Backing community bank lending bills
New York state officials joined forces conference in support of legislation that would expand lending in underserved communities and help stimulate economic development.
Comptroller Tom DiNapoli, State Sen. James Sanders Jr. and Assemblyman Khaleel Anderson addressed the two bills developed by DiNapoli, with the assistance of Sanders, chairman of the Senate Committee on Banks, that aims to make it easier for community and minority-owned banks to access state deposits that help provide essential banking services and increase financing for small businesses and homeowners.
“Supporting community and minority-owned banks and credit unions puts state funds to work in neighborhoods that have historically been overlooked, DiNapoli said in a news release on the March 4 news conference. “These funds will help expand financial services, increase access to capital and build wealth through homeownership, entrepreneurship and job growth. It is a winwin for the state and our local communities.”
The first bill (S.8357/A.9574), authored by DiNapoli and sponsored by Sanders and Anderson, would reduce a barrier to participation in the Banking Development District Program, which places public deposits in financial institutions serving underserved communities.
The proposed bill would allow participating banks to use reciprocal deposits to meet collateral requirements, allowing state deposits to be insured through FDIC-backed deposit placement networks, instead of requiring traditional collateral, freeing up more capital for lending.
“After we discovered how the state was not maximizing the participation of all communities in economic development, we knew we had to act,” Sanders said in the release. “These reforms ensure that public dollars are not just sitting on the sidelines, but actively working in the neighborhoods that need them most. By modernizing our deposit programs and removing outdated barriers, we are empowering community banks and minorityowned financial institutions to expand lending, support
small businesses, and help families build wealth. This is how we create real, lasting opportunity – by making sure every community has access to the financial tools that drive growth.”
The second bill (S.8406/A.9573), also written authored by DiNapoli and sponsored by Sanders and Assemblyman Clyde Vanel, would raise the Community Bank Deposit Program cap from $20 million to $30 million, expanding participating banks’ ability to support mortgages, small businesses, farms and local development.
“The modernization and flexibility that these bills provide will allow community banks and minority deposit institutions to serve the public more efficiently, and to ultimately support the underserved communities that the BDD program and CBDP were designed to help, Anderson said in the release.”
The BDD program is administered by the Department of Financial Services to encourage participation. DiNapoli’s
office makes public deposits available up to $35 million to banks and credit unions to open or maintain a bank branch. DiNapoli has awarded deposits totaling nearly $505 million to 13 banking institutions that have opened or maintained branches in DFS-designated BDDs across New York State.
“At the end of the day, this is about access,” Assemblywoman Chantel Jackson, chair of the New York State Black Legislative Task Force, said in the release. “For too long, our neighborhoods have been locked out of real investment while capital sat on the sidelines. These bills change that by cutting red tape and raising the cap so community banks can do what they’re meant to do, invest in us. That means more mortgages for firsttime homebuyers, more small business loans, and more support for local entrepreneurs. This is economic justice, not just talking about closing gaps, but redirecting
resources to strengthen Black and Brown communities and keep opportunity where it belongs.”
“We support this legislation, which will allow for critical investment in the communities that need it most,” Sherri Eckles, president of the NY Mortgage Bankers Association said in the release.
“By capitalizing community banks and minority depository institutions with state funds, we can unlock additional access to mortgage lending, small business and farm loans, and economic opportunity in underserved areas across the state.”
–Jeffrey Bessen
Courtesy Office New York State Comptroller
Comptroller Tom DiNapoli, at lectern, State Sen. James Sanders Jr., second from left, and Assemblyman Khaleel Anderson unveiled two proposed bills to stimulate lending in underserved communities.
Teens shine at annual CTeen International Summit
By MELISSA BERMAN mberman@liherald.com
As thousands of Jewish teens from around the world gathered at Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum for the 18th annual CTeen International Summit, 10 members of the Chabad of the Five Towns CTeen chapter were among those taking part in what organizers called the largest gathering of Jewish teens in the world.
The local teens joined more than 4,500 participants representing roughly 900 chapters across 60 countries for the summit, which culminated in the “Live the Life Event,” on Feb. 22. The program, broadcast globally, focused on encouraging teens to embrace and publicly express their Jewish identity at a time of rising antisemitism and social pressure.
“It ignites a sense of Jewish pride that stays with our teens way longer after this weekend ends,” said Hadassah Geisinsky,
Chabad of the Five Towns CTeen director. “it gives them confidence to live their faith openly and happily in a world that challenges their values of being a teen.”
She said this experience taught the kids that they are part of something much larger than
themselves or their Five Towns CTeen chapter.
“The goal is to ignite and love for that passion of being a Jew,” Geisinsky said. “It gives them the feeling that they are a leader and to bring all this to your community. It’s more than inspiring, it empowers the teens.”
For Five Towns participants, the experience offered both a sense of connection and empowerment, as they stood alongside peers facing similar challenges in schools and communities worldwide. The summit’s theme emphasized living Jewish values openly and confidently.
“Seeing everyone being Jewish and having a sense of pride for it was truly amazing to me,” said Olivia Rubin, leader of the Five Towns CTeen chapter.
Rubin, a junior at Hewlett High School, joined CTeen because she heard all of her friends talk about it and wanted to be involved in a Jewish organization. She said her favorite part of the weekend was hearing first-hand stories from hostages held captive by Gaza in the Oct. 7, 2023 war.
expressions of Jewish identity across different fields.
“Standing in that arena, surrounded by the future, you feel the strength and the hope of this generation,” Rabbi Mendy Kotlarsky, chairman of Chabad’s global networks, wrote in a statement. “When thousands of diverse teens gather with this kind of clarity and pride, it creates energy that spreads to their communities across the globe.”
A delegation from Bondi Beach in Australia underscored the global nature of the movement, while one of the most anticipated moments included remarks from recently freed hostages, who shared messages of resilience and faith.
“I had only heard a point of view from soldiers, never from a hostage,” she said. “I learned that if you have ambition to see the person you love, it gives you the courage to stay alive.”
For teens from the Five Towns, the weekend was not just about attending a large-scale event close to home, but about bringing its message back to their own schools and communities — choosing, as organizers emphasized, not to respond to hate with retreat, but with visibility, pride and light.
The closing ceremony featured a range of speakers and performers, including UCLA student Eli Tsives, who has spoken out against campus antisemitism, and Jewish content creators using social media to promote Jewish pride. Athletes, entrepreneurs and musician Nissim Black also appeared, highlighting
“I feel like if you’re a very outgoing, talkative person like me then CTeen is for you,” Rubin added. “I didn’t see myself being different during the weekend and I loved that.”
To learn more about Chabad of the Five Towns’s CTeen chapter, contact Hadassah Geisinsky at (516) 458-3694.
Tim Baker/Herald
Chabad of the Five Towns CTeen members Emily Kondov, left, Elizabeth Yusupov, Dina Heller, Selena Jelen, Julia Kern, Elenor Hillel and Emma Rubin at the 18th annual CTeen Shabbaton on Feb. 22.
HAFTR students head “Into the Woods”
By MELISSA BERMAN mberman@liherald.com
Hebrew Academy of the Five Towns and Rockaway High School students are preparing to bring Stephen Sondheim’s “Into the Woods” to life next week, taking on a complex and layered production that highlights both their artistic growth and the strength of the school’s theater program.
“Into the Woods” blends classic fairy tales: “Cinderella”, “Little Red Riding Hood”, “Jack and the Beanstalk”, and “Rapunzel” into a story about a childless baker and his wife attempting to reverse a witch’s curse.
Performances are scheduled for March 12 from 7 to 9 p.m. and March 15 from 4 to 6 p.m. in the high school auditorium, marking the first show in the school’s new performance space.
Senior Lily Schlussel stars as the Narrator, a role that remains onstage throughout much of the production and helps guide the audience through the story while actively participating in it.
“The Narrator is visible throughout the show and plays an active role in advancing the story,” Schlussel said. “She guides the audience through the action but is also part of it.”
Schlussel said the role has allowed her to focus more deeply on acting and storytelling, rather than vocals alone.
Avi
Hebrew Academy of the Five Towns and Rockaway High School are bringing Stephen Sondheim’s “Into the Woods” to life next week for their spring musical.
“I like that this role isn’t focused mainly on singing,” she said. “It gives me the chance to really focus on storytelling and being present in each moment.”
Fellow senior Hailie Avigdor takes on the role of Cinderella, whom she described as a grounded and thoughtful presence in the story.
“Cinderella serves as the voice of reason in the show,” Avigdor said.
To prepare, Avigdor said she has spent significant time on vocal training to meet the demands of Sondheim’s intricate score.
“The music is challenging, so it requires a lot of work and commitment,” she added.
She highlighted “Your Fault” as one
of the most demanding numbers and “No One Is Alone” as one of the most powerful moments in the show.
Director Ariana Wolfson said she selected “Into the Woods” for its rich storytelling and musical complexity, as well as its broad appeal.
“Sondheim’s writing and music are incredible,” Wolfson said. “The show is complex and layered, but still familyfriendly.”
Wolfson said the cast has developed a strong sense of unity throughout rehearsals.
“They support each other, have fun
News briefs
Courtesy Avi Shaver
The Hebrew Academy of the Five Towns and Rockaway marked its 47th annual dinner on Feb. 22
Laskys to be honored at annual dinner
The Hebrew Academy of the Five Towns and Rockaway marked its 47th annual dinner on Feb. 22, bringing together parents, alumni, faculty and community members for an evening celebrating the school’s shared values and future.
together, and truly feel like one big family,” she said.
For Wolfson, the most rewarding part of the process has been watching students grow into their roles.
“Seeing the vision come to life on stage is very special,” Wolfson said. “Watching the students grow into their characters is incredibly rewarding.”
Musical director Heather Kanner said the production has pushed students both vocally and emotionally, particularly given the difficulty of Sondheim’s score and the limited rehearsal time.
“The music throughout this show is extremely challenging, but the students have fully committed to it,” Kanner said.
She noted that songs like “Your Fault” requires precise timing and coordination, while others, including a lateshow number centered on supporting one another, have taken on deeper emotional meaning for the cast especially for graduating seniors.
Kanner said the students have risen to the challenge by working collaboratively and building confidence.
“They’ve worked hard, supported one another, and stayed committed to the process,” she said.
Both directors emphasized that the production reflects months of effort behind the scenes, with students balancing complex harmonies, staging and storytelling.
“This is one of the most difficult shows a high school can attempt,” Kanner said. “The students have truly worked tirelessly to bring it all together.”
PSEG Long Island detailed programs meant to assist customers financially.
Talking financial assistance programs
PSEG Long Island marked National Energy Assistance Day on Feb. 2 by urging customers facing high winter heating costs to look at assistance programs and energy-saving options.
–Melissa Berman
Dani and Lori Lasky were honored as guests of honor for their leadership and dedication to the school community. Dani Lasky was recognized for his ongoing support and involvement, while Lori Lasky, a HAFTR alumna and parent, was noted for her continued commitment to the school’s values across generations.
PSEG is helping residents across Long Island through phone and email support, community outreach events and webinars to enroll. There is the Household Assistance Program, which provides qualifying customers with a
monthly bill credit of at least $45 for up to 18 months. Customers may also qualify for state and federal programs, including the state’s Home Energy Assistance Program and Emergency, which helps eligible households pay heating costs during the winter. Call the consumer advocacy hotline at (631) 755-3407 on weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. or email Consumeradvocacyli@ psegliny.com. –Jordan Vallone
honoring Dani and Lori Lasky.
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