Great Neck Record 1/04/23 edition is published weekly by Anton Media Group.

Looking Back At January 6

Two years

after the historic Capitol insurrection, a quick review of consequences and rhetoric that have followed

ANTON MEDIA GROUP STAFF

When rioters stormed the United States Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021, a joint session of Congress was assembled to count electoral votes certifying President-elect Joseph Biden’s victory.

People around the country and world watched, often via social media livestreams picked up by major news networks, as hundreds rushed the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C., where they took selfies and looted in evacuated rooms and left behind a trail of violence and confusion that Americans and their elected officials are still sorting through today.

Two busy years later, some of the outcomes from that day are quite clear. Others are still being processed, and still other effects seem to remain up in the air, almost entirely unsettled. Such is the case nationally, as well as here in Nassau County, which had plenty of its own ties to events that day.

The Facts

Thousands of supporters of then-President Donald Trump gathered in the nation’s capitol to protest certification of Joe Biden’s election win.

In the aftermath, Congress reconvened to certify the election results. Five people died amid the riot, and more than a hundred law enforcement officers were reportedly injured; several officers also later died of suicide.

Hundreds have since been charged with crimes related to their activities at the Capitol that day, including at least 65 individuals who live in or predominantly frequent New York State, according to NPR and Insider. They also include numerous individuals from Nassau and Suffolk County communities, and several from New York City; many but not all of them are young or middle-aged men.

In October, for example, an East Williston man was charged with multiple crimes in relation to his actions at the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021. John O’Kelly, an attorney who previously served as a board member at the East Williston School District, was charged with multiple felonies and misdemeanors for his actions on Jan. 6, which allegedly include trying to take a police officer’s baton and shoving a barricade into a line of police.

In late December, the congressional committee investigating the Capitol assault voted to recommend that the U.S. Justice Department pursue the prosecution

of former president Trump on four charges, based on the available evidence: Obstruction of an official proceeding; Conspiracy to defraud the United States; Conspiracy to make a false statement; and Inciting, assisting, aiding, or comforting an insurrection. BBC News called the vote to recommend those charges “largely symbolic.”

A number of Nassau County officials were also on hand that historic day, including now-outgoing Congresswoman Kathleen Rice and Congressmen Tom Suozzi, Lee Zeldin, and Andrew Garbarino.

“When people asked if it was as bad as it was on TV, I said it was worse,” Garbarino told Anton Media Group roughly two weeks after the insurrection. “You had a lot of people there demonstrating for whatever reason they believed and you had a couple of hundred people who turned the whole thing into an attack on the Capitol. It’s sad, because these tens of thousands of other people just wanted to be heard. And now, they won’t be, because the assault on the Capitol tainted every concern they had. That’s who I feel bad for—the people who wanted somebody to listen to them. They wanted to be heard. And now, they’ll forever be tainted with this.”

Congressman-elect George Santos, who has become the subject of national scrutiny in recent days over allegedly fabricated core details in his public biography, was also in Washington, D.C. that day. Following his own unsuccessful run for office in 2020 back in New York, Santos attended Trump’s “Stop the Steal” rally in D.C.’s presidential park on Jan. 6, 2021, according to Santos, and later claimed that he donated money to bail out arrestees.

The Rhetoric

Using the WayBack Machine, an online archive that takes screen shots of various websites everyday, Anton Media Group was able to see the way different news websites initially reported on the Jan. 6 event.

On the Fox News website, headlines on Jan. 7, 2021 included; “Woman shot during Capitol violence dies as curfew goes into effect; next steps in certification unclear;” “GOP rep who objected to election results condemns protestors breaching Capitol: ‘this is despicable;’” “‘This is a sad day for the country,’ says GOP lawmaker and veteran” and “Trump addresses violence, maintains election was ‘stolen.’”

On the CNN website, headlines on Jan. 7, 2021 included; “Congress to move ahead with vote count;” “US Capitol secured after rioters stormed the halls of Congress to block Biden’s win;” “Trump incites mob in violent end to presidency;” “Ivanka Trump calls rioters patriots, then deletes tweet;” and “George W. Bush derides US Capitol breach as ‘sickening and heartbreaking.’”

On June 10, 2022, a day after the Jan. 6 Committee hearings began, on Tucker Carlson Tonight, Carlson said “what we saw tonight was not a hearing, it was a show trial ... The whole thing was indecent. How many people were convinced by what they saw last night? Hmm… Right around zero. They’re not going to win a single vote.”

On the June 10, 2022 episode of Anderson Cooper, John Berman (who was standing in for Anderson Cooper) focused on a few aspects of the first Jan. 6 Committee Hearing, including the fact that former U.S. President Donald Trump said of his daughter Ivanka Trump’s testimony: “Ivanka Trump was not

involved in looking at, or studying, election results. She had long since checked out and was, in my opinion, only trying to be respectful to Bill Barr and his position as Attorney General (he sucked!).”

On Dec. 19, 2022, Rep. Bennie Thompson, chairman of the Jan. 6 Committee, stated, “To cast a vote in the United States is an act of faith and hope. When we drop that ballot in the ballot box, we expect the people named on the ballot are going to uphold that end of the deal. The winner swears an oath and upholds it. Those who come up short ultimately accept the results and abide by the rule of law. That faith in our system is the foundation of American democracy. If the faith is broken, so is our democracy. Donald Trump broke that faith. He lost the 2020 election and knew it. But he chose to try to stay in office through a multi part scheme. To overturn the results and block the transfer of power. In the end, he summoned a mob to Washington and knowingly they were armed and angry, pointed them to the Capitol and told them to ‘fight like hell.’ There’s no doubt about this.”

On that day, the Jan. 6 Committee referred criminal charges against Trump to the Department of Justice.

In Tucker Carlson’s three-part streaming feature Patriot Purge on the Fox Nation platform, Carlson argues that the events of Jan. 6 are being used for political persecution. In it, Carlson compares rhetoric around the ‘War on Terror’ that led to the war in Iraq to current rhetoric around the threat of domestic white supremacist terror: “They are tying white supremacist terrorists to Trump voters.”

Temple Isaiah Hosts Toby Tobias Concert

On Sunday, Jan. 8 at 2 p.m., to ring in the New Year on a positive note, Temple Isaiah of Great Neck will be hosting a concert and presentation by Toby Tobias, a South African-born, Huntington Station-based musician, composer and songwriter who has been living in the United States for 35 years. He has a Music Composition degree from the Rubin Academy of Music in Jerusalem, Israel and lived in Israel for ten years. He completed a stint in the Israeli Army, met his Americanborn wife in Jerusalem and came to live in America in 1988.

As a solo songwriter, he has created his one-man show Journey from Johannesburg, which he will be performing and discussing. It is the story of his life growing up in apartheid South Africa, then moving to Israel and finally settling in the United States, characterized as one man’s struggle to find freedom for the rest of us.

Toby has immersed himself in many genres of American Music while never leaving behind his roots in the rhythms and melodies of his homeland. His keen ear for intuitive arrangements is a hallmark

Great Neck Choral Society Concert

The Great Neck Choral Society performed at Kings Point Merchant Marine Academy on Sunday, Dec. 4. Benjamin Arendsen was the conductor with Guy Brewer as the accompanist.

The Choral Society performed Regina Coeli by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Missa Pastoril by Jose Mauricio Garcia, Te Deum

by Franz Joseph Haydn. The performance included the whole chorus and solo performances. Soloists include Mithuna Sivaraman (Soprano), Emily Klonowski (Mezzo Soprano), Gerard Gallagher (Tenor), and Frantz Jean (Baritone).

—Submitted by the The Great Neck Choral Society

of his writing and performance. He has garnered a strong following on Long Island and the tri-state area, and has performed all throughout the Northeast as well as a national tour in 2018.

His eight-piece band, The Toby Tobias Ensemble plays modern folk and jazz, influenced by funk and world rhythms. The fantastic arrangements and joyful, exhilarating sounds of the band inspire and entertain.

To find out more about Toby, his music and his schedule, please visit his website tobytoby.com

Toby is thrilled to be performing select scenes from Journey from Johannesburg as well as his uplifting and positive songs at Temple Isaiah of Great Neck. Following the presentation there will be a question and answer period. The fee is $15 for a delightful afternoon of music, discussion and delicious ice cream refreshments. Temple Isaiah of Great Neck is located at One Chelsea Place, Great Neck, New York 11021. Please contact the Temple at 516-487-5373 to R.S.V.P. or for further information.

—Submitted by Temple Isaiah of Great Neck

NSTV Programming Highlight To Air In January

NSTV-Long Island, your community media center serving the 15 incorporated villages of the Great Neck/North Shore area for over 35 years and counting, will be airing A Conversation on Diversity on Tuesdays and Sundays at 7:00 p.m. Eastern Time, starting on Tuesday, Jan. 3 on Channels 20, Altice/Optimum, and 37, Verizon/Fios.

Show Host, Rabbi Michael Klayman, of the Lake Success Jewish Center will interview the Chairman of the Board of the

Holocaust Museum and Tolerance Center, Alan Mindel. This is the first program in the series, and this informative program will air on NSTV in the above mentioned time slot for all of January.

Check out our Facebook page: NSTV–Long Island, YouTube: NSTV Long Island, Instagram: NSTV Long Island and Twitter: NSTV Long Island.

—Submitted by NSTV

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

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

SATURDAY, JAN. 7

Defensive Driving

10:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. (Parkville Branch Library Programming Room) Complete your Defensive Driving course with the Empire Safety Council. Register in person at the Parkville branch; please bring a $30 check or money order payable to “Empire Safety Council” to reserve your spot. Please note that this is a 6-hour class with a 30-minute break for lunch. Visit greatnecklibrary.org for more information.

MONDAY, JAN. 9

Morning Hatha Yoga 10 a.m.-11 a.m. (Main Library Community Room) Registration is required and can be completed online, in-person, or via phone. Non-residents may sign up by phone a week prior to the first class if space allows. Classes run Jan. 9, 23, 30 and Feb. 6, 13, 27. Open to all levels, this 60-minute class will promote flexibility, strength and balance for your body and mind. Bring a yoga mat, meditation pillow to sit on, water bottle and small towel. Dress in comfortable clothing. Visit greatnecklibrary.org for more information.

Teen Crochet & Cross Stitch Club

7 p.m.-7:45 p.m. (Parkville Branch Library Programming Room) Join us on Monday nights to work on a crochet or cross stitch project. Supplies will be provided and no prior knowledge of the craft is required. This program will take place at the Parkville branch and is intended for teens. The dates for this program are January 9, 16, 23, and 30. Visit greatnecklibrary.org for more information.

more. Assistance will be provided on a first come, first served basis. No registration is required.

Preschool Art Lab

11 a.m.-11:45 a.m. (Main Library Community Room) Dress for a mess as we explore process-art techniques to improve your little one’s fine motor skills! This program is suitable for children ages 18 months-5 years wtih an accompanying adult. Visit greatnecklibrary.org for more information.

WEDNESDAY, JAN. 11

Womanspace

1 p.m.-3 p.m. (Great Neck Social Center) These seasoned ladies have gathered for a number of years, tuned in to what active folks think about. When this group hears about something on the local, state, national or global scene they select an expert from their various contacts to come talk about it. For new ideas and friends, see how stimulating and entertaining these active ladies are. Call 516-487-0025 for more information.

THURSDAY, JAN. 12

MahJongg with Patty Cook

1 p.m.-3 p.m. (Main Library Community Room) Join us for a few rounds of MahJongg in this guided class with Patty Cook. Game sets will be provided, or bring your own. Open to all skill levels. Classes run Jan. 12 & 19. Registration required as space is extremely limited. Registration can be completed online, in-person, or via phone. Non-residents may sign up by phone a week prior to the first class if space allows. Visit greatnecklibrary.org for more information.

Make a Mug for National Hot Tea Day

7 p.m.-8:30 p.m. (Main Library STEM Lab) We will be using our Cricut Design Software to make personalized designs for tea mugs. After the program, STEM Lab staff will use our Cricut Mug Press to make your tea mug with your custom design! We will then let all participants know when their mugs are ready to be picked up. Registration required at greatnecklibrary.org

Chess Club

12:30 p.m.-4:30 (Main Library Small Multipurpose Room) Stop by and play chess with a friend, neighbor, or community member. All are welcome, no registration required! Please bring your own chess set. Visit greatnecklibrary.org for more information.

TUESDAY, JAN. 10

Tech Tuesdays

10:30 a.m.-12 p.m. (Parkville Branch Library Programming Room) Stop by the Parkville Branch to get help with basic tech questions about your tablet, smartphone, laptop, and

Scrabble

1 p.m.-4 p.m. (Station Branch Community Room) Drop-in and play Scrabble with an old friend or a new one! No registration required, open to all! Sets and dictionaries will be provided or bring your own.

LEGAL NOTICES

GREAT NECK

LEGAL NOTICE

NOTICE OF FORMATION OF LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY. NAME: ONE WAY UP AUTO, LLC. Articles of Organization were filed with the Secretary of State of New York, (SSNY) on 8/25/2022. NY Office location: Nassau County. SSNY has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail a copy of the process to 16 MIDDLENECK ROAD #522

GREAT NECK, NY 11021 Purpose: To engage in any lawful act or activity.

1-4-2023; 12-28-21-14-7; 11-30-2022-6T-#236053-GN

LEGAL NOTICE

NOTICE OF SALE

SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU, U.S. BANK TRUST, N.A., AS TRUSTEE FOR LSF8 MASTER PARTICIPATION TRUST, Plaintiff, vs. JAKLIN MECANIK, ET AL., Defendant(s).

Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered on February 20, 2018, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction on the front steps on the north side of

the Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501

on January 18, 2023 at 2:30 p.m., premises known as 57 Steamboat Road, Great Neck, NY 11024. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being in the Incorporated Village of Great Neck, County of Nassau and State of New York, Section 1, Block 199 and Lot 55. Approximate amount of judgment is $1,485,397.85 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #010144/09. This foreclosure sale will be held on the north side steps of the Courthouse, rain or shine. COVID-19 safety protocols will be followed at the foreclosure sale.

If proper social distancing cannot be maintained or there are other health or safety concerns, the Court Appointed Referee will cancel the sale.

John McFaul, Esq., Referee Friedman Vartolo LLP, 85 Broad Street, Suite 501, New York, New York 10004, Attorneys for Plaintiff. Firm File No. 202911-4 1-4-2023; 12-28-21-14-20224T-#236308-GN

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT

COUNTY OF NASSAU

U.S. Bank National Association, as Trustee for Lehman Mortgage Trust Mortgage Pass Through Certificates Series 2006-8, Plaintiff AGAINST Ramin Gidanian; Nazanin Kohan a/k/a Nazanin Gidanian; et al., Defendant(s)

Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered October 3, 2019 I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the North Side Steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court at 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on January 18, 2023 at 2:30PM, premises known as 106 Oxford Boulevard, Great Neck, NY 11023.

All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements erected, situate, lying and being near Great Neck, in the Town of North Hempstead, County of Nassau, State of New York, Section 2 Block 353 Lot 15. Approximate amount of judgment $824,300.63 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index# 601724/2018. The auction will be conducted pursuant to the COVID-19 Policies Concerning Public Auctions of Foreclosed Property established by the Tenth

Look Who’s One

UBS Arena celebrates its first-year milestone

ANTON MEDIA GROUP STAFF

specialsections@antonmediagroup.com

Happy Birthday UBS Arena, the venue that was made for music and built for hockey. The state-of-the-art arena at Belmont Park in Elmont opened in November 2021 and has already welcomed numerous top artists including Sebastian Maniscalco, Billie Eilish, Dua Lipa, TWICE, The Eagles, John Mayer, Kendrick Lamar and Post Malone. Here are some of the highlights and successes the venue has had to date.

• Programming at UBS Arena has spanned a wide variety of genres including Latin, rock, pop, rap, R&B, K-pop, country, comedy, additional sports (wrestling, college basketball, figure skating) along with family show programming. With more than 100 events hosted in the first year, grossing more than $60 million, highlights include two Harry Styles concerts within the first six months of operation— both of which were immediate sellouts, along with an additional 16 full-house shows.

• Guest experience at UBS Arena is the highest priority, always evolving to make sure fans are provided a world class experience through service and amenities. One of the biggest successes of the year is the integration of the train via LIRR onto the campus. Elmont-UBS Arena, the first new LIRR Station built in nearly 50 years, offers fans the opportunity to have direct access to the venue. The station opened just ahead of the building’s official grand opening last year, but the unlocking of two-way service at the station began in early October 2022. This provides fans both eastbound and westbound service across the LIRR network to get to and from the venue. Various direct lines have access to the arena, including a 30-minute train ride from Penn Station and a 10-minute ride from Jamaica.

• The unveiling of the arena’s three sensory rooms this summer helps provides accommodation to those that have family service and sensory needs so that everyone can experience the enjoyment of live entertainment. Outside the venue, on-site improvements include the opening of the new Belmont Park garage that features park assist and Find My Car kiosks, expanded car lanes to aid with traffic flow, as well as electric vehicle trams to provide shuttle transportations support. The expansion of the venue’s food and beverage program leading into the anniversary included bolstering the selection of locally inspired fare along with adding family-friendly options while also elevating stadium fan favorites.

• Sustainability has been an important part of the venue’s legacy. To help offset the building’s environmental impact, UBS Arena has achieved carbon neutrality for all scope one and two emissions from operations. Through the purchase of carbon and renewable energy credits, the arena has reached this milestone two years ahead of schedule. This milestone makes the venue the first arena to do this on the eastern seaboard. UBS Arena is a Founding Circle Member of GOAL (Green Operations and Advanced Leadership), a program that provides venues with clear guidelines to minimize negative environmental impact while amplifying social impact.

New York’s newest premier entertainment and sports venue and home of the New York Islanders was developed in partnership with Oak View Group, the New York Islanders and Jeff Wilpon. The venue will host more than 150 major events annually, while delivering an unmatched live entertainment experience including clear sightlines and premier acoustics.

For additional information, visit www.UBSArena.com or @ UBSArena on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. Check out www.longislandweekly.com for our chat with Kim Stone, president and executive vice president of Oak View Group East Coast about UBS Arena’s first year.

A Festive, Beautiful Show Filled With Talent

A review of Eglevsky Ballet’s ‘The Nutcracker’

On Sunday, Dec. 18 I brought my mother with me to watch the Eglevsky Ballet’s production of “The Nutcracker” at the Tilles Center for Performing Arts in Brookville. She had always told me about how she went to see “The Nutcracker” at Lincoln Center with my grandmother when she was young. And I thought it would be a beautiful thing to bring her with me.

I didn’t know what to expect, as I’ve never watched a ballet before, from what I can remember. But I was absolutely blown away.

The show began with the Park Avenue Chamber Symphony, led by David Bernard, playing an overture. It really set the tone for the show and brought about lots of anticipation for what’s to come.

What followed was the guests arriving to the Stahlbaum’s home for the annual holiday party. The set design was amazing, and all the dancers that filled the stage brought so much grace, including the children who did an excellent job. Each group, from Clara’s

Friends, to the Party Parents and the Party Children each brought their unique styles to the stage. My favorite part of this scene had to be when Herr Drosselmeyer, Clara’s beloved godfather, presented the Harlequin Doll, played by Omar Rodriguez, the Columbine Doll, played by Della Lin, and the Soldier Doll, played by Thierry Blanchard. I also loved the scene when the Maid, played Mari Takayama and Butler, played by Chris Loeschner danced.

After the party, Clara, played by Briana Laman, comes down with her nutcracker soldier she received from Herr Drosselmeyer, played by Lou Brockman, to sleep on the sofa by the Christmas tree, when the Rats and Mice famously entered, and a battle of the Captain of Soldiers, the Soldiers and the Nutcracker Prince between the Rats, Mice and the Rat King, played by Rodriguez and his Rat King Mini, played by Allison O’Lenick ensues. The sword battle between the Nutcracker Prince and the Rat King was thrilling and excellently choreographed by Maurice Brandon Curry. And I also have to say the effect of the Christmas tree growing in size was excellently done.

After the Nutcracker Prince, played by Ryan Cavaline, becomes just a prince; him and Clara dance beautifully together. “The Dance of the Snowflakes,” follows. It was

absolutely breathtaking, with snow falling on them as they waltzed around the stage. My mom whispered the name of the dance when it came on because she said it is iconic.

During the intermission, my mother and I went outside of the auditorium to discuss the show, and we both loved to see all the little girls attending trying their own ballet moves, inspired by what they saw on stage.

Act Two was also very impressive, beginning with a beautiful and vibrant dance of the Archangels, featuring costumes with colorful lights, and an adorable display by young Angels. The Sugar Plum Fairy, played by Miriam Miller, a soloist of the New York City Ballet, and Cavalier, played by Tyler Angle, a principal of the New York City Ballet, both put on breathtaking solos and duets throughout Act Two. As Clara and the Nutcracker Prince enjoy entertainment from worldly denizens of the “Land of Sweets,” the audience watched multiple performances with worldly inspiration. My favorite had to be the “Arabian” performance by Elisabeth Shim and the Arabian Attendants. I loved the use of the long, blue silk cloth that made it look like Shim was dancing on the sea. My only critique with Act Two as a whole is that I wish more was done with the set of “The Land of Sweets.”

Overall, with reading the synopsis of

“The Nutcracker,” all the dancers perfectly told the story through dance. I was captivated through out the whole show and left feeling delighted. My mother also had a wonderful time and called it a “lovely afternoon.”

And though the production has come to an end, you don’t have to wait a year to catch a show by the Eglevsky Ballet, as the company will be putting on the production of “Cinderella” on May 5 at the Tilles Center for the Performing Arts at 7 p.m. For more information, visit eglevskyballet.org.

Briana Laman as “Clara” and Ryan Cavaline as “The Nutcracker Prince,” (Photo by Eduardo Patino NY)

Reflecting On My 2022 Travels

JENNIFER CORR

This p ast year was the year for going to places whether I’ve been there or not, and whether locally or all across the country.

I started the year by going to the beach a lot, in the winter. I’d try to go once a week to walk around the meditate on the beach, and hopefully I’ll be able to start doing that again this year. Something about the beach in winter, and the cold sea air rushing towards your face, is so refreshing. Plus, you get to see deer roaming around, and some really cool surfers catching some waves.

I took a couple of ski trips in the beginning of the year. I went to Windham Mountain in January with my father and brother, and we stayed in an Airbnb very close to the mountain. My father taught me how to ski starting at threeyears-old, so it’s always special for my father to take us skiing and watch the fruits of his labor. And it certainly came in handy when I went to Windham again in late January, escaping that giant snow storm Long Island had, and taught my boyfriend how to ski in a day. I was really impressed by his ability to do an intermediate trail almost right away, but he did have some snowboarding experience. While there, we also checked out “The World’s Largest Kaleidoscope.”

And in late April, my boyfriend and I went to Philadelphia. I’ve been wanting to go because the other two times I’ve been there I was either to young to remember or it was too hot and my friends wanted to leave. But this time the weather was perfect. My boyfriend and I went to Eastern State Penitentiary to do a tour; we went to Philadelphia’s Magic Garden (which was a magical experience); we overlooked the city on the “Rocky Steps”; tried different snacks at the Reading Terminal Market and acted like kids again at The Franklin Institute.

In May, I went with my brother and friend to Clearwater,

Karl V. Anton, Jr., Publisher, Anton Community Newspapers, 1984-2000

Publishers of Glen Cove/Oyster Bay Record Pilot

Great Neck Record

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Editor and Publisher Angela Susan Anton President Frank A. Virga

Vice President of Operations Iris Picone

Florida for a three day weekend to see my great uncle and aunt. The stay was absolutely beautiful and we made the most of it, getting up as early as we can to enjoy every minute of our short time there. I enjoyed the walkable little town, seeing many types of birds and swimming in the crystal clear water. We also went on a buffet cruise and got everyone dancing on the empty dance floor, my brother not included because he doesn’t like to dance. But he did enjoy the food. It was also the first time I’ve seen my great uncle and aunt as an adult, and I’m glad I got to see them.

Before leaving for my big trip in July, my boyfriend and I spent the day at Montauk for a long, heart felt goodbye because I was going to be gone for almost two months. We were there from early in the morning until late at night, ending the day with a fire on the beach.

Then July brought the trip of a lifetime. My friend and I left on July 1, traveling via Amtrak to Erie, PA; Huron, Ohio; Ann Arbor, Mich,; Chicago; Minneapolis; Stanley, ND.; Browning, MO.; Spokane, Wash.; Seattle; Olympic National Park; Eugene, Ore; Napa Valley; Carmel, Calif; Los Angeles; The Grand Canyon; Sedona and Flagstaff, Ariz. The trip felt like another lifetime.

In September, my boyfriend and I celebrated my birthday in Cooperstown, New York, not for the National Baseball Hall of Fame, but for the Rail Explorers attraction, which took you through the mountain on a motorized surrey. It was a lot of fun, even with the pouring rain.

This year was certainly one for the books and I look forward to what 2023 has to offer.

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I Donated A Kidney

On May 25, I did something that I never would have imagined I’d do, and I would do it again if I could. I donated a kidney altruistically, which means that I donated to a stranger. As much as it has been a life-changer for my recipient (more about him later), it has been life-changing for me as well. I am hoping that someone reading this might feel touched by its content and want to learn more so that people like East Meadow resident, Autumn, can find a donor.

Two years ago, I was asked to watch a video about a former colleague’s cousin who needed a kidney. I was very moved by it. At that time, I was an athletic 60-year-old...a longtime runner and triathlete. My daughter was just beginning her second year in the University of Delaware’s doctor of physical therapy program. I decided to contact the organization that the cousin was working through, to get a little more information. After giving me more background into what a kidney donation process was like, the representative asked that I speak with my daughter. At that point I decided that I really needed to wait until she completed her graduate school program so that she could fully concentrate on that. Over the course of that next year, I kept seeing articles and news stories pop up about kidney donation. I had very casual discussions with my daughter and knew that if and when the time came, she would be fully supportive.

In November of 2021, I was able to start to formally consider becoming a kidney donor. By then, my colleague’s cousin had already been approved for a donation, so I was waiting to see what my next step should be. A couple of months later, my daughter saw an article about a young man needing a donor. I went to the website provided and filled out an informational questionnaire. I soon received a call from Montefiore Hospital. While I was not a match for him, I let them know that I was open to donating to a person in need.

I was lucky to have known several people in the running and triathlon community who were donors and scheduled a Zoom meeting with a few and with my daughter and ex-husband so that they could get a better feel for the process and for what to expect after surgery. It was very helpful for them and relieved some of their anxiety.

I began testing at the beginning of April 2022 and passed the extensive process. A recipient was identified and even lived locally in the Bronx! Surgery was set for May 25. I was so at peace with my decision, I was not even nervous going into surgery. I knew that I was going to be helping to make a difference in someone’s life and that this experience would be a life changer for me as well. Also, I realized, that since both my parents died by suicide (26 years apart) it would be wonderful to give more life to someone. Surgery went well and the recipient immediately responded positively to my donated kidney.

I stayed in the hospital for two nights and then went home. Yes, I did have some discomfort, which is totally expected with major surgery (the surgery was done via laparoscopy) and I did experience nausea and a lack of appetite for two weeks. All was tolerable. They encouraged walks as soon as I was able and I took well advantage of that, starting with about a quarter of a mile and building up. I was able to start cycling and running at three weeks. At four weeks of recovery, I didn’t even feel as if I had ever gone through surgery.

I participated in my first post-surgery 5K in mid-July and completed my first post-surgery sprint triathlon at the end of August.

Most importantly, I felt great physically and I felt a great sense of peace knowing that I had impacted another person and their family. That person, Vu Dang, who moved to the U.S. from Vietnam 30 years ago, feels great. He no longer needs

dialysis, which was part of his life for six years. My daughter and I got to meet him, his wife and his niece at the end of August. It was such a wonderful experience. We continue to email one another weekly.

I write this so that I can raise awareness about live organ donation. It’s a real thing and the impact on the recipient waiting list a testament to it. Currently, there are more than 100,000 people waiting for an organ donation in the U.S. The wait for a kidney is generally five years or more.

ABOUT AUTUMN

She needs a kidney to live. Her health is declining, and she will be starting dialysis any day now. She has been a resident of East Meadow for 33 years and raised her son there. She is a caring person who has always helped others. She helped start a community garden a few years ago to assist those in need. She was unable to continue it this year due to a lack of strength caused by her kidney disease. She lives with her two dogs who depend upon her.

January Is National Blood Donor Month

Did you know that every two seconds someone in the United States needs blood? Or that winter months make it extremely difficult to collect the necessary amount of blood and platelets needed to supply hospitals?

This January, the American Red Cross celebrates National Blood Donor Month and recognizes the lifesaving contribution of blood and platelet donors.

National Blood Donor Month has been celebrated each January for nearly 50 years and coincides with one of the most difficult times to maintain a sufficient blood supply for patients.

When it comes to blood and platelet donations, the winter season is often filled with hurdles as blood drives compete with things such as seasonal illnesses and inclement weather. A donation shortfall over the winter holidays has prompted the American Red Cross to issue an emergency call for blood and for platelet donors to give now to prevent a blood shortage from continuing throughout winter and affecting patient care. The Red Cross collected more than 27,000 fewer blood and platelet donations the weeks of Christmas and New Year’s than needed to sustain a sufficient blood supply, as busy holiday schedules kept many donors away.

During this critical time of year, the Red Cross depends on donors to continue to

supply these resources in order to make sure that blood products are available at about 2,500 hospitals nationwide.

Thanks to the generosity of volunteer blood donors, the American Red Cross helps patients receive the blood and platelets needed to battle illness and injury. According to the Red Cross, nearly 2.7 million people in the U.S. volunteer to donate blood and platelets every year. Blood

and platelets are available for distribution to hospitals through the Red Cross 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Blood transfusions are given to patients in all kinds of circumstances, including serious injuries, surgeries, childbirth, anemia, blood disorders, cancer treatments and many others. This consistent demand makes National Blood Donor Month an integral piece of the puzzle. Each day the Red Cross must collect

13,000 pints of blood from across the country to meet the needs of patients. This makes a blood and platelet shortage during the colder months a crucial matter for the Red Cross and the hospitals they serve.

Blood is a perishable product that can only come from generous volunteers. A blood donation takes about an hour from start to finish, but the actual donation itself only takes between 8 to 10 minutes. By spending an hour giving blood, donors can aid their community and help save lives! Each blood and platelet donation can save the lives of as many as three people, so this January be a hero in your community and find the closest blood drive or blood donation center in your area.

Simply download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App or visit RedCrossBlood.org to make an appointment. All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients. A blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age in most states (16 with parental consent where allowed by state law), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements.

—American Red Cross

Covered From Head To Toe

The New Year is the best time of year to finally invest in you. Give yourself the gift that will have you looking and feeling your best and schedule your complimentary consultation with Stephen T. Greenberg, M.D., F.A.C.S. at his Manhattan, Woodbury, Smithtown, Southampton or Boca Raton, FL locations. Don’t just show up this New Year, arrive with a new breast augmentation, breast lift or breast reduction which many times is combined with liposuction, a tummy tuck or facial procedures such as facelifts and eyelid lifts to achieve the look you have been dreaming of.

With Dr. Greenberg’s Rapid Recovery System, breast, body and facial procedures have patients back to daily routines in 24-48 hours. Body contouring is the solution to reshape those undesirable areas and produce the results you are struggling to achieve at the gym. There are several new and amazing technologies that deliver advanced outcomes to tighten, and lift the skin on the face and body. Dr. Greenberg’s Plasma Face Lift provides greater skin retraction for a more sculpted and defined neck and jawline while his Plasma Lipo produces more dramatic results, achieving firmer and well contoured abdomen, chest, legs, and arms. Many times these procedures are combined with med spa treatments such as the revolutionary Morpheus8 that tightens and tones the face, neck and body as well as CoolPeel that resurfaces and rejuvenates skin, both without downtime.

Dr. Greenberg’s proprietary 24-hour Breast Augmentation System has patients back to daily activities the very next day. “Patients need and want to resume normal activities immediately following surgery. Many people simply do not have time for downtime, this reality has given me the inspiration to offer a true rapid recovery option to my patients,” said Dr. Greenberg. Minimal swelling and bruising coupled with a notably decreased recovery time have resulted in proven patient satisfaction. Dr. Greenberg recognizes the

importance of addressing each person’s unique requirements, goals and objectives, and implements an overall plan (inclusive of diet and exercise), to help achieve both a beautiful look and realistic result. His rapid recovery procedures include mini facelift, micro mini facelift, liposuction and tummy tuck.

Dr. Greenberg has coined his newest and wildly popular procedure combination the Modern Mommy Makeover, which is the perfect combination of breast augmentation

with or without a breast lift, abdominoplasty with or without liposuction and labiaplasty with or without laser vaginal rejuvenation to fully restore a woman’s body after the fluctuations associated with pregnancy and childbirth. If you are looking for a nonsurgical solution this season, a combination of the latest injectables and highly advanced laser options will rejuvenate your face and body and give you a youthful appearance. Now is the optimal time to take advantage of advanced chemical peels which chemically exfoliate damaged skin cells resulting in even skin tone, smooth texture and fabulous, glowing, healthy skin.

Dr. Greenberg has provided beautiful and natural looking results for thousands of men and women from across the globe. He is currently writing his second book as a follow up to A Little Nip, A Little Tuck. His weekly radio show “Nip Tuck Today with Dr. Stephen T. Greenberg” has fans of listeners every Sunday at 10 a.m. on 710 AM radio. Listen live through Dr. Greenberg’s Instagram account @drstephentgreenberg or at 710WOR.iHeart. com.

The correct treatment regimen can help create the ideal you. Dr. Greenberg provides an exceptional experience in a beautiful, safe, caring and supportive environment. There is no better time for a new you than now. Call 516-364-4200 or visit www. GreenbergCosmeticSurgery.com to schedule your complimentary consultation today.

—Greenberg

Preparing Perfect Popcorn

Stay near and play it by ear

There’s nothing like the taste of freshly popped popcorn and nothing like the disappointment of burnt popcorn or too many unpopped kernels. If you’ve ever made popcorn, chances are you’ve bungled a batch. Follow these simple steps and you’ll have nearly perfect popcorn every time. The best tip is to stay near and play it by ear. Literally. The sound of popcorn popping is your best clue as to when it’s ready.

STOVETOP POPCORN TIPS

Step 1: Pour enough vegetable oil to just cover the bottom of a pan, turn on medium high heat. Allow pan to warm. The best popping temperature is between 400 and 460 degrees. Oil burns at 500 degrees. If your oil starts to smoke, it’s too hot.

Step 2: Add enough kernels to cover the bottom of the pan in a single layer, shake to coat the kernels with oil, and cover with lid (too many kernels will “blow” the lid).

Step 3: Corn will begin to pop within three minutes. When the popping slows, listen until you can count two seconds between pops. Turn off heat and remove pan from stove-top. Lift the lid to allow steam to escape

away from your face. Steam may burn and remaining kernels may continue to pop.

Step 4: Immediately add herbs, spices or other toppings if desired.

Salting

Pre-salting kernels toughens popcorn. Salt the popcorn after it has been popped— or skip salt altogether and add salt-free spices.

Oil & Butter

You can pop popcorn in any type of oil— sunflower, olive, canola, corn, or coconut— but do not use butter as it will burn under high heat. You may choose to drizzle melted butter on your popcorn after popping.

General Measure Rule

One ounce of unpopped popcorn equals a quart popped.

Storage Tips

Without moisture—13.5 percent to 14 percent per kernel is needed—popcorn can’t pop. That’s why it’s important to store popcorn correctly. An entire percentage of moisture can be lost if your kernels are left uncovered on a hot day. Though that may not sound like a lot, it adds up. A loss of

three percent can render popcorn unpoppable, and even a 1 percent drop in moisture will harm the quality of your kernels. So what’s the best way to store popcorn?

Airtight containers—plastic or glass— are your best bet to avoid moisture loss,

especially when stored in a cool place like a cupboard.

Avoid the refrigerator. Some say the cold storage makes the popcorn taste better, but many refrigerators contain little moisture and can dry out kernels.

COLUMN

Still No Second Avenue Subway 100 Years Later

This year marked the 100th Anniversary of promised construction of the Second Avenue Subway. All we have is the first phase with three stations running from 63rd to 96th Street opened in January 2016 at a cost of $4.5 billion. In April 2019, then MTA Office of Capital Construction President Janno Lieber claimed that the MTA could save between $500 million to a $1 billion in costs for the proposed Second Avenue Subway Phase 2. This would have reduced the overall tab down to almost $5 billion. Promised cost savings were based upon reduction in excavation for the 125th Street Station and building the 116th Street Station in space no longer needed for other project work. Instead the cost has grown to $6.9 billion,

Under the $51 billion 2020-24 Five-Year Capital Plan, the cost increased by $1 billion. The previous federal share of $2 billion or 33 percent has now been assumed to be 50 percent or $3.4 billion. There is no guarantee that the final cost might end up billions more. This is based upon future advancement of design and engineering, construction contractors responses to the procurement process for contract(s) award followed by change orders during construction due to unforeseen site conditions or last minute changes in scope.

A legal Federal Transit Administration Capital Investment New Starts Full Funding Grant Agreement (FFGA) to fund the Second Ave Subway Phase 2 would cap federal participation at $3.4 billion. This still remains an open question. The MTA would be legally responsible to pay for any cost increases above $6.9 billion. All the FTA has provided to the MTA is permission to advance final design and engineering. The project still faces myriad hurdles. It will cost more than $200 million per block to advance the Second Avenue subway from 96th to 125th Street. Is this a sound investment for commuters and taxpayers? Fully funding the $51 billion MTA 2020-24 Five-Year Capital Plan is dependent upon receipt of $15 billion generated by Congestion Toll Pricing. There is no guarantee that this will be implemented until January 2024, which would be four years later than previously assumed. The most critical issue to be resolved is identifying and securing the $3.5 billion local share toward the total project cost. It is a basic legal requirement. This is needed to leverage future FTA capital funding under an approved FFGA to support advancement of the project. The MTA must also demonstrate that they have the financial capacity to pay for any unanticipated cost increases or funding shortfalls. How do they do this when we just learned that the agency now faces a multi-year, multi-billion dollar financial shortfall?

Final design and engineering is underway, but far from complete. More time is still needed for completion of all business

relocation, real estate acquisition and private property easement rights. Agreements with New York City and various owners of underground utilities including water, sewer, gas, electric, steam and cable need to be finalized before being ready to commence construction. It is anybody’s guess how long it will take the MTA to successfully resolve all of the above. This will not be a shovel-ready project tor federal funding until these critical tasks are done. This is necessary to convince the FTA to approve a Capital Investment Grant New Starts FFGA for financing. At the current rate of project progress, the FFGA may not be approved for another year or more.

It is a fair question to ask if spending $3.4 billion in MTA local funding for the purchase of hundreds of new buses and subway cars, upgrading out-of-date signal systems on several lines increasing the number of subway stations to be ADA-accessible and securing the subway system from future Super Storm Sandys are better investments of financial resources than advancing the Second Avenue subway. Reaching a state of good repair accompanied by safe and reliable service would benefit far more riders. It should be a higher priority than system expansion.

Larry Penner is a transportation advocate, historian and writer, who previously worked for the Federal Transit Administration Region 2 New York Office. This included the development, review, approval and oversight for billions in capital projects and programs for the MTA, NYC Transit, Long Island Rail Road, Metro North Rail Road, MTA Bus along with 30 other transit agencies in NY & NJ.

WORD FIND

ARIES (March 21-April 19). Allies come in many forms, some cuddly and others downright prickly. But people don’t have to be nice, kind or generous to be useful to your cause. You have an open mind and will look for ways for people to work together. It will take creativity, and you have plenty of that to work with this week.

GEMINI (May 21-June 21). Even the relationships that seem like they should happen naturally will take work, but it’s nothing out of the ordinary. Relationships are held together by the honoring of contracts, spoken and unspoken. Most of the work is just doing what it takes to ful ll an expectation, or more likely, in your case, exceed it.

CANCER (June 22-July 22). Before you gure out your own way of doing a thing, it’s normal to do an imitation of what you believe the part entails. In time you’ll settle into the version that’s all you. Until then, take note of when you feel like you’re enacting a characterization. Keep trying things until you get comfortable making it yours.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). It can be seriously detrimental to give your trust to the wrong person, for the wrong reason or at an ill-timed moment. So if you’re not sure who you can trust and you opt to trust no one, it just might be among your luckiest moves. Let people prove themselves rst, and in the meantime, work toward self-su ciency.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). It’s di cult to adjust expectations you don’t even realize you have. Disappointment can be a gift -- a chance to investigate what you thought it would be before you knew better. ere’s a creative opportunity here, too. Mine the magic in your naive vision. What would it take to make your original hopes come to life?

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). You make powerful choices when you know your own rules and live by them. If you have too many options, you don’t really have any because you’ll walk away instead of deciding. Narrow it down to ve. It doesn’t matter which ve. Any ve will teach you your criteria and get you in the decision-making mode.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). You are not inclined toward comfortable complacency. Playing a bigger game means you’re wrong more often, and you’ll know more stress than those who live in a small bubble of certainty. Your courage and persistence will be rewarded. You’ll learn more because there’s more to learn.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). You’re an expert strategist, and whatever game you put your head into, be it business, love, politics or Scrabble, you’ll come up with a brilliant plan. It’s sometimes wise to play theoretically, as many plans aren’t worth the energy it would take to execute them. Success depends on knowing what to act on.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). You’ve put e ort into relationships, and you’ll enjoy the fruits of it this week. People you can communicate well with are the treasures of your life. When you can say everything with a shared look, it’s a true connection. Of course, this kind of mind reading is made possible through dozens of prior conversations.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). You know an array of people with a full range of energy styles. e overachievers teach you the prizes and cost of ambition, and the laid-back individuals demonstrate the pleasures and perils of relaxation. You’ll settle into the groove that comforts and challenges you in equal measure.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). You’re friendly and compassionate. You’re not looking for obvious or constant rewards for your every action. Still, “What’s in it for me?” is a good question to keep asking yourself this week. Whatever is in it for you, self-respect must be included in the bene ts package, or it’s not worth your time.

THIS WEEK’S BIRTHDAYS

You’ll get what you want for two excellent reasons. First, you want something that is good for more than just you. Second, you gure out the correct exchange for it. Your team will win because of your e orts. Whether it’s your turn or you’re cheering on the others, your contribution is priceless and appreciated. Instead of striving for happiness, you’ll achieve it as a side e ect of an adventurous challenge. Don’t overthink, just go; you’ll discover you have greater faculty than you’d imagined.

COPYRIGHT 2022 CREATORS.COM

INTERNATIONAL WORD FIND

Adelaide

Solution: 18 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 18 letters left over. They spell out the alternative theme of the puzzle.

Adelaide

Solution: 18 Letters

© 2023 Australian Word Games Dist.

© 2023 Australian Word Games Dist. by Creators Syndicate Inc.

Cavan Chidda Churches

Crafers

Downs

Dry Creek East Elizabeth Enfield Fair Fitzroy Fulham Hilton Hove Joslin Klemzig

Kudla Largs Bay MacDonald Park Marden Moana Ottoway Pinera Seaford Semaphore Show

Dry Creek East Elizabeth Enfield Fair Fitzroy Fulham Hilton Hove Joslin Klemzig Ottoway Pinera Seaford Semaphore Show

Kudla Largs Bay MacDonald Park Marden Moana Skye Soil Sturt Taperoo Unley Urrbrae Walks

Woodville South

Skye Soil Sturt Taperoo Unley Urrbrae Walks Woodville South

Solution: The city of festivals

Creators Syndicate

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

applied the rule. West led the spade five against three notrump, declarer taking East’s jack with the ace. South then led the ten of clubs, losing to East’s jack, and the outcome now hinged on whether East returned a spade or switched to the king of hearts.

The heart shift was indeed very tempting, but East, thoroughly versed in the Rule of Eleven, returned a spade. As a result,

Date: 1/4/23

declarer went down two after a second club finesse failed. Had East returned the king of hearts instead, declarer would have made the contract.

The Rule of Eleven can be applied whenever a player is thought to be leading the fourth-best card of a suit. Here, East had every reason to believe that West’s opening lead was his fourth-best spade. Since West’s lead was the five, East subtracted that number from 11, which in turn told him that the North, East and South hands combined had six cards in spades higher than the five West led.

East could see three spades higher than the five in his own hand and two higher than the five in dummy. He was thus able to deduce, according to the Rule, that South had only one spade higher than the five, which turned out to be the ace South played at trick one. Consequently, East knew that a spade return to dummy’s king at trick three would establish West’s remaining spades.

Note that declarer can also make use of the Rule of Eleven. In the actual deal, South can work out, in the same way, that East has three spades higher than the five West led, but this information does not help him in the present case. He must go down if East defends correctly, and there is nothing he can do about it.

Weekly Sudoku Puzzle

TRAIN ONLINE TO DO MEDICAL BILLING!

Become a Medical Office Professional online at CTI! Get Trained, Certified & ready to work in months! Call 855-543-6440. (M-F 8am6pm ET). Computer with internet is required.

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New York State and local laws prohibit

because of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, disability, familial status, age, marital status, sexual orientation or disability in connection with the rental, sale or financing of real estate. Nassau also prohibits source of income discrimination. Anton Community Newspapers does not knowingly accept advertising in violation of these laws. When you suspect housing discrimination, call Long Island Housing Services’ Discrimination Complaint Line at 800660-6920. (Long Island Housing Services is the Fair Housing Agency of Nassau and Suffolk Counties.)

Santos Under Fire

NY-03 Congressman-elect George Santos is facing national criticism and calls for investigation after falsifying much of his life story

ANTON MEDIA GROUP STAFF

As winter weather digs in across the country, Nassau County is also facing a whirlwind of revelations about Congressman-elect George Santos to kick off the new year.

On Monday, December 19, Grace Ashford and Michael Gold published a story in the New York Times that unraveled serious, substantial portions of the campaign resume that Santos, a Trump-aligned, strongly conservative man in his 30s, has been presenting to the public over the past two years. Based on that reporting, portions of Santos’ resumé that appear to be false included his two degrees, his employment at major financial firms, his own financial assets, and the state of his residence in Whitestone, Queens.

Further troubling information regarding Santos, raising questions about nearly every aspect of his public persona, poured out in the days since. Numerous publications, from the site The Daily Beast and the Washington Post to the Jewish outlet Forward, quickly produced further credible, bio-undermining investigations into his cultural and family

heritage, his sexuality as he’s publicly defined it, his financial disclosures and sources of income, an alleged decades-old criminal charge in Brazil, and even his actual state of residence.

Others, from the North Shore Leader to Rolling Stone and the media-focused The Daily Beast, have pointed to earlier (often pre-election) reporting they had done on questionable aspects of Santos’ life (and particularly his campaign finances), which, for whatever various reasons, apparently didn’t get a big reaction.

On December 20, Representative-elect

Santos’ Twitter account posted an image containing a brief statement which seemed to deny outlets’ claims regarding most of his campaign resumé; he also accused the New York Times of maligning him, and seemingly misattributed a defiant quote to Winston Churchill. On December 22, another statement on Santos’ Twitter account said that Santos, like everyone, has “a story to tell,” and that he would share his the following week.

On Monday, December 26, in interviews with the New York Post and WABC, Rep.-elect Santos broadly confirmed that much of his campaign bio and public resume was false, including his claims that he had worked at Goldman Sachs and Citigroup and held degrees from CUNY and NYU. “I didn’t graduate from any institution of higher learning [and] I’m embarrassed and sorry for having embellished my resume,” Santos told the Post.

As the news site Axios summarized, “Santos also addressed accusations that he lied about having Jewish ancestry, including that his grandparents fled the Holocaust. ‘I never claimed to be Jewish,’ he told the Post. ‘I am Catholic. Because I learned my maternal family had a Jewish background I said I was Jew-ish.’”

Among other things, Santos has walked back his claim that he employed four victims

of the 2016 Pulse nightclub shooting, suggesting instead that they would have been future employees of his.

Santos also pushed back on growing calls among local and national Democrats for his resignation, among other potential next steps. When asked if he would consider suing the New York Times over aspects of its reporting that he disputed, Santos told WABC that he didn’t “know what [his] options are,” adding, “But the one thing is, I will be sworn in, I will take office.”

In November, the now-troubled Republican defeated Democrat Robert Zimmerman by eight points to represent New York’s third congressional district, serving northern Nassau County and parts of Queens.

Following the recent public revelations about his former opponent, Zimmerman told Vanity Fair, “The media knew that he was a [Donald] Trump, Marjorie Taylor Greene candidate. But what they didn’t really grasp, or really understand, is he was also the Anna Delvey candidate of this congressional midterm election cycle.”

Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman, who attended a Chanukah celebration alongside Santos and outgoing Rep. Lee Zeldin on December 18, was reached out to for comment, but did not reply by press time.

LEGAL NOTICESLEGAL NOTICESLEGAL NOTICESLEGAL NOTICES

Judicial District. Foreclosure Auctions will be held “Rain or Shine.”

Desiree L. Fusco, Esq., Referee

LOGS Legal Group LLP f/k/a Shapiro, DiCaro & Barak, LLC

Attorney(s) for the Plaintiff 175 Mile Crossing Boulevard Rochester, New York 14624 (877) 430-4792

Dated: November 4, 2022 1-4-23; 12-28-21-14-20224T-#236196-GN

LEGAL NOTICE

PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE

PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that a public hearing will be held as to the following matter:

Agency: Board of Appeals

Village of Thomaston

Date: January 19, 2023

Time: 6:00 p.m.

Place: Village Hall, 100 East Shore Road, Thomaston, New York

Subject: Case No. 22-09.

Application of Gan Lam and Sheng J. You, 161 Susquehanna Avenue, Thomaston, New York, to legalize and maintain a pergola and covered porch, which maintenance requires variances of (a) Village Code §203-35(A), in that (i) the lot area is 5,500 square feet, where a minimum of 7,000 square feet is required, and

(ii) the lot width is 50 feet, where a minimum of 60 feet is required, (b) Village Code §203-36(B), to permit the oor area ratio to be 0.44, where a maximum of 0.40 is permitted, (c) Village Code §203-37(B), to permit the porch to be 21.2 feet from the rear property line, where a minimum of 25 feet is required, and (d) Village Code §203-104(A), to permit the pergola to be 2.375 feet from the rear property line, where a minimum of feet is required. Premises are designated as Section 2, Block 262, Lot 425 on the Nassau County Land and Tax Map.

At the said time and place, all interested persons may be heard with respect to the foregoing matter.

This application is a Type II Matter under the State Environmental Quality Review Act, which requires no environmental review.

Any person having a disability which would inhibit attendance at or participation in the hearing should notify the Village Clerk at least three business days prior to the hearing, so that reasonable efforts may be made to facilitate such attendance and participation.

All relevant documents may be inspected at the office of the illage Clerk, 00 East Shore Road, Thomaston, New York, during regular business hours.

Dated: December 9, 2022 BY ORDER OF THE BOARD OF APPEALS 1-4-2023-1T-#236820-GN

LEGAL NOTICE PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE

PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that a public hearing will be held as to the following matters:

Agency: Board of Trustees, Village of Great Neck Estates Date: January 12, 2023 Time: 8:00 p.m.

Place: Village Hall, Atwater Plaza, Great Neck, New York

Subject: Application of First Playhouse of Great Neck Corp., 10 Windsor Drive, Old Westbury, New York, to further amend an incentive zoning permit previously issued for use of property located at 102-112 Middle Neck Road, Great Neck, New York for multiple family residences and retail. The applicant seeks to reduce the proposed height of the building, and make other minor conforming plan revisions. Premises are also known as Section 2, Block 38, Lot 116 on the Nassau County land and Tax Map.

The Board of Trustees, as Lead Agency, has classified this application as an Unlisted Action and has issued a SEQRA Negative Decla-

ration.

Any person having a disability which would inhibit participation in the hearing should notify the Village Administrator at least three business days prior to the hearing, so that reasonable efforts may be made to facilitate such attendance and participation.

Dated: December 22, 2022

BY ORDER OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES

Kathleen Santelli, Village Administrator

1-4-2023-1T-#236821-GN

LEGAL NOTICE INC. VILLAGE OF RUSSELL GARDENS PUBLIC HEARING

PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that a public hearing will be held by the Design Review Board of the Inc. Village of Russell Gardens on January 26, 2023 at 7:00 P.M. at Village Hall, located at 6 Tain Drive, Great Neck, New York. To consider the application of 277 Northern Blvd. LLC described as Section 2, Block 241, Lot 323, (Case No. 2023-01) in the Village of Russell Gardens for a proposed exterior alteration to the existing commercial building including re-cladding of the existing façade and restriping of the existing parking lot.

e a lication is on file at Village Hall and may be inspected Monday through Fri-

day between 8:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE At the said time and place, all interested per-

sons may be heard with respect to the foregoing matter. BY ORDER OF THE DESIGN REVIEW BOARD INC. VILLAGE OF

LEGAL NOTICES

RUSSELL GARDENS ANDREW ROUCHOU, CHAIRMAN DATED: 1/04/2023 1-4-2023-1T-#236965-GN

Great Neck’s Farmers Market Moves Indoors

Great Neck’s Farmers Market has moved indoors for the winter. The Great Neck Indoor Winter Market is a collaborative project of Deep Roots Farmers Market and the Great Neck Park District. The market will continue to bring the Great Neck community fresh and local foods and crafts.

The market provides a good variety of food products. Vendors offer the staples such as fresh fruits and vegetables, but other vendors offer more unique products such as organic juices, meats, fish, spices and coffee.

“We are a food-focused market,” said the founder and owner of Deep Roots Farmers

Market, Amy Peters,. “Everybody at the farmers market is a maker or grower. At least 80 to 90 percent of what [the vendors] are bringing is what they make or grow.”

While the market’s primary focus is providing fresh and self-grown or prepared food products, occasionally artists come and sell jewelry, homemade soaps, candles and other accessories.

The indoor market is located at the Great Neck House at 14 Arrandale Ave. The market will be open on Sundays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. thru March 26.

—Information provided by Deep Roots Farmers Market with additional reporting by Julie Prisco

Great Neck Alert Fire Company Honors Outgoing Juniors Captain Richard Deem

The Great Neck Alert Fire Company honored one of their junior firefighters at a special ceremony that took place recently at the Company’s headquarters. A well-deserved award was presented to outgoing Captain Richard Deem for his hard work, dedication and extraordinary service to the Alert Junior Firefighters program. Richard also received a second award from the department for saving his grandfather’s life last summer.

Richard joined the Alert Juniors in February 2018 and prior to becoming Captain in 2022, he served as 1st Lieutenant in 2021. Last summer, while at home with his grandparents, Richard’s grandfather was attempting to swallow a pill when it became lodged in his throat, blocking his airway. His grandmother yelled for Richard, who came running down the stairs. Richard’s quick thinking and recall of his first aid and

choking training instantly kicked in and he swiftly rendered the Heimlich maneuver, dislodging the pill and ultimately saving his grandfather’s life.

Richard is currently a junior at Kellenberg Memorial High School and he, along with the other junior firefighters in the program, is Red Cross certified in First Aid, CPR, and AED and receives this training annually. Richard will be exiting the juniors program in February when he turns 17, and plans to join the Great Neck Alert Fire Company as a member and firefighter.

—Submitted by the Great Neck Alert Fire Company

SCHOOL NEWS

GREAT NECK STUDENTS RECEIVE OUTSTANDING PHYSICAL EDUCATION AWARDS

Four students from the Great Neck Public Schools are recipients of the Outstanding Physical Education Award from the Nassau Zone of the New York State Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance (NYSAHPERD). Congratulations to award winners Kevin Khanyan and Danielle (Dani) Kobrick from North High School, and Luke Boyar and Dajane (Diana) Flores from South High School.

The Outstanding Physical Education Award honors high school seniors who are recognized as leaders in physical education and serve as role models to their peers. Award recipients lead a healthy and physically active lifestyle, and demonstrate responsible behaviors such as good sportsmanship, character, and citizenship.

—Submitted by the Great Neck Public School District

REBEL ROBOTICS AWARDED NASA GRANT

For the second consecutive year, South High School Rebel Robotics Team #2638 has been awarded a NASA FIRST Robotics Competition Grant Award. South High is one of only five schools in New York State selected to receive a prestigious $5,000 NASA Program Growth Grant, which will be used to offset registration costs for FIRST Robotics competitions this season.

A committee of Rebel Robotics students worked diligently over the past four months to complete the extensive grant application process, with guidance from team mentors including non-engineering mentors (NEMOs) Ellen Dressner and Robin Fleishman. The students used team data and developed a narrative that demonstrates the team’s continual outreach and efforts to support the growth of STEM in the community.

“Rebel Robotics is proud to once again be

recognized by NASA through their awarding of this grant. It shows our team members that their hard work over the course of the entire year pays off,” says John Motchkavitz, lead team mentor. “Our goal is to keep promoting the importance of robotics throughout our community.”

The Rebel Robotics program boasts 125 members this year. Students have started prototyping potential robot designs and developing a strategy for the 2023 Energize Competition, and the team is looking forward to an exciting competition season ahead.

Faculty advisors for Rebel Robotics Team #2638 are John Motchkavitz, South High business/technology department chair, and Matthew Corrigan, business/technology teacher.

FOUR SOUTH HIGH SENIORS NAMED COCA-COLA SCHOLAR SEMIFINALISTS

Four seniors at South High School have been announced as Semifinalists in the 2023 Coca-Cola Scholars Program. Jillian Chang, Sebastian Lennox, Kevin Ou Yang, and Rachel Woo are among 1,557 students nationwide to be recognized for their academic excellence, leadership, and service demonstrated in school and community activities.

process by submitting a Semifinalist application, which will be reviewed by a Program Reading Committee. After this review, 250 will advance as Regional Finalists, with 150 becoming Coca-Cola Scholars and receiving a $20,000 college scholarship.

PARTIAL SCHOOL TAX EXEMPTIONS

At the Great Neck Board of Education meeting on Dec. 14, the Board approved resolutions to increase the maximum income eligibility for partial school tax exemptions for senior citizens and for persons with disabilities and limited income.

The Great Neck Board of Education has provided relief to senior citizens since 1970, and to persons with disabilities and limited income since 1984. The new income guidelines adopted by the Board are consistent with increases to the maximum allowable annual household income requirements established by the New York State Legislature and enacted by Nassau County into local law on Sept. 19, 2022.

Exemption requirements and qualification guidelines are explained on application forms. Forms are available in person from the

Nassau County Department of Assessment, 240 Old Country Rd., Mineola, NY 11501.

(Open weekdays, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.) Applications may also be requested by phone at 516571-1500, or downloaded from the Nassau County website at https://www.nassaucountyny.gov/3575/Exemption-Forms.

In addition to providing relief to senior citizens and to persons with disabilities and limited income, the Great Neck Board of Education has also provided relief to volunteer firefighters and volunteer ambulance workers since 2005; to veterans and Gold Star parents (parents of a child who died in the line of duty while serving in the US armed forces during a period of war) since 2014; and to cold war veterans since 2016.

—Submitted by the Great Neck Public School District

More than 91,000 students across the country applied for this prestigious competition and only 1.7% of applicants were awarded Semifinalist status. These students will advance to the next stage of the selection

The Coca-Cola Scholars Program is one of the largest corporate-sponsored, achievement-based scholarship programs in the United States. The Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation has provided more than $78 million in scholarships since 1986.

—Submitted by the Great Neck Public School District