Update: The dog has been reunited with her family. The couple that found her offer “a huge thank you to everyone who went out of their way to help us find her family! You all have huge hearts and it paid off!!!”

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A local police officer rescued a dog outside on Plymouth Road in Plandome on Thursday evening while on duty. The officer drove around with the Labrador retriever-looking dog in his warm police car to search for her home without success. He brought the dog home where he and his fiancée are taking care of her until they can locate her owner.

The dog does not have a microchip or any tags.

If you recognize the dog or have any information, please comment below or on Facebook.

Manhasset residents can rest easy.
That is, those opposed to the idea of a medical marijuana dispensary on a prominent retail stretch. And a stone’s throw from residences.
MedMen has reportedly withdrawn a controversial application to move its dispensary from Lake Success to Manhasset.
That bit of news was revealed by Supervisor Judi Bosworth at the Dec. 18 Town of North Hempstead Town Board meeting.
Applause greeted Bosworth’s announcement.
Daniel Yi, senior vice president of Corporate Communications for MedMen, said in an emailed statement: “We are disappointed about the decision by the Town of North Hempstead. The decision runs contrary to the growing consensus across the country around the benefits of legalizing and regulating cannabis. We are fully confident that we are on the right side of history on this issue. Nonetheless, operating in a regulated environment means respecting the process and the decisions of local jurisdictions so we have decided to no longer pursue our relocation.”
Had it not withdrawn the application, MedMen would have come into conflict with a modification of the zoning regulations passed by the town board that evening. It will prohibit establishments that sell medical marijuana “from being within 1,000 feet of a school, parks, child care center or house of worship; restrict them from being within 500 feet of a town residential district; and limit the number of dispensaries in the town to two.”
In addition, it would limit them to zoning districts mainly labeled industrial. Finally, the dispensary may be located only in a building having at least one medical office.
This follows a zoning code revision on Nov. 20, when the town board amended the law prohibiting any facility approved or used as a medical marijuana dispensary to be used as a marijuana retail store.
Pro & Contra
Two compelling personal testimonies highlighted the public comment session.
Doretta Goldberg of Port Washington, a 50-year resident of the town, said that the medicinal benefits of cannabis have enabled her to palliate the effects of breast cancer surgery.
Goldberg lamented that medical marijuana was not legal in New York State in 2013, when her daughter was also battling cancer.
“I have always thought of this as an educated, open-minded community,” Goldberg began. “But today, I think we’re on the wrong track.”
Putting restrictions on companies selling both medical and medicinal marijuana would “have a chilling effect on the number willing to operate in the town.”
Goldberg would have preferred to see “carefully drafted legislation” to control undesirable behaviors “without prohibiting activity that is beneficial to our community.”
Limiting where dispensaries could be placed, she went on, “would discriminate against and stigmatize patients, many of whom are severely ill and don’t travel easily. Marijuana patients are entitled to get their medicines as easily and with the same respect as any other patient.”
Goldberg was skeptical of board members’ professions of support for medical marijuana, asserting that the law being considered “practically shouted NIMBY (not in my backyard). Historically, initiatives with this motivation have been the result of prejudice and baseless fears, and this does not seem any different.”
She wanted to disabuse people of the image of a pot user as a Grateful Dead follower, and thus told her own tale of how she came to appreciate cannabis.
“The current approach is reactive, not proactive,” Goldberg concluded. “Sending patients to industrial parks for their medication is insulting. It’s unnecessary. It’s discriminatory. And as a result, it’s probably illegal. Above all, it is insensitive and unkind.”
Goldberg urged the board to vote down proposed legislation.
“You spoke eloquently,” someone told Goldberg later, after the vote went against her wishes.
“A lot of good it did,” she replied.
Taking the opposite stand was John Dell’Aquila of Munsey Park. Five years ago, when he and his wife Michelle were looking for community to raise a family, the Manhasset area fit the bill.
But lately, he asserted, he had seen “signs of deterioration,” and having a potential retail marijuana store was yet another sign of decline.
He was suspicious of MedMen’s labeling any future retail establishment as “the Apple store of pot” and noted the firm wanted to establish a retail beachhead where the demographics were favorable.
Regarding his initial visit, Dell’Aquila reflected, “Had we pulled up and there was an ‘Apple store for pot,’ and homeless people sleeping in the Long Island Rail Road ticket house at Manhasset station, and vagrants walking down Plandome Road cursing at children, we would not have moved here.”
He called the retail marijuana threat “the most obvious issue that we have” and pledged to grow a petition—now at about 3,500 names—“by multiples.” What those who signed all have in common was what he called “family values requirements.”
Dell’Aquila noted that the state was “machine gunning” legalization of marijuana (in the legislative session beginning in January) and “we don’t believe this is over by a long shot.”
Final Words
After the vote, Councilman Angelo Ferrara said he recognized how important medical marijuana was to some residents. He suggested that they start petitions to get it nationally legalized.
If this were to happen, he went on, “then it could be sold in pharmacies. And you don’t have to worry about companies like MedMen or anybody else trying to move into the community.”
Ferrara concluded, “It’s absolutely critical for the health and welfare of the people who need it, that you make it as available as possible. And I think the best way to do that is nationally, to allow it to be sold in pharmacies, so people aren’t taken advantage of.”
Bosworth discussed how the town came to take actions to protect itself from being Long Island’s center of marijuana dispensaries.
She reiterated that all the trustees supported medical marijuana.
“There are people throughout the island who have this need, so it was felt it was important that [dispensaries] be distributed fairly so that all people who need it have that opportunity,” she said. “This law is about where [dispensaries] will be zoned. It wasn’t meant to be prejudicial. It was done in a way that is equitable and responsible.”

What did you think of this story? Email me at frankcal58@gmail.com.

Neighbors have been noticing a huge crane and barges being brought in to Manhasset Bay, which will be used to finally begin work on the overflow culvert at Leeds Pond.
The culvert, which was built 65 years ago by the Town of North Hempstead, has been badly eroded by salt water. The culvert allows stormwater runoff from a 2,275-acre tributary watershed area that flows into Leeds Pond to drain into Manhasset Bay. The culvert, which lies below North Plandome Road, is a heavily trafficked route to and from Port Washington and Sands Point and tends to flood, especially during heavy rain storms.
Since 2008, the culvert has been the subject of much discussion and a study was done on the structural integrity by the engineering group Sidney B. Bowne & Son LLP, which identified the decay of the culvert indicating safety concerns for the integrity of the structure due to erosion exposing the rebar—the steel reinforced rod in the concrete. The culvert is 15 feet wide and seven feet, three inches high. The area had been earmarked for funds from New York State under then-Senator Jack Martins in 2015.
The Town of North Hempstead is expected to begin work on the North Plandome Road culvert, which connects Manhasset Bay to Leeds Pond. According to Woodstock Construction, the contractor for the project, work is anticipated to start sometime within the next month. While the company does not plan to close North Plandome Road, there may be times when traffic is reduced to one lane.
The project will create a new overflow culvert at Leeds Pond, which will be in a location where water currently flows into Manhasset Bay. The project will stop that flow by raising the elevation around the perimeter of the area and diverting the water into the overflow culvert.
A grant is providing $1.5 million for the project, but it requires an additional $102,289, which town and Plandome Manor village officials are still seeking.
Aquatic sand removal for the culvert is slated for the 2020 and 2021 fiscal years for a total of $2.16 million.

February 14 marks St. Valentine’s Day, or, simply, Valentine’s Day. This pagan holiday is celebrated by many to show their love or affection to others. Truly, this romanticized holiday has become much more than its history, which is based on a priest who was martyred during the third century. Today, it is celebrated with the exchange of gifts such as chocolate-covered strawberries, cards, candies and flowers.

Manhasset is the perfect place to find that unique gift for your special valentine, whether your spouse, significant other, child, your child’s teacher or a playmate, or anyone you deem special. Don’t know what to get that special someone? Well, shopping local scores you the best opportunities for the perfect gift. Here is a list of the extraordinary gifts available from Manhasset merchants who know the local community so well and can best advise customers on the perfect Valentine’s Day gift.
Meaningful gifts don’t have to be expensive. They can be handmade or even custom-made. The thought behind the gift is what is important. Did you really nail how you felt about your loved one? Finding creative ways to express your love can be the most important gift you could ever give.
Don’t put a price tag on a gift. Create an experience that they will never forget while you’re giving them that small gift. If you really want to make your Valentine’s Day gift memorable and perfect, don’t just buy a gift. Make an experience out of the whole thing.
Say It With Flowers
Town and Country Florists at 53 Manhasset Ave. has a plethora of brilliant blooms to say “I love you” or “Happy Valentine’s Day” to that special person in your life. With live roses and cut floral arrangements to plant baskets and more, fresh flowers are always the best and last the longest to show your ardor. Robert and Karin Stainkamp have been in business for years and have provided the community with a bounty of blooms in that time. For a list of Manhasset florists, visit the Manhasset Chamber of Commerce website at www.manhassetny.org.
Chocolates
Chocolate Works at 346 Plandome Rd. has the perfect Valentine’s Day gifts for children and adults. The shop is like Willy Wonka’s Chocolate Factory coming to life with fresh strawberries dipped in delicious Belgian chocolate to a gourmet assortment of confectionery delights including chocolate roses and so much more. All the chocolate is gluten-free and for those who can’t have sugar, there are sugar-free chocolates. Chocolate-covered strawberries need a bit of advance notice to ensure the availability of fresh fruit, so call 516-627-2340 to order.
Cards and gifts
Raindew at 465 Plandome Rd. is the ultimate gift store with a wide variety of cards, gifts and anything you can possibly think of to celebrate this wonderful holiday. The Americana Manhasset is your premier destination for a fantastic Valentine’s gift that will never be forgotten. With exclusive retailers that are world-renowned, it is the perfect venue to find that extraordinary gift.
Sharing A Meal
Manhasset has numerous restaurants about town. Breakfast is a wonderful time to sit down with your sweetheart. The International House of Pancakes at 1586 Northern Blvd. is a good beginning. There are numerous options on Plandome Road all providing a wonderful opportunity to make your day special.
Toasting To Love
Champagne truly makes the day special and pairs extremely well with chocolate-covered strawberries. Barrel Grapes at 1677 Northern Blvd. can help you find the perfect grape to toast this special day with your valentine.
For a list of Manhasset merchants and businesses who can make your Valentine’s Day special, visit the Manhasset Chamber of Commerce website and view the online directory of businesses at www.manhassetny.org.

Mark your calendars for the Kiwanis Club of Manhasset-Port Washington’s Taste of the Town at the Archangel Michael Greek Orthodox Church at 100 Fairway Dr. in Port Washington on March 3. If you enjoy delicious food and like to try new tasty bites, then the third annual Taste of the Town will delight you with food sensations from Port Washington and Manhasset’s finest restaurants. The event is scheduled for Sunday, from 2 to 5 p.m. and the admission is $20 per person and $30 for families.
Enjoy the local cuisine from 18 nearby favorite restaurants paired with wine samplings. Come and be entertained by Port Washington band Porch Light LITE who will be playing live music for your listening and dancing pleasure. Face painting and cotton candy will be available for children and young adults.
Matthew Falcone, president of the Manhasset-Port Washington Kiwanis Club, says “Its an event not to be missed. Enjoy foods from Umberto’s, Stresa and so many more.”
All proceeds benefit children, families and the community. Each year, the Kiwanis Club of Manhasset-Port Washington provides scholarships to local high school seniors, sends needy children to camp and promotes anti-drug and anti-bullying programs. The club donates Pediatric Trauma Kits for EMT services wherever there is a need. The Kiwanis Club of Manhasset-Port Washington supports the Key Club’s Wagner House Aktion Club, Pediatric Lyme Disease Foundation, Young Athlete Cardiac Screening, Kiwanis Anti-Bullying programs, Kiwanis drug and alcohol awareness program, National Young Adult Institute for People with Disabilities (YAI), Kamp Kiwanis, M-PW Kiwanis Water Kamp, Ronald McDonald House, Salvation Army, Helen Keller Center, Port Washington PAL, the Laurie Strauss Leukemia Foundation, The Science Museum of Long Island, Port Washington Senior Center, Twin Pines, Make-A-Wish Foundation, American Red Cross and others, too numerous to list.

The Kiwanis Club of Manhasset-Port Washington welcomes sponsors to support this wonderful event. For $100, anyone can be a sponsor and get to hang their banner during the event. To become a sponsor or to participate as a restaurant, contact Kathy Levinson at 516-650-1959 or Jeff Stone at 917-741-8294.

The Nassau County Democratic Convention occurred the evening of Feb. 13 at the Cradle of Aviation Museum. Nassau County Democratic Chairman Jay Jacobs announced the Democratic candidates who will run for office on the county, town and city level and look to dominate Nassau County.

Key races are in the legislature, where Republicans hold the majority. There were several districts, specifically districts four, six, 15 and 19, where no Democratic candidate was designated. Nassau County Executive Laura Curran spoke to the assembly of the hope of a Democratic majority in the Nassau County Legislature and to promote Kevan Abrahams of District One to become Majority leader.
Nassau County District Attorney Madeline Singas was endorsed for reelection to a second term. The following candidates were announced for the legislative districts: Kevan Abrahams (1), Siela Bynoe (2), Carrie Solages (3), Debra Mule (5), Debra Siegel (7), Barbara Hafner (8), Mal Nathan (9), Ellen Birnbaum, (10), Delia DeRiggi-Whitton (11), Michael Pesce (12), Jennifer Rosenkrantz (13), Michael Maloney (14), Arnold Drucker (16), Alan Foley (17) and Joshua Lafazan (18).
Two Republican candidates were named in two local races outside of the Town of North Hempstead: James Altadonna, Jr. who will run for Oyster Bay Town Supervisor against Joseph Saladino, and former Floral Park Mayor Tom Tweedy, who will run to replace indicted Councilman Ed Ambrosino.
For the Town of North Hempstead
The Town of North Hempstead board has several seats up for reelection this year including town supervisor, receiver of taxes and council districts two, four and six. Chairman of the North Hempstead Democratic Committee John Ryan announced the candidates, which include incumbent Judi Bosworth for supervisor, Charles Berman for receiver of taxes, Peter Zuckerman for District Council Two representing Roslyn and East Hills, Veronica Lurvey representing District Four Great Neck and Manhasset, and the newly announced candidacy of Mariann Dalimonte to run against incumbent Dina De Giorgio for District Six. The council terms are for four years.
“I have been truly honored and humbled to serve the people of North Hempstead for these past three terms,” says Bosworth. “With the support of the voters, I hope to continue the work of moving the town forward and creating a welcome place to live, work, play and raise a family. I am so proud of North Hempstead’s 2019 slate of candidates. I know that each and every one of them will make North Hempstead’s residents their priority.”
Lurvey, a former corporate attorney and resident of Great Neck, was appointed to represent the Fourth Council District, formerly held by Anna Kaplan, in January 2019. As cofounder of North Shore Action, she guided the community action group’s guiding vision and led teams in a variety of proactive, bipartisan community events. Key platform issues included health and environmental matters, pedestrian safety, voter registration and mental health.
From Bosworth’s first day in office, her administration’s hallmark has been to establish an open, inclusive and transparent government, stringent ethics reforms and financial disclosure policies, and a spirit of collaboration and bi-partnership.

The Manhasset boys varsity basketball team is on fire and are headed to the Nassau County Championship finals after destroying Elmont High School in the semifinals on Feb. 27. Earlier this season, the Indians faced off against the Spartans only to lose during regular season play.
The boys ended the regular season with a strong victory over formidable Jericho, avenging an earlier season loss. Final Score was 58-47. Leading scorers were Chris Themelis (19), Thomas Santella (13) and Ahmad Crowell (12). They started the Nassau County “A” division tournament with a win over a very pesky Roslyn team, 61-59. Louis Perfetto led all scoring with 16, followed by John Mastando, Crowell and Themelis all with 11, and Joe Locurto with 10. This early playoff victory had a dose of miracle grow with it.
Next up South Side in the quarter finals. Manhasset fell behind 15-14 in first qarter by but took control in second quarter with Santella pouring in 11, and finished with game high 22. Locurto added 15 and Crowell had 11 making the final score 76-66. This victory brought Manhasset to the county semi finals verse a very tall and athletic Elmont. The Spartans had frequent appearances in the Long Island sweet 16 during the year, and had handed Manhasset two out of its three losses. Elmont presented a very big challenge for the Indians. The neutral sight and larger court did seem to help the smaller Manhasset squad.
The Indians clawed to a 9-7 first quarter lead with Perfetto and Santella taking charge. A crucial foul call to end the half allowed John Mastando to drain two free throws and Manhasset had a 29-24 half time lead. Manhasset bounded to locker room with confidence. The huge and boisterous crowd had a buzz, and seemed to attempt to try and snuff any second half run by Elmont. Ahmad Crowell and Thomas Santella combined for 18 rebounds and battled the taller Elmont front court. Manhasset came away with a monstrous 51-43 victory. The scoring was extremely balanced. No player that scored had more than 10, and no scoring player had less than five. A true reflection of basketball socialism. The victory, though, was rooted in defensive play, led by Perfetto’s four steals, and the overall tenacity exhibited by the front court. It should be highlighted that junior Cole Zaffiro (5 points) and sophomore Crowell (9 points) had crucial minutes down the stretch and played a significant role in this semifinal win. The team stands at 19-3, a truly outstanding basketball record. Manhasset will play Lynbrook for the Nassau County Final. No doubt the huge crowd, led by retired superintendent Charlie Cardillo and the Manhasset Maniacs (the not so invisible sixth man), enjoyed a very satisfying night at Farmingdale Community College. It has been a season to remember.
—Additional reporting by William Hannan
(photos by Maria Mastando)

A new business is making sun shine at 6 George St. in Manhasset. Christina Pappas, a 23-year-old businesswoman, has set up shop to make sure that you can have a sun-kissed tan look even in the middle of winter, without the harmful rays of the sun. Pappas is from East Meadow and has been working at creating beautiful tans for her clients. Her customized tanning solution is organic, paraben-free and vegan. She has been perfecting the best solution for a while now and has created a solution that looks amazing on sensitive skin and is all-natural and made with healthy ingredients.
Pappas graduated from Adelphi University with a degree in business and has been working in the industry ever since. She has established her shop in a location very convenient for commuters, residents and visitors. Appointments are made online but she will travel to your home or office to provide the service.
“My goal is to provide my clients with an individualized, custom, sunless tan while maintaining a natural appearance,” said Pappas.
Her salon is intimate, with a makeup room and a separate tanning room. The process of tanning is typically done standing up and the solution is sprayed or airbrushed onto the body. A typical tan lasts from four to 10 days, depending on the aftercare attention and the general nature of a specific person’s skin.
Pappas gives customers the utmost care and fully describes exactly what the client will experience. As far as how light or dark the tan will be is determined by the client. “You control how dark you want your results to be,” said Pappas. “I strive to make each client walk out of the salon feeling confident and refreshed.”
The air-brushed tan can be applied to the entire body or half body. To prepare, clients need to exfoliate their skin so that the solution better adheres to the skin. It is also recommended that loose clothing be worn so that the solution does come off after the tanning solution is applied. Garments worn during the session determine tan lines. Bathing suits, strapless bras and g-string thongs are recommended. Manicures and pedicures should be done prior to the session. There are also several post-session tips customers need to adhere to so that the tan is maintained.
Pricing begins at $75 a session. Packages are available and a student discount is offered. Additional make-up services by Geena are available. Visit www.sunkissedbychrisnewyork.com or call 516-698-9802.

The Nassau County Republican Committee gathered last week on Feb. 20 at Levittown Hall in Hicksville to determine the candidates to run for office. On the local level, Manhasset resident David Yaudoon Chiang was nominated to represent the Fourth District in the Town of North Hempstead Council and the incumbent Dina De Giorgio of Port Washington was nominated to run for re-election in the Sixth District.
Chiang has lived in Manhasset for the past six years along with his wife and three children. He graduated from NYU in 1992 with honors and double majored in Finance and International Business. His background is in the financial sector.
“My background and experience in the field of finance will provide a valuable business perspective to sound management of North Hempstead’s budget,” said Chiang. “In fact, I believe taxpayers desire a seasoned professional to go through the town’s expenditures, as well as tax and fee collections, with a fine-tooth comb. Further, reviewing the town’s long and short-term debt is an area where more oversight can help ensure residents that their future tax outlook is stable.”
“As a professional in the financial industry for over 18 years, I am focused on financial accountability. I was a managing director in investment banking, and I have worked as a research analyst in the technology field. I have been quoted in business publications and interviewed on CNBC and Bloomberg television.”
Most Manhassetites will recognize Chiang as an organizer and leader of protest against the relocation of MedMen, a medical marijuana dispensary moving into a possible location on Northern Boulevard in Manhasset. “I am proud that I was instrumental in promoting legislation regarding the recreational sale of marijuana in North Hempstead,” said Chiang. “Working with community groups, organizing rallies, utilizing social media and speaking to a host of groups, I was successful in educating people of the dangers of having such sales near our schools, parks, community centers and other areas that would expose young, vulnerable people to recreational marijuana sales and use.”
When asked what he thought were the major issues facing the Fourth District, which includes Great Neck, Manhasset and Roslyn, Chiang responded “soaring taxes are not sustainable. Governments have to live within a budget, just like the families that we serve. Revitalizing all the main streets, like Plandome Road, by installing new sidewalks, planting, traffic calming and pedestrian safety measures are a very high priority for me. I believe that new potential small business owners perceive that the town is not business friendly because obtaining building permits takes so long and is so difficult. I would focus on initiatives that make the Building Department consumer friendly and streamline the process so that businesses and homeowners receive permits faster. The protection of our bay waters and drinking water, and the need for a comprehensive roadway and infrastructure improvement program, are also important issues for me.”
Former Senator Elaine Phillips had this to say about Chiang, “I have been impressed with David’s ability to bring important issues to the attention of the community, to educate residents in a balanced way, and to organize the community’s response. In addition, David has the analytical skills and business experience that are essential to create a much-needed focus on affordability and sustainability.”
Chiang wants to dedicate himself to working collaboratively with all groups. “I am a consensus builder,” said Chiang. “I look to find the issues that we all have in common when working toward governmental priorities.” If elected, “I look to find the issues that we all have in common when working toward governmental priorities.”
Chiang will run against Veronica Lurvey in the Fourth District.
De Giorgio is running for a third term representing the Sixth District, which covers Port Washington, Plandome Heights, Plandome Manor, Plandome, Munsey Park and Flower Hill. She took office in 2011. An attorney by trade, she has led projects including the campaign to create Alvan Petrus Park on Port Washington Boulevard, repaving, re-planting and upgrading parking on upper Main Street, continuing the development of the waterfront and trails, and rebuilding the overpass at the railroad station. She created an Uber-like rideshare program for commuters, now in development. She serves, unpaid, on the board of the Business Improvement District. She has also worked with CLIMB to create mountain bike trails across from North Hempstead Beach Park at no cost to the Town. De Giorgio has partnered with Residents Forward in creating gardens at the LIRR train station and the post office, and planning a garden to be built in the pocket park on upper Main Street.
She helped draft bipartisan legislation, adopted unanimously by the town board, to preemptively forbid the retail sale of marijuana in North Hempstead, and initiated the effort that resulted in raising the minimum age to 21 for the purchase of tobacco and vaping products. She spearheaded the town’s anti-BDS legislation which was adopted unanimously by the town board. She also proposed legislation prohibiting ATV use in the wetlands on West Shore Road and has joined the bipartisan effort to oppose NYC’s attempt to reactivate Queens wells at the expense of the water quality in Port Washington and Western Nassau County.
“I love this town,” she said, “because here, it’s what you’ve got inside, not what label you wear. We live in a community that doesn’t judge you for what color you are, or where you pray or who you love. We are diverse, compassionate, charitable and optimistic. I am so proud that I’ve been recognized for who I am and what I do.”
De Giorgio, born in the Bronx, has lived in Port Washington for more than 20 years. Her husband, Joe D’Alonzo, runs Cow Bay Contracting, a family business that has operated in town for three generations. The couple met at Fordham University, where both received their legal training. They have two children.
De Giorgio will run against Mariann Dalimonte for the Town of North Hempstead Sixth District seat.

After more than a decade of practicing weight loss and well-being counseling in Manhasset, I have to examine more than just people’s weight but their words and beliefs. I thought of a patient I had recently, who came in to lose weight and have more energy. After her evaluation, she told me her desired weight loss. I said “realistically, it may take a few months, and you need to change your bad habits first.” She then went on to say she’s tried before and nothing works, and even went so far as to put herself down. As we went over her plan, we discussed her revisions for healthier habits. Deeper into the conversation her negative undertone was heard through the dozens of excuses as to why she couldn’t change. Was she jinxing herself before she even started? Was she setting the stage for failure? Her words became so powerful that her body started to believe them. After a good pep talk and pointing out her negative words, she then realized the only thing between her and weight loss was her attitude. After a few weeks, her words started to shift. So did the scale, leaving my client feeling better and sporting a brighter attitude.
There is no doubt in my mind that there is more to health then diet and exercise; the key is being positive and having a positive attitude.
Shhh, your body hears everything.
I wanted to share my top thoughts on being positive about your health.
1 Perform acts of kindness daily—Acts of kindness add strong meaning to one’s life, and give you a sense of feeling happy. That happy feeling tells your body that it is healthy. Make it a goal to achieve five acts of kindness a week; you will be amazed how good you feel.
2 Limit watching the news—Although it’s so difficult to watch the news with all the “stuff” that’s going on these days, it’s better to create a sense of balance for happier days.
3 Spend time with friends and family—Spending time with people you care about and building a strong social network is vital to one’s well-being. Make your time together positive, no one likes a buzz kill.
4 Enjoying a special moment—Savoring a special moment, remembering a big belly laugh with your best buddy or cherishing a sunset, contributes to that happy feeling.
5 Aerobic exercise—It keeps those cells oxygenated; the more oxygenated we are, the healthier we will be.
6 Watch your words—The body hears everything, so if you say things like “I don’t like this” and “I don’t like that” chances are you won’t like much. Why not appreciate everything? Chances are there is always something to take notice of.
7 Keep a gratitude diary—When you start to journal what you want, and glance back at your old pages, “voila!” like magic you start to manifest good things in your life. Words are powerful.
8 Give your body what it needs—It’s simple (or maybe not) Sleep, good healthy food, a positive mind, proper hydration and a purpose.
9 Stretch—Sitting, working, sleeping at a computer all day doesn’t do the body good. Take a five-minute break and stretch those ligaments. Those ligaments are the ones connected to those muscles; release the tension and extend.
10 Calm your mind—A too busy mind makes a tense body. Meditate, breathe and take a yoga class. Do something to just calm that over-active mind. Ahhh, breathe.
Maria Dello owns Dellonutritionals and is an expert nutritionist. Find her
at 75 Plandome Rd.,
516-365-1222, www.Dellonutritionals.com

This year the beginning of Lent marked the day when the clergy of the church came to the people of Manhasset and the City of New York.

March 6 to Christians around the world marked the beginning of Lent. Ash Wednesday marked the beginning of the lenten period and ends six weeks later. It is a solemn religious observance in the Christian liturgical calendar before Easter Sunday. This event is observed in the Anglican, Eastern Orthodox, Oriental Orthodox, Lu

The purpose of Lent is the preparation of the believer for Easter through prayer, doing penance, repentance of sins, almsgiving, and self-denial.

Yesterday, worshipers gathered in churches but were also met at the train stations and the subways to receive ashes. All the major news stations covered with a segment on the nightly news.

With the world constantly on the go, the clergy have decided to make things easier and be where the people are. Many stood online to receive the ashes because they would be unable to make the services during their hectic work day. It is obvious to see that the people have Faith.

Christ Church in Manhasset has called Reverend Allison Moore, Ph.D. a new Interim Priest in Charge, to help guide the parish through the search for a new rector afte

r The Reverend David Sibley accepted a call to St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Walla Walla, WA.

Moore grew up in Southern California, went to college in Boston, MA, and fell in love with cities: the energy, the clash of people with different needs and agendas, and the happy occasions when people sharing living space find common purpose. Listening to women seeking safety, a new life and often God in a battered women’s shelter in Manhattan led her to seminary, to a PhD and college teaching and eventually to ordination. She has served parishes in White Plains, NY; Fort Lee, NJ; and Irvington, NY, as interim and rector (priest who leads a congregation). Along the way she raised two daughters and wrote a book about balancing (or not) parish ministry and parenting. When not in church or with family, she loves to sing, swim, kayak, hike and play with various arts and crafts.
Moore likes interim ministry because it highlights transitional space. In a fast paced culture, we often don’t pay much attention to the time between different chapters of our lives. Interim ministry provides a chance to reevaluate priorities, to become more intentional about practices that have become habits, perhaps to let go of some habits that have ceased to be useful and to reassess the relationship of the parish to its larger community.
The relationship of church to community has changed over time. In the “good old days,” (whose date often depends on selective memories), attendance at a congregation was a social norm, and congregations were often social hubs for families. In the past 50 years the culture has changed significantly. There is less respect for authority and institutions of any kind, more civic youth activities, more women in the workforce, the social media revolution and a significant questioning of the appropriate role of religion in public life. Pews and church schools are emptier. Yet congregations have a vital role to play in creating healthy, respectful community life, in helping people find meaning and value in their lives, and in honoring the presence of God in daily life and work. Allison would love to know what residents of Manhasset and environs who are outside the church want, fear or expect from Christ Church. And anyone looking for a church home for Lent, look at the Christ Church website www.ChristChurchManhasset.org.

This past season, Saint Mary’s High School paid much attention to their hockey team that incorporated finely tuned seniors and a new group of underclassmen prospects who sharpened their skills and put themselves to the test turning many heads in the team’s direction.

After finishing last year with 2-14-2, the storied history of a championship powerhouse team was reignited in the inaugural coaching season of Shaun Riley, who has 25 years experience coaching and mentoring players at many levels after a successful career in Canadian Junior Hockey and NCAA Division I Hockey.
Assisted by the St. Mary’s alumni duo of Joseph Tracy and Danté Cipriano, along with Dylan Hernandez, their leadership and areas of expertise in the sport brought results that were taken steps further by what Riley described as “a remarkable group of talented athletes who went the extra mile.” Riley noted in particular Will Gilberg, a senior member of the team who took it upon himself to work with the freshmen on honing their skills as well as the St. Mary’s administration and Michael Ryan, the school’s athletic director, who made a strong commitment to bring the team back to life. The group spent their practice time between the Northwell Health Ice Center at Eisenhower Park and Cantiague Park Ice Rink, where their home games also took place this year.
Senior Danny Rau (Westbury) led the team in scoring with 39 points (18 goals, 21 assists) and the overall goal leader was Junior Shane Ahlers (West Hempstead) with 20 goals and 17 assists. Along with Rau and Ahlers, there were three other upperclassmen with 20 or more points this season: Senior Captain Will Space (36) (Hicksville), Senior Will Gilberg (27) (Mineola) and Junior Alex Lima (36) (Lloyd Harbor). College athletic commitments are still pending, and Riley is confident that these graduating athletes will excel no matter what decisions are made for next year.
With new freshmen players, seasoned sophomores and the experience of the upperclassmen, the coaching staff had a combination of talent representing all classes to work with this season. First-year player Emma DiRado (Manhasset) made impressive strides working her way to more play time, while her classmates led by Aidan Riley (Wantagh) with 20 points (3 goals, 17 assists) and Aidan Tenn (Fresh Meadows) with 4 points (4 assists). Freshman goalie Maxx Messite (Oceanside) posted four wins on the season and helped solidify the Gaels’ goaltending tandem.
Jimmy Tremblay (East Williston), Sebastiano Vinci (Valley Stream), Joe Rubinich (Levittown), and defenseman Anthony Galeotafiore (Bethpage) were the four solid sophomores garnering 26, 21, 12 and four points respectively this year. Junior Alex Lima (Lloyd Harbor) was third in scoring 36 points with 16 goals and 21 assists. Lima was also selected by the League as a CHSHL ‘A’ Division All-Star.
At the culmination of the season, with an overall record of 9-8-3, the Gaels were seeded to play in the 2019 Catholic High School Hockey League (CHSHL) ‘B’ Division championship game on Tuesday, Feb. 19, at Ebersole Ice Rink facing off against the Stepinac Crusaders. Junior goalie Ryan Mockler (Roslyn) played his best game of the season “right at the very best possible time” according to Coach Riley. Mockler blocked 42 of 44 shots during the championship game.
The Gaels captured the CHSHL Division ‘B’ Championship with a 4-2 win, earning a well-deserved trophy to bring home to Brother Kenneth Robert, FMS—a longtime faculty member and athletic director at St. Mary’s whose vision and leadership brought the team to multiple league championships and state titles over the years.
“Coming into the position as coach this season, I knew that it was my goal to restore the team to its former glory days. The athletes were such a welcoming group. By incorporating more of the underclassmen as they built confidence, they brought their best to the team at a critical point. We were 0-3 at the start but made sure we grew, and I witnessed the team play like a team when we won five in a row,” said Riley. He also noted that “learning about Brother Kenneth’s lifelong dedication to the Gaels ice hockey program was the driving force behind the coaching staff efforts this year. I am so happy to bring this trophy home to him.”
Athletic Director Ryan said, “I am very happy for the coaching staff and all of the time they put into this season. Shaun Riley is a dedicated coach, and I was blessed to have him running things this year. I am also proud of this group of players for sticking together and giving their all for one another.”
Ryan is looking ahead to next season knowing that the St. Mary’s High School hockey team is well positioned after proving their abilities on and off the ice.

Written by Eileen Symmons

New York State Congressman Tom Suozzi announced the 2019 Congressional Art Competition, a nationwide high school art competition. The contest is open to all high school students living in New York’s Third Congressional District. The winning artwork will be displayed in the U.S. Capitol for one year. The top three runners-up will have their submissions displayed in Congressman Suozzi’s Washington, D.C., Huntington and Queens offices. The theme for this year’s competition is: People and Places: What Makes New York’s Third Congressional District Special?
Last year’s winner was Kyra McLaughlin, from Manhasset High School. Her oil on wood painting, “Ticky-tac?” was displayed for one year in the U.S. Capitol, along with winners from congressional districts across the country.
All entries must be submitted to Congressman Suozzi’s Huntington office no later than 4 p.m. on April 1. Winners will be chosen by a panel of judges and announced at a reception with the Congressman on Saturday, April 6, from 12 to 2 p.m., at the Art League of Long Island, 107 East Deer Park Rd., Dix Hills, NY, 11746.
Specific rules, guidelines and the 2019 Student Release Form for the competition can be found at www.house.gov/educators-and-students/congressional-art-competition.
Suozzi, a strong supporter of the arts, serves as the Chairman of the Morgan Park Summer Music Festival, and included artwork as part of the historic renovations of the Glen Cove City Hall and the Nassau County Theodore Roosevelt Executive and Legislative buildings. In addition, he commissioned a painting by American artist Mort Künstler, known for his illustrative paintings of historical events, depicting George Washington’s 1776 Crossing of the Delaware River. The painting is on display at Mount Vernon.

As part of Women’s History Month, North Hempstead Town Supervisor Judi Bosworth and Town Clerk Wayne Wink announced the honorees for the 26^th Annual May W. Newburger Women’s Roll of Honor.  This year’s breakfast will take place on Wednesday, March 27, from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m., at the Clubhouse at Harbor Links in Port Washington.

Event chairperson Wayne Wink said, “I am proud to honor these outstanding women for their incredible service to North Hempstead. Each of these women reflects the best that our communities have to offer and we are proud to honor them for their work.”

“We are proud to honor these inspirational women who have contributed so much to our North Hempstead community,” said Supervisor Bosworth. “We are fortunate to have so many altruistic and charity-minded women among our North Hempstead family and we are looking forward to inducting yet another extraordinary group to the Women’s Roll of Honor.”

Since 1994, North Hempstead has held the Women’s Roll of Honor breakfast to honor women who have made a contribution to their community, or have accomplished a significant achievement through public or private efforts.

North Hempstead resident Shirley Romaine will continue the tradition of reciting an inspirational message at the breakfast.

The event remains free of charge and seating will be available on a first come first serve basis.

The 2019 Honorees
Seemi Ahmed, Albertson

Margaret Bores, Williston Park

Ellen Dressner, Great Neck

Joan Echausse, Westbury

Nancy  Feinstein, Roslyn

Dyan Finguerra-DuCharme, Sands Point

Elizabeth Johnson, Manhasset

Louise McCann, Roslyn

Angelica Medina, Westbury

Muriel  Neufeld, Great Neck (Posthumous)

Karanda Shuen, Roslyn

Allison Breidbart White, Port Washington

Nancy  Wright, Port Washington

The MWCABC Directors of Research in Collaboration with the Prestigious Cold Spring Harbor Laboratories are offering a Summer 2019 Internship in the Cancer Laboratory of Dr. David Spector, World Renowned Professor and Scientist.

This amazing six to eight week program is for a highly motivated and independently minded university rising junior, senior or post Baccalaureate student who demonstrates a serious interest and academic strength in science.

For Requirements and Application please visit www.manhassetbreastcancer.org

Deadline for applications is March 18 2019.

Please forward to anyone you think may have interested. Inquiries should be sent to MWCABC.research@gmail.com

Adventures in Learning, the after-school program for underserved Manhasset and Great Neck students, will be celebrating its 51st anniversary at the annual Wine Tasting Soiree to be held at Manhasset Bay Yacht Club, 455 Main St., Port Washington, on Friday, March 15. Cocktails will commence at 7:30 p.m., followed by an assortment of themed delicacies paired with a varied selection of wines.
This year the program includes ever popular Sirius XM Radio DJ Liquid Todd who will provide the music for this very hot ticket event. Enjoy the rhythm while taking in the scene created by Westhampton floral interior designers Debbie and Steve Boehl of Honeysuckle & Roses will again create the event’s exquisite décor.
As is customary to this annual event, two special couples have made a dramatic impact on the daily lives of the students and staff who participate in the Adventures in Learning program. This year’s honorees are local residents, Debbie and John Kucharczyk, and Clare and Paul Peters.
The Kucharczyks have dedicated many hours to planning, designing and carrying out the much-needed rehab and renovation of the bathrooms. In fact, with a kickoff gift of all the ceramic tile from Waterworks, they literally turned downtrodden bathrooms into state-of-the-art, exquisitely designed facilities for the children. The brightly painted and beautifully lit bathrooms now look like models displayed in House Beautiful magazine.
Clare and Paul Peters’ late son, Jaime was a true leader at Adventures in Learning. Jaime was a mentor to the students and taught boxing. The children absolutely adored him. After his passing, Clare and Paul were so inspired by his love for Adventures program, that they opted to make their own commitment to the organization. The couple reside in Roslyn with their son Adam.
Clare and Peter led the design team on the next objective for Adventures in Learning renovating and installing a new kitchen and lunchroom for the students and staff. The project was accomplished in partnership with Home Depot.
Adventures’ Executive Director Diana Holden noted that “the contributions made by this year’s honorees are truly incredible. Their love of and for the Adventures family are awesome. On behalf of the board and everyone at Adventures, we thank our honorees for their kindness and generosity. We are also most honored and grateful to Waterworks who kicked off the project with a beautiful major tile donation. It should be noted that they only select one charitable project each year. All I can say is that this has been a year of neighborly altruism, love and friendship. Thank you to one and all.”
Kadeem Howell, an Adventures alumnus, will be the guest speaker. A New York State licensed physical therapist and strength and conditioning coach, he earned a doctorate degree in Physical Therapy from Long Island University. He competed in the NCAA Division I level track and field and applies this athletic past helping patients to regain movement, return to consistent exercise and to serious competition.
Howell has worked with and consulted on rehabilitation for A-list celebrities, models, the Buffalo Bills football team and professional as well as collegiate and Olympic athletes. These experiences have allowed Howell to offer his patients highly trained and personalized rehabilitation. He is also on the board of directors for the nonprofit Stand Tall, Inc Physical Therapy for the Homeless.
Adventures’ guests will have the opportunity to participate in the popular raffle and silent auction. Soirée tickets are $175 per person and $100 for young adults ages 21 to 30. Kash for Kids raffle tickets are $100 each with three grand prizes of $3,000, $1,500 and $500. A maximum of 250 tickets will be sold. Silent auction donations are now being accepted.
The digital journal page will be on display during the event. Ad prices are $500 for a full page, $250 for a half page and $100 for a quarter page. Donors will have access to a digital copy of the journal.
Founded 51 years ago by the Congregational Church in Manhasset, Adventures in Learning is a nonprofit organization. It is an after-school education and enrichment program, located in the Hagedorn Community Center at the Manhasset/Great Neck EOC building at 65 High St. in Manhasset, dedicated to improving the lives of children in Manhasset and Great Neck in need of after-school care and instruction.
For those interested in reservations/tickets to the event, go to the website at www.adventures-in-learning.org/event-ticket-form, or contact Diana Holden, Executive Director, at diana@adventures-in-learning.org or call 516-365-7131.

Catherine Blotiau will discuss heart attacks and cardiac arrests at a talk at 2 p.m. March 14 at the Manhasset Public Library.
Her one-hour presentation, Hands Only CPR and the Difference Between a Heart Attack and Cardiac Arrest, will educate participants on what to do if witnessing either event. She will also demonstrate how to use an AED (automated external defibrillator).
Participants will be able to see how CPR compressions are performed, and may give compressions on a CPR mannequin if they would like to try. Information on how to assist a choking victim will be included.
Blotiau is a Master Health Educator, working with the Northwell Health System Center for Equity of Care since 1988.
As coordinator of the Nassau County Safe Kids coalition for the past eight years, Blotiau provides safety education programs to students, teachers and parents at area schools and community organizations. She is certified as an American Heart Association Basic Life Support instructor, serving as Regional and Training Center Faculty.
She has more than 20 years experience as a BLS instructor and has taught at numerous healthcare professional corporations, summer camps and high schools in New York City as well as the United States Merchant Marine Academy.
She has experience with cardiac rehabilitation, an exercise program monitoring patients with heart disease.
She is authorized by the New York State Department of Education to instruct and credential coaches and childcare agencies in first aid and CPR/AED. Her talk will take place at the Manhasset Public Library, 30 Onderdonk Ave.

Manhasset native and professor of piano Daniela Bracchi will once again call Manhasset home. The concert pianist first gained mention in the Manhasset Press many years ago, as a young child, with her debut recital at Carnegie Hall at age 10. A student of St. Mary’s Elementary and High School and the Bottazzi School of Music, Bracchi continued her studies earning a doctoral degree in piano performance from the Manhattan School of Music, where she is currently on faculty. When asked about her return to her hometown, Bracchi had this to say: “When it came to choosing a place to settle, New York was a no-brainer. It is the center for classical music and classical musicians. When it came time to raise my own family, again, there was an easy answer. Manhasset gave me so many opportunities; I couldn’t think of a better place to raise my boys.”
Bracchi’s accomplishments in the music field do not run short. Her concert tours have taken her to engagements in France, Spain, Poland, and the Canary Islands and garnered her mentions in publications here and abroad, including International Piano and The New York Times. She has also won top prizes in international competitions including Missouri Southern, Long Island Philharmonic and Gina Bachauer to name a few. She credits most of her success to her teaching.
“I began teaching piano when I was 15,” said Bracchi. “It has taught me so much about communication and inspiration, and I see each lesson as a chance to engage someone in the brilliance of that language.”
Bracchi has recently moved her teaching studio to Plandome. Her services range from private piano lessons, to chamber music, to audition and competition preparation. She remains an active performer of classical and contemporary piano and chamber music. At her most recent engagement at the Manhattan School of Music, she performed Brahms’ works for violin and piano to a standing-room-only audience.
For more information, visit her website at www.daniela
bracchi.com.

written by Guiseppe Grosso

Manhasset High School’s Theater Department will perform Letters to Sala, a play based on more than 350 letters that Sala Garncarz Kirschner had kept hidden since the time she was held in seven Nazi labor camps during World War II.
Performances will take place at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, March 15, and Saturday, March 16, at the high school.
Written by playwright Arlene Hutton, Letters to Sala is based on the book Sala’s Gift, by Sala’s daughter, Ann Kirschner. She only found out about the letters when her mother faced a major operation and feared she might not recover—50 years after her time in the Nazi labor camps. The play deals with Kirschner’s discovery of her mother’s secret past and the impact that the discovery has on her and her two young daughters. It also examines the role the letters have in keeping the story of life in the labor camps alive.
The play is being directed by Robb Fessler, the head of theater department. He could clearly see the tremendous impact it would have on teenage students, many of whom are the same age as Sala was when she was a prisoner. Besides rehearsing their lines, the cast and crew are working on sensitivity training, which is helping them appreciate the strength of the characters they are portraying and the importance of keeping their stories alive.
“It’s amazing to watch these young actors develop empathy for their characters and understanding of their terrible ordeal,” said Fessler.
The staging is innovative, as it switches from the labor camps in the 1940s to 2005, when Sala is living with her daughter and granddaughters in a New York apartment.
Kirschner is a successful American entrepreneur, educator and author. She believes that audiences will connect with Arlene Hutton’s wonderful play about her mother and hopefully will make them think about the life stories they will leave behind.
“My mother chose kindness over hate, friendship over enmity, hope over despair. Those choices sustained her during the war and informed her life afterwards,” said Kirschner.
Reserved seating tickets to Letters to Sala are $12 and may be purchased 24 hours a day via the online box office at www.web.ovationtix.com/trs/cal/1321.

written by Kathy Wummer