37 minute read
Continued on
Lafazan failed to report $100K loan
Continued from Page 1 disclosure, covering the previous year of 2020, shows it was started on April 26, 2021 at 1:41 p.m. and completed on April 26, 2012 at 2:14 p.m.
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The amended disclosure shows the same start time but says it was completed on Sept, 7, 2020 at 2:20 p.m.
The amended 2022 disclosure, for the 2021 year, says it was started May 16, 2022 but completed Sept. 7, 2022 at 2:23 p.m.
Nothing was listed under debts on the initial disclosures for 2020 and 2021. The amended disclosures showed this same addition under the section labeled “Debts” in excess of $5,000, “Joshua Lafazan, Student Loan Bryan & Elizabeth Lawrence, Park Ave., NY.NY” The amount category was redacted.
Neither Lafazan nor the county’s Democratic legislative spokesman responded to an inquiry asking why Lafazan waited so long to disclose the loan.
Lafazan’s amendments to his county forms came more than a month after The New York Post on Aug. 6 questioned the loan.
The U.S. House of Representatives website shows that Lafazan fi led two disclosures in May reporting the 2020 loan, totaling between $50,001 to $100,000.
Since the loan was made in September. 2020 — before Lafazan started his congressional campaign — it would not violate election law limiting individual donations, the Post reported, unless it allowed him to pay for campaign expenses with money that was not his own.
Democratic National Committeeman Robert Zimmerman, who won the primary, asked for a probe by the Federal Election Commission.
“The FEC should investigate whether the initial loan was itself intended to infl uence and be funneled to the campaign or whether it was simply intended to free up other funds for the campaign,” said Zimmerman’s campaign manager Evan Chernack,” the Post reported.
It reported the billionaire couple also donated more than $20,000 to the legislator’s congressional campaign; $5,800 was returned because it exceeded campaign contribution limits.
But federal election laws are not the only issue.
Nassau County law requires disclosure of all debts more than $5,000.
The County Administrative Code says the Nassau Board of Ethics may impose as much as a $10,000 fi ne for incomplete reporting on fi nancial disclosure forms, which also can be punishable as a Class A misdemeanor.
In Suff olk County, two offi cials have been prosecuted in the past 10 years for fi ling incomplete fi nancial disclosure forms: former IT Commissioner Donald C. Rogers and Republican County Legislator Rudolph Sunderman of Mastic.
In Nassau, no offi cials have been prosecuted for incomplete disclosure.
Instead, the Nassau Board of Ethics in the past has simply directed offi cials to amend the disclosures to include the unreported information — after inquiries had been made about the omissions.
This was the case, for example, with former County Legislator Roger Corbin (D-Westbury) who failed to disclose past foreclosures and other debts in 2006.
Corbin subsequently pleaded guilty to federal charges of fi ling false tax returns, tax evasion and fi ling false statements and also served time for taking bribes from the developer of a
Talks held to enhance Stepping Stones
PHOTO COURTESY OF JOSHUA LAFAZAN VIA FACEBOOK
Nassau County Legislator Joshua Lafazan
New Cassel redevelopment project.
Meanwhile, the county taxpayer-paid mailing that Lafazan sent constituents touting his legislative record three weeks before the congressional primary cost just under $16,000 in labor and postage, according to legislative Democrats in response to a Freedom of Information request.
The piece headlined “Legislator Josh Lafazan: Cutting taxes and fees for Nassau families,” went to nearly 30,000 households, mostly in the congressional district.
PHOTO BY JANELLE CLAUSEN
Stepping Stones Lighthouse, as seen from Steppingstone Park.
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Continued from Page 10 irresponsible use of taxpayer money, akin to writing a blank check for a project with no end in sight,” DeSena said.
Former state Assemblyman Anthony D’Urso helped secure $200,000 from state funding for the town, which also received $165,000 from the National Maritime Heritage Grant, according to offi cials.
Former state Sen. Jack Matins aided in securing $100,000 for the Great Neck Park District and the Great Neck Historical Society has raised more than $120,000 for restorations.
“Forces of nature could care less about fi nances, politics and everything else,” Great Neck Historical Society Committee Chairman Robert Lincoln told Newsday. “Every storm that comes through eats away at the lighthouse.”
Blank Slate Media columnist Karen Rubin spoke on the benefi ts of preserving the lighthouse, which would extend beyond saving the physical landmark itself.
“Historic preservation brings enormous benefi ts to a community – especially one as fractured as the Great Neck Peninsula and the Town of North Hempstead,” Rubin wrote in an August column. “Such iconic landmarks are unifying, remind people of a common heritage, are a source of pride, and yes, have economic benefi ts, as well.”
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Nassau police fail to help Spanish callers: report
Continued from Page 9
Of the 94 calls, their fi ndings show that 44 times (or 46.8%) the testers were unsuccessful in getting help. These callers were disconnected, hung up on or not connected to a Spanish speaker.
The other 53% of callers were connected to a multilingual offi cer or the Language Access Line, a service that links law enforcement personnel with live interpreters.
“Despite numerous rounds of testing over the years to track Nassau County Police Department’sprogress, our conclusions reveal similarly disturbing patterns that show providing language access to the public is haphazard at best and ignored at worst,” the report said. “Despite past efforts to encourage the NCPD to take action, a lackluster response consisting of broken promises and radio silence reveals a culture of willful negligence that permeates within the department.”
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Latinos make up 17.6% of Nassau County’s population. From 2016 to 2020, 28.8% of people age 5 or older reported speaking a language other than English at home.
In January 2013, the Nassau County Police Department and the New York state attorney general agreed to improve language help for Nassau’s nonEnglish speaking population.
Later that year, then-County Executive Edward Mangano signed two executive orders requiring language access at all county agencies. The Language Access Line was subsequently made available to all department patrol cars.
As part of the mandated police reforms, Nassau’s Language Access Plan was published in 2020. It elaborated on using department interpreters, distributing language identifi cation cards by patrol offi cers and translating written materials.
The report urged the Police Department to include more diverse hiring, competent training and enhanced accountability to achieve language justice. The report said that failure to do so disobeys legal obligations and puts individuals at risk.
Also, the two advocacy coalitions requested that the U.S. Department of Justice look into Nassau’s policing patterns and practices, which they claim are illegal under federal law. They also encouraged the state attorney general to take more measures to ensure the police comply.
“We recognize that language access is just one piece of a much larger problem within the Nassau County Police Department, which results in the disproportionate targeting of community members of color,” the report said. “The NCPD is choosing to reinforce biased policing practices. The NCPD will never establish trust with marginalized communities until they fundamentally change the culture within the department, provide eff ective leadership, address internal bias, improve community relations, and ensure accountability and transparency.”
Reproductive rights group endorses Kaplan
Continued from Page 22 the Reproductive Health Act from becoming law, and since I’ve been in offi ce, I’ve proudly fought to secure our rights here in New York no matter what,” Kaplan said in a statement. “At a time when these extremists are doing everything in their power to steal our freedoms and control our bodies, I’m proud to partner with organizations like the National Institute for Reproductive Health to fi ght back and protect our rights, and I’m so grateful for their support in my re-election campaign.”
Kaplan is running against former state Sen. Jack Martins, a Republican who ran unopposed in his party’s primary, in November.
Kaplan was elected to serve the Town of North Hempstead’s 4th District as a councilwoman in 2011. In 2016, she sought election to the House of Representatives but lost to current Rep. Tom Suozzi (D-Glen Cove) in the Democratic primary. Kaplan defeated former Flower Hill Mayor Elaine Phillips in 2018 to represent the 7th Senate District.
Kaplan has served in the Senate since 2019. Kaplan won re-election in 2020 against former Port Washington Police Commissioner Dave Franklin.
During her second term as senator, Kaplan said she has focused on issues including middle-class tax relief, women’s rights and reducing gun violence and hate crimes in local communities.
Martins, an Old Westbury resident and former Mineola mayor, represented the 7th District from 2011 to 2016.
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Town of North Hempstead Supervisor Jennifer DeSena and the Town Board, in partnership with Nassau County and the Nassau County Police Department, will host the fnal “Shed the Meds” pharmaceutical drop-of events for 2022.
“Making sure our medications are kept secured and properly disposed of is so crucial to not only help protect our environment but also keep medications out of the hands of those who would use them improperly. This is especially true now, as we are seeing high levels of prescription drug abuse. This is an ongoing battle so many are afected by,” DeSena said. “Events like this ‘Shed the Meds’ program are so important, as they provide ample opportunity for safe disposal of unwanted medications. Thank you, again, to Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman and the Nassau County Police Department, especially Commissioner Pat Ryder, for helping us accomplish this.”
This last event for 2022 will be held from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 8 at the Michael J. Tully Park Parking Lot, 1801 Evergreen Ave., New Hyde Park
Accepted items will include prescriptions, prescription patches, prescription medications, prescription ointments, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, sample medications and medications for pets. Needles, sharps, aerosol cans, thermometers, ointments (liquid or lotion), hydrogen peroxide, inhalers, biohazardous waste, and medication from businesses will not be accepted.
For more information on this event, please call 311 or (516) 869-6311.
PHOTO COURTESY OF TOWN OF NORTH HEMPSTEAD
The Town of North Hempstead will conduct the final “Shed the Meds” pharmaceutical drop-off events for 2022, in collaboration with Nassau County and the Nassau County Police Department.
LIKE US ON FACEBOOK AT FACEBOOK.COM/ THEISLAND360 AND LIKE US ON TWITTER: @THEISLAND360 Check to restore shoreline
North Hempstead Town Supervisor Jennifer DeSena, Council Members Peter Zuckerman, Veronica Lurvey, and Mariann Dalimonte and Town Clerk Ragini Srivastava were proud to welcome State Assemblywoman Gina Sillitti to North Hempstead Beach Park in Port Washington on Sept. 12 as she presented the Town with a check for $250,000.
The grant will secure 240 feet of shoreline from erosion. This is part of the visioning plan for North Hempstead Beach Park.
PHOTO COURTESY OF THE TOWN OF NORTH HEMPSTEAD
Town Department of Parks and Recreation Commissioner Kelly Gillen, Council Member Veronica Lurvey, Town Clerk Ragini Srivastava, Council Member Mariann Dalimonte, state Assemblywoman Gina Sillitti, Supervisor Jennifer DeSena, Council Member Peter Zuckerman and Marissa Brown representing Council Member David Adhami with a grant for $250,000 for shoreline restoration.
Lecture on special ed law
The Vincent Smith School at 322 Port Washington Blvd in Port Washington will host a free seminar, “Special Education Law Explained,” on Saturday, Oct. 15, at 9:30 am.
The 90-minute, in-person event is open to the public, but registration is required to ensure adequate seating. RSVP: admin@vincentsmithschool.org
Renowned Special Education attorney Christina Thivierge will explain the basics of federal and state special education law, how parents can advocate for their children or utilize professional expertise, and what resources are available for the diferent kinds of services that are provided under the NYS special ed umbrella, with a special focus on learning disabilities.
Christina Thivierge is one of the area’s leading special education attorneys, focusing exclusively on the representation of children and adolescents with disabilities.
Whether assisting with an IEP conference, negotiating with a child’s school district, or representing at mediation, resolution meeting, or impartial due process hearing, she approaches each case with the understanding that each child is unique, and not every child’s case will require the same plan.
Christina has presented on IDEA/IDEIA and other special education law topics for a number of organizations in the Tri-State area. In addition to litigating due process matters in New York, New Jersey, Indiana and Alaska, Christina has extensive Federal court experience and has argued and presented dispositive motions and matters of frst impression.
St. Thomas draws freshmen
St. Thomas Aquinas College is proud to welcome the Class of 2026 – its largest freshman class since 2013. For the second consecutive year, the College has increased its incoming Fall class by 10%. At a time when many higher education institutions are experiencing declining enrollment, St. Thomas Aquinas College is growing and investing in its new programs for its students.
“We are thrilled to welcome these students to our campus as they begin their ‘Spartan Journey’. They are a highly accomplished and resilient class who will make an impact on the STAC community,” said St. Thomas Aquinas College President Ken Daly. “Throughout our new students’ educational experience with us, we will challenge and inspire them to reach their full potential.”
The growth is attributable to the positive momentum and forwardthinking programs that the college has implemented through their Strategic Vision — “A Commitment to Learning for a Lifetime.”
This includes the commitment to providing access to an afordable education, transformative academic and experiential learning programs, and accelerated 5-year “STAC Tracks,” which lead to both an undergraduate and graduate degree. The College recently announced a new MBA, Healthcare and Informatics program, as well as the launch of new NCAA Women’s and Men’s volleyball programs.
The college’s newest incoming class hails from nearly 20 states and 15 countries.
The diverse student body includes students entering the College’s competitive academic, athletic, and leadership programs, including its largest Honors class ever. Popular majors for the incoming class include education, business, psychology, as well as biology and exercise science in the College’s new School of STEM.
Students will experience a robust new 5-day “Spartan Journey” orientation program where they will form connections with new and current students, meet with Daly, faculty and staf, and learn more about their academic schedule while getting to know their new “home” through a wide-variety of student exploration excursions.
“We look forward to our newest students experiencing what makes STAC such a truly unique institution,” stated Kevin Nesbitt, St. Thomas Aquinas College’s new vice president of student development. “Through innovative and engaging programming throughout their Orientation experience, our students will gain a greater understanding of their own personal journey as they ponder — why me, why now, and why here.”
Port chamber of commerce installs new board
The Port Washington Chamber of Commerce held its installation of the 2022-23 ofcers and directors at a special breakfast meeting at Ayhan’s Lobster & Fish House, 286 Main St., on Sept. 13.
This was the chamber’s frst in-person installation ceremony since the pandemic and everyone who attended was happy to celebrate the event.
Town of North Hempstead Council Member Mariann Dalimonte administered the oath of ofce to the board of directors, state Assemblymember Gina Sillitti administered the oath to the ofcers and County Legislator Delia DeRiggi-Whitton administered the oath to the president.
The new Port Washington Chamber of Commerce ofcers and directors for 2022-23 are:
OFFICERS President: Debbie Greco Cohen, Strategic Planning & Communications 1st Vice President: Katherine Crean, Apple Home Organization 2nd Vice President: Lisa Donatelli, Douglas Elliman Real Estate 3rd Vice President: Laurie Scheinman, Laurie Segal Scheinman Psychotherapy Secretary: Drina Scheiber, The Bart Group Treasurer: Kathy Levinson, Douglas Elliman Real Estate, Kiwanis, Project Help
DIRECTORS Giuseppe DiBartolomeo, Home Run Electric Steve Edelson, Smusht Beth Michaelson Fiore, GRPHXstudio Anthony Guzzello, Port Washington Police District Ayhan Hassan, Ayhan’s Shish Kebab/Lobster & Fish House/Mediterranean Marketplace Keith Klang, Port Washington Public Library Carl Lalena, Kiwanis Justine Lennon, Phillips Insurance Ken Magida, Esq. Marie Marcellino, Mainly Marketing, Port Washington Calendar Catherine O’Neill, Sullivan’s Quay Corey Peterson, Bayside Tax & Wealth Warren Schein, singer, actor, comedian Mitch Schwartz, Millenium Software, Kiwanis Jef Stone, Douglas Elliman, Kiwanis, Project Help Daniel Zaveckas, Dime Community Bank Rob Ziegelbaum, PT, DPT ACCOUNTANT Kevin G. Schmutz, CPA
ATTORNEY Kenneth R. Tuch, Esq.
The chamber’s Executive Director is Bobbie Polay.
PHOTO COURTESY OF PORT WASHINGTON CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
DeRiggi-Whitton on settlement funds
On Sept. 15, Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman announced his administration’s initial grant awards from a pool of approximately $70.5 million in opioid settlement funds received to date.
He also revealed his administration’s plans to issue a Request for Expressions of Interest for agencies seeking funding to provide addiction prevention, treatment and/or recovery services.
Following today’s announcement, County Legislator Delia DeRiggi-Whitton (D-Glen Cove), ranking member of the Legislature’s Health & Social Services Committee, issued the following statement:
“To date, Nassau County has received approximately $70 million in settlement dollars from the nation’s largest opioid drug manufacturers and distributors,” she said. “I am so glad that these opioid companies are fnally being held responsible for what they have done to our families and especially our youth.”
“Today’s announcement marks a step forward in the deployment of these resources, but it is unfortunate that it took nearly fve months to reach this point,” said DeRiggiWhitton. “While I fully understand the importance of proceeding cautiously, the enormity of the opioid addiction crisis demands an aggressive, bipartisan and collaborative response that gets the bulk of this money into the hands of Nassau County’s trusted partners in prevention, treatment and recovery as quickly as possible.”
Fall Colonial Fair on Oct. 8
The Cow Neck Peninsula Historical Society’s Fall Colonial Fair is set for Oct. 8, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., at the Sands-Willets House at 336 Port Washington Blvd. in Port Washington. Admission is free.
The Oct. 8 Colonial Fair marks the return of this family event, which was on a hiatus for two years because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
This popular event features fun for the entire family. Kids can enjoy the petting zoo, pony rides and the opportunity to climb aboard a fre truck.
Adults can peruse the massive antique tool collection in the Historical Society’s restored 1690 Dutch Barn, browse the annual bonanza book sale and enjoy fabulous rafe baskets, wool spinning, potter potting and colonial craft demonstrations. On display will be a World War II Jeep and classic cars.
Visitors can spend time in the Historical Society’s blooming Colonial Garden and glimpse the current “WW1: The Home Front” exhibit.
Jars of fresh, local honey produced on the Society’s Dodge Homestead will be for sale at the fair, as well as costume jewelry along with Cow Neck “Circa 1644” shirts that commemorate the year when Port Washington was settled. Also on tap: delicious hot food, snacks and other treats.
The Colonial Fair features live entertainment all day long with performances by the Historical Society’s Front Porch Players and the Willow Interfaith Women’s Choir.
Free parking is available at Vincent Smith School. For more information, visit www.cowneck.org or email info@ cowneck.org.
PHOTO COURTESY OF COW NECK PENINSULA HISTORICAL SOCIETY
The Cow Neck Peninsula Historical Society’s Fall Colonial Fair will be held on Oct.8 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Sands-Willets House, 336 Port Washington Blvd. in Port Washington. There is no admission fee.
Bike safety event in Manorhaven
North Hempstead Council Member Mariann Dalimonte, in partnership with the Port Washington Police Department, is proud to once again host a Bike Rodeo and Helmet Safety event on Oct. 17 at Manorhaven Beach Park (Main Parking Lot — Skating Rink).
The hour-long fun and educational event will begin at 4:30 p.m. and will provide children with the opportunity to take part in a series of courses that allow them to practice bicycle safety and agility skills.
“I am proud to once again host this popular event. We had a tremendous response this past Spring and wanted to extend this opportunity to more children,” said Council Member Mariann Dalimonte. “This event teaches the importance of wearing a bike helmet and obeying trafc rules. Now that school is back in session, we want to make sure that everyone can have fun outside and stay safe.”
The event is free. All participants must bring their own bicycles and helmets. Attendees must register by Oct. 10 and call 311 to RSVP.
PHOTO COURTESY OF MARIANN DALIMONTE
Sports
Lifetime thrill at the U.S. Open
BY MICHAEL J. LEWIS Twelve-year-old Brij Vashist had one thought while waiting to go out on television Sept. 11 before 24,000 fans at Arthur Ashe Stadium and millions more watching on TV:
“Don’t walk too fast, because you look really good today and Dad brushed your hair and everything.”
Well, OK, he had a few more thoughts as well, but that was the one he said was his fi nal one before striding out as part of the U.S. Open men’s singles fi nal trophy ceremony.
Vashist, one of the top 12-andunder players on the East Coast (he’s currently ranked No. 15 in USTA Eastern), was one of two youth players honored by the USTA to walk out the championship and runners-up trophies last Sunday after the men’s fi nal, in which Carlos Alcaraz (only seven years older than Brij) defeated Casper Ruud.
Vashist, who lives in Hicksville and is in 7th grade, was introduced to millions as being from the Port Washington Tennis Academy, where he played for much of last winter. (Vasisht plays at several clubs around Nassau County throughout the year.)
“It was so exciting but soooo nerve-wracking,” Vashist said in a phone interview a few days after his national TV debut. “Like I knew everyone I knew would be watching, and there were so many famous tennis players (on the stage) right around me. I didn’t want to trip or break the trophy or something, you know?”
Neil Thakur, the school tennis manager and community tennis coordinator for USTA Long Island/Metro, explained that Brij was one of many kids who applied to be chosen as coin tossers, trophy holders and other ceremonial duties at the U.S. Open.
“We basically look at the kids who’ve been doing well in the various regions, most of them have to be close in proximity to the Open,” Thakur said. “And Brij has been doing well in the junior tournaments. We thought this was a good way to honor him.” Vashist said after fi lling out the application he didn’t think he had a chance to win, although he allowed himself to dream about it. One day, he said he woke up from a nap to get a drink of water and found his father, Nav Vashist, looking at him sternly.“My parents said they got a letter for me, and my Dad told me to come sit down,” Brij recalled. “I thought maybe I got a letter from school saying I did something
12-year-old Brij Vashist goes from Port Washington Tennis Academy to Arthur Ashe Stadium bad, but then I was like ‘I didn’t do anything wrong at school.’ “And then he showed me the email that I had gotten chosen and we were so excited.”Nav Vashist said he and wife Sonia were overjoyed that Brij was picked.“The application said they were looking for kids who are obsessed with tennis, and no one is more obsessed with tennis than my son,” Nav Vashist said with a chuckle. “And then the day he did it, with getting great seats and going down toward the end of the match, and seeing him in front of all those people, it was surreal. Like an out of body experience.” Brij, who said he’s a huge Novak Djokovic fan, said he watched videos and studied past trophy ceremonies so he would know what to do. Once he got out to the Ashe Stadium court, he said he stood near John McEnroe and “was hoping I wouldn’t mess anything up.” After the trophies were awarded, Brij said he got to meet and fi stbump the new champion, Alcaraz, and take some photos. At Hicksville PHOTO BY PETE STAPLES/USTA Middle School the next day, he said his teachers kept coming up to him 2022 champion, Carlos Alcaraz and Nassau Co. 12-year-old Brij Vashist (right) pose with the trophy after Alcatraz wins a men’s singles championship match at the 2022 US Open, Sunday, Sep. 11 in Flushing. and congratulating him, but most of his friends had no idea about his big moment.“They’re not into tennis, and I’m not into bragging,” he said. Brij’s goal, not surprisingly, is to one day have some other kid handhim the U.S. Open trophy, and play pro tennis at as high a level as possible.“I want to go vs. Alcaraz one day!” he said. “Or if I can’t play pro, play in college. But defi nitely keep playing as long as I can. Because tennis is the best sport.”
Powering Long Island for Over 30 years
Red Devils host Swim-A-Thon
PHOTO COURTESY OF DEBBIE GRECO
Just five years after the event’s inception, the Manorhaven Red Devil Swim Team raised and gave $10,767 to CancerCare this year.
As devoted members of the Port Washington community who are invested in continuing the legacy on which the Red Devils Swim Team was built, Victoria Sanger, Olivia Moss and Gordon Shaub took it upon themselves to create an event that goes beyond the sport of swimming.
In 2018, they introduced the Swim-A-Thon for CancerCare to the Red Devil Family to support a cause that the coaches all held extremely near to their hearts: in honor of their families and all those afected by cancer.
It was an honor and a privilege for the Red Devil’s to host the Swim-a-Thon to raise money for CancerCare.
The sentimental aura that radiated from their very frst event left them with a sense of fulfllment like no other, far exceeding any monetary value generated by the cause. The overwhelming success of their frst event was clear in donations, swimmer turnout and ultimately gave rise to a new Red Devil tradition.
Since their inaugural event at which the team raised about $1,500, the Manorhaven Red Devil Swim-A-Thon for CancerCare has grown in size year after year. This year, at the 4th annual Swim-A-Thon for CancerCare, the team reached new heights in their fundraising eforts, enjoying more success than they ever believed possible.
The team, led by coaches Caitlin Shaub, Gordon Shaub and Calvin Ye, could bring in record numbers thanks to the participation of swimmers and their families.
Fifty swimmers arrived early on a Sunday morning, the day after their fnal dual meet and only a few days before their championship meet to swim for CancerCare. The swimmers were eager to hop in the pool and swim as many laps as they could, hoping to beat their fundraising from the previous year and match their goals.
There were little “8 and under” swimmers who came to the event pledging to swim 20 laps maximum but ended up reaching an incredible 50 laps. There were kids who easily swam a mile, 72 laps or strived to hit 100 laps.
Most impressively, two swimmers, Robert Pedersen and Caleb Weiss, the frst two in the pool, swam 355 laps totaling three miles, with Mitchell Stevens close behind with 302 laps.
As the donations poured in, the coaches’ goal was to match the previous year’s donation of $5,000. The team pulled together, blowing that goal out of the proverbial water, leaving the coaches in shock and awe of their amazing swimmer who came together to raise money for a cause bigger than themselves.
This year, a mere fve years after the start of this event, the Manorhaven Red Devil Swim Team could raise and donate $10,767 to CancerCare.
The coaches, past and present, are forever grateful to all the swimmers and their amazing families for joining them in supporting CancerCare and creating a legacy for this team.
Construction ongoing for Port water facilities
The Port Washington Water District is constructing Advanced Oxidation Process (AOP) treatment systems at two of its treatment facilities to address the minimal detections of 1,4-dioxane, PFOA and PFOS in some of the District’s supply wells.
The facilities under construction include the Hewlett and Christopher Morley Park Stations, accounting for a combined four of the District’s wells. In addition, a project to add treatment to the Stonytown Station is currently being publicly bid and will enter the construction phase this fall.
Work on these facilities is expected to be completed or near completion in the spring of 2024, with the frst facility, Hewlett, expected to come online before the summer 2023.
“The Port Washington Water District has taken the issues presented by emerging contaminants very seriously and we are proud that all of the required planning, testing, approvals and design have been completed and the construction of these systems are underway,” said PWWD Commissioner Mindy Germain. “These state-ofthe-art treatment facilities will ensure our drinking water remains of the highest quality throughout our community. That is something our community can be excited about.”
Over the course of the last several months, foundations, building walls and masonry were completed for the new AOP treatment and booster building at the Hewlett Well 4 Station. The mechanical contractors are beginning the installation of the treatment equipment processes within the buildings.
The construction is scheduled to be substantially completed by April 2023 and the plant will be in service shortly thereafter. Construction of treatment for Wells 8, 9 and 11 at the Christopher Morley Park Station is expected to be substantially completed in May 2024.
Another project, to add AOP and nitrate treatment to the Stonytown Station is currently being publicly bid and will enter the construction phase this fall. Once construction is underway at Stonytown Well 10, which is expected to begin in the fourth quarter of 2022, the facility will be ofine until the work is complete. It is expected that the facility will be operational by the second quarter of 2024.
“These projects represent the culmination of several years of planning to tackle the most signifcant infrastructure projects this District has ever undertaken,” said PWWD Commissioner Peter Meyer. “The District has worked tirelessly to ensure that our residents continue to receive topquality water, despite the challenges we are facing and these treatment systems will ensure that this remains the case for generations to come.”
As the District will remain running at reduced capacity until work is complete, residents will continue to be required to follow the District’s water conservation guidelines in order to save the necessary 20% needed to keep the community’s water infrastructure operating without issue. Detailed instructions, along with tools and resources to conserve water, can be found at www.pwwd.org/conservation.
“While the installation of these treatment systems is going to not only improve upon our already high-water quality, but it is going to do so in a way that creates a more resilient and robust infrastructure for our community,” said PWWD Chairman David Brackett. “It is exciting that we are making signifcant progress on the construction front. However, we still need our residents to continue conserving water as much as possible. Our District has been and will continue to run at reduced capacity for some time and it is crucial that our community takes conservation seriously yearround to ensure our infrastructure that is in operation isn’t overburdened as these projects continue.”
