Bethpage Newsgram (5/5/23)

SERVING BETHPAGE, OLD BETHPAGE, AND PLAINVIEW

Wisdom

Lane Middle School Science

Olympiad competes at state level

Town gets grant to add EV charging stations

New York State has awarded the Town of Oyster Bay over $490,000 in grant monies to expand electric vehicle charging stations in the town. The largest grant allocated for a single Town statewide.

“The Town of Oyster Bay has been awarded nearly $500,000 in state grant funds to expand our electric vehicle charging infrastructure,” Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino stated. “The Town has already installed multiple electric vehicle charging stations as we recognize the tremendous need for eco-friendly transportation alternatives in our community, and we thank New

The Wisdom Lane Middle School Science Olympiad team walked away with several medals after competing against other schools from throughout the state. Photo courtesy of Levittown Public Schools

After capturing a thirdplace win at the regional level, the Wisdom Lane Middle School Science Olympiad team in the Levittown Public School District enjoyed a successful bout against other schools from throughout the state.

The Wisdom Lane Science Olympiad team competed in the New York State tournament in Syracuse on April 14

and 15. They excelled in six events for which they earned medals, placing them in 17th place among 250 schools.

Medal winners included Surya Das and Keira Panick in Anatomy and Physiology; Noah Stern and James Bianco in Disease Detectives; Audrey LoPinto and Rachel Maurer in “Can't Judge a Powder;” Athena Kong and Bhavanjot Bhatti in Forestry; Athena and Madi-

son Espallait in Solar System; and Olivia Kim and Bhavanjot in Flight.

Teammates who also contributed to the top 20 in New York achievement included Rowanne Sy, Daphne Demitras, Paul Linias, Eva Popescu and Sam Kearney. The district congratulates all Wisdom Lane Science Olympiad team members on their success.

York State for giving us the opportunity to continue these sustainable efforts at no additional cost to taxpayers.”

The funding comes as a part of the Department of Environmental Conservation’s Municipal Zero-Emission Vehicle Infrastructure Grant Program. It will allow the Town of Oyster Bay to install 22 Level 2 charging ports and one DCFC pedestal for public use as the demand for electric cars continues to grow each year.

“Thanks to state grant funding, we will expand electric vehicle recharging stations throughout the town without using proper-

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2 injured during attack at carnival

Two teenagers were injured during an attack at a carnival being held at the Broadway Mall on Friday, April 29, at 8:30 p.m. According to Nassau County Police, they responded to a call for a large group of youths causing a disturbance at the fair. While dispersing the crowd, officers were approached by two separate unrelated victims, a juvenile male and a juvenile female, both 15 years of age who stated that they were assaulted by approximately six other juveniles. According to police, the victims stated that they had been hit in the head and

face, causing lacerations. According to police, female victim also had her cellular telephone forcibly removed from her during the assault.

Police say they observed the suspects inside the mall, but they attempted to flee on foot. Three 16-year-old boys, two 16-year-old girls and a 12 year-old girl were arrested and charged with one count of Assault 3rd Degree and two counts of Robbery 2nd Degree. The two victims were transported to the Nassau University Medical Center for evaluation and treatment of their injuries.

Environmental Poster Contest winners

Water district wins award for treatment plant

Oyster Bay Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino and Councilwoman Michele Johnson joined with contest sponsors and coordinators to congratulate the winners of the Town of Oyster Bay’s Annual Environmental Poster Contest, open to all fourthgrade students throughout the Town each year. This year’s theme, “Marine Pollution Solutions,” asked students to show the dangers that plastic litter could pose to our waterways and various ways to solve the issue, including proper recycling. This year’s winners were first prize winner Siddharth Yohan Natarajan from Jackson Elementary School in Jericho, second prize winner Chloe Lim from Glen Head Elementary School, and third prize winner Dhruvika Khanna from Central Boulevard Elementary School in Bethpage. This year’s poster contest was co-sponsored by The Waterfront Center, Friends of the Bay, and the Cornell Cooperative Extension – Suffolk County, who provided great prizes to top winners. For more information on the Environmental Poster Contest, and to view top submissions, visit oysterbaytown.com/postercontest.

The Hicksville Water District (HWD) was recently awarded the Project of the Year Award by the New York Section of the American Water Works Association (AWWA). The district was recognized for its work to complete its treatment facility at Plant 5, which began operating in March of 2022. With Plant 5 online, the HWD now has eight treatment wells online for emerging contaminants, which is more than any other water provider on Long Island.

“It is an honor to have been recognized by the AWWA with this prestigious award,” said HWD Chairman William Schuckmann. “We have put a tremendous amount of effort into improving our infrastructure to account for emerging contaminant treatment over the past several years, and to have our hard work acknowledged by the AWWA is very rewarding. Plant 5 is a valuable addition to our community and we are looking

forward to seeing it benefit current and future generations of Hicksville Water District residents.”

The state-of-the-art facility is equipped with two Advanced Oxidation Process (AOP) systems and four Granular Activated Carbon (GAC) filters, all of which represent the most advanced and effective water treatment technology available for the removal of 1,4-dioxane as well as PFOA and PFOS. This treatment combination is the only approved method to remove contaminants of emerging concern from the ground water to non-detectable levels.

The HWD has invested approximately $70 million into the installation of emerging contaminants treatment, more than $35 million of which has come from New York State grant funding. $17.6 million of that grant funding came just last year, helping the district to further offset the costs of treatment to its residents.

Hicksville Water District Chairman William Schuckmann (left) and fellow Commissioners Nicholas Brigandi and Karl Schweitzer

“Art in the Park” event on May 20

The Town of Oyster Bay will be holding an “Art in the Park” event on Saturday, May 20, from 12 p.m.–4 p.m. at Theodore Roosevelt Memorial Park & Beach in Oyster Bay (rain date Sunday, May 21). Local artists will sell hand-crafted goods, ceramics, watercolors, and more. A live musical performance will take place, featuring Gene Casey & the Lone Sharks, along with family-friendly activities and offerings from local Food Trucks. Admission is free.

“We are excited to host ‘Art in the Park’ and connect residents with local artists and artisans. Featuring hand-crafted goods, ceramics, watercolors, glass, jewelry, wood, leather, sculpture, and other beautiful items designed by local vendors, the event will offer something special for everyone and provides the perfect opportunity to purchase a handmade gift while supporting our small businesses,” Town

Paid internships for college students

Councilwoman Michele Johnson said. “I encourage you to stop by ‘Art in the Park’ and bring the entire family, as live music, food trucks, and activities for kids will also be available.”

‘Art in the Park’ is coordinated by the Town’s Department of Community & Youth Services, Cultural and Performing Arts Division and sponsored by: Extreme Auto Body, Steel Equities, Gold Coast Studios, Action Auto Wreckers, Complete Basement Systems, Gucci Law, The WaterFront Center, Oyster Bay Rotary, Oyster Bay Historical Society, Oyster BayEast Norwich Chamber of Commerce, Raynham Hall Museum, KJOY 98.3FM, WHLI 104.7FM, MAX FM 103.1, and News 12 Long Island.

Additional information is available on the Town’s website at www. oysterbaytown.com/capa or by calling (516) 797-7925.

The Town of Oyster Bay has announced the return of internship opportunities for college students who are looking to gain meaningful work experience through an internship program being offered by the Town for the 2023 summer season.

“Internship give students an advantage over other job seekers when it comes to work readiness, and I am proud that the Town will once again provide that opportunity for our residents,” Town of Oyster Bay Supervisor Joseph Saladino said. “This internship program provides an invaluable opportunity for students to receive mentorship and supervision from experienced government professionals.”

This federally-funded program compensates students at a rate of $18 an hour for work completed within various Town departments. Students will work 19.5 hours per week. The program will

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operate June 1 through August 9. Funds have been granted to the Town by the Oyster Bay-North Hempstead-Glen Cove Workforce Development Board. This internship program offers college students the ability to gain worksite specific knowledge, learn departmental procedures, assist with general office duties and reports, develop an understanding of worksite specific projects and apply the knowledge gained to benefit the Town of Oyster Bay.

College students interested in internship opportunities must apply by April 17. Applicants must submit a resume with their application, available at oysterbaytown.com/internship. Completed applications and resumes should be submitted to personnel@oysterbay-ny. gov. For more information, please call (516) 797-4583 or email personnel@oysterbay-ny.gov.

or

LI native to compete in barbecue competition

finale of “Barbecue Country,” an allnew original series airing exclusively on The Country Network (TCN). TCN will be going to Lebanon, TN, to film the final episode in Fiddlers Grove Historic Village that will be part of BBQ Country Fest at the Wilson County Fairgrounds. Contestants from across America will compete for the title of “Backyard BBQ Champ.”

Headed to BBQ Country Fest from Long Island is backyard cook Dylan Kucmierowski. Dylan is on a mission to bring the flavors of Long Island backyard barbequing to the world.

Dylan is completing his degree as a nutrition science major and his mission is to create flavorful and unique variations of beloved classics.

Dylan Kucmierowski, a native of Levittown, will compete in BBQ Country Fest in Tennessee, on June 2.

Photo courtesy The Country Network/Inthecamera.com

Dylan Kucmierowski, a native of Levittown, will be competing in a barbecue competition Tennessee for the

Dylan is no stranger to the world of BBQ. His family has had a long tradition of grilling delicious meals and he’s proud to be the next in line to show what he’s got. Together, Dylan and his dad, Brimstone, have created a line of flavors that has the hot sauce world on fire.

Dylan says, “Truth be told, I am confident that my food products will be sure to satisfy even the most demanding of eaters!”

Town offers summer jobs

The Town of Oyster Bay has announced that there are still openings for summer employment in the Town of Oyster Bay. Positions are available for the 2023 Summer Recreation Program, as well as the Youth Tennis Program. Those interested must be 16 years of age or older to apply.

“These great summer jobs are ideal for community teens ages 16 or older who are looking to build their resume,” said Supervisor Saladino. “Our summer recreation counselors and tennis assistants have a lot of fun while receiving hands-on experience and making a difference in the lives of others.”

The Summer Recreation Program runs for six weeks, from July 5 through August 11. Applicants must be available

for the duration of the program. Sessions are Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Program participants take part in trips, tournaments, shows and athletic events, including the TOBAY Games, making being a counselor a great first job for many residents.

Tennis assistants must be 16+, have at least 1–2 years of experience participating on a tennis team, and be available for the duration of the program, which also runs from June 26 until August 11. Tennis runs Monday through Thursday, between the hours of 3:45 p.m. and 8 p.m.

For more information, prospective applicants should contact Town’s Department of Parks, Recreation Division, at (516) 797-7945.

Hit and Run Competition

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Hempstead Town Councilman Dennis Dunne, Sr. and Town Clerk Kate Murray attended the Levittown/Island Trees Baseball-Softball Pitch, Hit and Run Competition on April 22, at Niest Field in Levittown.

Bethpage student wows judges at Middle School science fair

Bethpage eighth grader Partap Sidhu from John F. Kennedy Middle School recently took home first place in the physical science category of the South Asian American Women’s Alliance Middle School Science Fair. Sidhu showcased his project, an animatronic hand, which impressed fair goers.

He began preparing for the science competition in December 2022 with the guidance of his science research teacher Steve Carroll and technology teacher Dan Zabell. Throughout the months, Sidhu worked diligently on his project during the weekends and went to about four libraries to 3D print his animatronic hand which moves with an animatronic hand controller that Sidhu wears. One move of a finger and the animatronic hand copies its movement.

As evident from his science fair project, Sidhu has a knack for creating impressive things. This past Halloween he created his own motorized Iron Man helmet.

“As a technology teacher, this was clear proof that Partap was ready to do all the work needed for acing science fairs,” Zabell said.

Sidhu was among eight John F. Kennedy Middle School eighth graders who participated in the fair which was open to seventh and eighth graders across Long Island. Here, the students presented their research projects to judges with the hopes of earning a top spot in one of the science fair’s four categories – biological science, behavioral science, earth and environmental sciences and physical science.

Sidhu will officially be recognized at the SAAWA’s middle school awards ceremony in June.

Eight Bethpage research students from John F. Kennedy Middle School competed in the South Asian American Women’s Alliance Middle School Science Fair.

From left: Director of Science K-12 Chris Pollatos, science research teacher Steve Carroll, South Asian American Women’s Alliance Middle School Science Fair winner Partap Sidhu and technology teacher Dan Zabell.

John F. Kennedy Middle Schooler Partap Sidhu won first place in the physical sciences category of the 2023 South Asian American Women’s Alliance Middle School Science Fair.

Photos courtesy of the Bethpage Union Free School District

What’s our greatest asset at The Bristal Assisted Living communities? It’s the lifetime of interests and experiences you bring to it. After all, that’s what makes you special. A caring team that spends the time getting to know you so you can continue nurturing, sharing and exploring those interests? Well, that’s what makes us special, too.

See for yourself. Explore all of our locations in the tri-state area.

thebristal.com

Upcoming Events at the Jericho Public Library

Friday, May 5 10:00 a.m.: IN-PERSON: Free Health Screening: St. Francis Hospital Community Outreach Program - The St. Francis Hospital Bus will be in our front parking lot offering free health screenings. The screenings include a brief cardiac history, blood pressure, a simple blood test for cholesterol and diabetes screenings. They will offer appropriate education and referrals as needed for those attending.

No appointment necessary, but you MUST be 18 years of age or older.

10:30 a.m.: Coding Storytime (Ages 3–5) - Preschool coding activities can set down the foundation for helping kids start to think like a computer programmer.

Saturday, May 6

10:30 a.m.: Mediterranean Cooking - Tastes from the Middle East with Naela Zeidan - Naela will teach us how to make basic dough to use in some of her recipes. She will be making vegan spinach triangles with sautéed onions, sumac and molasses, Za’atar oregano flatbread manakeesh with olive oil and sesame, a hummus dip with tahini paste and baklava with filo dough, walnuts and simple syrup. Lots of recipes and tasting!

Cost: $3.00 per person, per class. (Non-refundable)

Sunday, May 7

2:00 p.m.: IN-PERSON: Tribute to Neil Diamond with Neil ForeverNeil Diamond has captivated audiences around the world for nearly 60 years with his music and performances! Relive the memories and the magic as Neil Forever, the Neil Diamond tribute band performs his greatest hits!

Tickets are required. Two tickets per person. Non-ticket holders will be seated as space allows.

Monday, May 8

2:00 p.m.: VIRTUAL : Profiles with Dr. William Thierfelder: Changing Your Perspective: Five Women - For years literature classes and “Best Books” lists were dominated by male writers. We will look at five remarkable women who have made deep inroads into the realm of fantasy and science fiction. We’ll explore each author’s life, then delve into the primary themes of these often mind-bending, mind-expanding books: Mary Shelley’s “ Frankenstein, ” Octavia Butler’s “Kindred,” Ursula LeGuin’s “ The Lathe of Heaven, ” Margaret Atwood’s “Oryx and Crake” and N. K. Jemisin’s “ How Long ‘Til Black

CULINARY PERFECTION IS COMING TO Sands New York

Where would you like to dine tonight? At one of New York’s trend-setting establishments like Rao’s, Jean-Georges, or estiatorio Milos? Or possibly the culinary creations of celebrity chefs like Lorena Garcia and Tetsuya Wakuda will be more to your palette’s delight. Whatever exceptional culinary experience you can imagine, you’ll find it at the Sands’ planned Long Island destination resort.

Combined with the local restaurant scene, the Sands New York culinary experience will transform Long Island to a must-experience dining destination. Plus, Sands New York’s fivestar concierge service will be directing visitors to local restaurants, bars and attractions, benefitting the entire region.

Future Month?” These are books that test us, inspire us, warn us and unsettle us in often unforeseen ways. Which women writers have altered your perspectives?

7:00 p.m.: Pop-Up Pet Cards (Ages 7 & Up) - Celebrate National Pet Week by making your own pop-up card of your pet or for another pet lover in your life.

Tuesday, May 9

10:30 a.m.: Family Day with PlayHooray (Ages 8 Months to 5 Years) - Enjoy fun family time together singing, dancing and playing.

7:00 p.m.: Board of Trustees Meeting - The public is invited to attend the monthly Jericho Public Library Board of Trustees Meeting.

7:00 p.m.: VIRTUAL: Evergreen Earth Team: Turtle Rescue Hospital (Grades 1 & Up) - Learn about turtles from this hospital for sick and injured sea turtles. Watch as they rescue, rehab and release the turtles back into the Florida Keys.

Wednesday, May 10

10:30 a.m.: Smarty Pants Storytime (Ages 3 to 5 Years) - Listen to stories about a STEAM topic and have fun doing a related activity.

2:00 p.m.: VIRTUAL: Art Lecture-

Hilma af Klint with Sylvia LaudienMeo - Swedish born Hilma af Klint is known for her magical abstract works, predating the revolutionary art of Kandinsky and Delaunay Malevich by several years. As a dedicated theosophist, a majority of af Klint’s paintings were meant for a spiritual temple and relate to the spiritual teachings of the time. In her will, she requested her work not to be shown for 20 years, well aware that the world was not ready to understand her work, which now has incredible relevance!

7:00 p.m.: Mother’s Day Storytime & Cupcakes (Families) - Gather your family to listen to a story, decorate cupcakes and celebrate Mother’s Day together.

Thursday, May 11

7:00 p.m.: Tweens: Crochet (Grades 4–6) - This is a series so you must commit to all three sessions. In this series, you will learn the basic stitch and skills to get you on your way to developing a life long hobby. Materials will be provided.

Register for all events at https:// www.jericholibrary.org/events/ month

Non-residents may register beginning 2 weeks before each program.

We Belong Club shines light on popular sports

Members of Central Boulevard Elementary School’s We Belong Club in the Bethpage Union Free School District recently explored popular sports from around the world. The We Belong Club, which is led by school librarian Ashley Scotto, celebrates students’ diverse backgrounds and different cultures and traditions from across the globe. During this meeting, each member shared their favorite sport or their family’s favorite sport to watch or play. They then took their meeting outside to play American soccer or football/fútbol, the most popular sport in the world. The club members participated in different soccer drills. Each had fun kicking the soccer ball into the net and some students volunteered to serve as goalie. The students will continue learning about other popular sports during their next meeting.

Club members had fun showing off their soccer skills.

Club adviser Ashley Scotto (right middle) spoke to the students about the game of soccer before leading the group in some drills.

Members of Central Boulevard’s We Belong Club gathered outside for some soccer drills after learning that soccer is the most popular sport in the world.

Photos courtesy of the Bethpage Union Free School District

LEGAL NOTICES

NOTICE OF FORMATION OF A LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY

Name: FORMOSA23 LLC.

Articles of Organization filed with Sec. of State of NY (SSNY) on 04/18/2023. Office location: Nassau Co. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served and address SSNY shall mail a copy of process is c/o 132 Dupont Street, Plainview, NY 11803. Purpose: any lawful purpose.

NASSAU COUNTY

NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF Nassau, Citibank, N.A., Not in its individual capacity, but solely as trustee of NRZ PassThrough Trust VI, Plaintiff, vs. Avtar Singh, ET AL., Defendant(s).

Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered on April 3, 2018 and an Order Appointing Successor Referee duly entered on March 3, 2023, 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 on May 22, 2023 at 3:30 p.m., premises known as 3 Crescent Street, Hicksville, NY 11801. 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 168 and Lot 30.

Two MacArthur High School freshmen win Irish writing contest

BY GARY SIMEONE

Katelyn Swint and Casey Markle, two freshman at MacArthur High School, had to imagine themselves as Irish teenagers living in the United States. The exercise was part of the Martin J Kelly writing challenge, sponsored by the Irish Cultural Society of Garden City. The contest was entitled ‘A Letter To Home,’ where the writer of the letter was a native born Irish teenager temporarily living with relatives on Long Island.

Swint and Markle placed first and second respectively in the contest, which had them pitted against students and teacher’s from other high schools across the County.

Call 516-294-8900

NOTICE OF FORMATION OF A LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY

Notice of Formation of The Law

Office of Ronald J. Ferraro, PLLC. Articles of Organization filed with Secretary of State of NY (SSNY) on 2022-12-20. Office location: Nassau County. SSNY designated as agent of upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY should mail process to Ronald J. Ferraro: 40 Westbury Avenue Plainview NY 11803. Purpose: Any lawful purpose

Approximate amount of judgment is $634,829.71 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index # 014750/2013. 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.

Malachy Lyons, Jr., Esq., Referee Knuckles, Komosinski & Manfro, LLP, 565 Taxter Road, Suite 590, Elmsford, NY 10523, Attorneys for Plaintiff

Michael O’Shea, English teacher at MacArthur, said the girls did an outstanding job researching Irish culture and submitting original entries on the topic.

“All of our students had to pretend they were citizens of Ireland living in the USA on a temporary basis,” said O’Shea. “They each had to write a letter back home, discussing their experiences of school-life and the attractions and landmarks they saw while they were here.”

Swint, who won first-prize in the challenge, said she worked on her submission during the winter break in order to submit it by the April 19th deadline.

“I wrote a piece about my sister and I living with my aunt temporarily on Long Island,” said Swint. “I talked about my

experiences in a new school, exploring the city and seeing Broadway shows. I even went into detail about riding the subway and trying New York City pizza for the first time.”

She said that the length of her letter was nearly 500 words and she made sure to go into detail about all of her experiences living in a new country.

Markle, who placed second in the contest, said she wrote about flying in a plane to the United States and living in her aunt’s apartment for two weeks.

“I wrote about the landmarks I visited like the Statue of Liberty, the World Trade Center and about how brave

people were for being there,” said Markle.

She said that in her letter, she spent only one day as a freshman in her new school. “I really just focused my writing on hanging out with the new friends I made, and all the great things we did, like visiting the different sites on Long Island and in Manhattan,” said Markle.

As an award for winning first-place in the competition, Swint won $300. Markle, who placed second won $150. There were twenty-one other students at MacArthur, all freshman, who received Honorable Mention in the writing challenge.

Town gets grant to add EV charging stations

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ty tax dollars. From cheaper vehicle maintenance to zero exhaust emissions and eco-friendly production, many community benefits can be derived from supporting electric vehicles. We thank New

Our

York State for recognizing our prior efforts to offer EV stations and for awarding us these grant funds,” added Councilman Steve Labriola.

In 2019, Councilman Labriola led a quality of life initiative to install and operate electric vehicle charging stations on

Are

Town property for public use. Since then, the Town has surveyed properties and the public to identity the best locations for installation. Most recently, an EV charging station was constructed at the Western Waterfront in Oyster Bay.

MacArthur writing contest winners Katelyn Swint and Casey Markle

1 Friday, May 5, 2023 Discovery

May

also have Ibuprofin with me.

The day after we cross over Dead Woman’s Pass at 13,829 feet above sea level on the Inca Trail and the day before reaching Machu Picchu - the destination of this Alpaca Expeditions four-day/three-night trek - I celebrate my 71st birthday. I say this because I am not a habitual hiker or climber, am reasonably but not especially fit and live at sea level. So I had been really, really anxious for weeks about whether or not Dead Woman’s Pass, named for its shape, would take on literal meaning.

And while age would normally be a private matter, I say this because if I could do it, anyone who is determined (it is mostly about mind over matter) can do it too.

But my success (and yes, I do considerate it a major life accomplishment, if only to overcome fear and go outside my comfort zone to take on the challenge) has a lot to do with how well Alpaca Expeditions, the tour operator, runs this trip –all that our guides do to make the trek as comfortable and enjoyable as possible; how the porters (who are carrying our gear) all line up to applaud and cheer us when we come in from that day’s hike; the quality of the camping and trekking equipment; the incredible food, snacks and teas (tea time!) that Chef Mario serves that are not only the quality of a fine restaurant but seem perfect for the task; providing basins of hot water and soap and delivering hot coca tea as our wake up call. (The

On Alpaca Expeditions’ Inca Trail Trek to Machu Picchu, imagining the people who laid these stone steps, carved the trail, and the pilgrims who used it to trek to Machu Picchu 600 years ago © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

private porto-potty tent, and an actual “sanitation engineer” assigned to keep it functioning, is also extremely appreciated.)

The hike itself – 26 miles with some fairly steep ups and downs – is actually considered moderate difficulty, along a trail of stones, albeit some high (especially for someone like me with short legs), some narrow, and some that can be slick.

The main problem comes from the altitude. And my great fear that inhabits my mind with each step as I try to prepare myself by walking up and down the steepest hill in my neighborhood for an hour (fortunately, it is on my corner) is Day 2, when we climb not one but two mountain passes - the first to Dead Woman’s Pass at 13779 ft., which will take four hours, and the second, Runkuracay, at 13020 ft, for a total of 10 miles and 10 hours hiking. I calculate the amount of sunlight in the day and am concerned it will take me 12 hours

and I won’t get into camp before dark.

I console myself by giving myself an escape plan: I figure that if I have difficulty on Day 1 (actually, the second toughest day) when the hike is 8.7 miles taking 7 hours to get to the campsite at 10,827 feet elevation, I can decide to simply walk back to the start. (I believe the tour operator also has this as a plan; in fact, we ask what happens if somebody is injured along the way and we are told that the porters, who carry huge loads, would carry the person on their back.) It is also a comfort to know the guides carry satellite phones which they can use for an emergency. I also pack my headlamp in my daypack. Just in case.

And I prepare myself for altitude sickness – not having any alcohol before the trek, taking Sorojchi pills (mainly aspirin and caffeine, sold over the counter in Cuzco) and drinking plenty of water (which works!). I

GOING PLACES NEAR AND FAR

Our guide, Lizandro Aranzabal Huaman, cleverly stops at opportune times to talk to us about plants, insects (used for medicine as well as for dyes, cactus for rope for bridges and to haul stones), the tribal people who still inhabit the mountain villages where he grew up, the Incan sites along the trail, the history, culture and legacy of the Inca Empire. This not only enhances the experience as our imagination fills the images of what we see, but (cleverly) gives us time to rest and acclimate to the higher and higher altitudes, get back our legs and our fortitude, drink water, and get revitalized for the next stage.

And on Day 2, on one of these stops, Lizandro takes out a bag of coca leaves and shows us how to pack it into a cheek and let the juice mix with saliva to help avert altitude sickness. Then, before we are about to ascend the stage to Dead Woman’s Pass, he whips out a vial of an oil, like eucalyptus, which he puts into our palms, tells us to clap three times, then inhale the vapors to open our nasal passages and make our breathing more efficient. That really helps too.

But we also go at our own pace –our guide, Georgio, typically stays in the back of the pack, so we can stop as often as we need and admire the view, take a photo, take some extra breaths.

Continued on next page

Alpaca Expeditions’ Inca Trail Trek to Machu Picchu is Personal Test of Mind Over Matter

Continued from previous page

trail, laid the stones that line the entire trail, built the fortresses, enclaves, resting places for pilgrims and nobility on their way to Machu Picchu.

You feel a oneness with the pilgrims as you walk in their footsteps. It all becomes a matter of personal challenge and self-discipline, mind over matter, just as it would have been for the pilgrims 600 years ago when these sites were built. Each step engages you with the human dimension in time, space and substance.

And I can’t stop thinking about the people who actually built all of this.

Our voyage in the Galapagos, where we had just traveled, was about natural selection, survival of the fittest and the ecosystems in the natural world. Here, trekking on the Inca Trail, going from site to site, we learn about the human ecology. I can only wonder as I plod up these trails, what was involved to hoist those multi-ton boulders and set them in place to build these structures, the amount of food production that must have been required to sustain a population with the numbers of laborers and soldiers to build, expand and secure the Empire, and the calorie count to create and sustain all of this, without the benefit of draft animals, the wheel, iron tools, written language.

So much surprises me about the Inca Trail trek, but most of all is the number

BY JEFF RUGG

Tomatoes, peppers and a few other vegetables are planted in every garden. Try to find at least one new vegetable for your garden each year. You may find a new favorite.

For instance, you could try a melon that looks and tastes like a cucumber. It may even be better than a cucumber for the garden since the plant survives heat very well. The Armenian cucumber fruit is pale green and can grow three feet long. They begin producing just two months after planting. The fruit grows straight when the vine grows on a trellis or twisted when growing on the ground.

Speaking of melons, how about growing a watermelon that you can eat whole in one bite? The Cucamelon looks like a mini-watermelon on the outside but tastes like a cucumber. The fruit are only an inch or two long. The inside is white with small seeds. They grow on vines that can grow six to eight feet tall.

Both melons are available at botanicalinterests.com.

Let’s go the other way for the next

of Inca sites – resting places along the pilgrimage route, defensive forts built by Pachacuti Inca Yupanqui, the ninth ruler of the Inca, in the mid-1400s in support of Machu Picchu his most monumental project– that we encounter. Like Machu Picchu, they were reclaimed from the overgrowth after 400 years being abandoned to Nature. How meticulously they were restored (not rebuilt) by the government– so that we could better appreciate the society, the culture and the history in their context.

They were built to accommodate people making a once-in-a-lifetime pilgrimage. This is once-in-a-lifetime for me, as well, or as I tell myself, “now or never” as the window of opportunity closes for me. So seize the day, which is my motto.

You read about these sites, see photographs (indeed, the photos archaeologist Hiram Bingham published of Machu Picchu, “The Lost City of the Inca”, is what inspired the excavations and spurred this multi-million dollar tourism industry that supports preservation and conservation). But it is only when you are physically here, climbing the steep stone steps, seeing how they are built into these mountains, the scale and the precision with which they were built 600 years ago, feeling the stone, that you can understand and can appreciate this achievement of human endeavor.

The story unfolds as we haul our-

selves up the heights, over mountain passes and down onto plateaus.

Lizandro says, “Okay, team.” Giorgio calls us “Family” and we are off and in no time at all, we are a family as we set out on the Inca Trail.

Tips to prepare: Comfortable hiking boots are essential. After several trials and errors, I was exceedingly happy with the Altra lone peak all-weather mid (wide) hiking boots I bought at REI. Hiking poles are essential (you can rent from Alpaca Expeditions). They provide the tents but you rent the sleeping bag and mat.

Bring power bank to recharge your phone and camera batteries (no place to plug in for four days; bring extra, charged batteries for camera). Bring a light, compact camera, like a point-andshoot, to hike with (I packed my Nikon Z5 in Sarah’s duffel but hiked with it the last – easiest - day into Machu Picchu).

Bring two water bottles (they provide boiled drinking water to fill). Bring layers and hats for cold and warm weather; expect rain or mist – the first two nights camping are likely to be cold – the sleeping bags are excellent quality winter grade but I was thrilled with the warm knee-high alpaca wool socks I bought for $4 at the shop just before starting the hike). A headlamp is a must (I loved the Black Diamond Astro 300 lumens from REI).

Bring altitude sickness medicine

A GREENER VIEW

(there is a prescription medicine, but I was happy with the Sorojchi Pills you can purchase over-the-counter in Cuzco), also people bring coca leaves or candy; have ibuprofen on hand.

Definitely do what you can to prepare yourself physically (and mentally). As I was walking up/down the hill for an hour, I was contemplating doing this for 9 more hours and it wasn’t a pleasant thought. I resigned myself to feeling very uncomfortable for 12 hours, and that in itself was comforting.

The permits to do the Inca Trail trek are limited to 500 a day (just 200 trekkers plus 300 for porters, guides and support staff) for all the trekking companies and get booked up months in advance.

More information: Alpaca Expeditions, USA Phone: (202)-550-8534, info@alpacaexpeditions.com, raulmanager@alpacaexpeditions.com, https:// www.alpacaexpeditions.com/

Check with the US State Department to get the latest information on travel to Peru: https://travel.state.gov/ content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-CountryInformation-Pages/Peru.html

Next: Setting Out on the Inca Trail

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

Try New Vegetables and Popcorn

vegetable you should try. The yardlong pole bean is a green bean type of plant with seed pods that can grow to three feet long. The whole vine may only grow to six feet tall.

There are many varieties of your favorite garden vegetable. Try a new one to see if you like the different colors or tastes. You might find one that grows more fruit or is hardier in your garden soil or climate. Try new varieties that are insect or disease resistant so you can use fewer pesticides.

Q: My family knows I love popcorn, so I was given a few ears of novelty popcorn. They are about three inches long and you are supposed to pop them on the cob. I am wondering if I can plant them to grow my own popcorn. I have grown sweet corn in the garden. Is there any difference in growing popcorn?

A: You can grow popcorn in your garden. Popcorn is one of the four kinds of corn. The others are sweet, dent and flint. Popcorn comes in two groups. Miniature cobs like yours are about three

inches long and grow on four-foot-tall stalks. The other kind grows seven-inch cobs on eight-foot stalks.

Popcorn needs warm soil of at least 60 degrees to germinate, so don’t plant the seeds too early. Plant the corn in square blocks and not in long rows because they are wind pollinated. The closer the plants are to each other the better the pollination will be. Don’t plant popcorn and other corn types near each other. The popcorn seeds will not pop well if cross-pollinated and sweet corn will not be as good either. If the two corn types must be planted near each other, plant the popcorn three weeks earlier to prevent contamination.

Corn is a grass, and it grows better with plenty of water and fertilizer. Add compost to the soil before planting. Supplement rain to at least an inch of water per week. Popcorn will continue growing in very hot weather if given enough water.

It does take a long time for the popcorn to mature. They may take four months to mature, which is four to six weeks longer than sweet corn. Popcorn

is left on the stalk until it is dry.

Like with any corn, deer and raccoons are problems. The long growing and drying time can make it hard to protect popcorn from pests.

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

COPYRIGHT 2023 JEFF RUGG

DISTRIBUTED BY CREATORS

Crossword Answers

On Mother’s Day We Thank All Moms

BY CLAIRE LYNCH

Mother’s Day is on Sunday, May 14, and this year one actress in particular stands out in my mind for speaking publicly about the joys of motherhood. Kristen Bell is someone who embraces her career and her family and she does her best to keep things balanced.

Actress and singer Kristen Anne Bell was born on July 18, 1980, in Huntington Woods, Michigan, a suburb of Detroit. She is the daughter of Lorelei Bell, a registered nurse, and Tom Bell, a TV news director. Kristen Bell went to her first audition in 1992 and won a role in “Raggedy Ann and Andy.” She has said that at an early age she was drawn to entertainment.

Before she was 13, Bell’s mother got her an agent and she was cast in newspaper advertisements and TV commercials. At this time she began private acting lessons. Bell had an uncredited role in the film “Polish Wedding” which came out in 1998.

Kristen Bell attended Shrine Catholic High School where she took part in the drama and music clubs. She won the starring role of Dorothy in her high school’s production of “The Wizard of Oz” and also played Daisy in her high school production of “Lady Be Good.”

After graduating in 1998 Bell moved to NYC and attended New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts where she studied Musical Theater. She left NYU in 2001 to play the role of Becky in “The Adventures of Tom Sawyer.” That same year, she made her first credited debut in “Pootie Tang” which came out in 2001. Her name is listed in the credits. In 2002, Bell appeared in the Broadway revival of “The Crucible.” She then moved to Los Angeles, Calif., and appeared in a few TV shows as a special guest.

In 2004, Bell appeared in the Lifetime’s TV film, “Gracie’s Choice,” which received high ratings. Bell won the title role in “Veronica Mars” when she was age 24 and that started broadcasting in the fall of 2004. Bell starred as a 17-yearold detective, which put her alongside actor Enrico Colantoni who played her father in the role of Keith Mars. This series received very positive reviews and Bell received much attention for her performance.

In 2005, Bell starred in “Reefer Madness: The Movie Musical” where she

played Mary Lane. The Showtime network aired “Reefer Madness” on April 16, 2005. The following year, Bell won the Saturn Award for “Best Actress on Television” for her performance in “Veronica Mars.”

In 2013, Bell was the voice for the main character, Princess Anna of Arendelle, in the Walt Disney Pictures animated movie, “Frozen,” which received the best animated feature award at the 86th Academy Awards. She performed the songs “For the First Time in Forever,” “Love is an Open Door” and “Do You Want to Build a Snowman.” Bell also voiced Anna in “Frozen 2,” out in 2019.

In 2007, Kristen Bell and actor Dax Shepard, who’s also from Metro Detroit, met at a mutual friend’s dinner party. They began dating on and off and were engaged in 2009. Kristen Bell and Dax Shepard co-starred in the 2010 film, the romantic comedy “When in Rome,” the 2012 film, “Hit and Run” and the 2017 film, “CHiPs.” They were married at the Beverly Hills County Clerk’s Office on October 16, 2013. They have two daughters, Lincoln and Delta, who were born in 2013 and 2014. Son Simon was born in 2018.

Asked whether “Frozen 2” and her star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame were more signs she’s “made it,” Bell answered that, while she’s proud of the movie’s success, her true measure of success is the health and happiness of her family.

The family lives in Los Angeles but they go home to Michigan each summer to vacation on a lake. It’s the couple’s home state and that is where they unwind. Bell has said she’s learned more about her husband as they both shared stories about things they did growing up.

Dax Shepard is an actor, comedian, filmmaker and podcast host. Since 2018, he has hosted Armchair Expert, a podcast that interviews celebrities, journalists and academics about their lives.

Kristen Bell’s success has given her more opportunities to choose the projects she wants to work on. Last year on Netflix Bell did “The Woman in the House Across the Street from the Girl in the Window.” This show - one year with eight episodes - is a thriller.

Constantly seeking a balance between her family life and her career, to reduce stress Bell likes to exercise. She finds walking a quick and easy way to get some exercise.

About motherhood Kristen Bell has said:

“What I love the most is how much kids right-size your problems. You don’t

really care as much. They just make everything better. So all the things you used to worry about just sort of disintegrate.”

“I still want a career. My kids will always be number one, but I think if you cut that cord of obsessiveness, then you can work and be a good mother and wife.”

“I am a parent that actually loves to hear advice from other mothers. I don’t care if your filter is judgmental or altruistic - I still want to hear it because it may be valuable to me.”

“I never understood my mom until I had kids. When she would look at me like I was the first drop of water she’d seen at the end of a desert trip and go, ‘You will never understand how much I love you,’ I would go, ‘God, get away! Enough!’ Even in my 20s, I just thought, ‘You’re so dramatic and overly sentimental.’ Now I look at my kids that way and think, ‘Wow, this is a cycle.’ Lincoln won’t understand it until she decides to have kids … that’s just the way it’s supposed to be.”

Happy Mother’s Day to one and all!

Little Green Martians and Social Security

BY TOM MARGENAU

I was looking through some old columns of mine and I found one from about 15 years ago with an intriguing headline: “Little Green Martians and Social Security.” I wrote that column in reaction to a news story that was running in media outlets around the country based on a poll of young people that asked a question that went something like this: “Do you believe you will have a better chance of seeing a Social Security check someday or of seeing Martians land on Earth?” And guess what? Most people answered that they figured they’d be more likely to see little green men from outer space than their promised Social Security benefits.

I wasn’t surprised by those poll results. I’ve been listening to Social Security skeptics for a half-century. I remember way back in 1973 when I was sent out as a relatively new Social Security Administration spokesperson to deliver my first speech on the topic. Hardly before I had a chance to introduce myself, some guy in the audience who appeared to be around 40 years old jumped up and said, “I don’t know why we should listen to anything you have to say. We all know Social Security will go belly up long before we ever have a chance to collect a dime out of the system!”

Well, of course, if that guy is still alive, he’d be pushing 90 now and will have been collecting many millions of dimes in the form of Social Security checks, month in and month out, for about 30 years now. I’ve often wondered if he ever looked back and regretted his rude interruption of that neophyte Social Security rep’s maiden Social Security presentation. At least I hope he accepted the fact that he was wrong.

And that story always reminds me of something I learned from one of my mentors when I started working for the Social Security Administration. He was a fairly high-placed official within the agency who started working for the SSA shortly after it was created in 1936. And he told me that way back then, many members of the public were telling him that the Social Security program was doomed to failure.

Well, those doomsayers in 1936 were wrong about the future of Social Security. And that rude audience member who interrupted me in 1973 was wrong about the future of Social Security. And those poll respondents from about 20 years ago who said they’d see Martians from space before they’d see Social Security benefits were wrong about the future of Social Security. And so too are the people I still hear from today who tell me that Social Security is destined to fail.

I mean, come one folks! The Social Security program is almost 90 years old now. It has been paying monthly benefits over those years without fail to hundreds of millions of people. How long must the

program be around before people accept the fact that it is here to stay?

But of course, I’m not naive. I know what fuels people’s recent skepticism about the future of the program. You can hardly go a week without seeing some newspaper report or some internet story predicting Social Security’s demise.

Some of the headlines like this one: “Social Security going broke in 2034” are just outright false. Some of the headlines like this one: “Social Security benefits to be cut 20% in 2034” are misleading. And of course, none of the headlines tell the whole story.

If you go beyond the headlines and read the rest of the story, you will see a statement similar to this one: “By 2034, Social Security will only have enough cash reserves to pay 80% of promised benefits IF NO CHANGES ARE MADE TO THE SYSTEM BY THEN.”

I added the emphasis to the “if no changes are made” part of that sentence because it is the key. The Social Security program will never reach the point where future benefits will have to be cut by 20% because there is absolutely no question that the system will be reformed before we reach the 2034 crunch date.

How do I know that? Well, for one thing, it’s just common sense. No member of Congress, no president, no government official is going to let the Social Security program go belly up. You can be as cynical as you want about the state of politics and about the lack of bipartisanship in our country today. But I can assure you that no politician is going to say to their elderly constituents: “Sorry, Grandma, because I’m bickering with my colleagues across the aisle and can’t get anything done, I’m going to just forget about reforming Social Security and cut your Social Security checks by 20%!” (OK, maybe there are a few rogue members of Congress out there who might say that. But certainly nowhere near a majority.

How else do I know that Social Security will not go belly up by 2034? Well, history is on my side. Throughout its history, the program has been reformed many times to keep it relevant and to keep it financially secure. The last time that happened in a big way was the early 1980s. At that point, the Social Security system was about five years away from going in the red. Back then, President Ronald Reagan appointed the National Commission on Social Security Reform, made up of a bipartisan coalition of senators, members of Congress and other experts. They proposed, and Congress eventually passed, a series of relatively modest tax increases and benefit cuts that kept the system solvent for the next 50 years.

And that’s what’s going to happen again. I’m betting there will be another commission established that will suggest relatively modest reforms that will keep the program solvent for the next half-century.

Before I close, I must make this point. I get dozens of emails from readers who tell me that the aforementioned Social Security headlines scare them, so they are choosing to take early (and reduced) benefits now so that they can get “grandfathered in” to the current system before benefits are cut. My advice to them is always the same: DO NOT make Social Security decisions based on politics. Make decisions based on your own personal economic situation. And I say that because I can guarantee that you will have a better chance of seeing little green men

from outer space than you will of seeing the Social Security program go belly up now or anytime in the future.

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

How is the real estate market doing so far in 2023

BY PHILIP A. RAICES

It sure does appear that our market is still moving expeditiously along; although in some areas a bit slower depending on the listing price, type of property, location and school district and the negotiability of the sellers today and going forward during 2023. There are still those who qualify for a mortgage and are putting down either 20% out of pocket with 700+% credit scores and low debt/income ratios up to more than 30+% making them easier to qualify for their financing.

Then again, there are those who are purchasing for cash and buying outright without any financing. This appears to be relevant and apparent in those states and locations where a majority of purchasers have moved from higher priced States. The top 10 States who have had losses in population in 2022-2023, (and some over the last 10 years), as per the Census Bureau were, New York, Illinois, Hawaii, California, Louisiana, Massachusetts, West Virginia, Mississippi, Pennsylvania and Michigan and New Jersey was the 11th.

There are some obvious reasons for the loss of population in those states. The first is the cost of living and real estate and state taxes, for those not earning an adequate income. Possibly, many are and have been laid off and there will continue to be more let go over the next 6-36 months. Major corporations, like Amazon whose who had doubled the number of employees as the headcount peaked in 2021 with 1,608,000 full-time and part-time employees, not contacting external contractors. However, in 2022, layoffs reduced that number to 1,541,000 employees from the start of the Pandemic through 2022.

More important layoffs have continued as an additional 27,000 have been let go. Sales have drastically retreated in many industries, creating the immediate need to cut expenses and that means more layoffs. Many hi-tech company’s sales have been reduced as more individuals have made the decision to work remotely and companies are cutting back their budgets and buying less equipment and technology. Layoffs will continue as long as there is pressure on company sales and profits, reflecting the impact that our Pandemic has dealt to a multitude of companies and our economy.

As layoffs continue there will be a lag affect in the way that foreclosures and short sales will occur. For those whose businesses have failed or who have lost their jobs and are currently homeowners, it would be prudent today to take advantage of the higher prices and plan ahead and consider selling and cashing out, while you have

substantial equity that you have gained over the last few years. This is an opportune time to get out so you will leave with a greater sum of money in your pocket, than waiting until prices moderate lower in the future.

Long Island has seen strength in the market with buyers still out trying to find their “next place to call home.” However, there are those that have hopped back on the fence to wait until rates go lower; as that may take a few years based on where our economy and inflation is currently.

According to Lawrence Yun, our economist for the National Association of Realtors researched and found that the statistics showed that those who live out west where 5 out of 10 of the most expensive cities are in California have seen the greatest price reductions. San Jose, California was the most expensive place to purchase a home in the U.S. in the 4th quarter of 2022 as the median price was $1,577,500 and is now down 5.8% from a year ago; and prices there have already dropped 17% from the peak of $1,900,000 median price in the 2nd quarter of 2022, according to N.A.R. San Francisco had the largest price drop in the country, year over year, last quarter, with the median price of $1,230,000 down 6.1% from a year ago. Homes there are already down 21% in the 4th quarter of 2022 from the peak median price of $1,550,000 in the 2nd quarter. Other cities where prices are down are Los Angeles, California, Boulder, Colorado, Boise, Idaho and others. Prices have increased in many areas as much as 42% over the last 3 years,” said Yun,

noting that the swelling of prices have far surpassed wage increases and consumer price inflation since 2019.

You can see from the graphs below that single and multi-family homes have still increased, although at a much slower pace than in the last 2 years. However, co-ops have done extremely well and have increased, I believe due to the lower price points and being much more affordable, compared to condos and homes allowing those entering the market to become homeowners.

As you can see, our areas are still doing quite well; even though interest rates have increased, there is still sufficient demand by cash purchasers, who are still buying. Market activity is still strong, and inventory is still at historic lows. If one prices their homes, condos, and co-ops in a certain creative and “out of box” fashion, making demand occur and leading to a potential bidding war, then a successful outcome can be accomplished. However, no one has a crystal ball or become a “Nostradamus” to predict the future. With more banks potentially failing, and our stubborn inflation contributing to either a soft or hard landing recession in our economy, the continuing Ukraine situation, tensions with the U.S. and China over Taiwan and most critical our gun violence and gun laws in our country and other factors will set the general psychology and future mood. Over time these components will be determinant in either a very positive or negative outcome of where our real estate market and economy will be heading in the future.

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.

BY DENNIS MAMMANA

Week of May 7-13, 2023

Just about every indigenous culture on Earth developed a set of constellations in their sky. Those that we in the West recognize today are mostly those created by the ancient Greek and early European explorers. These cover the entire celestial sphere and represent objects, animals and people from mythological stories.

Occasionally, however, we encounter a constellation that’s associated with a real person, and if we look skyward shortly after dark this week we can see one such example.

High in the northeastern sky you’ll easily spot the Big Dipper, itself not a constellation, but rather an “asterism” -- a group of stars that looks like something familiar. Follow the Dipper’s handle away from its bowl, and you will encounter the bright yellowish-orange star Arcturus and, eventually, the bluish-white star Spica in the southeast.

It is within the arc formed by these three celestial points that we find the small faint constellation known as Coma Berenices, which represents the beautiful amber hair of the ancient Egyptian Queen Berenice II, the wife of Ptolemy III (also known as Ptolemy Euergetes).

The story of Coma Berenices tells that Ptolemy waged a long war against the Assyrians to avenge the murder of his sister. To honor his safe return,

Berenice’s Stellar Hair

Ptolemy’s wife Berenice had her beautiful tresses ceremoniously clipped and laid out on the temple altar to present to Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of love and beauty (now seen in the western evening sky as the glistening planet Venus).

Later that evening, however, someone discovered that the hair was missing. To prevent a terrible panic, the astronomer Conon of Samos proclaimed that Aphrodite had graciously accepted the gift and that she had honored the beautiful hair with a place in the heavens.

And, sure enough, we can now see it there in the sky -- right where Aphrodite placed it so many centuries ago.

While the story of Berenice’s hair is old, the constellation itself is relatively new; in fact, it wasn’t even created until the 16th-century Danish astronomer Tycho Brahe sketched it on his sky maps.

The brightest star in this constellation is known as Beta Comae, about 1.5 times larger, and more than three times more luminous than our sun. It appears quite faint in our sky, however, since it lies nearly 30 light years away.

Today, astronomers recognize that Coma Berenices contains a star cluster visible as a hazy cloud of stars. If you have a dark, un-light-polluted sky, aim binoculars in its direction and you’ll easily see more than three dozen stars making up the beautiful open cluster known as the Coma Star Cluster. At a distance of 270 light years, this swarm is one of the nearest to Earth.

Though the constellation is small and faint, it is quite a fertile region for stargazers with optical help. At least eight galaxies beyond our own Milky Way appear in this direction, and all are well within range of small backyard telescopes.

During the next month or so, Coma

Shaking in My Shoes

BY TRACY BECKERMAN

When I found the boots, it was love at first footwear.

They were a unicorn, or in this case, a shoenicorn. The designer only made one pair in each size and after each pair was sold, that was it. Gone. Dunzo. No-shoe-nus, no-more-nus.

I quickly snapped them up but realized I was going to have to treasure and protect these shoes because once they were gone, they could not be replaced. I could get a new husband if I wanted, but I couldn’t get a new pair of these boots.

But as is wont to happen when you wear the same shoes every day, over time, my boots eventually got scuffed and worn down. It happened slowly, subtly, kind of like when the shine wears off a new car and it loses that new car smell and routinely looks like you rear-ended your garage refrigerator backing in. Not that I ever did that

(more than five times).

So, one day I woke up, looked at my beloved boots with clear eyes and exclaimed:

“Yikes!”

“What’s wrong?” asked my husband.

“My boots need a makeover,” I said.

“You can’t just bring them to a shoe repair shop?”

I looked at him, aghast. “I can’t bring these to just any old shoe shop. These are my BBFs!”

“BBFs?”

“Best Boots Forever.”

He examined the boots I held gingerly in my hands.

“They just need to be shined.”

I shook my head. “No, you shine regular boots. BBFs have to go to a special boot wizard who is a master in the art of boot refurbishment, having studied under another master for 360 hours and then passed a series of tests meant to weed out the true boot captains from

the mere boot mortals. Only a crazy person would send their boots to a regular shoe shop.”

“Well, honey, if the shoe fits...”

I glared at him and began my quest to find a local boot wizard. Fortunately, where I live, there are a lot of boot repair shops. Unfortunately, there are not a lot of good ones. I read the reviews, and stories of bootastrophes and sudden shoe death swam before me. One wrong move by a bad shoemaker and -- BAM! -- your boots aren’t made for walking anymore.

Unwilling to take a chance on just a so-so shoe shop, I started asking around. And that’s when I found...

“Geppetto’s!” I announced when I got home after dropping off my boots.

“What’s Geppetto’s?” asked my husband.

“Only the premier shoe repair shop in the city. I mean, with a name like Geppetto, he has to be great, right?”

Berenices will appear higher in the early evening sky, so be sure to get out and search for this delicate and beautiful stellar tribute to Egypt’s Queen Berenice II!

Visit Dennis Mammana at dennismammana.com.

COPYRIGHT 2023 CREATORS.COM

“Why is that?”

“Because Geppetto was a famous shoemaker.”

“No, he wasn’t,” said my husband. “He was a woodmaker.”

“What?”

“A WOODMAKER. That’s why he was able to make Pinocchio. You’re getting your fairy tales mixed up. You’re thinking of the story with the shoemaker and the elves.”

“Was he married to the old woman who lived in the shoe?” I wondered.

“No,” he said. “But apparently, I am.”

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

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• Excellent references. We will provide you the best caregivers in America.

Filipino men and women. Kind,loving and caring at this very difficult time.

Manager 1010 Northern Blvd Suite 200 Great Neck, NY 11021 jobs@ mljcontracting.com.

TELEMARKETER

Flexible Hours

Seeking a P/T Telemarketer in Garden City office. Precious Metals Dealer. $20/Hr plus bonuses. Experience a plus but will train.

Serious inquiries call: 516-808-4053

SALES REPRESENTATIVE NON

Sales Representatives guide families through the process of making informed decisions for cemetery at-need and pre-need planning services.

Catholic Cemeteries offers excellent compensation for motivated individuals which includes a base salary (not a draw) plus commissions and incentives. Benefits include medical, dental, paid vacation, sick days and 403B.

Sales Representatives interact with families, funeral directors, and other personnel/departments. This is a performance based prospecting position all within the cemetery grounds. We do not visit customers at home.

Experience:

Experience with processes, principles, and methods for selling products and services.

Record of accomplishment in networking, developing leads, contacting referrals, setting appointments and meeting monthly sales goals

Excellent interpersonal and communication skills in person, on the telephone and online

Highly organized, detail oriented, and excellent time management skills

Ability to work and make decisions under pressure and tight deadlines. Proficient in the use of computers and technology

Valid state issued driver’s license required.

Job Type: Full-Time

Monday – Friday 9am-5pm and Saturdays from 9am-1pm

Salary: $65,000.00 - $100,000.00 per year. (Salary plus commission)

Please send resume to cbalcarcel@ccbklyn.org

EMPLOYMENT SITUATION WANTED

A HOME HEALTH CARE

AIDE Irish trained woman with 10 years experience and excellent checkable references available. Honest and reliable. Licensed driver with own transportation.

Please call 516-383-7150

BUSINESS PROFESSIONAL

With experience in Operations, Sales and Management available. Contact jtgallen@outlook. com

ELDER CARE Experienced woman seeks position to care for the elderly live in or live out. Certified HHA. Excellent references.

Please call 516-800-6442

CAREER TRAINING

COMPUTER & IT TRAINING PROGRAM! Train ONLINE to get the skills to become a Computer & Help Desk Professional now! Grants and Scholarships available for certain programs for qualified applicants. Call CTI for details!

(844) 947-0192 (M-F 8am-6pm ET) Computer with internet is required.

TRAIN ONLINE TO DO MEDICAL BILLING

Become a Medical Office Professional online at CTI! Get trained, certified & ready to work in months!

Call 855-543-6440 (M-F 8am-6pm ET)

Computer with internet is required.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

DIRECTV

New 2-Year Price Guarantee. The most live MLB games this season, 200+ channels and over 45,000 on-demand titles. $84.99/ mo for 24 months with CHOICE Package. Some restrictions apply. Call DIRECTV 1-888-534-6918

MARKETPLACE

A.T. STEWART EXCHANGE CONSIGNMENT SHOP 516-746-8900

Antiques-FurnitureJewelry-Silver-MirorsLamps-Artwork

Come to Consign & Stay to Shop Visit.... Our Shop

109 Eleventh St. Garden City

Mon-Fri 10-4 (Wed till 6) Saturday 12-4

Shop Our Online Store ATStewartExchange.org

Items to Consign?

Email photos (with sizing info) to: store@atstewartexchange. org

All proceeds benefit The Garden City Historical Society

Like us on Facebook & Instagram

ANTIQUE LOVERS TAKE NOTE!

BRIMFIELD IS HERE ALL SHOWS!

May 9-14, New shows open daily! BrimfieldAntiqueFleaMarket.com

2023 Show Dates:

May 9-14

July 11-16

September 5-10

INVITED ESTATE SALES

BY TRACY JORDAN

is doing VIRTUAL TAG SALES and ONLINE AUCTIONS now!

Sell the contents of an entire house or sell just a few things!

You can host your own sale on invitedsales.com and Facebook and Instagram or we can do it for you. We can photograph, advertise and handle the winning pickups for you within a week!

Don’t worry about your closing date, we can get your house ready on time! We are a one stop service for all your needs when you are moving or selling a property! Selling, donating, discarding and cleaning out services can be done to meet your time frame with minimal stress. Contact info@invitedsales.com for more information or call 516-279-6378 to schedule a consultation or receive more information. Visit us at www.invitedsales. com for a listing of our upcoming Virtual Tag Sales and Weekly Auctions!

MARKETPLACE

WANTED TO BUY

LOOKING TO BUY!

Estates, Oriental items, Gold, Silver, Costume Jewelry, Dishes, Flatware, Watches, Clothing, Old Photos, Coins, Stamps, Records, Toys, Action Figures, Comics, Art and Furniture. Immediate Cash Paid Call George 917-775-3048 or 718-386-1104

TOP CASH PAID: ESTATE CONTENTS ALL OBJECTS OF ART JEWELRY, ETC. Please call 718-598-3045 or 516-270-2128 www.antiqueassets.com

AUTOMOTIVE

REAL ESTATE FOR RENT APARTMENT FOR RENT

GARDEN CITY BORDER

APARTMENT. Huge, bright

2BR, 2 Bath apt. $2,485 + Electric. Gated Parking. Laundry room, Air Conditioning, Dishwasher, Hardwood Floors. Near LIRR. NO BROKER FEE. www.gcbapts.com

Voice or text: 516-524-6965

OFFICE SPACE

GARDEN CITY

PROFESSIONAL OFFICE

SPACE FOR SUBLET IN LAW FIRM SUITE

1305 Franklin Ave, Third Floor Suite

3 to 4 windowed offices and 2 to 3 Admin Asst. workstations available.

SERVICES

STRONG ISLAND PROPERTY SERVICES

We are a landscaping service company founded by 2 GCHS graduates. We strive to enhance residential landscapes by specializing in mulch and flower installations, bush trimming, tree removal, sod installation and much more.

Call us Today for a free estimate and if you refer a friend, you’ll both get 10% off your next service!

Call 516-272-3262 or 516-778-4180

ATTORNEY

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

AUTOS WANTED

***AAA*** AUTO BUYERS

$Highest$ Ca$h Paid$ All Years /Conditions! WE VISIT YOU! Or Donate, Tax Deduct Ca$h. DMV ID#1303199 Call LUKE 516-VAN-CARS 516-297-2277

DRIVE OUT BREAST CANCER:

Donate a car today! The benefits of donating your car or boat: Fast Free Pickup 24hr response Tax deduction Easy to do! Call 24/7: 855-905-4755

WHEELS FOR WISHES benefitting Make-A-Wish Northeast New York. Your Car Donations Matter NOW More Than Ever! Free Vehicle Pick Up ANYWHERE. We Accept Most Vehicles Running or Not. 100% Tax Deductible. Minimal To No Human Contact. Call: 877-798-9474

Car Donation Foundation d/b/a Wheels For Wishes. www.wheelsforwishes.org

Shared reception area and kitchenette, use of conference rooms and copier included. Walk to LIRR Mineola station, courts, government buildings and GC downtown. Ideal for attorneys, accountants, insurance agents.

Available June 1st

Contact Michael Sparacino: michael.sparacino@brosnanlaw.com

VACATION RENTAL

MATTITUCK

2 Bayfront Homes For Rent

One 3 BR, 2 BTH, One 2 BR Cottage. Available the weeks of June 24th-July 1st and August 26-September 2nd. House $2050-per week. Cottage $1850per week. IDEAL FAMILY VACATION. Call 631-298-8433

SERVICES

ARE YOU BEHIND 10K OR MORE on your taxes? Stop wage and bank levies, liens and audits, unfiled tax returns, payroll issues, and resolve tax debt FAST. Call 888-869-5361

(Hours: Mon-Fri 7am-5pm PST)

JACK’S CUSTOM FRAMING

We can frame anything!

Quality Care & Workmanship

Thousands of frames to choose from!!

Over 30 years in business! 92 Covert Ave, Stewart Manor 516-775-9495

HOME IMPROVEMENTS

AQUATEC LAWN SPRINKLERS

SPRING TURN ONS

Backflow Device Tests Free Estimates Installation Service/Repairs

Joe Barbato 516-775-1199

ARBORVITAE 6-foot Reduced to $125/each. Free Installations, Free Delivery. Fast growing, High-quality Beautiful & Bushy! Order now to reserve for spring delivery. Lowcosttreefarm.com 518-536-1367

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. 833-398-0526

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

MADE IN THE SHADE CUSTOM WINDOW TREATMENTS

Blinds, Shades, Shutters, Draperies

Top Brands at Discount Prices! Family owned & operated www.madeintheshadensli. com

516-426-2890

MASONRY

All types of stonework

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

Free Estimates

Fully Licensed & Insured

#H2219010000

Boceski Masonry

Louie 516-850-4886

PAULIE THE ROOFER STOPPING LEAKS IS MY SPECIALTY!

Slate & Tile Specialists

All types of Roofing

Local References

Licensed & Insured

516-621-3869

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

HEALTH SERVICES

FAMILY CARE CONNECTIONS, LLC

Dr. Ann Marie D’Angelo

PMHCNS-BC

Doctor of Nursing Practice

Advanced Practice Nurse Care Manager

Assistance with Aging at Home /Care Coordintion

Nursing Home & Assisted Living Placement

PRI / Screens / Mini Mental Status Exams

Medicaid Eligibility and Apllications 516-248-9323

www.familycareconnections.com

901 Stewart Ave, Ste 230 Garden City, NY 11530

SERVICES

PAINTING & PAPERHANGING

MICHELANGELO

PAINTING & WALLPAPER

Interior, Exterior, Plaster / Spackle, Light Carpentry, Decorative Moldings & Power Washing. Call: 516-328-7499

SERVICES

DISH TV

$64.99 for 190 Channels + $14.95

High Speed Internet. Free Installation, Smart HD DVR Included, Free Voice Remote. Some restrictions apply. Promo expires 1/31/24 Call 1-866-595-6967

LANDSCAPE DESIGN & MASONRY WORK. Sprinkler systems, plantings, flowers and mulch. For more info call Rock Vine: 516-785-1620 or 516-554-4835

Money Matters

Practical and common-sense advice to help you:

• Negotiate lower bills (cell, cable, taxes, insurance, etc.)

• Earn more interest

• Understand investing and crypto concepts

• Save more for retirement

• Benefit from loyalty and reward programs

• Spend wisely i.e. get more for less

Call 516.684.9800 for a FREE 30-minute consultation. No obligation.

SERVICES

SERVICES

LEAK REPAIRS

Plumbing Repairs

Bathrooms, Showers, Kitchens

24 HOUR SERVICE

Call 516-668-5624

SERVICES

SERVICES

MAGNUM SECURITY SYSTEMS, INC.

Serving Garden City for 40 years.

Let Magnum Upgrade Your Existing Security System. Burglar & Fire Alarms Cellular Radio 3G Upgrades. Remote Access Call: 516-486-5484

ATHLETIC & PERSONAL TRAINING

• Flexibility

SERVICES

SERVICES

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

Town seeks nominations to honor local veterans

The Town of Oyster Bay is accepting nominations in order to honor veterans at the Town’s “Salute to America” Celebration scheduled for Tuesday, July 11, 2023 at 7:30 p.m. at TOBAY Beach. Residents are invited to nominate extraordinary individuals who have made a positive difference in our veteran communities.

“The Town of Oyster Bay’s ‘Salute to America’ Celebration provides the ideal

backdrop to recognize veterans and individuals who continue to actively serve in the community and advocate for issues and concerns relative to veterans. The Town is proud to recognize and honor amazing individuals who have helped to shape our communities for the better through their continuing advocacy and exemplary community service each year,” Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino said. “I hope residents will consider sub-

Get results!

mitting a nomination of an individual who deserves special recognition for their continued efforts on behalf of the veteran’s community. I look forward to recognizing the efforts of outstanding individuals who have impacted the lives of our veterans in an extraordinary way yet again this year.”

Nominations are being accepted in three different categories of recognition: Veterans Volunteer of the Year (awarded to a veteran), Friend of Veterans Volunteer of the Year (awarded to a non-veteran), and Lifetime Achievement Award (awarded to a veteran or a non-veteran). All entries must include a supporting narrative describing the nominee’s

on-going veterans related activities, and all nominees must be Town residents. All nominations must be postmarked no later than Monday, June 12, 2023.

Winners will be recognized as part of a special program during the “Salute to America” Celebration, a patriotic evening of top flight musical talent and fireworks, which serves as a thank you to all of our veterans and active military for protecting the freedoms we enjoy each and every day as Americans.

To submit a nomination for the Veterans Awards, please visit www.oysterbaytown.com, email kfileccia@oysterbay-ny.gov or call (516) 797-7925 for an application.

Professional Services Guide

NASSAU COUNTY BID NOTICE

LEGAL NOTICE

BETHPAGE UNION FREE SCHOOL DISTRICT BETHPAGE, NEW YORK 11714

BID # 008-2324

STEM Lab Equipment

PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that sealed bids will be received by the Board of Education of the Bethpage Union Free School District, Town of Oyster Bay, Bethpage, New York. BID # 008-2324 for STEM Lab Equipment Bids will be publicly opened and read on May 25, 2023 at 11:00 AM in the Administration Building, 10 Cherry Avenue, Bethpage, New York.

Bids must be (1) submitted to the Board of Education, Bethpage Union Free School District, on the bid form furnished by the District; (2) in accordance with the specifications in the bid solicitation; (3) enclosed in sealed envelope bearing (a) name and address of the bidder, (b) 008-2324 STEM Lab Equipment, May 25, 2023, 11:00 AM and (4) delivered no later than 10:00 a.m. on May 25, 2023– Attention: Scott Harrington, Assistant Superintendent for Business, Bethpage Union Free School District, Administration Building, 10 Cherry Avenue, Bethpage, New York 11714.

The Board reserves the right to reject any and all bids which in its discretion are not in the best interest of the school district, and to waive any informality as to non-material errors or omissions in the submissions. Bid specifications and all applicable terms and conditions may be obtained via email by contacting Sara Minieri at Sminieri@Bethpage.ws. Please contact the Bethpage Business Office with any questions regarding this bid at 516-6444030.

By Order of the Board of Education

Bethpage Union Free School District Administration Building 10 Cherry Avenue

Bethpage, New York 11714

HHS Winterguard team crowned champions

Hicksville High School’s WinterGuard team was crowned champion of the Scholastic AA Group at the Mid-Atlantic Indoor Network Championship that was held at the RWJBarnabas Health Arena in Toms River, New Jersey on April 22–23.

WinterGuard is a judged pageantry performance ensemble that uses a combination of dance, movement, and equipment such as flags, sabers, and rifles.

The Hicksville team placed first in their division that was comprised of 18 other guards from New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania. Hicksville Supervisor of Fine Arts Chad Wyman shared, “Our indoor color guard program has grown so much under the leadership of Ms. Smith and her team. This championship is proof of that. These performers have worked so hard to achieve this and have created something that future groups will look to aspire to.”

Ms. Smith was assisted by Carolyn Pinto and Marietta Pirisi.

Woodland crowns “The Smart Cookie” as winner

A schoolwide Tournament of Books event at Hicksville’s Woodland Elementary recently ended with Jory John and Pete Oswald’s “The Smart Cookie” narrowly edging out Diane Alber’s “I’m Not Just a Scribble.”

Beginning in mid-March, two books were read to every class and at the end of the week, students voted on their favorite. The Tournament of Books took place during a four-week period and other titles read in the contest included “Strega Nona,” “Diary of a Worm” and “Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus!”

“It was really great to build readers as a school community and get excited about books together,” said librarian Christina Pietras. “The bulletin board display of the tournament helped keep the enthusiasm up!”

Conversational, opinionated, wordsmith?

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

E-mail submissions: editor@gcnews.com

• Attach article along with your name and contact info.

• Articles must be between 1,500 - 3,000 words. • Each writer will be reimbursed a stipend of $35.⁰⁰

Hicksville High School’s WinterGuard team was crowned champion of the Scholastic AA Group at the Mid-Atlantic Indoor Network Championship that was held at the RWJBarnabas Health Arena in Toms River, New Jersey on April 22–23.

Photo courtesy of Hicksville Public Schools

Woodland Elementary Librarian Christina Pietras and students in front of the Tournament of Books bulletin board announcing “The Smart Cookie” by Jory John and Pete Oswald the winner of the recent tournament.

Photo courtesy of Hicksville Public Schools

Nominations accepted for HHS Hall of Fame

The Hicksville Public School District is now accepting nominations for the 2023 Hicksville High School Hall of Fame. Established in 1985, the Hall of Fame recognizes graduates who have achieved distinction in their chosen profession or community. These individuals will serve as role models for the Class of 2023, as well as for all district students to emulate.

The district is seeking individuals who have achieved not only professional success but have made meaningful contributions to their community. Individuals wishing to nominate a candidate should provide the candidate ’ s name, address, telephone number, year the candidate graduated, the

candidate ’ s profession, community contributions, honors and/or achievements. Nominators should explain what characteristic or achievement makes their candidate special and include their own name, address, and telephone number. Individuals being nominated must be available to attend Hicksville High School’s graduation on Saturday, June 24, 2023, at 9 a.m.

All nominations must be received by May 15, 2023, and mailed to:

Mr. Patrick Harris, Assistant Principal, Hicksville High School, 180 Division Avenue, Hicksville, NY 11801-4800.

Get rid of your unwanted items by placing an ad for them in our Classifieds!

We have reasonable rates, and you’ll have prompt results! Call our Garden City office at 294-8900 for rates and other info.

Bus trip to casino

The Catholic Daughters of the Americas will be hosting a bus trip to Wind Creek Casino in Bethlehem, PA, on Tuesday, May 23.

Cost: $50 per person, which includes the driver’s tip Give back: $35 slot play.

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

Parking is at # 999 So. Oyster Bay Road (dead end).

For reservations, please call Barbara at (516) 935-5576. Please make checks payable to “CDA”.

Pedestrian hit on Hempstead Turnpike

A pedestrian was struck by a car on Thursday, April 27, at 11:45 p.m. as he was crossing Hempstead Turnpike near the intersection of Jerusalem Avenue.

According to Nassau County Police, the 60-year-old male pedestrian was struck by a 2013 Nissan Altima driven by a 32-year-old male who was travel-

ing westbound on Hempstead Turnpike. The pedestrian suffered serious head and chest trauma and was transported to a local hospital where he was listed in serious condition There were no injuries reported from the driver of the Altima, which remained at scene. The investigation is ongoing.

Attention students!

Graduated from school? Have an outstanding GPA?

Made the honor roll or the Dean’s List? Scored an internship or a study abroad opportunity? We invite you to send details of any of these things and more, along with your name and contact info, to editor@gcnews.com for a chance to be seen in our paper!

How many healthcare apps do you really need? One.

Easily check test results, schedule appointments, video chat with doctors, and refill prescriptions. From Nassau to Suffolk to your phone, all our doctors, locations, and practices are connected to provide top-quality care. #The