Serving Roslyn, East Hills, Roslyn Estates, Roslyn Harbor, Roslyn Heights, Greenvale, Old Westbury and North Hills
$1.50
Friday, September 1, 2023
Vol. 11, No. 35
SCHOOLS & EDUCATION
TOWN COMPTROLLER RESIGNS SUDDENLY
BLAKEMAN SIGN SCUTTLE FUNDRAISER
PAGES 21-32
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JCC scores gold at Maccabi U16 team’s 1st win in a decade BY C A M E RY N O A K ES The Sid Jacobson Jewish Community Center’s 16U basketball team took home the gold at the JCC Maccabi Games in Fort Lauderdale, FL– the first basketball gold medal for the center in almost a decade. The JCC Maccabi Games is a sixday event that draws about 2,000 young Jewish Athletes ages 12-16. Competing in the games were delegations from South Africa, Great Britain, Argentina, Israel and Ukraine. “The JCC Maccabi Games are about more than just sports, they give participants the opportunity to connect to their Jewish roots and meet other young people from around the world,” said Coach Sal Saputo. “Chances like this can be transformative in the lives of young athletes and I was so proud to witness firsthand what will become milestones in the life stories of these amazing young athletes, who now know what perseverance and determination look like.” The last time the Sid Jacobson JCC won gold in 16U basketball was in 2014. The JCC sent 24 members to compete in the games, with players from Queens, Nassau and Suffolk Counties. Last year, only seven players competed. Continued on Page 45
PHOTO COURTESY OF THE ROSLYN SCHOOL DISTRICT
Newly appointed teaching staff, pictured with Superintendent Allison Brown and Assistant Superintendent for Secondary Education Michael Goldspiel. See story on page 11.
Upgraded Oyster Bay services Schedule change, new train transfer to diminish crowding, commute times BY C A M E RY N O A K ES The Long Island Rail Road Oyster Bay Branch will be implementing service changes starting Sept. 5, made in collaboration with community feedback and elected officials, that the Metropolitan Transit Authority say will diminish crowding and lend to shorter commute times.
“We are so thrilled to be able to make these improvements for our Oyster Bay Branch customers. The changes we announced today are the result of many conversations with the region’s elected officials, community leaders and commuters,” LIRR Interim President and Metro-North Railroad President Catherine Rinaldi said in a press release. “Despite our operational challenges and limitations, these improvements show a willingness to work with our riders and make adjustments wherever possible to improve their commutes.” Two changes on the Oyster Bay Branch will be implemented starting on Sept. 5. The 6:55 a.m. train from Oyster
Bay to Hunterspoint Avenue will now depart at 7:01 a.m. This train will only make stops at Locust Valley, Glen Street, Glen Head, Roslyn, East Williston and Jamaica. The second change is that riders on the 7:17 a.m. Penn Station-bound train from Oyster Bay to Hunterspoint Avenue will be able to transfer to a new train originating at Jamaica. Previously the train connected to a train that was already occupied with passengers from Babylon. “This is a direct result of efforts by local residents,” state Sen. Jack Martins (R-Mineola) said. “Anytime you can make it easier for people to get to and from work, it means there’s more time for them to do the things
they love with family and friends. That means a better quality of life and I applaud any effort to make that happen.” The MTA said the new changes are in response to recent ridership patterns after the implementation of full service to Grand Central Madison on Feb. 27. They report that service has increased by 41%, a historic growth. “I am extremely pleased with these changes which are intended to enhance rider efficiency,” state Assembly Member Charles Lavine (D–North Shore) said. “They were accomplished through steady dialogue with the MTA. While I look forward to Continued on Page 45