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Rabbi Paltiel takes leadership over Chabad of Manhasset

By
Cameryn Oakes
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Rabbi Levi Paltiel and Shani Paltiel with their daughter Mussy. (Photo courtesy of Levi Paltiel)

Chabad of Manhasset will be led by a new family – the Paltiels – as they seek to expand the community and provide a space for them to strengthen their faith.

Chabad of Manhasset is being led by Rabbi Levi Paltiel and Shani Paltiel as well as their baby daughter Mussy.

Levi Paltiel was raised in neighboring Port Washington where his father led the local Chabad. He said the experience of watching and helping his father serve the community laid the foundation for his aspirations to be a Jewish leader.

“From my youth and through my experience, my passion always was to help people, to educate people, to be there for people in their Jewish search and their Jewish needs,” Levi Paltiel said.

Levi Paltiel’s yeshiva education took him across the globe, including neighboring Brooklyn all the way to Melbourne, Australia, and Budapest, Hungary. He received his rabbinical degree in Brooklyn and is in the midst of pursuing an even higher degree.

His wife, Shani Paltiel, was also involved in her family’s leadership of her local Chabad in Detroit. Levi Paltiel said the two of them share their passion for leading people through their Jewish faith.

Chabad of Manhasset was started in 2019 by Rabbi Mendel and Sarale Paltiel – Levi Paltiel’s brother and sister-in-law.

Rabbi Mendel and Sarale Paltiel decided to step out of this role and pass the baton to Levi Paltiel as the Chabad’s newest leader.

Levi Paltiel said this is aiding in a seamless transition to permit the community’s continued thriving. He said he is grateful for the foundation that Mendel and Sarale Paltiel laid.

“I believe there are many Jews in Manhasset looking for Chabad, what Chabad has to offer,” Levi Paltiel said.

Levi Paltiel said he aims to foster Chabad as a nonjudgmental environment where Jews can explore and feel comfortable with their Judaism, learn more about their religion and foster pride through their community.

“Our mission is to create a warm and inclusive environment where everyone can explore and deepen their connection to their heritage, regardless of their level of observance,” Levi Paltiel said. “We look forward to serving the Manhasset community and building a place where people can come together for meaningful experiences. Here you’re family.”

The Chabad offers a variety of services, including adult education, youth programs, women’s events and holiday services. Levi Paltiel said he is seeking to continue providing the signature approach of Chabad.

There is no physical location for the Chabad yet, Levi Paltiel said, but it will be operated out of his home and others. He said a physical location would be established in the future based on the Chabad’s growth.

Levi Paltiel said he has already received messages from community members excited about the Chabad and about beginning their engagement, and he hopes that excitement grows as they develop it further.

Chabad of Manhasset’s return will be marked by the beginning of the High Holidays when it will host its first events.

Chabad of Manhasset’s High Holidays events and service will begin on Oct. 3 for Rosh Hashana. A full schedule of their services is available on their website. Reservations can also be made through their website https://www.chabadmanhasset.org/

The Paltiels can also be reached via email at chabadofmanhasset@gmail.com.

Kid’s life saved by New Hyde Park doctors

By
Ben Fiebert
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From left, Dr. Mark Atlas, brain cancer survivor Joseph Baggio and Dr. Steven Schneider. (Photos by Ben Fiebert)

New Hyde Park doctors honor cancer survivor Joseph Baggio during Pediatric Cancer Awareness Month.

Joseph Baggio’s active life suddenly changed when he was 4 years old. His mother, Rose Baggio, said her son began to lose his balance and fall. After being unable to keep his balance, Joseph’s parents brought him to Cohen Children’s Medical Center in New Hyde Park on July 18, 2021.

“On his examination, he was very poorly coordinated,” Steven Schneider, co-chief of the Division of Pediatric Neurosurgery at Cohen, said. “He was very unsteady as he was walking and crossing his eyes—all signs of what we call increased pressure on the brain.”

A brain MRI revealed that Joseph had a large brain tumor in the posterior fossa, near the cerebellum, that is largely responsible for balance. The diagnosis of the tumor was a medulloblastoma, which is the most aggressive, grade 4 brain cancer among young children.

Schneider placed a tube in Joseph’s brain to alleviate the pressure. He then removed the tumor in a six-hour operation, and none of the cancer had spread to the rest of his body.

Medulloblastoma has a relatively high cure rate with the standard therapy of both chemotherapy and radiation to the whole brain and spine. However, the use of the necessary dose to the whole brain in children as young as Joseph can cause severe cognitive disability. Therefore, Joseph was offered the opportunity to enroll in the Head Start 4 study, which is a national study geared towards radiation-free therapy for children with localized medulloblastomas.

His family agreed to have him participate in the study.

The study is a randomized clinical trial hosted and coordinated by Nationwide Children’s Next Consortium. Its goals are to determine if the treatment in the protocol will improve the quality of survival and cure rates for young children ages 10 or under who are newly diagnosed with the most common types of malignant brain tumors in childhood.

The treatment involves testing two strategies. First, reducing the number of initial chemotherapy cycles from five to three for kids who respond well after three chemotherapy cycles to determine whether doctors can sustain high survival rates and quality of life in patients.

The second strategy is randomizing high-risk children — those unable to respond well after initial chemotherapy — to either a single cycle or three cycles of high-dose chemotherapy with blood cell rescue. This strategy seeks to determine if the outcome for these higher-risk children can be improved by intensifying treatment with the three transplant cycles of chemotherapy.

It was recommended that Joseph receive three rescue transplants and a total of six admissions of chemotherapy — three for regular chemotherapy and three for high-dose chemotherapy.

“During this he needed physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy to get strong again,” Dr. Mark Atlas, director of the Childhood Brain and Spinal Cord Tumor Program at Cohen Children’s, said.

Atlas said Joseph developed hearing loss in both ears, which was a long-term side effect of the chemotherapy. Joseph was also diagnosed with posterior fossa syndrome, as his speech was severely affected, along with the motor ability in his arms. However, Atlas said Joseph has been doing well, and “his outlook is very promising.”

“We understand that a cancer diagnosis in a young child affects not only the patient, but the entire family, the neighborhood and the community,” Schneider said. “They say it takes a village to raise a child, but in the case of pediatric cancer, it takes a whole city.”

Joseph and his family presented Schneider with an original piece of artwork created for him. In return, Schneider gifted Joseph with a soccer ball, a white doctor’s coat and a stethoscope.

Dr. Steven Schneider with an original piece of artwork created for him by the Baggio family.
Joseph Baggio smiling when he received a white doctor’s coat and stethoscope.

Now officially in remission, Joseph is back in school and playing soccer and baseball. He told his mother he plans to be a neurosurgeon when he grows up, just like Schneider, because he also wants to be “very smart and save children’s lives.”

Latinx festival to close out National Hispanic Heritage Month

By
Ben Fiebert
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Westbury Hispanic Heritage Month community showcase at the Westbury Memorial Public Library last year. The library will host an inaugural ceremony to the first Latinx Arts Festival on Oct. 10. (Photos by Ed Shin)

The Westbury Memorial Library will kick off a three-day cultural event titled “Empowered,” which will bring a taste of Latin America to the local area next month.

Adriana Devers, director and coordinator of the Latinx Arts Festival, worked with local groups like the Westbury School District, Westbury Memorial Public Library and Nassau Community College to make this event a multi-day cultural experience. The festival will start on Oct. 10 and end on Oct. 12, which will coincide with the completion of Hispanic Heritage Month on Oct. 15. It will highlight diverse voices; celebrate local performers, artists and cultural heritage; and authors will host readings.

Westbury Mayor Peter Cavallaro, North Hempstead Town Supervisor Jennifer DeSena, Kimberly Zambrano, Adriana Devers, Carmen Lloyd, David Chavez and Pedro Quintanilla at Westbury Memorial Public Library’s Hispanic Heritage Month event last year.

“We’re doing the grand opening at the Westbury Memorial Public Library where we’re going to have a selected group of students from the Westbury School District who are going to be sharing readings from different pieces of literature by Latin authors,” Devers said. “Then we’re going to have a musical performance by young performer Laura Martinez and we’re going to have an international dancer Zaman.”

The inauguration ceremony will take place on Oct. 10, at the Westbury Memorial Public Library from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., where literature, visual arts, music and folklore will take the audience through different corners of Latin America and the Caribbean.

“Our programming aims to foster artistic expression and provide an educational opportunity that highlights the contributions of Hispanic artists on Long Island, celebrating our cultural traditions while uplifting our diverse voices,” Devers said on Liberarteinc.org.

On Oct. 11, there will be an exclusive student-oriented educational fair at Nassau Community College. Devers said registration for this fair is closed because it will be serving 200 to 250 students from six different school districts on Long Island. She said students will be immersed in different cultural activities, author talks and have the opportunity to meet artists.

Nassau Community College will host part of the Latinx Arts Festival. (Photo courtesy of Wikimedia Commons)

On Oct. 12 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., the event will continue at the CCB Building at Nassau Community College. There will be a live performance by the international Afro-Colombian ensemble Tambacum. Then there will be a screening of a documentary titled “Afrolatinos: The Untaught Story” by Renzo Devia and Jorge Cano-Moreno, with a question-and-answer session following the film.

“It’s on Afro-Latinx history and how our heritage is so rich all throughout Latin America, recognizing our African history,” Devers said.

Paul Rodriguez, author and illustrator, will read one of his books. After the reading, he will guide students to create their own story, inspired by one of his books.

A pop up art exhibit will feature works by various Long Island artists, sharing their perspective of what it means to be “empowered,” among them Clemente Ettrick and Sueey Gutierrez.

The program will continue with a spoken word open mic hosted by Nassau County Poet Laureate Paula Curci and journalist Angie Hernandez. Salsa Sensation Latin Dance Studio will then provide a salsa workshop. Devers and musician Juan Urib will close the festival with a presentation of the New York State Council on the Arts grant program “Bearing in Mind, Poems and Vignettes of an Afro-Latina on Long Island.”

Devers said she had the idea to start a Latinx festival since before the pandemic. She presented the idea to local organizations, artists and authors as an event to showcase diversity and celebrate culture with music and art.

“It’s really important for us to share with our children our rich culture and our pride,” Devers said. “It’s something that really empowers them. It brings families together.”

Devers said that with this festival, she hopes to show kids that there are spaces where they can feel welcomed, hear stories that they can relate to and feel uplifted.

A Tour of Europe through Music with the Hudson Valley Chamber Musicians at the Great Neck Library

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The Hudson Valley Chamber Musicians will perform at the Great Neck Library on Oct. 6 (Photo courtesy of the Hudson Valley Chamber Musicians)

The Great Neck Library will be hosting an afternoon of soothing classical melody with the Hudson Valley Chamber Musicians, featuring works by composers throughout Europe from Baroque to Contemporary music.

The concert will be at 2 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 6 the Great Neck Library Community Room at the Main Library located at 159 Bayview Ave., Great Neck.

Great Neck Library cardholders and residents can register online, in-person or via phone. Non-residents are welcome as walk-ins, as space allows.

For more information, please contact Great Neck Library at (516) 466-8055 or email adultprogramming@greatnecklibrary.org.

Hudson Valley Chamber Musicians are a classical, professional woodwind quintet based in the Hudson Valley and performing in the tri-state area and beyond.

They have performed in a variety of venues such as libraries, faith-based organizations, art galleries, senior facilities and nursing homes, sculpture gardens, wineries, cideries, benefits, private events, weddings, condominium communities and other venues.

Founded in 2020, the Hudson Valley Chamber Musicians’ varied repertoire includes duos, trios, quartets and woodwind quintet literature.

Learn more about the ensemble at hudsonvalleychambermusicians.com.

LIRR to get train car, station, track upgrades in new capital plan

By
Cameryn Oakes
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The Port Washington Long Island Rail Road Train Station. (Photo by Julie Prisco)

The Metropolitan Transit Authority, which operates the Long Island Rail Road, subways and buses as part of a vast system, unveiled its $68.4 billion capital plan for the next five years that includes a series of improvements to the LIRR system.

“We get that $68 billion is a big number, but I am confident that it is the right number,” MTA Chairman and CEO Janno Lieber said.

Lieber said the city’s transit system has deteriorated over the last decades due to a lack of maintenance and funding. He said much of its infrastructure is more than 100 years old and requires improvements.

“If the MTA system is going to survive let alone grow and prosper, we’re going to need to deal with that stuff,” Lieber said. “We can’t put off dealing with it any longer.”

About 80% of the LIRR bridges and viaducts require repairs and 75% of its tunnels are in poor conditions, according to the MTA.

The Long Island Rail Road is allocated to receive about $6 billion of the plan’s total outlays.

About $1.5 billion of its funds would go towards train cars for the Long Island Rail Road, $1.2 billion for its stations and $1.1 billion for tracks.

The entire plan includes the purchase of 2,000 rail cars, with 500 of them attributed to the rail roads. This would retire all of the transit system’s outdated train cars.

Also included are $8 billion worth of improvements to more than 175 of its stations, which includes 20 railroad stations. WHERE? LIRR OR ENTIRE SYSTEM?  THE 6 BILLION DOLLAR LIRR ALLOCATED TO THE LIRR IS LOWER THAN ITS SHARE OF THE $68 BILLION. The MTA also plans on expanding capacity and electrifying sections of lines for the Long Island Rail Road.

Just a week before the capital plan announcement, Long Island Rail Road President Rob Free told Schneps Media Long Island that the railroad is in the process of acquiring property at the Port Washington Train Station that would establish a third track and restore service that was lost with the opening of Grand Central Madison.

Lieber called much of the work “unsexy” but necessary to deliver improved service.

He described the MTA blueprint as “a plan that is meant to first and foremost arrest decay of aging elements of our 100-plus-year-old transit system.”

Other goals in the MTA capital plan include a series of improvements to subway lines and the power center to diminish wait times, bolster on-time performance, and prevent delays, as well as increase ADA accessibility, capacity, and station improvements.

While much of the plan is focused on maintaining and improving the MTA’s existing system, it also includes establishing the 14-mile-long Interborough Express, which would directly connect Queens to the west side of Brooklyn via light rail. The Long Island Rail Road would connect to this light rail.

Lieber said he has already started working with Gov. Kathy Hochul on funding the plan and that about half of the funds have already been identified.

The plan comes just months after Gov. Hochul paused the city’s implementation of congestion pricing to reduce traffic gridlock in Manhattan, which would have helped to fund the MTA. But Lieber said the 2025-2029 capital plan would have remained the same even if the governor had not paused congestion pricing.

Lieber said the congestion pricing pause delayed, not canceled, future projects.

The transit authority began a study of its system last year to determine what it needs to accomplish within the next 20 years to maintain and advance the system. Lieber said this study influenced the 2025-2029 capital plan.

Lieber also said a review of the plan by JP Morgan, the investment bank, determined it to be reasonable.

“We can’t write the story for every neighborhood and for every New Yorker who depends on the system unless we maintain a high level of investment in the MTA,” Lieber said.

North Hempstead to host Italian Heritage Month celebration

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The Town of North Hempstead will be hosting an Italian Heritage Month celebration on Oct. 10 (Photo courtesy of the Town of North Hempstead)

The Town of North Hempstead will be hosting its second-annual Italian American Heritage Month celebration on Thursday, Oct. 10 at 6:30 p.m.

The event will be held at Clinton G. Martin Park at 1601 Marcus Avenue in New Hyde Park, and all residents are welcome to attend.

The event is hosted in partnership between the Supervisor Jennifer DeSena and the Town Board alongside the John Michael Marino Lodge #1389 and Cellini Lodge #2206 of the Order Sons and Daughters of Italy in America.

More than 16 million people in the United States identify themselves as Italian American and New York State is home to more than 3 million of them. Italian Americans are also one of the largest ethnic groups on Long Island with more than 1 out of 4 residents claiming Italian heritage.

Most of these families originally settled in New York City’s five borough between 1890 and 1920 and, along with others, eventually migrated to the city’s suburbs.

“Italian Americans have played outsized role in the shaping of this country,” DeSena said. “Whether it’s the arts, science, business, government, or even sports, there’s always an Italian American icon to look up to. Thankfully, the Sons and Daughters of Italy do a spectacular job of keeping that rich experience and culture alive and are willing to share that heritage with our Town.”

Town Councilmember Mariann Dalimonte, who initiated the first Italian Heritage Celebration in 2023, praised the event.

“I love that North Hempstead celebrates our Town’s diversity and as a proud Italian American I want to be sure that our culture remains very much a part of that,” Dalimonte said. “You would need more than just a month to recognize the many contributions of Italian Americans to this country, but this is our Town’s humble way of honoring that history.”

Residents are invited to attend as the evening will include cultural artifacts, delicious native cuisine, engaging presentations and a performance by La Diva della Canzone Cristina Fontanelli.

Italian American Heritage Month is celebrated each October and recognizes the contributions that Italian Americans have made to the country. It was first celebrated in 1989 by a special proclamation of both Congress and President George H. W. Bush.

For more information, please call 311 or (516) 869-6311.

Great Neck man arrested in chair slashing at Manhasset’s Buttercooky

By
Cameryn Oakes
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Nassau County police arrested Melvin Vladimir Cortez-Nieto for allegedly cutting chairs outside of Buttercooky in the middle of the night. (Photo courtesy of the Nassau County Police Department)

Nassau County police arrested a Great Neck man for allegedly cutting seven chairs outside Buttercooky in Manhasset in the middle of the night, after the man was at large for days following the incident.

Melvin Vladimir Cortez-Nieto, 31, was arrested and charged with four counts of criminal mischief, one count for menacing in the second degree and one count of the intent to damage property. He pleaded not guilty to all charges and was released on bail.

Video footage published by the police shows Cortez-Nieto arriving at the Buttercooky on Plandome Road by bike at 12:58 a.m. on Sept. 10. The video then shows him using a boxcutter to cut holes in numerous chairs outside the bakery while he remains on his orange bike.

Cortez-Nieto was arrested on Sept. 13. He is scheduled to reappear in court on Oct. 2.

Efforts to solicit comment from the Buttercooky owner was unavailing.

Readers Write: George Marlin on MTA ills

By
Steven Blank Publisher
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Allow me to add to the always insightful George J. Marlin “From The Right: “Never ending incompetence at MTA” (Sept. 20).

Project cost containment, along with fast-tracking procurements and contract change orders for the MTA, is easier said than done due to other significant obstacles.

MTA union work rules sometimes prevent contracting out work to the private sector.

Third party private contractors require MTA NYC Transit, Long Island and Metro North Rail Roads agency Force Account (track, signal maintainers and other specialized skill set employees) to provide both supervision and protection. when they work on or adjacent to active right of way track. Sometimes there are excessive numbers of MTA supervisory or employees assigned, adding to costs.

Buy America requirements are one of many rules for receipt of federal funding.  This impacts the MTA’s ability to get the best bang for the buck, when spending $1.8 billion in direct annual federal formula grant funds and billions more in national competitive discretionary, Capital Investment New Starts and Hurricane Sandy relief and resiliency dollars under the MTA $51 billion 2020 – 2024 Five Year Capital Program.  The MTA has its own  “Arts in Transit” 1% expenditure requirement.  Gov. Hochul has “New York Buy America Act” as well.

FTA “Buy America” requirements continue to play a role in the ability of the MTA to both speed up capital projects and contain cost growth.  Second is the Davis Bacon requirement of paying prevailing wages. Third is US Cargo preference requirement for private companies to use only American vessels when shipping product from abroad.  Finally, prime subcontractors with specialized skills to meet required federal and state civil rights goals.

The MTA has consistently failed to include more flexible work assignments in union contracts. The option to contract work to the private sector when feasible or hiring part time employees must be more readily available as appropriate without sacrificing the safety and system reliability that riders count on. MTA Employees need to increase contributions toward medical insurance and retirement pensions as other government, private sector employees, taxpayers and commuters do.

Commuters, taxpayers and transit advocates deserve better than the current status quo. Mr. Marlin would make a great addition to the MTA Board in representing our interests.

Larry Penner

Great Neck

Larry Penner is a transportation advocate, historian and writer who previously served as a former Director for the Federal Transit Administration Region 2 New York Office of Operations and Program Management.

Sands announces sponsorship of Clinton Global Initiative meeting

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The Island 360
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Las Vegas Sands announced it will be a presenting partner sponsor of the upcoming Clinton Global Initiative meeting on Sept. 23-24 in New York City, building on the company’s commitment to addressing economic, social and environmental issues for the betterment of its regions around the world.

The CGI meeting coincides with the U.N. General Assembly and brings together business, government and civil society leaders to drive progress on climate resilience, inclusive economic growth and recovery, health equity, the full participation of women and girls, and humanitarian response efforts to crises around the globe. Since its inception the CGI has driven more than 4,000 commitments to action in its priority areas, which have improved the lives of nearly 500 million people in more than 180 countries.

“This event has fostered important dialog and established ongoing, forward-thinking global action for tackling the world’s most pressing challenges,” Robert Goldstein, chairman and CEO of Sands, said. “Our support is indicative of our commitment to helping advance CGI priorities, as well as being part of the conversation to learn how our company can meaningfully contribute to these areas.”

“At CGI this year, we’re bringing together hundreds of leaders from across sectors to not only discuss pressing issues facing the world, but also to take action,” Greg Milne, CEO of the Clinton Global Initiative, said. “We’re grateful to Las Vegas Sands for helping to make the CGI 2024 Annual Meeting possible and supporting a community of organizations from the public and private sectors who are implementing solutions to our greatest challenges.”

Sands focuses its work to address global and regional challenges under the “People, Communities and Planet” pillars of its corporate responsibility program, which drives the company’s efforts to promote workforce development and economic empowerment; advance diversity, equity and inclusion; help eliminate barriers and uplift disadvantaged populations; and ensure ongoing progress in addressing climate change and preserving the planet’s vital resources.

Specifically, Sands has set actionable goals to make tangible progress under each pillar:

People: By 2025, the company aims to invest $200 million in workforce development, which encompasses team member advancement, local business and supplier development, and hospitality education in its regions. Since 2021, the company has spent $181 million toward its 2021 to 2025 workforce development ambition in support of advancing economic empowerment.

Communities: Sands is committed to building resiliency and making its communities ideal places to live, work and visit through its Sands Cares community engagement program, which prioritizes addressing hardship relief and supporting disadvantaged populations, advancing education, building the capabilities of nonprofit organizations to solve pressing problems, and promoting the cultural and natural heritage of its local regions. By 2025, Sands aims to contribute 250,000 Team Member volunteer hours toward these priorities, augmenting its philanthropic investments.

Underpinning the company’s work in its “People and Communities” pillars is its dedication to advancing diversity, equity and inclusion through team member and supplier programs, along with supporting diverse community organizations to help remove systemic barriers and create opportunities for underrepresented groups.

Planet: To address climate change, Sands has set a target to achieve a 17.5 percent reduction in emissions by 2025, as compared to a 2018 baseline. In 2023, the company reduced emissions by 50 percent, even as energy consumption increased with business returning to pre-pandemic levels. The reduction is representative of Sands’ persistent approach to energy-efficiency projects and commitment to renewable energy certificate purchases.

Under the “Planet” pillar, the company is focused on core environmental priorities in the areas of low-carbon transition, waste, materials and resources and water stewardship, led by the Sands ECO360 global sustainability program.

 

Northwell expands behavioral health services for Long Island residents

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The Island 360
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Dr. George Alvarado at Zucker Hillside Hospital. New affiliation agreements will allow Northwell, Central Nassau Guidance & Counseling Services and Family Service League to create a stronger, deeper network of care for people in the communities they serve. (Photo courtesy of Northwell Health)

Northwell Health announced it has entered into affiliation agreements with Central Nassau Guidance & Counseling Services and Family Service League to expand access to quality behavioral health services for Long Island residents.

Demand for behavioral health across all demographic segments and issues keeps growing both locally and nationwide. Northwell, New York State’s largest health care provider, operates two specialty behavioral health hospitals — South Oaks Hospital in Amityville and Zucker Hillside Hospital in Glen Oaks, Queens — and offers many inpatient and outpatient care options across the greater New York region. The new affiliation agreements will allow Northwell, CN Guidance and FSL to advance their common goal of creating a stronger, deeper network of care for people in the communities they serve.

This collaboration will result in smoother referral processes for area residents between these specialized community-based organizations and Northwell facilities. Both CN Guidance and FSL are implementing 24-hour crisis stabilization centers, with FSL’s open now and CN Guidance’s opening in 2025. In addition, patients already being seen by CN Guidance and FSL professionals can be referred for more coordinated, complex care through Northwell’s extensive roster of health services. These complementary relationships will expand access to care in service to the diverse behavioral health needs across Nassau and Suffolk counties.

“Northwell has worked closely and productively with CN Guidance and FSL for many years and we understand the enormously positive impact they make in our communities,” Michael Scarpelli, executive director of South Oaks and Zucker Hillside hospitals, said. “These affiliation agreements will foster even greater collaboration and strategic partnership to help more Long Islanders get the high-quality behavioral health care they need when they need it.”

“The need for behavioral health care on Long Island is enormous, with many people unable to access the right services at the right time,” John Young, chair of the Department of Psychiatry and senior vice president and chair for Behavioral Health Services at Northwell, said. “Working together, Northwell, CN Guidance and FSL will now be able to better meet the escalating needs of our communities for mental health care and treatment for substance use disorders.”

Huntington-based Family Service League, established in 1926, serves more than 50,000 people each year — from children to seniors as well as the underserved and homeless — through 60 mental health programs at 20 locations.

“Family Service League looks forward to continuing to work closely with Northwell Health to improve access to holistic care, further our integrated service delivery models and improve quality outcomes,” Karen Boorshtein, president and CEO of FSL, said. “All of which strengthens the client’s experience and will have a positive impact on our community.”

Hicksville-based CN Guidance is a nonprofit serving all of Long Island and focused on providing mental health and substance use help. With more than 34,000 patient encounters in 2023 alone, CN Guidance delivers high-quality, person-centered care through more than 60 programs, including specialized programs for veterans, youth, older adults and those with residential care needs.

“This partnership will significantly enhance our ability to provide comprehensive, high-quality care to the most vulnerable members of our community,”  CN Guidance CEO Jeffrey Friedman said. “By leveraging Northwell’s resources and expertise, we can expand our services, further reduce wait times, and improve overall patient experience and outcomes. Together we are committed to fostering a healthier, more resilient community.”

Northwell plans to create a Virtual Navigation Hub to help connect patients with the most appropriate and timely care, harnessing the power of the affiliations with CN Guidance and FSL professionals.

These agreements are particularly timely in that September is National Recovery Month as well as Suicide Awareness and Prevention Month. If you or a loved one are having emotional distress or thoughts of suicide, call 988 to connect with a lifeline specialist for support.

For more information or to book an appointment, call (888) 321-DOCS or go to Northwell.edu/behavioral-health.

Art League of Nassau County art exhibit at the Great Neck Library

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Painting by Art League of Nassau County's Vivian Hershifield (Photo courtesy of the Art League of Nassau County)

The Great Neck Library will host an art exhibit for paintings from the Art League of Nassau County from Oct. 1 to Oct. 31 at the Main Library Lower-Level Art Gallery at 159 Bayview Ave., Great Neck, NY 11023.

The library welcomes residents to come join the library for a reception on Sunday, Oct. 20 from 2 to 4 p.m.

For more information, please contact Great Neck Library at (516) 466-8055 or email adultprogramming@greatnecklibrary.org.

The Art League of Nassau County (ALNC) is a group of over 100 painters and sculptors organized in support of our activities in the fine arts.

Since 1925, they’ve been painting and sculpting together, studying crafts, exhibiting their work and making friends along the way.

The art league holds monthly demonstrations by the elite fine artists of the metropolitan area, organizes workshops and provides venues for members to exhibit their work.

League activities provide a closely-knit community of artists. They work together in a wide variety of League activities like hanging exhibitions, publicity and hospitality.

Their monthly meetings, with refreshments served, provide an opportunity to share an appreciation for painting with their fellow artists.

Learn more about the Art League of Nassau County at www.artleagueofnassaucounty.org.

Floral Park Board of Trustees Meeting reports

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The Island 360
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The Floral Park Village Hall Building. (Courtesy of Incorporated Village of Floral Park Facebook)

Reports at the Sept. 17 Floral Park Village Board Meeting from Deputy Mayor Lynn Pombonyo, Village Trustee Frank Chiara and Village Trustee Jennifer Stewart:

Deputy Mayor Lynn Pombonyo:

Police Department:

Pombonyo thanked the Floral Park Police Benevolent Association President, FPPD Sergeant Matthew Viscusi and the police for 100 years of service and protection for the Village of Floral Park. She also thanked Police Commissioner Stephen McAllister.

A current focus for the FPPD is investigating construction fraud. A pattern of this crime is sweeping the Long Island region. It comes to our front doors, telephones, emails and texts, and FPPD is on it from education to prevention to enforcement and prosecution.

Lieutenant William Doherty has developed and posted comprehensive “Door-to-Door Home Improvement Scams” warnings with sections on “What to Watch Out For” and “Ten Things You Can Do to Avoid Construction Scams.” Check the Floral Park Police Department Facebook page, read this important home safety information, and share it with family and friends.

If you have questions, call the Building Department at (516) 326-6319. If you suspect or know that you are dealing with or have experienced an incident with a person engaging in a scam or fraud, call the FPPD immediately. And do not let such a person into your home.

Conservation Society:

The Centennial Gardens and Bird Sanctuary are filled with a rich variety of flowers, plants, animals and vegetables for all to admire. For decades, the vegetables cultivated in the Giving Gardens have been used to support the Our Lady of Victory food pantry and the Mary Brennan INN soup kitchen of Hempstead, among other organizations.

Guests to the Gardens may not pick the flowers, gather vegetables, or transplant the greenery to other locations. In addition, security cameras are installed at various spots inside the Gardens to protect the safety of the people inside and the animals, birds, trees and plants that call Centennial Gardens home.

The annual FPCS Fairie Forest Festival is on Oct. 26 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Visit the Floral Park Centennial Gardens Facebook page for the announcement.

Chambers of Commerce and Our Businesses:

The Covert Avenue Chamber of Commerce meets on Sept. 24 at 7 p.m. at Shintaro Asian Bistro on Covert Avenue in Stewart Manor. Meet all the local area business owners as they all plan the Covert Avenue Street Fair on Oct. 5th from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Visit CovertAvenueChamber.org to register and learn more about them.

Last week, the Floral Park Chamber of Commerce opened the fall season at BC Bistro on Jericho Turnpike. About a dozen new businesses were welcomed and productive networking was enjoyed by all.

Floral Park Historical Society:

President Ann Corbett and the Historical Society invite all to their 25th Anniversary Celebration on Oct. 27 at 4 p.m. at Swing the Teapot. Save the date and watch for details on the VFP Facebook page.

Trustee Frank Chiara:

Fire Department:

The Fire Department announced the passing of Ex-Chief Frank Cantreva. Frank volunteered for the Floral Park Fire Department for 52 years and was a member of the Hook and Ladder Company. He considered the Fire Department his second family and dedicated countless hours to helping his neighbors in need.

Frank was not only dedicated to his service in the Fire Department, but was also a vibrant member of the community. For many years, he volunteered as a Little League coach and led his teams to two district championships. He also mentored young adults, guiding them into the workforce and assisting them with their careers.

Frank is survived by his wife Patty, son Joseph and daughter Kerry. Frank and his family embody what makes the community such a special place to live. Not only did he and his family enjoy living in the village, but he also gave himself to ensure others could enjoy living here as well.

For the month of August, the calls for service are as follows: The Fire Company answered 30 calls, including 2 mutual aid calls; the Rescue Company answered 10 calls; and NYU Langone answered 80 calls for a total of 120 for the month of August.

The Floral Park and Stewart Manor Fire Departments will be at the Covert Avenue Street Fair on Oct. 5, demonstrating fire safety tips and having recruitment tables out for those interested in joining.

Additionally on recruitment, the department is planning an open house on Oct. 6 for those who would like to learn more. They are always seeking new members.

Library:

When you visit the library, you will be treated to the art display by Kathy Tyson. Tyson, a Friends of the Library member, uses the art of book folding to evoke memories of the past in the world of books. Her artwork is accompanied by quotes and bookend figurines related to the books.

Trustee Jennifer Stewart:

Grand openings of three new local businesses include Tulip Cigar Shop, Here and Now Yoga, and Woodbine Dental. Their grand opening was held on Sept. 14.

4VS:

The 4VS runs a Community Billboard, which can be viewed on the channel as well as on the 4VS studio website at 4VS.org. It is the most comprehensive listing of Village events.

MTA/LIRR:

Continue to reach out to the MTA at MTA.info with questions and concerns.

DPW:

At approximately 4 a.m. on Sept. 3, an individual who was intoxicated activated the fire suppression system over the fuel pumps at the DPW garage. Due to the investigative work of the Floral Park Police Department Detectives Timm and King, under the supervision of Lieutenant Doherty, the suspect was apprehended and charged with a felony. The Village is pursuing $8,000 in damages.

DPW crews set up for both 9/11 Memorial Ceremonies in the Village. One at the relic at Village Hall and one at the Reliance Firehouse. Crews lined the newly paved streets in the West End and filled potholes where needed.

65 tons of waste, 8 tons of paper and cardboard, 6 tons of plastic and glass and 15 tons of bulk rubbish were collected. Terrace Avenue and Stewart Street have been scheduled for repaving. Residents should expect full road closures while the work is ongoing.

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