Bethpage Newsgram (10/28/22)

H APPY H OMECOMING

Town seeds waters with clam seedlings

The Town of Oyster Bay recent ly announced a new initiative under the Town’s Shell Recycling Program, through which thousands of oyster shells were collected during the weekend Oys ter Festival. The shells, of which there were more than three tons, were trans ported by Town aqua-culturists to a cur ing facility, where they remain for sev eral months prior to being strategically returned to the harbor to assist in the growth of new shellfish.

“You can’t have the Oyster Festival without oysters, and thousands of res idents enjoyed this delicacy during the weekend’s festivities. Thanks to a new initiative we recently launched, their shells will not go to waste,” said Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino. “Through our new Shell Recycling Program, we were able to make sure that these shells could also be recycled and ultimately placed back into the waters.”

The Supervisor explained that shells

provide an excellent source of habitat for young shellfish to grow and mature, offering protection from weather condi tions and predators.

“It’s amazing what can happen if we just let Mother Nature take its course – which just a little help from us,” Super visor Saladino said. “These shells offer great protection from weather condi tions, and also help defend growing shell fish from predators. They are essential to our waterways and local marine environ ment, as they filter water through their feeding mechanisms.”

As just one single shellfish can filter up to 50 gallons of seater per day, envi ronmental initiatives such as this new recycling program have remained a pri ority for the Town Board.

“We appreciate everyone in the com munity and the food vendors who have helped collect shellfish as part of this wonderful program,” said Councilwom an Vicki Walsh.

Man slashed in Hicksville

A 36-year-old man was robbed on Saturday, October 22, on Millwood Gate near South Broad way.

According to police, the victim was walking eastbound on Millwood Gate near the intersec tion of South Broadway around 2 a.m. when he was approached by three unknown male subjects.

The subjects demanded that the victim give them his money. The victim complied and gave the subjects approximately $100. One of the subjects then pulled out a knife and slashed the victim on his left wrist, causing a minor laceration. The three subjects then fled on foot northbound on South Broadway. The vic

tim was transported by a Nassau County Police Ambulance to a local hos pital for treatment. Inves tigation is ongoing.

Detectives request anyone with information regarding the above inci dent to contact Nassau County Crime Stoppers at 1-800-244-TIPS. All callers will remain anon ymous.

Bethpage High School's cheerleaders pumped up the crowd during the school's homecoming game

Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino (center) and Town officials show a sampling of the more than three tons of oyster shells collected at the Oyster Festival.

Town collects DVDs for soldiers, hospitals

Holiday schedules for sanitation collections

The Town of Oyster Bay reminds residents who receive Town collection services that Town sanitation and S.O.R.T. Recycling collection schedules resume as scheduled on Election Day Tuesday, November 8, but will be modified for Veterans Day, Friday, November 11.

Election Day: Regular collection on Tuesday, November 8

Veterans Day: No sanitation

or recycling collection on Friday, November 11

Friday collections will be made on Saturday, November 12

Town offices will be closed on both days, but the Town of Oyster Bay Ice Skating Center will be open. The GAP program also does not meet on both days. For more information, visit the Town’s website at www. oysterbaytown.com.

Free golf for veterans, military

Soldiers

The Town of Oyster Bay has announced a partnership with Massapequa-based “Big Hy for Heroes” in an effort to collect DVDs for those deployed and serving overseas in the United States Armed Forces as well as movies for children’s hospitals. Donations will be accepted November 1 through November 30 and then delivered to chaplains, command ing officers, sergeant majors and ser geants around the globe to distribute to troops and arrange movie nights this holiday season.

Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino stated, “The Town of Oyster Bay is proud to partner with Big Hy for Heroes for our 5th Annual DVD Collection Drive and send thousands of DVDs to troops serv ing around the globe as well as to chil dren receiving care in local hospitals. Help support these brave men, women and children by donating DVDs.”

The Big Hy for Heroes organization was founded in 2002 by Massapequa

resident and WWII veteran Hyman Strachman who, along with his son Arthur Strachman, personally began sending DVDs to U.S. troops overseas.

Over the years, Big Hy for Heroes has shipped hundreds of thousands of DVDs all around the world, and continues to do so today.

Exciting, suspenseful, comedy and classic DVDs are among the most requested by the troops for movie nights. Children’s movies are needed for local hospitals. Residents can donate DVDs at any of the following locations:

• Town Hall North – 54 Audrey Avenue, Oyster Bay

• Town Hall South – 977 Hicksville Road, Massapequa

Additionally, letters of gratitude to soldiers and holiday cards for children are also welcome. For more information on the DVD Collection Drive for U.S. Troops and local Children’s Hospitals, please call (516) 624-6380.

The Town of Oyster Bay will honor veterans and active duty military per sonnel for their service to our nation with a free day of golf at the Hon. Joseph Colby Town of Oyster Bay Golf Course, located at 1 South Woods Road in Woodbury on Veterans Day, Friday, November 11.

“The brave men and women of our United States Armed Forces put their lives on the line and sacrifice their time to protect our freedoms and democ racy,” said Town Supervisor Joseph

Saladino. “This is an important way of saying ‘thank you’ and we’re pleased to be able to offer this free round of golf on Veterans Day as a small token of appre ciation for all they’ve done and continue to do for our nation.”

To qualify for this Veterans Day offer, golfers must present proof of Town resi dency and either military identification or discharge papers (DD Form 214). For additional information, including

Legislature honors cops from local precinct

On October 24, the Nassau County Legislature honored two Nassau County Police Department Officers from the 2nd Precinct for their work in recovering a stolen car and catch ing a suspect who was tied to multiple car thefts in Nassau and Suffolk Counties. They are the Legislative Top Cops for October 2022.

According to police, on September 22nd, Officers Jason Ziegler and Salvatore Mangano were patrolling the Syosset/ Woodbury area for a stolen Mercedes Benz. Officer Ziegler spotted a vehicle that matched the description heading eastbound on Jericho Turnpike, and transmit ted the location over his radio. He pursued the vehicle in a way that did not call attention to himself and did not alert the driver that he was being followed by police

officers. When Officer Mangano arrived, the officers activated their lights and sirens as the vehicle turned onto South Oyster Bay Road. Officers from Muttontown Village stopped traffic on the roadway, and Officers Ziegler and Mangano used the stopped traffic to box in the stolen vehicle. They then proceeded to exit their cars and open the door to gain access to the stolen car. Police say the subject inside refused to unlock the door and ignored numer ous commands to exit the car. He then tried to drive away and rammed another vehicle. Finally, realizing he was trapped, he allowed the officers to gain entry and was arrested.

According to police, the arrest of this indi vidual has led to numer ous stolen car cases in both Nassau and Suffolk Counties to be closed.

The Nassau County Legislature honored two Nassau County Police officers, Jason Ziegler and Salvatore Mangano, for arresting a man suspected of stealing numerous cars.

Arrest in fireworks sales

Nassau County Police arrested a New Hyde Park man for allegedly sell ing fireworks illegally in Hicksville.

Registration for adult, youth hockey

According to

Senthil Lakshamanan was placed under arrest

an investigation at Maharaja Farmers Market located at 265 South Broadway. Detectives say they discov ered several open bins of

for

at this location. All fireworks were removed by the Arson & Bomb Squad and safely secured.

Senthil Lakshamanan is charged with Unlawful Selling of Fireworks, Unlawful Storage of Explosives and two counts of Explosives-Without Licenses and Certificates.

The Town of Oyster Bay has announced that registration for Session 2 of the Youth Girls and Adult Learn to Play Ice Hockey Clinics are opening at the Town of Oyster Bay Ice Skating Center. Online registra tion runs October 25 through 28 at oys terbaytown.com/parks and in-person on October 29 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Ice Skating Center.

“These fun and instructional clinics available to girls ages 10U and up to 18U, as well as adults, run for 10 weeks at the Town’s Ice Skating Center at Bethpage Community Park,” said Councilman Steve Labriola. “The Town is also inviting those interested in coaching for the Town’s Ice Hockey Program to contact the rink as we have openings available for ice hockey coaches.”

Residents interested in joining session 2 of these programs are welcome to sign up online October 25 through 28 or in-per son October 29. All Girls clinics, includ ing 10U, 12/14U and 16/18U run for 10

weeks. The Adult Learn to Play Clinic also runs 10 weeks. The cost of the program is $150. Registrants should bring a copy of their birth certificate and proof of Town of Oyster Bay residency (tax or utility bill) as well as payment.

“The Town’s Youth Ice Hockey pro gram provides youngsters a great oppor tunity to improve their skating and hock ey skills in this great program that has earned recognition by the National Hockey League for its high level of quality,” said Councilman Labriola. “We’ve had great success in both our new Girls Hockey Program and Adult learn-to-play sessions. Our Ice Hockey Program is among the best around, with a dedicated coaching staff ready to teach this sport to the many boys and girls enrolled in our program.”

All participants must provide their own equipment, and should have some skating ability. For more information, call the rink at (516) 433-7465, x8233, or visit www. oysterbaytown.com/hockey.

Senthil Lakshamanan

Levittown students commended in Natl. Merit program

Four seniors in the Levittown Public School District were named Commended Students in the presti gious 2023 National Merit Scholarship Program.

Mia Frattura, a student at General Douglas MacArthur High School, and Aakash Veeravalli, Nabiha Khan and Joshua Chong, students at Division Avenue High School, are Commended

Students.

Commended Students placed among the top 50,000 students who entered the 2023 competition by taking the PSAT or National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test. About 34,000 Commended Students throughout the nation are being rec ognized for their exceptional academic promise.

Photos courtesy of Levittown Public Schools

General Douglas MacArthur High School Principal Joseph Sheehan congratulated senior Mia Frattura, who was named a Commended Student in the National Merit Scholarship Program.

Division Avenue High School students Aakash Veeravalli, Nabiha Khan and Joshua Chong are Commended Students.

BHS seniors recognized by Natl. Merit program

From left: Bethpage High School guidance counselors Meg Scanlon and Jennifer Payne, National Merit Commended Students Megan Selwin, Nicholas Karaisarides, Manuel Jimenez and Sophia Passaro, National Merit Semifinalist Georgia Karaisarides and her guidance counselor Jay Benjamin.

Five seniors from Bethpage High School were recently honored in the 2023 National Merit Scholarship Program. Georgia Karaisarides was named a National Merit semifinal ist, while Manuel Jimenez, Nicholas Karaisarides, Sophia Passaro and Megan Selwin were recognized as Commended Students. Each student was selected based on their exceptional scores on the 2021 Preliminary SAT/ National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test last year.

Photos courtesy of the Bethpage Union Free School District

As a semifinalist, Georgia is among 16,000 students representing less than one percent of U.S. high school seniors who are in the running for some 7,250 National Merit Scholarships. Her next step is to become a National Merit final ist. More than 15,000 semifinalists are expected to advance to the finalist level. Georgia and a school official will need to submit a detailed scholarship applica tion highlighting her academic record, extracurricular activities, leadership abilities, employment and honors and

Bethpage High School senior Georgia Karaisarides (left) was named a semifinalist in the 2023 National Merit Scholarship Program. Pictured with her guidance coun selor Jay Benjamin (right).

awards. To become a finalist, a student must have an outstanding academic record, be endorsed and recommend ed by a high school official, write an essay and earn high SAT or ACT scores. Georgia will find out in February if she has advanced to the finalist round.

Her brother Nicholas, along with Manuel, Sophia and Megan, received Letters of Commendation for their

outstanding academic promise. They are among 34,000 of the approximate ly 50,000 students who were deemed high scorers on the PSAT/NMSQT. Although they will not continue in the 2023 competition, some Commended Students become candidates for special scholarships sponsored by corporations and businesses.

School tax bills in the mail

Oyster Bay Town Receiver of Taxes

Jeffrey P. Pravato reminds residents that the First Half of the 2022–2023 School Tax Levy is due on October 1st, but can be paid without penalty through November 10. Please be certain to sign your check, and make it payable to Jeffrey P. Pravato, Receiver of Taxes. Indicate your property’s school district code, section, block, lot and phone num ber on the check.

“New York State Law allows my office to provide taxpayers with a 40 day penalty free period from the date the tax is due during which payment may be made without penalty,” Receiver Pravato explained. “After the 40 days, State Law requires that a one percent

penalty is added for each month the tax remains unpaid, retroactive to October 1st. Don’t delay, make your payment before November 10th and ensure you aren’t paying more out of pocket than you need to.”

The Tax Office is open in both Town Hall North, 74 Audrey Avenue, Oyster Bay, and Town Hall South, 977 Hicksville Road, Massapequa, daily from 9:00 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. to assist residents and accept payments with a check, cash or credit card. Outdoor walkup windows are also open. On November 9 and 10, both offices will be open from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. When paying in person, res idents are reminded to bring the entire tax bill. Residents who prefer to mail

in their payments should send them to the Office of the Receiver of Taxes, 74 Audrey Avenue, Oyster Bay, N.Y. 117711539. All mailed payments must have a United States Postal Service postmark dated on or before November 10.

Taxpayers also have access to the 2022–2023 School Tax information on our online system via a link on the Town website, www.oysterbaytown. com. Residents may view current tax bills, print out a hard copy, or pay taxes with an ACH check payment for a ser vice fee of $1.75 cents, or by credit card for a much higher fee charged by the credit card companies. (Town of Oyster Bay receives no portion of this fee).

Receiver Pravato reminds residents

students!

that school budgets are set by their local school districts, and the Town of Oyster Bay is not involved in that process. Any questions related to School Tax rates and amounts should be addressed to the resident’s school district. The tele phone number for each school district is printed on the front of the School Tax bill.

When calling the Tax Office at 516624-6400, or sending an email to receiv eroftaxes@oysterbay-ny.gov, residents are requested to have the school district code, section, block and lot numbers of the property in question available. This information is listed on the tax bill and on the property deed.

This Week at the Syosset Public Library

Friday, October 28, 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, October 30, at 1:00 p.m.

Billy Joel Songs & Stories (IN-PERSON)

Presenter: Lee Glantz

Nicknamed the Piano Man, American singer/songwriter, com poser and pianist William (Billy) Martin Joel has been making music since the 1960s. Enjoy stories and songs of this American icon. Co-sponsored with the Town of Oyster Bay Department of Community and Youth Services as part of 2022–2023 Distinguished Artists Concert Series. Registration is needed. To register, go to syossetlibrary.org.

Monday, October 31, at 2:00 p.m.

A Look Behind Orson Welles’ “War of the Worlds” Broadcast (VIRTUAL)

Presenter: Laura Keyes, library director in Illinois & historic lecturer

On the eve of Halloween 1938, a young actor/director broadcast a radio drama based on a 40-year-old novel. While the original broadcast had a relatively low audience, the impact it had, and continues to have, on American culture is staggering. But how much of that was reality, and how much has been exaggerated over the years? Attend this illustrat ed lecture and learn the real story. No registration needed. For Zoom link, go to syossetlibrary.org.

Tuesday, November 1, at 1:30 p.m.

Mandala Art Class (IN-PERSON)

Presenter: Deborah Adler, clinical art psychotherapist & artist Free your mind and get creative with designing your own mandala.

Mandala, a Sanskrit word for circle, has long been identified by some cultures and philosophies as a rep resentation of the universe, cycli cal change, creativity, and deepen ing connections. This meditative art form can also bring about balance, focus and calm. No experience neces sary! All materials will be supplied. Registration is needed. To register, go to syossetlibrary.org. Fee: $5.

Thursday, November 3, at 7:00 p.m.

Strengthening Your Story Plot and Conflict Workshop (VIRTUAL)

Presenter: Erin Coughlan, award-nominated writer and producer and author of “Pop and Fizz’s Double Feature Movie Night Guide”

Learn the easy steps that you can use to strengthen your story. Participate in fun writing prompt exercises guaranteed to help you develop you improve your story structure, plot and conflict. Discover tricks used by popular storytellers that will also help you create char acters that strongly resonate and engage with your audience / readers. Get every day tips to help you outline your story and boost your creative confidence. Writers of all levels and mediums welcome! To register, go to syossetlibrary.org.

Friday, November 4, at 2:00 p.m. Betty Crocker and Her Cookbook That Changed How America Cooks (VIRTUAL)

Presenter: Leslie Goddard, Ph.D., former museum director, author and speaker

Created in 1921 by a flour compa ny, Betty Crocker became the most famous and most trusted advisor to American cooks. The fun illustrated lecture by historian Leslie Goddard, Ph.D., looks at how Betty Crocker was invented, why her cookbook has endured and what makes her so icon ic. No registration needed. For Zoom link, go to syossetlibrary.org.

Syosset School Board to meet

The Syosset Board of Education will meet on Monday, November 7, at 8 p.m. for a hearing on the Smart School Investment Plan. The month ly meeting of the board will follow the hearing. The meeting will take

place at the South Woods Middle School Auditorium, 99 Pell Lane, Syosset. The meeting will also be available via livestream broadcast at the district ’ s website, www.syosset schools.org

MSF

Meister

the Commute?? Neither Do We....

Bethpage

BY GARY SIMEONE

Natural settings have always been an inspiration for Bethpage High School sophomore Gianna Fernandez. The talented 14-year-old was recently selected as one of twelve Nassau County student artists to have their artwork published in the 2023 Cornell Cooperative Extension ’ s annual Student Art competition. The competition was open for students in grades K–12.

Her winning piece was an acryl ic painting of a natural landscape, depicting a river in the woods out lined by mossy green rocks strad dling the river.

Fernandez said that she came up with the idea for the painting after looking online at photos of natural settings.

“One of my favorite things to paint is natural scenes because there are so many beautiful natural elements in our world that really inspire me,” said Fernandez.

The painting that was chosen was actually a ninth grade art project

artwork chosen for calendar

that Fernandez had worked on in her art teacher, Christopher DeStefano ’ s, class.

The talented high schooler said she has always been interested in art since she was a little girl.

“Since I was five years old I ’ ve always held an interest in art. I start ed out doing finger-paintings , work ing my way up to colored pencils and charcoal-based mediums, and even tually doing Notan Japanese design concepts.”

She said that along with painting natural settings, she enjoys painting realistic images of people on paper and facial anatomy designs.

As part of being selected as one of twelve student artists from across Nassau County to win the competi tion, Fernandez was invited to attend a honorary reception on November 2 by the Cornell Cooperative Extension.

At the reception she will receive a certificate and a complimentary cal endar, as well as having her winning artwork on display for people to see.

Fernandez said that her ultimate

dream is to work at Pixar Animation Studios as a design animator.

“My friends and I always watched

Pixar movies when we were little, and it would be so cool to actually work there one day,” said Fernandez.

Bank checking account(s). An existing checking customer is defined as anyone who currently has or has had a Flushing Bank checking account within the last 24 months. New money is defined as money not currently on deposit with Flushing Bank. The Customer Value Program bonus will be based on the three-month average account balance of the first three (3) full calendar months after the month of account opening. The Customer Value Program bonus will be posted to the account on or about the end of the subsequent month following the account’s three (3) month anniversary. A 1099 will be issued in the amount of the account bonus. The new Complete Checking account must remain open, active, and in good standing for six months. The bonus will be forfeited if the account is closed prior to six months. Other fees and restrictions may apply. The minimum three-month average balance to qualify for the Customer Value Program is $10,000. A minimum deposit of $25 is required to open the Complete Checking account. The offer is subject to change or termination without prior notice at any time. Speak with a branch representative for details.

Acrylic painting by Bethpage High School sophomore Gianna Fernandez.

Cruising on The Galapagos Legend: A Voyage of Wonder

BY KAREN RUBIN, DAVE E. LEIBERMAN, LAINI MIRANDA, ERIC LEIBERMAN & SARAH FALTER TRAVEL FEATURES SYNDICATE GOINGPLACESFARANDNEAR.COM

The Galapagos, an archipelago of some 200 islands spanning 8000 sq km  just below the Equator and 600 miles from South America’s coast – has the most varied ecosystems and diversity in such a concentrated area on the planet.

You see animals and floral life that don’t exist anywhere else in the world – not even from one island to the next. It’s the only place in the world you can see sea lions, penguins and albacore tuna with parrot fish, angel fish and flamingoes.

We get so close because here, ani mals do not have a fear of humans because humans are no longer their predators. Most profound, is how viv idly we can see the impacts of the environment on the evolution of a species, right down to their blue or red booby feet and the red sac that expands like a balloon on the male frigate bird’s neck. We see mating rituals, newborn chicks, adolescence and death. We get to swim with sea turtles and sea lions.

The best way to experience the Galapagos – a place that can only be described as “enchanting,” “mesmer izing,” “awe-inspiring” - is by ship. We book a four-day/three-night cruise on the 100-passenger MV Galapagos Legend, a gorgeous ship big enough to afford all the luxury amenities you could crave and small enough to be intimate. Go Galapagos, the operator, offers four itineraries (longer itiner aries are available by combining sail

ings) and we choose the “East” which seems to afford less time sailing (in this time of year, we are concerned about rougher seas) and more time exploring islands, hiking, snorkeling and seeing a good portion of the wild life the Galapagos is most famous for.

Each of the destinations we visit is so different – in landscape, geology, wildlife, vegetation – that the experi ence we have changes drastically from morning to afternoon and day to day.

This Galapagos cruise proves to be the perfect combination of pure excitement and pure enjoyment. It is the very definition of “soft adven ture” – giving us the ability to experi ence something really exotic, unique, remote and isolated, but in absolute comfort, adding the priceless dimen sion of being an experience that can

be shared by a family, young and old.

After spending a couple of days on Santa Cruz island, we meet up with the rest of our cruise passengers for this sailing of the Galapagos Legend at the international airport on the adjacent island (a US Naval Base in World War II), and are taken by bus to a small marina where we are ten dered by dinghy to the ship.

It is still morning when we go aboard for a “captain’s welcome” have an excellent orientation to the ship and the cruise, then have lunch as the ship sails to the first island we explore. (A short, easy sail, it gives us time to acclimate.)

We have two naturalists on board, Alejandro and Billy, rangers who work for the Galapagos National Park. They not only guide us, but are

responsible for making sure the strict rules that protect the ecosystems are enforced. (You can’t visit the islands on your own, and even the operators and cruise ships are limited in the number of people that can be any where at any one time.)

The Galapagos became Ecuador’s first national park in 1959 and began operations in 1968, with tour ism really getting underway in the 1970s. In 1979, UNESCO declared the Galápagos Islands a Natural Heritage for Humanity site, making the Park Service responsible for guarding and conserving the islands.

Alejandro tells us the rules that are in place to protect the animals, too many of which have been endan gered by invasive species including rats, cats, dogs and most significant ly, humans.

We are instructed to stay on the marked trails and not stray or go off on our own, not to bring any food (water is okay), not to use the camera flash (light is too strong and would stress the animal) or selfie stick. We must not take anything from the island, not a shell, not sand nor stone.

“Keep it as natural as possible, with the least human impact, so we have this for future generations.” But the Galapagos already has clear exam ples of how fast human impact can set into motion the extinction of species.

The mystery is how these animals even came here to begin with. They are said to have evolved from ani mals that managed to get here from North and South America – but the most eastern island, San Cristobal, is still 600 miles from South America’s

Cruising on The Galapagos Legend: A Voyage of Wonder

coast. They tell us how an iguana could have floated here on some sort of “raft”like vehicle, which Karen comprehends about as well as the “Big Bang” theory of the universe exploding from a ball of matter that could fit in the palm of your hand.

(Think of it: that animal would have to survive weeks at sea with swells and storms without food or water, arrive on an island and somehow meet a fertile animal of the opposite sex in a timely way in order to reproduce. It sounds about as credible as Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden having two sons but being the progenitors of all humankind. After Billy later explains about teutonic plates that move 2 meters a year, west to east, and how these islands actually floated here, Karen is more inclined to think that these animals’ evolutionary ancestors were already onboard.)

The oldest islands are in the East (San Cristobal) and are 3 million years old; the youngest islands are in the west and are one million years old, and actually moving eastward at a rate of two meters a year. But, Billy tells us, an island would “disappear” before it reached South America’s coast (!!??). (Actually, Karen thinks the island would more likely disappear - and soon er - because of climate-caused sea-level rise, which makes her worry about the fate of these animals.)

Our first walkabout is that after noon, on the island of North Seymour, a bird lover’s dream. The dinghy takes us to a “dry” landing which means we step onto slick rocks (they put down a

towel to make it easier). We spend about two hours (is it that long? Time flies by) walking a rocky - but easy - trail that makes us feel like we are strolling through Wonderland.

Because humans are not perceived as a threat, the animals pay us no atten tion. We can walk amazingly close to bird colonies, even to chicks still in the nest, as if we were invisible; they just continue doing what they will do. And yet, we later have experiences where it seems the sea lions do want to attract our attention, show off and even play with us, and on one occasion, a blue-footed booby (adolescent?) seems curious enough to just stand in the mid dle of the trail as we take photos, study us, and wait for us to come back.

“Two things make Galapagos unique,” our guide, Billy, tells us. “Fear doesn’t exist and there is harmony – the hawk, boobies, iguana live in harmony [balance] because there is enough food to eat.” He tells us that the government gave fishermen an incentive to become guides, so there is less fishing and more for the animals. “Harmony and no fear.”

North Seymour is fantastic because here we see several of the birds the Galapagos are so famous for– the blue-footed booby, the magnificent frigatebird (the largest colony in the Galapagos is here), swallow-tailed gulls; also land iguana (2500 are resident here). And we see them all!  It is thrilling for us to see a blue-footed booby for real (the males use their webbed feet to attract a prospective mate, but when we go to San Cristobal, we see the red-footed booby, where red proved more enticing).

We also see boxes used to trap the rats (that came with humans) that were endangering the rest of the native species.

We get to see the great frigatebird males courting the females by clicking, bill-clapping shuddering and flapping their wings while puffing up their bright red, gular pouch, as big as a balloon. Billy tells us it’s late in the season, so this is their last chance to mate.

We see frigatebird chicks in all stag es of development. Billy tells us that the female lays only one at a time, and one of the two parents have to cover it or it will die from the heat, while the other goes fishing. When it hatches, if the parent doesn’t feed it, it will die. The parent is also responsible for cleaning the chick. “The very young need more protection than food, the older ones need more food than protection.”

We see a blue-footed booby chick in the nest. Billy tells us that the female lays 3 eggs, 12 days apart, so they hatch at different times after 28 days of incuba tion. The oldest is the largest and takes food first so has a 100 percent chance of survival; the second is smaller, so can’t outdo the eldest for food, and has a 50 percent chance; the third is the smallest, and has only a 25 percent chance of sur viving. If there is enough food, all will survive. “In the nest, there is natural selection for the strongest and fittest.”

We also see death – a dead booby chick. Billy tells us that if he sees a booby chick fall out of the nest, the ranger isn’t allowed to help it and it will die. “It means the chick has a balance problem, and if it mates and reproduces, that trait will be inherited and would be

NUTRITION

Remember the MIND Diet

BY CHARLYN FARGO

A study published recently has some good news for those having trouble re membering things: You can eat your way to remembering more.

Researchers at Rush University Med ical Center have found that older adults may benefit from a specific diet called the MIND diet even when they develop pro tein deposits, known as amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles, which con tribute to dementia. Plaques and tangles are pathologies found in the brain that can build up between nerve cells and typ ically interfere with thinking and prob lem-solving skills.

Just what is the MIND diet? It’s a blend of the Mediterranean and DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) diets, developed by Martha Morris, a Rush nutritional epidemiologist, and her col leagues. Earlier research on the MIND diet found that adherence may reduce a person’s risk of developing Alzheimer’s

disease and dementia.

The study found participants in the study who followed the MIND diet -- even moderately later in life -- did not have cognition problems, according to a paper published on Sept. 14 in the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease.

Lead author Klodian Dhana, assistant professor at Rush, found that some people can maintain cognitive function despite an accumulation of the plaques and tan gles in their brain, suggesting diet can play a role.

In the study, researchers examined the associations of diet -- from the start of the study until death -- with brain pa thologies and cognitive functioning in 569 older adults who participated in the Rush Alzheimer’s Disease Center’s ongoing Memory and Aging Project, which began in 1997. Participants were without known dementia, and all of them agreed to un dergo annual clinical evaluations while alive and brain autopsy after their death.

Beginning in 2004, participants were

given an annual food frequency question naire about how often they ate 144 food items in the previous year. Using the ques tionnaire answers, the researchers gave each participant a MIND diet score based on how often the participants ate specific foods. The MIND diet has 15 dietary com ponents, including 10 “brain-healthy food groups” and five unhealthy groups -- red meat, butter and stick margarine, cheese, pastries and sweets, and fried or fast food.

To benefit from the MIND diet, a person would need to eat at least three servings of whole grains, a green leafy vegetable and one other vegetable every day (along with an optional glass of wine), snack most days on nuts, have beans every oth er day or so, eat poultry and berries at least twice a week and fish at least once a week. A person also must limit intake of the designated unhealthy foods, limiting butter to less than 1 1/2 teaspoons a day and eating less than a serving a week of sweets and pastries, whole-fat cheese and fried or fast food.

the result of the ranger’s mistake. That individual should die before it reproduc es. That’s natural selection.”

When you are here, you realize what an ecosystem is – the cooperation and competition that is required for survival.

We come upon a land iguana (they survived here but went extinct on Baltra), which is unfazed as groups of us stand over it. I’m fascinated by its delicately formed hands and feet that look so human, and yet, this isn’t just a different species but a different genus, reptilian.

There aren’t any hummingbirds here, Billy says, because there isn’t the kind of vegetation that hummingbirds require - a lesson that “Prey and preda tors have to colonize together or one or the other disappears.”

The humans who began arriving in the Galapagos in the 17th century were predators also, engaged in the fight for their own survival. Without food or fresh water, they relied on giant sea tur tles and tortoises. “They could survive for 6 months with meat and water from a sea turtle –the turtle was their super market for hundreds of years.”

More information at www. GoGalapagos.com

See more photos: https://goingplaces farandnear.com/cruising-on-the-galapa gos-legend-a-voyage-of-wonder/

Next: Our Voyage on the Galapagos Legend Continues to Santiago

© 2022 Travel Features Syndicate, a division of Workstyles, Inc. All rights reserved. Visit goingplacesfarandnear. com

Based on the frequency of intake re ported for the healthy and unhealthy food groups, the researchers calculated the MIND diet score for each participant across the study period. An average of the MIND diet score from the start of the

Crossword Answers

Halloween: Perfect for friends and trick or treating!

BY CLAIRE LYNCH

When I was 12 years old Halloween fell on a Saturday. Rain was forecast for that day which wouldn’t be good. Four of my friends and I got together the day before to put our plan together.

Spreading the word that we would meet in my back yard right after school, one by one they arrived and Mom lit a fire for us. Asking us what we were up to, I said, “We’re just going over tomor row’s plans, Mom.” Nodding, she told us to be careful around the fire. We chatted for a few minutes then we gathered some sticks and I ran into the house for a big bag of marshmallows.

As we toasted some marshmallows Janie, the creative one, spontaneously started chanting for good weather for the next day.

With her eyes closed, Janie mur mured, “Rain, rain, Go away, Come again Some other day.”

She pronounced “again” the British way so that it rhymed with “rain.” Janie always was pretty dramatic. Lynn, Carol, Terry and I joined in. We concentrated hard as we said our chant and hoped it would work for the holiday. We really wanted a clear, dry day for Halloween. Our plan was to meet at Terry’s house, put on our costumes and head out.

If the rain came down as heavily as predicted, it would ruin our plans. We had talked about it and looked forward to the holiday for so long. None of us wanted to be disappointed and none of us wanted to change the plan.

The five of us chatted for just a few more minutes, put out the fire then went our separate ways but before leav ing we promised each other that we would meet at 3 o’clock the next day. When I awakened on Halloween the sky was gray but it wasn’t raining. I was so glad that the weather was cooperating. It didn’t have to be a warm, sunny day, I just didn’t want any downpours.

Smiling to myself, my younger sister, Susan, asked me what was going on. “Oh, nothing,” I replied but my non committal response piqued her curiosi ty even more. She followed me into the kitchen and watched me pour cereal. Susan gave up, however, after a few minutes of pumping me with questions. She could tell that I was tight-lipped and wouldn’t say anymore. I knew Susan had her own plans to go trick or treating with her friends so we’d be going our separate ways. We would meet later, check out each other’s treats and share our Halloween stories.

Asking for my mother’s help in pull ing my costume together, I decided to put it on at home rather than get dressed at Terry’s. I was dressing as a witch and

had pulled every black piece of clothing I owned from my closet. Eventually my costume came together. Mom helped do my hair. Pulling it back and tying it up, Mom pulled some hair out on each side of my face to create tendrils.

Then she started with my makeup. Mom went heavily on the black eye liner and eye shadow then smudged some rouge onto my cheeks. She paint ed a bright red lipstick onto my lips and stood back, checking out the whole look. She nodded and I was pleased.

Shortly before 3 o’clock I walked down the block to Terry’s house. Ringing the bell, Terry pulled me inside where I found Lynn, Carol and Janie busily getting ready. Shouting goodbye to Terry’s mother, we grabbed our bags to go trick or treating. Walking and chatting, we talked excitedly about our plan. We were hoping that it would go well but we didn’t know exactly how things would turn out.

The five of us approached Amy’s house, rang the doorbell and waited. Amy’s dad answered the door and when he responded we all shouted, “Hi, Mr. Garrett.” Recognizing us despite our costumes and tons of makeup, I asked if we could speak to Amy. She seemed surprised to see us.

Amy was 11 years old and the five of us were always together with her during the summer at the pool. We met Amy while swimming then hung out afterwards when drying off on the chaise lounges. We got talking and com pared notes about our various teachers. Amy was one year younger than us so once the school year began, we didn’t see her much.

Entering her living room, I noticed her costume - of a werewolf - draped on the couch. Seeing me glance at the costume, Amy quickly said, “Sam, my older brother, asked me to go trick or treating with him and his friends but -” I said, “That’s why we’re here. Do you want to go trick or treating with us? We’re heading out right now.”

Saying yes, Amy put on her costume and we got ready to go. Telling her par ents where she as heading, the six of us picked up our trick or treating bags plus wands and other accoutrements.

We spent the next three hours ringing doorbells and wishing our neighbors a Happy Halloween. We covered a lot of territory that year. The six of us were as different as could be but that was a good thing.

Terry liked tap and dancing and Lynn liked doing pottery and was clev er at making anything arts and crafts. Carol liked to paint and even at 12 years old she was good with oil paints and a canvas. Janie, the avid reader, always told a good story. When it was dark and spooky outside, when a storm was upon us, Janie would come up with a story that would have us all on edge.

At home when Janie was telling an especially spooky story, we would check the locks on the doors and make sure the telephone was working. Just in case. Janie’s stories had a way of mak ing our skin crawl.

Singing was my thing. I sang in the morning while getting ready for school, sang any free moment I had. I was just discovering karaoke and I loved it. Barbra Streisand and Cher were my idols - they were glamorous and famous and everything I wanted to be.

After our bags were full and we had our fill of trick or treating we returned to Lynn’s house. Her mom greeted us at the door and invited us inside for some hot chocolate and little pizzas she’d cooked. Gathering around the kitch en table we started to compare notes when we heard Lynn’s younger broth

er, Shawn, come in screaming about seeing a werewolf!

Her older sister, Mallory, wasn’t far behind and had said “I didn’t see anything!” We all laughed hysterically because we knew it was Amy! Then they joined us in sharing their Halloween experiences.

Mallory and Shawn went trick or treating with their friend Josh and when they rang the doorbell to Mr. Whelan’s house Josh pulled a trick on him. He yelled “Booo!” so loudly that Mr. Whelan jumped back. Shawn was surprised because he didn’t think that scaring old Mr. Whelan was a great idea but Mr. Whelan quickly regained his senses.

Talking with them, Mr. Whelan told a couple of Halloween jokes then gave them each a big handful of Halloween candy as he wished them a Happy Halloween. Josh didn’t pull any more tricks that day and Shawn was happy about that.

As everyone gathered in the kitchen, Mallory and Shawn retold their story about Josh’s trick and my friends and I told the group the highlight of our outing - asking Amy to come along with us. After hanging out for a while at Lynn’s house we grabbed our things and headed home. We’d had another perfect Halloween.

This is fiction.

Happy Halloween to all!!

BY TOM MARGENAU

In mid-October every year, the Bu reau of Labor Statistics releases its much-anticipated report on changes (usually increases) to the Consumer Price Index over the past 12 months. Why is this little, esoteric government report -- actually called the Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers -- so popular? Be cause for the past 48 years, it’s the re port that determines the cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) that Social Security beneficiaries will get the following year.

Because my column has a long lead time, what I am reporting here isn’t news to most of my readers. As I’m sure you’ve already heard, all 65 million So cial Security beneficiaries’ checks are going up 8.7% in 2023.

And even though this is the biggest increase in many decades, I always dread mentioning COLAs in this col umn because every single time I do, I am flooded with emails from readers com plaining that the increase is not enough.

Yet here’s the rub: many economists and social planners believe Social Secu rity COLAs are too generous! (I’ve ex plained why in past columns, but don’t have the space to get into that argument today.) That’s why most discussions of long-range reform for Social Security include proposals to reduce cost-of-liv ing increases.

OK, back to the 2023 Social Security COLA. Due to these increases, the av erage monthly retirement check will be $1,827 in 2023, a $146 increase from the 2022 level. The maximum Social Secu rity check for a worker turning full re tirement age in 2023 will be $3,627, com pared to $3,345 in 2022. And please note that $3,627 is the maximum for someone turning full retirement age in 2023. That does not mean it is the maximum Social Security payment anyone can receive. There are millions of Social Security beneficiaries who get much more than that, primarily because they worked well past their FRA and/or delayed starting their benefits until age 70.

Here’s another important point about the COLA. Many readers have been asking me if they must file for So cial Security benefits in 2022 to get the COLA that’s paid in January 2023. The answer is no. The COLA will be built into the benefit computation formula, so even if you don’t file for Social Secu rity until next year or some subsequent year, you’ll still get the 8.7% increase.

Although this is a Social Security column, I must mention the upcoming decrease in the Medicare Part B premi um, which is deducted from Social Secu rity checks for most people. In 2023, the basic Part B premium will be $164.90. That’s $5.20 less than the 2021 rate. And as has been the case for 20 years now, wealthy people will pay more than the

Social Security COLA for 2023

basic premium.

I don’t want to get into this compli cated issue of Medicare premiums oth er than to make this quick point. Even though they are linked in the minds of most older adults, Social Security and Medicare are entirely separate pro grams, administered by entirely sep arate federal agencies, and they have entirely separate rules and regulations regarding their benefit and payment structures. For example, I already ex plained how Social Security COLAs are figured. The Part B Medicare premium increase has nothing to do with the CPI. Instead, by law, it must be set at a level that covers 25% of the cost of running the program. Taxpayers pick up the re maining 75%. (And again, wealthy peo ple pay more than the 25% share.)

Another measuring stick called the “national wage index” is used to set in creases to other provisions of the law that affect Social Security beneficiaries and taxpayers. Specifically, this in cludes increases in the amount of wages or self-employment income subject to Social Security tax; the amount of in come needed to earn a “quarter of cov erage”; and the Social Security earnings penalty limits.

The Social Security taxable earnings base will go up from $147,000 in 2022 to $160,200 in 2023. In other words, people who earn more than $160,200 in 2023 will no longer have Social Security payroll taxes deducted from their paychecks once they hit that threshold. This has always been a very controversial pro vision of the law. (Bill Gates pays the same amount of Social Security tax as his plumber!) I think it’s a pretty good bet that any eventual Social Security re form package will include an increase in that wage base.

Most people need 40 Social Security work credits (sometimes called “quar ters of coverage”) to be eligible for monthly benefit checks from the sys tem. In 2022, people who were working earned one credit for each $1,510 in So cial Security taxable income. However, no one earns more than four credits per year. In other words, once you’ve made $6,040, your Social Security record has been credited with the maximum four credits or quarters of coverage. In 2023, the one credit limit goes up to $1,640, meaning you will have to earn $6,560 this coming year before you get the maximum four credits assigned to your Social Security account.

People under their full retirement age who get Social Security retirement or survivors benefits but who are still working are subject to limits on the amount of money they can earn and still receive all their Social Security checks. That limit was $19,560 in 2022 and will be $21,240 in 2023. For every two dollars a person earns over those limits, one dol lar is withheld from his or her monthly

benefits.

There is a higher earnings threshold in the year a person turns full retire ment age that applies from the begin ning of the year until the month the per son reaches FRA. (The income penalty goes away once a person reaches that magic age.) That threshold goes up from $51,960 in 2022 to $56,520 in 2023.

A couple other Social Security provi sions are also impacted by inflationary

increases. For example, people getting disability benefits who try to work can generally continue getting those bene fits as long as they are not working at a “substantial” level. In 2022, the law de fined substantial work as any job pay ing $1,350 or more per month. In 2023, that substantial earnings level increas es to $1,470 monthly.

on next page

CROSSWORD PUZZLE

REAL

Protecting yourself and your home

BY PHILIP A. RAICES

There are so many financial and health challenges to concern ourselves with today, it’s no wonder that more buyers are stressed and getting shut out of the market due to the doubling of rates and still very low inventory and lack of choices this year.

So many of our younger generation are depressed due to the lack of social ization caused by the pandemic and the historic once-in-a-lifetime shutdown of the world’s economy in 2020. However, the Pandemic appears to be somewhat in the rear view mirror, or is it? We shall see what happens during our fall and winter months when we spend greater amounts of time indoors and as additional hybrids raise their ugly heads. One way we can create a safer environment and minimize the effect the virus has on us is if we all would consider wearing a mask indoors among large groups of people. Also, consider taking the next booster vac cine, especially if you have health con ditions and are immunocompromised; and don’t forget your flu shot if you are over 50. There will always be a tiny percentage of people that will be sus ceptible to the potential side effects of the booster and even still get the virus afterward too. But generally speaking, the benefit will be that you hopefully will not need hospitalization and worse won’t die.

Also, our insidious and rampant inflation is still greatly affecting our economy here and around the globe. The Fed is doing what it has always

done in the past, to solve the inflation dilemma by raising interest rates to slow everyone’s borrow ing and buying, thereby attempting to check ris ing prices. So far, that has not really worked effectively; as we are still experiencing a high er 8.3% inflation.

Another important item that you should be aware of and don’t always address is the safety and security of your home. There is a multitude of systems that can control your interior and exterior lighting, video cameras, thermostats for heating and AC, notify you of any plumbing leaks that might occur while you are away as well as put on your TV, internet and even locking your doors as well as the standard fire, heat, smoke, and carbon monoxide detection. You can also opt to have a radio dispatch directly to your local police and fire department in the event of a burglary or fire. While you are away, the simplicity and convenience of every thing can be monitored via your cell phone too! This could save you from catastrophic and major damage to your home by immediately being aware of problems before they escalate. You may be able to cut back on other non-essen tial expenditures and seek out esti mates to install an affordable system that will keep you and your home safer and more comfortable. There are some

companies, like ADT, that will install an upgraded modern system for free and reimburse you the $100 setup fee as long as you sign up for their monthly home monitoring service. Contact me for this spe cial and the number to call. Others like Google Nest and SimpliSafe are other options on a Do-it-yourself platform. Once installed, notify your insurance company and there is a great opportunity for them to provide an additional discount of up to 20% on your homeowner’s insurance policy. It will not necessarily add a huge amount to the overall value of your home, but your safety, minimiz ing potential problems, comfort, and peace of mind will be maximized. Tip of the week: As cooler air has descended upon us have you turned on or serviced your boiler or forced air system? Make sure you change your oil filter or your air filter on your hot air gas system.

Continue to Donate to the Ukrainian Crisis and save a life or 2: https://usaforiom.org/iomsukraine-response/ Philip A. Raices is the owner/Broker of Turn Key Real Estate at 3 Grace Ave Suite 180 in Great Neck. He has 40 years experience in the Real Estate indus try and has earned designations as a Graduate of the Realtor Institute (G.R.I.)

NUTRITION NEWS

the

Continued

study until the participant’s death was used in the analysis/.

Researchers found that a higher MIND diet score was associated with better memory and thinking skills independent ly of Alzheimer’s disease pathology and other common age-related brain patholo gies. They concluded that the diet seemed to have a protective capacity and may contribute to cognitive resilience in older adults.

The bottom line is that diet changes can impact cognitive functioning and risk of dementia (positively or negatively). It’s never too late to make diet changes to slow cognitive decline.

Q and A

Q: What are persimmons? Can you eat them?

A: Persimmons are an autumn fruit that are best known for predicting the weather. The story goes that the inside of

the fruit reveals a white marking in one of three weather-predicting shapes: a knife shape, which forecasts a cold, “cutting” winter; a fork, which means a mild sea son; or a spoon, which represents lots of snow shoveling. (It was a spoon this year).

The fruit itself is known for its intensely sweet flavor. It can be added to a salad or stir-fry, dipped in yogurt or eaten like an apple.

RECIPE

Here’s a recipe for turkey-ginger slid ers from “The MIND Diet” by Maggie Moon, registered dietitian.

TURKEY-GINGER SLIDERS

Servings: 6

10 ounces 95% lean ground turkey

1 (1-inch) piece ginger, minced

1 shallot, minced

1 tablespoon tomato paste

Salt and pepper to taste

2 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil

1 medium cucumber, sliced on the diagonal

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

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

Diet

6 whole-grain slider buns

In a medium bowl, combine ground turkey, ginger, shallot and tomato paste. Season with salt and pepper. Mix until just combined. Form six patties, about 1/4-inch thick. Heat olive oil in a medium pan on medium-high heat until hot. Add patties and cook for 1-2 minutes per side or until cooked through. Transfer to a pa per-towel-lined plate to drain. Assemble sliders by placing cucumber slices and

patties between buns. Serves 6.

Per serving: 350 calories; 25 grams pro tein; 33 grams carbohydrate; 14 grams fat (3 grams saturated); 5 grams fiber.

Charlyn Fargo is a registered dietitian with SIU Med School in Springfield, Illi nois. For comments or questions, contact her at charfarg@aol.com or follow her on Twitter @NutritionRD. .

COPYRIGHT

CREATORS

SOCIAL SECURITY

Finally, the Supplemental Security Income basic federal payment level for one person goes up from $841 in 2022 to $914 in 2023. SSI is a federal welfare pro gram administered by the SSA, but it is not a Social Security benefit. It is paid for out of general revenues, not Social Security taxes.

If you have a Social Security question, Tom Margenau has two books with all the answers. One is called “Social Securi ty -- Simple and Smart: 10 Easy-to-Under stand 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.

BY DENNIS MAMMANA

Week of October 30 -- November 5, 2022

Did you ever wonder what folks did for entertainment before we had televi sion and social media? Well, before TV and the internet there was radio. And before radio -- long before radio -- there was... well... the sky.

People decades or centuries ago didn’t live in large, brightly lit urban areas like most do today. They enjoyed gazing at the night sky; they could recognize many of the stellar patterns there, and they often knew the mytholo gy associated with them.

This is far from true today. After dark, most of us retreat to our illumi nated cocoons and rarely step out to enjoy the nighttime sky. I’m always amazed when visitors to my small des ert town gaze skyward and exclaim something like “Oh, my gosh... look at all those stars!”

It wasn’t always this way. It’s quite likely that the constellations themselves began as mechanisms by which ancient people could tell stories and pass them on to future generations. In fact, several such star groupings depicting one of the most interesting and convoluted of all such yarns -- a true cosmic soap opera -- appear now shortly after dark.

This story features a lovely young girl named Andromeda, princess of Ethiopia, and her parents Cepheus,

A Cosmic Soap Opera

the king, and Cassiopeia, the queen. Because of her magnificent beauty, Cassiopeia was a remarkably conceited woman and bragged that she was far more gorgeous than Juno, queen of the gods. To avenge this insult, Neptune sent a sea monster (possibly Cetus, the whale) to ravage the coastal areas.

Horrified by the unfolding events, King Cepheus learned that he could appease Neptune by sacrificing his beautiful daughter to the sea monster, so he arranged for Andromeda to be chained to a rock on the coast, fully exposed to the wrath of the beast. Nice guy! Had there been television back then, I suspect this surprising turn of events might have marked a great place for some dramatic music followed by the words “To be continued...”

Fortunately for Andromeda, Perseus happened to be flying by on his mighty steed Pegasus when he saw her chained to the rock, her exquisite silken hair blowing in the breeze. He immediately was enamored and cried out to her: “You should not be wearing such chains as these; the proper bonds for you are those which bind the hearts of fond lov ers. Tell me your name, I pray, and the name of your country, and why you are in chains.”

At first, she was silent, but when Perseus persisted, she revealed her identity and how her mother had been so vain about her own beauty. As she spoke, the sea monster rose angrily from

the deep and the girl screamed in terror.

Perseus shouted to Andromeda’s parents that he’d slay the monster if they would give to him their daugh ter’s hand in marriage. Of course, the frightened parents consented; Perseus killed the monster, freed Andromeda, and they were married

Today these characters and many

others are immortalized among the starry heavens. To find them this week simply turn off the electronics, hop in the car, drive to a dark, rural location, and enjoy the night sky and its wonder ful stories!

Visit Dennis Mammana at dennis mammana.com.

COPYRIGHT 2022 CREATORS.COM

Centuries ago, before today’s light pollution, many people enjoyed gazing at the night sky; they could recognize many of the stellar patterns there, and they often knew the mythology associated with them.

IN SUBURBIA

Where to Hide the Body

BY TRACY BECKERMAN

“Where do you want me to put the dead body?” asked my husband one night as we were getting ready for bed.

“I don’t care,” I said.

“I don’t want to put it someplace and then have you yell at me that I shouldn’t have put it there,” he replied.

“OK, fine,” I said. “Dump the dead body on the chair.”

“Don’t you want it out of sight?” he asked.

“What does it matter? We’ll be sleep ing,” I told him.

“Good point,” he replied. He leaned over and started to scoop up the immense duvet comforter that we keep at the end of the bed and lovingly refer to as “the dead body.” I’m not sure who came up with the nickname, but it was right around Halloween one year, and we thought that when the duvet was rolled up at the end of the bed, it looked

suspiciously like we were trying to hide a dead body inside. Of course, we would never actually hide a dead body in our duvet comforter. That would mess up the duvet, and it’s my favorite duvet.

While my husband and I know that there is no actual dead body in the duvet comforter, we have to be careful that we don’t call our comforter “the dead body” in front of other people because THEY don’t know there isn’t a dead body in the comforter. Not that our friends would ever think that we routinely hid dead bodies in our comforter. I’m pretty sure, if asked, they would think we’d do something more practical, like hide it in a freezer. But either way, it would require some explaining if I asked my husband to move the dead body while we had company over, especially if it was our friend who is a cop.

Naturally, I realize that most people don’t name their duvet covers, and if they do, they probably don’t give them

macabre names like “the dead body.” But as my father always said, I’m a unique individual. Of course, my dad named his first car “the death trap,” so you can see where I might get it from.

Meanwhile, back in the bedroom, my husband seemed to be struggling more than usual with the weight of the Dead Body.

“Is there an actual dead body in here?” he wondered. “Because it weighs a ton. Have you killed any appliance repairmen or tax collectors lately?”

“I have never actually killed any one,” I protested. “And you know that appliance repairman died of natural causes.”

He groaned and yanked the dead body off the bed and then threw it onto the chair where the weight of it caused the chair to shudder, then collapse.

We both stared at the pile of com forter on top of the busted chair on the floor.

“What the heck?” I wondered. “I think there’s something inside the dead body!”

I reached down to the comforter and started to unroll it. I tensed my body, hoping that a real dead body didn’t tum ble out. But fortunately, as I got it open, I saw that the only thing rolled up in the comforter was another comforter.

I snickered. “Good news. It’s not an actual dead body. I must have acciden tally rolled up one of our regular blan kets inside the comforter when I made the bed this morning.”

“Sure, honey,” said my husband. “Tell it to the judge.”

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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SITUATION WANTED

A COMPANION HOME HEALTH AIDE & BABYSIT TER

20 years experience in home care, nursing homes and babysitting. Seeking a position to care for the sick/elderly. Male or female patients. Expe rience with Dementia, Alzhei mers, Stroke. Babysitting services also avail able. References available. English speaking. Please call: 347-546-4133

A HOME HEALTH CARE AIDE Irish trained woman with 10 years experience and excellent checkable referenc es available. Honest and reli able. Licensed driver with own transportation. Please call 516-383-7150

EMPLOYMENT

SITUATION WANTED

HOME HEALTH AIDE Gentle and Optimistic. Experienced with many med ical conditions and kinds of people. Families have told me I creat ed a lovely home environment, one they never could have hoped for.

Please call Grace 917-4999520

MATURE LADY SEEKS employment as CNA. Home health aide, very reliable, hard working, willing to do background checks, 15 yrs nursing home experience. Please call 516-410-1892, 917-244-3714 or 516-688-9251.

Our Service Directory is sure to bring results. Call 294-8900 for rates & info.

CAREER TRAINING

COMPUTER & IT TRAINING PROGRAM! Train ONLINE to get the skills to become a Com puter & Help Desk Professional now! Grants and Scholarships available for certain programs for qualified applicants. Call CTI for details! (844) 947-0192 (M-F 8am-6pm ET) Computer with internet is required.

TRAIN ONLINE TO DO MEDICAL BILLING

a Medical Office Pro fessional online at CTI! Get trained, certified & ready to work in months! Call 855-5436440 (M-F 8am-6pm ET) Computer with internet is re quired.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

DIRECTV FOR $79.99/month

3 months of HBO Max, Cinemax, Show time, Starz

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restrictions apply. Call 1-888-534-6918

MARKETPLACE

INVITED ESTATE SALES

BY TRACY JORDAN is doing VIRTUAL

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WANTED TO BUY

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for

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donating, discarding and clean ing out services can be done to meet your time frame with minimal stress. Contact info@invitedsales.com for more information or call 516279-6378 to schedule a consul tation or receive more infor mation.

Visit us at www.invitedsales. com for a listing of our upcom ing Virtual Tag Sales and Weekly Auctions!

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

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

TURN THE BOXES OF OLD COMIC BOOKS into cash money!

Call George 917-652-9128 or email: gbrook@pipeline.com

TAG SALE

GARDEN CITY TAG SALE

Saturday, October 29

9am to 5pm 7 Cathedral Ave

High end antiques, Persian rug, tables, chairs, dresser, headboard, Victorian cradles, William Morris Child’s chair, sterling, crystal, china, Llad ros, copper pots, designer bags, clothing, jewelry, furs, original oils, prints, toys, tools, books, printers, much more!!

AUTOMOTIVE

AUTOS WANTED

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

DONATE YOUR CAR TO BREAST CANCER RECOV ERY! Tax Deduction Receipt Given Upon Pick-Up, Free Towing. 501C Charity. 631-9889043 breastcancerresearchrecov ery.org

DRIVE OUT BREAST CAN CER: Donate a car today! The ben efits of donating your car or boat: Fast Free Pickup 24hr response Tax deduction Easy to do! Call 24/7: 855-905-4755

WHEELS FOR WISHES benefitting Make-A-Wish Northeast New York. Your Car Donations Matter NOW More Than Ever! Free Vehicle Pick Up ANYWHERE. We Accept Most Vehicles Running or Not. 100% Tax Deductible. Minimal To No Human Contact. Call: 877-798-9474 Car Donation Foundation d/b/a Wheels For Wishes. www.wheelsforwishes.org

REAL ESTATE FOR RENT

COMMERCIAL PROPERTY FOR RENT

GREENPORT North Fork Commercial / Re tail. Prime main street village location. Captain’s house. Orig inal floors and architectural details. Excellent exposure. Owner 516-241-8135

SERVICES

ARE YOU BEHIND 10K OR MORE on your taxes? Stop wage and bank levies, liens and audits, unfiled tax returns, payroll issues, and resolve tax debt FAST. Call 888-869-5361 (Hours: Mon-Fri 7am-5pm PST)

JACK’S CUSTOM FRAMING We can frame anything! Quality Care & Workmanship Thousands of frames to choose from!!

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

SERVICES

HOME IMPROVEMENTS

ACE PAVING & MASONRY

Free Estimates. Budget friendly solutions. If you’re looking for any ma sonry service, be it a drive way installation, chimney re pair, asphalt, or concrete work, foundation and basement re pair. Trust our team to handle it for you. With more than 45 years of combined experience, we promise you impressive re sults. We guarantee we’ll beat any like for like quote, so you can enjoy budget-friendly ser vices when you hire us. www.acepavingandmason ry.com Call: 516-814-1511

AQUATEC LAWN SPRINKLERS

FALL DRAIN OUTS

Backflow Device Tests Free Estimates Installation Service/Repairs Joe Barbato 516-775-1199

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

CHIMNEY KING ENT. INC. FREE ESTIMATES

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

Since 1982 chimneykinginc.com

DON’T PAY FOR COVERED HOME REPAIR AGAIN!

American Residential Warran ty covers ALL MAJOR SYS TEMS AND APPLIANCES. 30 DAY RISK FREE / $100 OFF POPULAR PLANS. 833-398-0526

SERVICES

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ELIMINATE GUTTER

CLEANING FOREVER! Leaf Filter, the most advanced de bris-blocking gutter protection. Schedule a FREE LeafFilter es timate today. 15% off and 0% financing for those who quali fy. PLUS Senior & Military Dis counts. Call 1-877-763-2379

FOAM INSULATION SOLU TION

Update your home insula tion for FREE!

Save Money on your energy costs.

Certified Partner of National Grid

Ask about the Total Home Care Program Rebates Call 917-870-7373

FREE ESTIMATES

Extensions, Kitchens, Baths, Basements, Carpentry Work, Porticos, Siding, Dormers, Stone, New Construction & Conversions, Mason Work, Stone. Insured. Please Call 516-581-9146

HANDYMAN

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

MADE IN THE SHADE CUSTOM WINDOW TREAT MENTS

Blinds, Shades, Shutters, Drap eries

Top Brands at Discount Prices! Family owned & operated www.madeintheshadensli.com 516-426-2890

HOME IMPROVEMENTS

MASONRY

All types of stonework

Pavers, Retaining Walls, Bel gium Block Patios, Founda tions, Seal coating, Concrete and Asphalt driveways, Side walks, Steps.

Free Estimates

Fully Licensed & Insured #H2219010000

Boceski Masonry Louie 516-850-4886

PAULIE THE ROOFER STOPPING LEAKS IS MY SPECIALTY!

Slate & Tile Specialists

All types of Roofing Local References Licensed & Insured 516-621-3869

THE GENERAC PWRcell

A solar plus battery storage system. SAVE money, reduce your reliance on the grid, pre pare for power outages and power your home. Full instal lation services available. $0 Down Financing Option. Re quest a FREE, no obligation, quote today.

Call 1-888-871-0194

SERVICES

HEALTH SERVICES

FAMILY CARE CONNEC TIONS, LLC

Dr. Ann Marie D’Angelo PMHCNS-BC

Doctor of Nursing Practice Advanced Practice Nurse Care Manager

Assistance with Aging at Home /Care Coordintion

Nursing Home & Assisted Liv ing Placement

PRI / Screens / Mini Mental Status Exams

Medicaid Eligibility and Aplli cations

516-248-9323

www.familycareconnec tions.com 901 Stewart Ave, Ste 230 Garden City, NY 11530

PAINTING & PAPERHANGING

MICHELANGELO

PAINTING & WALLPAPER

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

SERVICES

PARTY HELP

LADIES & GENTLEMEN

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

SERVICES

A & J MOVING & STOR

AGE: Established 1971. Long Island and New York State special ists. Residential, Commercial, Piano & Organ experts. Boxes available. Free estimates. www.ajmoving.com 516-741-2657 114 Jericho Tpk, Mineola NY DOT# 10405

Email editor@gcnews.com

SERVICES SERVICES

DISH TV

$64.99 for 190 Channels + $14.95 High Speed Internet. Free In stallation, Smart HD DVR In cluded, Free Voice Remote. Some restrictions apply. Promo expires 1/21/23 Call 1-866-595-6967

LEAK REPAIRS

Plumbing Repairs Bathrooms, Showers, Kitchens 24 HOUR SERVICE Call 516-668-5624

MAGNUM SECURITY SYS TEMS, INC.

Serving Garden City for 40 years. Let Magnum Upgrade Your Ex isting Security System. Burglar & Fire Alarms Cellular Radio 3G Upgrades Remote Access Call: 516-486-5484

PASSION FOR SENIORS

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

Last Hope Part of the Chewy.com Rescue Program

If you haven’t tried Chewy.com yet for your pet food and sup ply purchases, this is a great time to check them out. Last Hope is now part of their res cue program. For each new customer that makes a purchase, Last Hope will receive a $20 donation. Click on the ad below or go directly to the Last Hope page at https://

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Call 294-8900

NASSAU COUNTY

NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT- COUNTY OF NASSAU

THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON FKA THE BANK OF NEW YORK AS TRUSTEE FOR THE CERTIFICATEHOLDERS CWALT, INC., ALTERNATIVE LOAN TRUST 2006-6CB MORTGAGE E PASSTHROUGH CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2006-6CB, Plaintiff, AGAINST EDWIN M. ALAS AKA EDWIN ALAS, et al. Defendant(s)

Pursuant to a judgment of foreclosure and sale duly entered on February 20, 2020.

I, the undersigned Referee, will sell at public auction at the North Side Steps of the Nassau Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on November 9, 2022 at 2:00 PM premises known as 569 Arrandale Road, Bethpage, NY 11714.

Please take notice that this foreclosure auction shall be conducted in compliance with the Foreclosure Auction Rules for Nassau County and the COVID 19 Health Emergency Rules, including proper use of masks and social distancing.

All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being in the Bethpage (unincorporated area) Town of Oyster Bay, County of Nassau and State of New York. Section 46, Block 498 and Lot 18.

Approximate amount of judgment $636,077.23 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment. Index #010214/2014.

Jane Shrenkel, Esq., Referee, Aldridge Pite, LLP Attorneys for Plaintiff 40 Marcus Drive, Suite 200, Melville, NY 11747

LEGAL NOTICES

NASSAU COUNTY NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT- COUNTY OF NASSAU

U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS TRUSTEE FOR RESIDENTIAL FUNDING MORTGAGE SECURITIES I, INC., MORTGAGE PASS-THROUGH CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2006-S7, Plaintiff, AGAINST NAZANINA FARHADI, KHAN FARHADI AKA KHAN M. FARHADI, et al. Defendant(s)

Pursuant to a judgment of foreclosure and sale duly entered on May 8, 2019.

NASSAU COUNTY

NOTICE OF SALE

NOTICE OF SALE  SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU Deutsche Bank National Trust Company, as Trustee for the HSI Asset Securitization Corporation Trust 2006, Plaintiff AGAINST Patricia Warmhold, et al., Defendant(s)  Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered August 16, 2019, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the North Side steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on November 17, 2022 at 2:30PM, premises known as 201 N 1st Street, Bethpage, NY 11714. All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements erected, situate, lying and being at Bethpage, Town of Oyster Bay, County of Nassau and State of New York, SECTION: 46, BLOCK: 48, LOT: 8-10.  Approximate amount of judgment $606,979.12 plus interest and costs.  Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #007502/2016. The aforementioned auction will be conducted in accordance with the NASSAU County COVID-19 Protocols located on the Office of Court Administration (OCA) website (https://ww2.nycourts.gov/Admin/oca.shtml) and as such all persons must comply with social distancing, wearing masks and screening practices in effect at the time of this foreclosure sale. If proper social distancing cannot be maintained or there are other health or safety concerns, then the court appointed referee will cancel the foreclosure auction. Foreclosure Auctions will be held "Rain or Shine". Lawrence Weinreich, Esq., Referee  Frenkel Lambert Weiss Weisman & Gordon, LLP 53 Gibson Street Bay Shore, NY 11706   01-053591-F00 73244

I, the undersigned Referee, will sell at public auction at the North Side Steps of the Nassau Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on November 15, 2022 at 2:00 PM premises known as 187 North Herman Avenue, Bethpage, NY 11714.

Please take notice that this foreclosure auction shall be conducted in compliance with the Foreclosure Auction Rules for Nassau County and the COVID 19 Health Emergency Rules, including proper use of masks and social distancing.

All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being at Central Park (Bethpage) not an Incorporated Village, in the Town of Oyster Bay, County of Nassau and State of New York. Section 49, Block 117 and Lots 445, 447, 449.

Approximate amount of judgment $1,089,185.98 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment. Index #002530/2016.

Karen C. Grant, Esq., Referee, Aldridge Pite, LLP Attorneys for Plaintiff 40 Marcus Drive, Suite 200, Melville, NY 11747

NASSAU COUNTY

NOTICE TO BIDDERS LEGAL “NOTICE TO BIDDERS” ADVERTISEMENT FOR BID

BETHPAGE UNION FREE SCHOOL DISTRICT BETHPAGE, NEW YORK 11714

BID # 009-2223

District Mailing Services

PLEASE TAKE NOTICE sealed bids will be received by the Board of Education of the Bethpage Union Free School District, Town of Oyster Bay, Bethpage, New York. BID # 009-2223 for District Mailing Services Bids will be publicly opened and read on the 22nd day of November, 2022 at 11:00AM in the Administration Building, 10 Cherry Avenue, Bethpage, New York.

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

By Order of the Board of Education

Bethpage Union Free School District Administration Building 10 Cherry Avenue Bethpage, New York 11714

School board members honored for service

The seven trustees of the Levittown School District Board of Education total more than 70 years of volunteer service to the students of the community, and they were thanked for their dedication at the Oct. 12 business meeting.

School Board Recognition Week is being celebrated this year from Oct. 17–21, so Superintendent Todd Winch, building administrators, students and community members came together at the October board meeting to show their gratitude. Mr. Winch said that the theme in Levittown this year is “positiv ity,” and part of creating a positive cul ture in the district is recognizing those who make meaningful contributions to the schools.

“School board members take on one of the most important civic responsibil ities, overseeing the education of our community’s youth,” Mr. Winch said. “We are lucky to have seven phenom enal board of education members who have led us through some very chal lenging times.”

He noted that some responsibilities of the board include approving a bud

get and allocating resources, creating a shared vision for the district and sup porting a health school district culture. They attend numerous school and com munity events throughout the year, in addition to their board meetings.

Students from the six elementary schools created pieces of art thanking the board, which were displayed in the board room. Gifts were presented to the board from students at Jonas Salk and Wisdom Lane middle schools, and Division Avenue and MacArthur high schools. They shared their gratitude for all of the educational, extracurricu lar and athletic opportunities that they enjoy.

In honor of the 75th anniversary of Levittown, a community whose first residents were mostly veterans, the two high schools made a donation to the local American Legion on behalf of the board. State Assemblyman John Mikulin, Nassau County Legislator Steve Rhoads and a representative for State Sen. Kevin Thomas presented cita tions to each board member as well.

Photos courtesy of the Levittown Public Schools

NOTICE

Notice of Formation of Vestic Group, LLC. Articles of Organization filed with Secretary of State of NY (SSNY) on 2022-09-21. Office location: Nassau County. SSNY designated as agent of upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY should mail process to Vestic Group, LLC: 734 Franklin Ave Suite 775

City NY 11530.

lawful

General Douglas MacArthur High School students also thanked the board for their dedication.

Students from Wisdom Lane and Jonas Salk middle schools presented gifts to the Levittown Board of Education.

Division Avenue High School students brought gifts and shared thanks with the board.

DISCOVER THE FINEST IN SENIOR LIVING

The Bristal Assisted Living has been

seniors and their families in the tri-state area since 2000, offering independent and

living, as well as state-of-the-art memory care programs. We are committed to helping residents remain independent, while providing peace of mind that expert care is available, if needed.

Designed with seniors in mind, each of our communities feature exquisitely appointed apartments and beautiful common areas that are perfect for entertaining. On-site services and amenities include daily housekeeping, gourmet meals, a cinema, salon, plus so much more. Discover a vibrant community, countless social events with new friends, and a luxurious lifestyle that you will only find at The Bristal.

A happy homecoming in Bethpage

Homecoming weekend was underway at Bethpage High School on Oct. 22. The afternoon featured a spirited parade down Stewart Avenue with students, organizations, staff, administrators and more show casing their Bethpage pride. The parade concluded at Bethpage High School as the school community began filling the bleachers to watch their Golden Eagles taken on the H. Frank Carey High School Seahawks.

Prior to the start of the football game, attendees visited the various booths outside the field where Bethpage merchandise was sold and raffles were being held. Community members mingled and enjoyed refreshments at the snack stand. Seniors on the school’s Golden Girls kickline team and high school marching band were recognized before kickoff and senior Graziella Conte performed the national anthem.

Throughout the game, the cheerleaders showed their school spirit as they cheered on the Golden Eagles, along with the full crowd of students, alum

The Bethpage High School cheerleaders pumped up the crowd during the game.

ni, families and community members. During the halftime festivities, the marching band performed a Santana-inspired set with the help of the Golden Girls kickline team and color guard. The Golden Girls also performed their own high-energy routine, along with the high school cheerleaders. As a special treat, mem

bers of the 1972 Bethpage High School football team were announced onto the field. This year marked the team’s 50th reunion. The team was Bethpage’s first county champions, and they went undefeated. The game ended on a high note as the Bethpage Golden Eagles took home the big win, 34-20.

Seniors on the varsity kickline team were recognized prior to the homecoming game.

Pictured from left: Jessica Benitez, Lily Loretta, Julia Nartowicz and Juliana Szynal.

The Bethpage High School marching band made their way down Stewart Avenue for the parade.

Members of Bethpage High School’s 1972’s undefeated football team were recognized during halftime.

Bethpage seniors Matt Tarabokija (left) and Erin O’Boyle (right) were named homecoming king and queen respectively.

The Bethpage High School color guard prepared to walk in the parade.

Bethpage High School seniors rocked a safari theme for the homecoming parade.