Bethpage Newsgram (5/17/24)

SERVING BETHPAGE, OLD BETHPAGE, AND PLAINVIEW

A DAY IN CLAY

Visiting artist Cliff Mendelson takes Charles Campagne students through the process of turning a lump of clay into a finished product.

Charles Campagne Elementary students were given a pottery demonstration and hands-on experience on May 2 and 3 as visiting artist, Mr. Cliff Mendelson took grades K–5 through the process of creating a piece of pottery from a lump of clay. The classes contributed their individual ideas to the

design of either their vase or pitcher and learned a little history and science behind their collective creation. The children were particularly excited when they were able to come up to the front of the room and contribute their own unique designs using ancient sgraffito techniques with the sgraffito feathered

tool.

“I think it’s wonderful that the children have the opportunity to experience the making of pottery up close through this hands-on demonstration while also learning the history of pottery in one short session,” said art teacher Danielle Hermann.

The Bethpage Newsgram is published every Friday by Litmor Publishing Corp.

Periodical Postage paid at Hicksville, N.Y. 11801 Telephone 931-0012 - USPS 3467-68. Postmaster: Send Address Change to: The Bethpage Newsgram, 821 Franklin Ave., Suite 208, Garden City, N.Y. 11530 • Meg Norris Publisher

TOB plans rally in support of Israel

In recognition of Jewish American Heritage Month and in support of the State of Israel, Oyster Bay Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino and the Town will host a Stand with Israel Rally on Sunday, May 19, at 2 p.m. in Plainview-Old Bethpage Park. At the event, a Holocaust Survivor, IDF Solider, and the family of Omer Neutra, who was taken hostage by Hamas, will speak. Officials will also unveil a plaque for the Tree of Life, symbolizing hope, love and unity while forever remembering those lost to terror.

“On November 5, 2023, thousands of people gathered at this same park to express support for the State of Israel and pray for the safe return of hostages held

captive by terrorists,” Supervisor Joseph Saladino said. “Now, we will unveil a plaque for the Tree of Life, symbolizing hope, love and unity while forever remembering those lost to terror. The Town of Oyster Bay will always recognize Israel’s right of sovereignty and peace and celebrate the Jewish community in our town.”

Local rabbis, Holocaust survivor Alfred Weinberg, IDF soldier Ira Kohler of Plainview, the family of hostage Omer Neutra of Plainview, and representatives from the Mid Island Y JCC, Schechter School of Long Island and Nassau County Holocaust Memorial & Tolerance Center will lead the event. All residents are invited to attend.

Driver crashes into 7-11

An Old Bethpage resident was arrested for driving while intoxicated following a series of incidents that started with crashing into a 7-11 store in Bethpage on Friday, May 10. At approximately 5:14 p.m., officers from the Bureau of Special Operations responded to a call at 150 Main Street, where they discovered that a vehicle had collided with the storefront, breaking a window pane. The driver, who police later identified as 61-yearold Andrew Malitzis, fled the scene in a red Toyota 4Runner before authorities arrived.

A short time later, Malitzis was allegedly involved in another collision at the intersection of Conklin Ave and Main Street in Farmingdale, this time with a 2017 Grey Subaru Sedan operated by a 46-year-old woman.

Police say they observed the 4Runner committing multiple traffic violations and that Malitzis exhibited signs of intoxication, such as watery eyes and an unsteady gait, and an odor of alcohol was emanating from his breath. According to police, he failed a field sobriety test administered by the officers.

Hicksville students participate in the Memory Project

Old Country Road Elementary School fifth grade students recently participated in The Memory Project by sending heartfelt messages to children in Malaysia.

Old Country Road Elementary School fifth graders in Hicksville recently participated in The Memory Project by sending positive messages through drawings and art to children in Malaysia.

The intent of the exchange is to promote intercultural awareness, break down cultural and geographical barriers, and inspire creativity through the universal language of art. This is the fifth year the school’s art teacher Melissa Butler has coordinated the project with her art students. Students from the school’s three fifth grade classes created meaningful messages of kindness to

Schools

share. “The students were happy to create their individual art pieces and know that something they did in class will bring a smile to another student who lives so far away,” said Butler. Special thanks to the PTA for their donation for participation in the project.

The Memory Project is a nonprofit organization dedicated to creating global kindness through art. It is a Global Art Exchange program where American students exchange heartfelt artwork with children from countries that are culturally very different from the USA.

Registration open for GAP summer program

The Group Activities Program (GAP) will run a Summer Program from July 1 through August 9 at Marjorie Post Community Park in Massapequa and Syosset-Woodbury Community Park. The Summer Day Camp program will run daily from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., and will be open to developmentally disabled children and young adults ages 5–21.

“Our Group Activities Program Summer Day Camp is one of the finest programs of its kind in the nation and our activities specialists take great pride in fostering a safe, welcoming, and inclusive atmosphere at the day camp,”

Town of Oyster Bay Supervisor Joseph Saladino said. “We’re focused on group interaction, and as part of the summer camp, participants will be able to take part in activities such as swimming,

arts and crafts, sports, music, and playground time. I encourage residents to take this opportunity to register now and take advantage of this great program.”

This GAP Summer Day Camp provides a unique social-recreational experience for developmentally disabled town residents in a well-supervised setting over the course of six weeks. The GAP Program is administered through the Handicapped Services Division of the Town’s Department of Community and Youth Services. The focus of the GAP program is group interaction.

The 6-week program costs $250 per child registered. To register for summer camp, please contact the GAP Office at (516)797-7947.

Let your voice be heard!

Is there an issue in your community you want to discuss? Want to respond to something you saw in our paper? Then write a letter to our editor and bring it to everyone’s attention! Send your letter to editor@gcnews.com and we’ll publish it for you!

THE JONES FUND FOR THE SUPPORT OF THE POOR 2024 GRANT PROGRAM

NOTICE OF FUNDING AVAILABILITY (NOFA)

The Trustees of the Jones Fund for the Support of the Poor are requesting applications for its 2024 Grant Program from eligible and qualified IRC 501(c)(3) approved charitable organizations to further its mission of affording support to the poor, in the form of food, shelter, clothing and warmth, and providing support for educational programs striving to prevent the transmission of generational poverty among the underserved and underprivileged, exclusively in the Towns of North Hempstead, New York and Oyster Bay, New York as intended by the Last Will and Testament of Samuel Jones dated February 23, 1836, and as approved by the Trustees of the Jones Fund for the Support of the Poor. Program funds for the 2024 grant year will be in the form of grants totaling up to the maximum amount of $150,000.00, collectively, or such greater amount, if any, as may be determined by the Trustees of the Jones Fund for the Support of the Poor, in their sole and absolute discretion. This and any future grant program offered by the Jones Fund for the Support of the Poor is and shall be subject to the availability of funds and resources. Program funds will be awarded on a competitive basis.

All applications must be received by the Trustees of the Jones Fund for the Support of the Poor at PO Box 350, Jericho, New York 11753 or by email at TheJonesFund1836@gmail.com on or before June 30, 2024. Interested applicants can obtain further information and application packages by calling James McGahan or Dina Selearis at 516-681-3100 or sending an email to TheJonesFund1836@gmail.com.

Photo courtesy of Hicksville Public

Plainview OB celebrates Night of Honors

On May 2, Plainview-Old Bethpage JFK High School hosted a Night of Honors, recognizing students for their academic and community service achievements. The event celebrated their induction into various prestigious honor societies, highlighting their dedication and hard work. Amongst family and faculty, these scholars were applauded for their outstanding achievements, symbolizing the District’s commitment to academic excellence.

It was a night of inspiration, marking a milestone in their educational journey and setting a high standard for future generations. Students were inducted into the following honor societies:

• American Sign Language Honor Society

• Art Honor Society

• Business Honor Society

• Chinese Honor Society

• English Honor Society

• French Honor Society

• Italian Honor Society

• Math Honor Society

• Science Honor Society

• Spanish Honor Society

• Tri-M Honor Society

Principal of Plainview-Old Bethpage JFK High School, Dr. Heather Dvorak, expressed her pride and congratulations, saying, “We are extremely proud of our students’ accomplishments and the dedication they have shown to achieving high academic standards. Congratulations to all the inductees!”

THE JERICHO JOINT COUNCIL OF PTAs

Cantiague Elementary, Jackson Elementary, Ratner-Seaman Elementary, Jericho SEPTA, Jericho Middle School, Jericho High School

17, 2024

Plainview-Old Bethpage JFK High School inducted 472 students into various honor societies on May 2.

Photo courtesy of Plainview-Old Bethpage Central School District

Passport processing at Town of Oyster Bay

To help residents looking to obtain new passports, Oyster Bay Town Clerk Richard LaMarca announced that his office will offer a special one-stop Passport Weekend on Saturday, June 1, and Sunday, June 2, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at both Town Hall North in Oyster Bay and Town Hall South in Massapequa.

“Residents looking to apply for a new passport are invited to visit Town Hall during Passport Weekend to receive assistance,” said Town Clerk LaMarca. “We can help you with organizing your documents, obtaining a photo and submitting the documents for approval.”

Requirements for applying for a passport include:

• One 2x2 color photograph with a clear view of the applicant’s face against a plain white or light colored background. Photos will also be available for $10 at both Town Halls North and South during Passport Weekend.

• P roof of U.S. Citizenship –Previously issued undamaged U.S. passport, certified birth certificate, Consular Report of Birth Abroad or

Certification of Birth, Naturalization Certificate, or Certificate of Citizenship.

• P roof of Identity –Naturalization Certificate, Valid Driver’s License (cannot have been issued or renewed in the last six months), Current Government ID (city, state or federal), Current Military ID (military and dependents).

• This service does NOT apply to Adult Renewals unless your Passport is expired for 5+ years.

Town Clerk LaMarca has offices located at Town Hall North, 54 Audrey Avenue in Oyster Bay and Town Hall South, 977 Hicksville Road in Massapequa.  Passport appointments are available Monday through Friday, from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., and during this special Passport Weekend.  For appointments in Oyster Bay, please call (516) 624-6324.  For appointments in Massapequa, please call (516) 7977962.

For information on passport requirements and processing times, as well as instructions for passport renewals, visit www.travel.state.gov.

Natl. Melanoma Awareness Month

Oyster Bay Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino and members of the Town Board recently recognized May as “National Melanoma Awareness Month” to raise awareness about skin cancer in hopes of reducing Melanoma diagnosis, improving prevention and increase screenings. Dr. Theodore Daly, a Garden City Dermatologist and local resident, offered pertinent information regarding the dangers and causes of skin cancer. Dr. Daly works closely with the Collette Coyne Memorial Melanoma Foundation to help increase public awareness. For further information or to contact the Collette Coyne Melanoma Awareness Campaign, go to www.ccmac.org

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Scholar artists honored at JFK High School

Seniors Connie Choi and Nadia Giovagnoni from Plainview-Old Bethpage JFK High School were honored at the Long Island Scholar Artist Award Ceremony, held on April 17 at the Tilles Center. Nadia Giovagnoni was recognized in the Media Arts category, and Connie Choi was honored in the Visual Arts category.

The Long Island Scholar Artist program, which aims to honor exceptionally accomplished high school seniors, selects only 20 students each year from both Nassau and Suffolk counties.

At the awards ceremony, these outstanding students were celebrated for their exceptional talents and achievements in media and visual arts. The event highlighted their dedication and commitment to their craft, underscoring the district’s commitment to fostering creativity and excellence among its students.

Connie Choi and Nadia Giovagnoni were honored at the Long Island Scholar Artist Award Ceremony on April 17.

From left: K-12 Director of Art & Digital Instruction Dr. Ben Wiley, art teacher Jennifer Beinlich, Connie Choi, Nadia Giovagnoni, art teacher Jenna Silverstein.

Rotary Club to host food drive, seeks donations & volunteers

The Hicksville-Jericho Rotary Club will be among more than 800 Rotary clubs, over 30,000 Rotarians, and thousands of volunteers spanning 10 states and seven countries will join forces on Saturday, May 18, to tackle wide-ranging projects from collecting clothing for those experiencing homelessness and refurbishing long-neglected parks to feeding those with food insecurity.

The Hicksville-Jericho Rotary Club plans to host a food drive at Best Farms market at 434 Jerusalen Avenue, Hicksville,  to collect food and hygiene products, and distribute the items collected to the pantries at Holy Family Church, Hicksville United Methodist, and Jericho Cares to help those who are Food insecure for its Rotary Day of Service. The club welcomes volunteers from the community who would like to

know more about Rotary or would just like to help on the project.

Club President Donna RiveraDowney said “With this food drive we hope to help reduce hunger among our neighbors. We accept all non-perishable donations.” “The Rotary Club of Hicksville-Jericho as been working to help the community for over 70 years and this food drive is going to be a great way to get personally involved. Please come down and join us.”

This international initiative, which includes US projects in Connecticut, Colorado, Massachusetts, New York, New Hampshire, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Wyoming, along with Districts in Bermuda, Canada, the UK, and Brazil, eclipsing the Rotary Day of Service held in 2022 and 2023, with an expanded com-

mitment from a coordinated network of Rotary Clubs and their members dedicated to improving the communities they serve.

Throughout the day, Rotarians will undertake dozens of projects to enhance neighborhoods, build community, and meet the needs of underserved populations. Together with nonprofit partners and a corps of volunteers, they will collaborate on diverse projects, including planting pollinator gardens, clearing walking and hiking trails, collecting food and other essentials for veterans, and preparing and serving meals to those experiencing homelessness.

“Every community within each of the ten Rotary Districts participating in this first-of-its-kind venture will be impacted by volunteer efforts,” said Thomas Crowley, governor for Rotary District

7255 across Long Island, Brooklyn and Queens, which has 53 projects for the Day of Service, “By holding a food drive like the one in Hicksville to assembling care packages for homeless veterans in Freeport to building beds for children in need in Southold, this shared mission will make a difference that is real and measurable.”

The Rotary Day of Service isn’t just for Rotarians. Anyone wanting to “Get Behind the Wheel” and give back to their communities can visit RotaryDayOfService7255.com and click on the ‘Register to Volunteer’ tab for information. Once registered, local clubs will contact volunteers and provide details.

Photo courtesy of Plainview-Old Bethpage Central School District

Memorial Weekend Festival

May 23-May 27, 2024

May 23-May 27, 2024

BEHIND TRI-COUNTY FLEA MARKET, HEMPSTEAD TURNPIKE, LEVITTOWN

OPEN: THURSDAY 5-10, FRIDAY 4-11, SATURDAY & SUNDAY 12-11 & MONDAY 12-9

OPEN: THURSDAY 5-10, FRIDAY 5-11, SATURDAY & SUNDAY 12-11 & MONDAY 12-9

RIDES GAMES FOOD

FREE ADMISSION FREE PARKING

*Good any 1 day*

Minimum Height Requirement for Children is 40”

Wristband at the Box Office will be MORE Money BUY NOW & SAVE

Offer good now thru May 22 Pre-Sale Vouchers* - $30

Visit one of the following chamber businesses to pick up vouchers redeemable for wrist bracelets. Tickets may be purchased at dreamlandamusements.com

Cash payment in the exact amount must be made when picking up the vouchers.

Bethpage Federal Credit Union 3531 Hempstead Turnpike (1-800-628-7070)

Dalton Funeral Homes 2786 Hempstead Turnpike (796-0400)

Levittown Lanes 56 Tanners Lane (731-5700)

Minuteman Press 3000 Hempstead Turnpike (731-4892)

Park Avenue Chiropractic 195 Park Avenue Bethpage (433-4114)

Pat’s Barber Shop 17 Emerson Avenue (796-1953)

Saf-T-Swim 210 Gardiners Avenue (597-5193)

The UPS Store 94 Gardiners Avenue (735-5120)

Webster Bank 3105 Hempstead Turnpike (731-3388)

Upcoming Events at the Jericho Public Library

Friday, May 17

10:30 a.m.: Jump Joy (18 months to 5 Years) - Join us for a lively program of music and group activities for you and your child.

2 p.m.: VIRTUAL : Great Performers with Marc Courtade: Gilda Radner: Comedy Gold - Gilda Radner’s career was brief but brilliant. She is best remembered as one of the original Not Ready for Prime Time Players on “Saturday Night Live.” She perfected a series of comic characters she helped create, becoming an iconic figure in American comedy. Radner passed away from ovarian cancer at age 42 in 1989. Her husband, Gene Wilder, carried out her wish that her illness would be used to help other cancer victims. Her comedy remains as funny today as it was then and Radner still

shines as one of the best comediennes in history.

Saturday, May 18

10:30 a.m.: Itty Bitty Bookworms (Ages Birth to 30 Months) - Join us for this interactive program of rhymes, songs, stories and more!

Sunday, May 19

2 p.m.: IN-PERSON: Something Special Big Band - Something Special with its Basie style consists of five saxophones, four trombones, four trumpets, and a full rhythm section. All the members of the band are professional musicians and most have performed with great swing bands such as Buddy Rich, Lionel Hampton, and Count Basie. The band plays a variety of music from nostalgia to contemporary swing, but is best known for its exciting Basie style.

This performance features vocalists Judy Lyons and Dave Russell with special guest performer Amadis Dunkel.

Tuesday, May 21

7 p.m.: Teens: College Visits with C2 Education - This workshop focuses on when to visit, what questions to ask while visiting, and what to look out for to ensure your student will find the right college for them. One way for students to make their application more competitive is engaging with the college they are interested in applying to. Taking a guided tour is an excellent way to show colleges that you have an educated perspective regarding what it is like to be a student at their institution.

Wednesday, May 22

10:30 a.m.: Songs for Baby’s Day (Birth–30 Months Old) - Come and

enjoy this literacy building, fun, and educational musical story time! 10:30 a.m.: IN-PERSON: Putting Caregivers First: A Guide to Resilience & Renewal - Caregiving for a senior loved one can be a challenging and demanding role. Family caregivers often feel overwhelmed, stressed, exhausted and alone. In this presentation, caregivers will learn practical strategies and support, empowering them to prioritize quality self-care to maintain their own physical and emotional health.

Friday, May 24

2 p.m.: Teen Movie: “Shrek” - Come to the JPL Theater to see the movie “Shrek”! Make it even more fun - bring your friends and dress up like a character from the movie. The teen with the best costume will win a prize!

This Week at the Syosset Public Library

Friday, May 17, at 2:00 p.m. Friday Movie at the Library (IN-PERSON)

Join us for an afternoon movie at the library. Check our website for the movie that will be shown. Go to syossetlibrary.org.

Sunday, May 19, at 1:00 p.m.

Iconic Women of the 1970s (IN-PERSON)

The Karpenteers, known for bringing you heartwarming renditions of the music of the Carpenters, now presents an entire new show featuring their favorite music and songs of three of the most iconic female artists of the

‘70s, Carly Simon, Carole King and Linda Ronstadt. During this concert, the Karpenteers will perform faithful renditions of these three performers including  “It’s Too Late,” “You’ve Got A Friend,” “Anticipation,” “That's the Way I've Always Heard It Should Be,” “Blue Bayou” and more. Registration required. Register at syossetlibrary.org.

Thursday, May 23, at 7:00 p.m.

Lemon Blueberry Loaf (IN-PERSON)

Presenter: A Mano Baking Company

(Best of LI award-winning bakery)

Indulge in the exquisite harmony of tangy lemons and plump blueberries with A Mano Baking Company’s Lemon Blueberry Loaf Cake program.

Each patron will go home with a ready to bake loaf cake. All patrons must bring their own mixing bowl and mixing spoon.  Fee: $5. Registration required. Register at syossetlibrary.org.

Thursday, May 23, at 7:00 p.m.

How to Adapt Urban Legends in Chilling New Fiction (VIRTUAL)

Presenter: Erin Coughlin, award-nominated writer and producer and author of “Pop and Fizz’s Double Feature Movie Night Guide” Interested in turning suspenseful, scary urban legends into an entertaining and haunting novel or script? In this intensive, interactive workshop you’ll learn how to start writing your

own unique page turner. Discover more about popular and universal urban legends. Participate in fun writing prompts and exercises that you can use at home to create an original thriller of your own! Writers of all mediums and levels of experience are welcome! Registration required. Register at syossetlibrary.org.

Friday, May 24, at 2:00 p.m. Friday Movie at the Library (IN-PERSON) Join us for an afternoon movie at the library. Check our website for the movie that will be shown. Go to syossetlibrary.org.

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New restroom opened at POB-JFK High School fields

Plainview-Old Bethpage Schools celebrated the opening of the new comfort station at Plainview-Old Bethpage JFK High School with ribbon-cutting ceremony on May 9.

On May 9, Plainview-Old Bethpage School District celebrated the grand opening of its new comfort station at Plainview-Old Bethpage JFK High School. The new comfort station is a significant addition to the school community, providing a clean and convenient facility for students, staff, and visitors.

“ We are thrilled to unveil the new comfort station at PlainviewOld Bethpage JFK High School, ” said Superintendent of Schools Dr. Mary O ’ Meara. “ This facility will benefit our entire school community and provide a more comfortable and convenient experience for everyone. We are grateful to all who contributed to this project and supported its completion. ” Members of the board of education attended the event including Vice President Seth Greenberg and Trustees Gary Bettan, Jared Goerke, Ginger Lieberman and Tara Rock.

Also present were Assistant Superintendent for Business Dr. Christopher Dillon, Business Administrator Brianna Pisano, Director of School Facilities & Operations Andrew Ward, Athletic Director Joseph Braico, members of the POB Booster Club, staff, students, and parents.

Town offers summer fitness classes

Town of Oyster Bay residents who are interested in maintaining or improving their levels of fitness can register for the Town’s popular Co-Ed Fitness Classes at the Hicksville Athletic Center. Classes run for 10 weeks and are offered to individuals 18 years of age or older.

“The Town’s summer co-ed recreational programs have consistently proven to be one of the most popular programs the Town offers each year, as they provide a terrific outlet for our residents to exercise and stay in shape,” said Town Councilwoman Laura Maier. “Residents can participate in a variety of activities, including Cardio Kick-boxing,

Yoga, Zumba, Pilates and Ballroom Dancing.”

Each session runs for 10 weeks, beginning in early July. All classes are held at the Town of Oyster Bay Hicksville Athletic Center, 167 S. Broadway, Hicksville. Registration is for the following classes:

• Ballroom Dancing:   offered Saturdays, from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m., beginning July 6.

• Cardio  KickBoxing:   offered Thursdays, 7:30pm to 8:30pm, beginning July 11.

• Pilates: offered Mondays, from 8pm to 9pm, beginning July 1.

• Yoga:   Residents can select one of two sessions: Saturdays

(beginning July 6 from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m.), or Tuesdays (beginning July 9 from 8 p.m. to 9 p.m.

• Zumba:  Residents can select one of two sessions: Mondays (beginning July 1 from 6:45 p.m. to 7:45 p.m.) or Wednesdays (beginning July 3 from 7:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.).

Online registration at www.oysterbaytown.com/portal. Residents must upload proof of residency (tax or utility bill) and a valid identification card such as a driver’s license. Non-residents can begin to register May 20.

All classes are held at the Town of Oyster Bay Hicksville Athletic

Center, located at 167 S. Broadway in Hicksville. The schedule is subject to change. If a session is cancelled, make-up day(s) will be attempted. Class fees are $60 for residents and $70 for non-residents. Proof of residency/age required when registering, with TOB residents given first preference. Mats are not provided; participants should bring their own mat to Yoga and Pilates. Each class must meet a minimum enrollment requirement. In the event a class size is not at the minimum, the class may be cancelled and payment will be returned. For more information, call (516) 797-7945 or email tobparks@ oysterbay-ny.gov.

With current events, announcements, restaurant reviews, puzzles, and much more, there’s always something for everybody to enjoy!

Photo courtesy of Plainview-Old Bethpage Central School District

LEGAL NOTICES

BY ORDER OF THE BOARD OF EDUCATION

BETHPAGE UNION FREE SCHOOL DISTRICT

ELENA BECKER District Clerk

Administration Building

Cherry and Stewart Avenues

Bethpage, New York 11714

Town honors “Women of Distinction”

The Town of Oyster Bay hosted a special ceremony to recognize exceptional women who have significantly given back to our communities. This year’s ceremony recognized 10 “Women of Distinction” who live and work throughout the Town of Oyster Bay.

Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino stated, “These extraordinary women all have outstanding qualities and have truly made our Town a better place. Together with my colleagues on the Town Board, we salute these outstanding residents for giving back to the charities, our hometown and the neighbors they love so much.”

Councilwoman Michele Johnson, Chairperson of the Women of Distinction Committee, added “All of our honorees went above and beyond in their communities. All of these women have an inspiring story to tell, and while their backgrounds are different they all have one thing in common – they don’t do what they do looking for accolades. All our honorees should take pride in their great achievements as they are true role models in their various fields and communities.”

Local honorees include:  Mindy Davidson of Bethpage

Mindy has been the heart and soul of the Long Island running community for over 30 years. She served as vice president for the Greater LI Running club for 25 years and continues to serve as director of the annual ‘Marcum Workplace Challenge’ at Jones Beach each summer, Long Island’s largest

running event. She also coordinates several other races on Long Island, and volunteers for many local charitable community groups. A selfless woman who loves helping others, she recently donated a kidney to a stranger.

Dr. Simran Jeet Kaur of Hicksville

Dr. Kaur is a dedicated Doctor of Physical Therapy with a remarkable journey in the field of physical therapy and healthcare. She not only wants to help others, she looks for innovative techniques and methodology, as each person’s case is unique. She opened a clinic in her community, where she offers evidence-based therapy, support groups, mindfulness workshops and tailored

home exercise plans to accommodate the diverse needs of her patients. Her clinic has provided hope for those seeking recovery and renewed strength.

Erica

McKeon of Syosset

One of the first sports agents to be certified by the WNBA Players’ Association, Erica has a storied career representing female athletes as one of the few female agents in the sports industry. She was instrumental in helping open opportunities for female basketball players with the launch of the ABL and WNBA leagues, and played a critical role in launching the Women’s NBA Players’ Association. While she transitioned into the world of real estate, she continues to help empower women through var-

Are you a professional?

ious support efforts.

Rabbi Bravo is the founder and spiritual leader of Makom NY, a new model for Jewish Community on Long Island. Through her efforts, she created a place where people could connect with their Judaism in ways that work for them individually, without the barriers of cost or commitment. She has helped hundreds of local families, and uses her platform to be of service to the greater community through initiatives like food drives and fundraising programs. Rabbi Bravo is a dynamic visionary who believes in collaborative partnership between clergy and community.

NASSAU COUNTY NOTICE OF SALE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT - COUNTY OF NASSAU

WILMINGTON SAVINGS FUND

SOCIETY FSB D/B/A

CHRISTIANA TRUST AS TRUSTEE FOR PNPMS TRUST II, Plaintiff, Against

THEOCHARIS PHILIPPOU A/K/A THEOCHARRIS

PHILIPPOU A/K/A HARRIS

PHILIPPOU A/K/A HARRY

PHILIPPOU A/K/A

THEOCHAIRUS PHILIPPOU, ET AL,

Defendant(s)

Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale, duly entered 09/12/2019, I, the undersigned Referee, will sell at public auction, on the North Side steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court located at 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, N.Y. 11501 on 5/30/2024 at 2:00PM, premises known as 2 Prose Street, Hicksville, New York 11801, And Described As Follows: ALL that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being at Hicksville, Town Of Oyster Bay, County Of Nassau And State Of New York. Section 11 Block 309 Lot 33 The approximate amount of the current Judgment lien is $578,855.97 plus interest and costs.  The Premises will be sold subject to provisions of the aforesaid Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale; Index # 1488/2015

If proper social distancing cannot be maintained or there are other health or safety concerns, the then Court Appointed Referee will cancel the Foreclosure Auction. This Auction will be held rain or shine.

Lisa B. Singer, Esq., Referee. THE FRANK LAW FIRM P.C., 333 GLEN HEAD ROAD, SUITE 145, OLD BROOKVILLE, NY  11545

Dated: 4/3/2024    File Number: 00047    CA

Rabbi Deborah Bravo of Woodbury

The Town of Oyster Bay recently recognized ten “Women of Distinction” during a special ceremony.

Rabbi Deborah Bravo

Erica McKeon

Dr. Monica Shekher-Kapoor

Mindy Davidson

Hyeres: The French Riviera Without the Glitz or the Crowds

BY LAINI MIRANDA & DAVE E. LEIBERMAN

Is it possible to experience the blue waters, amazing seafood, and slow pace of a French Riviera vacation without the glitz and crowds? It is if you visit the port town of Hyères, jutting off the southern coast of the Cote d’Azur between Lavandou and Cassis. We went in late September when the crowds of the high season had vanished and the weather was still warm enough to lay on the beach and enjoy bathtub temperature waters.

We arrived on a Tuesday and drove straight to the Vieille Ville (Old Town), leaving our car just beyond the pedestrian streets. Colorful pastel walls line the streets, with classic Provençal shops interspersed with boutiques,artist galleries, and medieval buildings, including a 12th century Knights Templar Tower-turned exhibition space.

The town still recalls its 19th century heyday when artists and writers like Picasso, Dalí, Tolstoy, and F. Scott Fitzgerald used to vacation here. The narrow streets are filled with artisans sharing their work and wares. There is even a “Parcours des Arts”, a route that takes you passed dozens of artist studios and galleries. We loved learning about the history and design of boomerangs at Wallaby Boomerangs with Stéphane Marquerite, a professional boomerang player and maker whose gallery also houses examples from throughout history and from across the world.

There are 5 main sections in Hyères: Old Town, the port, El Capte,

Place Massillon in the center of Vieille Ville, complete with cafes, artesan shops, and the 12th-century Tower of Saint-Blaise.

Giens, and Toulon. Giens and Toulon are connected to the Port by a long skinny stretch of land with salt flats on the east and the long sandy Place d’Almanarre on the west. Off the coast you will find three islands that make up Les Îsles d’Or (“Islands of Gold”): Porquerolles, Port Cros, and Levant.

We stayed on the Port, about 20 minutes driving from the old town and 10 minutes to Giens. Here we were closest to the ferries to Port Cros, one of the three main islands. There are also several excellent restaurants, including U Primu, right on the port with eclectic sea-

food-inspired dishes.

El Capte is a small neighborhood just below El Port, and seems to have a busier nightlife with more restaurants and bars. L’Almanarre, on the other side of this strip, is a long stretch of golden sand and clear waters famous for kite surfing (don’t miss a chance to see them flying over the water on a windy day!).

Giens is a beautiful area at the bottom of Hyères with a few streets and a handful of restaurants that make up the center of this small village. Hotel Provençal is a popular hotel with a prized location and balcony overlooking epic views of

GOING PLACES NEAR AND FAR

the sea and islands in the distance. Make reservations in advance for a romantic dinner on their gorgeous balcony (but make sure you stop in if even just to check out the view). At the bottom of Giens you will find the Tour du Fond, where you will catch the ferry to Isle de Porquerolles. Also right near here is Plage Pradeau, a beautiful restaurant above the beach of the same name, serving the freshest fish as well as an extensive menu of inventive dishes. Be sure to book a table in advance. Ask for the table by the water if you want to have an intimate dinner surrounded by lush foliage just a few feet above the sea.  La Madgrague  is on the west side of the peninsula and only has a few restaurants, but what it lacks in establishments it makes up for in its beaches. Here at L’Madrugue is where we picked up the Sentit Litoral, a breathtakingly beautiful hike around the peninsula. The full route is 6 miles, but you can choose to do as much or as little as you want. Our favorite part was the northeastern section with panoramic views of Ponte d’Chevale and some small islands just off the coast. On the day of our hike there were 30 mph winds on the east side of the peninsula, but the northwest was calm and delightful.

While there are many beautiful beaches in Hyères, one you must visit is the Isle de Porquerolles A 20 minute ferry ride ($25 at the time of writing) brings you to an island with crystal clear waters and world class snorkeling. No cars are allowed, but you can easily explore the island by bike, which you can May 17, 2024

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GOING PLACES, NEAR & FAR....

Hyeres: The French Riviera Without the Glitz or the Crowds

Continued from previous page

rent from one of several spots clustered at the edge of town just a few yards from where the ferry lets off.

The most famous beach on the island is Plage de Notre Dame, a long, narrow stretch of clean sand and clear water. Make sure you bring plenty of water and snacks since here you are several miles from the nearest concessions. Another beach we enjoyed was Plage de l’Arent, with similarly clear waters and a slightly deeper shore than Notre Dame. Unfortunately we got here a little too close to the departing ferry hour to enjoy a meal at the beach bar there, but definitely plan to return for lunch on a future trip.

With seven beaches, many hikes, a contemporary art gallery, and great boutiques and restaurants around a central town square, there is plenty to do here to warrant more than a day trip. There are a few hotels on the island

ranging in prices, but we found most rooms to be booked at least two months out (even in low season), so plan in advance. Ferries run between Giens and Isle de Porquerolles every hour from 9am to 6:30pm.

On a future trip we plan to also check out Port Cros, the “wilder” of the three main islands. Port Cros is an hour ferry ride from Hyères, has 2 small beaches, miles of rocky, steep hikes, and boasts some of the best snorkeling and diving in the world. Both the island itself and its surrounding waters are declared National Parks. Port Cros is also known for its several nude beaches. But if you’re specifically looking for an island to visit au natural, Isle de Levant, the furthest island from Hyères, is known as the nudist island, as clothing is optional from its beaches to much of the town itself.

During our 3 weeks in France, Hyères was one of our favorite stops.

We visited multiple towns and beaches of the Cote d’Azur, including Nice, Villefranche sur Mer, Eze, Saint Jean Cap Ferrat, Cassis, and Marseille. We actually found Hyères to have the most beautiful beaches in terms of soft sand and swimmable water. Of course, all of these places have plenty of picturesque shores, hip beach bars, and the posh ambience you think of when you picture the French Riviera. For this trip, however, we preferred the quieter vibe and golden sands of Hyères to the more common rocky shores of the rest of the Riviera and were thrilled to find this hidden gem.

Pro Tip: Download the app Windy to track the mistral winds while you’re visiting Hyères, or anywhere on the Cote D’Azur for that matter. If the wind is blowing from one direction, just go to the other side of the peninsula!

For more planning help, visit Hyères Tourist Office, Rotonde du Park Hôtel 16 avenue de Belgique Centreville 83400 Hyères, France,   https:// cotedazurfrance.fr/en/offers/hyerestourist-office-hyeres-en-2915102/, www. hyeres-tourisme.com

© 2024 Travel Features Syndicate, a division of Workstyles, Inc. All rights reserved. Visit goingplacesfarandnear. com and travelwritersmagazine.com/ TravelFeaturesSyndicate/. Blogging at goingplacesnearandfar.wordpress. com and moralcompasstravel.info. Visit instagram.com/going_places_ far_and_near and  instagram.com/ bigbackpacktraveler/ Send comments or questions to FamTravLtr@aol. com. Tweet @TravelFeatures. ‘Like’ us at  facebook.com/NewsPhotoFeatures

Can Trees Be Male or Female?

BY JEFF RUGG

Q: A coworker said that her allergies were acting up because there were so many male trees blooming. I didn’t think there were male and female trees. I don’t remember what I learned in botany class. Are there male and female trees?

A: There are some tree species with separate male and female plants, but most trees have both male and female parts in every flower. I am not going to repeat your botany class, but here are some simple terms you need to know. Angiosperm plants are the large flowering plants, and

gymnosperm plants are the large plants with cones.

Both angiosperm flowers and gymnosperm cones can be male, female or both. About 85% of plants have flowers that have both male and female parts in the same flower and are known as hermaphrodites. The male portion of the flower may mature earlier than the female portion to prevent self-fertilization.

Angiosperm plants that have separate male and female flowers and gymnosperm plants that have separate male and female cones on the same plant are called monoecious. The individual male and female

parts may open at the same time for synchronously monoecious plants, or they may open at different times for consecutively monoecious plants.

Species such as ash trees, ginkgo and hollies that have separate male and female plants are called dioecious species. The individual plant is not dioecious; it is either male and called androecious or female and called gynoecious. About 6% of all plants are monoecious and 6% dioecious.

Only a small percentage of tree species have separate male and female plants.

Continued on page 5

Plage de la Madrague, at the end of our hike along the Sentit Litoral.

Hiking the Sentit Litoral

BY LOU THEODORE

Hello Baseball, Goodbye Basketball

It’s transition time, i.e., time to leave basketball and move on to baseball. Both are important to many of us since sportsbooks have now become front and center for the betting public. For me, it’s DraftKings. For others, it’s FanDuel. In any event, here’s how basketball came down for me and what’s coming up with baseball.

Basketball

Another good year. You might remember that I had the University of Connecticut (UCONN) last year at 40-1. My key bet this year was Illinois, basically because I felt their guard Shannon was the best player in college basketball. However, they got knocked off the elite 8 by UCONN. However, my second bet was on UCONN. In my recent book Winning at Casinos: The Definitive Edge (Amazon, 9$) book, I warned against betting on repeaters. Sorry, but this UCONN group was a different team; I loved the way the team played and performed. I also had a host of other bets including Yale at 1,000-1 to make the final four, North Carolina State at 50-1 to win it all, etc., etc.

Baseball

I got hurt last year. My key bet at the start of the season was with the Baltimore Orioles, and believe it or not, I wound up losing money on them. Don’t ask me how, but I just screwed up

with all the betting options now available (See end of article).

But that was then and now is now… and it’s now that counts. I spread this year, with five key bets.

1. Mets (World Series). Ugh!!!

2. Pirates (WS and National League)

3. Toronto (WS and American League)

4. Cleveland (AL and over)

5. Boston (AL)

I also went partners with the dearest of old friends in Clearwater Beach, FL on the Yankees (WS) and (AL). I’m not happy about his bet, but it looks good so far.

You will note that I stayed away from the Dodgers, Braves and the repeater Texas. I’m giving some thoughts to four other bets.

1. Kansas City

2. San Diego

3. Angels

4. Philadelphia

I’ll probably wind-up betting two of them – probably the first two – between now and the All-Star break. You will also note that all of the bets are long shots.

Keep in mind that there are primarily two types of bets made in sports betting. One is the point spread, the

other the money line. Each has its place not only in baseball but also football, basketball soccer, and hockey. And, sports bets can be made on either a Smartphone or Internet. I’m sure you have seen all the advertisements on television regarding offers such as those provided by DraftKings, FanDuel, etc. It really has become wild.

I’d recommend future bets (I refer to them as seasonal bets). These are bets on a team winning a championship or a league or a division, etc. I find this a particularly attractive bet since it involves only one bet that will (hopefully) apply over the entire season. The odds here are a very, strong function of time since the performance of your team almost always varies during the season.

Good luck this season.

Visit the author at: www.theodorenewsletter.com and Basketball Coaching 101 on Facebook

Social Security Administration Services: The People Speak

BY TOM MARGENAU

In last week’s column, I shared the results of a survey I conducted with my readers in which I asked you to rate the service you got from the Social Security Administration using the ubiquitous star system: 5 stars for good service down to 1 star for poor service. I got more than 200 responses. And your responses averaged out to 4.5 stars.

Many of you included comments. Thank you so much for that. There is just no way I can include all those comments, but here are a few that I hope are representative:

“5 stars. I applied over the phone and it went just great. I was very impressed with the knowledge and professionalism of the lady I spoke with.”

“5 stars. When my wife applied for Social Security benefits prior to her full retirement age, the in-person SSA representative completely explained all of her options. When I retired at my full retirement age, my online application was quick, easy, and accurate. Subsequently, when we called the SSA with questions, representatives have always provided great friendly, courteous, and knowledgeable customer service. Even though I was disappointed with the long wait times, I was still highly satisfied!”

“5 stars. This is based on how easy it was for my wife to get her own benefits, how easy it was to get mine, and how easy it was to convert my wife’s benefit to spousal benefits when I started receiving mine. In fact, we were personally contacted by an agent who had a conference call with us to go over the details, and what can be expected. And it all went as explained and expected, complete with follow-up correspondence.”

“5 stars. My wife and I visited our local Social Security office three times over the years and the service was outstanding. I was scared by all the horror stories, but the service couldn’t have been better. We dealt with SSA offices in both Pennsylvania and South Carolina and there was no difference -- both top shelf service.”

“5 stars. We went in person to our local Social Security office to apply. The place was packed. We stated why we were there and were told to take a seat. Thinking we would be there for hours, our names were called in a matter of minutes. We followed the person through a door and it became a whole different environment! It was very calm and peaceful. We were seated with a very lovely lady that made us feel like we were her only client of the day. What a pleasant surprise! She answered all of our questions and treated us as if we were her friends. It was a very positive experience.”

“4 stars. I note importantly that we did extensive research about our options before contacting the SSA, so I relied on them for just executing transactions. No advice or consulting, as that seems to be a thing of the past when dealing with front desks. We used online processing and only

called when we had to. Why not 5 stars? Mostly the long delays on the phone, usually 1-3 hours on hold. They did not offer a call-back option.”

“4 stars. I found the online system excellent and the in-person support somewhat lacking in expertise but my problem was ultimately resolved, so pretty good overall.”

And I was surprised how sometimes the ratings people gave seemed to contradict one another. Here is an example.

“4 stars. I got good service from my local Social Security office and bad service from the 800 number.”

“3 stars: I got bad service from my local Social Security office but good service from the 800 number.”

And sometimes, one problem could skew someone’s overall rating. Here is an example:

“1 star. SSA’s front line employees do routine work very well. But I recently had trouble getting a corrected SSA-1099. We had nothing unusual happen in 2023 yet our 2023 1099 form was goofed up.”

In last week’s column, I commented on the vagaries that exist in these rating systems. (My daughter-in-law’s pie business got a 1-star review because she used Colorado cherries instead of Michigan cherries in her cherry pie!) I saw quite a few examples of those vagaries in the comments I got. For example, one guy gave a 3-star review even though he was totally satisfied with the services he received from the SSA. He said, “3 stars should be taken as high praise regardless of what Yelp reviewers think.” (To me, that’s like telling students who got an A on their test that you are giving them a C because in your opinion, a C is “high praise.”)

As I said, I got so many thoughtful comments. But let me end with these two reviews:

“5 stars plus. I’ve had better customer service at the SSA than in just about any other private sector company I can think of. It’s one of the reasons why I, even as a die-hard conservative, don’t accept the idea that government is necessarily evil, or that we can live without a good government. On the contrary, great people in our government agencies enhance the lives of all of us and they are one of the reasons why we can be proud of our country. We really have some great people working in federal offices (not all of them, of course). We really need to appreciate and acknowledge the great work these professionals do -- and not just deride our government.”

I found that last comment very enlightening since I also got several reviews like this one:

“1 star. We all know the government can’t do anything right and the Social Security office is just an example of that.”

Oh, well. Thanks anyway to all the readers who responded to my totally unscientific survey. I apologize if you sent me some insightful comments and I didn’t include them here. I just ran out of room.

Still, it seems that overall, the Social Security Administration can be proud of the work they do. Now if they just cut down on those waiting times in their field offices and at their 800 number!

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. Or you can send him an email at thomas.margenau@comcast.net.

COPYRIGHT 2024 CREATORS.COM

CROSSWORD PUZZLE

Foreclosure can be a daunting and stressful situation

Not being able to pay your mortgage is an experience that 95,349 families and individuals throughout the U.S. have been dealing with in the foreclosure filings during the first quarter of 2024 according to ATTOM.COM, a leading curator of land, property, and real estate data. This is a 3% increase from the previous quarter, but down less than 1% from a year ago. However, March 2024 showed 32,878 U.S. foreclosure filings up 3% from the previous month but down less than 1% from the previous month and 10% less from a year ago.

Those major metro areas with populations of 200,000 or more that had the largest numbers of foreclosure starts in the first quarter including NYC, NY, (with 4,404 starts), Houston, Texas, (with 2,977 starts), Chicago, Illinois(2,867 starts), Los Angeles, Ca.(2398 foreclosure starts), and Miami, Fl.(2319 foreclosure starts). The highest foreclosure rates were in Delaware, New Jersey, and South Carolina.

Some may not be aware of other ways to keep foreclosure from happening or at least to stave off the process, providing enough time to recoup and recover and to do what is necessary to increase their incomes with a 2nd or 3rd job or side hustle and stabilize their situation. I do understand that it is by far a very stressful and worrisome event and it’s not easy to deal with when having to confront what to do and in which direction to head. Losing one’s home is life-changing, but taking a positive attitude and doing what is necessary will hopefully allow you to see the light at the end of the tunnel. The first thing one should do is sit down, try to relax, clear your head, and create a plan (as I always say if you “fail to plan, you will plan to fail”).

I am sure you would prefer to stay in your home and not have to move, as this has been your familiar space, whether short or long term and feel

Continued from page 2

However, many forest tree species do not produce showy flowers that are used to attract insect pollinators. These monoecious trees have male and female flowers on the same tree, but they use the wind to move the pollen from the male flower to the female flower.

The plant produces extra pollen and does not waste energy on producing petals. The pollen must float through the air to find a female flower. Very few pollen

BY PHILIP A. RAICES

most comfortable to continue living in your own home. As I mentioned, finding and securing new and additional income should be one of the first steps in being able to continue paying your mortgage. However, simultaneously, communicating with your lender should be tantamount in finding solutions to be able to stay put. You will need to ask a loan representative if a modification of your loan can be considered with a lower interest rate and/ or payments. If this is possible, the bank will most likely add the unpaid interest and whatever principle is owed to the back end of your mortgage. Most important try to make sure you ask for the name and I.D., extension, or direct number of the person that you initially converse with. This should be the go-to individual that you want to always speak with. Developing a bit of rapport will be most helpful in your situation, as they are human too and may have dealt with the same situation on a personal level as you, as well as with others who are experiencing the same circumstances. I have assisted several people, by interceding in the negotiations with the homeowner providing me authorization to speak on their behalf.

The timing and approach will be crucial in allowing you more time to strategize and work out your plan. However, you should have an idea going forward in advance of getting behind in your payments. Keep in mind when you are 3-4 payments behind, you will now be in lis pens, heading towards foreclosure. Your credit will be impacted once you are in this position. You must have constant communication with your bank and especially since that one representative with whom you have begun

Can Trees Be

to build rapport and somewhat of a relationship. From my experience in dealing with foreclosures, sometimes it is a long road to remedying and rectifying your mortgage issues. Luckily in NYS, I have seen some homeowners stay in pre-foreclosure for up to 7 years; sometimes saving so much money, that they are almost able to pay cash for another residence, depending on where they live. This isn’t a normal occurrence but can sometimes happen. Having a qualified attorney to assist you will provide the extra cushion of time to hopefully get your finances in order and stave off foreclosure. Following this path and contemplating what to do but not see any way out, then selling would be the most logical path to pursue; while you are still in control of your home and hopefully have a good amount of equity that you will be able to take with you. Don’t procrastinate for you should have a timeline to know when will be the most advantageous time to sell by getting a Realtor to assist you. In some ways, time is somewhat on your side, but don’t wait too long. Your bank would rather not foreclose on you, as it is a costly undertaking, as much as $50,000 plus and if you are being represented by an attorney, it could cost you $300$500 per hour; unless a flat fee is discussed and negotiated.

It is in your best interest as well as the bank’s to somehow and someway to discuss, negotiate, and formulate a way to keep you in your home. If possible, working out a lower rate and/ or monthly payments could be the solution. You need to take the right attitude in conveying your commitment to agree to a solution and begin making your payments

Male or Female?

grains find the female flower, but there are still many seeds produced from this method. Most needle-leaf evergreens as well as many forest trees, grasses and grains such as corn, rice, wheat and many other plants are wind-pollinated. Because there is so much pollen produced, it can be counted, and weather forecasts often include a pollen count. Pine forests are often covered in pollen during the blooming season. Ragweed, oak trees and grasses all produce enough pollen to induce allergies in humans.

An interesting correlation has been noted between dioecious plants and the spreading of their seeds by birds. A female plant that doesn’t have to expend resources on producing pollen can produce more berries. A bird looking for berries doesn’t have to expend as much energy looking for fewer berries on multiple plants when the berries are concentrated on the female plant. Most dioecious plants are tropical trees and shrubs that have fleshy fruits produced from small green flowers. Some towns have banned female trees

Philip A. Raices is the owner/Broker of Turn Key Real Estate at 3 Grace Ave Suite 180 in Great Neck. He has 42+ of 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 has earned his National Association of Realtors “Green Industry designation for eco-friendly low carbon footprint construction with 3-D printed foundations, Solar panels, Geo-thermal HVAC/Heat Pumps).

Save my New digital business card with/Videos,Virtual and Drone Tours/ photos/Bio/Reviews to your cell, PC or Laptop contacts: https://onetapconnect. com/turnkeyrealestate-philraices Are you still using your passé paper card? Do still use a rotary dial phone, of course not. So get on board in 2024 and order your digital card by scrolling all the way down to the bottom and click on the link, “Get your Connect Card.”

He will give you a copy of “Unlocking the Secrets of Real Estate’s New Market Reality, and his Seller’s and Buyer’s Guides for “Things to Consider when Selling, investing or Purchasing your Home.

He will also provide you with “free” regular updates of what has gone under contract (pending), been sold (closed) and those homes that have been withdrawn/ released or expired (W/R) and all new listings of homes, HOA, Townhomes, Condos, and Coops in your town or go to https://WWW.Li-RealEstate.Com and you can “do it yourself (DYI) and search on your own. For a “FREE” no obligation 15-minute consultation, 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 call Philip at (516) 647-4289.

of dioecious species because they may drop too many seeds or fruit. By only planting male trees, they have increased the allergies of people susceptible to the pollen of the overplanted male trees. If they had banned male trees, they would have less fruit and fewer allergies.

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

COPYRIGHT 2024 JEFF RUGG

BY CREATORS

BY CHARLYN FARGO

News flash: You don’t need special, expensive foods to build a healthy diet. Surprised?

Most of us buy into the myth that eating healthy costs more. But the United States Department of Agriculture has a plan to help you eat healthy -- at an affordable rate. It involves choosing healthier foods such as carrots and pinto beans over ice cream and cakes -- and spending less to do that. Here are a few practical tips to do that.

No. 1: Plan ahead, and cook from scratch. Planning ahead allows you to only buy what you need, take advantage of sales and avoid using fast food for lunches. The cheapest meal you will fix is the one already in your freezer. Check your pantry, fridge and freezer to build meals around things you’ve already purchased. Cut down on food waste by repurposing leftovers and freezing extras for another meal. You can save money buy purchasing frozen fruits and vegetables and making meat an accent rather than the main event.

No. 2: Skip more expensive organically grown plants. All fruits and vegetables (fresh or frozen, cooked or raw, or organic or conventional) are healthy choices. The important thing is to include lots of fruits and vegetables in your daily diet. Buy what’s in season, whether that’s at the grocery store, farmers market or grown in your own garden.

The Cost of Healthy Eating

No. 3: Skip gluten-free unless you have been diagnosed with celiac disease. For most people, there is no research that gluten-free foods are healthier than foods containing gluten. Gluten is found in wheat, which is a valuable contributor to dietary fiber intake in our diets. It is more important to opt for whole grains rather than refined products, whether wheat or gluten-free.

No. 4: Buying in bulk can save money -- if you have a plan to use the food rather than let it go to waste. Bulk items work best if they have shelf life, such as canned beans or lower-sodium canned tomatoes or lower-sodium chicken broth. Bulk frozen items (packaged individually) can also be money savers.

No. 5: Cook it yourself. If you cook a meal yourself, you can save the extra expense of buying more expensive already-prepared meals in the freezer case or deli counter. And you have more control over the foods you eat. Studies show meals at home are healthier than those purchased in a restaurant because they often include fruits and vegetables.

Q and A

Q: I read that drinking a glass of

wine can lower your risk for cataract surgery. Is that really true?

A: Apparently, it is. Researchers at the University of Cambridge found out drinking low to moderate amounts of alcohol, particularly wine, may actually reduce your risk for cataract surgery. The study, published in the February Journal of Ophthalmology, included two groups totaling nearly 493,000 participants. The participants, whose average ages were 56 and 59, were followed for eight and 16 years, respectively. One group drank alcohol; the other group did not. Researchers found the strongest protective association was with wine drinkers. Wine drinkers’ risk for needing cataract surgery was 23% lower in the first group and 14% lower in the second group.

RECIPE

Blueberries rank among the foods with the highest amount of antioxidants. They are bursting with nutrition: For 84 calories, a cup packs 36% of the daily value of vitamin K, 24% of vitamin C, 4 grams of fiber and plenty of other phytochemicals. Eating just one-third of a cup per day is associated with a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes and

improved weight management. Here’s a recipe from Environmental Nutrition to add to your table.

BLUEBERRY AND WATERMELON

SALAD WITH MARINATED FETA

Servings: 4

1/3 cup feta cheese, cubed

1/3 cup red onion, thinly sliced

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 teaspoon lemon zest

2 tablespoons lemon juice

Pinch of red pepper flakes

2 cups seedless watermelon, cubed

1 cup fresh blueberries

1 cup cucumber, chopped

1/4 cup loosely packed fresh basil, thinly sliced

Toss together feta, red onion, oil, lemon zest, lemon juice and red pepper flakes. Let stand for 10 minutes. Toss together watermelon, blueberries, cucumber and basil. Transfer to a small serving platter. Top with feta marinade.

Per serving: 150 calories; 3 grams protein; 15 grams carbohydrates; 10 grams fat (3 grams saturated); 2 grams fiber; 10 grams sugar (0 added); 115 milligram sodium.

Charlyn Fargo is a registered dietitian with SIU School of Medicine in Springfield, Illinois, and the current president of the Illinois Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. For comments or questions, contact her at charfarg@aol.com or follow her on Twitter @NutritionRD. .

COPYRIGHT 2024 CREATORS.COM

Put Some Sparkle in Your Spring Cleaning

BY: MARY HUNT

If the arrival of spring has you energized you the way it has me, I say let’s take advantage and do a bit of spring cleaning!

Earl Proulx’s wonderful book “Yankee Home Hints” is bursting with tips for cheap, easy, quick home cleaning. I could sit for hours reading this classic tome. Instead, I’ve plucked a few of Earl’s spring-cleaning tips on kitchens, bathrooms and households to share with you.

— Give the racks a bath. If your oven racks have turned from gross to downright nasty, put them in the bathtub with enough hot water to cover them, along with a quarter cup of automatic dishwasher detergent (or one or two dishwasher pods) and a quarter cup of white vinegar. Soak for an hour, rinse and dry. Just make sure that, as you admire the sparkly clean racks, you also drain and rinse the tub. Immediately.

— Vacuum the refrigerator. Your refrigerator will chill more efficiently if the condenser coils are kept free of dust. The

condenser is located either in the back or at the bottom and looks like a big grill. If yours is at the bottom, pop off the bottom panel and use a hose attachment to get to that dust buildup.

— De-gunk the reflector pans. If those little pans that sit under the burners on your stove resemble charred ruins, here’s how to get them looking like new: Run them under the faucet to get them wet, then coat them with a layer of baking soda. Let them sit for at least 10 minutes, then scrub clean with a sponge.

— Wash the washing machine and dishwasher. Lime and other mineral deposits clog the drainage systems in these large appliances. Run cycles through each machine without clothes or dishes. In the washing machine, run a full cycle using hot water, adding a gallon of plain white distilled vinegar at the beginning; in the dishwasher, set a large bowl containing three quarts of white vinegar on the bottom rack, and run a cycle with the hottest water possible.

— Remove lime deposits from chrome fixtures. If you have hard water, your

chrome may have a limescale buildup. To get rid of it, douse a rag with white vinegar, then place it on the deposits. Leave this overnight. The next day, rub the chrome with the rag and rinse.

— Clean that grout. To whiten tile grout, mix fresh hydrogen peroxide (if the expiration date has passed, it’s lost its punch) and some powdered cleanser to form a thick paste. Use an old toothbrush to rub the paste into the grout. After a few minutes, rinse with a scrub brush and warm water.

— Flip the mattresses. It’s a perfect time to turn all the mattresses in the house to make sure they are wearing evenly. Give each mattress a one-quarter turn clockwise. Now flip it over, and finish with one more quarter turn clockwise. This completes a side-to-side and top-to-bottom turn and should be repeated once every three months.

Mary invites you to visit her at EverydayCheapskate.com, where this column is archived complete with links and resources for all recommended products

and services. Mary invites questions and comments at https://www.everydaycheapskate.com/contact/, “Ask Mary.” This column will answer questions of general interest, but letters cannot be answered individually. Mary Hunt is the founder of EverydayCheapskate.com, a frugal living blog, and the author of the book “DebtProof Living.”

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STARGAZERS

The Greatest Light Show on Earth

BY: DENNIS MAMMANA

Week of May 19-25, 2024

One might think that calling it the greatest light show on Earth is a bit hyperbolic ... until you stand just once beneath the shimmering curtains of the northern lights.

In the Northern Hemisphere, we know the lights as the aurora borealis -- in the Southern Hemisphere as the aurora australis -- and they have mystified and inspired skywatchers for ages.

Some tribes of North American Indians believed the aurora to be the light of lanterns carried by spirits seeking the souls of dead hunters. During the Middle Ages in Europe, folks believed the lights to be the breath of deceased soldiers as they battled forever overhead. And the Aborigines of Australia saw the southern lights as a dance of the gods across the heavens.

Today, however, we prefer a more scientific approach, and we’ve learned the aurora originates with our star: the sun. The solar atmosphere continues to spray outward electrically charged particles (the solar wind), and occasionally it erupts in violent flares and coronal mass ejections. These can reach the Earth 93 million miles away, and when they do, they spiral down our planet’s magnetic field lines, slam into the polar regions

of our atmosphere and cause atoms of oxygen and nitrogen to glow a variety of undulating colors.

Those who live in arctic regions can enjoy these magical lights on most clear nights. A typical auroral display begins as a diffuse and colorless arc during late evenings but can produce intricate ripples and curls that dance along the arc, giving the impression of curtains blowing gently in the breeze. Most often we see them as a faint grayish green, but when they brighten, they can radiate brilliant colors such as yellow-green, crimson, purple and sometimes even blue.

Those of us who live in lower latitudes aren’t excluded, though. When the sun is particularly active, auroral storms can become quite powerful and frequent, producing displays throughout southern Canada and much of the U.S. and Europe. It’s rare, but it does happen from time to time.

And now is just one of those times. Our sun is currently at the top of its 11-year activity cycle (“solar max”), and major eruptions are occurring daily on our star. These caused rare widespread auroral displays last week, and it’s just a matter of time until we in middle and lower latitudes see them again. To keep up with current solar and auroral activity, visit spaceweather.com.

Of course, to experience the lights in

their true splendor at this time of heightened solar activity, one must travel to places like Alaska, Canada, Iceland and Norway, where they can be seen dancing across the sky on just about every clear night.

If this amazing sight is on your bucket list, I hope you’ll consider joining me for my exciting March 2025 Alaska Northern Lights tour, where I’ll teach you to predict, view and even photograph the lights

like a pro. For more details about this once-in-a-lifetime cosmic adventure, please send me an email at dennis@mammana.com.

Wherever you live -- or wherever you travel -- keep your eyes skyward, for the aurora may soon be appearing in a sky near you!

Visit Dennis Mammana at dennismammana.com.

COPYRIGHT 2024 CREATORS.COM

LOST IN SUBURBIA

Slugging It Out

BY: TRACY BECKERMAN

Living in the suburbs, I encounter lots of wildlife to keep me on my toes. I’ve had several run-ins with aggressive squirrels, a quarrel with a cranky woodchuck, an unfortunate encounter with a pissed-off skunk. But none of this prepared me for the monster thing I stumbled upon while we were on vacation in the woods. This thing was so big and so scary, I thought I might end up spending the whole two weeks indoors. It was gargantuan. It was behemothic. It was ...

A slug.

Now this was not just any slug. I’ve seen slugs in the past in my yard and on my deck that were your normal, everyday, garden-variety slugs. This was not that slug. This slug was the largest, slimiest gastropod I had ever laid eyes on in my life. It was brown with dark spots and probably about eight feet -- I mean, inches -- long, stretched across the middle of the front wooden stoop where I had nearly stepped on it. Surely, had that happened, it would have swal-

lowed my foot; maybe even my whole leg, depending on how hungry a monster slug gets.

Fortunately, I noticed it just before I put my foot down and half-jumped/ half-catapulted over it onto the grass below.

“Joel!” I shrieked to my husband inside. “Help!”

He came running out with the dog and a bat. We had heard on the news that there were bears in the area, and I’m sure the first thing that ran through his head was that I was under attack by an angry bear. I’m also sure the thing that didn’t run through his head was that I was under attack by a giant slug. To be fair to the slug, it hadn’t really tried to attack me. But I had no idea if slugs were territorial and might get aggressive when threatened. Was it possible to get slimed to death? I wasn’t sure, but I didn’t want to be the first person to find out.

Fortunately, my husband had lunged out the door and over the stoop, missing the giant slug entirely, which was a good

thing because otherwise it might have eaten both of us, and I would hate for my kids to become orphans and have to tell people their parents died in a tragic slug assault.

He looked around for the black bear and obviously saw nothing. Then he looked down at me on the ground.

“What’s going on? I thought you were in trouble.”

“I was. I am,” I said. “Look!” I pointed to Slugzilla on the stoop.

Joel dropped the bat, and he and the dog went over to investigate.

“Wow, that’s a big one,” he said.

“Don’t get too close!” I yelled, scrambling to my feet. “It might try to slime you, and who knows, the slime could be toxic like a poison dart frog.”

“Slugs are not poisonous to humans,” he said, shaking his head.

“What, are you suddenly a slug expert?”

“I’m going to look it up,” he said, ignoring me and disappearing inside. A moment later he came back with his phone in hand.

“It’s a leopard slug,” he said, showing me a picture of a slug that looked a lot like our slug. “They are common in this area and not poisonous.”

“What about murderous?” I asked. “Does it say anything about murderous?”

“No, not murderous either.”

“Well, that’s a relief. But I’d really like it relocated to another location where I don’t risk stepping on it or it swallowing me.”

“Don’t worry, honey, it looks like it’s on its way someplace else,” he said as we both stared at the giant slug. In the time since I had first discovered it, it looked like it had moved a mere millimeter to the left across the stoop.

“Yeah,” I said, “And with any luck, it will arrive there next week.”

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.

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MARKETPLACE

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!

AUCTIONS

INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITY ONLINE AUCTION: 5/15/31 Bar & Grill with Brewery Equipment. 126 N. 3rd Street, Douglas, Wyoming. 10,900 SF Retail, TURN-KEY OPERATION! Sale Info: 800-5361401, x.401 AuctionsInternational.com Promo code: WESTBID24

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GARDEN CITY

Join us for a spectacular estate sale filled with treasures waiting to be discovered!

Whether you’re a collector, antique enthusiast or just love finding unique items, this sale has something for everyone. Saturday, May 18

9am to 3pm

50 Franklin Ct Garden City, NY 11530

Featured Items:

Furniture: Wing back chairs, Ethan Allen living room and dining room sets, recliner chair, end tables, etc.

Artwork: prints and lithographs

Collectibles: Too many to mention

Kitchenware and much more!

Don’t miss out. All items are priced to sell and all sales are final.

Cash and Venmo only.

PETS

& CAT WALKER WANTED

5 Days Mon-Fri, 10:30-1:30 Car Required Garden City location. Multiple animals Must love animals and be able to drive. Please call: 516-747-4751 (home) 212-986-5757 (work)

$Highest$ 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

Space for rent. Beautifully shared Office Space. Partially Furnished-2 Exec. Offices. Reception Area, Main Floor, Private Parking. $1900-p/m. Please call 516-248-4080

MATTITUCK, 2 Bayfront Homes For Rent. One 3 BR, 2 BTH, One 2 BR, 1 1/2 BTH House. Available the weeks of June and July.

3 BR House $2100-per week. 2 BR House $1900-per week. IDEAL FAMILY VACATION Call 516-434-8430

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How to build a better burger

Backyard barbecue season is starting to heat up. Although many people grill all year long, grilling season kicks into high gear in spring and summer.

Burgers will always be quintessential grilling fare. It should come as no surprise that the month of May is National Hamburger Month. That’s likely due to Memorial Day weekend — which many view as the unofficial start of summer — being one of the first times of the year people begin grilling burgers. Despite burgers’ popularity, it’s easy to make mistakes when preparing them. These tips can help anyone build a better burger.

Use freshly ground meat

Buying ready-made ground meat (of any variety) is taking a gamble because you don’t know when it was ground, how many animals it came from or how it was handled. By freshly grinding the meat at home you will have greater control over the cut of meat and the fat content. Personally ground meat will be fresher, especially when you get nice cuts of meat directly from your local butcher. Top chefs suggest dicing cold meat into chunks and freezing for about 10

minutes prior to grinding for the best results.

Fat is key

For the most juicy, flavorful burger, you’ll want a ratio of 80 percent meat to 20 percent fat. Some people like to eat lean, but with a burger, the fat will be necessary and it’s better to select leaner meats for other dishes

Don’t overwork the meat

Handling the burger patties too much can lead to dense, tough burgers. Gently shape the burgers into round, 1-inch thick, flat discs. To prevent the burgers from rounding in the middle during cooking, press a dimple with your thumb in the center of the patty to help it cook evenly. It’s a smart idea to weigh each patty to ensure uniformity of size and even cooking.

Don’t add salt early on

Salt added to the ground meat before it’s shaped can draw the liquid out of the meat, leaving a dry burger behind. Sprinkle salt sparingly while it is cooking for flavoring .

Avoid overcooking

Most health authorities recommend not leaving any pink meat in a burger made from ground meat. According

to BBC Good Food, burgers can be cooked for 5 to 6 minutes on each side for medium and 8 to 9 minutes per side for well done. For the best results, use a food thermometer to check internal temperature. The USDA says ground meat, whether it’s pork, veal, beef, or lamb, should be cooked to 160 F

Flip

as desired

The cooking resource Serious Eats debunked the myth that burgers should only be flipped once. Flipping the burger repeatedly, as often as once every 15 seconds, encourages faster, more even internal cooking and can dramatically reduce cooking time.

Keep the patties separate

Let everyone build their own burgers, as keeping the cooked meat away from the burger buns for as long as possible will reduce the chances of the juices making the buns soggy. Soft, squishy buns tend to make for good burger eating, as they will not overwhelm the meat with too much crusty bread.

The smell of grilling burgers is in the air. Ensure that every burger is a masterpiece by utilizing some important cooking tips.

Columbiettes Spring Raff le Auction

The Joseph Barry Columbiettes will be sponsoring a Spring Raffle on Sunday, May 19, at the Joseph Barry Knights of Columbus hall (45 Heitz Place, Hicksville).  Doors open at 12:30 p.m. and the raffles for gift baskets will begin at 1 o’clock.  Tickets are $12 per person and include coffee, tea and snacks.

Proceeds from this and other Columbiettes fundraisers go toward assisting charities including our local parishes, veterans’ organizations, food pantries and other worthy causes in the community.

For additional information, please call Susan at 516-680-8487 or email suesarandis@gmail.com

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Pickleball pickup game summer schedule

The Town of Oyster Bay has announced the pickleball pickup game schedule across multiple parks for this summer. With eight sessions scheduled throughout the week, residents of all ages and skill levels are invited to play this growing sport in a casual environment without a formal instructor. Pickleball, a blend of tennis, badminton, and table tennis, provides a fun and social way to stay active.

“Engaging in recreational activities like pickleball not only promotes physical health but also fosters a sense of community. These sessions provide an excellent opportunity for residents of all ages to come together, have fun, and stay active. This fun sport has gained in popularity throughout our Town and we’re thrilled to see our parks filled with energy and camaraderie as more residents give it a try,” Town Councilman Lou Imbroto said.

Beginning on Monday, July 1, Hicksville Athletic Center will host Pickleball Pickup Session 1 every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 8:15 a.m. Meanwhile, Lenox Avenue Park in Bethpage will kick off Pickleball Session 2 on Tuesday, July 2, running every Tuesday and Thursday from 9:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Another opportunity to play arises with Pickleball Session 3, also starting on July 1, taking place at Lenox Avenue Park every Monday and Wednesday from 5:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Garrick Williams Park in Massapequa will open its

courts for Pickleball Session 4 on Wednesday, July 3, and will continue every Wednesday and Friday from 5:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Garrick Williams Park will host Pickleball Session 5 on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., starting on July 2. This schedule extends to Pickleball Session 6, taking place at the same location every Wednesday and Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., starting on July 3. Centre Island Beach in Bayville will be the venue for Pickleball Session 7, commencing on July 2, with games scheduled every Tuesday and Thursday from 9:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Finally, Pickleball Session 8 will take place at Centre Island Beach, starting on July 1, with games scheduled every Monday and Wednesday from 5:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. These sessions offer residents ample opportunities to enjoy the sport of pickleball across various locations the town.

Registration takes place online at: www.oysterbaytown.com/portal.

Residents can register beginning Monday, May 13, at 5 p.m. and must upload proof of residency (tax or utility bill) and avalid identification card such as a driver’s license. The resident fee is $75. Non-residents can register beginning Monday, May 20, at 9 a.m., and the fee is $100. Rackets are not provided. Registration is first-come, first-served.

For more information, please call  (516) 797-7945.

IN MEMORIAM

Christopher Kupec

Christopher “Chris” Kupec, a highly esteemed financial services attorney and former collegiate athlete, passed away on Wednesday morning, May 8, 2024. He was a loving father, devoted husband, adoring grandfather, and cherished member of his community.

Chris is survived by his son Will, daughter Catherine, daughter-in-law Kim, granddaughter Lexi, and Patty Kupec. He is also remembered fondly by his brothers Matt, Andy, Tom, sisters Barbara, and Liz, and 21 nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by his father William Kupec, mother Helen Kupec, and brother William Kupec, Jr.

Born and raised in Syosset,  with a passion for excellence, Chris’s remarkable journey began at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where he excelled both academically and athletically. As a former football player, Chris left an indelible mark on the field, earning the title of All-ACC quarterback in 1974 during his senior year. Leading the Tar Heels to the Sun Bowl, Chris showcased his exceptional talent, setting a then-NCAA record for passing completion percentage at 69.3%. His leadership and skill were further evidenced by his impressive tally of 21 touchdowns, both throwing (12 TD’s) and running (9 TD’s), throughout the season. Not only did Chris excel in athletics, but he also distinguished himself as an outstanding scholar, earning the prestigious Phi Beta Kappa designation and being recognized as an All-American Student-Athlete.

Following his successful collegiate career, Chris continued to pursue excellence in academia, attending the UNC School of Law, where he graduated with Dean’s honors, ranking second in his class. With a keen intellect and unwavering dedication, Chris embarked on a

distinguished legal career, specializing in middle-market lending transactions involving banks, hedge funds, and other financial institutions. His expertise in asset-based and leveraged lending, as well as second lien and mezzanine financings, earned him widespread respect and admiration within the legal profession.

Beyond his professional achievements, Chris will be remembered for his kindness, generosity, and unwavering commitment to his family and friends. His legacy of excellence, both on and off the field, will continue to inspire all who had the privilege of knowing him.

Chris Kupec’s life will be celebrated and remembered by all whose lives he touched. May he rest in peace, knowing that his legacy of integrity, passion, and determination will live on in the hearts of those he loved and inspired.

Memorial services will be private. To honor Chris’ legacy, donations may be made to the Chris Kupec Scholarship Fund at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Ram’s Club, P.O. Box 2446, Chapel Hill, NC 27515.

Have you lost someone?

If you would like to post an obituary for a loved one, simply send a short biography of them with (if desired) their photo, details of their funeral/visitation services, and/or any donation requests to editor@gcnews.com, or call our office at 516-294-8900 to inquire.

Christopher Kupec

S:10.3"

T:11.3"

Registration open for Adult Tennis Program

Registration is open for the Town of Oyster Bay’s Adult Tennis Program. Offering both Women’s and Co-ed lessons, the program provides a fantastic opportunity for residents to hone their tennis skills under the guidance of expert instructors. Lessons are open to adults over the age of 18 and take place at Haypath Park in Old Bethpage.

“ These tennis programs offer a fantastic opportunity for our community to engage in physical activity, learn new skills, and enjoy the camaraderie of playing tennis together. Whether you're a beginner or looking to refine your techniques, these lessons, led by expert instructors, promise an enriching experience for

all participants. I encourage residents to seize this opportunity to stay active and connect with others in our town,” Town Councilman Tom Hand said.

The Co-ed Lessons are structured into three sessions. In Session 1, participants can choose between classes held on Tuesdays (May 21, 28; June 4 & 11) or Thursdays (May 23 & 30; June 6 & 13), with beginner lessons running from 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., followed by intermediate lessons from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Session 2 continues on Thursdays (June 27; July 11, 18 & 25) with the same schedule of beginner and intermediate lessons. Finally, Session 3 takes place on Thursdays (August 8, 15, 22 & 29), maintaining

the consistent timing for both beginner and intermediate lessons.

Women’s classes are also separated into 3 sessions. Session 1 will meet on Tuesdays (May 21 & 28; June 4 & 11) and Wednesdays (May 22 & 29; June 5 & 12). On Tuesdays, beginner lessons with D1 college coach Ros will be held from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., followed by double strategies intermediate lessons from 11:45 a.m. to 1:15 p.m. Wednesdays will feature beginner lessons from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and intermediate lessons from 11:45 a.m. to 1:15 p.m., both led by D1 college coach Ros. Session 2 follows a similar pattern, with classes meeting on Tuesdays (June 25; July 2, 9 & 16) and Wednesdays (June 26;

July 3, 10 & 17), offering beginner and intermediate lessons on both days at the same times. In Session 3, classes convene on Tuesdays (August 6, 13, 20 & 27) and Wednesdays (August 7, 14, 21 & 28), maintaining the same schedule and instruction as the previous sessions.

Classes are 4 weeks long, meeting once a week Haypath Park in Old Bethpage. Fees are $100 per resident and $125 per non-resident. Registration takes place online at: www.oysterbaytown.com/portal.

For more information, please call (516) 797-7943 or visit www.oysterbaytown.com.

Town seeks nominations to honor 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 9, 2024 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 submitting 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 3, 2024.

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.

Student success is the theme at Levittown’s board meeting

Several students from across the Levittown School District received commendations at the May 8 board of education meeting.

Students and their families from all 10 Levittown schools gathered at the Levittown Memorial Education Center to receive certificates or merit. Among the standout students were:

• High achievers in science from Wisdom Lane and Jonas E. Salk

Middle Schools and Division Avenue and General Douglas MacArthur High Schools

• All-County and L.I. String Festival Association performers from Abbey Lane, East Broadway, Gardiners Avenue, Lee Road, Northside and Summit Lane Elementary Schools, as well as the middle and high schools

• Division Avenue artists whose work is displayed in the

Additionally, MacArthur Principal Joseph Sheehan recognized the Class of 2024 valedictorian Zarif Jamal and salutatorian Benjamin Campbell. He commended the two students on their high academic achievements and commitment to their school and community. Both students received a plaque for their achievement.

Lastly, board of education trustees Marianne Adrian and James Moran each received Board Lifetime Achievement awards from the New York State School Boards Association. This is the highest award trustees can receive from NYSSBA, which recognizes their years of commitment to the Levittown board and attendance at several conferences, retreats and workshops.

Division Avenue High School science winners.

Abbey Lane School music winners.

East Broadway School music winners.

Board trustees Marianne Adrian and James Moran received Board Lifetime Achievement awards from the New York State School Boards Association.

Wisdom Lane Middle School science winners. Jonas Salk Middle School science winners.

MacArthur High School science winners.

MacArthur valedictorian Zarif Jamal and salutatorian Benjamin Campbell received plaques.

Heckscher Museum of Art’s Young Artists Exhibition

Photos courtesy Levittown Public Schools

Student success is the theme at Levittown’s board meeting

East Broadway School music winners.

Lee Road School music winners.

MacArthur High School music winners.

Division Avenue High School music winners.

Nikole Galgano, Mia Walton and Kayla Kleinfeldt were recognized for their selections in the Heckscher Museum Young Artists exhibition.

Northside School music winners. Jonas Salk Middle School music winners.