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County executive’s actions bring significant risks for first responders

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In recent months, Nassau County Executive Bruce A. Blakeman has pursued a number of controversial measures that, in addition to likely being unconstitutional, carry with them a number of unintended consequences that will negatively impact our police and first responders.

The most glaring of those actions is the county executive’s provisional emergency special deputy sheriff program. Known more commonly as the “militia” – this misguided initiative has sparked tremendous concern across various local police departments. Even as the first classes of “militia” cadets have now graduated and are in the process of being activated, our concerns about their training, how they will be identified, and how and when these deputies can and will be deployed remain unaddressed by the Blakeman administration, which continues to stonewall the Democratic Minority and the public.

The Republican Majority’s public mask ban, which was eagerly signed into law by the county executive, is another piece of legislation that places our police officers in highly precarious situations. Under this measure, it is up to the officer to determine the “intent” of the person who is wearing the mask. This would expose our officers to thorny constitutional and medical privacy issues under the Fifth Amendment and HIPAA laws. Moreover, there is the risk that a sick person could feel pressured to remove their mask, thereby exposing the officers and the public to COVID or some other airborne disease.

To address concerns about constitutionality and practicality, the Minority Caucus proposed a more narrowly tailored mask law – the Masked Crime Accountability Act – that reduces the burden upon our law enforcement officers by focusing specifically on punishing those who use masks while committing criminal acts.

.While our bill is a clearer deterrent to crime, the Republican Majority pushed through their version of the law without considering public concerns or the potential consequences.

For both of these measures, there is the issue of how effectively they can be enforced – if at all. The same goes for the county executive’s banning of transgender female athletes utilizing county sports facilities, which like the mask ban, is being challenged in court. How is an officer, having been called to one of the situations created by these laws, expected to proceed?

How rigorously should an officer attempt to verify a person’s claim that they qualify for an exemption under the mask ban? How can a law enforcement professional navigate a heated confrontation over claims that a young athlete is violating the county’s ban on trans athletes? Are we going to start interrogating athletes over their gender identity? It is all a recipe for disaster and even more lawsuits against the County – litigation that you, the taxpayer, will end up footing the bill for.

With budget season now upon us in Nassau County, I believe it is essential to analyze these controversial measures through a third lens – police overtime. When we consider possible impacts upon law enforcement professionals, we must factor in how these measures could further burden our officers and increase their workloads. This should be also considered alongside how certain proposals could elevate overtime costs in their own right.

Before Nassau County clears the way for a casino or any other major development or legislative initiative that could be a significant driver for overtime, we would be wise to commission a thorough evaluation. Specific to the casino, initial projections of $1.8 million being sufficient to cover the resulting overtime – which is just a quarter of 1 percent of our current overtime budget – seem far-fetched in my opinion.

A rigorous review would go a long way toward revealing the true and accurate costs so that law enforcement agencies not only serving the county, but those in Nassau County’s cities and villages, can budget wisely and gear their training resources toward addressing each and every one of these new endeavors.

Delia DeRiggi-Whitton, of Glen Cove, is the Democratic Minority Leader of the Nassau County Legislature and represents 11th Legislative District. 

 

Gold Coast Art Center presents: Great Shorts Series at the Great Neck Library

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(Photo courtesy of the Gold Coast Arts Center)

The Gold Coast International Film Festival will be hosting two screenings of short films at the library this fall.

Each 90-minute program includes a fantastic collection of narratives, documentaries, comedies, dramas, international films, animations, fantasies and everything in between.

The Gold Coast International Shorts film screening Series 1 is at the Great Neck Library on Sunday, Sept. 29, at 2 p.m. and Series 2 on Monday, Sept. 30 2 p.m. at the Great Neck Library community room, 159 Bayview Ave., Great Neck, NY.

For information on the films included in each program and to view the entire schedule of the 2024 Gold Coast International Film Festival, visit www.goldcoastarts.org or call (516) 829-2570

No registration is required for this event. Open to all! For more information, please contact the Great Neck Library at (516) 466-8055 or email adultprogramming@greatnecklibrary.org.

Great Neck Library Meet the Candidates Night

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Great Neck Library will host its Meet the Candidates Night on Oct. 1. (Photo courtesy of the Great Neck LIbrary)

The Great Neck Library’s Meet the Candidates Night will be held on Tuesday, Oct. 1 from 7 to 9 p.m. in the Main Library’s Community Room, 159 Bayview Ave., Great Neck, NY 11023.

Questions for the candidates can be submitted to botelection@greatnecklibrary.org

The Great Neck Library’s Annual Election is scheduled for Monday, Oct. 28 from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Local nonprofit Tuesday’s Children celebrates community spirit

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Tuesday’s Children today announced it will be hosting its annual Long Island fundraiser event titled “Unity in Community: A Local Tribute” on Tuesday, Sept. 24 to pay tribute to the community where it began 23 years ago.

This year Tuesday’s Children will honor the Church of Saint Mary, Manhasset for being a beacon of light within our community.

On the evening of Sept. 11, 2001, the Manhasset community sought refuge at the church.

Long Island was one of the most affected communities in our country following 9/11.

The Church of Saint Mary hosted funerals for victims of the attacks, and it was in the pews of the church that Tuesday’s Children founders had their earliest conversations about forming the organization.

This year’s event, following the anniversary of 9/11, highlights the significance of the local community that came together with local families to found Tuesday’s Children. Throughout the years, the organization has continued to thrive and to support families impacted by that day and as a result of military service in the years since.

Becky Rossman, Tuesday’s Children’s Chief Executive Officer, said she looks forward to meeting members of the community.

“I am excited to join the Tuesday’s Children community in paying tribute to all we have accomplished in the past 23 years, and highlighting the contributions of Saint Mary’s Church as a steadfast pillar in the local community,” Rossman said. “As Tuesday’s Children continues to grow, we know we can count on this generous community to support us in keeping the promise to serve those affected by 9/11 and continue to develop support for military families of the fallen across the country.”

The Unity in Community tribute event is meant to represent the entire Long Island community and grow the nonprofit’s reach, inviting all communities affected to join in supporting their mission.

The nonprofit asks all individuals, local businesses and corporations to partake in this year’s charity event to support Tuesday’s Children’s programming for 9/11 families and military families of the fallen at the fundraiser at Manhasset Bay Yacht Club in Port Washington from 6:30 p.m. until 10:30 p.m.

The cocktail reception format will include live music performed by the Jim Roberti Band and whiskey and cigar pairings throughout the evening provided by Mobile Cigar Lounge. Tickets include hors d’oeuvres and an open bar. Exciting auction prizes are available for bidding.

Brian Leavey is the special guest speaker for the evening.

Leavey is a vital champion of Tuesday’s Children’s mission. He is the surviving son of FDNY Lt. Joseph Leavey, who was killed on Sept. 11. Leavey will be speaking about the impact of the organization and his service as a mentor to a Gold Star child.

Proceeds from the event support Tuesday’s Children’s continued mission to support families impacted by trauma and loss with mentorship, peer support, career resources, family engagements and community-building events.

Details, tickets and sponsorships available at www.tuesdayschildren.org/unity

For more information, contact Amanda Ferrando: amanda@tuesdayschildren.org, 516-726-4435

Thousands attend annual Williston Day Street Fair

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The Sanchez family at the Williston Day Street Fair on Sept. 15. (Photos by Ben Fiebert)

Firetrucks draped the American flag on each side of Hillside Avenue from Willis Avenue to the train station Sunday and in between was a lively fair with food, performances, family-friendly activities and more.

Live performances on Hillside Avenue.
Kids performing at the street fair.

Every year the Chamber of the Willistons hosts an annual street fair where businesses and groups in Williston Park and East Williston showcase all that is happening in their community. This year the sun was shining while families, friends and neighbors walked down Hillside Avenue to support chamber members, restaurants and merchants.

“The fair has been taking place for more than 40 years and it’s done with the grace and the incredible amount of hard work and service of the village of Williston Park,” Bobby Shannon, co-president of the Chamber of the Willistons, said.

Some of the vendors at the fair were The Pickle People, Humble Cafe, Harry’s Hilltop, Rebuild America, Patrick Michael Designs, Clean Living Candle Company and more. Some merchants were giving out hot pretzels, roasted corn, fresh lemonade, henna tattoos, crepes and margaritas. Local groups were there like the VFW, Friends of the Library and the Church of St. Aidans.

“We have a pet adoption center here today and we have a rock ‘n’ roll competition on both ends of the street,” Shannon said.

The vendor spots have been sold out for a couple of months in advance of the fair. Shannon said he saw at least 15,000 people at the event, which he said is “the same every year.”

Thousands of people attended the street fair.

Lisa Casazza, founder and CEO of Clean Living Candle Company, displayed her candles at the event. She started her candle company three years ago and has been creating soy wax candles in her home since then.

At the fair, Casazza brought an assortment of fall-scented candles. She said this was her third year at the fair and she came back because she sells a lot of candles each year. Her online shop can be found on Etsy.com.

“Me and my sister sell all sorts of woodworking goods,” Cody Gustafson, owner of CJGWorkShop, said. “My sister does the art side and I do the woodworking side of it.”

This is Gustafson’s second year at the fair selling handcrafted coasters, cheese slicers, caddies, bottle openers and more. He started this business three years ago, trying to fill the boredom during the pandemic.

“I started giving these out as Christmas gifts and people said, ‘you got to start selling this,’” Gustafson said.

Vendor Patrick Augustine, owner of Patrick Michael Designs, brought handcrafted jewelry to the fair for the fourth year. He started this business after he retired and was looking for something to do.

Similar to Gustafson, Augustine used to do woodworking. He then applied his woodworking skills to making jewelry.

“I’m not trying to make a living. It’s a self-supporting hobby,” Augustine said.

Vendor Andrea Lober brought handmade coasters and keychains decorated with themes such as holidays, sports teams, music, and television shows. This was her first year at the street fair. She said she attended because she recently retired and wanted to start crafting.

For information on future Chamber events, visit ChamberOfTheWillistons.com/events.

Next congressional majority may be decided in New York metro area

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Guest Column
By Alan Singer
In the current Congress, Republicans hold a narrow 220-212 majority in the House of Representatives with three vacant seats. New York metropolitan area congressional districts may hold the key to the balance of power in the next Congress.
According to the website Cook Partisan Voting Index, of the 450 congressional districts in the United States, only 87 are considered swing districts.  The rest, either because of gerrymandering or strong local preferences, vote solidly for one party or the other. Of those swing districts, two are in Nassau County.
In 2020, after U.S. Rep. Tom Suozzi gave up his seat to run in the Democratic Party gubernatorial primary, Republican George Santos defeated Democrat Robert Zimmerman with 54% of the vote in District 3, which includes parts of Nassau and Queens counties. After Santos was expelled from Congress, a special election was held and Suozzi defeated the Republican candidate, Mazi Pilip, with 54% of the vote.
In District 4 in southwestern Nassau County, Democrat  Kathleen Rice was elected in 2020 with 56% of the vote. In 2022, Republican Anthony D’Esposito narrowly defeated Democrat Laura Gillen by 52% to 48% in a district that was carried by Democratic presidential candidates in every election from 1992 to 2020. D’Esposito and Gillen face off again in 2024.
Suffolk County’s two congressional districts are much more strongly Republican. In 2022 in District 1 Nicholas Lalota defeated Bridget Fleming by 55.5% to 45.5%. In District 2, Andrew Garbarino defeated Jackie Gordon by 61% to 39%. While District 1 has voted for Republican congressional candidates since 2014, the Democrats believe Lalota is vulnerable, and they have a stronger candidate in former CNN anchor and commentator John Avlon.
Other contested congressional districts in the New York City metropolitan area include New York’s 11th, 17th, and 18th and New Jersey’s 3rd and 7th. The 11th Congressional District, which includes Staten Island and the western most parts of Brooklyn, went solidly Democratic in 2018, narrowly Republican in 2020, and solidly Republican in 2022, partly because of changes in district lines but also candidate strengths.
In 2020, the 17th Congressional District was solidly Democratic, but after redistricting it swung narrowly Republican in 2022. It now includes all of Rockland and Putnam Counties and small parts of Westchester and Dutchess County. A little farther north in the 18th Congressional District, the Democratic candidate was narrowly elected in 2022.
South Central New Jersey’s 3rd Congressional District is currently represented by Democrat Andy Kim, who is running for the Senate in 2024 rather than seeking re-election. In 2020, Democrat Tom Malinowski narrowly defeated Republican Thomas Kean Jr. in New Jersey’s 7th Congressional District and in 2022 Kean narrowly defeated Malinowski.
Swings can also happen within districts. In 2022, progressive Democrat Jamaal Bowman defeated a longtime Democratic Party incumbent, but he was defeated by a more traditional Democrat in the party’s 2024 primary for the 16th CD in Westchester.
Whoever wins the presidency in November, the battle for majorities in the House of Representatives and the Senate will determine much about the future of the United States. The House of Representatives along with the Senate are responsible for making laws. Both branches can initiate investigations into government officials and individual, group, and corporate behavior that impacts on the United States. The House must initiate budgetary legislation and issue Articles of Impeachment before a trial in the Senate.
In the current Congress, since the Republican Party took over with a slim majority in the House, sharp internal disputes over leadership and divisions between the Republican controlled House and the Democrat controlled Senate have frequently blocked legislative action.
Alan Singer is director of Secondary Education Social Studies at Hofstra University

Join Temple Beth-El for the High Holidays

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Spend the High Holidays at Temple Beth-El. (Photo courtesy of Temple Beth-El)

Temple Beth-El of Great Neck, a leader in shaping the future of pluralistic Judaism on the western North Shore, offers a comprehensive array of High Holidays programs and welcomes the community to attend the following events.

Start the season by reciting prayers for forgiveness during S’lichot on Saturday, Sept. 28, at the Study Session with Wine and Cheese at 7 p.m. and the Havdalah, Torah Cover Change and Service at 8 p.m.

Young families can commemorate the Jewish New Year on the First Day of Rosh Hashanah on Thursday, Oct. 3, at a Tot Service (ages 2 to 6 with an adult) at 9 a.m. and a Family Service (Grades K to 6) at 10 a.m.

Hear the shofar at the Community Tashlich Service at Steppingstone Park at 2:30 p.m.—and bring bread to cast pieces upon water to release last year’s sins.

Attend the Second Day of Rosh Hashanah Service on Friday, Oct. 4, at 10 a.m., and register for the 12 p.m. Kiddush Brunch at https://bit.ly/47ry0gg

Connect to the holiday themes of reflection, repentance and renewal through memories of loved ones at the Kever Avot Memorial Service at Beth Moses Cemetery on Sunday, Oct. 6, at 11:30 a.m.

On this holiest day, young families can attend the Yom Kippur Tot Service (ages 2 to 6 with an adult) on Saturday, Oct. 12, at 9 a.m. and the Family Service (Grades K to 6) at 10 a.m.

The Day of Atonement Yizkor Service begins at 3:45 p.m., and the Afternoon, N’ilah and Havdalah Services start at 4:45 p.m.

Join the harvest festival at the Sukkot Service on Thursday, Oct. 17, at 10 a.m.

Celebrate the annual conclusion of Torah readings and the beginning of the new cycle with Temple Beth-El during Erev Simchat Torah at Temple Isaiah, 1 Chelsea Place, on Wednesday, Oct. 23, at 7 p.m.

Mark the end of this intense, inspirational and celebratory season with a Simchat Torah and Shemini Atzeret Service with Yizkor on Thursday, Oct. 24, 10 a.m.

Learn more about Temple Beth-El, located at 5 Old Mill Road, at www.tbegreatneck.org, 516-487-0900 or info@tbegreatneck.org.

Shana Tovah!

Three Northwell Health-GoHealth Urgent Care centers earn ‘Autism Friendly Designation’

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Getting timely care for an illness or injury can trigger extreme anxiety for people with autism, but Long Island families with autistic children now have a more supportive option for urgent care.

Northwell Health-GoHealth is leading the way in making urgent care less scary and more comfortable for all its pediatric patients by addressing sensory overload, accommodating the needs of patients with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and their families and developing private ways for patients or guardians to self-identify as being on the spectrum.

In recognition of this effort, Autism Speaks presented three Northwell Health-GoHealth Urgent Care pediatric centers with the “Autism Friendly Designation” this month.

Autism Speaks is a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting solutions across the spectrum and throughout the lifespan for people with autism and their families and is the largest autism advocacy organization in the United States.

Northwell Health-GoHealth is the first urgent care provider in the nation to earn the Autism Friendly Designation from Autism Speaks.

The designation signals to the community that team members at the three Northwell Health-GoHealth centers – in Lake Success, East Northport and Hewlett – are committed to providing the highest quality of inclusive service by recognizing and accommodating the diverse needs of people with autism and their families.

“Typically, families and patients with autism stay away from healthcare environments that they’re not familiar with, including urgent care, which can be a problem when an illness or injury happens. The waiting room, not knowing what to expect and concerns with not being understood are their main sources of anxiety,” Dr. Lynda Gerberg, Lead Pediatrician for Northwell Health-GoHealth Pediatric Urgent Care, said.“We wanted to create a more supportive and accommodating environment in urgent care centers for people with ASD where all people feel understood and comfortable seeking medical attention.”

Developed and provided by Autism Speaks, the designation program helps foster organizational understanding and acceptance of people with ASD, as well as their family members and those who support them.

“Because each individual with autism is different and has a distinct set of needs, it is so important for the community to have access to personalized care,” Arianna Esposito, Autism Speaks’ vice president of services and supports, lifespan programs, said. “In completing autism-friendly trainings and implementing resources and supports developed by experts, including self-advocates, families, clinicians and researchers at Autism Speaks, Northwell Health-GoHealth centers have demonstrated a commitment to providing inclusive care options for patients and their families, bringing us one step closer to achieving a more understanding and accepting world for all.”

The initiative comes at a time when one in 36 children and one in 45 adults fall on the autism spectrum. Autism impacts more than 80 million people worldwide. The families of nearly 17,000 children on Long Island are touched by ASD, each experiencing their own unique strengths and challenges.

Yet many individuals with autism and their caretakers forego medical care or avoid healthcare settings because they feel misunderstood or face communication barriers. Both the lack of autism-specific training for healthcare providers and the absence of suitable physical environments in healthcare centers contribute to their discomfort, leading to a significant barrier to accessing necessary medical care.

The teams at Northwell Health-GoHealth’s pediatric centers have eagerly embraced the opportunity to remove those barriers by improving communication with patients and creating tools to help patients and their families feel more comfortable.

“I’m most proud of seeing the enthusiasm from our team as we all grow and learn. The Autism Speaks Autism Friendly Designation signals to the community that we’re here for inclusive and compassionate care,” Gerberg said. “Over time, we hope to establish a culture in urgent care that feels welcoming to patients with ASD.”

German-American festival coming to Plattduetsche

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Ben Fiebert
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Beer, food, and German culture at the 2022 Ompahfest. The festival will be coming back on Sept. 22 at Plattduetsche Park Restaurant. (Photos courtesy of Jennifer Sargent)

German heritage will be celebrated by thousands again this year at Ompahfest.

The event will be on Sept. 22, starting at 11 a.m. at Plattduetsche Park Restaurant. Admission is $12 for adults and free for kids 12 and under. The festival, which is the largest celebration of German-American culture of the year at the restaurant, features traditional oompah music, German food, beer, dancing, demonstrations, raffles, games, vendors with imported goods and activities for children.

“It’s a big facility, big space that we do a lot of great heritage festivals and other festivals throughout the season,” Matt Buck, general manager of Plattduetsche, said about the restaurant. “But this one, our Ompahfest, is our biggest and it’s our kick-off to our Oktoberfest season.”

Buck said this festival always happens the day after the German-American Steuben Day Parade in Manhattan. He said a lot of the groups that perform in that parade come to Ompahfest the next day to perform. There are four stages that will be playing live music and a tent with seating under it for over a thousand people.

Live music from German bands playing at Ompahfest.
Food area set up to seat over a thousand people at Ompahfest.

“The festival has been going on for over 50 years,” Buck said. “We are basically a German-American cultural center for German heritage. This property is actually owned by 25 different German clubs.”

The restaurant hosts different clubs, such as three traditional Schuhplattler dance groups, three traditional German dancing groups, a German brass band, German choirs, social clubs, German soccer club and more.

“Our mission here is really just to celebrate and teach our German culture and heritage to people and what better way to do that than through music, dancing, food and drinks,” Buck said.

Festival-goers dancing at the 2022 Ompahfest.

Buck said people turn out in the thousands at this event. It’s a big festival that he said people mark off in their calendar every year. He said this is because it’s an authentic festival where you not only hear German-American bands, but also bands directly from Germany.

This event will kick off the annual Oktoberfest, which will take place on Oct. 4 through Oct. 13. There will be live bands and German dance groups performing each weekend during the festival. Traditional food like sauerbraten, wiener schnitzel, schweinshaxe, potato pancakes and giant pretzels will be sold at the event, along with beer.

For more information on Ompahfest and Oktoberfest, visit ParkRestaurant.com.

Great Neck memorializes late neighbor Jonathan Ielpi killed on Sept. 11, 2001

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Cameryn Oakes
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A mother and daughter look at the Manhattan skyline from the 9-11 Memorial Bridge in Saddle Rock, where the Twin Towers once stood. (Photo by Cameryn Oakes)

On Sept. 11, 2001, Great Neck firefighter Fred Sager received a call from a fellow firefighter and friend, Lee Ielpi. A member of the FDNY, Ielpi was at the World Trade Center but so was his son, Jonathan Ielpi, and he was missing.

For months, Sager and Lee Ielpi scoured the pile for survivors and remains. Jonathan Ielpi’s body was found exactly three months later on Dec. 11, 2001.

“He was found in the base of the South Tower, so he was killed at 9:59 [a.m.], the time the South Tower collapsed,” Sager said as he choked back tears. “Two thousand seven hundred and 39 people were murdered right there 23 years ago today.”

Fred Sager shares the story of his response to the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks. (Photo by Cameryn Oakes)

Great Neck’s Jonathan Ielpi was 29 when he died, leaving behind his wife and two young boys.

“The one positive way to look at this terrible tragedy was that approximately 25,000 people would evacuate from the World Trade Center,” Sager said.

About two dozen Great Neck community members and another two dozen local volunteer firefighters gathered on the 9-11 Memorial Bridge in Saddle Rock for a memorial service hosted by Temple Israel of Great Neck.

The bridge, which provides a perfect view of the Manhattan skyline, is where others assembled the day of the terrorist attacks to watch it unfold just miles away. The bridge was renamed in honor of that moment.

Sager, a former Great Neck Vigilant Fire Company chief, is a close family friend of the Ielpis and served with father Lee Ielpi as his lieutenant when Ielpi was chief.

Sager, who was working as an electrical supervisor at the Javits Center at the time of the attacks, said when he heard the news on the radio about the first plane crashing into the Trade Center, his first thought was whether it was the result of an accident. As he stood on 34th Street and looked downtown, he could see the plumes as the building burned.

But then the second plane hit.

“It was clearly now an attack,” Sager said.

What Sager experienced may have been divine intervention that day. Sager carried his firefighter gear in his car, but on Sept. 11 he drove his wife’s car and showed up without any gear. He said if he did have it, he would have immediately responded to the scene.

Great Neck firefighters look at the Manhattan skyline. (Photo by Cameryn Oakes)

“So did it save my life?” Sager questioned. “I don’t know.”

Instead, Sager drove the four hours it took to get back home on the Island after getting clearance due to his firefighter credentials.

When he finally arrived at the Great Neck Vigilant Station on Cutter Mill Road, that’s when he got the call from Lee Ielpi about his missing son.

Sager and his wife went to the Ielpi home where they told the rest of the family and waited to hear any more news.

“The second we walked through the door they knew why we were there,” Sager said. “The whole house erupted. Very emotional, lots of hugging. It was not a good scene.”

Lee Ielpi returned home late that night, stepping out of his car and leaving a dark gray cloud of soot, Sager said.

Sager’s job changed after that day. He was no longer an electrical supervisor but rather helping to facilitate the recovery process as the Javits Center hosted a multitude of first responders from across the country aiding in the cause.

Sager recalled those days, describing the eeriness of going to the site at night.

Included in the aftermath response were rescue dogs looking for survivors. With many coming up short, the handlers would hide in the piles to encourage the dogs to keep searching and maybe turn up something they were untrained to find – corpses.

He said he and other rescuers were “digging with [their] noses” as they searched for bodies in the end-of-summer heat.

“The smell was horrific,” Sager said.

Rabbi Howard Stecker called for individuals to “recall and internalize” different lessons in remembering that day.

“We need to recognize the existence of real evil with which we cannot negotiate,” Stecker said. “We need to fight real evil when it manifests itself. We need to recognize the bonds of appreciation for democracy that keep us together as a society and lastly, we need to recognize that there are heroes among us who have walked this Earth, who continue to walk this Earth.”

Firefighters Park in Great Neck was renamed in honor of Jonathan Ielpi, which now bears his name.

Parker Jewish dedicates plaque to co-founders of Indian Cultural Wing

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Ben Fiebert
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Indravadan Shah, a retired surgeon, was one of many doctors honored for the creation of the Indian Cultural Unit at Parker Jewish Institute. (Photos by Ben Fiebert)

For years, the Indian Cultural Wing at Parker Jewish Institute in New Hyde Park has provided a safe space for Indians to receive care. Michael Rosenblut, Parker’s president and CEO, honored the people who made this happen.

Over 150 guests attended Parker Jewish Institute’s Indian Cultural Wing plaque dedication on Sept. 12. This dedication was in honor of Saroj Shah, a retired OBGYN, and her husband Indravadan Shah, a retired surgeon. They led a committee of local Indian doctors and professionals who worked on the development and planning for Parker’s Indian Cultural Unit.

The unit accommodates the rehabilitation, medical care and cultural needs of older adults in New York’s growing Indian population to achieve the best level of health possible. It was founded in 2017 with the mission of incorporating culturally sensitive health care into the institute.

The Indian Cultural Wing’s Advisory Committee includes Saroj and Indravadan, Ram Pardeshi, Mukund Mehta, Mohan Ramaswamy, Hiralal Patel, Dahyabhai Patel, Dilip Tolat, Rekha Tolat, and Harshad Shah. The committee members’ names were displayed on a plaque that was unveiled in the cultural wing.

Before the unveiling, there was a puja ceremony to bless the plaque. The ceremony is a form of ritual prayer involving symbolic offerings that represent love and devotion. It was then followed by a cultural dance.

“Dr. Saroj Shah called me in October of 2015. She introduced herself and requested a meeting,” Rosenblut said. “After meeting with Dr. Shah and initiating our first committee meeting, the Indian Cultural Unit, under her leadership, started to take shape.”

Rosenblut said Saroj, committee members and Parker’s Board of Trustees worked tirelessly to ensure that the Indian Cultural Unit remains successful today. He said many of the ideas and concepts implemented at the cultural unit exist today because of the “love that Dr. Shah has given to the residents and the committee.”

Saroj said the staff in the unit visit each patient daily and speak in their language to care for them in the best way possible. Parker also hired an Indian chef dedicated to the Indian unit who prepares Indian delicacies for the patients.

“We would not be here if it wasn’t for the vision and the foresight of Dr. Saroj and Dr. Indravadan Shah,” Mehta said. “It was this couple who conceived the idea, along with Dr. Pardeshi. They visualized that over a period of time, the Indian people who are settling in Nassau County, at some point in time will need some help — short term or long-term rehab, and Parker was the best place it can be.”

Saroj said many years ago, she and Indravadan dreamed of creating a place where the South Indian community could go when they aged and feel comfortable receiving rehabilitation. Saroj said she is very happy to see her vision come to life as the cultural unit is currently filled with 60 patients.

Saroj Shah, alongside her husband Indravadan Shah, speaking to attendees of the event.

“We continue to grow and enhance our services and get new ideas,” Saroj said.

Within the next five years, Saroj said her dream is to make Parker a model for culturally sensitive healthcare. She said she would like to see Indians throughout the country receive the same care that they are getting at Parker. With the trust and partnership between her and Parker, she said she has “no doubt” that she will succeed.

Kick off the 2024/25 season at Tilles Center for the Performing Arts

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Steven Blank Publisher
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Alyssa R Griffin

LIU Post is showcasing the most! Tilles Center for the Performing Arts at LIU Post is kicking
off its 2024/25 season. With over 40 events, you’re re sure to find exactly what you’re looking for.

Tilles Center for the Performing Arts Highlights Classical Mystery Tour: A Symphonic Tribute to the Beatles

Enjoy rock, pop, country and more! Featuring original members of Beatlemania alongside the Massapequa Philharmonic. Hear classics such as “Yesterday” and “Hey Jude” and much more. $35+ 8 p.m. Sept. 21.

Celebrity Autobiography: New Edition! Featuring Richard Kind, Mario Cantone, Jackie Hoffman, Craig Bierko and more

Indulge in Broadway tunes with the international smash where you can experience true celebrity memoirs acted out on stage. This jaw-dropping comedy comes straight from published celebrity works, sharing everything. $35+ 8 p.m. Sept. 28.

Barenaked Ladies/Toad the Wet Sprocket

Watch as the Canadian rock band showcases their hit 1998 single, “One Week.” Come see the quartet show why they were inducted into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame.
Get ready for more with this newly reunited group. Join frontman Glen Phillips and bandmates as they play classic hits including “All I want” and “Good Intentions.”
$35+ 8 p.m. Oct. 1.

Mandy Gonzalaz
Broadway star takes the stage to perform a brand new show! Previously showed talents in
musicals such as Hamilton, Wicked and In the Heights. $35+ 8 p.m. Oct. 10.

Mandy Patinkin and The Princess Bride
Listen as the legendary actor, who portrayed Inigo Montoya in classic film, moderates the Q&A session after movie screening. $35+ 7 p.m. Oct. 5.

Steve Martin and Martin Short: The Dukes of Funnytown! With very special guests Jeff Babko and The Steep Canyon Rangers.

Come see two of the most influential and funniest talents of the past century. These two men have been cracking jokes together since they met on the set of “Three Amigos.” Ticket includes the cocktail reception, Gala dinner and performance. $1250+ 8:30 p.m. Oct. 19.

London Philharmonic Orchestra with Randall Goosby
Honored for his sensitivity and intensity of his musicianship, he brings the music of under-
represented composers to crowds. See why he's played alongside so many symphonies. $35+ 2 p.m. Oct. 20.

John Heilemann & Mark McKinnon

Watch as these two holding a speaking talk about politics and business together pertaining to America and outside the nation. $35+ 7:30 p.m. Oct. 24.

Yacht Rock the Dock with Ambrosia and friends
Featuring original artists such as John Ford Coley and Peter Beckett (The Voice of Player).
Listen to memorable rock selections including, “I’d really Love to See You Tonight and Love Is The Answer. $35+ 8 p.m. Oct. 25.

Celebrating Harry Bellafonte with Rene Marie
Performed by a seven-piece band, move to the beat of the jazz showing the most-beloved
selections. Each one is curated for the heart and mind. $35+ 7:30 p.m. Oct. 27.

America: Ride On Tour 2024
The Grammy-winning rock band returns to play their legendary hits! Listen to songs such as Sister Golden Hair and Tin Man. $35+ 8 p.m. Nov. 2.

Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center performs Virtuoso Winds
Co-presented with Metamorphic Concerts, listen to these six musicians play various chamber music. Enjoy the sounds of the piano, flute, oboe, clarinet, bassoon and horn.
$35+ 3 p.m. Nov. 3.

Derek Hough
Come see the Dance for the Holidays all new festive celebration for this time of year. With
Holiday Carols and cheers from classic to modern pop, there's much fun for the whole family to enjoy. $35+ 8 p.m. Nov. 4.

Ailey II
Come out and dance with the merging spirit and energy of the country’s finest early-career dance talent. See the passion of today's emerging choreographers.
$35+ 8 p.m. Nov. 8.

Stomp

This international percussion sensation is explosive! This eight-member troupe uses whatever they can get their hands on and transforms it into beautiful noises. Presented in collaboration with LIU’s Roosevelt School. $35+ 7 p.m. Nov. 13.

Douglas Brinkley
The Katherine Tsanoff Brown Chair in Humanities and Professor of History at Rice University. Watch him as the author discusses history and politics portraying environmental activism and much more. $35+ 7:30 p.m. Nov. 14.

Kristin Chenoweth
Come see the Broadway star on stage! The Emmy and Tony Award winning actress shows off her many talents on sold-out stages across the globe. $35+ 8 p.m. Nov. 15.

Sesame Street Live! Say Hello!
See everyone’s favorite monsters take the stage in your neighborhood! Sing and dance with Elmo, Abby Cadabby, Cookie Monster and more! They’ll tell you how to get to sesame street, where the air is sweet. $35+ 6 p.m. Nov. 19.

Summer Camargo
Come experience the Atrium Jazz Lounge with “25 for the future” by Downbeat Magazine. Jazz talents curated in partnership with Jazz at Lincoln Center. $35+ 7:30 p.m. Nov. 21.

Patti Labelle
Hear the voice that's been marking hearts for more than 60 years. With these timeless songs with classic rhythm and blues, it’s surely a night to remember.$35+ 7 p.m. Dec. 8.

The Bogmen
Indie rock band is coming to the center! This Long-Island based band is ready to play memorable hits including Suddenly and The Big Burn. Just recently releasing their first album in twenty years, they’re ready to hit the stage once again. $35+ 8 p.m. Dec. 14.

Lincoln Center Big Band HolidaysThe Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra is spreading their annual holiday cheer with their
tour. Come enjoy some holiday classic the whole family knows and loves. Trombonist, Chris
Crenshaw, will be featuring fun improvisation and playful storytelling.
$35+ 7:30 p.m. Dec. 15.

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