Serving Great Neck, G.N. Plaza, G.N. Estates, Kensington, Kings Point, Lake Success, Russell Gardens, Saddle Rock and Thomaston
$1.50
Friday, September 16, 2022
Vol. 97, No. 37
Guide to
villAge oFrk new hyDe pAir Street FA - 4:30pm
er 17, Saturday, Septemb
10am
On Jericho Turnpike, from New Hyde Park Road to Lakeville Road
williSton ton DAy Street FAir Air
GUIDE TO STREET FAIRS
Sunday, September 18, 11am - 5pm e On Hillside Avenu e East from Willis Avenu to LIRR
PAGES 25-48
DESENA BEGAN TERM COUNTY REDISTRICTING WITHOUT FILES EFFORTS SLAMMED PAGE 2
PAGE 6
Septe mber 16 , 2022 a Spec ial Secti on • A Blank Slate Medi
Polio found in town’s wastewater Virus discovered in sewage samples from Port, Roslyn and Manhasset BY ST E V E N K E E H N E R The poliovirus has been found throughout the Town of North Hempstead’s wastewater, officials announced on Friday. Nassau County is the latest area in the state to have the virus discovered in sewage samples. Officials say it was detected in Manhasset, Port Washington, Glenwood Landing and Roslyn as part of normal wastewater monitoring. The Nassau County sample was genetically related to a case of paralytic polio previously detected in Rockland County, showing that the disease is spreading. Because of this, Gov. Kathy Hochul declared a state disaster emergency on Friday morning. The executive order increases the resources to protect New Yorkers against the paralytic disease. Nassau County has a polio immunization rate of 79.15% as of Aug. 1 compared to the New York average of 78.96%. The state is now aiming for “well over 90%.” At a press conference, Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman said there is no health crisis. But, he said the county is not brushing off the situation. “There is no reported, active case of polio in Nassau County,” he said. “We need to be vigilant. We’re being
very, very cautious and monitoring the situation.” He said the state Department of Health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are working with the county. Together, they are responding to the recent revelations by raising vaccine awareness and connecting with local doctors. Interim Nassau County Health Commissioner Andrew Knecht said this is a crucial time, with one polio case already emerging in Rockland County. “Parents of children need to ask their health care providers about what the status of their polio vaccine for their kids is,” he said. Polio affects the nervous system and causes muscle weakness. In severe cases, it can cause paralysis or death. It is also extremely contagious. Even if a person is not sick or has symptoms, they can transfer the virus. While there is no cure, immunizations can help prevent the disease. Since 2000, the United States has only administered the inactivated poliovirus vaccine. When given all the prescribed doses, it protects 99 out of 100 people against severe sickness, according to the CDC. Dr. Mary Bassett, the state’s health commissioner, said in a statement that immunization is vital. She said the Continued on Page 58
PHOTO BY ROBERT PELAEZ
First responders throughout the Great Neck peninsula were in attendance at Ielpi Park on Sunday for a Sept. 11 remembrance ceremony.
G.N. Vigilant officials recall Sept. 11 sacrifices BY R OB E RT PE L A E Z
First responders throughout the peninsula gathered in front of Great Neck’s annual Sept. 11 the statue in Great Neck Plaza that remembrance ceremony was held was erected following the loss of on an overcast Sunday morning at former Vigilant Fire Department member Jonathan Ielpi. Ielpi’s life Ielpi Firefighters Park.
was one of the hundreds throughout Nassau County that was taken by the terrorist acts that destroyed the World Trade Center 21 years ago. His memory is also kept intact Continued on Page 59
Visit thegreatnecknews.com or theisland360.com for the latest in breaking news.