Bethpage Newsgram (2/3/23)

Two POB seniors named Regeneron Scholars

Winterfest planned for February 11

The Levittown Community Council will host the 22nd annual WinterFest Snow Ball on Saturday, February 11, from 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Enjoy free arts and crafts for kids; free entertainment, Nassau Lionel Train Display, featuring ice carving by Ice Memories, magic and balloon art by Ms Match the Clown,

hourly free raffles for adults, music by DJ Tim Aldridge.

The event is free, but donations of food and toiletries will be gladly accepted to help local families in need.

It will be held at Levittown Hall, 201 Levittown Parkway, Hicksville. For more information please contact levittowncouncil@yahoo.com

Hicksville man arrested for menacing

Skylar Cowen and Ethan Hsu.

Two Plainview-Old Bethpage John F. Kennedy High School students were named 2023 Regeneron Science Talent Search Schol-

ars for their research. Seniors Ethan Hsu and Skylar Cowen were among the 300 stu-

See page11

Fire damages St. Isidoros Church

Nassau County Police as well as firefighters from the Bethpage Fire Department, as well as from Levittown, Hicksville, South Farmingdale, and Farmingdale responded to Saint Isidoros Greek Church, located at 910 Stewart Avenue, Bethpage, on Tuesday, January 24, at 1:40 p.m.

Upon arrival, police observed a fire on the first floor of the church. Approximately 75

firefighters were on scene to extinguish the flames.

The rear of the church suffered damage, along with varying degrees of damage from smoke, fire and water throughout the building. The premises were unoccupied at the time of the fire, and no injuries were reported.

A 19-year-old Hicksville man was arrested on Sunday, January 29, after he allegedly menaced several victims with a firearm.

According to Nassau County Police detectives, Kyle Gritser, 19, while driving a 2010 Infiniti eastbound on Old Country Road, menaced four victims (ages 18, 19, 20, 21 years) who were located in another vehicle. No injuries were reported. At 12:45 a.m. on Monday, January 30, Gritser was arrested at his home. No weapon was recovered.

Kyle Gritser is charged with Menacing 2nd Degree, Criminal Possession of a Weapon 4th Degree, Aggravated Unlicensed Operation 3rd Degree and had an open warrant for Possession of Fireworks.

According to police, Gritser was previously arrested on May 11,

2022 for Criminal Possession of an Assault Weapon and May 12, 2022 for Criminal Possession of a Loaded Firearm. He was released without bail on both charges.

4

Kyle Gritser

First half taxes due

Oyster Bay Town Receiver of Taxes

Jeffrey Pravato reminds residents that the First Half of the 2023 General Tax Levy was due on January 1, but can be paid without penalty through February 10. Please be certain to sign your check, payable to Jeffrey P. Pravato, Receiver of Taxes. Indicate your property’s S.D. Code, Section, Block, Lot, and Phone number on the check.

“The Town of Oyster Bay did not raise taxes for 2023, however, the General Tax bill also includes amounts for Nassau County and special districts. New York State Laws allows my office to provide taxpayers with a 40-day penalty free period from the date the tax is due during which payment may be made without penalty,” added Receiver Pravato. “After the 40 days, State Law requires a one percent penalty be added for each month the tax remains unpaid, retroactive to January 1st. Don’t delay, make your payment before February 10th and ensure you aren’t paying more out of pocket than you need to.”

Taxes can be paid in-person at Town Hall North (74 Audrey Avenue in Oyster Bay) and at Town Hall South (977 Hicksville Road in Massapequa) daily from 9:00 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. to assist residents and accept payments with either a check, cash or credit card.* Both indoor offices and walkup outdoor windows are staffed to assist the public. On February 9 and 10, both offices will be open from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. When paying in person, residents are reminded to bring

Ladies Night Out benefits Boys & Girls Club

the entire tax bill. Drop Boxes have been installed at both Town Hall North and Town Hall South for residents to make payments when the Tax Office is closed.

Residents who prefer to mail in their payments should send them to the Office of the Receiver of Taxes, 74 Audrey Avenue, Oyster Bay, N.Y. 11771-1539. Please be certain to sign your check, and make it payable to Jeffrey P. Pravato, Receiver of Taxes. Indicate your property’s S.D. Code, Section, Block, Lot and phone number on the check, along with your payment stub. Residents should NOT write on, fold, staple or otherwise deface the tax stub as it can cause the computer system to reject the payment.

Taxpayers can access 2023 General Tax information at www.oysterbaytown.com. Residents may view tax bills, print out a hard copy, or pay taxes with an ACH check payment using a checking account for a service fee of $1.75 cents*, or by credit card for a much higher fee* charged by the credit card companies.

*Town of Oyster Bay receives no portion of this fee.

For more information on property taxes and/or payments, residents may call at (516) 624-6400 or email receiveroftaxes@oysterbay-ny.gov. Callers are requested to have the school district, section, block and lot numbers of the property in question available. This information is listed on the tax bill and on the property deed.

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The Second Annual Ladies Night Out event will be held on Tuesday, March 14, from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m., at the Crescent Beach Club, in Bayville, to benefit the Boys & Girls Club of Oyster Bay-East Norwich. The Crescent Beach Club is situated on one of Long Island’s most spectacular waterfront venues, providing an unparalleled experience and setting. The event co-chairs, Marie Bahnik and Michèle Bahnik Mercier, are planning an evening filled with great food, distinctive shopping, wonderful raffle prizes, and fun for all.

For a donation of $150 per person, the event includes a cocktail hour, sit down

dinner and dessert, raffles for exciting prizes and shopping boutiques. Unique and one-of-a-kind vendors will display their collections, including jewelry; men’s, women’s and children’s fashion accessories; home décor; specialty foods; and so much more.

The proceeds raised from this event will foster the enhancement of programs and further expand the services of the Boys & Girls Club of Oyster BayEast Norwich.

For further information, please call Denise Ribeiro, at 516-922-9285, ext. 14, or email development@bgcoben.com.

Bus trip to Wind Creek Casino

The Joseph Barry Columbiettes will be hosting a trip to Wind Creek Bethlehem (formerly Sands) Casino in Bethlehem, PA on Tuesday, March 28.

Cost of the trip is $50 per person, which includes the driver’s tip. Give back is $35 slots play.

Please arrive at 8:30 a.m. Return is approximately 8:30 p.m.

For reservations, please call Barbara at 516-935-5576.

Please make checks payable to Joseph Barry Columbiettes. The first to pay is the first on the bus.

Town sponsors

Tax Grievance Workshops

Town of Oyster Bay Receiver of Taxes Jeffrey Pravato will host two free Property Tax Assessment Grievance Workshops for residents looking to acquire information on how to challenge their 2024–2025 property tax assessments. The workshops will be held in-person on February 8 at 7 p.m. at the North Massapequa Community Center (214 N. Albany Ave., Massapequa) and on February 13 at 10 a.m. at Town Hall North (54 Audrey Ave., Oyster Bay).

“While Nassau County determines your value, we in Town government want to make sure you know that you have a right as a homeowner to challenge your assessment. Remember, your assessment can only be lowered as the result of a challenge — it can never be raised — and this workshop helps you challenge for free,” said Receiver of Taxes Pravato. “If you are a homeowner who disagrees with the assessed value of your property, I invite you to attend this Property Tax Assessment Workshop, as the property tax griev-

ance deadline of March 1 is approaching.”

In January, Nassau County notified residents of their home’s tentative assessed value for the 2024/2025 school tax period and the 2025 general tax period. Any residents who did not receive the notice may view it online at www. mynassauproperty.com or contact their County Legislator.

At the workshop, Receiver of Taxes Pravato will answer questions and show residents how to use online tools to file an “Application for Correction of Property Tax Assessment” online or via mail. There is no requirement to pay a law firm or agency to file a grievance. For those unable to attend the workshop, Receiver of Taxes Pravato offers an online video at www.oysterbaytown. com/grievancevideo

For more information on the Free Property Tax Grievance Workshop, please call (516) 624-6380. For more information on your property, visit https://lrv.nassaucountyny.gov

Town launches karaoke program for seniors

The Town of Oyster Bay is launching a new Senior Karaoke Program at the Glen Head Community Center. Town of Oyster Bay residents over the age of 60 are invited to show off their vocal talents during weekly Karaoke Sessions on Wednesdays from 1:00 p.m. –2:30 p.m., beginning on February 8.

“We’re calling all Town of Oyster Bay Seniors who love to sing! Our new Karaoke program will give you the opportunity to perform your favorite songs, from the tunes of Sinatra and Greatest Hits of the ‘80s to Today’s Top Songs, all in a social, welcoming environment,” Councilman Lou Imbroto said. “Join us to make new friends and perhaps even discover a new favorite song.”

Great singing skills aren’t necessary to join the fun; residents are

Town plans drawing, knitting, painting classes

welcome to attend without performing. There is no registration required for this program. A full karaoke machine, song list and light refreshments will be provided. All sessions will take place at the Glen Head Community Center, located at 200 Glen Head Road in Glen Head, NY.

This program would be impossible without the corporate generosity of our sponsors, including Zorn’s of Bethpage, TrueCare, Park Physical Therapy, The Hearing Connection, Schmidt Chiropractic, Starkie Bros Home & Garden, Total Orthopedics, King Kullen, Pequa Park Florist, Inc. and Syosset Physical Therapy. For more information, please call the Department of Community and Youth Services, Senior Citizen Services Division, at (516) 797-7916.

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The Town of Oyster Bay has announced that registration for the Town’s Spring 2023 Cultural Enrichment Programs will be held online only for the first time. Both residents and non-residents must register for classes including Figure Drawing, Outdoor Painting, Chunky Hand-Knit Blanket, Watercolor Painting, Oil Painting, Drawing Fundamentals, Sumi-E Painting and Painting with Acrylics online at www.oysterbaytown.com/portal.

“I am pleased to announce that the Town’s Cultural Enrichment Program will return once again this spring, as these enrichment programs offer residents the opportunity to develop a new skill while having fun in the process,” Town Councilman Tom Hand said. “To streamline the registration process and increase convenience and accessibility for residents, we’ve opened registration online only for the first time. Our dedicated staff will be available to assist all interested participants, whether you’re an emerging artist or a resident looking for a new hobby.”

Resident registration begins on Monday, February 6, at 9 a.m., while Non-resident registration begins on Tuesday, February 21, at 9 a.m.. To register, visit www.oysterbaytown. com/portal, create an account, select the Cultural Enrichment link on the homepage, choose the class(es) you’d like to register for by checking the box, and then select Add to Cart. Please note the fees vary for residents and non-residents. You will next be prompted to select the eligible members on your account; check off all family members that you wish to enroll in the class, and then press continue. Once you’ve proceeded to checkout and submitted your credit card information, a receipt will be linked on the confirmation screen and will also be emailed to you, along with a copy of the supply list for the class, if applicable.

For assistance registering, or for more information, please call the Department of Community & Youth Services, Cultural and Performing Arts (CAPA) at (516) 797-7923.

(855.540.2274 TTY/TDD) or visit FlushingBank.com

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balance is required to receive the advertised rate. Certain fees, minimum balance requirements and restrictions may apply. Fees may reduce earnings on these accounts. A checking account is not required for IRA accounts. 3) The Customer Value Program bonus is limited to one (1) account credit per new Complete Checking customer. New money only. Existing checking account customers are not eligible. A new checking account is defined as any new checking account that does not have any authorized signatures in common with any other existing Flushing Bank checking account(s). An existing checking customer is defined as anyone who currently has or has had a Flushing Bank checking account within the last 24 months. New money is defined as money not currently on deposit with Flushing Bank. The Customer Value Program bonus will be based on the three-month average account balance of the first three (3) full calendar months after the month of account opening. The Customer Value Program bonus will be posted to the account on or about the end of the subsequent month following the account’s three (3) month anniversary. A 1099 will be issued in the amount of the account bonus. The new Complete Checking account must remain open, active, and in good standing for six months. The bonus will be forfeited if the account is closed prior to six months. Other fees and restrictions may apply. The minimum three-month average balance to qualify for the Customer Value Program is $10,000. A minimum deposit of $25 is required to open the Complete Checking account. The offer is subject to change or termination without prior notice at any time. Speak with a branch representative for details.

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Full menu items may be purchased at regular menu price. Toppings available for additional cost. May not be combined with any other coupon, discount, offer, or Groupon. Prices do not include tax or gratuity. Available for takeout only. No substitutions.

Town celebrates Lunar New Year

Oyster

and Receiver

Jeffrey

hosted a Lunar New Year Celebration at Town Hall in partnership with numerous Chinese-American Community Groups. The event featured traditional performances from Sitan Tai Chi and Martial Arts, the Long Island Music Conservatory, Yes I Can Performing Arts Center, and The Rabbit Dance Team, in addition to a presentation honoring the Chinese Association of Jericho, Chinese American Association of Syosset, Chinese American Association of Plainview, and Long Island Chinese American Association. Supervisor Saladino thanked these organizations for their tremendous contributions in preserving the Chinese heritage in our community and emphasized the importance of celebrating the Lunar New Year, a time of unifying celebration for millions around the world that recognizes the Chinese culture’s wonderful diversity, splendor, and richness.

Syosset School Board to meet February 6

The Syosset Board of Education will hold its monthly meeting on Monday, February 6, at 8 p.m. at South Woods Middle School, 99 Pell Lane, Syosset.

The Board will hear a Budget Information presentation to start the

meeting, followed by the regular meeting.

The meeting will also be available to view via livestream broadcast on the school district website, www.syossetschools.org

Bay Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino, Town Clerk Richard LaMarca,

of Taxes

Pravato

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Hicksville water commissioner reelected to board

The Hicksville Water District (HWD) is proud to announce that Commissioner Nicholas Brigandi has been reelected to the HWD Board of Commissioners following the District’s election on December 13. Commissioner Brigandi has served on the Board since 1980 and was sworn in to his 15th term on January 10.

“I am humbled to have once again been given the honor of serving my community as a member of the Hicksville Water District Board,” said Commissioner Brigandi. “Being a part of the great work done at the HWD is one of the great privileges of my life, one that I do not take for granted. I am grateful to my neighbors for giving me the opportunity to further the ways in which they receive their water and I look forward to another three years of dedicating myself to their well-being.”

With over four decades of service at the Hicksville Water District, Commissioner Brigandi has as much experience in the water service industry as anyone on Long Island. Throughout his extensive tenure, he has overseen innumerable projects and improvements to the ways in which the HWD services its tens of thousands of residents. This includes the start of a major overhaul of a large section of the District’s infrastructure in 2022, during which time Commissioner Brigandi was District Chairman. When this project is completed later this year, residents in the southeast portion of the HWD benefit from the replacement of approximately 14,000 feet of water mains, 25 fire hydrants and 320 water services from the District's water main to the curb shut-off valve.

Commissioner Brigandi’s dedication

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to public service goes beyond his work at the Hicksville Water District. He is a Community Council Director as well as a member of the Hicksville Chamber of Commerce, Sons of Italy, Knights of Columbus and Kiwanis Club. In addition, he has been Sergeant of Arms of the Hicksville Fire Department where he has served as a volunteer firefighter with Engine Company #7 for more than 60 years. He has been on the department’s Finance Committee, Welfare Committee and Labor Day Parade and Drill Committee, where he served as chairman. Commissioner Brigandi is also past-president and a trustee of the Volunteer Exempt Benevolent Association for more than 25 years. Before retiring as highway maintenance supervisor, he worked for the Nassau County Department of Public Works for 37 years.

We’re looking for writers in our community to compose ar ticles on local topics, opinions, reviews, worthy places to visit on Long Island, and even pieces of fiction. We aim to feature at least one new article and writer each week in our Discovery magazine section.

Email submissions: editor@gcnews.com

• Attach article and any photos (1MB), along with your name and contact info.

• Articles must be between 1,500 - 3,000 words. • Each writer will be reimbursed a stipend of $25.⁰⁰

A MULTI-BILLION DOLLAR INVESTMENT FOR LONG ISLAND

Sands, the world leader in developing integrated resorts, is proposing a multi-billion-dollar investment at the current site of the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum. This groundbreaking, world-class hospitality and entertainment project will be transformational for the Long Island economy, creating thousands of quality union jobs and generating millions of dollars in tax revenue.

A HISTORIC OPPORTUNITY FOR LONG ISLAND BUSINESSES

Sands is committed to developing long-term partnerships with local businesses. For Long Island-based manufacturers, distributors, wholesale suppliers and other companies servicing the hospitality and entertainment industries, the Sands project will be an unprecedented opportunity to grow your business and be part of what will surely become an iconic centerpiece of the Long Island landscape.

Commissioner Nicholas Brigandi.

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Bethpage kindergartners welcome winter

Bethpage kindergarten students from Charles Campagne Elementary School celebrated the winter season with a fun craft on Jan. 26. The kindergarten classes came together in the school’s cafeteria where each student received their own “Welcome Winter” sign. The sign featured a snowman, a small tree and snow. Each student

used small foam circle stickers to decorate their sign. Several family members volunteered to help the students and teachers with the project. The hands-on art craft was a great way for students to express their creativity and embrace the winter season.

Photos courtesy of the Bethpage Union Free School District

Kindergartner Ariana Donlon made progress on her “Welcome Winter” art craft.

Hicksville’s pre-K lottery deadline: Feb. 10

Hicksville Public School District is offering a full-day Pre-Kindergarten Program for the 2023–2024 school year. Children must be four years of age prior to Dec. 1, 2023, to be eligible to participate. Selection for this program is lottery based and requires the completion of an application. Applications for the lottery will become available on Jan. 3, 2023, and must be received by 3 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 10.

Classes for the full-day pre-K program

will be held from Monday through Friday and will follow the school district’s calendar. There is no cost to participate in this program. Families are responsible for providing transportation for their child.

The curriculum follows New York State pre-kindergarten standards and is taught by New York State certified teachers.

Students will be selected for the program by a random lottery to be observed by the district’s auditing firm. Requests

to enter the lottery past the deadline are unable to be accommodated. Please check the Hicksville Public School website, www. hicksvillepublicschools.org, for the lottery date. Seats are limited, and placement is not guaranteed. Students must be a Hicksville Public School District resident to participate. For the 2023–2024 Pre-K Program, students’ birth dates must be between Dec. 2, 2018, and Dec. 1, 2019.

If you would like to enter your child in

the pre-kindergarten lottery, please complete the online application no later than Feb. 10, 2023, by 3 p.m. To access the form please visit: https://www.hicksvillepublicschools.org/programs/pre-_kindergarten.

If you have additional questions, you may contact the Pre-Kindergarten Department at 516-733-2371 or email preschool@hicksvillepublicschools.org.

Kindergarten students from Charles Campagne Elementary School decorated their own “Welcome Winter” signs.

Charles Campagne kindergartners had fun decorating their signs.

NASSAU COUNTY PUBLIC NOTICE

PUBLIC NOTICE OF NASSAU COUNTY TREASURER’S SALE OF TAX LIENS ON REAL ESTATE

Notice is hereby given that commencing on February 21st, 2023, will sell at public on-line auction the tax liens on certain real estate, unless the owner, mortgagee, occupant of or any other party in interest in such real estate shall have paid to the County Treasurer by February 16th, 2023 the total amount of such unpaid taxes or assessments with the interest, penalties and other expenses and charges against the property. Such tax liens will be sold at the lowest rate of interest, not exceeding 10 percent per six-month period, for which any person or persons shall offer to take the total amount of such unpaid taxes as defined in Section 5-37.0 of the Nassau County Administrative Code. Effective with the February 2019 lien sale Ordinance No. 175-2015 requires a $175.00 per day registration fee for each person who intends to bid at the tax lien sale. Ordinance No. 175-2015 also requires that upon the issuance of the Lien Certificate there is due from the lien buyer a Tax Certificate Issue Fee of $20.00 per lien purchased. Pursuant to the provisions of the Nassau County Administrative Code at the discretion of the Nassau County Treasurer the auction will be conducted online. Further information concerning the procedures for the auction is available at the website of the Nassau County Treasurer at: https://www.nassaucountyny.gov/526/County-Treasurer

Should the Treasurer determine that an in-person auction shall be held, same will commence on the 21st day of February 2023 at the Office of The County Treasurer 1 West Street, Mineola or at some other location to be determined by the Treasurer.

A list of all real estate in Nassau County on which tax liens are to be sold is available at the website of the Nassau County Treasurer at: https://www.nassaucountyny.gov/527/Annual-Tax-Lien-Sale

A list of local properties upon which tax liens are to be sold will be advertised in this publication on or before February 08th, 2023 Nassau County does not discriminate on the basis of disability in admission to or access to, or treatment or employment in, its services, programs, or activities. Upon request, accommodations such as those required by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) will be provided to enable individuals with disabilities to participate in all services, programs, activities and public hearings and events conducted by the Treasurer’s Office. Upon request, information can be made available in Braille, large print, audio-tape or other alternative formats. For additional information, please call (516) 571-2090 ext. 1-3715.

Dated: January 25, 2023

THE NASSAU COUNTY TREASURER Mineola, NewYork________________ TERMS OF SALE

Such tax liens shall be sold subject to any and all superior tax liens of sovereignties and other municipalities and to all claims of record which the County may have thereon and subject to the provisions of the Federal and State Soldiers’ and Sailors' Civil Relief Acts. However, such tax liens shall have priority over the County's Differential Interest Lien, representing the excess, if any, of the interest and penalty borne at the maximum rate over the interest and penalty borne at the rate at which the lien is purchased.

The Purchaser acknowledges that the tax lien(s) sold pursuant to these Terms of Sale may be subject to pending bankruptcy proceedings and/or may become subject to such proceedings which may be commenced during the period in which a tax lien is held by a successful bidder or the assignee of same, which may modify a Purchaser's rights with respect to the lien(s) and the property securing same. Such bankruptcy proceedings shall not affect the validity of the tax lien. In addition to being subject to pending bankruptcy proceedings and/or the Federal and State Soldiers' and Sailors' Civil Relief Acts, said purchaser's right of foreclosure may be affected by the Financial Institutions Reform, Recovery and Enforcement Act(FIRREA),12 U.S.C. ss 1811 et.seq., with regard to real property under Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation(FDIC) receivership.

The County Treasurer reserves the right, without further notice and at any time, to withdraw from sale any of the parcels of land or premises herein listed. The Nassau County Treasurer reserves the right to intervene in any bankruptcy case/litigation where the property affected by the tax liens sold by the Treasurer is part of the bankruptcy estate. However, it is the sole responsibility of all tax lien purchasers to protect their legal interests in any bankruptcy case affecting their purchased tax lien, including but not limited to the filing of a proof of claim on their behalf, covering their investment in said tax lien. The Nassau County Treasurer and Nassau County and its agencies, assumes no responsibility for any legal representation of any tax lien purchaser in any legal proceeding including but not limited to a bankruptcy case where the purchased tax lien is at risk.

The rate of interest and penalty at which any person purchases the tax lien shall be established by his bid. Each purchaser, immediately after the sale thereof, shall pay to the County Treasurer ten per cent of the amount for which the tax liens have been sold and the remaining ninety per cent within thirty days after such sale. If the purchaser at the tax sale shall fail to pay the remaining ninety per cent within ten days after he has been notified by the County Treasurer that the certificates of sale are ready for delivery, then all amounts deposited with the County Treasurer including but not limited to the ten per cent theretofore paid by him shall, without further notice or demand, be irrevocably forfeited by the purchaser and shall be retained by the County Treasurer as liquidated damages and the agreement to purchase shall be of no further effect. Time is of the essence in this sale. This sale is held pursuant to the Nassau County Administrative Code and interested parties are referred to such Code for additional information as to terms of the sale, rights of purchasers, maximum rates of interest and other legal incidents of the sale.

Furthermore, as to the bidding,

1. The bidder(s) agree that they will not work with any other bidder(s) to increase, maintain or stabilize interest rates or collaborate with any other bidder(s) to gain an unfair competitive advantage in the random number generator in the event of a tie bid(s) on a tax certificate. Bidder(s) further agree not to employ any bidding strategy designed to create an unfair competitive advantage in the tiebreaking process in the upcoming tax sale nor work with any other bidder(s) to engage in any bidding strategy that will result in a rotational award of tax certificates.

2. The tax certificate(s) the Bidder will bid upon, and the interest rate(s) bid, will be arrived at independently and without direct or indirect consultation, communication or agreement with any other bidder and that the tax certificate(s) the Bidder will bid upon, and the interest rate(s) to be bid, have not been disclosed, directly or indirectly, to any other bidder, and will not be disclosed, directly or indirectly, to any other bidder prior to the close of bidding. No attempt has been made or will be made to, directly or indirectly, induce any other bidder to refrain from bidding on any tax certificate, to submit complementary bids, or to submit bids at specific interest rates.

3. The bids to be placed by the Bidder will be made in good faith and not pursuant to any direct or indirect, agreement or discussion with, or inducement from, any other bidder to submit a complementary or other noncompetitive bid.

4. If it is determined that the bidder(s) have violated any of these bid requirements then their bid shall be voided and if they were the successful bidder the lien and any deposits made in connection with said bid shall be forfeited.

Dated: January 25, 2023

THE NASSAU COUNTY TREASURER

Mineola, New York

NASSAU COUNTY NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU, NJCC-NYS COMMUNITY RESTORATION FUND LLC, Plaintiff, vs. THERESA KEMERSON A/K/A THERESA TOSCANO, ET AL., Defendant(s).

Pursuant to an Order Amending Caption, Confirming Referee’s Report and Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered on August 30, 2019, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction on the front steps on the north side of the Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on February 21, 2023 at 2:30 p.m., premises known as 202 Roxton Road, Plainview, NY 11803. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being in the Town of Oyster Bay, County of Nassau and State of New York, Section 12, Block 565 and Lot 57. Approximate amount of judgment is $562,023.91 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index # 002693/2015.  Cash will not be accepted.  This foreclosure sale will be held on the north side steps of the Courthouse, rain or shine. COVID-19 safety protocols will be followed at the foreclosure sale. If proper social distancing cannot be maintained or there are other health or safety concerns, the Court Appointed Referee will cancel the sale.

Richard L. Farley, Esq., Referee Knuckles, Komosinski & Manfro, LLP, 565 Taxter Road, Suite 590, Elmsford, NY 10523, Attorneys for Plaintiff

NASSAU COUNTY

PUBLIC NOTICE

PUBLIC NOTICE OF NASSAU COUNTY TREASURER’S SALE OF TAX LIENS ON REAL ESTATE

Notice is hereby given that commencing on February 21st, 2023, will sell at public on-line auction the tax liens on certain real estate, unless the owner, mortgagee, occupant of or any other party in interest in such real estate shall have paid to the County Treasurer by February 16th, 2023 the total amount of such unpaid taxes or assessments with the interest, penalties and other expenses and charges against the property. Such tax liens will be sold at the lowest rate of interest, not exceeding 10 percent per six-month period, for which any person or persons shall offer to take the total amount of such unpaid taxes as defined in Section 5-37.0 of the Nassau County Administrative Code. Effective with the February 2019 lien sale Ordinance No. 175-2015 requires a $175.00 per day registration fee for each person who intends to bid at the tax lien sale. Ordinance No. 175-2015 also requires that upon the issuance of the Lien Certificate there is due from the lien buyer a Tax Certificate Issue Fee of $20.00 per lien purchased. Pursuant to the provisions of the Nassau County Administrative Code at the discretion of the Nassau County Treasurer the auction will be conducted online. Further information concerning the procedures for the auction is available at the website of the Nassau County Treasurer at: https://www.nassaucountyny.gov/526/County-Treasurer

Should the Treasurer determine that an in-person auction shall be held, same will commence on the 21st day of February 2023 at the Office of The County Treasurer 1 West Street, Mineola or at some other location to be determined by the Treasurer.

A list of all real estate in Nassau County on which tax liens are to be sold is available at the website of the Nassau County Treasurer at: https://www.nassaucountyny.gov/527/Annual-Tax-Lien-Sale

A list of local properties upon which tax liens are to be sold will be advertised in this publication on or before February 08th, 2023 Nassau County does not discriminate on the basis of disability in admission to or access to, or treatment or employment in, its services, programs, or activities. Upon request, accommodations such as those required by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) will be provided to enable individuals with disabilities to participate in all services, programs, activities and public hearings and events conducted by the Treasurer’s Office. Upon request, information can be made available in Braille, large print, audio-tape or other alternative formats. For additional information, please call (516) 571-2090 ext. 1-3715.

Dated: January 25, 2023

THE NASSAU COUNTY TREASURER Mineola, NewYork________________ TERMS OF SALE

Such tax liens shall be sold subject to any and all superior tax liens of sovereignties and other municipalities and to all claims of record which the County may have thereon and subject to the provisions of the Federal and State Soldiers’ and Sailors' Civil Relief Acts. However, such tax liens shall have priority over the County's Differential Interest Lien, representing the excess, if any, of the interest and penalty borne at the maximum rate over the interest and penalty borne at the rate at which the lien is purchased.

The Purchaser acknowledges that the tax lien(s) sold pursuant to these Terms of Sale may be subject to pending bankruptcy proceedings and/or may become subject to such proceedings which may be commenced during the period in which a tax lien is held by a successful bidder or the assignee of same, which may modify a Purchaser's rights with respect to the lien(s) and the property securing same. Such bankruptcy proceedings shall not affect the validity of the tax lien. In addition to being subject to pending bankruptcy proceedings and/or the Federal and State Soldiers' and Sailors' Civil Relief Acts, said purchaser's right of foreclosure may be affected by the Financial Institutions Reform, Recovery and Enforcement Act(FIRREA),12 U.S.C. ss 1811 et.seq., with regard to real property under Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation(FDIC) receivership.

The County Treasurer reserves the right, without further notice and at any time, to withdraw from sale any of the parcels of land or premises herein listed. The Nassau County Treasurer reserves the right to intervene in any bankruptcy case/litigation where the property affected by the tax liens sold by the Treasurer is part of the bankruptcy estate. However, it is the sole responsibility of all tax lien purchasers to protect their legal interests in any bankruptcy case affecting their purchased tax lien, including but not limited to the filing of a proof of claim on their behalf, covering their investment in said tax lien. The Nassau County Treasurer and Nassau County and its agencies, assumes no responsibility for any legal representation of any tax lien purchaser in any legal proceeding including but not limited to a bankruptcy case where the purchased tax lien is at risk.

The rate of interest and penalty at which any person purchases the tax lien shall be established by his bid. Each purchaser, immediately after the sale thereof, shall pay to the County Treasurer ten per cent of the amount for which the tax liens have been sold and the remaining ninety per cent within thirty days after such sale. If the purchaser at the tax sale shall fail to pay the remaining ninety per cent within ten days after he has been notified by the County Treasurer that the certificates of sale are ready for delivery, then all amounts deposited with the County Treasurer including but not limited to the ten per cent theretofore paid by him shall, without further notice or demand, be irrevocably forfeited by the purchaser and shall be retained by the County Treasurer as liquidated damages and the agreement to purchase shall be of no further effect. Time is of the essence in this sale. This sale is held pursuant to the Nassau County Administrative Code and interested parties are referred to such Code for additional information as to terms of the sale, rights of purchasers, maximum rates of interest and other legal incidents of the sale.

Furthermore, as to the bidding,

1. The bidder(s) agree that they will not work with any other bidder(s) to increase, maintain or stabilize interest rates or collaborate with any other bidder(s) to gain an unfair competitive advantage in the random number generator in the event of a tie bid(s) on a tax certificate. Bidder(s) further agree not to employ any bidding strategy designed to create an unfair competitive advantage in the tiebreaking process in the upcoming tax sale nor work with any other bidder(s) to engage in any bidding strategy that will result in a rotational award of tax certificates.

2. The tax certificate(s) the Bidder will bid upon, and the interest rate(s) bid, will be arrived at independently and without direct or indirect consultation, communication or agreement with any other bidder and that the tax certificate(s) the Bidder will bid upon, and the interest rate(s) to be bid, have not been disclosed, directly or indirectly, to any other bidder, and will not be disclosed, directly or indirectly, to any other bidder prior to the close of bidding. No attempt has been made or will be made to, directly or indirectly, induce any other bidder to refrain from bidding on any tax certificate, to submit complementary bids, or to submit bids at specific interest rates.

3. The bids to be placed by the Bidder will be made in good faith and not pursuant to any direct or indirect, agreement or discussion with, or inducement from, any other bidder to submit a complementary or other noncompetitive bid.

4. If it is determined that the bidder(s) have violated any of these bid requirements then their bid shall be voided and if they were the successful bidder the lien and any deposits made in connection with said bid shall be forfeited.

Dated: January 25, 2023

THE NASSAU COUNTY TREASURER

Mineola, New York

NOTICE OF FORMATION OF A LIMITED LIABILITY CORPORATION

Notice of Formation of Jennifer L Watters Ed.D Professional Development and Consulting Services. Articles of Organization filed with Secretary of State of NY (SSNY) on 2022-10-26. Office location: Nassau County. SSNY designated as agent of Limited Liability Company (LLC) upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY should mail process to Margaret Watters: 23 Janet Drive Plainview NY 11803. Purpose: Any lawful purpose

NASSAU COUNTY

NOTICE OF SALE

NOTICE OF SALE  SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU FREEDOM MORTGAGE CORPORATION, Plaintiff AGAINST RICHARD GREIG; ET AL., Defendant(s)   Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered November 26, 2018, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the North Side steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on February 27, 2023 at 2:00PM, premises known as 54 SOUTH 1ST STREET, BETHPAGE, NY 11714.  All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements erected, situate, lying and being at Bethpage, Town of Oyster Bay, County of Nassau and State of New York, Section 46, Block 5, Lot 46, 47 & 48. Approximate amount of judgment $407,811.10 plus interest and costs.  Premises will be sold subject to pro-visions of filed Judgment Index #003518/2016. The aforementioned auction will be conducted in accordance with the NASSAU County COVID-19 mitigation protocols and as such all persons must comply with social distancing, wearing masks and screening practices in effect at the time of this foreclosure sale. If proper social distancing cannot be maintained or there are other health or safety concerns, then the court appointed referee will cancel the foreclosure auction. Foreclosure Auctions will be held "Rain or Shine". Robert G. Litt,

Esq., Referee

Gross

1775 Wehrle Drive Williamsville, NY 14221   18007130 74604

Polowy, LLC

LEGAL NOTICES

NASSAU COUNTY

FORECLOSURE NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE

SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU, WILMINGTON SAVINGS FUND SOCIETY, FSB, D/B/A CHRISTIANA TRUST, NOT INDIVIDUALLY BUT AS TRUSTEE FOR PRETIUM MORTGAGE ACQUISITION TRUST, Plaintiff, vs. ANNE MANNING AS HEIR AT LAW AND NEXT OF KIN OF JAMES HOPKINS, HEIR AT LAW TO HOWARD J. HOPKINS, ET AL., Defendant(s).

Pursuant to an Order Granting Nunc Pro Tunc Relief, Discharging the Guardian Ad Litem and Military Attorney, Amending the Caption, Default Judgment and Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered on November 6, 2019 and an Order Appointing Successor Referee duly entered on April 4, 2022, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction on the front steps on the north side of the Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on March 1, 2023at 2:30 p.m., premises known as 89 Sherman Avenue, Bethpage, NY 11714. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being in the Town of Oyster Bay, County of Nassau and State of New York, Section 46, Block 19 and Lots 1 & 2. Approximate amount of judgment is $358,584.87 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index # 000323/2015. Cash will not be accepted. This foreclosure sale will be held on the north side steps of the Courthouse, rain or shine. COVID-19 safety protocols will be followed at the foreclosure sale. If proper social distancing cannot be maintained or there are other health or safety concerns, the Court Appointed Referee will cancel the sale.

Peter James Mastaglio, Esq., Referee Knuckles, Komosinski & Manfro,

Taxter Road, Suite

Too much junk in your house?

Science Olympiad team places first among NYS teams

The Syosset High School Science Olympiad team ranked first in New York State at the MIT Science Olympiad Invitational on January 21.

The Massachusetts Institute of Technology Invitational is considered one of the most difficult invitationals, known for its notoriously complex tests. Nationally ranked teams travel from across the country

to compete. Teams are ranked in 23 science-related events, ranging in topic from forensic science to building functional antennae.

Out of the 65 teams competing in the invitational, Syosset took 11th place, making it the highest ranking team from New York. The team members won 14 medals, placing in the top six in 23 events. This was

a monumental victory for the team.

The team, led by their Coach Mildred Castañeda, consisted of Aarya Patel, Aberam Sriganesh, Alex Chen, Andy Chen, Anthony Rodriguez, Blesson Ren, Brenton Lee, Darius Fan, Ishan Patel, Ivory Tseng, Jesse Lebolt, Marcus Hoshino, Samuel Wang, Samuel Xiao, Simeon Hur, and Tina Chen.

Two POB seniors named Regeneron Scholars

From page 1

NOTICE OF FORMATION OF A LIMITED LIABILITY CORPORATION

Notice of Formation of Let's Birdie LLC. Articles of Organization filed with Secretary of State of NY (SSNY) on 2023-01-11. Office location: Nassau County. SSNY designated as agent of Limited Liability Company (LLC) upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY should mail process to UNITED STATES CORPORATION AGENTS, INC.: 7014 13TH AVENUE , SUITE 202 BROOKLYN NY 11228.

Purpose: Any lawful purpose

dents selected as scholars in this prestigious contest, which this year drew more than 1,900 applicants from 627 high schools across 48 states, Washington D.C., Puerto Rico, and four other countries.

The Regeneron Science Talent Search Scholars are chosen based on their outstanding research, leadership skills, community involvement, commitment to academics, creativity in asking scientific questions and exceptional promise as STEM leaders— as demonstrated through the submission of their original, independent research projects, essays and recommendations.

Ethan’s project, “A Novel Application of Intracellular Anandamide Manipulation in C. elegans as a Model for a New Pharmacological Treatment for Autism Spectrum Disorder,” looked into the ways the presence, or lack thereof, of certain molecules in the brain might affect social interactions among people diagnosed with autism.

Skylar’s project, “Measuring the Effectiveness of Different Stimulus and Medium Types on Environmental Decision-Making,” explored the effectiveness of certain messages and mediums in convincing others of the existence of climate change.

"The incredible talent and commitment of our students partnered with supportive families and faculty has resulted in Ethan, Skylar, and our research students' success," said Superintendent of Schools Dr. Mary O’Meara. “This honor is the result of a true a team effort and a testament to Ethan and Skylar’s dedication.”

“We share in the joy of Skylar and Ethan's great achievement,” said Principal James Murray. “Our students in our Research program are doing important work that will help others.”

Bethpage student-musicians selected for music festivals

Fifty-one talented student-musicians from the Bethpage Union Free School District participated in the 2023 Nassau Music Educators Association All-County Music Festival from Jan. 8–15. This year’s festival was held at the Tilles Center for the Performing Arts at LIU Post and featured exceptional student-musicians from schools in Nassau County.

Each year, students are selected to attend the festival based on their performance at the New York State School Music Association Adjudication Festival. They also must be nominated by their music teachers.

In addition, 10 Bethpage student-musicians were selected to attend the Long Island String Festival Association’s upcoming intermediate and secondary festivals. The Nassau Secondary Festival will be held Feb. 3–5 at Uniondale High School and

will feature students-musicians from grades 9–12. The Nassau Intermediate Festival will be held March 3–5 at Uniondale High School and will include student-musicians from grades 5–8. During both festivals, student-musicians from across Nassau County will participate in rehearsals and a culminating concert.

“I am so proud of all our selected performers and our district’s exceptional music staff,” said Director of Fine and Performing Arts Alyssa White. “Additionally, I would like to thank the Bethpage Board of Education and central and building administrators for their ongoing support of our music program.”

To read the full list of All-County and LISFA students from the Bethpage Union Free School District, please visit www.bethpagecommunity.com

All-County and LISFA student-musicians from Kramer Lane Elementary School.

All-County student-musicians from Charles Campagne Elementary School.

All-County and LISFA student-musicians from Bethpage High School.

All-County and LISFA student-musicians from John F. Kennedy Middle School.

All-County and LISFA student-musicians from Central Boulevard Elementary School.

Photos courtesy of the Bethpage Union Free School District

February 3, 2023

Be Among the First to Experience These New Hotels

EDITED BY KAREN RUBIN TRAVEL FEATURES SYNDICATE GOINGPLACESFARANDNEAR.COM

Who can deny the special excitement to be among the first to experience a new, grand hotel? Here is the inside scoop for some of the 2023 openings to spark those engines:

Le Grand Mazarin - Paris, France, Opening Q1 2023: Known for its collection of eclectic boutique hotels in private and beguiling destinations throughout France, hospitality group Maisons Pariente will debut their first urban property, Le Grand Mazarin, in the heart of Paris in 2023. Located a stone’s throw from the Seine in the Marais district, the hotel is housed within historic buildings that  has been reimagined by famed architect Martin Brudnizki to create an ambiance both true to the area’s cultural heritage and luxurious for the modern traveler. The whimsical 17th century-inspired décor is juxtaposed with lush textures and intricate patterns while floor-toceiling windows warm up the spaces with inviting, natural light. With just 50 rooms and 11 suites, guests will find an intimate setting and the highest level of service at the hotel, which will also feature a day-to-night restaurant, lively bar, and stunning pool.

Bulgari Hotel Rome - Rome, Italy, Q2/Q3 2023; The new Roman hotel will be the Italian group’s flagship location, strategically located in the central Piazza Augusto Imperatore, in the heart of the Campo Marzio neighborhood. Italian architectural firm Antonio Citterio Patricia Viel took on both the architectural project and the interior design of the hotel, seamlessly blending elements of the original 1930s modernist building with classic Roman architecture and materials – such as travertine marble and red brick. The hotel will offer 100 rooms, most of them suites, as well as

the prestigious Il Ristorante curated by Michelin-starred chef Niko Romito and The Bulgari Bar.

Bulgari Hotel Tokyo -Tokyo, Japan, Spring: Bulgari Hotel Tokyo will occupy the top seven floors of a 240m tall ultra-skyscraper in the city’s Yaesu neighborhood – within walking distance of some of the city’s best attractions, including Imperial Palace and the vibrant shopping areas of both Nihombashi and Ginza. The hotel will offer 98 guest rooms in a variety of configurations, including multiple luxury suites and an extraordinary Bvlgari Suite with views over the city from the 45th floor. Bulgari Hotels iconic features such as Il Bar, Il Ristorante, the fireplace Lounge, and a 1,500sqm Bulgari Spa, complete with 25m indoor pool will add a further luxurious touch to the guest experience.

Fasano Itaim- São Paulo, Brazil, January: Brazil-based luxury hospitality brand Fasano Group will open its second hotel in São Paulo with Fasano Itaim, located in the heart of the Itaim Bibi neighborhood where guests can easily reach everything from Michelin-starred restaurants and shopping centers to global office

Life House Berkshires just opened is a reimagined 1970sera retreat that culls inspiration from the lodge styles of the past. Another Life House hotel is opening several other hotels including one in Palm Springs, California, this year. (photo from Life House)

buildings. Fasano Itaim will occupy a complex spanning almost 5,000 square meters that includes other restaurants, bars, and residences – all coming together to create a lifestyle destination within an increasingly stylish neighborhood.

Virgin Hotels Glasgow - Glasgow, Scotland, Opening March: Virgin Hotels Glasgow, Virgin Hotels’ second UK hotel, sits by the River Clyde with waterfront views with 242 Chambers and Grand Chamber suites. There will also be multiple dining venues, including Virgin Hotels’ flagship restaurant Commons Club offering a contemporary and imaginative takes on Scottish cuisine; Rocks, a laid-back but elegant bar offering local whiskies and creative cocktails; Highyard, a versatile space for coworking, entertainment and dining; and Funny Library Coffee Shop for winding down and socializing. The hotel has also launched a Grand Opening Offer for guests who book a stay prior to January 31, who’ll receive a complimentary bottle of Champagne.

Virgin Hotels New York City - NoMad, New York, February: Virgin Hotels New York City will sit at the heart of the booming

NoMad neighborhood and deliver a vibrant yet sophisticated hospitality experience in one of the world’s most exciting cities. Guests will find clever layouts for work and play and floorto-ceiling windows with views of the cityscape at all 460 guest rooms and suites, including Sir Richard’s Flat, the property’s impressive 2,800-square foot suite spanning across the hotel’s 35th and 36th floors. The property will also be home to multiple culinary destinations, including Everdene, a sprawling 4,000-square foot indoor/ outdoor venue that captures the city’s energy through shareable dishes and drinks and rotating entertainment, and The Pool Club, the seasonal deck and bar where overnight guests have exclusive access to lounge against the backdrop of the Empire State Building.

Life House - Palm Springs, California, April: This retro 66-key property built in 1965 will be the first West Coast outpost of the LifeHouse brand. Inspired by the roots of the building, the concept will celebrate mid-century modernism in a delightfully unexpected way –infusing Japanese minimalism and Desert Botanical muses. The hotel will include an expansive exterior Pool Bar & Cabanas, an interior Living Room, and guest room suites with private terraces overlooking the mountains.

Life House Berkshires Opens

Set in the mountains, Life House, Berkshires which opened this fall, is a reimagined 1970s-era retreat with 64, exterior-facing guest rooms that culls inspiration from the lodge styles of the past. The design narrative is imagined through the lens of a fictional writer who escapes to his abode in the Berkshires in search of a peaceful and stimulating environment that fosters inspiration – a cue to the historical

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GOING PLACES, NEAR & FAR....

Be Among the First to Experience These New Hotels

Continued from previous page

literary figures who spent time in the Lenox area to complete their renowned works: Nathaniel Hawthorne, Herman Melville and Fanny Kimble. The Club Room is hyper-focused on seasonality and a farm-to-table cuisine. The cocktail program is a dynamic nod to the ‘70s with charred herbal craft cocktails, fresh pressed juices, and a sustainable wine program.

The opening of Life House, Berkshires follows the brand’s most recent openings of Life House, South of Fifth; Life House, Little Havana; Life House, Lower Highlands in Denver; and Life House, Nantucket. Several more Life House hotels will open next year across the country and into international territories as well. Life House, Berkshires, 194 Pittsfield Road in Lenox, Massachusetts, www.lifehousehotels.com/hotels/lenox/ berkshires.

Preferred Hotels & Resorts Launches

11

Independent Hotels for 2023

Preferred Hotels & Resorts, one the world’s largest independent hotel brands, will welcome 11 new luxury openings globally in 2023, including two additions to its prestigious Legend Collection. From a 17th century palatial estate in the foothills of Mallorca’s Tramuntana Mountains to a heritage resort replete with Arabesque art and design on the Red Sea, each of these new launches inspire adventure and indulge a sense of exploration with distinctive on- and off-property experiences rooted in local culture. They include:

The BoTree (London, U.K.) –launching July (Legend Collection): One of London’s hottest new openings, The BoTree is located at the cross-section of Marylebone and Mayfair - two of the city’s most central neighborhoods and a lively destination for visitors. In addition to 199 guestrooms, including 29 suites, the new build will offer dedicated hosts on each floor and open plan rooms with sliding panel doors for guests to customize spaces – from a single guestroom to an entire wing of the hotel. Other highlights include a rooftop restaurant and bar with city views, a private screening room, and

a live music and entertainment venue accommodating 450 guests.

sly Berlin (Berlin, Germany) –launching May (Lifestyle Collection): Located in the city’s trendy Friedrichshain neighborhood, Berlin’s coolest new hotel takes on the latest architectural trend of blending indoor and outdoor spaces with four buildings, including a 2,368 square-foot greenhouse, connected via open-air walkways and courtyard spaces. Comprised of 150 guestrooms and suites, some boasting spacious balconies or terraces, sly Berlin’s interiors fuse nature and the city’s urban culture with solid oak wood, Italian serpentine stone, stainless steel, and Brutalist concrete. Other highlights include a large rooftop sauna with sweeping skyline views, a health club, and a restaurant featuring an open kitchen and grill.

Son Net (Mallorca, Spain) –launching Spring (Legend Collection and Preferred Residences): Set in the foothills of the Tramuntana Mountains – a UNESCO World Heritage Site – the luxury boutique retreat in a 17th century private estate, will reopen its doors following a large-scale refurbishment. Guests will enjoy stays in 31 guestrooms and suites that beautifully showcase original architectural features such as rustic wooden beams, stone floors, and antique fireplaces, in addition to an extensive curated private art collection, an outdoor pool, and a luxurious onsite spa. Guests can enjoy the surrounding nature, which includes vineyards and mature forests, with tailored experiences and excursions organized by the hotel team.

Galeria Plaza Monterrey (Nuevo León, Mexico) – launching January (Lifestyle Collection): A soaring tower in the heart of downtown Monterrey’s new financial district, Galeria Plaza Monterrey is the fifth addition to the Hoteles Galeria Plaza brand and the newest skyline addition to the state of Nuevo León’s business capital. Boasting panoramic views of the emblematic Cerro de la Silla mountain -a national monument - the hotel blends avant-garde, minimalist design with comfort and technology across 196 deluxe rooms, six lofts, and two master suites. Additional highlights include a pool and lounge, terrace with firepit, full-

A GREENER VIEW

service spa, state-of-the-art fitness center, and two restaurants offering local and international cuisine under the direction of Executive Chef Guy Santoro.

Les Grands Voyageurs (Paris, France) – launching Summer (Lifestyle Collection): Tucked away in the chic Saint-Germain neighborhood, Les Grands Voyageurs will embrace its location with interiors designed by Paris-based Fabrizio Casiraghi – extending a confluence of Milanese design across its 138 guestrooms and suites, each adorned with wood and hunter green accents complementing a bold palette of vibrant brown and ivory tones. The design-forward property will boast a celebratory restaurant concept, and a 35-cover speakeasy bar, complete with hidden entrance and a roster of live music and entertainment venues.

Serry Beach Resort (Hurghada, Egypt) – launching January (Lifestyle Collection): An Egyptian-Arabian heritage resort on the shores of the Red Sea, the property includes 453 guestrooms, a range of dining options, an outdoor horizon pool, Aqua Park offering freshwater wave pools and water slides, cabaret speakeasy nightclub, mezze lounge, and a buzzing food hall with a souk-like atmosphere.

Pendry Newport Beach (California, United States) – launching Summer (L.V.X. Collection): The latest addition to Pendry Hotels & Resorts, this exciting new resort will extend 295 guestrooms, including 82 suites, with harbor and bay views - just steps from Fashion Island, Orange County’s premier shopping destination. The hotel will wow guests with three dining destinations, Spa Pendry, outdoor pool with sundeck, and 14,000 square-feet of meeting and event space.

Amrit Ocean Resort & Residences (Florida, United States) – launching March (L.V.X Collection): Covering more than seven acres of prime oceanfront in Palm Beach County’s Singer Island, the sprawling wellness resort will extend 155 guestrooms with 34 suites, a four-story wellness center featuring meditation gardens, tranquility pools, outdoor Patanjali yoga classes alongside four farm-to-table dining options, including vegan celebrity chef Matthew Kenney’s restaurant AYRE.

American Garden Rose Selection 2023 Winners

BY JEFF RUGG

The American Garden Rose Selection (AGRS) judges have announced the newest roses to be selected in their testing program. This was a bountiful year. There are five new winners.

The AGRS program is the replacement of the All-America Rose Selection (AARS) program that ran from 1940 until 2013. Roses that have been selected in either program are the best ones for gardeners to try. Only about 4% of the roses tested in the AARS program were chosen for a na-

tional award.

Roses entered into the AGRS are tested for two years in six different geographical regions, each containing two test gardens. Most of these test gardens are in botanic gardens and all are open to the public.

The roses are evaluated five times per growing season. Evaluators are looking for the same characteristics you would like in a garden rose. Disease resistance is highly valued since it will give you a rewarding experience with less care required.

The Elser Hotel & Residences (Florida, United States) – launching Q1 2023 (Lifestyle Collection and Preferred Residences): The new 49-story luxury tower designed by Sieger Suarez Architects in downtown Miami, offers 646 guestrooms with floor-to-ceiling windows offering unobstructed views of Biscayne Bay and a pool with lounges and a 16-foot LED screen wall.

El Fuerte Marbella (Marbella, Spain) – launching May (L.V.X. Collection): Following more than a year of renovations, the Fuerte Group Hotels flagship on Spain’s Costa del Sol, will reopen its doors as a 5-star hotel, presenting 266 rooms with interiors designed by the award-winning Jaime Beriestain. The reimagined hotel will launch with a brand-new destination spa and a seafood focused restaurant that draws inspiration from the town’s local fishing culture.

The Benson Hotel and Faculty Club (Colorado, United States) –launching Spring (Lifestyle Collection): Named for the former University of Colorado president Bruce Benson, this seven-story, 106-room hotel on the Fitzsimons Innovation Community campus in Aurora offers meeting spaces designed for collaboration and connection, a ballroom, rose garden, and The Common Good restaurant and bar.

Travelers planning to book a stay at any of these new hotels, or any of the other 650 participating properties across the Preferred Hotels & Resorts, can access exclusive member rates, earn points, and take advantage of other valuerich, immediate benefits during every eligible stay, while also accessing special members-only offers and exclusive partner offers, by joining I Prefer Hotel Rewards, one of the world’s largest pointsbased loyalty programs for independent hotels with more than 4.5 million travelers currently enrolled.

For more information, visit www. PreferredHotels.com.

© 2023 Travel Features Syndicate, a division of Workstyles, Inc. All rights reserved. Visit goingplacesfarandnear.com.

Crossword Answers

They also judge each plant on its bloom abundance, bloom form and attractiveness, fragrance, rebloom habit, aging quality of blooms, hardiness in cold and heat, vigor, foliage proportion and attractiveness, and growth habit. In order for a variety to be granted an award, it must demonstrate superior performance in at least three of the six regions entered. In addition, awards are given for fragrance to help guide consumers who desire roses

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Catching up with some old high school buddies

BY CLAIRE LYNCH

I never knew Rachel until freshman year at St. Agnes Cathedral High School in Rockville Centre. We had different homerooms and different classes but we were both in the band and orchestra. Rachel played the flute and I played the trombone. We connected one day when I couldn’t find my sheet music and she heard me wondering out loud about where it might have gone.

Spotting it on the seat next to me, she asked if that was it. Thanking her, I made some joke and after that we were fast friends. We had the same sense of humor and saw the world in a similar way. We made a point of always chatting before and after band practice and on a field trip her class and my class were together so we had a chance to hang out.

One weekend Rachel was having a party at her parents’ house and she invited kids from her class and the school band including me. Rachel said she lived on Salem Road in Rockville Centre, just think of the witches in Massachusetts, and sure enough that was an easy way to remember her street. It was east of the Rockville Links Golf Club and I’d been past that area many times in the car but never knew anyone who lived there.

My family’s house was further south, walkable to school and the many stores downtown on Sunrise Highway and Merrick Road. I didn’t know several

people at Rachel’s party but there were 14 people in all, and after the party got underway, we had a good time. That day I met Rachel’s parents who were keeping a watchful eye on things.

After high school graduation Rachel headed to college in Rhode Island and I headed to school in Connecticut. We drifted apart for a while since we were on campuses meeting new people, joining new clubs and figuring out if our majors were going to stay our majors. Rachel was an economics major and I was a business major. Moving back to Long Island, I got my B.A. in English at Hofstra U. One day while food shopping I ran into Rachel’s mother, Mrs. Whitaker. I was happy to see her at the store and she gave me the family update.

Her sons had married and moved to New Jersey. Rachel had graduated from college then from law school in Massachusetts. Mrs. Whitaker said that Rachel had married and recently she mentioned going to her 20th reunion at St. Agnes High School. Curious, I said that I was going so hopefully we would connect.

We parted ways and I spent the next few weeks looking forward to attending my high school reunion. Sure enough Rachel and I caught up to each other the next month at the reunion. I was excited about seeing my old high school buddy plus many other classmates. Held at a local restaurant, Rachel and I shared a table with six other people and we all

had a chance to compare notes.

Rachel had worked as an attorney at a NYC law firm and had three children, then two years prior Rachel and her husband, Tom, decided to move their family to rural Virginia and start a horse farm raising American Appendix horses - horses that are half Thoroughbred and half Quarter Horse. They live on a small ranch and spend hours taking care of their horses.

Their change in lifestyle was still pretty new to them but Rachel said that on typical days Tom spends more time with the horses and Rachel works as an attorney from her home office. The kids help on the farm and basically the whole family is enjoying their “rural life.” Rachel said that it was a big change from growing up on Long Island but they were ready for something different. They like the large, expansive space on their 12-acre farm and like the evening sunsets sitting outside talking about how their days went.

Last winter Rachel and I were chatting on the phone and decided that we didn’t need to wait for a high school reunion to get together. We invited two other friends for a girls’ weekend and after a bit of research we chose a French bistro in Westport, Ct., overlooking the Saugatuck River for dinner. It was a chilly evening when the four of us met and we enjoyed eating near a stone fireplace that warmed the room and created a beautiful ambiance.

Westport was a perfect place to meet

since our two friends, Anna and Betsy, were from the Mount Kisco, NY, area so they had a nice scenic drive that took them about an hour. Picking up Rachel at the airport, we headed to Westport. Staying at a local inn, we spent our three-day weekend enjoying some delicious meals and chatting about our families, other classmates and what we were doing professionally. It was a fun time and we four never ran out of things to talk about.

Back home in Virginia, Rachel said the horse she likes to ride is named Cheddar and the three of us laughed as its unusual name. Betsy asked if Cheddar happened to be an orange color, like cheddar cheese, and we laughed some more picturing that.

Rachel added that one of her favorite parts of her day is when she is finished working in her office she will go out the back door and whistle at Cheddar. He always whinnies back at her, saying hello, and she smiles knowing that her horse recognizes her greeting. Sometimes she brushes him and braids his mane. Rachel said that horseback riding is a good way for her to unwind and to have some fun time with her family on weekends.

The four of us pledged to have another girls’ weekend - to meet whenever possible for a few days of laughter and good food. Whenever we meet we recharge our batteries and immediately start planning another get-together.

American Garden Rose Selection 2023 Winners

for their fragrance.

We start with Brick House Pink. It has bright pink flowers that start in the spring and last until the first frost. There are about 15 petals in an open cup shape. The plant stays very bushy at just 2.5 feet tall and wide, and it can be used in large flowerpots. It did best in the North Central, Northwest and Southwest regions.

Brindabella Roses are a group of tough shrub roses that have excellent disease resistance. The newest rose in the group

is Pink Princess. The 25- to 30-petal flowers are very fragrant. It grows 4 feet tall and wide. It did best in the South Central, Southeast and Southwest regions. It is also a fragrance award winner.

Magnolia Memories flowers are light pink and reminiscent of magnolia flowers. The 20-petal flowers are on top of 6-foottall plants that can make a nice hedge. The plants are disease resistant. It is a fragrance award winner.

The Oso Easy group of roses are very dependable landscape roses. The newest addition to the group is called Urban Leg-

end. The 15- to 20-petal flowers open wide to display a large cluster of bright orange stamens. This plant seems to always be in bloom. The disease-resistant leaves stay dark green all summer. The 3-foottall plants can be used in large masses in the landscape or in individual containers. Urban Legend can be matched with other Oso Easy roses such as Double Red to make a longer-lasting impact. It did best in the Northeast, North Central, Southeast, South Central and Southwest regions.

Petite Knock Out is the first miniature Knock Out rose. The 1.5-inch flowers are

bright fire-engine red and seem to bloom continuously. The plants are only 18 inches tall and can be used in masses in the landscape as a ground cover or in patio pots. This variety can be used with other Knock Out roses as a border hedge or to create changes in height. It did best in the Northwest, South Central and Southeast regions.

Email questions to Jeff Rugg at info@ greenerview.com. .

COPYRIGHT 2023 JEFF RUGG

DISTRIBUTED BY CREATORS

Columnist Turns a Molehill Into a Mountain

BY TOM MARGENAU

Several readers shared with me a story that ran in many newspapers around the country headlined: “Social Security Hell.” It relayed the story of the columnist’s ongoing efforts to correct the date of birth in his 98-year-old mother’s Social Security records.

On the surface, it seems like it should be something simple to do. But the columnist ran into all kinds of bureaucratic roadblocks when trying to deal with agents from both the Medicare and Social Security agencies. (The problem involved an incorrect date of birth in Medicare’s files, but those files are linked to Social Security Administration records, so the columnist ended up having to work with SSA reps.)

I’m not going to detail all the problems he encountered here. But I can share what the crux of the issue turned out to be. The guy’s long saga of trying to help his mother boils down to a rather simple issue: the very strict rules about the privacy of each person’s Social Security records. So, in other words, what he called “Social Security hell” was just an issue of keeping his mother’s records private. If he would have been instructed to file to be her “representative payee” right from the start, this “hell” would never have happened. I wrote a column about this a couple years ago. I’m going to dust it off to finish today’s column.

Social Security rules have always been very strict about the privacy of someone’s records. For example, there is no way I could get any Social Security information about any one of my readers from the Social Security Administration. And you couldn’t get any information about me. In fact, I couldn’t even get information about my wife. If I called the SSA tomorrow and asked, “Can you tell me how much my wife is getting in monthly benefits?” -- they would correctly tell me, “Sorry, sir, that information is private, and we can’t disclose it to you.”

Those privacy laws are the premise behind the supposed “hell” the columnist ran into trying to help his mother change her date of birth. You just can’t make any changes to, or get any information about, someone’s Social Security records without his or her permission. It’s as simple as that.

I can hear many of you saying: “But come on, Tom; this guy is just trying to help his mother get her date of birth changed.” And I understand that point. But you’ve got to understand that the law is very clear on this. As long as people are mentally capable of handling their own Social Security affairs, they have that right to the privacy of their records.

And those two words, “mentally capable,” are the key to the columnist being able to help his mother with her Social Security affairs. Or to turn that around, if she is mentally incapable of handling her own business with Social Security,

the columnist can be appointed what the SSA calls her “representative payee.”

When that happens, his mother’s Social Security checks will come in his name and be sent to her bank account, the columnist’s account or a joint account that he might set up. And once the columnist is named his mother’s representative payee, he can (and must) handle all her other Social Security affairs -- including changing her date of birth in Social Security and Medicare records.

However, if this guy’s mom is just having a hard time getting around but is still in a good mental state, then she (with whatever help someone can give her) is going to have to take care of her own Social Security business. For example, with the columnist’s help, she can call the SSA at 800-772-1213 or go online at www.socialsecurity.gov to change her date of birth.

If the columnist becomes his mother’s representative payee, that designation comes with some important responsibilities. Primarily, he is going to have to periodically account for how he spent her Social Security money. The SSA will send him a form (usually once a year) asking him to show what he did with his mother’s Social Security money. Most of the time, that entails showing that he paid her rent, bought her groceries, paid her utility bills, etc.

It’s nice that this columnist is eager and willing to help his mother. But there are times when that doesn’t happen. Someone may need a payee, but no one is willingly coming forward to serve in that role. The SSA has a list of preferred payees, with close family members or those who have custody of the Social Security beneficiary at the top of the list. And sometimes if a person is in an institution, like a nursing home or other care facility, it’s just easiest to have the benefits sent directly to that institution.

There are also times when there can be a family squabble over who should be the payee for a mentally incompetent person. Different family members will each insist that the benefits be paid to themselves. Then the SSA has to investigate, usually using that aforementioned list of preferred payees, and decide who is the proper person for that role.

There are also times when one family member will accuse another family member of misusing the Social Security funds for an incapable Social Security beneficiary. Once again, the SSA must step into the middle of these family quarrels and figure out what is going on.

A lot of this can be avoided with what the SSA calls an “advance designation of representative payee.” If you are a Social Security beneficiary who is still in good mental health, you can contact your Social Security office and name someone you would prefer to be your payee if the need ever arises. This could avoid a lot of hassles later on.

Before I close, let me make one final point. Many times, people will say, “I don’t need to be made my mother’s representative payee. I have been appointed to be her power of attorney. But power of attorney is essentially a meaningless designation for Social Security purposes. For example, you could be appointed power of attorney for someone who is mentally competent but just needs help with legal and other matters. So that power of attorney status gives you absolutely no right to violate the law that

says the SSA has to keep everyone’s Social Security records private.

If you have a Social Security question, Tom Margenau has two books with all the answers. One is called “Social Security -- Simple and Smart: 10 Easy-to-Understand Fact Sheets That Will Answer All Your Questions About Social Security.” The other is “Social Security: 100 Myths and 100 Facts.” You can find the books at Amazon.com or other book outlets.

COPYRIGHT 2023 CREATORS.COM

CROSSWORD PUZZLE

Answers on page 2

The effect of the debt ceiling on consumer spending & housing

BY PHILIP A. RAICES

We reached our debt spending limit on January 19th but hopefully have enough money to pay our current debts (not new ones). Congress has approximately until June to be able to raise our debt limit; otherwise, the U.S. will be in default on our obligations to pay our bills; an event that has never occurred. However, in 2011, when similar issues arose, the creditrating agency, Standard and Poor’s downgraded the credit rating of the U.S. Government for the first time in its history; although Moody’s and Fitch kept the higher AAA ratings because they felt we were headed in the right direction but were very concerned about our future debt. As I am limited to further explaining as much as I would like, the following 2 links will provide a further clearer understanding published on 11/9/15 and 1/18/23 about our debt crisis then and now: https:// www.gao.gov/blog/2015/11/09/debtlimit-101

https://www.thebalancemoney. com/national-debt-by-year-comparedto-gdp-and-major-events-3306287

Unfortunately, at this point in time, the Republicans are refusing to increase our debt limit unless there are considerable reductions in Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, and other appropriations and budget considerations already in effect. But what about the military, which they are always in favor of increasing? As one of his concessions to becoming Speaker, McCarthy agreed to a 10-year spending limit for the military based on its 2022 budget that could lead to a 10% decrease in funding; also the GOP also wanted to defund the IRS by 80 billion.

The Democrats, including President Biden, say social benefits are off the table and are totally against this action. So for now they are at an impasse and nothing will get accomplished even though they have some time to figure out an agreement. Now the focus has been obscured by the Biden classified document issues and it will take time away from the debt-limit issue which will add to prolonging and coming to a solution that both parties must agree upon.

The House is controlled by the Republicans and the Senate is still by the Democrats and they are at loggerheads right now. Most current and future issues along with procrastination will be a major enigma as part of their typical modus operandi in the way Congress approaches difficult decisions. Our reckoning and its effect will be upon all of us as crucial agreements and decisions will most definitely have

to be made in the very near future. Time will continue to pass as the critical June deadline approaches. Most will go about their daily lives not truly understanding what will happen unless the full Congress authorizes the increase in our National Debt limit.

In 2023 consumer spending will surely decrease as the continued effects of inflation, layoffs, lost businesses, and high-interest rates. Although local real estate has done fairly well with the current demand being what it is during these inflationary times, the lag effect and the time it takes for a greater shock haven’t been totally felt just yet. Unless rates come down and inventory increases, the impact on reduced sales will be felt, especially as demand decreases when individuals and families (millennials and Gen Zs) become less serious about buying and either stay where they are, go into affordable rentals, or leave NYS altogether; as baby boomers are also exiting to reduce their expenses too. Last year had seen a net loss of 180,000 people fleeing NYS, the highest in the U.S. to less costly states, such as Florida and Texas, which had the greatest influx as well as Idaho, South Carolina, and South Dakota gaining too. More info here: https://www.timesunion.com/ state/article/New-York-continues-tolead-nation-in-population-17674233.php

However, in those states where investors and flippers and construction are highly concentrated and have financed e.g., Idaho, Florida, North Carolina, Georgia, Texas, Tennessee, Ohio, Missouri, Indiana, and Alabama noted in an article by KM Business Information US, Inc will have the most difficulty. Refinancing will raise their costs dramatically and finding new buyers and tenants will be extremely challenging as new inventory hits the market. As an example, D. R Horton the largest U.S. builder is having some difficulty selling their newly constructed homes as cancellations were up 32% in the 4th quarter of 2022. That’s up from 19% in the 2021 quarter and 8% above the 3rd quarter cancellation rate. They have resigned to leasing them in certain locations, which has also been somewhat challenging too, such as Dallas-Fort Worth where their corporate office is located, Houston, Austin, Atlanta, and Phoenix; and many more are being completed that will come onto the market in 2023. If you are planning

to move now, might be an opportune time to consider those cities to gain a huge advantage in purchasing as they will be much more negotiable as their inventory sits idle and languishes in the market. However, larger investors will be jumping in as potential unemployment increases and in turn, prices come down where they will see their opportunity to buy in bulk and be your greatest competitor. More on D.R. Horton:

https://seekingalpha.com/ article/4560677-keep-an-eye-on-drhorton-in-2023

More info on the current and future state of real estate in the U.S.: https://www.usbank.com/ investing/financial-perspectives/ investing-insights/interest-ratesimpact-on-housing-market.html

Also, here is a study completed by the National Association of Realtors on the profile of buyers and sellers back in 2022:

https://store.realtor/2022-nar-profile-of-home-buyers-and-sellers-download/

Things will continue to digress this year unless there is a pivot in rates, which isn’t necessarily in the cards at the moment, where the scope and intensity of the recession is still unknown. However, I believe the number one advantage that many Long Island communities possess that keeps and enables those who can truly afford to stay, is top-notch and highly-ranked school districts. Other benefits are the cultural diversity, scenic beaches, and camping, hiking trails, and green spaces. Here are links to many more reasons why to live or move to Long Island:

https://www.longisland.com/50reasons-to-love-life-on-long-island. html

https://www.luckytolivehererealty. com/blog/top-5-reasons-you-shouldchoose-to-live-on-long-island

https://dumbomoving.com/ reasons-why-people-move-to-longisland/

In order to keep more people from leaving, Democratic Governor Hochul has recently proposed 800,000 additional units for middle-income individuals and families as well as lower-income qualified in and around NYC and especially on Long Island. To get this accomplished, usurping, as needed, local restrictive housing zoning regu-

lations will be necessary. Long Island Republicans have come out against this potential action, saying there are better ways to accomplish this ever-pressing situation. If so, I would like to know and look forward to when I can read or hear their plans as to what they would be considering; as time is of the essence in our continuing dilemma of lack of housing. This would hopefully stem the tide of those leaving the area.

2023-2025 will be pivotal years for housing and we need our answers today and not sometime in the future when it just may be too late for New York and Long Island.

Continue to Donate to the Ukrainian Crisis and save a life or 2: https://usaforiom.org/iomsukraine-response/

Philip A. Raices is the owner/Broker of Turn Key Real Estate at 3 Grace Ave Suite 180 in Great Neck. He has 40 years experience in the Real Estate industry and has earned designations as a Graduate of the Realtor Institute (G.R.I.) and also as a Certified International Property Specialist (C.I.P.S.) and in 2022 has earned his National Association of Realtors “Green Industry designation for eco-friendly construction. He will provide you with “free” regular updates of sold and new homes in your town via the Multiple Listing Service of Long Island (MLSLI) or go to https://WWW. Li-RealEstate.Com and you can “do it yourself (DYI) and search on your own. For a “FREE” `15 minute consultation, as well as well as a “FREE printout or digital value analysis of what your home might sell for in today’s market without any obligation or “strings” attached. He can also provide a copy of “Unlocking the Secrets of Real Estate’s New Market Reality, and our Seller’s and Buyer’s Guides for “Things to Consider when Selling, investing or Purchasing your Home.

You can email or snail mail (regular mail) him with your request or ideas, suggestions or interview you for a specific topic and a Q & A for a future column with your name, email and cell number. He will email or call you back and respond to your request ASAP as long as he has your complete name, cell, email and/or full home or business address. Again, for a “FREE” 15 minute consultation, he can also be reached by cell: (516) 647-4289 or by email: Phil@ TurnKeyRealEstate.Com to answer any of your questions and concerns in selling, investing, purchasing, or leasing residential or commercial property.

Now That’s a Star of a Different Color!

BY DENNIS MAMMANA

Week of February 5-11, 2023

I’ve been gazing skyward for more than six decades, and in that time, I’ve learned a few things. One is that novice stargazers have some deeply ingrained misconceptions about the heavens.

For example, many think that we cannot see the moon during the daytime. Others believe that the Big Dipper is always visible in our sky. Still others think we see the stars as they appear now, rather than as they were centuries ago.

But one of the most common misconceptions is this: “If you’ve seen one star, you’ve seen ‘em all.” This is a pretty understandable perspective; after all, stars appear simply as points of light. How different could they possibly be?

Well, ask any experienced sky watcher and they’ll tell you that no two stars are exactly alike, but that each displays its unique personality in a number of ways. I like to say that stars are people too!

One of the most visible characteristics of a star is its color. Most stargazers don’t notice this immediately because the human eye is incapable of perceiving color well under low light conditions. We know this to be true if we’ve ever looked around a relatively dark room; shapes and shades of gray are pretty easy to spot but colors seem nonexistent. Turn the lights on, however, and we find that we’re surrounded by vibrant colors.

When gazing skyward we discover that star colors are quite subtle. Binoculars or telescopes capture much more light than the human eye and make these a bit more obvious. So, if we’d like to see star colors with the naked eye, we need to look toward the brightest of stars.

The best place to start your search is within the great constellation of Orion, the hunter. At this time of year, look for it midway up in the southeastern sky just after dark.

We can trace the stars in Orion’s large vertical rectangle of four bright stars to form the hunter’s shoulders and knees; at its center lie three stars that form a nearly straight line that represents the belt of the great hunter.

The bright star marking the northeastern corner (one shoulder) of Orion is known as Betelgeuse. This red supergiant star glows with an orange light that is pretty tough to miss. At the opposite corner (in one of the hunter’s knees) lies sparkling Rigel, another supergiant that displays a slightly bluish-white color.

Star colors are more than just a curiosity; they tell us something about stellar temperatures. While our sun glows with a surface temperature of around 10,000 degrees Fahrenheit, reddish-orange stars like Betelgeuse are relatively cool (6,300 F) and can often live much longer than the sun. Bluish-white stars like Rigel, on the other hand, are tremendously hot (18,000 F); they can burn this furiously for only a relatively short time and, therefore, must be much younger

than the sun. After you’ve noticed these two fine examples of stellar color, check out some of the other bright stars around the sky to see what you can learn about their rel-

ative temperatures and ages. Once you do this you, too, will realize that stars are people too!

Visit Dennis Mammana at dennismammana.com.

A Dizzying Array of Celebrity Groundhogs

BY TRACY BECKERMAN

Last year I had a real problem with Groundhog Day. The issue was that there were just too darn many celebrity groundhogs with differing predictions for the end of winter, and I didn’t know who to believe. Between world-renowned rodent, Punxsutawney Phil, lesser-known wonder woodchuck, Staten Island Chuck, and scores of others, the playing field was just way too crowded with clairvoyant groundhogs. I also wondered if, perhaps, Chuck, Phil and the rest of the superstar groundhogs could be trusted. Much as movie stars turn on the charm when the cameras are rolling, I wondered if the celebrity groundhogs might be less concerned with getting the change of seasons right and more interested in just striking a pretty pose for the cameras.

So, this year I decided to follow a

different groundhog. This year I was betting on our groundhog. Suburban Stan, as we call him, lives under our deck, and like his celebrity brethren, he also takes a peek out from his lair around Groundhog Day. I wasn’t sure if he was really looking for his shadow like the other dudes, or if he was just checking to see if the evil family dog was still lurking around. But if he happened to see his shadow, or not, while looking around, the end result would be the same and I would have my prediction. I was fairly certain Stan would give us an unbiased reading, because unlike Phil and Chuck, he didn’t have a crowd to please or paparazzi to perform for. He also didn’t have his own security team, Twitter account or Facebook page, didn’t have his own reality show and had never hosted “SNL,” so all in all, I thought he was probably a pretty grounded groundhog.

As we got closer to Groundhog Day, though, I began to get nervous that Stan might sleep through the big event. Celebrity groundhogs have their own people to wake them up and make sure that they are camera-ready when the moment arrives, but Stan had no people. He didn’t even have a stunt double. What if Stan failed me? I’d have to rely on the actual calendar and The Weather Channel to tell me when spring would arrive.

Knowing he has a way with sleepy groundhogs, I considered phoning Bill Murray to see if he could stop by and rouse Stan at the right time. However, I was concerned that having Bill Murray come over to see him might give Stan a swelled head and then he would think he, too, was a celebrity groundhog, so I nixed that idea.

Then I had an epiphany. With so many celebrity groundhogs out there,

was it possible that all groundhogs have the secret desire to be famous? Are they all just waiting to be discovered and hailed as the new Punxsutawney Phil, get their own movie with Bill Murray and refuse to answer when someone refers to them as a woodchuck?

I thought if this was true and Stan was a celeb groundhog wannabe, then there was really no problem.

When the time came for him to perform, I’d just roll out a red carpet and stand around with a camera.

Tracy Beckerman is the author of the Amazon Bestseller, “Barking at the Moon: A Story of Life, Love, and Kibble,” available on Amazon and Barnes and Noble online! You can visit her at www. tracybeckerman.com

COPYRIGHT 2023 CREATORS

If we’d like to see star colors with the naked eye, we need to look toward the brightest of stars.

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STEPHANIE A. D’ANGELO, ESQ.

Elder Law, Wills & Trusts Asset Preservation, Estate Planning, Probate & Estate Administration/Litigation 901 Stewart Ave, Ste 230 Garden City, NY 11530 516-222-1122 www.dangelolawassociates. com

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HOME IMPROVEMENTS

BATH & SHOWER UPDATES in as little as ONE DAY! Affordable prices No payments for 18 months! Lifetime warranty & professional installs. Senior & Military Discounts available. Call: 866-393-3636

CHIMNEY KING ENT. INC. FREE ESTIMATES

Stainless steel liners cleaning & repair specialists. Masonry specialist. FULLY licensed & insured. NYC NASSAU SUFFOLK 516-766-1666 or 631-225-2600

Since 1982 chimneykinginc.com

DON’T PAY FOR COVERED

HOME REPAIR AGAIN! American Residential Warranty covers ALL MAJOR SYSTEMS AND APPLIANCES. 30 DAY RISK FREE/$100 OFF POPULAR PLANS. 833-3980526

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Careful & Reliable Serving GARDEN CITY and surrounding area since 2003 Repairs & Installations of all types Carpentry, Moldings, Lighting and More 35-yr Nassau Resident References Lic#170101 Phone/Text Friendly Frank: 516-238-2112

Email: Frankcav@optonline. net

Blinds, Shades, Shutters, Draperies

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All types of stonework

Pavers, Retaining Walls, Belgium Block Patios, Foundations, Seal coating, Concrete and Asphalt driveways, Sidewalks, Steps.

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Boceski Masonry

Louie 516-850-4886

ROOFS, GUTTERS, CARPENTRY, BATHROOMS, KITCHENS, NEW BASEMENT ENTRANCES, EXTENSIONS, MASONRY, FLOORS, WATERPROOFING, DRAINS, LEAKS, STOOPS, DECKS, DRIVEWAYS, DEMOLITION, RESIDENTIAL & COMMERCIAL ARIS CONSTRUCTION

10% Discount w/ad. Call 516-406-1842 www.ArisLI.com

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FAMILY CARE CONNECTIONS, LLC

Dr. Ann Marie D’Angelo PMHCNS-BC

Doctor of Nursing Practice

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516-248-9323

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MICHELANGELO

PAINTING & WALLPAPER Interior,

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Catering and Experienced Professional Services for Assisting with Preparation, Serving and Clean Up Before, During and After Your Party Bartenders Available. Call Kate at 516-248-1545

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A & J MOVING & STORAGE:

Established 1971. Long Island and New York State specialists. Residential, Commercial, Piano & Organ experts. Boxes available. Free estimates. www.ajmoving.com

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MAGNUM SECURITY SYSTEMS, INC.

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Let Magnum Upgrade Your Existing Security System.

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PASSION FOR SENIORS

Certified HHA’s, Companions & Homemakers. 24 hour care available. Also Nassau Locations. Trained in Dementia and Alzheimer’s care. Call 718-850-3400

Ceviche makes Valentine’s Day dinner special

Ceviche

Valentine’s Day dinners out on the town can be special. However, there is no denying that reservations can be difficult to come by and some establishments must limit their menus for this busy night to make it easier to serve a packed house. Because restaurants can be so busy on February 14, some couples may opt to stay in and enjoy a special homecooked, romantic meal.

Shellfish may not be served at home on a regular basis, which makes it an option for a memorable Valentine’s Day dinner. Ceviche is popular along Mexico’s western seaboard and consists of very fresh raw seafood that is “cooked” by the action of lime juice.

This Valentine’s Day, romance-minded home cooks can whip up this recipe for “Ceviche” from “The Complete Mexican, South American & Caribbean Cookbook” (Metro Books) by Jane Milton, Jenni Fleetwood and Marina Filippelli.

Serves 6

7 ounces raw peeled shrimp

7 ounces shelled scallops

7 ounces squid, cleaned and cut into serving pieces

7 limes

3 tomatoes

1 small onion

1 ripe avocado

1⁄4 cup chopped fresh oregano, or 2 teaspoons dried

1 teaspoon salt

Ground black pepper

Fresh oregano sprigs, to garnish

Crusty bread and lime wedges to serve (optional)

1. Spread out the shrimp, scallops and squid in a non-metallic bowl. Squeeze six of the limes and pour the juice on the mixed seafood to cover it completely. Cover the dish with plastic wrap and set aside in the refrigerator for 8 hours or overnight.

2. Drain the seafood in a colander to remove the excess lime juice, then pat it dry with paper towels. Place the shrimp, scallops and squid in a bowl.

3. Cut the tomatoes in half, squeeze out the seeds, then dice the flesh. Cut the onion in half, then slice it thinly. Cut the avocado in half lengthwise, remove the pit and peel, then cut the flesh into 1⁄2-inch dice.

4. Add the tomatoes, onion, and avocado to the seafood with the oregano and seasoning. Squeeze the remaining lime and pour on the juice. Garnish with oregano and serve with crusty bread and lime wedges, if desired.

Last Hope Animal Rescue is Part of the Chewy.com Rescue Program

If you haven’t tried Chewy.com yet for your pet food and supply purchases, this is a great time to check them out. Last Hope is now part of their rescue program. For each new customer that makes a purchase, Last Hope will receive a $20 donation. Visit the Last Hope page on Chewy directlyat https://www.chewy.com/rp/5941

St. Edward’s School to celebrate Catholic Schools Week

St. Edward the Confessor Catholic School will join with 35 Catholic schools across Long Island and thousands of Catholic schools across the country in the annual celebration of Catholic Schools Week 2023.

Founded in 1961 and rooted in the traditions of the Sisters of Mercy, St. Edward the Confessor School is a fourtime winner of the Best of Long Island

award. St. Edward the Confessor School continues to provide a spiritually rich and challenging academic programs for students in grades N–8. In the last year, St. Edward’s became the first Catholic elementary school on Long Island to partner with its local public school district to house Universal PreKindergarten classes.

In addition, Principal Vincent

Albrecht has been named Best School Principal three times. St. Edward the Confessor’s class of 2023 earned a total of $230,000 in merit scholarships to Catholic high schools.

St. Edward the Confessor will offer an Open House on Saturday, February 4, 2023, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. During the open house, parents can

• meet faculty and staff

• tour the classrooms and school campus

• learn about the many school programs and extracurricular activities

• discover available financial resources

• learn about admissions information

For more information visit www. stedwardconfessor.org

Nicole Minelli, a resident of Bethpage majoring in psychology, made the 2022 Fall Dean’s List at DeSales University. To qualify for Dean’s List, a student must have a minimum 3.50 GPA on no fewer than 12 credit hours.

n Buffalo State University is pleased to recognize the following students who have been named to the Fall 2022 Dean’s List.

Jennifer Dethlefsen of Levittown

Sharon Chee of Hicksville

In general, students who have completed at least 12 credit hours and who have attained a GPA of 3.5 or higher qualify for the Buffalo State Dean’s List. Full criteria and grade-type exceptions can be found in the undergraduate catalog.

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This winter break, 49 students, including Jillian Miu of Jericho, completed externships through the Muhlenberg College Career Center. These typically one- to five-day personalized experiences, most with alumni hosts, are designed to allow students to explore different postgraduate opportunities.

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Two local students were named to the Fall 2022 Dean’s List at York College of Pennsylvania:

Joseph Bonsignore of Levittown, a Class of 2025 mechanical engineering major

Ryan Hargrave of Syosset, a Class of 2024 graphic design major

To be eligible for this honor, a student must be registered for at least 12 academic credit hours and earn a semester GPA of 3.50 or higher.

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The following students achieved the Dean’s List at Belmont University for the Fall 2022 semester.

Olivia Belluomo of Plainview

Janis Chen of Syosset

Michael Christie of Jericho

Eligibility is based on a minimum course load of 12 hours (exclusive of audit and pass/fail courses this semester) and a quality grade point average of 3.5 with no grade below a C (inclusive of audit, pass/fail courses and zero-credit courses).

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Danielle Gansl of Jericho was named to the Dean’s List at Lehigh University in the Fall 2022 semester Dean’s List status, which is awarded to students who earned a scholastic average of 3.6 or better while carrying at least 12 hours of regularly graded courses.

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Nazareth College is proud to announce that Maxwell Bass of Syosset, has been named to the Dean’s List for the Fall 2022 semester.

A student’s grade point average must be at least 3.5 or above, and they must complete 12 credit hours of graded work

College Notes

that semester in order to be included on the Dean’s List at Nazareth.

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Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) congratulates the following students on being named to the Fall 2022 President’s List. The fall terms run from September to December.

Christina Casaccio of Levittown

Christopher DeLeon of Bethpage

Sarah Elliott of Plainview

Justin Navarro of Levittown

Tristan Persaud of Levittown

Frank Totino of Bethpage

Full-time undergraduate students who have earned a minimum grade-point average of 3.700 and above for the reporting term are named to the President’s List. Full-time status is achieved by earning 12 credits over each 16-week term or paired 8-week terms grouped in fall, winter/spring, and summer.

Joseph Cavaliere of Bethpage has been named to Southern New Hampshire University’s Fall 2022 Dean’s List. The fall terms run from September to December.

Full-time undergraduate students who have earned a minimum gradepoint average of 3.500 to 3.699 for the reporting term are named to the Dean’s List. Full-time status is achieved by earning 12 credits over each 16-week term or paired 8-week terms grouped in fall, winter/spring, and summer.

Omicron Delta Kappa, the National Leadership Honor Society, welcomed 646 new initiates from 23 universities during December 2022.

The following local students were initiated:

Dani Cherkis of Syosset - SUNY Oneonta

Daniel Andrawis of SyossetUniversity at Albany

Students initiated into the Society must be sophomores, juniors, seniors, or graduate/professional students in the top 35% of their class, demonstrate leadership experience in at least one of the five pillars, and embrace the ODK ideals.

SUNY New Paltz announces its Dean’s List for the Fall 2022 semester, a recognition for students who excel academically and earn at least a 3.3 grade-point average in a semester with a full-time course load.

Sabrina Aldorisio of Plainview

Nicholas Borrelli of Syosset

Alfredo Benavidez of Hicksville

Victoria Bica of Levittown

Michelle Camera of Hicksville

Margo Christie of Hicksville

Isabella Epstein of Woodbury

Alexander Genovese of Levittown

Michelle Handschu of Plainview

Krish Jain of Hicksville

Mallory Johnson of Levittown

Jessica Kacinski of Bethpage

Nathan Kamadjeu of Jericho

Joshua Koplitz of Plainview

OliviaLerner of Bethpage

Jacob Levine of Plainview

Eliana Mendolia of Hicksville

Elizabeth Michaels of Syosset

Bianca Myron of Levittown

Ava Nargentino of Bethpage

Julia Novello of Levittown

Casey Reardon of Hicksville

Taylor Recientes of Plainview

Max Rosenfeld of Woodbury

Crystal Rustami of Syosset

Christopher Sais of Hicksville

Matthew Sarni of Levittown

Zachary Schmidt of Levittown

Donovan Swartz of Levittown

Erin Tracy of Plainview

Matthew Walsh of Bethpage

Barbara Watterson of Hicksville

MichelleWilliams of Levittown

LaurenWinkelman of Levittown

Grace Zollo of Syosset n

Timothy Maxwell Elicks of Syosset, a senior majoring in mechanical engineering, was named a Presidential Scholar for the Fall 2022 semester at Clarkson University.

Presidential Scholars must achieve a minimum 3.80 grade-point average and carry at least 14 credit hours.

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The following students at Lehigh University attained Dean’s List in Fall 2022. This status is granted to students who earned a scholastic average of 3.6 or better while carrying at least 12 hours of regularly graded courses.

Allie Olanick of Bethpage

Jordyn Rosenblatt of Jericho

Sophie Weisenfeld of Jericho

Ou Sha of Woodbury

Megan Zabrouski of Bethpage was among the University of Scranton students who studied abroad during the Fall 2022 semester. Zabrouski, majoring in English at Scranton, studied at King’s College London, United Kingdom.

The State University of New York at Potsdam recently named the following students to the President’s List, in recognition of their academic excellence in the Fall 2022 semester.

The students included:

Shawn Berman of Levittown, whose major is music education

Christopher Kim of Hicksville, whose major is music education

Katherine Reetz of Levittown, whose major is music education

Gianna Magrino of Syosset, whose major is music education

To achieve the honor of being on the President’s List, each student must have satisfactorily completed 12 numerically-graded semester hours, with a grade point average of 3.5 or higher.

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The State University of New York

at Potsdam recently named Yongxiang Cai of Jericho, to the SUNY Potsdam Dean’s List.

Cai, whose major is computer science, was among 210 students who were honored for academic excellence in the Fall 2022 semester.

To achieve the honor of being on the Dean’s List, each student must have satisfactorily completed 12 numerically-graded semester hours, with a grade point average of between 3.25 and 3.49 in the given semester.

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Springfield College has named Sarah Kinkel from Levittown to the Dean’s List for academic excellence for the 2022 fall semester.

Kinkel has a primary major of physical education.

The criteria for selection to the Dean’s List are as follows: The student must have completed a minimum of 12 credit hours of graded coursework for the term, exclusive of “P” grades. The student must not have any incompletes or missing grades in the designated term. The student must have a minimum semester grade average of 3.500 for the term.

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C athryn Kramer of Levittown has been named to Alvernia University’s Dean’s List for the fall 2022 semester. Kramer is currently enrolled as a nursing major .

To be eligible for the Dean’s List, students must carry a semester GPA of 3.5 or better and take a minimum of 12 credits.

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Nikita Vyas Joshi of Hicksville was named to the University of Bridgeport’s Fall 2022 President’s List.

To be named to the President’s List, a student mu st maintain a term grade point average of 3.7 or higher .

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Connor Cullen of Levittown was named to the University of Bridgeport’s Fall 2022 Dean’s List.

To be named to the Dean’s List, a student must have a term grade point average of between 3.2–3.69.

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Bucknell University has released the Dean’s List for outstanding academic achievement during the fall semester of the 2022-23 academic year. A student must earn a grade point average of 3.5 or higher on a scale of 4.0 to receive Dean’s List recognition.

Local students include:

Michelle Wu of Jericho, 2025, undeclared

Jordana Groveman of Old Bethpage, 2024, animal behavior

Christina Fokas of Syosset, 2026, undeclared

Daniel Striano of Syosset, 2023, political science

Bethpage students “travel” to China

Third graders from Kramer Lane Elementary School in the Bethpage Union Free School District participated in a full day workshop called “Let’s Go to China” on Jan. 24. Facilitated by award-winning singer-songwriter Patricia Shih and her partner Wendy Weng, the students engaged in different lessons and activities throughout the school day

which focused on China and its history and culture.

Shih kicked off the day in the school’s cafeteria where all the third grade classes assembled with their packets. They used these throughout the day to further their knowledge of China. Weng performed a Chinese dance for the students and Shih taught the students about some

of China’s history and its geography. The third graders were then split into two groups and participated in different workshop sessions in the classrooms.

Among the many activities, the students participated in the ribbon dance and explored artifacts. They also learned how to speak Chinese and discussed the history of Chinese

clothing, like the discovery of silk.

To conclude the fun-filled day, the third graders took part in a lively celebration to mark Lunar New Year. Students had the opportunity to be musicians and Lion Dancers. It was a wonderful way to end a special day of learning.

Kramer Lane third graders learned how to speak Chinese with the help of Wendy Weng (left).

Patricia Shih (right) spoke with third graders at Kramer Lane Elementary School about Chinese fashion and use of silk and embroidery.

Kramer Lane third graders explored Chinese history and learned about the Great Wall of China during Patricia Shih’s “Let’s Go to China” workshop on Jan. 24.

Third graders from Kramer Lane Elementary School watched Wendy Weng perform a Chinese dance at the start of the day.

Photos courtesy of the Bethpage Union Free School District