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Friday, June 7, 2024
Vol. 99, No. 23 BLANK SLATE MEDIA June 7, 2024
AINMENT AND DINING YOUR GUIDE TO THE ARTS, ENTERT 360.COM WWW.THEISLAND
N SUMMtoER CELEBRATIO Cedamarmere host day of the arts CelebraThe 3rd annual Summer the fortion of the Arts at Cedarmere, Bryant mer estate of William Cullen be held on in Roslyn on Saturday, will pm (rain June 8 from 4:30 to 7:00 date, Sunday, June 9th). The event will feature contempomusic, art rary dance, live world beat word, installations, paintings, spoken in the jam and an interactive dance by the sunken garden, all inspired theme “Water”. come Pack a picnic supper and grounds enjoy the beautiful historic and landscape of Cedarmere. and Explore the pond, gardens, over sunset trails, and take in the year’s event Hempstead Harbor. This nature-inspired new will premiere Nancy Brier, works choreographed by by set to a new musical composition Mills Edgar “Bass Monk” Patterson written by poetry original new and senior residents of Sea Cliff. by New site-specific sculptures art John Cino and a water-inspired of Northexhibit by Firefly Studios port will also be on display. Carl Safina, an author, eco-activthe event. ist, and drummer, will host repreTecumseh Ceasar, a cultural will sentative of the Montauketts,wamsing a water song and display pum carvings. and reBring a picnic supper trash as no member to carry out all be available. garbage facilities will Some chairs will be provided. is This family-friendly event from funds made possible with the New York State Council on the Arts and additional support from the Chris Crosby Foundation.
CEDARMORE TO HOST TOWN SAFETY COMMISH SUOZZI PRESSES BORDER DEAL ARTS CELEBRATION HIRE QUESTIONED PAGE 21
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G.N. Library to investigate director Anonymous employees allege toxic work environment, favoritism BY C A M E RY N O A K ES The Great Neck Library Board of Trustees voted to conduct an independent investigation after a letter from an anonymous employee alleged Director Denise Corcoran has fostered a “toxic and fearful work environment” amid other accusations. The letter, addressed to the Great Neck Library Board of Trustees, saysthe author wanted to be anonymous due to fear of retaliation. The current employee said this toxic culture has persisted throughout Corcoran’s tenure, both when she was initially hired in 2018 before leaving in 2019 and again when she returned in 2021. But they said the culture has worsened since she rejoined the library. Blank Slate Media spoke with two anonymous individuals, one a current library employee and another who no longer working there. Blank Slate Media confirmed that they both have been or are employed by the library. The anonymous employee still working at the library, with whom Blank Slate Media spoke, wrote the letter. They said it was based on personal experiences and what other employees shared with them. The letter was sent to the board of trustees, which later voted at a special meeting Thursday night to conduct an
independent investigation. The employee who penned the letter said its purpose is to bring awareness to the board about how much power the director has and what she contends is causing abuse and a toxic work environment. Efforts to solicit comment from Library Director Corcoran and Assistant Director Kathryn Baumgartner were unavailing. Board President Rory Lancman declined to comment on the letter. The letter included complaints against Corcoran and the library, including hiring underqualified employees, preferential treatment and larger raises to administrators, secret meetings to keep Corcoran after she resigned last fall, and failure to deliver on a promised diversity audit. The employee called the culture “demoralizing” for staff as certain employees are favored in hiring and higher-ups receive greater raises. Both sources said staff shortages have plagued the library, exacerbated by turnover they attributed to the work environment and inability to advance. The current employee said the staff feels disposable due to a lack of personal connections. The former employee said Corcoran mostly interacts with staff in negative moments, like when members are being reprimanded. Continued on Page 34
PHOTO BY CAMERYN OAKES
Great Neck South High’s baseball field was renamed the Teresa Prendergast Memorial Field in honor the late superintendent. See story on page 2.
Bral says Jewish students should still pursue college BY C A M E RY N O A K ES Great Neck Mayor Pedram Bral said he is concerned about his children going to college and that he is “done” with the universities amid
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campus protests against the war in Gaza, but that he still believes they should be able to attend these schools. “But they should never stop our children or discourage our children
from striving higher and going to Harvard,” Bral said. “Not only that, I think we should really encourage them.” Bral shared these comments Continued on Page 35
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