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Community Corner

🌱 Mask Mandate Overturned + Mineola Man Accused Of Elder Scam

The quickest way to get caught up on the most important things happening today in Mineola.

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Joanne Gallo, Neighbor
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(Patch.com)

Happy Wednesday, neighbors! Here's everything you need to know about what's happening locally today.

First, today's weather:

Mostly sunny and very cold. High: 27, low: 15.

Are you a local business owner or marketer in Mineola? We want to start connecting local businesses with our amazing readers. Learn more here.

Here are the top stories today in Mineola:

  1. The New York State Supreme Court has overturned the statewide mask mandate enforced by Gov. Kathy Hochul, ruling it unconstitutional. Nassau County Judge Thomas Rademaker said that Hochul does not have the authority to institute this mandate because emergency powers are no longer active. Hochul said in a statement that she and New York State Health Commissioner Mary Bassett "strongly disagree with this ruling" and are pursuing all options to reverse it as soon as possible. (U.S. News & World Report)
  2. A Mineola man was arrested last week and charged with attempted grand larceny as part of an elder scam, according to police. Joshua Estrella Gomez, 28, of Willis Avenue, was taken into custody after he reportedly picked up an envelope from a 73-year-old Seaford woman following a series of three phone calls from unknown men. Each caller said they were contacting her in order to bail her "grandson" out of jail. (The Island Now)
  3. The Herricks High School biology teacher arrested after reportedly administering a COVID-19 vaccine to a 17 year old without his parents' consent, Laura Parker Russo, pleaded not guilty to an E felony charge of unauthorized practice of a profession. Parker Russo, who lives in Sea Cliff and does not have a medical license, had no criminal motive according to her attorney. Nassau County District Attorney Anne Donnelly warned that people without medical licenses who administer vaccines to friends and family will be criminally charged. (CBS New York)

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Today in Mineola:

  • AIS & ESL Progress Reports — Mineola Public Schools. (All Day)
  • ME STEAM Night — Mineola Public Schools. (6 p.m.)
  • HA STEAM Night 6:30 p.m. — Mineola Public Schools. (6:30 p.m.)

From my notebook:

  • Nassau County Police Department: "#NassauCountyPD reports the arrest of a 38-year-old man for disseminating indecent material to a 16-year-old female. ⚠️🚨 Detectives request anyone who feels they may have been a victim to a similar incident to contact Nassau County Crime Stoppers: 1-800-244-TIPS, nassaucounty.crimestoppersweb.com. All tips remain anonymous." (Facebook)
  • St. Aidan School - Williston Park: "'How Do Our "Many Hearts Do Great Things' at Saint Aidan School? Graduates from St. Aidan School go on to many prestigious high schools. We give every student their best chance to achieve. Our graduating classes average over $250,000 in scholarship money toward their Catholic high school education!" (Facebook)
  • Family & Children's Association: "You are invited! In honor of Women's History Month, FCA will be hosting the first Long Island Women in Philanthropy event, celebrating the philanthropic achievements of the women in our communities. This event (featuring breakfast and a fashion show) will be taking place on March 31 at The Mansion at Oyster Bay. Tickets and sponsorship opportunities are on our website at fcali.org/events/long-island-women-philanthropy. We would love to see you there!" (Facebook)
  • Local 338 RWDSU/UFCW: "President of Local 338 John Durso is one of PoliticsNY's Cannabis Industry Power Players! His leadership has helped set the standard for cannabis jobs in New York — ensuring that they're good, union jobs that invest in the workers and their communities. Congratulations!" (Facebook)
  • Long Island Council on Alcoholism & Drug Dependence: "LICADD's S.B.I.R.T. program has saved lives for 66 years! Call today to learn more: 516-747-2606 or 631-979-1700. LICADD Clinicians will get you started on your path to recovery. #LICADD #SBIRT #savelives #LongIsland #NewYork" (Facebook)

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Thanks for following along and staying informed! I'll catch up with you bright and early tomorrow with a new update.

— Joanne Gallo

About me: Joanne Gallo is a lifelong resident of Long Island and a writer/editor for 30+ years. After earning a B.A. in Journalism and an M.A. in Writing from NYU, Joanne edited and produced engaging, quality content for a diverse array of consumer publications, from the Johns Hopkins White Papers to Soap Opera Weekly. Raised in the nearby town of Roslyn, Joanne is happy to call Mineola her home for the past 7 years. She loves the arts, dining, gardening and all the natural beauty that Long Island has to offer.

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