Manhasset Press 3/20/24 edition is published weekly by Anton Media Group.

AMANDA OLSEN

aolsen@antonmediagroup.com

The Manhasset school budget development process has been underway for several months. A number of factors are putting significant pressure on this year’s budget, including health care and pension increases and the potential loss of hundreds of thousands of dollars in state aid. At the March 7 board of education meeting, Superintendent Passi gave the first of several informal budget presentations.

“We have crafted a budget that manages the complexities of a challenging financial environment. Our budget development goals include the following: support the district’s priority areas, preserve our strong academic programs K 12, expand academic offerings at the secondary school, maintain and upgrade our aging facilities infrastructure, enhance our instructional technology infrastructure and instructional software, bolster security staffing in all three schools, maintain and enhance support for the social and emotional wellness of our students and of course, operate within the property tax cap.

“We are committed to a fiscally responsible budget that reflects our commitment to operating within the allowable property tax cap. This year, our preliminary 3.3 percent budget to budget increase is within the 2.68 percent property tax cap. Over the past 15 years, the average levy to levy increase has been 2.11 percent. When viewed through the lens of steep rise in certain costs, such as benefits the last several years, this is an incredibly tight budget process,” Passi said at the meeting.

Budget Breakdown

The largest category of expenditures is staffing, both active and retired. “Staffing, not surprisingly, accounts for 75 percent of our budget, special education services, other than compensation, account for 5 percent of the budget, and 20 percent of our budget is made up of all other expenditures. Within that 75 percent includes compensation benefits and certain non-discretionary components that are dictated by our collective bargaining agreements.

This year’s budget increase includes active and retiree health care costs and pension contributions, all of which have percentage increases that are in double digits in a 2 percent tax cap environment. So 25 percent of the overall budget is benefits. Yet the increase in benefits takes up 36 percent of the ’24-‘25 budget increase. We’ve managed this impact in part with certain staff reductions, totaling a net impact of almost $800,000. This represents a minus 0.75 percent of the budget increase.”

School Budget Begins

Thin margins require a delicate dance

Expenses

The expansion of course offerings, including more research time, engineering classes, and a Mandarin language pathway, are one area of increased expense. The equipment rotation is still in place to ensure the district does not have a technological cliff in future years. The school is bringing more professional development in house using staff literacy experts. Funding for curriculum development is also maintained. Facilities upgrades and maintenance are accounted for in this budget, as well as security recommendations from Nassau County Homeland Security. It also includes the servicing of the district’s debt and expanded wellness and mental health initiatives.

Changes to special education requirements have also added to costs. “The primary expense driver is the increase in the number of and cost of out of district placements. In addition, we’ve budgeted for the new unfunded mandate that requires us to educate special education students through their 22nd birthday; it was previously the 21st birthday. Our increase would have been less by $181,000 had this not been mandated. In addition, contract therapists provide services to students with an IEP that include assistive technology, occupational therapy, nursing services, auditory and visual therapy. The cost of these services increased 18 percent in ’23-‘24 and are budgeted for an increase of 11 percent in ’24-‘25. This represents a 30 percent increase over two years on a line item that now totals $1.8 5 million. So that’s a significant increase.”

Staffing reductions

A pilot program implemented last year, meant to streamline integrated special education in the classroom, will be adopted going forward. This restructuring is contributing to staff reductions. “This year we changed our elementary co-teaching model to include a special education teacher in classrooms throughout the day with the general

education teacher. In the previous model, the special education teacher was in the classroom for two and a half hours a day, and the remaining part of the day was covered by a teaching assistant. This change reflects a best practice model. And given the overall positive feedback from our teachers we’re continuing this model next year,” Passi stated early in the presentation.

Later, the superintendent went into greater detail regarding the reassignments and reductions. “We examined our staff assignments with an emphasis on lowering class size primarily through achieving staffing efficiencies. We have added 3.0 elementary teachers to lower class size in grades five and six. We have added 2.5 secondary teachers to lower class size and support our curriculum expansion and manage increase enrollment in certain departments.

Given the challenging fiscal environment, we are recommending that 3.5 teachers on special assignment be returned to their classrooms to help them shore up the impact of the staffing additions I previously outlined. 4.1 Teachers are reduced due to student enrollment and efficiencies in scheduling.

The IT staff developer positions were originally expanded to support teachers with hybrid instruction. Since then they’ve trained teachers on (our) technology platforms. That training would revert to two other teachers and the director of technology, with respect to the assistive technology role; that position would revert to contract therapists from Nassau BOCES.

This change has led to a reduction of 10.0 budgeted elementary classroom TAs this year; we have 24 classroom TA positions budgeted, of which 22 are filled. Next year we’ll have 14 positions budgeted at the elementary level. As we discussed previously, the change in our ICT model, that’s our integrated co teaching model, has a special education teacher in the classroom now throughout the day. The model was piloted this year. The previous model had split support for students with disabilities

between a special education teacher and a teacher assistant. Certain ICT classes will continue to have a teacher assistant based on the needs of a particular student or students.

It saddens us to recommend removing the elementary computer lab TA positions, the elementary library TA positions, the secondary school library TA position and one secondary school departmental TA. The remaining departmental TAs at the secondary school will be reassigned to ensure coverage for all departments.”

Revenue

Passi also broke down where the school district gains its revenue. Property taxes account for the lion’s share, at 90 percent, while state aid accounts for five. The other five comes from the appropriated fund balance and other sources.

“We received from the Office of Real Property Services a growth factor that tells us the value by which the tax base in the community has been adjusted as a result of construction. New construction this year is valued at $349,000 and was factored into our tax cap.

We expect to see an increase in revenue from boundary properties by $45,000. Interest earnings are projected to increase by an estimated $525,000. And sadly, the governor’s proposed budget includes a reduction of $629,000 in foundation aid for our district which as I said before, represents a stunning 20.7 percent decrease in Foundation Aid. This is because the governor’s budget includes two significant revisions to Foundation Aid. A reduction in the inflation factor used to update the formula each year and the elimination of the current safe harmless provision of the formula the state legislature is set to vote on the governor’s proposed budget on April 4.” Passi said.

The budget assumes the restoration of state aid. Should the restoration not occur, the district plans to appropriate the difference in fund balance.

The budget situation is delicate. “We are recommending an increase in the assigned fund balance to remain within the property tax cap. This is opposed to impacting our educational program with incremental reductions. The risk is that the ’24-‘25 budget must produce the same amount of fund balance for sustainability moving forward to ’25-‘26.” Passi said at the conclusion of his presentation.

Beginning April 22, early mail applications will be available on the Manhasset school district website under the Board of Education voter information tab. Early mail-in ballot applications must be received by May 14 by the Manhasset district clerk. The next informal budget hearing will be on March 21, followed by another informal hearing April 4. The board is set to adopt the budget on April 16. The formal budget hearing, as is required by law, will be on May 9, and the annual budget vote is scheduled for May 21.

March Is Problem Gambling Awareness Month Student Community Association Fair Returns

Did you know that March is Problem Gambling Awareness Month (PGAM)?

With the expansion of gambling opportunities in NYS the gambling landscape has drastically changed. This increase in accessibility and availability is putting more people at risk, making the work of raising awareness of problem gambling more important than ever before. This month, the New York Council on Problem Gambling (NYCPG) asks everyone across New York State – individuals, agencies and communities alike – to come together to S.E.E., Support, Educate and Engage to reduce gambling harm.

Gambling is any activity where a person risks an item of value, such as money or property, on the outcome of an event which is determined mostly by chance in the hopes of a positive outcome.

Gambling becomes a problem when it starts having a negative impact on your life. This impact can lead to gambling disorder or gambling addiction. The consequences can affect one’s mental health, damage relationships, create difficulty at work or school, and lead to financial problems. NYCPG provides connections to individualized support including counseling, peer support and referrals to anyone in need.

Studies indicate that adolescent gamblers exhibit elevated rates of alcohol and marijuana consumption, as well as suicidal tendencies. Youth are at a higher risk of

becoming addicted to gambling the younger they start. Almost 40 percent of NYS youth ages 12-17 have gambled once in the past year and 30 percent of these youth state that they began gambling at age 10 or younger. according to OASAS. In 2022, 30 percent of students from Manhasset middle and high schools expressed that engaging in gambling was easily accessible. The National Council on Problem Gambling indicated that 60 percent - 80 percentof high school students report gambling for money in 2022.

Manhasset CASA is determined to educate the community on the dangers of underage gambling as young people who become problem gamblers also have higher rates of drug and alcohol abuse, mental illness, and school and family problems.

To find out how you can get involved in problem gambling efforts this month, and all year round, visit NYProblemGambling. org/PGAM.

The Problem Gambling Resource Center (PGRC) is a program of the New York Council on Problem Gambling dedicated to addressing the issue of problem gambling within New York State. NYCPG is funded by the NYS Office of Addiction Supports and Services. The vision of the PGRC is the positive transformation of lives harmed by problem gambling. To learn more visit www.NYProblemGamblingHELP.org .

Local Yoga Studio Hosts Fundraiser For Breast Cancer Awareness And Wellness Education

On a recent evening at 580 Plandome Rd., Know Yoga Know Bliss studio was filled with an aura of positivity and purpose. The event, aimed at raising funds for breast care awareness and research, brought together a vibrant group of young ladies from the class of 2027 who are members of the Junior Coalition. The Manhasset Women’s Coalition Against Breast Cancer, known for its tireless efforts in the fight against the disease, boasts a junior division that is equally dedicated to the cause. Leading the event were local Manhasset residents Rebecca Scaramucci, a registered yoga instructor, and Kim Porcelli, a certified health and wellness coach. Porcelli’s discussion on the significance of understanding ingredients and reading food labels served to help attendees make mindful decisions about their nutrition and overall well-being. The yoga session, led by Scaramucci, was designed to engage participants in “go with the flow” yoga, encouraging them to integrate mindful movement, breathwork, and meditation to foster balance in body, mind, and spirit.

Through nurturing inner peace and vitality, the evening served as a reminder of the importance of holistic wellness in the fight against diseases like breast cancer as well as contributing to a worthy cause.

—Submitted by Know Yoga Know Bliss studio

The 71st Annual SCA Fair is quickly approaching! This year, the SCA Fair will be held on May 4th from 10 a.m. - 6 p.m., with a rain date of May 5th, at Munsey Park Elementary School. The SCA Fair is one of the most anticipated days of the year for the families of Manhasset. Filled with thrilling rides, delicious food and a wonderful community atmosphere, it is always a special day for our town.

The SCA Fair rides include fun for all ages. From the carousel for the little kids, to the fifty foot drop for daring kids, there is an attraction for everyone. See if you can handle the spinning “alien abduction” or take in the views of Munsey Park from the Ferris wheel. Race your friends down the “super slide” or try your luck to win a giant stuffed animal at one of the carnival games.

In addition to rides and games, the fair will feature all kinds of cuisine from the typical carnival food like cotton candy and hot dogs, to gyros at the Greek Tent. For something sweet, check out the bakery and candy tents, staffed by volunteers from the community.

Show your Manhasset spirit by supporting the Manhasset Soccer and the Booster Club by purchasing spiritwear. Other vendors will be selling merchandise, and the plant sale is a great place to purchase spring flowers.

If you need a break from the rides and games, take a seat on the bleachers in front

of the stage where various entertainment acts will be performing during the day. Entertainment acts include the Munsey Park and Shelter Rock Jazz Bands and Chamber Orchestras, as well as music groups from the Secondary School.

The Fair is the SCA’s largest fundraiser. Funds raised through the SCA go directly back into the school, supporting programs like Extended Extras, Saturday Series and field trips for every grade. In addition to attending the Fair, please consider volunteering or contributing to a journal ad. Volunteering is a fun way to have hands-on involvement with the Fair. Volunteers are needed for set up prior to May 4th, as well as on the day of the fair.

If you are not able to volunteer or attend, please consider sponsoring a ride or booth, or purchasing a journal ad. The SCA depends on involvement from the whole community to be successful! All of the money raised helps children in our school district. Please visit www.manhassetsca. org or e-mail manhassetsca@gmail.com for information on volunteering and sponsoring a ride or booth,

The SCA looks forward to the continued support from the community, parents and students. Get ready for this fun event on May 4th!

—Submitted by the Manhasset SCA

Marianne

DEC Announces 2024 I Bird NY Challenge

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Basil Seggos has announced the start of the 2024 ‘I BIRD NY’ Challenge for birders of all ages and abilities. The challenge provides opportunities to identify birds and learn about birdlife and awards program finishers with a commemorative I BIRD NY Challenge patch and the chance to win birding equipment.

“New York State’s wide-ranging habitat types, from the Atlantic Ocean’s sandy beaches to majestic Catskill and Adirondack peaks, Great Lakes shorelines, and everything in between, create a birder’s paradise for residents and visitors year-round,” Commissioner Seggos said. “I encourage birdwatchers to get outside and check out the 450 different bird species that call New York home.”

New York has more than 350 Birding Trail locations and new locations are added often, making it even easier for New Yorkers to get started with this fun activity.Birdwatching is one of the fastest-growing outdoor recreational activities in the U.S. According to the 2022 National Survey of Hunting, Fishing, and Wildlife-Associated Recreation, 7.4 million wildlife watchers generated $10.8 billion in New York State in 2022. This is up from an estimated four million New York resident wildlife viewers spending more than $6.4 billion annually in 2016.

Backyard birding, or watching birds close to home, is the most common way people engage in birding. As a birder’s skill and interest develop, there are several opportunities to contribute to scientific knowledge about birds and the natural world. Programs like eBird, New York’s Breeding Bird Atlas, Cornell Lab of Ornithology’s NestWatch, and the Great Backyard Bird Count rely on volunteer birders to contribute sightings to a centralized database.

The I BIRD NY program was launched in 2017 to build on the State’s efforts to increase access to New York’s vast natural resources and promote no- and low-cost opportunities

(Getty

to enjoy the outdoors and connect with nature. The annual birding challenge saw a 745 percent increase in participation in 2023, with 1,226 birding enthusiasts completing this fun challenge.

I BIRD NY is just one of DEC’s ongoing efforts to engage New Yorkers in nature-based activities that provide a fun opportunity for the entire family to learn about the natural world. Because people can observe birds wherever they live, work, or recreate, birding is an accessible activity that does not require transportation or the purchase of specialized equipment. Birdwatching can be enjoyed by people from all economic backgrounds and

education levels. While binoculars can help, many birds can be identified without them.

The 2024 I BIRD NY Challenge is open to all ages and ends on Nov. 1, 2024. To complete the Challenge, participants must identify 10 bird species of their choosing and submit a challenge sheet to DEC. Challenge sheets may be submitted online via Survey Monkey or sent via email or mail. Entries must be received by Nov. 15. Entry forms are also available in Spanish. All participants will be awarded a commemorative patch, given a completion certificate, and entered into a drawing for great birding prizes. Two youth and two adult winners will be chosen. Participants will also receive an extra prize entry for providing a photo documenting their challenge experience. As an extra bonus, the first 50 participants will receive a special goodie bag of birding swag items.

Birding enthusiasts can visit I BIRD NY to access this year’s challenge sheet, as well as find information on where and how to watch birds, upcoming birding events, a downloadable Beginner’s Guide to Birding (also available in Spanish), and additional resources. Those interested may also opt to sign up for DEC’s monthly birding newsletter, Words of a Feather, to have birding tips and tricks, New York State Birding Trail site recommendations, events, and more delivered right to one’s inbox.

DONORS

Jacob Allen

Sandra Alvarez

Sofia Antonopoulos

Maria Antzoulis

Padma Baburam

Pat Baglio

Eleni Bapis

Nancy Betsch

Emily Beys

Raleigh Brown

Michele Cerro

Nicoleta Christodoulou

Linda Gincchetti

Jiya Chatrath

Melissa Clark

Dolores Costa-Pina

Anne Doscas

Rita DiLucia

Linda Fish

Laurie Herbert

Melissa Kanes

George Kaparos

Georgia Kaparos

Eleni Karayiannis

Maria Karayiannis

Marilena Katopodis

Laura Kavourias

Fanny Lee

Liz Longworth

Kylie Mazon Chambers

Kaye Marra

Mariann Matarangas

Cara Mazzei

Angela McGuire

Liz McCarvill

Maria McCarvill

Regina McLean

Callie Moliviatis

Olga Moschos

Sandra Forlenza

Kathy Fournaris

Julie Freitas

Sandy Gagliano

Caresse Geiger

Vickie Geleris

Juliet Gokberk

Mara Hatzimemos

Roula Nictas

Anna Palermo

Lisa Perrone

Mari Pilier

Penelope Pritsiolas

Mariika Reynolds

Toula Reynolds

Eleni Saltos

Mara Sarchese

Meg Sheehan

Liz Tagios

Stacia Tsakonas

Kara Viteritti

Marina Vlahos

Paula Warsen

April Williams

Jeanne Windisch

Christina Zoitas

Anna Zoumerakis

BUSINESS DONORS:

388 Italian Restaurant

40 Love Lifestyle

Angelo’s Salon

Avil West Hempstead

Ayhan Shish Kebob

Mediterranean

to the local community that came out to support us to make BINGO night a huge success with a very special thank you to our local businesses and individual supporters for their generous donations!

Curbside Mexican Grill

Diane’s Place Hair Salon

Dimaggios Trattoria

Doscas Family

Glam Mom

Gina’s Nail Salon

Gino’s PW

Gino’s Pizza & Restaurant Manhasset

Glamour Nails & Lashes

Hairboss

Harbor Deli

Hinck’s Delicatessen

II Bacco Restaurant

Ilia Beauty

Jonathans

Kyoord

Landmark Diner

Landmark Theatre

Mixology Clothing Co.

Monika Coiffure

Spa Studio

Nails Noble Port

New York Giants

New York Islanders

New York Mets

North Shore Farms

nuBest Salon

Painting with Flowers

Pasta Lovers Trattoria

Poll Brothers Restaurants

Port Spa & Nail Salon

Port Tire & Auto Service

Port Washington Diner

Port Washington

Paraprofessionals

Prime 1024

Pure Barre Manhasset

on Main Street

Raindew Manhasset

Schmear Bagel Cafe

Senniyo Day Spa

Shine Hair Studio

Smusht

Sotto Luna

SouI Cycle Roslyn

Stresa Restaurant

Sullivan’s Quay

Sunny Nail & Spa

Sway Nail & Spa

The Burger

Baltimore Design Group

Belissimo Pizzeria

Ble Cafe & Bakery

Bosphorus Cafe Grill

Carlos Pizza

Port Washington

Christie Lauren

Crazy Cakes

La Petite Framboise

Limani Hospitality Group

Loop

Louie’s Prime Steak & Seafood

Finn MacCool’s

Meraki Spa

Razzle Dazzle Car Wash

Roslyn Speech with Stan Sportime

RX Fit

Salon Pop

Salvatore’s Pizzeria

Sandro’s

The Cooking Lab

The Little Gym

Twenty5A

Umberto’s

Unleashed Pet

Boutique & Spa

Vintage Grapes

Wash Hair Salon

wellground

Tammy’s Nail & Spa

Spot Garden City

Dr. Pailin Winotaka

White Home

Yoga Life

Yummy Gyro

Yummy Oriental

More Than 50 Animals Rescued From Commercial Breeding

North Shore Animal League America’s Rescue team recently returned from Missouri with 50 dogs and puppies rescued from commercial breeding facilities in the Midwest as part of an ongoing collaboration with long-time partner, National Mill Dog Rescue.

The Animal League America Mobile Unit arrived at the Port Washington campus Monday, March 11. The animals arriving on Monday included a variety of pure and mixed breeds, including Bernadoodles, Cocker Spaniels, Shih-Tzus, Schnauzers, Shiba Inus, Poodles, and many others of varying ages and sizes.

These dogs, many of whom experience affection, comfort, and positive human interaction for the first time during our transport, will be examined by our veterinary team and assessed by our Pet Behavior staff. They will be groomed as necessary and allowed time to decompress and acclimate to their new surroundings where they’ll receive the care, attention, and medical/dental procedures required –including spay and neuter.

“We just returned from Missouri with our Babydoge mobile Rescue Unit filled with 51 animals from a couple of commercial breeding facilities that are no longer used for breeding. But now they’re going to be

groomed, they’re going to visit the vet, they’re going to get up to date with their shots and also spayed neutered. They’re going to be ready to go up for adoption at their new homes,” said Ted Moriates, Rescue Team Lead at North Shore Animal League America.

Please follow us on their social media platforms for information as these animals become available for adoption in the coming weeks.

About North Shore Animal League America

North Shore Animal League America - the world’s largest no-kill rescue and adoption organization—has saved the lives of more than 1.1 million dogs, cats, puppies, and kittens at risk of euthanasia. Through our many innovative programs, we reach across the country to rescue animals from overcrowded shelters, unwanted litters, puppy mills, natural disasters and other emergencies and find them responsible,

loving homes. As a leader in the no-kill movement, we are dedicated to promoting shelter pet adoptions; encouraging spay/ neuter programs; reducing animal cruelty; ending euthanasia; and advancing the highest standards in animal welfare. Please join us in saving the lives of innocent animals by donating to support our lifesaving mission.

—Submitted by North Shore Animal League America with additional reporting by Amanda Olsen

30 Brookside Drive, Plandome NY

Open House Saturday March 23, 2024 | 1:00 - 3:00 PM

Poised directly across from the picturesque Village Green, lies this Majestic 8-bedroom, 5.5-bath, 3-story Revival Colonial known as Brookedge, sitting on 1.8 acres of breathtaking lush grounds with a Cottage and entertaining patios. Built in 1918, Brookedge is timeless in design and has been superbly maintained and updated. Additional features include co ered ceilings, hardwood oors, multiple replaces and numerous architectural details. Village amenities include: Village Green, Village Hall, membership fee for tennis and beach and mooring rights and Plandome train station parking for direct train lines to Grand Central and Penn Station. There are two options for subdivision of this Plandome property. MLS# 3525871. $4,895,000.

c.516.443.3238

c.516.353.8800

Scan here to view listing video.

CALENDAR

To place an item in this space, send information two weeks before the event to editors@ antonmediagroup.com.

WEDNESDAY, MAR. 20

Teen Paint Nite

From 6:30 to 8 p.m. in the Community Room of the Manhasset Public Library. For grades 7 to 12. Have a snack, listen to some music. Have fun creating an original painting to take home. All material is included. A library card is required. Registration closes at 5 p.m. For more information, email mplteenzone@ manhassetlibrary.org or call (516) 6272300 ext. 301.

FRIDAY, MAR. 22

WHAT’S HAPPENING IN YOUR COMMUNITY

Senior Spring Fling

11 a.m.-2 p.m. (Clinton G. Martin Park, 1600 Marcus Ave., New Hyde Park) The Town of North Hempstead presents the Senior Spring Fling for senior residents. Includes lunch, coffee, dessert, dancing and games. Registration is required, call 311 to reserve a spot.

SUNDAY, MAR. 24

Happy Purim!

Palm Sunday

Sunday Afternoon Live @MPL

A Performance by Trio from The American College of Greece will take place in the Community Room of the Manhasset Public Library from 2 to 3 p.m. Come enjoy an afternoon concert from the Music Faculty at Deree- The American College of Greece, featuring: Maira Milolidaki, soprano; Leslie Jones, cello; and Christine Tokatlian, piano. The program will include works by Tim Beyer, Cindy Cox, Amelia Kaplan, Douglas Knehans, Constandinos Koukias, Pamela Madsen, Spiros Mazis, and Edward Smaldone. All are welcome. Registration suggested but not required.

MONDAY, MARCH 25

Happy Holi!

Needle Arts @MPL

Quilting, Needlepoint, Embroidery, Crocheting, Knitting and more...Enjoy this friendly, sharing and socializing community circle of people who enjoy Needle Arts from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Community Room of the Manhasset Public Library. Bring along a current project, ideas for a group project, and share your skills with others. This informal group will meet bi-monthly. All levels of skill are welcome but formal lessons are not included. Circle Leader: Susan Louis. For more information, contact Connie Knies at cdknies@optonline.net or (516) 365-9029.

MONDAY. APR. 1

Manhasset Public Schools Non-Public School Transportation Application Deadline

New York State Education Law and Manhasset Board of Education policy require that a parent or guardian of a resident student planning to attend a non-public school and looking to receive transportation services during the 2024-2025 school year, must submit an application for such services to their school district of residence on or before April 1. Failure to submit such application prior to the April 1 deadline, will result in a denial of the request for transportation. Applications can be found on the Manhasset School District website, www. manhassetschools.org.

SUNDAY, APR. 7

Chopin Concert @Polish American Museum

A Concert featuring the music of Frederic Chopin with guest pianist Matthew Harrison will be held at The Polish American Museum, 16 Belleview Avenue, Port Washington at 2 p.m. The concert will be held in the main salon of the museum. Doors will open at 1:30 p.m. admission for adults is $15.00 and for seniors and students $10.00

Additional information call 516-883-6542.

You Are Not Alone

If you or someone you know is in crisis or feeling suicidal, call the Long Island Crisis Center 24/7 hotline: (516)6791111. The 988 Suicide and Crisis line is also available 24/7 by dialing 988 or 1-800-273-8255.

ROOKIE

- New York Yankees T-shirt

$59.95

- Two (2) Main Level tickets to a select 2024 regular-season home game*

- 2024 Yankees Universe member card

- Two (2) Terrace Level Outfield tickets to a select 2024 regular-season home game*

MEMBERSHIP TIERS AVAILABLE 245611 M

FDo It For Flaco: Preserving Owls

Tips on being owl-friendly AMANDA OLSEN

laco, the Eurasian eagle-owl who spent a year of freedom in Central Park after someone released him from his enclosure at the Central Park Zoo, died last month in a collision with a building. This bird, born and raised in captivity, unexpectedly capable of caring for himself in the wider world, became something of a celebrity. In the final months of his life he began to venture farther afield, peering in windows and exploring a sculpture garden on the lower East Side. One of these forays led to his demise.

As we have previously reported, tall buildings with reflective surfaces are dangerous for birds, who don’t see the world the same way we do. Flaco’s death brought additional scrutiny to the issue of building standards for windows that reduce the likelihood of bird collisions and deaths. New York City itself set tough standards in 2019; a bill in the New York Legislature to require more bird-friendly design in buildings statewide was renamed the FLACO Act on February 26, the Monday after Flaco’s death.

Owls hold a particular fascination for people. Their unique features, including large, forward-facing eyes, and the fact that the majority of species are nocturnal all give owls their mysterious, almost mystical reputation. In the past, these silent predators have been omens of death, companions of witches, and infinitely wise. Their call was even said to ward off evil.

According to the International Owl Center, there are established guidelines for observing owls. It’s important to give owls space. Owls, like most wild animals, do not like being around people. They recognize humans as a source of danger and will become stressed if you are too close or linger.

Another important point is not trying to feed them. This practice, called “baiting,” leads to owls associating people with food, and actually puts them in greater danger. Owls do not need help finding or securing food.

Do not use artificial light. Owls’ night vision is impacted by artificial light and it will affect their ability to fly. Arrive at your observation site early if you can, and keep flashlights and phones off.

As much as you might love your dog,

leave them at home if you want to see owls. The presence of a dog is likely to scare them off, and if they do stay put, it will certainly cause the owls stress.

Move slowly and keep your voice down. Fast movements and noises can stress owls, especially during the day when they are trying to sleep. If you want to observe or photograph owls, move slowly and keep quiet to

While Flaco was not a native bird, his bid for freedom captured the imaginations of people all over the world. He got to live his final year as he was meant to, by wing and by talon. He will be missed.

avoid scaring them. Owls are often more tolerant of vehicles than people, so you can use your car as a blind when it is safe to do so. Be sure to park in a safe place and turn your engine off.

Do not use drones to observe owls, as they will perceive the drone as an intruder, especially around a nest. Owls have

attacked drones for coming too close, which can hurt the owl and damage the drone.

Do not use owl calls to draw owls to you. This is useful for research purposes but overuse can stress owls. They are expending their energy to investigate the call, using resources that could have gone towards survival and reproduction.

There are a number of threats to owls besides windows. A major problem is a loss of roosting and nesting sites. Many species of owls in our area prefer dead trees. Humans think of dead trees as unsightly and dangerous, so they are usually removed. Whenever possible, leave dead trees standing. If you have to cut down or severely prune a dead tree, wait until early winter to avoid displacing, injuring or killing owls and other animals nesting in its cavities.

Rodenticides are a common threat for wild animals, especially owls. Poisoned mice and rats do not die right away, and impaired rodents are easier to kill than health ones. Owls accumulate this poison in their bodies and feed it to their young. Rather than using poison to manage vermin populations, create a rodent-hostile environment by keeping food and garbage secure. This will allow the owls to be a healthy partner in pest control.

Another way to help owls is to not litter. While this may seem strange, littering attracts rodents, which in turn attracts owls. Owls who hunt for the mice munching on your discarded garbage by the roadside are more likely to get struck by a vehicle.

Take down netting and cover cavities in your home. Owls often get tangled in nets and die before they can be rescued. Even if they are found, struggling in the net results in injuries. Cavities in your home, such as chimneys and bathroom vents, look like attractive places to nest to small owls. The birds become trapped and die because they can’t escape.

While Flaco was not a native bird, his bid for freedom captured the imaginations of people all over the world. He got to live his final year as he was meant to, by wing and by talon. He will be missed.

Levittowner Named As FOX News Host

Jimmy Failla finds humor in all things culture, politics, lifestyles

CHRISTY HINKO

chinko@antonmediagroup.com

He does it all, folks. While continuing as the host of a nationally syndicated radio program, FOX Across America (weekdays from noon to 3 p.m.), Jimmy Failla has been named the new host of FOX News Saturday Night (Saturdays, 10 p.m.), in addition to releasing the book, Cancel Culture Dictionary, which earned a spot on The New York Times bestsellers’ list and having a one-hour stand-up comedy performance recorded, Jimmy Failla: They’re Just Jokes. All of this, credited to the funny guy from Levittown.

Since joining the FOX network as a writer in 2016, Failla has brought his signature comedic take across FOX News Media’s platforms during daytime and primetime programming. His nationally syndicated talk radio show, FOX Across America with Jimmy Failla, launched in March of 2020 on 27 radio stations and can now be heard on over 150 stations across the country. Prior to his role on television and as a stand-up comedian, Failla was a New York City cab driver.

We spoke with Failla amid of all of these career achievements, here’s what he had to share.

CHDid you always know that you were funny?

JF

I guess I did, because everyone around me was funny; my family told a lot of jokes. I had an Uncle Sonny who was a socially dominant figure. He knew street jokes, ‘two guys walk into a bar…’ and it was silly. My dad, my brothers, my uncles, my cousins, everyone was a cop in the family except me. It was a lot of tough love because cops like to pick on each other. Their affection is shown through a put-down. I didn’t know any different; I thought everyone was fun and funny and always had a good time. It was one of my teachers [Mrs. Pascana] who told me to go home and watch The Tonight Show . She said, ‘You’re kind of a talk show host; you don’t realize that; you should watch it and see.” I loved The Tonight Show . She encouraged me and said I could do that one day. I was in fifth grade. As a kid, you believe authority figures like that. I took it with me the rest of the way; it took me 40 years, but here we are.

CHTell me about the new book, Cancel Culture Dictionary.

JFI might be the first community college graduate to get on [The

New York Times] bestseller list, so I want credit for that. I went to Nassau Community College “Turnpike Tech”. The thing about community college is

one of the dudes that was enrolled just to stay on his parents’ health insurance. The whole hook of the book, Cancel Culture Dictionary, is that I believe in the age of social media and incentivized outrage. I say it’s a guide to winning the war on fun, like a call to chill out.

CHTell me about growing up in Levittown.

JF

that it’s no nonsense. If you’re there to do something great, you can really help yourself. When I was there, I was exactly the opposite. I was

I graduated from Division Avenue High School. I was known for heckling in baseball games. This is a very important part of my story. The late and great Doug Robbins, baseball coach at Division, won a bunch of state titles as coach. He had two sons, Dougie and Steve. I graduated in 1995 with Steve, who is a coach at Division now. From my freshman year through my senior year, I would sit in the bleachers at every home game and heckle the other teams to the point that it was comedic; it was disruptive. It was so effective that [Coach Robbins] used to take me out of eighth period class and give me the dirt on who we were playing. Dennis Schneider won the Diamond Award that year for being the best player on Long Island as a pitcher. He went on to C.W. Post. Dennis threw a no-hitter on Memorial Day, but I got the game ball from the coach because of how rattled the other team. It was so silly. That’s kind of how I got my start as a performer, by sitting in the bleachers and ragging on the other team. When this goes to print there are going to be hundreds of people who say, “I remember that guy!”

CHWho are some of the most memorable people from growing up in Levittown?

JFT

hat was Mrs. Pascana at Abbey Lane. Sadly, she is sadly no longer with us. I wanted to find her when the show launched. I have connected with one of my fourth-grade teachers though and had her as a guest at my stand-up special. At Division Avenue High School, my biggest influences were the coaches like Coach Robbins (late) and the principal John Allen, who was the Division Avenue principal through the late ’80s, he’s probably retired now. He was a no-nonsense guy, but he had a sense of humor. He had real authority, almost a military vibe, but I could get a thunderous laugh out of him. I am sure he wanted to kick my ass most of the time.

Check out Failla on the new show FOX News Saturday Night with Jimmy Failla for cultural, political and lifestyle issues airing weekly from 10 to 11 p.m. on FOX. Visit www.longislandweekly.com for more of our interview with Failla.

Shine A LIGHT For Charity On Paws Of War

In this new column of L.I.G.H.T.

For Charity (‘Long Island Giving Help Together For Charity’), I shine a light on a Long Islandbased charity named Paws Of War. This is a charity that my younger sister Jenna is now working with.

Paws Of War was formed 10 years ago and provides veterans, first responders and Gold Star families (people who sadly lost an immediate family member during military service) with a wide variety of important services through the power of love and support of rescued animals. The charity has a mission “To honor and support our veterans, active military members, firefighters and other first responders with services that enrich their lives through the rescue and training of service dogs for independence, adoption of companion animals, rescue of

LIGHT for Charity

overseas animals in war zones, and other essential services to assist our heroes in need.”

If a veteran or first responder adopts an appropriate dog, Paws Of War will train the dog to become a service dog to suit the owner’s needs. This is an extremely important and meaningful service because many veterans return from combat with

life-changing physical injuries, anxiety, depression and/or post-traumatic stress disorder. These service dogs improve the quality of life for our returning soldiers, allowing them to sleep more peacefully and engage in day-to-day activities they otherwise couldn’t.

In addition to service dog training (which includes training the dog, pairing the dog with a hero in need and teaching the two how to interact together), Paws Of War also provides the following additional services: (1) providing companion animals; (2) animal rescue for deployed military, including transporting pets across war borders; (3) no cost mobile veterinary clinic; (4) housing assistance for veterans with pets; (5) lifetime care for retired military working dogs; (6) therapy dog program for veterans and seniors;

(7) Ukraine animal rescue and care; (8) disaster response and animal rescue; and (9) emergency foster and temporary pet placement services for veterans during hospital stays. Because Paws Of War helps both dogs and the heros in need of dogs, Paws Of War is proud to help on “both ends of the leash”.

All of the services provided by Paws Of War are provided to veterans, first responders and Gold Star families free of charge. Paws Of War therefore relies upon charitable donations to fund its operations. To help support Paws Of War, you can visit its website at www.pawsofwar.org.

Special thanks to Jodie Cohen, who serves as a volunteer and Adoption Coordinator for Paws Of War, for taking the time to speak with me to teach me so much about this important cause.

NY MTA $11.6 Billion East Side Access To Grand Central Madison Update

There is still much to do one year after the opening of New York Metropolitan Transportation Authority Long Island Rail Road

$11.6 Billion Manhattan East Side Access to Grand Central Madison. A soft opening was held on January 10, 2023 with limited shuttle service between Grand Central Madison and Jamaica, Queens Station. The real opening took place on February 26, 2023 when full time direct service on multiple branches began. Thirteen months later, NY MTA Chairman Janno Lieber, LIRR past President Catherine Rinaldi and current Acting LIRR President Richard Free still never seem to acknowledge or address a number of outstanding project related issues.

Those responsible for design, engineering and bid specifications to support procurement of duel mode locomotives and double decker passenger cars failed to take into consideration height clearances for the 63rd Street tunnel between Manhattan and Queens. Construction on this tunnel began in 1969. It was designed to be used at a future date to provide the LIRR with a direct connection to Grand Central Terminal. As a result, the LIRR fleet of 23 diesel-electric and 23 duel-mode locomotives along with 134 double decker passenger cars are unable to

PENNER STATION

utilize Grand Central Madison. This includes the ability of diesel or duel mode locomotives to rescue stalled electric trains in the tunnels or station. Now one year later, Acting LIRR President Free has announced plans to purchase a battery powered locomotive to rescue any disabled trains in the 63rd Street tunnel connecting Queens to Grand Central Madison. Remember that this equipment could also serve the same purpose for any trains stuck in the East River or Atlantic (Jamaica to Brooklyn) branch tunnels.

The same applies to several hundred million more in debt service payments that financed $4 billion worth of LIRR readiness projects to support start of full service in February 2023. They are

carried off line from the official project budget. These include the $2.6 billion Main Line Third Track, $450 million Jamaica Capacity Improvements, $387 million Ronkonkoma Double Track, $120 million Ronkonkoma Yard Expansion, $44 million Great Neck Pocket Track, $423 million for rail car fleet expansion. Without these, the LIRR would lack the expanded operational capabilities to support promised 24 rush hour train service to GCM and 40 percent increase in reverse peak rush hour service.

Grand Central Madison still has only two men’s bathrooms with a total of 18 urinals and 13 toilets, two women’s bathrooms with a total of 25 toilets, one lactation room and two gender neutral bathrooms, each with a single capacity, all on the Madison Concourse. There are none on the lower or upper level platforms and mezzanine.

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

Options for recycling newspapers or beverage containers, disposal of garbage or other waste continues to be nonexistent except

for a handful of garbage cans at the platform level. There are few options to dispose of waste at either the mezzanine or Madison concourse levels. This conflicts with MTA’s claim to be environmentally friendly. There are still no open newsstands. These services are readily available in Metro North Grand Central Terminal, Penn and Jamaica Stations. There are 11 Ticket Vending Machines still waiting to be installed. It appears that the designed space is not wide enough to accommodate standard LIRR TVMs.

All the facility storefronts are still vacant. Full time service began in February 2023. MTA Real Estate had years to find tenants for the 32 vacant storefronts. MTA Real Estate will not issue a Request for Proposals (RFP) to find a master tenant to manage the storefronts until March 2024. It will probably require several months more before a contract will be awarded. Who knows how many more months to a year will be required before all 32 storefronts are subsequently leased, occupied and open for business.

Transparency on the part of Governor Hochul, MTA Chairman Janno Lieber and Acting LIRR President Richard Free in dealing with these remaining issues is required.

STATE OF THE COUNTY

Blakeman Gives State Of The County Address

JOE MORREALE

editors@antonmediagroup.com

Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman delivered his State of the County Address on Wednesday March 6. Blakeman touted 2023 as a success for the county, highlighted by a surplus budget, an increase in police officers, and no change in property taxes.

“There will be no tax increase for the next three years,” said Blakeman.

Blakeman boasted of his administration’s prudent financial management, citing that Nassau and Suffolk County residents sent over $14 billion in taxes more than they received in state aid. The county executive used Wednesday as an opportunity to critique New York state officials.

“We are the piggy bank for the State of New York, and it would be nice if the state would join us in some of the things that are important to our residents and not things that are important to other regions in the state,” Blakeman said.

He called the New York State Excelsior healthcare plan, “another blow against Nassau County from the state,” and criticized the state’s drastic reduction of aid to Nassau University Medical Center in 2023.

“The state has defunded our only hospital that is a safety net for our most vulnerable,” said Blakeman.

The county executive also used the State of the County as an opportunity to knock the sanctuary policies for migrants in New York.

“Nassau County is not a sanctuary county,” said Blakeman. “There is no migrant program in Nassau County. Unfortunately, Nassau County has become a border county because of the misguided policies in the state and city of New York, who are a sanctuary state and a sanctuary city. We don’t want that here in Nassau County— the homelessness and the crime.”

Blakeman assured county residents that the police department is working closely with federal partners including Immigration and Customs Enforcement and border control to fight back against what he called, a “foreign invasion”.

The county executive proudly boasted about increasing the number of police officers on county streets, noting that he has sworn in over two hundred new police officers since taking office in 2022.

“In Nassau County we back the blue, and we fund our police,” said Blakeman.

He claimed a reduction in major crime by 6 percent in 2023, but added that cashless bail policies, “continue to make our residents less safe.”

Despite this, Blakeman called Nassau County one of the best places to live in America, and among his ambitious plans for 2024 are a successful casino bid at the Nassau Coliseum site, as well as numerous events at Eisenhower Park, Mitchel Field, and Belmont Park.

“We’re very happy that the Elmont community will continue to host premiere racing because of the investment being made at Belmont racetrack,” Blakeman said regarding the $400 million renovations in progress.

The county executive was also excited to promote the International Cricket Council World Cup, a tournament that is being finalized to take place at Eisenhower Park this June. A temporary, modular stadium is already under construction and will host a match between India and Pakistan, which Blakeman called the “premiere event” of the tournament.

The State of the County speech ended with Blakeman addressing his polarizing executive order from earlier this month banning transgender athletes from competing for local high schools.

“We are not anti-transgender. We are not transphobic here in Nassau County,” said Blakeman.

He defended his executive order as a deterrent to unsafe environments and unfair competition within high school sports.

“If they want, our great Commissioner of Parks and Recreation, Commissioner Belyea, and I will sit down if they want to start a transgender league or transgender team,” Blakeman said. “We are a loving county. We are home to every race, religion and ethnic group, and every lifestyle, but the bullying of women is something we cannot accept here in Nassau County.”

As estate planners, we consistently meet with people who are suffering from traumatic relationships with their children or grandchildren. Children themselves may become estranged or at odds with parents or their siblings. Sometimes, an in-law is involved that seems to turn the client’s son or daughter into someone completely different from the child they raised. The pain that these clients are going through is palpable.

Some wise sage once said that all pain comes from resistance. Many of these relationship issues may be difficult or impossible to overcome, but one thing we can all do is work on ourselves - by accepting what is. Accepting what is does not mean agreeing with or condoning certain behavior. What it does mean is that you stop saying to yourself that it is not fair, it “should” be otherwise, etc. That will not do you one bit of good and may do you considerable harm. Stress has been called “the silent killer”.

We recall reading a pithy quote a while back that went something like this “when someone disappoints you, you have two choices, you can either lower your expectations or walk away”. What is disappointment but dashed expectations? Those who learn to expect less are disappointed less.

“Accepting what is” cannot be accomplished overnight. It is a concept or thought process that improves your outlook the more you think about it, work on it and form new neural pathways to forge the new outlook.

Estate planners inevitably become “therapists” for their clients, because estate planning involves social relationships. Over the years, we have observed that many social problems occur between the client’s two ears. As Shakespeare said in Hamlet “There is nothing good or bad, but thinking makes it so.” Forget about what’s fair or right and what’s not. You are only hurting yourself. The other person is often blissfully unaware of how you’re feeling. Michael J. Fox, the actor known for his optimism despite suffering from Parkinson’s, put it best when he said “My happiness grows in direct proportion to my acceptance, and in inverse proportion to my expectations”.

Delia DeRiggi-Whitton Responds To State Of The County Address

What follows is a transcript of Delia DeRiggi-Whitton’s response to County Executive Bruce Blakeman’s State of the County address.

Good evening.

I’m Delia DeRiggi-Whitton, the Democratic Minority Leader of the Nassau County Legislature, and it’s my honor to discuss the current state of our county. Having dedicated nearly two decades to public service, I’ve experienced a wide range of leadership approaches. While some leaders prioritize their constituents, addressing their needs and challenges head-on, others seem more concerned with their own self-promotion.

Regrettably, I find the Blakeman administration is one that has strayed from the highest ideals.

Nassau County is at a crossroads, facing numerous challenges that demand action, not just words.

million in tax cuts, this and many others have yet to materialize.

Last year, the Democratic Minority proposed a balanced budget that would have delivered these tax cuts while boosting funding for essential services like policing. Unfortunately, this plan was rejected by the Blakeman administration and the Republican Legislative Majority.

The county’s assessment system is another critical issue that has been left unaddressed. Nassau County has approximately 1.4 million people –a population larger than ten states – yet the Blakeman Administration has yet to appoint a qualified assessor. This has led to a widespread imbalance of residents’ tax burdens and, consequently, over-taxation of many residents.

Instead of focusing on these substantial issues, the Blakeman Administration has chosen to pro-

celebrating Nassau’s 125th anniversary through frivolous pursuits like swanky galas and self-promotional parades.

Sadly, this is only one part of the Blakeman Administration’s mismanagement of nearly $400 million in federal pandemic relief funds that went to Nassau County, and it underscores a disturbing trend of prioritizing partisan political grandstanding over the well-being of our residents.

These essential funds could have supported important programs like education, infrastructure, and healthcare, but instead have been redirected into a nebulous black hole by the Blakeman Administration that leaves crucial projects, programs, and needs unaddressed.

Take for example Nassau University Medical Center, a critical healthcare facility and safety net for our most vulnerable residents. Despite the hard work

and dedication of NUMC’s staff, the hospital is teetering on the brink of financial ruin due to leadership that prioritizes political allies over competent management. This both threatens the hospital’s future and places a significant financial burden on Nassau’s taxpayers, who are on the hook for paying nearly $120 million in hospital debt due to the county’s loan guarantees.

And let’s not forget the Blakeman Administration and Republican Legislative Majority’s refusal to support the County’s independent inspector general – whose job is to ensure county contracts are free from waste, fraud, and abuse.

Following the arrest, conviction, and incarceration of former County Executive Ed Mangano for public corruption, we worked tirelessly to establish an independent inspector general’s office, which has enhanced transparency and saved millions in taxpayer dollars.

The partisan efforts to stall the

reappointment of the Inspector General and starve this office of funding are both baffling and counterproductive.

We must also treat the County’s opioid crisis with the urgency it deserves. Under the leadership of former County Executive Laura Curran, the County pursued lawsuits to help hold the manufacturers, distributors, and sellers of addictive opioid drugs responsible for the countless lives they destroyed and families they tore apart. That fund, which must be used for treatment, prevention, and recovery services, has now grown to over $90 million. So, it’s shameful that the Blakeman Administration has spent less than 1 percent of these funds to combat this epidemic

Navigating The Real Estate Landscape

Unveiling the best real estate apps for homebuyers and sellers

In the digital age, real estate apps have become indispensable tools for both seasoned investors and rst-time homebuyers. ese applications o er a wealth of information, streamline property searches, and provide valuable insights into the dynamic real estate market. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the realm of real estate apps, highlighting some of the best options available for those looking to buy, sell, or invest in properties.

ZILLOW

Zillow stands out as a real estate app giant, offering a user-friendly interface and a vast database of homes for sale and rent. One of its standout features is the Zestimate tool, providing estimated property values based on various factors. Users can explore detailed property listings, neighborhood information, and even connect with local real estate agents. Zillow’s additional tools, such as mortgage calculators and affordability calculators, make it an all-encompassing platform for homebuyers and sellers alike.

REALTOR.COM

Realtor.com is a robust real estate app that prides itself on providing accurate and up-to-date listings. It offers comprehensive property details, including information on property taxes, school ratings, and neighborhood insights. The “Draw on Map” feature allows users to define specific search areas, providing a

more tailored home-hunting experience. Realtor.com is an excellent choice for those seeking reliable and precise information during their property search.

TRULIA

Trulia, a part of the Zillow Group, distinguishes itself by offering valuable insights into neighborhoods and communities. The app includes information on crime rates, school ratings, and local amenities, empowering users to make informed decisions. Trulia’s user-friendly interface and personalized search options make it easy for individuals to find their ideal homes. Additionally, the Rent vs. Buy calculator assists users in making well-informed housing decisions.

HOMESNAP

Homesnap takes a unique approach to real estate with its augmented reality (AR) technology. Users can point their smartphones at properties to access detailed information, including home

values, school district boundaries, and recent sales. The app also facilitates collaborative home searching, allowing users to share listings with family and friends. Homesnap’s interactive features and simplicity make it a standout in the competitive real estate app market.

LOOPNET

For those interested in commercial real estate, LoopNet is an essential app. Specializing in commercial property listings, including office spaces, retail units, and industrial properties, LoopNet provides detailed property information, financials, and contact details for property owners and brokers. Investors, business owners, and real estate professionals looking for commercial opportunities will find LoopNet to be an invaluable resource.

REDFIN

Redfin is renowned for its user-friendly interface and unique features. The app provides detailed property information, including high-quality photos and virtual tours. What sets Redfin apart is its pricing algorithm, offering users a more accurate estimate of a home’s market value. Redfin users can also schedule home tours and make offers directly through the app, streamlining the home-buying process. The world of real estate apps is diverse, with each application offering its own set of features and advantages. Zillow, Realtor.com, Redfin, Trulia, Homesnap, and LoopNet stand out as some of the

best options available, catering to the varied needs of users in the real estate market. Whether you are a prospective homebuyer, seller, or investor, the right app can significantly enhance your real estate experience. As technology continues to shape the future of the industry, these apps will likely play an increasingly pivotal role in connecting buyers with their dream homes and assisting sellers in reaching their real estate goals

ALSO CHECK OUT:

Auction.com—has more than 25,000 exclusive listings and have more than $42B in sales in foreclosures and bankowned residential properties, many below market value; great for finding investment properties.

USHUD Foreclosures—offers millions of luxury, residential, foreclosure and HUD homes listings.

Fundrise Investments—build a portfolio of private market investments, including real estate, venture capital and private credit.

MarketWatch News—delivers the latest business news, financial information and market data.

Xome Auctions—one of the largest collections of foreclosure, bank-owned, 2nd Chance Foreclosure, Short Sale, and luxury properties available online. Apartments.com—best for real-time apartment availability.

—Christy Hinko contributed to this article.

State Of Office And Industrial Markets On Long Island

Colliers analyst shares insight

Commercial and industrial real estate constitute vital sectors within the property market, serving distinct purposes. Commercial real estate encompasses retail spaces, o ce buildings, and hospitality establishments, providing venues for business activities. Investors often seek stable returns through leasing arrangements. Industrial real estate, on the other hand, involves facilities like warehouses and manufacturing plants, crucial for production and distribution. e demand for industrial spaces has surged with the rise of e-commerce, prompting strategic location considerations. Both sectors share a common reliance on economic trends and market dynamics, in uencing investment decisions. Understanding the nuanced characteristics of commercial and industrial real estate is paramount for successful investment and development strategies.

We spoke with Lars Remole, a senior research analyst at Colliers, the investment management company, about the state of the commercial market on Long Island. Here’s what he had to share.

CH: Tell me about the present leasing activity on Long Island, specifically in Nassau County. Is there much of a difference between North and South shore preferences? What are buyers looking for in a leasing opportunity? Who is leasing and for what reasons?

LR: Nassau County witnessed significant leasing activity, with 576,814-square foot of office space and 211,475-square foot of industrial space leased. Across Long Island, total industrial leasing activity amounted to 918,481-square foot , while office leasing activity reached 960,445-square foot.

The office and industrial markets are not divided by North Shore and South Shore, though there are very few office properties in Northern Nassau. Primary leasing locations are Western, Eastern, and Central Nassau with the largest office lease in Nassau County done by Gus Nuzzolese, Colliers executive vice president, for Catholic Health. This was a 247,145-square foot renewal and expansion at 2200 Northern Blvd. in East Hills (Western Nassau). A majority of industrial properties, on the other hand, are located in the middle between the

North and South Shores, close to thoroughfares and highways and further from the coast where land prices are higher.

New office tenants tend to favor newer, higher-amenity Class A buildings, although there are exceptions, such as tenants renewing their leases, government-occupied space, and tenants occupying entire buildings. Conversely, new industrial tenants prioritize easy access to major transportation arteries and spaces that meet their specific requirements. Office tenants notably include healthcare companies, which drive a significant portion of leasing, as well as government entities, the FIRE industry, and educational institutions. In the industrial sector, while there has been a slight slowdown in e-commerce activity, considerable engagement persists among food occupiers and standard industrial users, including freight/bulk storage and building supplies.

One transaction of note in Q4 2023 was the sale of a 155,471 square-foot office building at 1200 Franklin Ave. in Garden City for $92.3 million, which was purchased by NYU from a joint venture partnership between Simon Property Group & LT Garden City LLC.

CH: What are the hot market trends right now? How has this differed in years past? What is affecting the market right now?

LR: In the office market, we’re noticing a rise in distressed assets—buildings on watchlists, special servicing, or in receivership. Additionally, we’re seeing a trend of market right-sizing as tenants adjust their space requirements. As for the industrial sector, it’s gradually returning to normalcy following the e-commerce surge prompted by COVID-19.

CH: How are vacancy rates across Nassau County? Why? What’s the forecast on this number? What will help it or hurt it?

LR: The office availability rate reported in Q4 stood at 13.3 percent, with a vacancy rate of 11.3 percent. While these rates have maintained relative stability within the range of 9 to 12 percent availability, there was a slight uptick in 2023. I would anticipate they will continue this trend as tenants right-size, and the market adjusts accordingly. Regardless, Nassau County office remains appealing to tenants, and I don’t foresee rates increasing drastically based on current market conditions.

As for the industrial sector, the availability rate reported in Q4 was five percent, with a vacancy rate of 4.6 percent. With availability already relatively low and limited construction pipelines, I don’t anticipate significant changes in rates.

Interest rates holding steady or increasing could pose challenges for the

office market. As certain properties face financial distress, building owners may struggle with refinancing, which could deter both potential and current tenants. The looming possibility of a recession also remains. Conversely, municipal and government incentives, along with the increased adoption of back-to-office policies, offer support for the office market. Additionally, conversion efforts could have a multifaceted impact, reducing overall supply while also decreasing vacancy and availability rates, particularly in buildings with historically high vacancy rates. Some buildings may find new life through conversion into alternative uses, such as residential spaces.

On the other hand, a potential slowdown in e-commerce could adversely affect the industrial market, as the waning demand follows the decline in e-commerce activity spurred by COVID-19. Furthermore, community opposition to industrial buildings and occupiers (NIMBY) presents another potential hurdle. Nonetheless, the ongoing demand for bulk storage and industrial uses, combined with the relatively limited supply, offers support for the industrial market. Unlike Suffolk County, Nassau County has less available space for new construction of industrial buildings, which could also bolster the market’s stability.

Things To Consider When Buying A Multigenerational Home

Buying a multigenerational home, where family members across two or more generations live under one roof, is becoming an increasingly popular option. This living arrangement can offer numerous benefits, including shared living expenses, easier childcare, and enhanced opportunities for family bonding. However, selecting the right home to suit the needs of everyone involved requires careful consideration. Here are several key factors to keep in mind:

1. Privacy and Personal Space

Each family member will have different needs for privacy and personal space. Look for homes with multiple living areas, en-suite bathrooms, and possibly even separate entrances. The layout should allow for communal living

without sacrificing the privacy that individuals or nuclear family units may sometimes need.

2. Accessibility for Elderly Family Members

If elderly parents or grandparents will be living in the home, consider features that make the home more accessible for them. This could include single-story living options, walk-in showers, grab bars in the bathrooms, and minimal thresholds. Homes that can be easily modified for accessibility should also be prioritized.

3. Bedroom and Bathroom Adequacy

Ensure the home has enough bedrooms and bathrooms to comfortably accommodate everyone. Waiting for a bathroom can cause daily friction, and having enough bedrooms can provide everyone with their much-needed personal retreat.

4. Shared and Separate Living Areas

While shared living spaces like kitchens, living rooms, and dining areas are where the family can come together, separate living areas or dens can provide space for individual activities or downtime. A home that offers a balance of both is ideal.

5. Financial Considerations

Discuss and decide on how household expenses will be shared. This includes the mortgage, utilities, maintenance, and any necessary modifications to the home.

6. Location

The home’s location should be convenient for all generations. Consider proximity to work, schools, healthcare facilities, and amenities like parks and shopping areas. Consider the neighborhood’s safety and the quality of local schools if you have children.

7. Future Flexibility

Life changes, and the home you choose should be able to adapt to those changes. This might mean having spaces that can be easily converted for different uses, such as turning a home office into a bedroom or vice versa.

8. Legal and Zoning Considerations

In some areas, zoning laws may restrict the ability to have certain types of modifications, such as adding accessory dwelling units or separate entrances.

9. Kitchen Layout and Amenities

The kitchen is often the heart of the home, especially in a multigenerational setup. Consider a layout that allows for multiple people to cook and prepare meals together.

Buying a multigenerational home is a significant decision that involves more than just financial investment; it’s about creating an environment that fosters harmony, respect, and togetherness among family members. By considering these factors, families can find a home that not only meets their needs but also enhances their lives together.

Breaking Ground: Empty Lots Are Hot Investment Hempstead identified as promising return

Over the past decade, the American cityscape has evolved dramatically. e speed of this transformation isn’t just seen in towering skylines or burgeoning populations but more so in the economic prosperity of its residents. Some cities, like Enterprise in Nevada and Kirkland in Washington, have rapidly climbed the ladder of growth due to their strategic locations, job opportunities, and unparalleled quality of life.

Empty plots of land across the Town of Hempstead are identified as having the most promising return on investment (ROI), as surveyed by 3,000 real estate investors.

The real question for savvy investors is identifying the next real estate hotspots. To shed light on this, Moving Feedback surveyed 3,000 prospective real estate investors with a hypothetical question:

“Which city would you stake your savings on an undeveloped one-acre plot?”

Their findings, dubbed the ‘Empty Plot Index’, spotlighted the top 200 U.S. real estate gems. Notably, Florida and Texas cities held a strong presence in the top 10.

#1 TAMPA, FL

Earning the top spot, Tampa is more than a city in expansion; it’s one sculpting its future. Investments in cutting-edge infrastructure, premier public services, and community endeavors make land in Tampa more than just a purchase; it’s a golden ticket to a city on the rise.

#2 AUSTIN, TX

Dubbed the world’s live music mecca, Austin’s allure extends beyond tunes. A potent blend of technological advancements, healthcare growth, and vibrant entertainment scenes make it a magnet for settlers and investors alike.

#3 KNOXVILLE, TN

As East Tennessee’s crown jewel, Knoxville, which clinched third place, prides itself on top-tier educational establishments, cultural hubs, and an elevated standard of living, promising multifaceted development prospects for vacant land.

#4 KISSIMMEE, FL

Holding the fourth spot, Kissimmee isn’t merely a tourist’s paradise. The city’s enticing climate and commitment to progress beckon many to establish lasting roots, presenting a ripe landscape for real estate visionaries.

#5 NORTH LAS VEGAS, NV

Tied closely to the growth of the larger Las Vegas area, North Las Vegas promises lucrative land investment avenues,

courtesy of its diverse economy and dedication to quality living.

#6 CHARLOTTE, NC

Christened the “Queen City,” Charlotte’s soaring population and robust economy promise potential investors not just land but a foothold in a dynamically advancing city.

#7 HEMPSTEAD, NY

The lone northern city in the top 10, Hempstead isn’t just about New York City proximity. Its multi-sectoral economy and focus on infrastructure position it as a hotbed for innovative real estate projects. Hempstead is a vibrant and diverse township in Nassau County, known for its rich history and significant role in the early development of Long Island. As one of the three townships in Nassau County, Hempstead boasts a mix of bustling residential communities, commercial developments, and picturesque parks, which encompasses the majority of towns and villages from the eastern border of Queens to the western border of Suffolk counties and everything from the ocean’s edge to a spillover on Hempstead Turnpike. The town’s combined population was 793,409 at the 2020 census, which is the majority of Nassau County’s population and makes it, by far, the largest population of any town in the United States. It is home to Hofstra University, a major driver of cultural and educational activities in the region. The township boasts a variety of neighborhoods, each with its own character, from the serene, beachfront settings of Point Lookout to the historic streets of Old Hempstead. With its convenient access to New York City and comprehensive public services, Hempstead offers a blend of suburban comfort and urban accessibility.

#8 PHOENIX, AZ

Overcoming its water challenges, Phoenix, an emergent economic powerhouse, beckons investors with its vast developmental potential across residential and commercial segments.

#9 SAN ANTONIO, TX

Marked ninth, San Antonio, a fast-growing urban behemoth, promises

#107 UTICA

#10 EDINBURG, TX

Positioned in the Rio Grande Valley, Edinburg entices with its diversified economy and continuous efforts in enhancing infrastructure and community offerings.

“Our research sheds light on the dynamic nature of the real estate market” Harrison Gough of Moving Feedback said, reflecting on the findings. “It’s noteworthy to see how different cities are shaping up as potential hubs. These patterns could be instrumental in understanding broader economic and societal shifts across the nation.”

NEW YORK HAD FOUR OTHER ENTRIES IN THE ‘EMPTY PLOT INDEX’:

#87 BUFFALO

Buffalo, situated in western New York along the Great Lakes, has been in the midst of a transformation with substantial investments in infrastructure, public spaces, and community development. The city’s economy is well-diversified, with strengths in healthcare, education, manufacturing, and logistics, providing a stable economic foundation and a range of job opportunities. Buffalo boasts a mix of historic architecture, cultural attractions, and natural beauty. It has been focusing on revitalizing neighborhoods, enhancing its waterfront, and fostering a lively arts and dining scene. Investing in land in Buffalo opens doors to various development prospects, including residential projects in revitalized neighborhoods, commercial spaces to support local businesses and startups, and recreational facilities to leverage the city’s scenic location along Lake Erie.

Investing in a 1-acre vacant lot in Utica offers a promising opportunity due to the city’s affordability, potential for revitalization, and strategic location in Central New York. Utica, situated in the Mohawk Valley, has been actively working on revitalizing its economy and urban areas. Its diverse economy, with strengths in healthcare, education, manufacturing, and technology, provides a stable foundation and employment opportunities. The city’s investments in infrastructure, public services, and community development enhance its overall appeal to residents and businesses.

#114 MOUNT VERNON

Located just north of the Bronx in Westchester County, Mount Vernon provides suburban living with easy city access. Its economy spans healthcare, education, and retail, offering stability and job opportunities. Mount Vernon’s unique blend of culture, historic architecture, and green spaces is complemented by ongoing revitalization efforts and infrastructure improvements. The land is versatile and suitable for residential, commercial, or revitalization projects.

#123 SCHENECTADY

Situated in upstate New York, Schenectady’s recent resurgence, driven by investments in technology, healthcare, and higher education, has diversified its economy. Key sectors include manufacturing, healthcare, and renewable energy, offering stability and employment prospects. Schenectady boasts cultural amenities, historic sites, and proximity to institutions like Union College.

—Moving Feedback (www.movingfeedback.com) with additional reporting by Christy Hinko

What’s The Talk About Town?

Top three things that are trending in real estate market

e real estate market has been dynamic, in uenced by various global and local factors since the COVID pandemic. While speci c trends can vary by location, three broad topics were widely discussed in the real estate sector:

1Market Shifts Toward Buyers

After a prolonged period where sellers had the upper hand due to low inventory and high demand, there were signs of the market shifting. Interest rates had risen, cooling down some of the frenzied buying and slowing home price increases. This shift was beginning to give buyers more negotiating power, more options to choose from, and a bit more time to make decisions. Discussions were centered on how buyers and sellers need to adjust their strategies in this evolving market landscape.

2 The Impact of Remote Work on Housing Preferences

The pandemic accelerated the trend of remote work, leading to a sustained impact on housing preferences. People were no longer bound to live near their workplaces, prompting a migration to suburbs, smaller cities, or even rural areas in search of more space and better affordability. This shift was significantly affecting urban real estate markets, rental markets, and the types of

amenities that homebuyers and renters were prioritizing. The long-term effects of this trend on commercial real estate, particularly office spaces, were also a hot topic of discussion.

3Sustainability and Green Homes

Sustainability became a growing concern among homebuyers, investors, and developers. The demand for energy-efficient, eco-friendly homes was rising, driven by a mix of environmental awareness, increasing energy costs, and in some cases, government incentives. Discussions in the real estate community focused on the integration of green technologies, sustainable building materials, and designs that minimize environmental impact. This trend was not only about new construction but also about retrofitting existing homes to make them more energy-efficient.

These topics reflect the evolving nature of the real estate market, influenced by economic factors, technological advancements, and shifting societal norms. As the market continues to adapt to these changes, the conversations around these topics are likely to evolve as well.

Is A Fixer Upper Right For You?

Deciding whether to buy a new home or a fixer-upper is a significant decision that prospective homeowners face. Each option presents a unique set of challenges and opportunities, and the right choice depends on a variety of factors including budget, timeline, personal skills, and long-term goals. Here’s a comprehensive look at how to navigate this decision, weighing the pros and cons of each option.

Your Financial Situation

Budget: New homes typically command a higher price but come with fewer immediate repair and maintenance issues. Fixer-uppers are often less expensive upfront but require a budget for renovations. Assess your financial situation meticulously, considering not only the purchase price but also the potential costs of renovations, which often exceed initial estimates.

change, and renovation costs can escalate.

Energy Efficiency and Maintenance: New homes are often more energy-efficient and come with newer appliances and systems, reducing maintenance costs and utility bills. Fixer-uppers, depending on their age and condition, might require substantial updates to heating, cooling, plumbing, and electrical systems to become energy-efficient.

Financing: Mortgage options vary between new homes and fixer-uppers. Some loans, like the FHA 203(k) and Fannie Mae HomeStyle, are specifically designed for homebuyers looking to finance both the purchase of a property and the renovations it needs. Understanding these options can help you make a more informed decision

Lifestyle and Preferences

Timeline: If you need to move in immediately, a new home is likely your best bet. Fixer-uppers require time for renovations, which can be unpredictable and extend beyond initial timelines.

Tolerance for Disruption: Living in a home while renovating can be stressful and disruptive. Consider your tolerance for this disruption against the appeal of moving into a ready-to-live-in new home.

Evaluating the Market

Availability: In some real estate markets, the choice between a new home and a fixer-upper may be made for you based on what’s available in your desired area and within your budget.

Resale Value: Consider the future resale value of the property. A well-chosen fixer-upper in a desirable neighborhood can appreciate significantly. Conversely, new homes in growing communities can also be a good investment, though they might not offer the same level of uniqueness as a renovated older home.

Making the RIGHT Decision

Personal Skills: Do you have the skills to take on some of the renovations, or are you willing to learn? If you relish the idea of DIY projects, a fixer-upper can be a rewarding project. If not, the convenience of a new home may be more appealing.

Long-Term Goals

Customization: Fixer-uppers allow for customization. You can create a space that truly reflects your personal taste and needs. New homes might offer some level of customization, but options are often limited to what the builder offers.

Investment Potential: Fixer-uppers can offer great investment potential. Homes that are bought at a lower price and then renovated can sometimes be sold for a significant profit, depending on the market and the extent of the renovations. This is not without risk, as market conditions can

Home Inspection: Before making a decision, invest in a thorough home inspection for any property you’re seriously considering. For fixer-uppers, this can help you understand the scope of work needed and whether the home is a good investment. For new homes, it ensures that everything is up to code and constructed properly.

Consult with Professionals: Speak with real estate agents, contractors, and financial advisors who can provide insights into the local market, renovation costs, and financing options. Their expertise can help guide your decision.

Reflect on Your Commitment: Finally, reflect on your commitment to the project. A fixer-upper can be a years-long commitment that requires not just financial investment but time and emotional energy. Ensure you’re ready for the journey ahead.

Choosing between a new home and a fixer-upper involves a careful assessment of your financial situation, lifestyle, personal preferences, and long-term goals. While new homes offer convenience and modern features, fixer-uppers provide an opportunity for customization and potentially greater investment returns. By thoroughly evaluating each option against your unique circumstances and with the help of professionals, you can make a decision that best suits your needs, aspirations, and capabilities, setting the stage for a happy and fulfilling home life.

Getting your home prepped and

interest requires a strategy. With an eye for staging, high-quality photography that stands out, and the ability to determine the right pricing, I ensure buyers see your home’s greatest potential. Contact me today to see your home in my portfolio.

“Beth was an outstanding agent and we would recommend her wholeheartedly. She made a stressful process feel like a breeze. Her attentiveness to detail, thoughtfulness, and tireless work ethic helped us achieve the best result possible for our home sale. Not only was she an excellent agent but by the end of the sale, she truly felt like a friend. Anyone who works with Beth is truly lucky. She is the best of the best!” -

c.516.647.1729

For Such An Amazing Start to 2024

As

Down Payment Assistance Programs Can Pave The Way To Homeownership

Saving for a down payment can be challenging. If you’re looking to buy a home, your down payment doesn’t have to be a big hurdle. According to the National Association of REALTORS (NAR), 38 percent of first-time homebuyers find saving for a down payment the most challenging step. But the reality is, you probably don’t need as much as you think.

Median down payments may be lower than you think. Data from NAR shows the median down payment hasn’t been more than 20 percent since 2005. In fact, the median down payment for all homebuyers today is only 15 percent. And it’s even lower for first-time homebuyers—eight percent. Because that’s the median, it implies that you don’t have to put that much down. Some qualified buyers put down even less.

For example, there are certain loan types, like FHA loans, with down payments as low as 3.5 percent, as well as options like VA loans and USDA loans with no down payment requirements for qualified applicants. There are also many down payment assistance programs that may be able to help you with your down payment.

First-Time and repeat buyers are often eligible for down payment assistance.

According to Down Payment Resource, there are thousands of programs available for homebuyers—and 75 percent of these are down payment assistance programs. First-time buyers are not the only ones eligible for down payment assistance either. No matter where you are in your homebuying journey, there could be an option available for you.

Your local real estate professional is the best person to begin searching for more information about down payment assistance programs that you may be eligible for. They’ll be able to share more information about available programs, including additional programs for specific professions or communities.

OneKeyMLS.com makes finding down payment assistance easy.

When searching listings on

OneKeyMLS.com, as of Dec. 2023, 74 percent of all OneKey MLS listings are eligible for at least one type of down payment assistance program.

Additional Resources

Here are a few down payment assist ance programs that are helping many of today’s buyers achieve their dream of homeownership:

• Teacher Next Door is designed to help teachers, first responders, health providers, government employees, active-duty military personnel and veterans reach their down payment goals.

• Fannie Mae provides down payment assistance to eligible first-time homebuyers living in majority-Latino communities.

• Freddie Mac also has options designed specifically for homebuyers with modest credit scores and limited funds for a down payment.

• The 3By30 program lays out actionable strategies to add three million new Black homeowners by 2030. These programs offer valuable resources for potential buyers, making it easier for them to secure down payments and realize their dream of homeownership.

• For Native Americans, Down Payment Resource highlights 42 U.S. homebuyer assistance programs across 14 states that ease the path to homeownership by providing support with down payments and other associated costs.

Achieving the dream of homeownership may be more within reach than you think, especially when you know where to find the right support. Direct your questions to a local real estate expert who can guide you through the search process as you learn what you may be eligible for.

—Courtesy of OneKeyMLS, adapted from Keeping Current Matters

Heigh-Ho, Heigh-Ho, It’s Home From Work We Go Buying a home and your commute

When house hunting, it’s easy to get caught up in the aesthetics of a potential new home—the layout, the yard, the neighborhood. However, one critical factor that can signi cantly impact your daily life is often overlooked until after the keys are handed over: the commute.

e daily journey to and from work can a ect your quality of life, your nancial situation, and even your physical and mental health. Here are several considerations to weigh regarding your commute when purchasing a home.

The Length of the Commute

Research has consistently shown that longer commutes are associated with higher levels of stress, lower satisfaction with life, and even poorer health. Before making an offer on a house, simulate the commute during rush hour, not just on a relaxed weekend day. Understand what you’re committing to on a daily basis. Is the extra bedroom worth an additional 30 minutes on the road? Only you can decide, but be aware of the trade-off.

Mode of Transportation

Consider how you’ll be getting to work. If you’re driving, assess the traffic patterns and parking availability. For public transit users, identify the nearest stations or bus stops, the frequency of service, and the total travel time including transfers. If you’re considering cycling or walking, check the safety and availability of bike lanes or sidewalks. Each mode of transportation has its own set of costs, benefits, and considerations.

Commuting Costs

The expenses associated with commuting can add up quickly. For car owners, factor in fuel, parking, tolls, and increased maintenance costs. Public transit users should account for fares and possibly the cost of getting to and from the station. If you’re moving further out to get more home for your money, ensure that the commuting costs don’t eat into those savings. Remember, these expenses will recur monthly, affecting your overall budget.

Work Flexibility

With the rise of remote work, consider how often you’ll actually need to commute. If you have the flexibility to work from home part or most of the time, a longer commute might be more tolerable. However, it’s also important to consider the possibility of future changes in work policy or even job changes

that might require a return to the office full-time.

Time Investment

Time is a finite resource, and hours spent commuting are hours not spent elsewhere—be it with family, hobbies, exercising, or relaxing. Consider the impact of the commute on your work-life balance. Are you okay with leaving earlier in the morning and getting home later in the evening? The answer might change depending on your life stage and priorities.

Stress and Well-being

The stress of a long or difficult commute can take a toll on your well-being. Traffic congestion, unreliable public transportation, or unsafe cycling conditions can start or end your workday on a sour note. Consider the stress level associated with the commute and its potential impact on your mental health.

Environmental Impact

For those concerned with their environmental footprint, the mode and length of your commute matter. Living further out often means relying more on personal vehicles, which typically contribute to greater carbon emissions. On the other hand, using public transportation, carpooling, biking, or walking can lessen your environmental impact.

Future Commute Changes

Consider potential changes to your commute in the future. Are there planned infrastructure projects that might improve or worsen commuting conditions? Could your workplace relocate? While you can’t predict every possibility, being aware of planned developments in the area can help you make a more informed decision.

Impact on Property Value

Finally, the ease of commute from a particular location can influence property values. Areas with shorter commutes or better access to public transportation often have higher property values and may retain their value better over time. This can be an important consideration for your investment in the long run.

When buying a home, the commute is a crucial factor that warrants careful consideration. It’s not just about the distance but the quality of life, the cost, the time, and the impact on your well-being. A home that fits your needs is important, but so is ensuring that the journey to and from that home doesn’t detract from your overall happiness and satisfaction. By thoroughly evaluating the commute before making a purchase, you can make a more informed decision that aligns with your lifestyle and long-term satisfaction.

BONNIE’S WATERFRONT LISTINGS

Sands Point, NY – “Serenity by the Sound”

Stunning, sophisticated, richly detailed, this magni cent contemporary residence sits on over 2 acres, with 300 ft. of sandy beach on Long Island Sound. The home itself is a mid-century marvel with oor-to-ceiling glass walls that provide dazzling water views no matter where you are in the house. The spacious patio o ers an impeccable entertainment space, and a private outdoor shower marries function with luxury for this waterfront oasis. A charming pergola replete with outdoor seating is ideal for enjoying the gorgeous panorama. The mid-century modern lines, elegant curves, and expansive windows make this home a true architectural treasure and the epitome of an idyllic retreat. A Masterpiece Collection Listing.

MLS# 3397349 | $8,800,000

Sands Point, NY – “The Lindens”

Exceptional opportunity to rent this spectacular unfurnished waterfront estate. Experience timeless elegance at The Lindens, a gracious estate nestled on 5.86 acres of meticulously landscaped Long Island Sound waterfront. With 187 feet of sandy beachfront and breathtaking water vistas, this distinguished residence is beautifully and practically designed. O ering a light lled kitchen with custom cabinetry, and top of the line appliances. Enjoy leisurely days by the sparkling swimming pool or on the all-weather tennis court, seamlessly integrated into the enchanting gardens.

MLS# 3531590 | $38,000/month

TAKING THE HELM

THROUGH THE REAL ESTATE MARKET

My treasure throughout the past 50 years is BECAUSE OF YOU. I am grateful for the special relationships we’ve shared along the way.

Port Washington O ce 516.883.2900, c.516.729.5663 bonniedoran@danielgale.com

From Farmhouse To Cottage

Here are the most Instagrammable kitchen styles

Modern kitchens have been named the most Instagrammable kitchen style, according to a new study.

The experts at CabinetSelect analyzed the biggest kitchen styles on Instagram to reveal which design proved most popular on the platform. Variations of hashtags related to each style were identified and posts totaled to reveal the most Instagrammable kitchen style.

The number one kitchen trend on Instagram is modern, accumulating 1,340,692 posts on the platform. Renowned for sleek flat surfaces, angular designs, and clean lines, modern kitchens are the calm centerpiece of many homes due to their open space and simple color palettes.

Farmhouse ranked as the second most popular kitchen trend on Instagram with 1,109,765 posts. This classic look has blown up on social media over the last few years, with homeowners choosing to bring the natural, cozy look of a farmhouse into the kitchen with quality hardwood counter tops, wooden tables, paneling, beams and various extra accessories.

Country is the third most Instagrammable kitchen style. Users on the platform have shared 471,611 posts related to the style, more than almost every other trend. Much like farmhouse, country-style kitchens embrace natural materials and bright neutral colors. Whether you want a modern country kitchen with white cabinets or a classically designed kitchen featuring wooden fixtures, this trend can be styled to your preference.

More and more people are opting for a rustic kitchen, with the trend placing fourth among the most popular kitchen styles on Instagram. Posts related to rustic kitchens totaled 178,603, with users on the platform showcasing inspiration for beautifully designed, vintage spaces. Rustic embraces classic design choices like open shelving, and authentic, aged wooden counter tops alongside earthy tones and colors to make your kitchen feel warm and welcoming.

Shaker-style kitchens are the fifth most popular kitchen style on Instagram with 178,017 posts. The trend gets its name from the type of kitchen cabinet which is found in spaces styled with this simple design. Shaker cabinets are designed to make your kitchen a more functional space without comprising on your decor. Featuring symmetrical cabinets with a flat center panel and square edges, shaker style kitchens are minimal in design with very little decoration.

Cottage is the sixth most Instagrammable kitchen style, accumulating 163,180 posts on the platform. Creating a cozy, warm cottage-style kitchen is a popular choice among decor enthusiasts.

The style has become synonymous with floral patterns, rustic finishes, warm wood, wicker baskets, kitchen islands, and more. Decorators use natural colors and decorative accessories to bring the cozy cottage feel to your kitchen.

With approximately 131,338 posts on Instagram, contemporary is the seventh most popular kitchen style on the platform. Contemporary kitchens adopt the sleek flat surfaces associated with the modern style. But rather than using these types of fixtures to create a simple, clean environment, contemporary kitchens often feature more homely elements along with contrasting counter and cabinet colors to make the space that little bit more distinctive.

Industrial is the eighth most popular kitchen style, according to Instagram. Users have shared 92,599 posts with hashtags related to industrial kitchens. Focusing on form and functionality, industrial style kitchens normally feature minimal decor and open floors to capture the practical appeal of commercial spaces. When styling an industrial kitchen, people tend to avoid traditional decorative elements for a clean, efficient kitchen area.

Despite new and exciting trends catching the eye of homeowners, traditional still remains one of the most popular kitchen styles. Ranking ninth on the study with 84,934 posts on Instagram, traditional kitchens incorporate many of the classic designs to create timeless spaces. From beautifully painted cabinets to granite counter tops, hardwood floors, muted color palettes, and more, traditional kitchens ooze warmth and elegance.

French is the final trend to feature among the 10 most popular kitchen styles on Instagram with 74,322 total posts. French-style kitchens are heralded for combining rustic and chic decor, using neutral colors and natural materials to bring a timeless kitchen space to life. These spaces typically have the aura of a farmhouse kitchen with an extra level of sophistication inspired by the styles and designs of Paris.

Chris Alexakis, Co-Founder of CabinetSelect, commented on the study: “While modern-style kitchens were named the most popular on Instagram, six of the 10 most popular styles embrace natural decor.

“Despite kitchens mainly serving as a functional cooking space, an increasing number of homeowners are opting for more homely, classic designs that combine coziness with functionality. It will be interesting to see if modern, minimal designs surge in popularity over the coming years or whether warm, cozy kitchens remain ever popular among social media users.”

—CabinetSelect (cabinetselect.com) with sources from Instagram

Property Investing

New research reveals the states most interested expanding their investment portfolios

Is it any surprise that New York tops the list for state where the most people are interested in real estate investing?

The research, conducted by Premier DSCR Lender Visio Lending, analyzed Google search data to determine which states are most interested in investing in property. The study combined 11 common search terms related to property and real estate to reveal the average monthly search volume in each state. The states were then ranked from ‘most interested’ to ‘least interested’ based on searches per 100,000 of their population.

With an average of 123 searches per 100,000 people each month, New York is the state most interested in investing in property. The Empire State averaged over 24,000 (24,313) monthly searches over the past year, with 7,475 of those being for the term ‘real estate investment trusts’.

“The study found that the

national monthly search volume for terms related to property and real estate averaged more than 268,000 over the past year, which suggests that thousands of people are interested in investing in property,” said Jeff Ball, CEO of Visio Lending. “The results allow us to visualize where large proportions of those searches are coming from, which is both fascinating as well as important for anyone connected to the industry.”

the state averaged just over 7,500 average monthly searches over the past year, there were 108 searches per 100,000 population.

Like New York, ‘real estate investment trusts’ was the phrase most searched for (2,442).

New Jersey ranked in third.

investment’.

California ranked in fourth for states most interested in investing in property. The Golden State had the highest average monthly search volume of any of the states in the top 10 but fell just short of 100 (99) searches per 100,000 people.

Massachusetts ranked in second for the states most interested in investing in property. Although

The Garden State was the only other state to average 100 or more searches per 100,000 people. 1,250 of the 9,258 average monthly searches in New Jersey were for the term ‘real estate

With 98 average monthly searches per 100,000 people, Maryland ranked in fifth. More than 1,800 (1,803) of the 6,035 average monthly searches in the entire state were for the term ‘real estate investment trusts.’

One less search per 100,000 people (97) meant that Georgia ranked in sixth for the states most interested in investing in property. 1,525 of the 10,580 average monthly searches in the state were for the

phrase ‘real estate investment’. Meanwhile, Hawaii ranked in seventh with an average of 94 searches per 100,000 people.

Similarly to Hawaii, Virginia and Colorado also averaged 94 searches per 100,000 people. Like most of the top 10, the most searched-for for term in both states was ‘real estate investment trusts.’

With an average of 90 searches per 100,000 people, Washington rounded off the 10 states most interested in investing in property.

On the opposite end of the scale, West Virginia is the state least interested in investing in property with an average of 31 searches per 100,000 people. It is also the only state to average fewer than 40 searches per 100,000 people.

Mississippi (42), South Dakota (44), Kentucky (44) and Iowa (45) all averaged 45 or less searches per 100,000 people.

—Visio Lending, sourced from Google Keyword Planner

Home Maintenance Checklist

Following an annual maintenance routine helps homeowners avoid costly repairs, property damage, and keeps home a happy, healthy, and safe place for family and visitors alike.

In New York, some March days are perfect for outdoor adventures, while other March days practically demand cozy indoor activities. Take advantage of the unpredictable weather we can always rely on to tackle home maintenance tasks both indoors and out to ensure your home stays in top shape as we spring forward this month.

Make the most of the variations in weather patterns to complete the transition from winter to spring. You may have completed some of these tasks in February—so feel free to check them off your list now.

Inside Tasks

❏ Inspect and Service HVAC Systems: Regular maintenance of heating, ventilation, and air conditioning units and systems ensures they’re operating efficiently and helps prevent costly breakdowns or interruptions in service. This is also the time to clean or change out air and water filters.

❏ Check and Replace Batteries: Change smoke detector and carbon monoxide detector batteries to ensure they’re functioning properly to alert you to potential dangers. This is crucial for home safety. A good rule of thumb is to check the batteries when you change your clocks 2x yearly.

❏ Windows: Inspect windows and window screens. Patch any holes and reattach loose mesh. Check that the frames are undamaged and securely attached and that the hardware is tightened appropriately.

❏ Seal windows and doors: Check for drafts around windows and doors. Seal any gaps or cracks to improve the efficiency of cooling and heating systems.

❏ FCI Outlets: Test and reset the GFCI outlets to ensure they’re operating properly. GFCI outlets are typically installed in close proximity to water sources to protect against electric shock hazards. They’re designed to shut off power to the outlet if they detect that electricity is flowing along an unintended path and

potentially creating a dangerous environment. These outlets contain a reset button which must be manually engaged once the safety mechanism is engaged.

❏ Ceiling Fans: Inspect and clean ceiling fans from dust build-up over the wintertime. Clean and replace the bulbs as needed. Switch the direction of the blades to improve air quality and circulate warm air up and away from living spaces.

Outside Tasks

❏ Gutters: Inspect and repair any damage that’s occurred to the rain gutters over the winter. Clean out any debris that has fallen or clogged up the water channel to ensure that water is draining properly away from the foundation of the home.

❏ Trees and Shrubs: Trim back any tree branches or shrub overgrowth that could cause roof, siding or foundation damage before the spring thaw. It’s healthy for most, not all, trees and shrubs to be pruned back now prior to the warmer weather when they begin to store nutrients in their branches and leaves again. Do your homework to ensure you’re pruning safely. Note any tree roots that have begun to disrupt walkways and any plants that have been uprooted in the inclement weather.

❏ Lawn Care: Remove debris,

aerate and overseed the lawn now to prepare for healthy spring growth. For professional lawn care, this is the time to schedule your first seasonal appointment to plan out your yardscape for the coming months.

❏ Lighting: Check outdoor lighting fixtures for damage, including the bulbs, wirings, and casings. Replace burnt-out bulbs and add fixtures where necessary. Solar-powered outdoor lighting has evolved greatly in the last few years, which allows lighting to be added to fences, landscape, and other parts of property, where battery-operated lights may have been unreliable and where exterior electric lines weren’t feasible.

❏ Wooden Structures: Inspect all wooden surfaces for signs of rot and weathering. Replace the boards as needed. Apply a fresh coat of sealant or paint to protect against further damage.

Final Thoughts

Sump pump maintenance often gets overlooked, but it is a critical task which homeowners must be vigilant about completing. Sump pumps remove excess water that accumulates due to inclement weather or through regular sewage removal. If a sump pump fails or malfunctions, the basement may flood, the home’s foundation may lose structural integrity due to moisture damage, and the air quality of the home can suffer due to mold growth and bacterial infiltration. Ensure the sump pump turns on— pour water down the drain and listen for the activation and the removal of water. It’s usually very apparent when a sump pump is working properly. Clean the sump pit and remove any debris that could interfere with the pump’s operation. Inspect the pump and replace any parts that may have worn down over time.

Call a professional to conduct a thorough inspection and complete maintenance annually. Like many other home maintenance tasks, you will save money by investing in maintenance regularly instead of waiting for disaster to strike.

—Courtesy of OneKeyMLS (onekeymls.com)

Fair Housing Campaign Focuses On Disabilities

Long Island Board of REALTORS (LIBOR) launched the next phase of its Home For All Of Us fair housing initiative, with a new focus on ensuring fair housing access for people with disabilities. LIBOR released a suite of resources to help its members and others in the real estate sector understand and follow relevant laws and regulations so they can best serve people with disabilities.

According to the 2023 National Fair Housing Trends Report, disability discrimination was the most reported form of housing discrimination in the country, by a wide margin. This is a trend LIBOR and its REALTOR members are working hard to reverse.

“REALTORS, property owners, real estate brokers and property managers are central to delivering fair access to housing for people with disabilities,” said Doreen

Chris Heller, a real estate expert, has identified the interior decor choices likely to put off prospective homebuyers—with pastel colors named the biggest offender. The findings, compiled by real estate experts Agent Advice, follow an analysis of decor-related Google searches made nationwide and across each state last year to identify the most and least popular home features and design elements.

“When listing your home for sale, those that are decorated well are more visually appealing and therefore more likely to stick in buyers’ minds,” Heller, co-founder of Agent Advice said. “Many buyers will even be willing to pay more for an aesthetically pleasing property as it requires less immediate renovation or redecoration.”

Anyone looking to list their property for sale may want to consider making simple changes to better suit buyers’ preferences over the next few months, as spring (March through May) is generally considered the best time to sell your home.

“This gives you an advantage in the competitive real estate market, particularly during peak periods like March, April, and May,” Heller said. “Staging your rooms in a way that feels inviting and comfortable makes it easier for buyers to imagine themselves living in the property, whether viewing it in person or online. Hence, the

Spagnuolo, LIBOR Interim CEO. “We take this responsibility seriously and are committed to playing our part to ensure Long Island REALTORS understand how best to serve all members of our community.”

The new LIBOR resources, which are available to homebuyers and renters, as well as the general public, cover critical topics such as reasonable modifications and accommodations; service and support animals; and real estate office and websites accessibility. These resources build on the first set released earlier this year, which focused on source of income.

“By ensuring that everyone can choose where they live, those of us who call Long Island home have an opportunity to build stronger communities, support more stable neighborhoods and create a more attractive environment for businesses to relocate and grow here,” continued Spagnuolo. “This is our message to our fair housing partners, public officials and anyone with a stake in making Long Island home for all of us.”

Following as the third most offputting choice is antique farmhouse decor, which includes things like wall paneling, hardwood flooring, and rustic brass hardware.

Similarly, the fourth least popular decor decision is upcycled furniture, with many fans of a farmhouse aesthetic thrifting and repurposing vintage pieces for their home.

decor is really key.”

No Deal Interior design choices that are keeping you from selling your home

And it turns out that sellers who incorporated pastel colors into their decor after they rose in popularity early last year may want to redecorate, as they’re the least appealing color palette to prospective buyers right now.

Pastel colors—especially pink, baby blue, and lilac—dominated social media over the last year due to things like the

Barbie film release and an appreciation for retro hues, but their popularity has clearly waned as we head into the peak 2024 season.

The second design choice that’s likely to turn buyers off your home came out as scalloped furniture, which also saw a rise in demand last year, especially among homeowners who favor a vintage, doll-like or ‘mermaid-core’ aesthetic.

Revamping old furniture proved especially popular on social media in the last year, as creators share their passion projects, but it seems many buyers may struggle to see the appeal—especially if they prefer a modern or sleek aesthetic.

Rounding out the five design choices that sellers should rectify is incorporating industrial elements, the middle point between modern and farmhouse aesthetics.

However, the use of exposed metal, minimalist features, and bare bricks inspired by industrial spaces like factories may prove offputting to some who see it as ‘cold.’

Also among the least desirable decor choices are Scandinavian elements—characterized by a minimalist approach and blend of textures—followed by botanical wallpaper, vintage decor, gold cabinet hardware, and geometric wallpaper.

—Submitted by Agent Advice (agentadvice.com); data gathered from Google Keyword Planner.

Step into this impressive and stately brick 6 bedroom colonial in the sought-after Village of Flower Hill, and you will immediately appreciate the finest craftsmanship and custom finishes throughout its over 7,100 square feet of luxury living. With grand, formal rooms perfect for entertaining and casual spaces to cozy up by the fire, play a game of pool, host a movie night, work, exercise, and relax, this fine residence offers a retreat for the entire family. Special highlights include a modern eat-in kitchen with a large center island, adjoining family room with fireplace, a custom billiard room and finished lower level with recreation room, home cinema and guest suite. The second floor features a serene primary suite, 2 additional large bedrooms each with a new en-suite bathroom, and an additional 2 bedrooms that share a spacious bathroom. Set on an acre of landscaped property with complete privacy at the end of a cul-de-sac, yet minutes from train, town and schools. Munsey Park Elementary School. For a private showing, contact Ann Hance at 516.660.1680

A Comprehensive Guide To Obtaining Your Real Estate License: From Aspiration To Achievement

Venturing into the world of real estate can be an exciting and lucrative career path, but the rst critical milestone on this journey is obtaining your real estate license. Navigating the licensing process requires a blend of education, preparation, and adherence to state-speci c requirements. In this comprehensive guide, we will walk you through the essential steps to help you successfully obtain your real estate license and embark on a ful lling career in real estate.

Research State Requirements

Begin by researching the specific requirements outlined by the real estate licensing authority in the state where you plan to practice. State regulations regarding age eligibility, pre-licensing education, and examination criteria can vary significantly.

Visit the official website of the state’s real estate commission or licensing board to access accurate and up-to-date information. Additionally, you can contact these entities directly for clarification on any queries.

Pre-Licensing Education

Most states mandate completion of pre-licensing education as a prerequisite for obtaining a real estate license. These courses cover fundamental aspects of real estate, including legal principles, property valuation, and transaction procedures.

Choose a reputable and state-approved educational provider. Options include

in-person classes, online courses, or a hybrid approach. Ensure that the curriculum aligns with your state’s requirements and provides comprehensive coverage of key topics.

Prepare for the Licensing Exam

The real estate licensing exam is a pivotal step in the process, assessing your knowledge of both national and state-specific real estate concepts.

Utilize study materials, practice exams, and review courses to thoroughly prepare for the exam. Many states provide detailed exam content outlines and study guides to help you focus your preparation on essential areas.

Take and Pass the Licensing Exam

Schedule the licensing exam with a state-approved testing service. The exam typically consists of two parts: a national section covering general real estate principles and a state-specific section focusing

on local regulations.

On the exam day, arrive well-prepared and confident. Upon successful completion, your state’s real estate commission will provide you with your exam results. Aim for a passing score to proceed to the next phase of obtaining your license.

Submit Your License Application

Once you have successfully passed the licensing exam, it’s time to submit your license application to the state’s real estate commission.

Prepare the necessary documentation, including proof of completed education, exam results, and any additional requirements specified by your state. Some states may necessitate background checks and fingerprinting as part of the application process.

Associate with a Real Estate Broker

In most states, newly licensed real estate professionals are required to work under the supervision of a licensed real estate broker. Choosing the right broker is a crucial decision that can profoundly impact your early career experiences.

Research potential brokers, considering factors such as reputation, training programs, commission structures, and the level of support offered to new agents. Aligning yourself with an experienced and supportive broker can accelerate your learning curve and pave the way for success.

Join a Multiple Listing Service (MLS)

Enhance your effectiveness as a real

estate professional by joining a local Multiple Listing Service (MLS). The MLS is a powerful tool providing comprehensive information on available properties, recent sales, and market trends.

Access to an MLS equips you with valuable insights, enabling you to stay informed about property availability, pricing strategies, and market dynamics. This knowledge is instrumental in offering superior service to your clients.

Fulfill Post-Licensing Requirements

Some states impose post-licensing education requirements that must be completed within a specified timeframe after obtaining your license. These courses aim to deepen your understanding of real estate practices and ensure ongoing professional development.

Obtaining your real estate license is a transformative journey that requires dedication, education, and meticulous adherence to state regulations. By meticulously following the steps outlined in this comprehensive guide, you can navigate the licensing process with confidence. Once licensed, you’ll be equipped to embark on a fulfilling career, helping clients navigate the complexities of real estate transactions and contributing to the vibrant and ever-evolving real estate industry. Remember, success in real estate often hinges on continuous learning, client-focused service, and a passion for the intricacies of the property market.

Real Estate Is My Passion. I Love To Introduce Buyers To Many Of The Beautiful Communities That Make Up Long Island. For The Past 20 Years My Mission Has Been To Imagine, Create, & Celebrate Your Home. I Would Be Honored To Help You With All Your Real Estate Needs.

PSEG Long Island Prepares For Ospreys’ Return

Company removes garbage, debris from nests in anticipation of the raptors’ breeding season

As World Wildlife Day was celebrated on March 3, PSEG Long Island was busy preparing for osprey breeding season by inspecting known nesting areas and cleaning out debris and garbage in the nests located near company-installed webcams in Oyster Bay and Patchogue.

This year, crews retrieved manmade garbage including plastic bags, fishing line and prescription pill bottles, from the osprey nests, helping to ensure the birds and their chicks do not get tangled as nesting season begins.

“PSEG Long Island is proud to play a small role in the multi-decade, collaborative effort to bring back Long Island’s osprey population,” said Dave Lyons, interim president and COO of PSEG Long Island. “Because good environmental stewardship is part of being strongly involved in the community, and also because protecting these birds from high-voltage equipment improves reliability for customers.”

Osprey build their nests on the tallest structure near a body of water. To proactively monitor its utility poles for osprey nests, PSEG Long Island partners closely with Group for the East End, a nonprofit organization that has advocated for the protection and preservation of nature on the East End since 1972. Volunteers with the nonprofit conduct their own surveys of the area and share osprey data with the company, which maintains a team dedicated to mitigating risks and relocating nests safely and in accordance with all regulations protecting the wildlife.

According to a report issued by the Group for the East End last year, osprey breeding activity on the East End increased by 200 percent in eight years, with 199 active nests in

CONTINUED FROM PREVIOUS PAGE

– neglecting the desperate needs of recovery, treatment, and prevention services.

Yet, when the same Blakeman Administration asked for $10 million to promote unnecessary anniversary galas, golf outings and parades, it was rubber-stamped by the Republican Majority in a New York minute.

This never-ending pattern of political self-promotion over meaningful government action is unacceptable. Nassau County deserves real leadership that is fully committed to the well-being of all its residents, not just those who benefit from black tie events and public relations stunts. All nineteen legislative districts must be served equally.

As the leader of the Minority Caucus,

2014 growing to 477 in the summer of 2022. In balancing its commitment to the consistent, safe delivery of power for its customers with its commitment to being a good environmental steward, PSEG Long Island has installed dozens of new osprey nesting platforms to deter the returning birds from nesting on electrical equipment, which puts both the raptors and the electrical system in danger.

PSEG Long Island has installed 24-hour webcams at two of these nesting platforms, in Oyster Bay and Patchogue. Late last month, crews cleared debris and garbage from these platforms to make them safe for the osprey as they return to breed.

For more information about osprey and to view live webcam feed of the nests, visit psegliny.com/wildlife/ ospreycam.

When osprey build a nest on electrical equipment, it puts the nest in danger of catching fire, which can cause significant damage and outages to customers, as well has harm to the osprey. The birds are at high risk of electrocution, as their large wingspan can complete the circuit between closely spaced energized equipment or between an energized wire and a neutral ground wire.

Long Island is home to more than 400 species of birds, including the majestic osprey. Osprey are large beautiful birds and a popular sight on Long Island. From the 1950s through the 1970s, Long Island’s osprey population decreased and became endangered. The effort to build safe nesting sites on or near waterways has contributed to the rise in the population of osprey.

—Submitted by PSEGLI

our message is clear: Let’s work together on the important issues facing our County. It’s time for the Blakeman Administration to embrace a more collaborative approach that is focused on the real needs of our constituents instead of self-serving political endeavors.

We can do better. By respecting each other’s ideas, we can learn from one another and find ways to improve life for everyone. The residents of Nassau County deserve a government that works together. I understand that it can be a long road, but when we do this, residents will have a real reason to celebrate.

May God bless our active military personnel, veterans, first responders, and all our Nassau County residents. Thank you.

Share The Shore With Seals In New England/Mid-Atlantic

Seals are a common sight throughout New England and the Mid-Atlantic.

It is important for beachgoers to share the shore with seals so everyone can enjoy the shore in a natural and safe way.

Seals are protected by the Marine Mammal Protection Act, which means it is illegal to harm or harass them. Following these viewing tips can help you respectfully enjoy sharing the shore with seals without disturbing them.

Give Them Space

Enjoy photographing seals—but from a distance. Seals are sensitive to being disturbed and approaching more closely can cause them to become stressed or leave the area. How do you know if you are too close? If the seals start to vocalize more, start looking at you, moving away, waving flippers or increasing their yawning they are telling you to back away.

Call for Help

If you think a seal needs help, the most important thing you can do is give the animal space and call your local trained, authorized responders to come and assess the situation. If the animal needs help the responders will know what to do. In New England and Mid-Atlantic, you can call NOAA’s hotline, or locate your local responder.

Mom and Pups Need Extra Space

Touching wild animals is never a good idea. On top of being a violation of the Marine Mammal Protection Act, touching, or attempting to touch seals can scare and stress them out. Seals also have large canine teeth and will bite if they feel threatened. They can transmit diseases to pets, so always make sure dogs are leashed if seals are in the area.

Leave Pups Alone

Sometimes moms will leave their pups

alone on the beach while they go off to feed. Mom will likely be back soon, but if she sees you close to her pup, or if her pup is not where she left it, the pup can be abandoned. Sometimes beachgoers think pups need to go back into the water—that is not the case. Making seal pups go into the water can put them at risk of over-exhaustion or expose them to predators. If the pup has been abandoned or is injured, allow trained responders to assess the situation and find the

appropriate ways to help.

The two most common types of seals in the Atlantic are gray seals and harbor seals.

Gray Seals

Males are typically larger than females, reaching 7–8 feet long. Adult gray seals can weigh between 550 and 850 pounds. Gray seals may stand their ground and can be aggressive. Their heads have a distinct horse-like shape. They pup between December–February in Maine and Massachusetts. Pups are nursed for about 16 days. There were an estimated 425,000 gray seals in 2016. They move up and down the Atlantic coast between the United States and Canada, where their abundance is increasing at a rate of 4–5 percent per year.

Harbor Seals

Harbor seals average 4–5 feet long and 220–250 pounds. Their faces have a doglike resemblance. Adults will typically retreat to the water, though juveniles may remain on the beach. Pupping in New England occurs between May-June. Pups are nursed for 4–6 weeks. There are an estimated 75,000 harbor seals from eastern Canada to North Carolina.

—From the NOAA fisheries website via NYS DEC

North Shore Land Alliance To Present Private Land Conservation Workshop

If you love your land and would like to see it protected for future generations, then a conservation easement might be something to consider. To learn more about the benefits of private conservation, please join The North Shore Land Alliance in conjunction with the Nassau County Bar Association for a seminar on Thursday, April 18th. The Seminar will be offered in two parts targeted toward landowners and professionals involved in conservation transactions (like lawyers, realtors, accountants, wealth managers and appraisers).

The Professional session will be held in the Barn at Old Westbury Gardens from 9:30 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. Topics will include the fundamentals and drafting of conservation easements, evaluating advanced tax issues, including the deductibility of charitable contributions

and structuring, negotiating, and closing purchase, sale, bargain-sale, and donation transactions. Continuing Legal Education (CLE) credits will be available through the Nassau County Bar Association.

The Landowner session will be held at the Land Alliance’s Tavern House Headquarters in Mill Neck at 4:00 p.m. Featured information will include the basics of the conservation process, the potential for state and federal tax incentives and the reasons why protecting land is critical to conserving the health of our community, its natural beauty and habitat for plants and animals.

Both sessions are free and open to the public. Registration is required: northshorelandalliance.org/events There will be a charge of $250 for three CLE credits.

Ellen Fred, a nationally recognized expert in the field of conservation and

principal with Conservation Partners LLP, will be the lead presenter for the seminar. Ellen’s experience in the fields of tax, real estate, nonprofit governance, and alternative dispute resolution allows her to counsel her clients in all aspects of their work. The culmination of their work has resulted in hundreds of thousands of acres being conserved. In addition to her legal work, she has been a frequent presenter on myriad conservation law topics since 2004, including for the Land Trust Alliance and the California Council of Land Trusts.

The Alliance holds conservation easements on 26 properties that will be protected in perpetuity. Here’s what Caroline S. DuBois said after her family decided to donate a conservation easement on their property, “While each case is different, I can report that for us,

having the conservation easement on the family land has brought us substantial emotional and economic rewards, and was a strong selling point for our nature loving buyer. But most importantly, we are happy there will never be buildings on our soccer field.”

Landowner and professional outreach are core components of successful conservation. The Land Alliance sees expert presentations as an opportunity to further the knowledge of our community about solutions surrounding conservation-oriented land transactions.

We are sure Ellen’s wealth of legal and transactional knowledge as well as her love for the land will be a valuable educational resource for all who attend. The Land Alliance looks forward to welcoming you to the event.

—Submitted by North Shore Land Alliance

HMTC Announces Photographer Daniel G. Weiss To Release New Series Featuring Holocaust Survivors

Daniel Weiss was deeply moved after hearing the late Irving Roth speak to a group of students from the Reconstructionist Synagogue of the North Shore in 2016. Irving Roth, a Holocaust survivor and renowned Holocaust educator was the first director of education of The Holocaust Memorial and Tolerance Center (HMTC) in Glen Cove. Inspired by Roth’s vitality and energy, Daniel wanted to take his portrait. He reached out to Dinah Kramer, a retired teacher and daughter of Holocaust survivors, who was working with Roth at the time. In the course of their conversation, the germ of the idea to photograph Holocaust survivors was born. After three years, the completed exhibit of 18 local Holocaust survivors was on display at the Port Washington Library in January 2020.

Plans for the exhibit to travel to other locations were stalled by the pandemic. Since May 2022, the exhibit has been displayed at the Reconstructionist Synagogue of the North Shore, the Suffolk Y JCC, the Sid Jacobson JCC, the Merrick Library, and the Bryant Library. It will be on display at HMTC in May 2024 with the official opening on Sunday, May 5 at 2 pm. And, in the Fall of 2024, the photos will

be on display at the Peninsula Library in Lawrence. Student groups have come to see these photos and it has become a wonderful vehicle to teach the history of the Holocaust. “This project has not only given a voice to those who have lived through unimaginable horrors but also serves as a reminder of the importance of standing up against hate and bias in these challenging times,” stated Weiss.

Teachers who have seen the exhibit have requested the photos to use as a way to teach this important history in their classrooms. The photos are printed on 30” by 40” canvases and are not portable. Donna Rosenblum, Workshop Educator at HMTC, together with the help of Dinah Kramer, docent educator and 2G presenter, and Bernie Furshpan, board member and Marketing Director at HMTC, created portable versions. HMTC has been using Weiss’ photos and survivor stories as part of their traveling presentation at schools. Through this presentation, they hope to inspire the next generation to be compassionate, and empathetic, and make a difference in the world. Recently, Bernie Furshpan printed larger-than-life banners displayed on the front exterior at HMTC as part of their “Our Stories. Our Voices.”

campaign.

Daniel has become more passionate and dedicated to keeping these stories alive, considering it a moral obligation. With his new series, he hopes to shed light on the unique experiences of each survivor and inspire others to preserve the stories of those who have been through unimaginable hardships. Unlike his previous work, which celebrated their resilience and positive outlook on life, this series takes a more direct approach with tighter shots and direct eye contact. The message is clear: “Remember me,” or “Don’t forget us.” Through these poignant images, Weiss aims to remind us of the horrors of the past and the importance of never forgetting the survivors and their stories. This series will be a must-see for anyone interested in the history of the Holocaust.

Weiss believes that his photographs can convey a powerful message, one that can help people understand the true horrors of the Holocaust and the strength of the human spirit. His work is a testament to the importance of preserving history and ensuring that the lessons of the past are not forgotten.

—Submitted by The Holocaust Memorial and Tolerance Center

WORD FIND

HOROSCOPES By Holiday Mathis

This is a theme puzzle with the subject stated below. Find the listed words in the grid. (They may run in any direction always in a straight line. Some letters are used more than once.) Ring each word as you find it and when you have pleted the puzzle, there will be 16 letters left over. They spell out the alternative theme of the puzzle.

ARIES (March 21-April 19). e good thing about connecting with people from your past is that they knew you before these trials and victories shaped you. ey will help you to meet yourself as you were and understand what’s essential to you. ey also show you how you’ve developed. You’ll take stock this week, knowing there’s much more to come.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20). ose who assess interactions at face value are at a disadvantage. You’re wiser. You realize that what’s asked of you is more implied than stated. It requires awareness to understand. Also, there will be some guessing involved. You’re ahead in this game because, unlike others, you realize there’s something to gure out.

GEMINI (May 21-June 21). You’ve a certain idiosyncratic charm. ose who get you really get you right away and want to be your good friend. ose who don’t may never -- so you needn’t to put too much energy or time in that direction. is week, you’ll connect with many people and quickly turn them into friends and fans.

CANCER (June 22-July 22). In the past, you were discouraged from a pursuit that didn’t suit others. Now you can and should go for it. Desire is both an engine and the engineer, motivating you to get what you want while simultaneously creating the mechanisms necessary for attainment. By wanting what you want badly enough, you are creating it.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). Ideas come together in your mind this week and get brighter with each connection you make. Talk about the vision to anyone who will listen because this is how you’ll hone it. When your words hit the air, they illuminate new pathways, regardless of the reaction you get. Also, you’ll scout potential team members.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). Keep the love owing. Love takes you further than other motivations, and it requires less energy, too. Get on your own side and stay there. When you look back, be kind. Your former self didn’t have your current standards. Love them anyway and appreciate the courage and e ort it took to transform.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). What if you are now needlessly concerned? It’s happened before! e things you were so worried about didn’t happen, and you really could have spent those hours enjoying yourself and the outcome would have been the same. Bank on the current dynamic as a repeat. Have fun and let everything resolve itself. It most certainly will!

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). Like the innocent and fanciful imaginings of a child, your ideas about what to expect from an experience may be initially quite far- ung. is is normal and wonderful. Unbiased expectations are essentially a creative exercise. Once you learn what to expect, you’ll aim di erently. Don’t forget these purely inspired ideas, though; they’ll be useful later.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). You’ll bene t from a new perspective, preferably the sort of bird’s-eye view you can get from an airplane ride. ere’s no perspective shift quite so enlightening as the one that comes from travel and from experiencing the daily lives of people in di erent places. If you can’t travel physically, do it through research.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). Of all the things that constitute a private life, there is none more private than your thoughts and fantasies. ese belong solely to you, and you are not obligated to share with anyone. If you do decide to bring someone in, you are granting a privilege, not a right. To own your privacy is to own your power.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). is week, there are many appointments worth keeping; disappointment isn’t one of them. You can avoid it entirely by lowering your expectations, dropping them entirely or setting them accurately through awareness and research. How well do you know a person? What patterns have you observed?

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). Your projects and relationships are getting something very special and unique from you this week. e attention you dedicate will be delivered with great care and speci city. ose who do not regard your work with the sensitivity and awareness be tting it may not understand you well enough to bene t your team.

THIS WEEK’S BIRTHDAYS

You’ll set your sights on a lofty aim, and your wings will grow strong enough to lift you into the vision. You’ll embark on a series of trainings. Your instinct will lead you to the people and arrangements that most suit your creative sensibility. More highlights: A physical challenge keeps you in shape and introduces you to fun people, too. You’ll bene t many by selling a useful, informative and time-saving tool. e events you organize will bring about warmth and family connectedness.

INTERNATIONAL WORD FIND

Learner driver

Solution: 16 Letters

WORD FIND

This is a theme puzzle with the subject stated below. Find the listed words in the grid. (They may run in any direction but always in a straight line. Some letters are used more than once.) Ring each word as you find it and when you have completed the puzzle, there will be 16 letters left over. They spell out the alternative theme of the puzzle.

Learner driver

Solution: 16 Letters

© 2024 Australian Word Games Dist. by Creators Syndicate Inc.

Fear Flat

Solution:

Solution: Studying the rules

Creators Syndicate

737 3rd Street Hermosa Beach, CA 90254 310-337-7003 info@creators.com

Not all roads lead to Rome

call and West’s one-spade bid but might disagree with what happened from then on. Many players would bid only two hearts with the North hand, and some would not carry on to four hearts with the South hand.

Be that as it may, let’s say declarer ducks West’s jack-of-diamonds lead and wins the next diamond with the ace. He then successfully finesses the queen of spades, cashes the ace, and ruffs a spade in dummy.

Date: 3/20/24

Next comes a low heart to the eight, taken by West with the ace.

West is now forced to return a club, since a spade would yield a ruff-and-discard. When he leads the five, South plays the nine from dummy and captures East’s king with the ace. Declarer cashes the queen of trump and then leads a club toward dummy’s J-2. West goes up with the queen, and South makes four hearts after parking his diamond loser on dummy’s jack of clubs.

A good workmanlike job by declarer, you might say, ducking the first diamond and then tackling spades at trick three instead of leading a trump first. It was this sequence of plays that eventually forced West to lead a club at trick seven and enabled South to avoid losing a second diamond trick.

But if you analyze the situation more closely, you find that there were two ways West could have defeated the contract. First, if he had cashed the ace of hearts at trick two before leading his second diamond, he could not have been forced to break the clubs later.

Failing that, however, all he had to do was to return the queen of clubs rather than the five at trick seven! There would have been nothing declarer could do to overcome this extraordinary play, and South would have to go down one.

Weekly Sudoku Puzzle

Enter digits from 1 to 9 into the blank spaces. Every row must contain one of each digit. So must every column, as must every 3x3 square.

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Hundreds Of Students In Albany To Demand Passage Of Kyra’s Law

The NYS Association of Deans and Directors of Schools of Social Workers hosted their annual Legislative Education and Advocacy Day (LEAD) on March 12. Social work students advocated on behalf of Assembly and Senate Bills Kyra’s Law; the Family Miranda Rights Bill; and, the Anti-Harassment Reporting Bill.

“Each year, our LEAD event introduces hundreds of Bachelor’s- and Masters’-level social work students from around the state to advocacy through hands-on experiences. Through this event, they learn about their role in educating legislators and staff about how proposed policies impact the people and communities they serve. As future professionals on the frontlines of meeting the needs of often marginalized people, LEAD is a truly empowering event”, says Crystal Rogers, associate dean of the School of Social Work at the University at Albany and the executive secretary for the Deans Association.

Regarding Kyra’s Law, Senator James Skoufis commented, “I am grateful that LEAD has selected S.3170A as a priority bill. Kyra’s Law addresses the systemic weakness within the family court system that fails to protect New York’s most prized possession: our children. This bill would require courts to consider a child’s safety

in custody and visitation proceedings, and give court officials the training and tools they need to effectively prioritize a child’s health and safety in custody decisions. The time is now for this life-saving reform.”

Regarding S.901, Bill Sponsor Senator Jabari Brisport said, “We’re living under a two-tiered system of family protections in which the rights of low-income and Black and Brown families are regularly disregarded. The first and most basic step toward confronting the racial and economic disparities in family protection is to ensure that every family knows their rights.”

Assemblymember Andrew Hevesi emphasized the importance of Bill A.2479,

LEGAL NOTICES

13, 2024 at each of the offices at the following schoolhouses during their normal business hours:

Munsey Park Elementary School

Manhasset Middle School Shelter Rock Elementary School

Manhasset High School

NOTICE IS ALSO HERE-

Public Library for qualified voters of the Manhasset Union Free School District of the Town of North Hempstead, Nassau County, New York, will be held in the Community Room of the Manhasset Public Library, 30 Onderdonk Avenue, Manhasset, New York, on Tuesday, April 2, 2024. A detailed statement of the amount of money which will be required for the 2024-25 fiscal year for public Library purposes of the district will be presented. Beginning Wednesday, March 13, 2024, a copy of such statement may be obtained by any resident of the District upon request at the Manhasset Public Library, during regular Library hours any day that the Library is open, or on the Library’s website, www. manhassetlibrary.org and beginning Wednesday, March

BY GIVEN that the Annual Vote and Election will be held in the Manhasset Public Library Community Room on Tuesday, April 16, 2024 between the hours of 8:00 am and 9:00 pm for the purposes of voting on the annual library budget for the fiscal year 2024-2025, and electing one member of the Board of Trustees of the Manhasset Public Library: one trustee for a term of 5 years commencing on July 1, 2024 and expiring on June 30, 2029. Nominating petitions shall not describe any specific vacancy upon the board for which the candidate is nominated.

Petitions nominating a candidate for these terms of office as a member of the Board of Trustees of Manhasset Public Library must be filed with the Administration Office of the Manhasset Public Library, 30 Onderdonk Avenue, in Manhasset, not later than 5:00 pm on Wednesday,

the Anti-harassment Reporting bill which is designed to improve child abuse and mistreatment reporting by replacing anonymous reporting with confidential reporting. According to Assemblymember Hevesi, “no family should be the subject of an investigation under false pretext. Yet, each year the State Central Registry receives

countless false reports by anonymous callers that are designed to intimidate and harass families.”

Those interested in more information contact nyslead@gmail.com or by contacting Alexis Candido at acandido@albany. edu, or at 315.868.0467.

—Submitted by Kyra’s Champions

Mary Demou of Manhasset, 101

Mary Demou, longtime resident of Manhasset since 1969, peacefully passed away at 101, on Tuesday March 12, 2024 at her home with family by her side. Beloved wife of the late Christos, and is survived by her three loving children, Peter and his wife Yvonne, Kyriakos and his wife Debra and Beba and her husband Kostas; grandchildren, Christos, Anastasia and AlexisMarie; sister-in-law Catherine, cousins, nieces

March 6, 2024. Petition forms may be obtained at the 2nd floor Reference Desk at the Library during regular Library hours, any day that the Library is open. Nominating petitions must be signed by 25 or more qualified voters. Each Nominating Petition shall state the name and residence of each signer, and must state the name and residence of the candidate.

The League of Women Voters will meet for the purpose of registering all qualified voters of the district pursuant to §2014 of the Education Law in the first floor lobby of the Manhasset Public Library on Wednesday, March 6, 2024 between the hours of 3:00 pm and 7:00 pm, to add any additional names to the Register to be used at the aforesaid election, at which time any person will be entitled to have his or her name placed on such Register, provided that at such meeting of the Board of Registration he or she is known or proven to the satisfaction of said Board of Registration to be then or thereafter entitled to vote at such election for which the Register is prepared. In addition, registration will be conducted from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm on days when school is

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SPORTS & RECREATION

Manhasset Sports Schedule For March 20-27

Here is the schedule for sports games at the Secondary School for the week of March 20 through the 27. Times and venues subject to change. Call the school for more information.

Wed. March 20

4:30 PMlacrosse: girls varsity scrimmage vs. New Hyde Park Memorial High School @ Manhasset

4:45 PMlacrosse: girls junior varsity scrimmage vs. Locust Valley High School @ Locust Valley

4:45 PMlacrosse: boys junior varsity scrimmage vs. Saint Anthony’s High School @ St. Anthony’s

6:00 PMsoftball: girls varsity scrimmage vs. Roslyn High School @ Manhasset

Fri March 22

4:30 PMbaseball: boys junior varsity scrimmage vs. North Shore High School @ North Shore Middle School

4:30 PMbaseball: boys varsity scrimmage vs. North Shore High School @ TBD

5:00 PMlacrosse: boys junior varsity game vs. Cold Spring Harbor High School @ Manhasset

6:00 PMsoftball: girls varsity game vs. Garden City High School @ Manhasset

7:00 PMlacrosse: boys varsity game vs. Cold Spring Harbor High School @ Cold Spring Harbor High School

Sat March 23

10:00 AM baseball: boys varsity scrimmage

vs. Paul D. Schreiber High School @ Paul D Schreiber

10:00 AM lacrosse: girls junior varsity game vs. Kellenberg Memorial High School @ Kellenberg Memorial

12:00 PM baseball: boys junior varsity scrimmage vs Paul D. Schreiber High School @ TBD

Mon March 25

5:00 PMtrack and field: boys varsity game vs. Multiple Teams (+3) @ Manhasset

5:00 PMbaseball: boys junior varsity scrimmage vs. Hicksville High School @ Manhasset

5:00 PMsoftball: girls varsity scrimmage vs. Hewlett High School @ Manhasset

5:00 PMbaseball: boys varsity scrimmage vs. Hicksville High School @ Hicksville

Tue March 26

4:45 PMtennis: boys varsity scrimmage vs. Friends Academy @ Friends Academy

5:00 PMsoftball: girls varsity game vs. West Hempstead High School @ Manhasset

5:00 PMbadminton: girls varsity game vs. Hempstead High School @ Manhasset

5:00 PMtrack and field: girls varsity game vs. Multiple Teams (+3) @ Manhasset

Wed March 27

5:00 PMbadminton: girls varsity game vs. MacArthur High School @ Manhasset

5:00 PMbaseball: boys varsity scrimmage vs. Garden City High School @ Garden City

Track And Field Take Second

Congratulations to Manhasset track and field and competitors at the NYSPHSAA Indoor Track and Field Championships this past weekend.

Manhasset’s 4x800 relay had an outstanding performance, setting a new school record to finish 2nd among all New York State Public schools and 2nd in the Federation. Tommy Sheerin competed in the 1600m, running 4:29, a second off his personal best time.

—From Manhasset Athletics Instagram

5:00 PMbaseball: boys junior varsity scrimmage vs. Garden City High School @ Garden City Community Park

5:15 PMlacrosse: boys junior varsity game vs. Farmingdale High School @ Farmingdale

6:00 PMlacrosse: boys varsity game Vs. Farmingdale High School @ Manhasset

—Information from the Manhasset Athletic Calendar

NYSUT, Assemblywoman Sillitti Release Statements On Proposed Budget

After the state legislature’s house budgets affirmed the Foundation Aid formula in its current form, both the New York State United Teachers and Assemblywoman Gina Sillitti released statements.

“The New York State United Teachers applauds the state Legislature for showing commitment to students and schools in their one-house budgets.

Both Senate and Assembly proposals fully fund the state’s Foundation Aid formula as written, a promise the state made last year after a more than 30-year fight.

Since the release of the executive budget in January that proposed underfunding the formula by $419 million, NYSUT officers have been traveling the state to highlight the devastating effects the capricious cuts would have on every large, small, urban, rural and suburban district in New York.

These visits allowed lawmakers from both sides of the political spectrum to witness the harsh effects the executive

proposal would have on schools, as well as the families and communities that rely on them.

“We thank the Senate and Assembly for

making it clear that our students, educators and schools are a top priority,” said NYSUT President Melinda Person. “Great things are happening in our public schools, and in New York we are united across party lines and legislative chambers to support them with the resources they need.”

NYSUT will continue to advocate for the resources our schools are owed as negotiations continue in Albany. The state budget is due before April 1.

Gina Sillitti also affirmed the Legislature’s offering. “The Assembly’s proposed budget was released yesterday, and I’m proud that several priorities I fought for were included. The biggest victory for our district was the rejection of the Governor’s education funding plan, which would have meant less money for our schools.

“Reinstating the ‘hold harmless’ provision and rejecting the proposed inflationary factor changes to ensure that our school districts do not receive less Foundation

Aid than they did the prior year was my top priority. After three years of historic investments in state funding for our school districts, we should not settle for anything less for our children’s education.”

“Our proposal increases Foundation Aid by $818.6 million over the Governor’s proposal, a $1.3 billion increase over the 2023-24 school year.

“Additionally, the Assembly proposal would provide $125 million towards universal prekindergarten and allocate an additional $120 million to ensure every student gets free school meals.

“As we continue budget negotiations in Albany, I’m optimistic that the final budget will support our schools and ensure that families have the resources they need to thrive.”

See more of NYSUT’s fight for a fully funded Foundation Aid this year at https:// fundourfutureny.org/

—Information compiled by Amanda Olsen

Saint Mary’s

HOLY WEEK SCHEDULE 2019

Saint Mary’s

Sacrament of Reconciliation

Good Friday, April 19: Confessions–9:30 to 11:30 AM

Holy Saturday, April 20: Confessions–9:30 to 11:00 AM

Holy Week Services

Holy Thursday, April 18: 9:00 AM–Morning Prayer

9:30 AM– Liturgical Prayer and Short Reflection at Our Lady of Grace Retreat

7:30 PM–Concelebrated Mass of the Lord’s Supper and Solemn Procession to the Chapel with Adoration until 11:00 PM in the Chapel

Good Friday, April 19: 9:00 AM–Morning Prayer

9:30 AM– Liturgical Prayer and Short Reflection at Our Lady of Grace Retreat

3:00 PM–Solemn Liturgy of the Passion

7:30 PM–Living Stations of the Cross presented by Saint Mary’s High School Performing Arts Program

Holy Saturday, April 20: 9:00 AM–Morning Prayer

9:30 AM– Liturgical Prayer and Short Reflection at Our Lady of Grace Retreat

11:00 AM – “Swieconka” - Blessing of Easter Food

7:30 PM–Solemn Mass of the Easter Vigil

Easter Sunday, April 21–Masses in the Church: 7:30, 9:00, 10:30 AM & 12:15 PM Masses in St. Mary’s Elementary School Wiest Hall: 12:30 PM (Handicapped Accessible)

NO 5:00 PM MASS ON EASTER SUNDAY

SCHOOL NEWS

Manhasset Board Of Education Celebrates Broadcasting Students

The Manhasset Public Schools Board of Education gathered for its regular meeting on March 7. At the start of the meeting, members of the Manhasset Secondary School’s broadcast journalism program, Manhasset Broadcasting Company (MBC), were spotlighted for their outstanding achievements.

MBC adviser Dr. Matthew Coleman spoke about how the program has grown, with students producing more content than ever before. This year, the students developed a strong online media presence, formed

a graphics division of MBC to improve their visuals and recently created a live show, ‘SET at Night, which was a first for the school. In addition, MBC developed a new division, MBC TV. This division shares content with North Shore TV, the local public access television channel through Great Neck and Manhasset.

Dr. Coleman, Superintendent of Schools Dr. Gaurav Passi and the Manhasset Board of Education praised Helen Murphy, MBC news director; Sara Strassberg, MBC creative director and Lily Westfall, MBC

executive producer, for their leadership this year.

In addition, Dr. Coleman shared that MBC was honored in the 2023 Student Television Network Fall Nationals competition where Manhasset students won two awards for the first time. MBC students Vincent Amato and Sara Strassberg were recognized by the board for receiving third place in the Best News Story category. Amato was also recognized along with Jackson Daly, George Hogan, Nicolas Katsoulis and Alexia Mellis for taking home

third place in the Best Arts, Entertainment and Culture Feature Story category.

“What I am most proud of is this is more than an achievement,” Dr. Rebecca Chowske, director of English, reading and libraries, said. “It’s representing our students’ deep and meaningful focus on learning and applying that to skills on a national level.”

The Manhasset Public Schools congratulates the entire MBC team on their well-deserved success.

—Submitted by Manhasset Public Schools

Manhasset Senior Earns Spot In The National Junior Science And Humanities Symposium

Dylan Yoon, a senior in Manhasset High School’s science research program, recently competed at the Long Island Junior Science and Humanities Symposium. His project, “The Enhancement of a Novel 3D-Printed Electrodialysis Device through the Implementation and Optimization of Spacer Designs,” was recognized as a Top Project. As a result, Yoon earned the esteemed Long Island 1st Delegate position and will be attending the prestigious 62nd National Junior Science and Humanities Symposium in Albuquerque, New Mexico

from May 1-4.

During the regional competition, all first and second place winners of each category competed for a chance to secure advancement to the National Junior Science and Humanities Symposium. The top five projects were selected as delegates to represent Long Island at the national event where Yoon will be among 245 high school student researchers. He will have the unique opportunity to engage with Department of Defense researchers, laboratories and STEM professionals, as he competes for

Manhasset Student Artists Featured In Local Exhibits

Students from Manhasset High School are sharing their artistic talents across Long Island through local art exhibitions. Two Manhasset juniors, Jocelyn Liu and Emma Theofilatos, had their artwork displayed in the Advanced Vision 19 Exhibition. This exhibition was held at the end of February at the S.A.L. Gallery in the B. Davis Schwartz Memorial Library on the LIU Post campus in Brookville.

Three Manhasset juniors, Peiyu Carrina Shi, Sophie Tay and Lili Tobar, had their artwork displayed in the 17th Annual Go APE Advanced Placement Exhibit at the Art League of Long Island. This year, 38 high schools participated and 103 students were represented. The student-artists had their creations on view in the Art League’s

Strolling Gallery from Feb. 24 to March 9. On the final day, Tobar received an Award of Excellence for her piece, “Pandora’s Box” and Shi received Honorable Mention for her piece, “Regressions.”

Freshman Julia DePietro and sophomore Hang Mi currently have their artwork featured in the Colors of Long Island: Student Art Exhibition at the Long Island Museum in Stony Brook. Their art will be on display from now until April 7.

Sophomore Zoe Eng and junior Jocelyn Liu had their art accepted into the 2024 Long Island’s Best: Young Artists at the Heckscher Museum of Art. This year, 456 works of art were submitted. Eng and Liu’s artwork is among 87 selected to be in the exhibition on view from March 23 to May 5.

military-sponsored undergraduate tuition scholarships through an oral presentation session.

The Manhasset Public Schools congratulates Yoon on this incredible achievement and wishes him the best of luck at nationals.

—Submitted by Manhasset Public Schools

Manhasset senior Dylan Yoon received the Top Project award at the Long Island Junior Science and Humanities Symposium and was named a Long Island 1st Delegate for the upcoming National Junior Science and Humanities Symposium.(Photo by Manhasset Public Schools)

(Photos by Manhasset Public Schools)

The Manhasset Public Schools congratulates all of its student-artists for their outstanding achievements.

—Submitted by Manhasset Public Schools

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Continued from page 11

in session at the office of the District lerk in the Administration Offices of the Manhasset nion ree chool District at 200 Memorial Place, Manhasset, ew ork up to and including riday, April 5, 2024.

he Register will be filed in the Office of the Library District lerk, and will be open for inspection by any qualified voter of the District on each of the five 5 days prior to the day set for the election between the hours of 00 am and 5 00 pm, e cept undays, and at the polling place on the day of the vote.

O R R that requests for absentee ballots may be obtained at the 2nd loor Reference Desk during regular Library hours starting ednesday, ebruary 14, 2024 on any day that the Library is open or on the Library website www. manhassetlibrary.org. he completed request for an absentee ballot must be received by the Library Administration Office no later than 5 00 pm, on hursday, April 11, 2024, or on the day before the election if the ballot is to be delivered personally to the voter.

Absentee ballots must be received by the Library Administration Office no later than 5 00 pm on uesday, April 1 , 2024. Any absentee ballot received after that time will not be counted.

A list of all persons to whom absentee ballots shall have been issued will be available in the Library Administration Office on each of the five days prior to the day of the election, e cept unday, or holidays, between the hours of 00 am and 5 00 pm, and at the polling place on the day of the vote.

Only registered voters will be permitted to vote and such voting shall be conducted only at the MA AP BL L BRAR , 30 O D RDO A, MA A , OR .

MA A P BL L BRAR harles ettmar, President udith sterquest, ice President Donald . O Brien, inancial Officer loria u, rustee illiam annan, rustee 4-3 3-20- 2-14-2024-4245 50-MA

AVISO LEGAL O O L D

LA A D A D L

PR P O D LA B BL O A P BL A D MA A D R O OLAR

L BR D MA A O , MA A , A OR

POR L PR O A que la Audiencia de Presupuesto P blico de la Biblioteca P blica de Manhasset para votantes calificados del Distrito scolar Libre de Manhasset nion de la iudad de orth empstead, ondado de assau,

ueva ork, se llevar a cabo en el al n omunitario de la Biblioteca P blica de Manhasset. 30 Onderdonk Avenue, Manhasset, ueva ork, el martes 2 de abril de 2024. e presentar una declaraci n detallada de la cantidad de dinero que se requerir para el a o fiscal 2024-25 para fines de la biblioteca p blica del distrito. A partir del mi rcoles 13 de mar o de 2024, cualquier residente del Distrito podr obtener una copia de dicha declaraci n previa solicitud en la Biblioteca P blica de Manhasset, durante el horario habitual de la Biblioteca cualquier d a en que la Biblioteca est abierta, o en el sitio web de la Biblioteca, www. manhassetlibrary.org y a partir del mi rcoles 13 de mar o de 2024 en cada una de las oficinas de las siguientes escuelas durante su horario comercial normal scuela primaria Munsey Park scuela secundaria Manhasset scuela primaria helter Rock scuela secundaria Manhasset

AMB O A

POR LA PR que la votaci n y elecci n anual se llevar n a cabo en la sala comunitaria de la biblioteca p blica de Manhasset el martes 1 de abril de 2024 entre las 00 a. m. y las 00 p. m. a los efectos de la votaci n en la biblioteca anual. presupuesto para el a o fiscal 2024-2025, y elegir un miembro de la unta Directiva de la Biblioteca P blica de Manhasset un administrador por un per odo de 5 a os que comen ar el 1 de ulio de 2024 y finali ar el 30 de unio de 202 . o se admitir n peticiones de nominaci n. describir cualquier vacante espec fica en la unta para la cual se nomina al candidato. Las peticiones que nominen a un candidato para estos mandatos como miembro de la unta Directiva de la Biblioteca P blica de Manhasset deben presentarse en la Oficina de Administraci n de la Biblioteca P blica de Manhasset, 30 Onderdonk Avenue, en Manhasset, a m s tardar a las 5 00 p.m. del mi rcoles. , de mar o de 2024. Los formularios de petici n se pueden obtener en el mostrador de referencia del segundo piso de la biblioteca durante el horario habitual de la biblioteca, cualquier d a en que la biblioteca est abierta. Las peticiones de nominaci n deben estar firmadas por 25 o m s votantes calificados. ada Petici n de ominaci n deber indicar el nombre y la residencia de cada firmante, y deber indicar el nombre y la residencia del candidato. La Liga de Mu eres otantes se reunir con el prop sito de registrar a todos los votantes calificados del distrito de conformidad con la ecci n 2014 de la Ley de ducaci n en el vest bulo del primer piso de la Biblioteca P blica de Manhasset el mi rcoles de mar o de 2024 entre las 3 00 pm y 00 pm, para agregar cualquier nombre adicional al Registro que se utili ar en la elecci n an-

tes mencionada, momento en el cual cualquier persona tendr derecho a que su nombre se incluya en dicho Registro, siempre que en dicha reuni n de la unta de Registro, se sabe o se demuestra, a satisfacci n de dicha unta de Registro, que en ese momento o en adelante tiene derecho a votar en la elecci n para la cual se prepara el Registro. Adem s, la inscripci n se llevar a cabo de 00 am a 4 00 pm los d as en que haya clases en la oficina de la ecretaria del Distrito en las Oficinas Administrativas del Distrito scolar Libre de Manhasset nion en 200 Memorial Place, Manhasset, ew ork hasta el mi rcoles 3 de abril de 2024 inclusive. l Registro se archivar en la Oficina de la ecretaria del Distrito de Bibliotecas y estar abierto para inspecci n por cualquier votante calificado del Distrito en cada uno de los cinco 5 d as anteriores al d a fi ado para la elecci n entre las 00 horas 00 am y 5 00 pm, e cepto los domingos, y en el colegio electoral el d a de la votaci n.

AD M , O A que las solicitudes de boletas de voto ausente se pueden obtener en el mostrador de referencia del segundo piso durante el horario habitual de la biblioteca a partir del mi rcoles 14 de febrero de 2024 en cualquier d a en que la biblioteca est abierta o en el sitio web de la biblioteca www.manhassetlibrary.org. La solicitud completa de boleta de voto ausente debe ser recibida en la Oficina de Administraci n de la Biblioteca a m s tardar a las 5 00 p. m. del ueves 11 de abril de 2024 o el d a antes de la elecci n si la boleta se entregar personalmente al votante.

Las boletas de voto ausente deben recibirse en la Oficina de Administraci n de la Biblioteca a m s tardar a las 5 00 p. m. del martes 1 de abril de 2024. ualquier boleta de voto ausente recibida despu s de esa hora no se contar . na lista de todas las personas a quienes se les habr n emitido boletas de voto en ausencia estar disponible en la Oficina de Administraci n de la Biblioteca cada uno de los cinco d as anteriores al d a de la elecci n, e cepto los domingos o d as festivos, entre las 00 am y 1 00 horas, y en el colegio electoral el d a de la votaci n. lo se permitir votar a los votantes registrados y dicha votaci n se llevar a cabo nicamente en la B BL O A P BLA D MA A , 30 O D RDO A , MA A , A OR . B BL O A P BL A D MA A

harles ettmar, President udith sterquest, ice President Donald . O Brien, inancial Officer loria u, rustee illiam annan, rustee

4-3 3-20- 2-14-2024-4245 51-MA

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE TO BIDDERS

Public otice is hereby given that separate sealed bids for MANHASSET 2022 BOND

PHASE 2 pro ect will be received until 11 00 AM prevailing time on April 5, 2024 at the Administrative Offices at the MANHASSET UFSD located at 200 MEMORIAL PLACE, MANHASSET, NY 11030 which time they will be received, opened, read aloud. he work shall be as follows CONTRACT #1- ELECTRICAL RECONSTRUCTION AND FIRE ALARM SYSTEM UPGRADES

D 28-04-06-03-0-001030- MUNSEY PARK ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

28-04-06-03-0-004-059MANHASSET JR/SR HIGH SCHOOL

28-04-06-3-0-005-032SHELTER ROCK ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

omplete digital sets of the ontract documents may be obtained online with a free user account as a download for a nonrefundable fee of One undred Dollars 100.00 at the following website www. agplanroom. com under public pro ects beginning on March 15, 2024 ptionally, in lieu of digital copies, hard copies may be obtained directly from sland Digital Reprographics 200 Broadhollow Road uite One armingdale ew ork 11 35 31- 53-3000 upon a deposit of ifty 50.00 Dollars for each complete set. hecks for deposits shall be made payable to the MA A D

All bid addenda will be transmitted to registered plan holders via email and will be available at the above referenced websites. Any bidder requiring documents to be shipped shall make arrangements with the printer and pay for all packaging and shipping costs. Plan holders who have obtained hard copies of the bid documents will need to make the determination if hard copies of the addenda are required for their use, and coordinate directly with the printer for hard copies of addenda to be issued. here will be no charge for registered plan holders to obtain hard copies of the bid addenda. he bid deposit shall be refunded to each Bidder only if the plans and specifications are returned, in good condition, with no handwritten notations thereon within 45 calendar days after the bid opening date. All deposits shall be forfeited to the chool District after the 45 days have elapsed.

ANY PERSON OR CORPORATION WHO FAILS

TO SUBMIT A BID SHALL FORFEIT THEIR HARD COPY PLAN DEPOSIT IN ITS ENTIRETY. ach Bidder must deposit, with their sealed bid, security in an amount not less than 10 of the base bid and all Alternate Bids in the proper form sub ect to the conditions set forth in the nstructions to Bidders Page 3 .

Attention of the Bidders is specifically directed to the minimum wage rates to be paid under the contract, as well as to other provisions set forth in the bidding documents. Bidder will also be required to show, to the satisfaction of the MANHASSET UFSD that they are carrying orkers ompensation nsurance as required by law and all other nsurance in amounts not less than that specified under the eneral onditions. Performance Bonds Labor Material Bonds and Maintenance Bond, as called for in the eneral onditions are a requirement of each contract.

The MANHASSET UFSD reserves the right to re ect any or all bids submitted, to waive any informality or irregularity in any bid, and or to accept any bid in whole or in part and or to award or not award the contract, if in the opinion of the MANHASSET UFSD, the best interest of the OOL D R will thereby be served. his invitation is an offer to receive bids for a contract. he successful Bidder will be required to e ecute a formal contract in the form contained in the ontract Documents. All bids received after the time stated in the otice to Bidders will not be considered and will be returned unopened to the bidder. he bidder assumes the risk of any delay in the mail or in the handling of the mail by employees of the OOL

D R . hether sent by mail or by means of personal delivery, the bidder assumes responsibility for having its bid deposited on time at the place specified. ach Bidder shall agree to hold their bid price for 45 days after the formal bid opening. Per Article , ection 220 of the ew ork tate Labor Law, every contractor and sub-contractor shall submit to the OOL D R within 30 days after issu-

ance of its first payroll, and every 30 days thereafter, a transcript of the original payroll record, as provided by this article, subscribed and affirmed as true under penalties of per ury. he OOL D R shall be required to receive and maintain such payroll records. he original payrolls or transcripts shall be preserved for 5 years from the completion of the work on the pro ect.

B ORD R O

BOARD O D A O

MA A O

R OOL D R ADM RA O

B LD

200 M MOR AL PLA MA A , OR 11030

OL RO B R

D R L R 3-20-2024-1 - 24 2MA

LEGAL NOTICE

PL A A O

A the Board of rustees of the illage of Plandome eights will hold its Annual Meeting at Village Hall, 3 Orchard treet, Manhasset, ew ork 11030 on Monday, April 1, 2024 at 7:00 PM.

PL A A R R O A at the same time, date, and place the Board of rustees will hold a P BL AR to consider the adoption of the illage s entative Budget for the fiscal year une 1, 2024 to May 31, 2025. he entative Budget provides for no compensation for the Mayor or rustees and, commencing March 5, 2024, will be available for inspection on the illage website, www.plandomeheights-ny. gov, and at illage all, at 3 Orchard treet, Manhasset, ew ork 11030 during regular business hours.

PL A A R R O A at the same time, date, and place the Board of rustees will hold a P BL AR to consider the adoption of

P BO Bill 1 of 2024a proposed local law to amend the illage ode to Regulate se of olar Panels within the illage.

PL A A R R

O A at the same time, date, and place the Board of rustees will hold a P BL AR to consider an amendment of the Board s chedule of ees and Deposits to establish a 500.00 application fee and 2,000.00 deposit against illage costs for appeals of determinations by the Architectural Review. All interested parties should attend at the aforementioned time and place. Any individual requiring special assistance to attend should notify the illage lerk at least 4 hours in advance of the hearing.

B ORD R O

BOARD O R

Marie Brodsky illage lerk- reasurer March 14, 2024 3-20-2024-1 - 24 2MA

LEGAL NOTICE

SPECIAL MEETING

VILLAGE OF FLOWER HILL PRESENTATION OF BUDGET TO THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES

O R Bthat a special meeting of the Board of rustees of the illage of lower ill will be held on the 2 th day of March, 2024 at 30 pm. he purpose of this meeting is for the presentation of the 2024-25 tentative budget to the Board of rustees and any other business that may rightfully be brought before the Board.

By Order of the Board of rustees Ronnie hat kamer, illage Administrator lower ill, ew ork Dated March 20, 2024 3-20-2024-1 - 24 2MA

Town Of North Hempstead Sustainability Programs

ANTON MEDIA GROUP STAFF

editors@antonmediagroup.com

The Town of North Hempstead offers a variety of sustainability programs.

With spring around the corner, consider taking part in these programs, which aim to engage and inspire residents, businesses, and municipalities, throughout the Town of North Hempstead, to participate in actions that will foster ecological balance, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and help North Hempstead adapt to a changing climate, ensuring a healthy, resilient community now and in the future.

Native Plants

Native plants are those that historically and naturally occur in an area and tolerate the climate of the local environment. They also have important evolutionary relationships with the wildlife in that area. This section provides resources on planting with native plants in any type of landscape.

Climate Action

The Town of North Hempstead recognizes the detrimental impact of climate change on our community. In an effort to do our part, Supervisor DeSena and the Town Board are committed to implementing policies to reduce the Town’s carbon footprint in its own operations and increase resiliency, as well as to assist residents and businesses in their sustainability efforts through education, legislation, and other measures.

Protecting Pollinators

Did you know that native insects are vital to the pollination and reproduction (producing fruit and seeds) of flowering plants, including wildflowers, trees, garden plants and cultivated crops? Many native pollinator species worldwide have been in decline over the last few decades and several species of bumble bees. Pollinators need plants that they evolved with, meaning that they need the plants that historically lived in this geographic area and can tolerate our climate, weather and soils. Planting a pollinator garden or even a container (if you’re short on space) with native plants that contain nectar and pollen will provide resources that bees, butterflies, flies and other pollinators need to feed themselves and their young. Invasive plant species are those that are not native to our area and harm the environment or human health in some way. These plants often out-compete native species and take over so that humans and wildlife can’t utilize the benefits of the native plants that should be there. Take the Pollinator Pledge

and help protect local pollinators!

Rain Barrel and Composter Sales

Composting involves the breaking down of yard and kitchen waste into a nutrient rich soil amendment. It provides many benefits including reducing the amount of waste that ends up in landfills or combustion facilities, providing valuable plant nutrients, improving soil structure, adding beneficial soil organisms, suppressing plant diseases, reducing the need for fertilizers and pesticides, and helping to prevent soil erosion and nutrient runoff.

Rain barrels are containers that collect rainwater from roofs that can be used for irrigation of lawns and gardens. One of their main benefits is conserving water that comes from Long Island’s underground aquifers, which provide 100 percent of Long Island’s potable water. They also allow users to save money and reduce stormwater pollution.

Composting and using a rain barrel are two great ways to help the environment in

your own backyard. The Town of North Hempstead provides compost bins and rain barrels at a discount to Town residents.

Tree Conservation

The Town has taken many actions to conserve and increase trees as well as educate its residents about their value. The Town was first designated a Tree City USA by the Arbor Day Foundation in 2011 and has been designated one every year since. This designation is given out to towns and cities that have a viable tree management plan and program. The Town also recently amended and strengthened its Tree Code, which includes updated legislative intent detailing the importance of preserving existing trees, including environmental and aesthetic benefits trees provide, the establishment of a Tree Preservation Fund to be spent on tree plantings and other tree related initiatives and the re-establishment of the Tree Advisory Committee that will include members of the public and an arborist.

Long Island Green Homes

The Town of North Hempstead is a proud partner of the Long Island Green Homes Initiative, a non-profit collaborative partnership of Long Island Towns, community-based organizations and Molloy College. Long Island Green Homes makes it easy for homeowners to accomplish the goal of energy efficiency and lower energy bills by offering a free home energy assessment that helps to make affordable improvements to their homes. Join thousands of Long Islanders and homeowners around the state who have lowered their energy bills and enjoy year-round comfort in their homes.

Stormwater Management

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation has a program for the control of stormwater discharges entering to the ground waters and surface waters of the United States; this program is known as the State Pollutant Discharge Elimination System or SPDES.

The Town of North Hempstead is required to comply with the Phase II SPDES General Permit for discharges from small municipal separate storm sewer systems, which is known as the MS4 Storm Water Discharge permit. In simpler terms, in order to operate the storm water drainage system we must make every effort to reduce and control the amount and type of pollutants which end up discharging into our waterways.

The Town has developed a Storm Water Management Plan (SWMP) which includes both local laws contained in the Town code as well as other steps to reduce pollutants in our daily operations. This may drastically reduce the amount of pollutants which enter into our storm drains and ultimately the creeks, streams and coastal waterways.

For more information on any of these topics — and more — visit https://www. northhempsteadny.gov/sustainability.

Urban Art Evolution

Nassau County Museum of Art exhibit focuses on NYC art of the 1980s

On March 23, the Nassau County Museum of Art in Roslyn will open the Urban Art Evolution exhibit, curated by art collector and gallerist Christopher Pusey of Port Washington.

The exhibition will offer artwork from the 1980s to the present by creators based in the downtown area of New York City known as Loisaida/LES (Lower East Side/East Village) and surrounding neighborhoods.

The exhibit’s timing is influenced by the 50th anniversary of the birth of hip-hop music and the 40th anniversary of the documentary on the graffiti art movement Wild Style. Pusey, growing up in an artistic household, received a degree from Stony Brook University focusing on printmaking and he spent a summer in Europe.

“I came back and quickly realized I was better at talking about art than making a living out of creating art,” Pusey said. “I eventually found my way to SoHo in the 1980s to work in a gallery and I thrived in that environment.”

As a young art dealer, Pusey said he witnessed a creative shift.

“That part of the city was very affordable, it was very hard-scrabble,” Pusey said. “It was a neighborhood that had completely fallen into chaos on many levels. There were abandoned buildings. The drug trade had a firm foothold, if you would, in the East Village, in the Lower East Side.”

Because the neighborhood was

affordable, artists could have larger spaces with relatively affordable overhead.

“I found myself drawn to this creativity that was coming out of there,” Pusey said. “Everything we were dealing with in the ‘80s, in the gallery I was working with in SoHo, we kept looking east for what was next, what was new, what was fresh, what was controversial.”

Jean-Michel Basquiat and Keith Haring were among the artists who emerged from the “[Andy] Warhol-tutelage,” as Pusey put it.

And it wasn’t just pop art; it was also performance art, photography, theater and other mediums that made up the “cauldron of creativity” in the East Village.

In the 1990s, Pusey pivoted from the resale gallery business to become a private dealer and advisor. But Pusey would return to the “art world,” in 2010 opening his own gallery Dorian Gray Projects in the East Village.

“When I was in the East Village, I had a lot of time to reconnect with the artists that were part of the fabric of East Village, the downtown art scene,” Pusey said. “This is a decade and a half later after the peak of the East Village, but a lot of artists were still there working and doing their business and their craft and their creativity.”

The gallery displayed the work of these artists until it closed in 2017, and Pusey held summer pop-ups in the Hamptons and participated in art fairs. In 2017, he partnered

with an investor and art collector to operate the Chase Contemporary gallery in Chelsea, and he moved to a 10,000 square foot space in SoHo after the pandemic.

Over time, Pusey gained a reputation as an art dealer and collector with a niche in art from the 1980s, particularly graffiti art.

Pusey was approached by Nassau County Museum of Art board members, asking what he would curate if he could curate a museum installation.

“I went with what I know, which is urban art and art from the downtown art scene,” Pusey said.

Preparing this show was an education, as museum shows typically take years to arrange. Though a challenge with the quick turnaround, he was able to pull together 135 pieces for the Urban Art Evolution exhibition from over 35 artists and artist estates through the connections and relationships he built throughout his career.

“With its roots in street graffiti, Urban Art Evolution encompasses the progression of works through this period that began furtively on exterior surfaces, then moved inside city apartments and art studios, then into exhibition contexts in galleries and museums, and back outside as commissions for public spaces - this fascinating and rarely-told story is at the heart of NCMA’s next exhibition,” said Beth Horn, the executive director of the Nassau County Museum of Art.