the water pumped by the District throughout the year occurs during these three summer months. This staggering increase in water usage is almost exclusively attributed to the use of residential lawn irrigation systems.

“We understand that some residents may be surprised when they see their incoming third quarter bills, especially those who may have moved into our District within the last year,” said RWD Chairman Michael Kosinski. “However, it is important to remember that billed amounts are based on water usage, and since these bills are determined by summer water use, they are naturally the highest of the year. We encourage any resident who has questions about their bills to reach out to our office.”

The increase in water use between the first quarter of 2023 and the third quarter is significant.

From January through March, the RWD pumped approximately 154.1 million gallons, mostly only using four of its eight wells. This amount of water usage accounts for typical household uses, such as drinking, showering, laundry, etc.

However, between July and September, the number of gallons pumped in the RWD jumped to more than 488.4 million.

In addition, the number of wells working full time in order to meet demand increases to seven.

Although they cover the same amount of time, the third quarter sees more than a three-fold increase in water use as the first, a fact which is represented by the corresponding bills.

“While the increase in water pumped is to be expected during the summer, much of that water is wasted due to inefficient lawn watering practices,” said RWD Commissioner William Costigan. “Conservation is a must for all Roslyn Water District, as we must do what we can to protect the single-source aquifer which we share with all other Long Islanders. Ending wasteful irrigation practices would play

a significant role in protecting our water source and it can be as easy as only watering your lawn every other day, watering in accordance to the RWD zone watering times and installing a smart irrigation controller.”

The best thing residents can do to help mitigate the issue of high third-quarter bills is to convert their automatic irrigation system from a standard irrigation timer to a smart irrigation controller.

These devices connect to WiFi and tap into local weather stations to automatically adjust schedules based on past, present and future forecasts. These easy-to-install devices ensure lawns receive the right amount of water they need in order to stay lush and green without the risk of overwatering.

In fact, most who make the switch to a smart irrigation controller see a savings of up to 30 percent.

Given this technology’s effectiveness and availability, the RWD is requiring that all residents with an inground irrigation system make the switch from standard irrigation timers to smart controllers by 2025.

“With the amount of water that smart irriga-

tion controllers can save during the warmer months of the year, it does not take long for them to pay for themselves,” said RWD Commissioner Sanford Klein. “We encourage all residents to discuss installing a smart controller with their irrigation contractors while having their backflow tested this fall. Not only are they great for our environment, but they help your wallet as well.”

District residents who have questions about their third-quarter bills can contact the Roslyn Water District office at 516-621-7770 or via email at info@ roslynwater.org.

Residents who would like continuous updates on all things Roslyn Water District can visit www. roslynwaterdistrict.org to sign up for the RWD email list, as well as follow the RWD on Facebook at www. facebook.com/RoslynWaterDistrict.

The Roslyn Water District provides water to the residents of the villages of Roslyn, Roslyn Estates, and East Hills, as well as portions of Roslyn Heights, Roslyn Harbor, Flower Hill, North Hills, Greenvale, Albertson, Glenwood Landing and Port Washington.

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347–444–0960 BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES A nonprofit organization in Nassau County is seeking sealed bids for the sale and installation of blast resistant window security film, installing outdoor lighting and CCTV security system. Selection criteria will be based on knowledge of security, adherence to projected work schedule, prior experience, references and cost. Please email Ronnieofny@hotmail.com for project specifications and bid requirements.

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

WANTED TO BUY 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

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DeSena, Kaiman debate gets headed ahead of Election Day Continued from Page 6 DeSena said not a day goes by where doesn’t hear a complaint from constituents on the building department, saying she is holding the building department accountable after the town refused to do so for the last 15 years.

The supervisor added that the town’s 311 service, implemented by Kaiman, can sometimes be a wall between constituents and the building department, slowing the process down.

“We need to hold people more accountable in the building department,” DeSena said. “I have held some people accountable and I will continue to do more.”

Nassau County Comptroller Elaine Philips is still auditing the town’s building department since last year, after DeSena asked for one in August 2022. In June, DeSena suspended Building Com-

FIND A JOB? WANT TO A WANTWANT TO FIND FINDTO A JOB? JOB? READY TO JOB? READY TO FILL A JOB? READY TO FILL FILL A A JOB?

missioner John Niewender for workplace retaliation.

Both candidates agreed that solving the housing problem in the town is a challenge, with DeSena calling for an update to the town’s master plan and Kaiman saying new developments have to be consistent with the quality and character of its communities.

DeSena said updating the master plan, which is nearly 35 years old, would identify areas that need to be rezoned and allow community engagement throughout the process.

“It has to be studied before we can say whether or not an area is appropriate for multifamily housing,” DeSena said in reference to looking at surrounding communities for future developments. “I believe we need to identify places where can have more affordable housing.”

Kaiman said finding options for housing is difficult because the town is “built out” and determining whether or not to increase density through housing needs to be evaluated through both the community and town.

On increasing bipartisanship in the town, Kaiman said during his time as supervisor he held meetings with one or two Republican council members ahead of meetings to increase transparency. DeSena, who is in the minority of a sevenmember board, questioned the need to have political caucuses at all in town hall and that the issues facing the town are not partisan.

Residents of the Town of North Hempstead can vote for supervisor on Nov. 7 at their assigned polling location. Early voting will be held from Oct. 28-Nov. 5 at various locations and times.

Lurvey, Collins role of receiver of taxes during League event

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Contact Contact Debbie Flynn Contact Debbie Debbie Flynn ContactAdvertising Debbie Flynn Flynn Classified Classified Advertising Manager Classified Advertising Classified Advertising Manager Manager Continued821 from Page 22 Suite 208 Franklin Avenue, 22 Planting Field Rd, Manager 516-307-1045 Ext. 218 821 Franklin Avenue, 22 Planting Field Rd, 516-307-1045 Ext. 218 Garden City, NY 11530Suite 208 516-307-1045 Ext. 218 Roslyn Heights, 11577 516-307-1045 Ext. 218 Garden City, NY 11530 Roslyn Heights, 11577 (516) 294-8900 www.gcnews.com Collins worked on Wall Street for dflynn@theisland360.com dflynn@theisland360.com (516) 294-8900 www.gcnews.com dflynn@theisland360.com www.theisland360.com dflynn@theisland360.com www.theisland360.com

22 Planting Field Road 22 Planting FieldNY Road Roslyn Heights, 11577 Roslyn Heights, NY 11577 www.theisland360.com www.theisland360.com

821 Franklin Avenue, Suite 208 821 Franklin Avenue, Garden City, NY 11530Suite 208 Garden City, NY 11530 (516) 294-8900 www.gcnews.com (516) 294-8900 www.gcnews.com

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Reach close to 40,000 residents and businesses NEW HYDE PARK HERALD COURIER • GREAT NECK NEWS 25 Red Ground Road, MANHASSET TIMESPARK • ROSLYN TIMESCOURIER • GREAT NECK NEWS Roslyn Heights,Field NY 11577 NEW HYDE HERALD 22 Planting Rd., TIMES • PORT WASHINGTON TIMES www.theislandnow.com MANHASSET TIMES • ROSLYN TIMES Roslyn Heights, NY 11577 WILLISTON

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WILLISTON TIMES • PORT WASHINGTON TIMES

40 years, retiring from her career in December. She is currently an independent trustee for a financial services firm where she serves as a watchdog for shareholders.

“My roles in sales, trading and management gave me valuable knowledge of risk management and credit analysis – two skills that will serve me well as a receiver of taxes,” Collins said.

She said her work experience has equipped her to take on the receiver of taxes role from a business perspective and be mindful of managing taxpayer money.

Collins said the four important issues she would focus on if elected are working alongside Supervisor Jennifer DeSena and the Town Board to cut taxes, make paying taxes more convenient, present tax-reducing seminars for residents and improve communication.

The two candidates debated at a forum held by the League of Women Voters Port Washington-Manhasset, where individuals could submit questions for them to answer.

Lurvey said there are areas in which the receiver of taxes can be more visible to residents, while the receiver of taxes needs to collaborate with the community on tax education.

She said she would make the position more accessible by upgrading technology to make taxes payable through a phone app, as well as extending office hours to meet with residents.

“It’s imperative that the receiver of taxes goes out into the community to provide workshops, to provide education and to make all of this information more accessible,” Lurvey said.

She also suggested mobile tax collection units to visit neighborhoods as well as diverse language access.

Collins agreed that extended office hours, expanding payment options and mobile offices are beneficial, but that these actions all cost money and require budget oversight. Collins said she would look for administrative efficiencies and upgrade communications.

She said that while increasing online payment options is a good initiative, there still needs to be attention paid to residents who do not utilize online services.

“When you visit the multiple senior citizen groups that we have in the Town of North Hempstead, they’re not all online,” Collins said. “How do we go out to help some of them that aren’t and how do we improve our communication with that constituency?”

Collins said the current Town Board operates dysfunctionally, but if elected she would work alongside the supervisor and board.

“Currently the town party faction fighting gets in the way of progress,” Collins said. “I don’t, as I’ve said before and I’ll say it again, I don’t let process paralyze me. I move through it constructively.”

Lurvey said the residents deserve better than the dysfunctionality of the town. She said a conscious effort to foster collaboration and inclusion is not prevalent under the current supervisor’s administration.

Collins challenged Lurvey’s willingness to engage in collaborative work, referencing her recent press conference in which she called for an investigation into DeSena’s hiring and paying of an attorney who she designated as the hear-

ing officer in a harassment case involving a senior staff member in her office.

“I don’t think that someone who holds a press conference to question something the supervisor is well within her rights to do is necessarily the best way to handle an issue,” Collins said.

“And I would like to think that I’m able to reach out to people.”

Lurvey said this action was necessary to serve as a watchdog and hold those responsible for illegal actions accountable.

Collins said partisanship did not influence her running for the position, but her qualifications, experience and ability to work with others did.

Lurvey questioned Collin’s statement that she is not partisan, bringing up Collins’ statement made at the debate that she has not sought out guidance from the current receiver of taxes, who is a Democrat, but has consulted Republicans.

“This is a prime example of how partisanship gets in the way of good results,” Lurvey said.

Lurvey said she has consulted Receiver of Taxes Charles Berman for advice, who has endorsed her in the race.

Collins said that if she were to be elected, she would devote herself to the role to expand the office and make it better.

“I envision going into a role, giving it 110% or more and the reality is that when I leave that office or leave that role, it’s going to be in a better place than how I found it,” Collins said.

Residents of the Town of North Hempstead can vote for receiver of taxes on Nov. 7 at their assigned polling location. Early voting will be held from Oct. 28-Nov. 5 at various locations and times.

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50 Blank Slate Media Newspapers, Friday, October 27, 2023

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Justin Sherman a star on the soccer field and the tennis court for Roslyn High School

PHOTO COURTESY OF JUSTIN SHERMAN.

Roslyn’s Justin Sherman, a senior defender (in white), has been a key to the Bulldogs for all four years he’s been on varsity.

BY M I C H A E L J . L E W I S

ous.

“He’s like an opera conductor back there, he The waiting is the hardest part, Tom Petty sees everything and directs everybody to where they need to be.” and the Heartbreakers once told us.

Sherman is driven by many things, including But doesn’t like to wait. The Roslyn senior does everything and seems to do it all well. He’s a star on the soccer field, helping lead the Bulldogs to the playoffs this season, and also is on the highly successful Roslyn tennis team.

“He puts out the fires Sherman plays golf, too, he excels in the classroom (he’s applied to several Ivy League before they get started schools as well as other prestigious public uniHe’s got this incredible versities), and, well, whatdoesn’t he do well?

We went to an impeccable source on that ability to see things one: his best friend, Daniel DiSanti, who has developing and get into known Sherman since they were toddlers and has been his teammate all these years. spots before things get So, Daniel, what’s Justin bad at? dangerous.

“Well, he’s kinda bad at basketball,” DiSanti said, after thinking for a while. “I mean, he’s not bad, he’s OK as a defender. I can’t really think of — Juan Mejia. anything else he’s bad at.”

ROSLYN HEAD COACH Sherman may not be the next Kevin Durant, but he certainly has dominated in soccer. A fouryear varsity starter for Roslyn, the center back has never missed a game and leads with both his the desire to be better on the pitch than his dad, play and his voice.

The Bulldogs have made the playoffs this Michael, a former high school star at Half Holfall for the second time in Sherman’s career, and low Hills West, in Suffolk County.

“A big reason I work so hard is to try to be he’s a big reason why.

“He puts out the fires before they get start- better (on the field) than my father,” Sherman ed,” said Roslyn head coach Juan Mejia. “He’s said. “He had a great career, and everything I do got this incredible ability to see things develop- is to impress him and make him proud.”

Sherman’s soccer career started when he ing and get into spots before things get danger-

and his friends, and their parents, got together and formed a new club team called Roslyn FC. As Sherman grew, he discovered he liked to prevent goals more than score them, though he has tallied six goals and 13 assists the past two seasons.

“I just like the challenge of really getting in the way of someone trying to score, and stopping them from getting going,” Sherman said.

“My dad always taught me to think five steps ahead, so if the ball is on one side of the field, know where it’s going to be in a few seconds and get there before the striker on the other team does. And then you take every inch they give you and don’t give them any space.”

Sherman said playing on many club teams over the years has also honed his skills; he’s been on the Long Island Roughriders USL team, as well as the Olympic Development Team for the Eastern Region.

“Once you’ve played hundreds of games, you know what players are going to do and how to stop them from doing it,” Sherman said.

Mejia said in Roslyn’s 3-5-2 system, the center back position is vital to keeping the structure together, and with Sherman’s experience, he’s never worried about the Bulldogs being unprepared.

“He’s really good at helping younger players and making sure everyone knows what they have to do in different situations,” Mejia said.

Sherman has also starred in tennis, playing first doubles for the Bulldogs team last season and being a part of the squad that won a county

championship in 2022.

He was good friends with Roslyn tennis star Drew Hassenbein, who tragically was killed in a car accident along with Ethan Falkowitz last May. “Even though he was a few years younger than me, he was my mentor in tennis,” Sherman said of Hassenbein. “It was very rough for all of us. One thing I learned from it is you’ve got to look at the positives in life, and I think about how much of an impact (Drew) had on other people. I have tried to take that into consideration with how I act toward my teammates, and try to be the positive guy, and be the best role model I can be.”

DiSanti remembered how hard Sherman took his friend’s passing, and acknowledged there was nothing he could do but be there for his friend.

“The next day we were driving to our favorite donut place in Garden City, and we just didn’t speak in the car at all,” DiSanti said. “We just were both so shocked and sad.”

As he continues to excel on the field and in the classroom (Sherman said he hasn’t narrowed down his college choice yet but hopes to become a lawyer one day like his grandfather Robert.

“There’s a lot on my plate right now; honestly I don’t sleep much,” Sherman said. “But I’m really proud and excited at the season we’ve had, and hope we can go a little further.”

The Williston Times, Friday, October 27, 2023

WT

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