Benjamin P. Zabicki, Jr., 68, entered into eternal peace on Saturday, May 9, 2010 in Sea Cliff, NY. He was born on July 28, 1946 in Manhasset, NY, to Benny P. and Irene Zabicki. Ben was preceded in death by his parents, and is survived by his brother, William Zabicki and wife Donna of San Antonio, TX; his sister Judith Zabicki of Glen Head, NY; his nephew, CMDR William Zabicki, Jr., USN, and wife Lori of Keller, TX and their children, Ben and Marlee; niece Karen Engates and husband John of San Antonio, TX, and their children Lauren and Morgan; and niece Kelly Martin and her children Travis, Brody and Matthew of Keller, TX. A graduate of Manhasset High School, Ben was a proud veteran of military service with the US Navy during the Vietnam War. His love of country, animals, and the beauty of Nature were his trademarks. He was a loving son, brother, uncle and great uncle, a true friend to many and was always willing to help others in their times of need. He was an accomplished photographer, and the sharing of his work with friends and family are cherished reminders of his love for the art.
A memorial visitation will be held from 6 – 9 p.m. on Wednesday, May 20, at Whitting Funeral Home, 300 Glen Cove Avenue, Glen Head NY 11545. Memorial Mass will be celebrated at 9:30 am on Thursday, May 21, at St. Boniface Martyr Church, 145 Glen Avenue, Sea Cliff, NY 11579. Interment with military honors will be held at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery in San Antonio, TX.
All are invited to add your condolence at www.whitting.com.

The Major Case Bureau reports the arrest of a California man for grand larceny and possession of a forged instrument which occurred in Roslyn on Wednesday, 05/27/15 at 1:52 P.M.

According to detectives, Abraham Grigoryan, 27, of 3810 Rahsdell Ave., La Crascenta, and two others (not yet arrested) used re-encoded credit/debit cards to withdraw money from Chase Bank customers at 1345 Old Northern Blvd., Roslyn; 138 Hillside Ave., Williston Park; and 425 Glen Cove Rd., Roslyn Heights.  The defendant was found to be in possession of four re-encoded credit/debit cards with account numbers belonging to Chase customers, at the time of his arrest.  The defendant, acting in consort with others, has stolen in excess of $30,000 from victims’ accounts.

Grigoryan is being charged with Grand Larceny 3^rd Degree, four counts of Possession Forged Instrument 2^nd Degree, Defraud 1^st Degree and will be arraigned on Thursday, 05/28/15 in First District Court, Hempstead.

Third Squad detectives are investigating a Robbery that occurred on Tuesday, May 26, 2015 at 9:15 pm in East Garden City.

According to detectives, after finishing her shift at a local establishment at the Roosevelt Field Mall and walking through the parking lot to her car, the 25 year old female victim was approached from behind by a female black subject who displayed a black handgun and demanded money from her. After handing the subject $110.00 in cash, the subject fled on foot and was last seen heading through a nearby parking garage.

The uninjured victim described the subject as being 6’ tall, 250 pounds, with shoulder length black hair. She was wearing a dark blue t-shirt, light colored pants and a dark baseball cap.

Detectives request anyone with information regarding this incident to call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-244-TIPS. All callers will remain anonymous.

David Lerner Associates and the Greater Long Island Running Club have announced that the Award for the first Law Enforcement Officer to cross the finish line of the 24th annual David Lerner Associates Long Island Police Appreciation Run on the evening of June 4th will be redesignated as the “Detective Brian Moore Memorial Award.”

The Run will start and finish at the Eisenhower Park Fieldhouse at 7:00 PM on the evening of the 4th.

NYPD Officer Moore, a lifetime resident of Massapequa, was killed in the line of duty on May 2nd by gunfire while he and his partner were patrolling a Queens neighborhood. He was promoted posthumously to the rank of first grade detective.
The David Lerner Run supports a special fund that aids law enforcement officers and heir families in times of personal financial emergency. Well over $300,000 has been donated to police families over the years.
“We at David Lerner Associates fully endorse naming the award for Detective Brian Moore,” stated David Lerner Associates President John G. Dempsey. “It will serve as an annual reminder of not only his dedication and heroism, but also of the perils faced by law enforcement officers everywhere.”
“Brian Moore’s murder was something that hits home for all of us,” said Greater Long Island running Club Director of operations Linda Ottaviano. “Outstanding young men and women like Brian put themselves in harm’s way for us every day, and they deserve nothing but the best from the public.”
“I think that this is very appropriate and a nice honor; it goes to the heart of what this Run is all about,” observed Alan Hirsch, President of the Nassau Police Running Club. “Brian Moore represents what all law enforcement officers do every day no matter what jurisdiction they protect and serve.”

The Third Squad is investigating a Burglary that occurred in Flower Hill on Sunday, May 31, 2015 between 12:52 P.M. and 2:30 P.M.

According to detectives, a male black subject entered St. Francis Hospital located at 100 Port Washington Boulevard and continued to the Cardiac Imaging Area in the basement which is closed on Sundays. The subject removed a master key and Identification Card from the nurse’s station then entered the staff lounge where he changed into hospital scrubs. The suspect then proceeded to open multiple offices and removed an Amazon Kindle and undisclosed US currency. On June 2, 2015 the victims noticed the items missing and notified security. Security reviewed surveillance video and notified police.

Detectives ask anyone with information regarding this crime to contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-244-TIPS.  All callers will remain anonymous.

2014 Munsey Park Womens Club Fun Run

MPWC Kids Fun Run and Fair to Benefit SCA Project Share

Plans are underway for the Munsey Park Women’s Club (MPWC) 6th annual Kids Fun Run and Fair. The fundraiser’s objective allows kids to help kids. The event will be held on Saturday, June 6 at 9 a.m. The beneficiary is the Manhasset SCA’s Project Share. MPWC is proud to continue its support of Project Share, whose purpose is to provide economically at-risk Manhasset students’ simple basic need items. Last year, approximately 300 children participated in the event and the MPWC raised enough money for Project Share to help over 150 Manhasset students purchase back-to-school sneakers and school supplies.

On Saturday, June 6 at 9 a.m., kids from all over Manhasset will gather to run or walk the one-mile race to show their support for Manhasset SCA’s Project Share.

The race course starts at Waldmann/Polliwog Pond on Park Avenue in Munsey Park. The Fun Run is open to all children ages 2 through 12 and strollers are welcome. Immediately following the Fun Run, there will be a fair at Polliwog Pond where racers and their families can enjoy carnival games and yummy goodies at the bake sale. Come and join the festivities. All activities will be nominally priced tickets. There will also be a raffle with many great prizes. An iPad mini, an American Girl doll and a bicycle are just a few of the fabulous prizes being raffled off.

Event sponsorship opportunities are still available. With a contribution of $300 your family, group or business name will be printed on the back of the Fun Run event T-shirts. For more sponsorship information, please contact Erin O’Connor at erin.oconnor44@gmail.com or 516-365-3842.

Please join in and support a worthy cause while enjoying a fun morning with family and friends. Early registrants will receive a free T-shirt if the application is received before May 22. Early registrant entry fee is $15 per child. After May 22 through race day, the entry fee is $20. Only those preregistered are guaranteed T-shirts. Download a registration/sponsorship form on the SCA website, www.manhassetsca.org.

This wonderful event has brought the Manhasset community together. The MPWC welcomes all children to participate on Saturday, June 6.

Third Squad detectives report the arrest of Sean Thomas, 24, (no known address) on Wednesday, 06/03/15, in connection with a crime that occurred on June 1. A male black subject entered St. Francis Hospital located at 100 Port Washington Boulevard and continued to the Cardiac Imaging Area in the basement which is closed on Sundays.  The subject removed a master key and Identification Card from the nurse’s station then entered the staff lounge where he changed into hospital scrubs.  The suspect then proceeded to open multiple offices and removed an Amazon Kindle and undisclosed US currency.

Thomas is being charged with Burglary 3^rd Degree, two counts of Criminal Possession Stolen Property 4^th Degree and will be arraigned on Thursday, 06/04/15 in First District Court, Hempstead.

The fifth annual Don Scott Memorial 5K Run took place on May 17 and more than 300 runners turned out to participate. “This is our biggest run so far,” said Don Scott’s son, named after his father. “We do this run to support colon cancer research and to help support Manhasset High School track and field and cross country.” The run is in memory of Don Scott, who was a teacher and coach at Manhasset High School for more than forty years. He died in 2010 after a battle with colon cancer.

Runners gathered in Mary Jane Davies Park on Plandome Road at about 8:30 a.m. on Sunday. All participants received a T-shirt, water and snacks. Volunteers from the Manhasset track and field and cross country teams helped check in runners. These volunteers included Catherine Matteo, Kayleigh Caggiano and Olivia Plansker. Coincidentally, Matteo, Caggiano and Plansker came in first, second and third, respectively, for females age 13 to 19. Don Scott’s nephews Marc and Steve Salerno also helped check in runners. Scott’s widowed wife, Barbara, and other relatives were also in attendance.

Many students from Manhasset High School track and field and cross country and members of the Manhasset community participated in the race. Dion Mulvihill ran track at Manhasset High School more than 30 years ago. “Don Scott was my coach,” said Mulvihill. “This is my first time running this race but I have run four marathons. It’s a good cause.” There were families in attendance, like the Vissicchio family, who were running this race together for the first time. Many college students who ran track for Manhasset High School returned to participate in the event, like Serena Gibbons, who was home from Boston College.

Senator Jack Martins, Don Scott, Jr. and Steve Salerno

Senator Jack Martins attended the event. “Long after graduating from school, we remember those special teachers who made a difference, who went above and beyond, and inspired us to succeed. During his four decades as an educator, Don Scott was one of those teachers,” said Martins. “Though he sadly is no longer with us, the foundation created in his memory is ensuring that he continues to make a difference in the lives of others. I’m pleased to support the foundation and the great work they are doing in Don Scott’s memory.”  

The run began just after 9:30 a.m. Don Scott’s son used a bullhorn to thank all the runners who turned out. The winners included Tom Papain, who was the overall winner with a time of 17:36.6. The first overall female was Bianca Luparello with a time of 22:07.7. First overall male age 13 to 19 was Bradley Spilker with a time of 20:15.7. First overall female age 13 to 19 was Catherine Matteo with a time of 26:19.0. First overall male age nine and under was R.J. Miller with a time of 29:25.7. First overall female age nine and under was Carina Hance with a time of 30:09.6. Hance said, “I won for my age group last year.”

Don Scott’s wife Barbara and Rich Marks

There was a cash prize for top three overall finishers ($100, $50, $25); top three overall finishers (male and female); top three finishers in age categories ranging from 12 and under through 70-plus (male and female). These recipients also received medals.

Funds raised from the run go toward colon cancer awareness, prevention and research. In addition, funds will be used to support Manhasset track and field and cross country teams through a student athlete scholarship.

Don Scott was a legendary track and field coach at Manhasset High School. He was devoted to making a difference in the lives of young students and athletes. The run in his memory is a tribute to the positive way he lived. The runners had beautiful weather to come out and support a good cause and remember a man who made a lasting mark on the Manhasset community.

The Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) Commuter Council – which serves as the voice of all LIRR riders announced the grand opening of their first Long Island office, located in the Ralph G. Caso Executive and Legislative Building in Mineola.

“The Long Island Rail Road Commuter Council extends its thanks to Nassau County Executive Edward Mangano and the County of Nassau for providing the LIRRCC space for our first office on Long Island, stated Mark Epstein, Chair Long Island Rail Road Commuter Council. “The LIRRCC looks forward to working with all elected officials and forging even closer relationships with other advocacy groups on Long Island to give a strong voice in behalf of all LIRR riders. “
The LIRR Commuter Council was formed in 1981 by the State Legislature, and was designed to improve communications between the LIRR and its customers as well as to strengthen operational efficiencies to create a more pleasant passenger experience. The legislation, which created the LIRR Commuter Council established the organization as the official representative of riders and originally only included representation of riders from Nassau and Suffolk Counties, but in 1999 the Council expanded to include New York City riders as well. The council is made up of volunteer members who are appointed by the Governor upon the recommendation of the Nassau and Suffolk County Executives as well as the Brooklyn and Queens Borough Presidents.

The new LIRR Commuter Council office is fully operational and functions on an as needed basis for commuters who have concerns regarding their rider experience. For more information or to contact the LIRRCC please call (516) 571- 5780 or email: mail@pcac.org.

Legionnaires Matt Falcone and Arthur Wright

Manhattan Post 304 American Legion held its monthly meeting on April 1, and heard an interesting presentation from Legionnaire Lou Popovich about the reunion of fellow veterans from the USS North Carolina and a brief history of the ship. Lou is the president of this veterans group. Manhattan Post 304 American Legion held its monthly meeting on April 1, and heard an interesting presentation from Legionnaire Popovich about the reunion of fellow veterans from the USS North Carolina and a brief history of the ship. Popovich is the president of this veterans group.

The May 6 meeting included a presentation of a plaque to Legionnaire Arthur Wright acknowledging his 70 years of membership in the American Legion.

Legionnaire Lou Popovich

The Post also enjoyed listening to the guest speaker for the evening, Patrick Simoniello, he is the author of Operation Red Wing-Joint Task Force Seven, which described his involvement in the top secret testing of nuclear weapons at Eniwetok Atoll. The operations of this unit were recently declassified.

The Post with help from local Boy Scouts, kicked off their Memorial Day activities by planting new American flags at the graves of veterans buried in the Community Reformed Church cemetery on Plandome Road.

Special thanks to the local Plandome Road merchants whose enthusiastic support of the upcoming parade was reflected in their willingness to proudly display posters in their store windows.

Patrick Simoniello

2015 Memorial Day Parade

The Memorial Day Parade was held on Monday, May 25 at 10 a.m. Over 25 organizations and four bands marched. The parade included over 20 trucks from the Manhasset-Lakeville and Plandome Fire Departments.

During the parade, the American Legion placed wreaths at both the World War I Memorial and the Gold Star Monument on Plandome Road.

The route of the parade was along Plandome Road from Plandome Court to Memorial Place with excellent public viewing along the entire length.

Kinsley as catcher for Furman University

Jake Kinsley became a bone marrow donor to help save the life of a stranger. Kinsley put his name on a donor list three years ago to help a relative. He wasn’t a match in that case. Then he forgot about it until he received a call this year about being a donor for a stranger. After some initial tests, he was told he was a perfect match and he didn’t hesitate to say yes.

The recipient was a 55-year old mother with leukemia. When given a chance to save someone’s life, Kinsley took that chance. “I hope that the impact that I made on her was as big as the impact she made on me,” said Kinsley. “I would do it again in a heartbeat.”

He was able to go to classes the day after the procedure. For about a month after the procedure, Kinsley had to be careful as his body built up platelets. He was susceptible to bruising and bleeding easily. He was also easily fatigued during the month following the procedure. He had to miss a portion of his senior baseball season, including a game against Clemson, a big rival, though he was able to accompany the team in the dugout. It’s worth it to give someone else a chance, said Kinsley. “It’s a great opportunity to help someone else and I would never pass it up. You would hope someone else would do the same for you if you needed it.”

Kinsley’s procedure was done at Greenville Health Systems Cancer Institute in March. The procedure removed half of his platelets. According to Kinsley, the procedure took about four to six hours. “They put a needle in one arm, took what they needed, spun it around, and put another needle in my other arm and put it back. Then it was given to the recipient the next day,” said Kinsley. “It was pretty simple. The success rate is very good.”

Kinsley received nationwide recognition for his donation. He was interviewed on NBC and Good Morning America.

Jake Kinsley

Kinsley grew up in Manhasset and attended Manhasset elementary and middle school as well as Regis High School in New York City. He graduated cum laude from Furman University in Greenville, SC, on May 9 with a degree in both Chinese Culture and Language and Business Administration. He was a lector at the Church of St. Mary in Manhasset throughout high school. Kinsley was a catcher on the Furman baseball team.

Kinsley will be residing in Atlanta, GA, and starting a job as an investment banking analyst at Croft & Bender.

If you are interested in being a bone marrow donor, you can find out more information and register through www.bethematch.org.

Two Queens men were arrested on June 9 for a burglary that occurred in Searingtown at 5:21 P.M.

According to 3rd Squad detectives, Christian Forero, 25, of 139-19 34^th Rd., Flushing and Andres Usman, 23, of 3456 73^rd St., Jackson Heights, entered a residence on IU Willets Rd., by breaking the rear sliding glass door. Witnesses notified police, who located both defendants a short time later, fleeing through rear yards and hiding in a wooded area behind the rear of Elm Drive. Proceeds are unknown at this time.

No injuries were reported.

Forero and Usman are each being charged with Burglary 2^nd Degree and Possession Burglary Tools. Usman, who was found to be in possession of heroin at the time of his arrest, is additionally being charged with Criminal Possession Controlled Substance 7^th Degree. Both defendants will be arraigned on Wednesday, 06/10/15 in First District Court, Hempstead.

Msgr. McCann when he was newly ordained as a priest in the Diocese of Rockville Centre.

Pastor of St. Mary’s Leads with Quiet Strength, Part 2

(Read Part 1 here.)
Reverend Monsignor John J. McCann, Pastor of The Church of St. Mary is celebrating 50 years as a priest and his retirement as pastor. Monsignor McCann has been pastor at St. Mary’s for 17 years.

The celebration is being held at the North Hills Country Club in North Hills on Friday, May 29 at 6:30 p.m. On Sunday, May 31, there will be a celebratory mass at 12 noon. Bishop William F. Murphy will be celebrating mass along with Bishop Robert J. Coyle and Monsignor McCann. All the religious of The Church of St. Mary will be in the procession. There will be a reception outside after the mass. All are welcome. The official date of Monsignor’s retirement is Wednesday, June 24.

Members of Saint Mary’s Rosary Society presented Msgr. John J. McCann with two benches that will be dedicated in his name and permanently positioned in front of the south entrance of the church.

“Compared to other parishes on Long Island, St. Mary’s has a higher level of church attendance. Also, more young people participate at the church and in the ministries of the church,” said McCann. “Manhasset is a big family town. There is deep faith here in Manhasset.”

Vincent Hartley, facilities manager at The Church of St. Mary for 10 years, has known Monsignor since 1974. Hartley said “Monsignor is a great administrator. In today’s world, he has kept alive a Catholic grammar school and a high school. Very few parishes have both. He’s truly a remarkable gentleman.”

Town of North Hempstead Supervisor Judi Bosworth presented Msgr. McCann with a proclamation.

Manhasset resident and parishioner Dr. John Iaccono has known Monsignor McCann since they were in the same English composition class at St. John’s University in 1957. They would have coffee together before class, according to Iaccono. They lost touch until Monsignor became pastor at St. Mary’s. “Monsignor has a wonderful ability to take pastoral care of the souls in his parish. He has been a good shepherd,” said Iaccono. “He’s also an excellent administrator of a parish with a large physical plant, including two schools and all the ministries of the parish.” He’s a great mentor to younger priests, according to Iaccono. “Many younger priests come to him for advice,” said Iaccono. “For the priests assigned to St. Mary’s he is a great guide to them in their ministries. Many of them are coming to the celebration.”

Dr. John Iacono, Msgr. McCann and Seminarian Jiha Lim at last year’s parish gala that commemorated the 160th Anniversary of the Church of Saint Mary.

The Rosary Society recently dedicated two benches at the rear of the church to Msgr. McCann. “The benches are dedicated to Msgr. McCann in thanks for all the years of work he has given us and the support he’s shown us,” said Linda Sellars, president of the Rosary Society. “Msgr. McCann has always been completely available to us,” said Sellars. “He’s extremely supportive of the Rosary Society. If there’s ever a problem, he’s a great person to work with. He’s a quiet man and a very good man. He’s engendered a kinship between organizations like the Knights of Columbus, the Squires of Columbus and the Rosary Society. He encourages expanding Catholic organizations. He never says no to ideas.” The Rosary Society at The Church St. Mary has 244 members.

“The beautiful statue of St. Mary is also dedicated to Msgr. McCann,” said Elizabeth DeLucia, treasurer of the Rosary Society. “Monsignor comes to our meetings every month and does a prayer. He’s involved in all organizations and he’s fair. The kids love him.”
Rosanna Allende, corresponding secretary of the Rosary Society, said “Monsignor is a very giving person. He’s always willing to listen, and he always comes to the Rosary Society meeting and says an opening prayer to guide us. He’s able to give us his ideas, but in a soft, kind way. He has such a busy schedule but he makes time to attend out meetings.”

Eileen Symmons, director of communications at The Schools of Saint Mary, said “Monsignor has had an enormous role here educating children, leading parishioners, and leading us all through challenging times in faith and in life.” The schools are a big party of his legacy as well. “He’s always been steadfast about his commitment to Catholic education,” said Symmons. “He’s a quiet man, but full of knowledge. He has many responsibilities including leading the Schools of St. Mary and the parish. He has a quiet personality, but he has strength and resolve.”

Grace Cavallo, president of St. Mary’s High School, said Monsignor fits the definition of being one-of-a-kind. “I’ve worked under Monsignor’s leadership for five years and he has been a strong advocate for catholic schools. As a graduate of St. Mary’s High School, his leadership has helped a generation of young students at St. Mary’s. He’s been a role model for living out the gospel and assuming a life of integrity and service to God and others.”
Msgr. McCann’s compassion extends beyond Manhasset as well. After Hurricane Sandy, Monsignor adopted Sacred Heart Church, a parish in Island Park that was destroyed during Hurricane Sandy. The church had been filled with over three feet of flood water, salt water and sewage that destroyed the wood floors, carpets and most of the contents of the church. Along with Fr. Allan Sikorski, who had been a resident of Sacred Heart, and Msgr. Tutone of Sacred Heart Church, they began a campaign to rebuild Sacred Heart.

Msgr. John J. McCann annually presided over St. Mary’s High School commencement by presenting the invocation and blessing of the graduates. Msgr. McCann had the unique opportunity to serve as pastor as a member of the Class of 1957.

Msgr. McCann also adopted a parish down south after Hurricane Katrina. “There are many examples of how he has reached beyond Manhasset,” said Symmons.

Parishioner Marc de Venoge said, “As someone who grew up in St. Mary’s parish, I can tell you that St. Mary’s is so much better in so many ways because of Msgr. McCann. Msgr. McCann went to St. Mary’s High School and graduated in 1957, and he gives the most vivid and poignant homily each Sunday because he spiritually understands the gospel and relates the word of God to topics of the day and to the hearts of his parishioners. Thank you, Monsignor.”

To read Part 1 of this story, click here.

Community Service Awards

On May 7, the Board of Education meeting, Manhasset High School honored 94 students who exemplify a life of service.

The President’s Volunteer Service Award recognizes United States citizens and lawfully admitted permanent residents who have achieved the required number of hours of service over a 12-month time period—or cumulative hours over the course of a lifetime.

The yearly awards for young adults, age 16 to 25, begins at bronze, 100 to 174 service hours, silver, 175 to 249 hours, and gold, 250 or more hours, for the year. Teens, age 14 to 15, earn a gold award for 100 or more hours.

Here is the list of students who earned the Presidential Award: Benjamin Ackert, Dominique Alcamo, Courtney Aspinall, Michael Bakshandeh, Kellyann Bock, Peter Boyadjian, Elizabeth Boyle, Maria Budis, Jillian Calderone, Michelle Cao,Olivia Cataldo, Grace Catlett, Christine Casazza, Cynthia Chen, Julien Cheng, Andrew Cronson, Sophia D’angelo, William Delaney, Gregory Dellis, Kayla Deosaran, Amanda Devito, Ethan Dilmanian, Spencer Fanuka, Michael Gabriel, Skyler Gaccione, Lindsay Gallo, Meredith Gallo, Jack Geismar, Alexander Haber, Claudine Haigian, Daniela Haigian, Elizabeth Hannan, Emma Hanley, Kenar Haratunian, Elin Hu, Julia Henry, Ny’shiem Inmon, Elizabeth Jones, Kalliopi Kapetanos, Armen Kassabian, Kimberly Kiess, Caitlyn Kim, Grace Kim, Nicholas LaRocca, Tyler Lew, Adonia Low, Rachel Lu, Tiana Lui, Christine Maccaro, Nicholas Magliulo, Paige Mantikas, Joseph Meyer, Steven Meyer, Sharina Mirpuri, Lauren Moschitta, Elena Mouhlas, Bailey McBride, Danielle Nicosia, Caitlin O’Connor, Caroline O’Connor, Christina-Ashley O’Donnell, Nolan Parisi, Lucinda Pavlovich, Alexandra Penzi, John Petrakis, Harry Petropoulos, Daniel Quinn, Benjamin Rupp, Alyssa Sanders, Michelle Sciarrino, Lily Sheridan, Madelyn Sheridan, Justine Spina, Lauren Suga, Sophia Takvorian, Lindsay Terjesen, Jessica Thalheimer, George Theodosopoulos, Jenna Tishler. Vincent Tomaselli, Gabriella Tranchina, Emily Treacy, Joseph Tripodoro, Nicholas Trotti, Isabel Vigliotti, Alec Wadhwani, Jamie Weiss, Jack Wesson, William Wong, Jinyu Wu, Ryan Wu, Paraskevi Xenophontos, Sara Zakrinski and Vanessa Zhang.

Carla Vasquez Honored

Carla Vasquez was honored recently with the George Farber Outstanding Student Award. She earned the award for her talent, commitment, honesty, diligence, compassion and high moral standards. Carla received the award during a ceremony at the Nassau BOCES Long Island High School for the Arts in Syosset.

Vasquez is a Manhasset UFSD student in the Nassau BOCES English Literacy Alternative and Teenage Parenting programs. She arrived in this country from El Salvador over a year ago, with a very special purpose in mind—to build a brighter future for herself and her unborn child. Today, Vasquez is the mother of a one-year-old boy and is achieving her goal. She has an above 90 average and is excelling in all her classes, especially parenting and child development.

With all of her pressing responsibilities, Vasquez still makes time to help others, acting as a “buddy” to new students. She helps them get to know the building and makes them feel comfortable. She helps them with class assignments, as well as in the nursery with their babies. In what spare time she has, Carla volunteers as a religious education instructor at her local church.

“Carla works extremely hard both in and out of class,” wrote award nominator, Guidance Counselor Juan Gonzalez. “Beyond her academic achievements, she is working toward a career in cosmetology. Carla is determined to succeed, so she can create a better life for her son.”
Outstanding students have been earning this prestigious award since 2007. It currently stands as a memorial to former Nassau BOCES Board President George Farber, whose passion for improving the lives of students at Nassau BOCES was only surpassed by his love and care for them. Farber was the longest-serving board member in Nassau County, having served from 1971 to 2009.

“The students we honor today were chosen by their teachers, mentors and administrators for their remarkable achievements,” Susan Bergtraum, Vice President of the Nassau BOCES Board, said at the awards ceremony. “They have demonstrated passion, drive, outstanding talents, exemplary character and a commitment to community and school improvement.”

These numbers, documented by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), AAA and the National Safety Council have been haunting Jacy Good and her husband, Steve Johnson, for the past seven years. This spring, Manhasset CASA and the SCA sponsored “Hang Up and Drive,” a presentation on how distracted driving has become a national public safety crisis. The program featured Good and Johnson, national public speakers and advocates for cell-free roads. Good is one of the many faces behind the numbers.

Good and Johnson met as freshmen while studying at Muhlenberg College. On May 18, 2008, Good and Johnson’s graduation day, Good got into her parents’ car to drive back to her childhood home, where she would continue to celebrate the opening of a new chapter in her life. While driving back, a teenager who was talking on his phone “forgot he was at a red light and tried to turn left. It never quite registered in his brain,” said Good. An 18-wheeler, who entered the intersection under a green light, swerved to miss the teen after the teen had run the red light and crashed into Good’s car. She was rushed to the hospital with two broken feet, a lacerated liver, a broken tibia and fibula, a shattered pelvis, a broken wrist and collarbone, collapsed lungs, damaged arteries and traumatic brain injury. Her parents died on impact.

Good’s parents were two of the 6,000 people who died in 2008 in crashes involving distracted driving (NHTSA, Distracted Driving Fact Sheet). The driver who caused the car crash, was one of approximately 660,000 drivers, who at any given daylight moment across America, are using a cell phone (NHTSA, 4.5.13). According to the NSC, in the U.S., an estimated 1 in 4 car crashes involves cell phone use (www.nsc.org).

A recent AAA research study of 1,700 teen drivers, it was found that distraction was a factor in 58 percent of all crashes studied.

With the power of words and emotions, Good and Johnson shared a story of love, tragedy, incredible perseverance and strength, all of which worked in tandem to move nearly everyone in the audience to tears. “I need to be here. I’ve been put on this mission. This story needs to be told because these tragedies are happening every single day. Cellphones and driving are a global epidemic that kills thousands of people every year. It’s about every one of us setting a standard for ourselves, setting a standard for the people that we love. I want people to stop killing each other. It’s in your hands to make this world, to make our roads a little bit better place to be. And if my parents left me with anything, it’s that this world is broken, and we can do something to make this world a little bit better,” stated Good in her closing statement.

For more on Good’s story, Public Access Television (PATV) of Great Neck’s Teen TV production of Manhasset CASA’s Prevention through Connection will be available on-line with video on demand at www.patv.org. Manhasset CASA’s Project Director Cathy Samuels interviewed Good to provide community awareness about the dangers of distracted driving. Teen TV members also asked questions on the subject. The new programs will also be cablecast on PATV channels 20 (Cablevision) and 37 (Verizon).

Nicole Kramer is a leading force in the fight against Marfan syndrome. Her daughter was diagnosed with the disease and Kramer has put all of her energy into raising money for research to find a cure. Marfan syndrome is a life-threatening genetic disorder of the body’s connective tissue. It affects the heart, blood vessels, bones and eyes.
Nicole Kramer’s husband, Michael, was diagnosed with Marfan when he was nine years old. Her husband has had open heart surgery and two spinal surgeries recently. These surgeries were painful and had a long recovery. Their first child, a son, has no sign of the disease. Their daughter, Emily, was diagnosed at three weeks old. She is seven years old now. “The day I found out she had Marfan was the worst day of my life. It was difficult for me to come to terms with,” said Kramer. “I couldn’t talk about it. It was very difficult for me to grasp. I was upset for a long time.”
“We attended our first Marfan conference three years ago and it changed our lives,” said Kramer. “I became active with the foundation over the past 2½ years. I became involved with the foundation to help find a cure someday.”
The Marfan Foundation’s national office is located in Port Washington. Carolyn Levering, emeritus CEO of the Marfan Foundation, said “the Kramers came to the foundation seeking accurate, expert information to best manage the family’s diagnosis. They also were seeking a community of support. Having received that they became one of those exemplary families who genuinely and generously embrace the community and begin to give back. They already have raised meaningful awareness and funds and have become a model for others who are affected.”
“Carolyn Levering is a truly amazing person,” said Kramer. “She brought the foundation to a national level. And she provided us with a second family. It really helps to see and talk to others who are similarly affected. Carolyn is one of the main reasons I do as much as I do. It has been healing for me to meet all these people through the Marfan Foundation.”
The Marfan Foundation’s biggest gala, the Heartworks Gala, has raised more than $10 million for the Marfan Foundation to date. The gala was held at Cipriani 42nd Street this year. Former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg has been the honorary chairman for 13 years. “We are thrilled to have him,” said Levering. The gala also honored Baylor University’s Isaiah Austin, who was diagnosed with Marfan syndrome shortly before the 2014 NBA draft and has since become a spokesperson for the foundation.
The Marfan Foundation held its second annual Walk for Victory on May 2 at Syosset-Woodbury Community Park. Team Kramer did the walk last year and raised $25,595 for the Marfan Foundation. This year, Team Kramer raised $25,316. In total, team Kramer has raised more than $50,000.
Nicole’s sister and brother-in-law, Kim and Jonathan Ciprian, are also actively involved in the cause. Jonathan was part of the foundation’s Team Victory in the 2014
New York City Marathon and Kim ran in the Long Island Half-Marathon on May 3 to raise money for the Marfan Foundation and raise awareness about Marfan syndrome. “We have a tremendous support system,” said Kramer. “This year we reached out to professionals in the field. Emily’s cardiologist came to the walk this year.”
In June, Emily’s school, Jennie E. Hewitt Elementary School in Rockville Centre, is donating funds from their annual walk to the Marfan Foundation in honor of the first grader. “The principal and student council supported a kid’s walk,” said Kramer. “There are 450 kids in the school and this gets all the families involved. We do what we can to educate as many people as we can about Marfan syndrome.” Both Nicole and her husband Michael grew up on Long Island. Nicole is from Valley Stream and Michael is from Lynbrook.
Marfan is diagnosed in many forms. There is a neonatal form, but some people are diagnosed as late as early adulthood, like Isaiah Austin. Sometimes it is the result of a spontaneous mutation. “My husband’s Marfan resulted from a spontaneous mutation,” said Kramer. “When he was conceived, there was a mutation so he is the first in his familial line with the disease. People with Marfan have a 50 percent chance of passing it on to their children.” It also comes in many different forms and different levels of severity. “We are trying to educate people about the symptoms and characteristics,” said Kramer. “People with Marfan syndrome need to be diagnosed to live with the condition. Otherwise, they are at risk of a sudden early death from a tear in their aorta, the large blood vessel that takes blood away from the heart. It’s essential to know the signs of Marfan syndrome and seek an evaluation if you have these signs.”
They are a family with a purpose, and a mission, and a drive to help all those who are living with Marfan syndrome and related disorders. For information about the Marfan Foundation, go to www.marfan.org.

Collecting For Our Troops

Many members of the community, adults and children alike, have been faithful supporters of our Troops in Afghanistan and Iraq. Just prior to ending his deployment in Afghanistan, Chaplain Paul Camiring sent another message through Pat O’Brien, President of Manhasset American Legion Auxiliary Unit 304. In it he said, “This is to thank you for all the support that you have shown and given to our unit during our deployment. I cannot fully describe how your care packages made a huge difference in our time here in Afghanistan. Please accept a little keepsake from our unit’s deployment: Task Force Talon. 3rd Battalion, Combat Aviation, Brigade, Fort Bragg, NC (82nd Div). We hope to be back home this summer.”

The “little keepsake” is the patches worn on the uniforms of the 3-82nd, now containing the ISAF patch indicating their service as part of the International Security Assistance Force. The patches will be mounted and displayed in the American Legion hall for community members to view as a reminder of the impact of their support.

Deployments to Afghanistan have not ended so, before he left, Chaplain Camiring provided us with the address of their replacements, the 6-101 Task Force Shadow. Since they are currently at the Bagram Airfield, the American Legion Auxiliary is beginning to support them and has learned that there are close to 300 Soldiers, approximately 50 of whom are women. The Auxiliary asks again for your generosity in supporting our Troops who continue to sacrifice for the freedoms we hold so dear. Donations for the 6-101 Task Force Shadow may be made at the American Legion, 27 Bayview Avenue, Manhasset, on Saturday, May 30, from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. Items may include: letters and cards with positive messages, K-cups, chapstick or lip balm, travel size toiletries, powdered drink mixes, snack and protein bars, trail mix, nuts, twizzlers, hard candy, gum, rice krispie squares, instant oatmeal and soup, disposable wipes, pocket size tissues, non-aerosol sunscreen, playing cards, and travel size games. Monetary donations will be used to purchase additional items or help defray shipping costs.

If there are any questions regarding this or any program sponsored by the American Legion Auxiliary, please contact Pat O’Brien at 516-850-5702 or patobrien17@msn.com
Please remember as we begin the summer season that our Troops who are actively serving this great nation in war zones are never on vacation.

Patricia O’Brien

Collecting For Our Troops

Many members of the community, adults and children alike, have been faithful supporters of our troops in Afghanistan and Iraq. Just prior to ending his deployment in Afghanistan, Chaplain Paul Camiring sent another message through Pat O’Brien, President of Manhasset American Legion Auxiliary Unit 304. In it he said, “This is to thank you for all the support that you have shown and given to our unit during our deployment. I cannot fully describe how your care packages made a huge difference in our time here in Afghanistan. Please accept a little keepsake from our unit’s deployment: Task Force Talon. 3rd Battalion, Combat Aviation, Brigade, Fort Bragg, NC (82nd Div). We hope to be back home this summer.”

The “little keepsake” is the patches worn on the uniforms of the 3-82nd, now containing the ISAF patch indicating their service as part of the International Security Assistance Force. The patches will be mounted and displayed in the American Legion hall for community members to view as a reminder of the impact of their support.

Deployments to Afghanistan have not ended so, before he left, Chaplain Camiring provided us with the address of their replacements, the 6-101 Task Force Shadow. Since they are currently at the Bagram Airfield, the American Legion Auxiliary is beginning to support them and has learned that there are close to 300 Soldiers, approximately 50 of whom are women. The Auxiliary asks again for your generosity in supporting our troops who continue to sacrifice for the freedoms we hold so dear. Donations for the 6-101 Task Force Shadow may be made at the American Legion, 27 Bayview Ave., Manhasset, on Saturday, May 30, from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. Items may include: letters and cards with positive messages, K-cups, ChapStick or lip balm, travel-size toiletries, powdered drink mixes, snack and protein bars, trail mix, nuts, Twizzlers, hard candy, gum, Rice Krispie squares, instant oatmeal and soup, disposable wipes, pocket size tissues, nonaerosol sunscreen, playing cards and travel size games. Monetary donations will be used to purchase additional items or help defray shipping costs.

If there are any questions regarding this or any program sponsored by the American Legion Auxiliary, please contact Pat O’Brien at 516-850-5702 or patobrien17@msn.com
Please remember as we begin the summer season that our troops who are actively serving this great nation in war zones are never on vacation.

Patricia O’Brien

Enforcement Of Village Laws

Mandates, rules and traffic signs are useless without enforcement. On Circle Drive at the intersection of Colonial Drive there is the village park, which provides walking access for nearby residents to the LIRR platform and there are multiple village signs clearly and legally posted that state that our rules of no parking, no stopping and no standing in the area and the exact times that said rules are to apply to all. These signs were placed there to reduce the traffic flow of those [mostly from other villages] using the access as an alternative to the station, but the other reason is that in the morning there are school kids that are walking to the school bus pick up area.

For the Shelter Rock bus pick-up there are several kids, for the middle school there are more kids and there is a child that is bussed to a private school. An additional benefit of the traffic rules is that those homeowners between Stoneytown Rd. and the village park are not subjected to cars racing up Circle Dr. to catch a train or parked idling, radio blaring for a LIRR commuter pickup in the afternoon. There is an oddity here too, for some reason some commuters seem to ascribe to the mistaken belief that by blowing their car horns aggressively the crew of the LIRR will keep the doors open for the late arrivals.

The Village of Plandome Manor has an ‘enforcer,’ whose job from time to time is to remind people that we expect compliance for our codes; however, this fellow has been scarce of late on Circle Drive. I am certain it is more lucrative for the village to issue citations to workers, craftsmen, contractors and new homeowners for building violations related to the myriad of newly minted building codes. The issue of the growing code springs from building inspectors and code enforcement employees. This duo seeks to justify their jobs and to assure being well paid because only a building inspector or architect could navigate the grab bag of new codes they request each month at our village meetings. Their lifetime goal seems to be the end of common sense and a code for every possible event, but that is another letter.

The ‘village enforcer’ is not needed daily to address the traffic issues on Circle Drive, but from time to time his appearance for several consecutive days has a real impact on excess traffic for weeks afterward. It also has an impact on the village treasury as he can and should dispense tickets although not as pricey as building code violations. It is also helpful that the ‘enforcer’ can explain to one neighbor that there is not an exemption because they live on Circle Dr. They seem to believe they can drop off each morning or wait idling each afternoon because they pay taxes. Taxes are also another letter!

James A. Brodie

The Office of Emergency Management held a community meeting on hurricane preparedness recently at the Manorhaven Village Hall. Running the meeting were Peter Vita of the Office of Emergency Management and Gerard Twombly of the Nassau County Office of Emergency Management. They provided many useful tips for hurricane season, which is right around the corner. In an emergency, the first thing you’ll probably be told is “Stay calm!” or “Don’t panic!” or “Heads down!” But, when a hurricane could rip through your front yard, smashing houses and tearing up trees, you should know what’s coming and be prepared light-years before it strikes.
We all remember Hurricane Sandy. In 2011, the storm knocked on Port Washington’s door and its devastation was unforgettable.
The first thing is to get a disaster kit with basic supplies. Homeland Security says that a quality disaster kit contains:
• 1 gallon of water
• 3-day supply of nonperishable food
• A battery-powered or hand-crank radio
• Extra batteries
• A flashlight
• First-aid
• A whistle
• Tools
• Duct tape
• Print maps
If you have a pet, keep food and supplies for them. This may seem trivial, but we cannot forget about our pets. In fact, at the meeting for Hurricane Preparedness, a pamphlet was handed out explaining the importance of pet safety and preparedness. It’s no joking matter. Never leave a pet behind, because there is no telling how a pet will react in a disaster and they will not survive on their own. If Will Smith’s family could take their golden retriever with them when aliens attacked in Independence Day, we can take our pets when confronted with a hurricane.
Secondly, make a plan that describes what you and your family will do in an emergency. Pick two places to meet should you all get separated: one outside the family home and one outside of the neighborhood, maybe at the home of out of area friends or family members. Write down emergency phone numbers and have copies of important documents and family photos. For after a disaster strikes, have pictures of the inside and outside of your home and keep important receipts of large value household items for the insurance company. Also, remember to top off fuel tanks, clear clogged rain gutters and trim deadwood so no timbering trees impact the house or power lines. Back up computer files should the electricity be lost. A temporary fix to storm power surges is to buy a generator. During Sandy, some households didn’t have power for weeks and households with generators became safe havens for those who hadn’t showered.
A third way to prepare is to make a “Go Kit,”  a kit you bring in the event of evacuation or the dire need to leave your home. This includes all titles, deeds to the house, Social Security cards, birth certificates, vital phone numbers, money and photographs.
Do not wait to take shelter in a hurricane or emergency and do not go outside until you hear the all clear has been given from the government.
You can listen to the government during emergencies with a hand cranking radio, as well as receive North Shore text alerts. The link for receiving them is found on your village sebsite. Other important websites to check out before a hurricane are www.ready.gov and www.floodsmart.gov and www.dhses.ny.gov/oem.
The priority in a hurricane is to be prepared well before the hurricane actually touches our homes.

Community Service Awards

On May 7, the Board of Education meeting, Manhasset High School honored 94 students who exemplify a life of service.

The President’s Volunteer Service Award recognizes United States citizens and lawfully admitted permanent residents who have achieved the required number of hours of service over a 12-month time period—or cumulative hours over the course of a lifetime.

The yearly awards for young adults, age 16 to 25, begins at bronze, 100 to 174 service hours, silver, 175 to 249 hours, and gold, 250 or more hours, for the year. Teens, age 14 to 15, earn a gold award for 100 or more hours.

Here is the list of students who earned the Presidential Award: Benjamin Ackert, Dominique Alcamo, Courtney Aspinall, Michael Bakshandeh, Kellyann Bock, Peter Boyadjian, Elizabeth Boyle, Maria Budis, Jillian Calderone, Michelle Cao,Olivia Cataldo, Grace Catlett, Christine Casazza, Cynthia Chen, Julien Cheng, Andrew Cronson, Sophia D’angelo, William Delaney, Gregory Dellis, Kayla Deosaran, Amanda Devito, Ethan Dilmanian, Spencer Fanuka, Michael Gabriel, Skyler Gaccione, Lindsay Gallo, Meredith Gallo, Jack Geismar, Alexander Haber, Claudine Haigian, Daniela Haigian, Elizabeth Hannan, Emma Hanley, Kenar Haratunian, Elin Hu, Julia Henry, Ny’shiem Inmon, Elizabeth Jones, Kalliopi Kapetanos, Armen Kassabian, Kimberly Kiess, Caitlyn Kim, Grace Kim, Nicholas LaRocca, Tyler Lew, Adonia Low, Rachel Lu, Tiana Lui, Christine Maccaro, Nicholas Magliulo, Paige Mantikas, Joseph Meyer, Steven Meyer, Sharina Mirpuri, Lauren Moschitta, Elena Mouhlas, Bailey McBride, Danielle Nicosia, Caitlin O’Connor, Caroline O’Connor, Christina-Ashley O’Donnell, Nolan Parisi, Lucinda Pavlovich, Alexandra Penzi, John Petrakis, Harry Petropoulos, Daniel Quinn, Benjamin Rupp, Alyssa Sanders, Michelle Sciarrino, Lily Sheridan, Madelyn Sheridan, Justine Spina, Lauren Suga, Sophia Takvorian, Lindsay Terjesen, Jessica Thalheimer, George Theodosopoulos, Jenna Tishler. Vincent Tomaselli, Gabriella Tranchina, Emily Treacy, Joseph Tripodoro, Nicholas Trotti, Isabel Vigliotti, Alec Wadhwani, Jamie Weiss, Jack Wesson, William Wong, Jinyu Wu, Ryan Wu, Paraskevi Xenophontos, Sara Zakrinski and Vanessa Zhang.

Carla Vasquez Honored

Carla Vasquez was honored recently with the George Farber Outstanding Student Award. She earned the award for her talent, commitment, honesty, diligence, compassion and high moral standards. Carla received the award during a ceremony at the Nassau BOCES Long Island High School for the Arts in Syosset.

Vasquez is a Manhasset UFSD student in the Nassau BOCES English Literacy Alternative and Teenage Parenting programs. She arrived in this country from El Salvador over a year ago, with a very special purpose in mind—to build a brighter future for herself and her unborn child. Today, Vasquez is the mother of a one-year-old boy and is achieving her goal. She has an above 90 average and is excelling in all her classes, especially parenting and child development.

With all of her pressing responsibilities, Vasquez still makes time to help others, acting as a “buddy” to new students. She helps them get to know the building and makes them feel comfortable. She helps them with class assignments, as well as in the nursery with their babies. In what spare time she has, Carla volunteers as a religious education instructor at her local church.

“Carla works extremely hard both in and out of class,” wrote award nominator, Guidance Counselor Juan Gonzalez. “Beyond her academic achievements, she is working toward a career in cosmetology. Carla is determined to succeed, so she can create a better life for her son.”
Outstanding students have been earning this prestigious award since 2007. It currently stands as a memorial to former Nassau BOCES Board President George Farber, whose passion for improving the lives of students at Nassau BOCES was only surpassed by his love and care for them. Farber was the longest-serving board member in Nassau County, having served from 1971 to 2009.

“The students we honor today were chosen by their teachers, mentors and administrators for their remarkable achievements,” Susan Bergtraum, Vice President of the Nassau BOCES Board, said at the awards ceremony. “They have demonstrated passion, drive, outstanding talents, exemplary character and a commitment to community and school improvement.”

This Flower Hill home at 533 Manhasset Woods Rd. was sold for $3,575,000 on May 12.
The 2008 colonial has seven bedrooms and six full and one-half baths and sits on one acre. Real estate taxes are $51,655.

Decorative moulding is beautiful. It enhances the loveliness of the room. It also finishes where the joint of wall and ceiling meet. Crown moulding is one of the most commonly used. Some styles of crown moulding lend themselves better to certain styles of homes.

In a room with traditional furnishings, a more ornate-style of crown moulding is called for, while a room that is decorated in a modern style would be better suited for a simple, clean moulding.
Whatever your style, moulding adds flair.

Upper hallway

Kitchen

Spacious entry hall

Private backyard

Spacious backyard

French doors open to a balcony.