Hicksville Water Dist. collectes medications
The Hicksville Water District (HWD) hosted its second annual Pharmaceutical Take Back Day on October 22, encour aging residents to dispose of unused and expired medications in their homes through a safe, contactless drive-thru event. The event provides the commu nity with a safer alternative to flushing these medications down the drain, which can ultimately force them to end up in our water supply. Altogether, residents came out to dispose of approximately 100 pounds of pharmaceuticals, allow ing them to not only protect our water, but also to get these potentially harmful materials out of their homes.
“A significant aspect of the Hicks
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ville Water District’s ability to provide our residents with the highest quality of water available is protecting our supply,” said HWD Chairman Nicholas Brigandi. “Pharmaceutical Take Back Day empow ers our community to help us along in that mission, as it enables them to dis pose of their unused medications in a safe and simple manner. Not only does this prevent these potentially danger ous substances from entering into our water supply, but it also helps residents get them out of their homes as winter approaches. We thank our neighbors for coming out in support of this event and we greatly look forward to seeing them again next year.”
Model Train Show
The Town of Oys ter Bay has announced that Trainville Hobby Depot will host a Model Train Show on Satur day, November 19, and Sunday, November 20, from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Hicks ville Community Center, located at 28 West Carl Street in Hicksville. The Model Train Show
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includes operating model layouts coordinated by Trainville Hobby Depot. Donations are being accepted at the exhibit to support the Oyster Bay Railroad Museum.
“We are pleased to partner with Trainville Hobby Depot, who coor dinates or participates in many hobby shows that benefit the fundraising
efforts of a sponsoring organization,” said Town Clerk Richard LaMarca. Admission in to the exhibit is $5.00, children ages 4-11 years are $3.00 and entry for children under the age of 4 is free. For further infor mation, please visit www. trainville.com or call (516) 433-4444.
Hicksville Water District Chairman Nicholas Brigandi, far left, and Commissioner Karl Schweitzer were joined by HWD Clerk Tabitha Schillinger, Nassau County Legislator Rose Walker, HWD Clerk Joe Marasco and Nassau County Police Activity League Officer Sean Gaddy in collecting approximately 100 pounds of unused phar maceuticals, preventing them from entering into the water supply.
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POB School Board members honored
Gardiner’s Avenue raises funds for cancer research
In recognition of School Board Recognition Week, Nassau County Legislator Arnold W. Drucker (DPlainview) honored the board mem bers of the Plainview-Old Bethpage Central School District during their Monday, Oct. 17 meeting and thanked them for their ongoing commitment to community service.
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Observed this year from Monday, Oct. 17 through Friday, Oct. 21, the New York State School Board Organization sponsors School Board Recognition Week to raise commu nity awareness and understand ing about the crucial role school board members have within a dis trict. The members of the PlainviewOld Bethpage Board of Education
are: President Debbie Bernstein; Vice President Seth Greenberg; and Trustees Jared Goerke, Tara Rock, Ginger Lieberman, Lauren Sackstein and Gary Bettan.
“As a lifelong resident, a proud Plainview graduate, and a father whose children thrived in Plainview schools, the Plainview-Old Bethpage School district has enriched my life in so many ways - and the common thread to it all is their commitment to outstanding public education,” Legislator Drucker said. “It was a pleasure and a privilege to recognize the outstanding public servants who are so diligently carrying on such a wonderful tradition.”
Students and staff at Gardiners Avenue Elementary School in the Levittown Public School District were dedicated to the cause of breast cancer awareness throughout the month of October by donning pink and raising more than $2,000.
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The Gardiners Avenue communi ty, including teachers, staff, students and family members, committed to
wearing pink every Friday through out Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Students designed and crafted pink ribbons, shared personal stories, joined walks and made donations. Fundraising concluded with $2,375 raised for Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center for breast cancer treatment and prevention research.
“Do Not Knock” stickers
The Town of Oyster Bay has announced that residents who wish to deter any potential door-to-door solic itors and peddlers can obtain a free, waterproof, vinyl “ No Soliciting ” sticker through the Town Clerk’s Office.
Town Clerk Richard LaMarca stat ed, “Now more than ever, our Town residents wish to remain unbothered at home by the potential nuisance of door-to-door peddlers. My office offers free ‘No Soliciting’ stickers to homeowners as a way to set clear boundaries with anyone approaching your home looking to do unwanted business. Contact us today for a free sticker.”
Town Clerk LaMarca further cau tioned residents to remember a few simple guidelines to help avoid any potential pitfalls of being taken in by a fast-talking peddler or solicitor. Residents are advised to check for a current Town-issued photo identifica
tion badge prior to doing any business with a door-to-door peddler. Photo ID issued by the Town Clerk’s Office is a good form of protection because it is issued only after an in-depth back ground check of the individual has been made and full disclosure of the nature of their business is provided.
While nonprofit organizations are not required by law to have permits, Town Clerk LaMarca has urged these organizations to inform his office about when and where their members will be soliciting, with the informa tion then forwarded to the local police precinct, along with the solicitor’s names. This provides residents with another way of checking any official status a solicitor may have.
To obtain a free, waterproof, vinyl ‘No Soliciting’ sticker, please call (516) 624-6333, and visit the www.oys terbaytown.com for further informa tion on services offered by the Oyster Bay Town Clerk.
Future authors at Jericho High School
Color the World Orange Day
Jericho High School students who participated in the Future Authors Project, a writing workshop.
Select students at Jericho High School experienced first-hand what it’s like to be a published author, thanks to the Future Authors Project, a writ ing workshop supported by Canon Solutions America, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Canon U.S.A., Inc. These talented Jericho students produced a book titled “With Every Letter Comes a Story,” a collection of their personal experiences as told through their own writing and photography.
The Future Authors Project, which first launched in the Jericho School District in 2017, is an annual program that provides high school students an inside look into the writing process from idea conception, drafting, and editing through to publication. The stu dents also participate in an official book launch, held this year on October 20 at Jericho High School, where they sign copies of the published books, printed on Canon production print technology by Suffolk Printing.
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“The stories included in the book are a collection of personal reflections, shared challenges and experiences from each student,” said Dr. Daniel Salzman, curriculum associate for English Language Arts, Jericho School District. “I am proud of each and every one of our students for creating this wonderful book and sharing it with us, and taking their first professional steps into the world of writing.”
The goal of the workshop is to sharp en writing, editing, and storytelling skills. This year’s theme of “letters” gave the writers the opportunity to unearth their untold stories through a one-on-one message format, addressing recipients such as “My Younger Self,” “Memory,” “Loss,” and “A Stranger.” As part of the program, students used Canon imaging equipment during the creative process to capture vivid pho
tographs to accompany their written work. Canon equipped each student with an EOS M50 Mark II camera and provided training on basic photogra phy principles. The writings and pho tos of the students were combined into the book “With Every Letter Comes a Story,” affording each student a pub lished author credit.
“We would like to give a huge thanks to Canon Solutions America for helping us complete yet another successful book,” said Heather McGee, English teacher, Jericho High School. “The Future Authors Project provides our students with the opportunity to unleash their creativity capacities.”
For some of the students, this was the first time ever seeing their work published in a printed book, sparking strong feelings of accomplishment. Jericho High School senior Jerry Zhao explained this was a proud moment.
“It was a great experience collabo rating with my teachers and fellow stu dents during the writing and photogra phy process,” said Zhao. “It was surreal to see the finished product, and I think more schools should offer students won derful programs like Future Authors.”
Andrew MacCallum, senior man ager of the Imaging Technologies and Communications Group at Canon U.S.A., Inc., visited the Future Authors students at the workshop this summer, to share his knowledge of photography and give tips and tricks about how to take great pictures for the book.
“It’s a rewarding experience to help these future authors and future pho tographers—and show them how they can tell their stories through pictures,” said MacCallum. “We hope the Future Authors Project strengthens these stu dents’ writing and photography skills, and enhances their critical thinking.”
Oyster Bay Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino recently joined with his colleagues on the Oyster Bay Town Board in welcoming Jennie Riegler of Plainview as well as Richard Haunss of Syosset, to help build awareness to a debilitating condition known as complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) or reflex sympathetic dystrophy (RSD). It is an extremely rare and debilitating nerve disorder that causes tremen dous pain with no identifiable cure. Both Jennie and Richard have a family mem ber suffering from CRPS. At their request, the Town will support a crucial aware ness initiative by proclaiming Monday, November 7, 2022 as “Color the World Orange Day” to help spread awareness. Color the World Orange was first initiated in 2014 by a group of teens who wanted to raise awareness. To learn more, please visit: https://fighttheflame.org/
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Bank supports Hicksville Boys and Girls Club
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Women of Distinction honored
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Assemblyman John Mikulin (R, C-Bethpage) held his annual Women of Distinction ceremony to honor the remarkable accomplishments of women from throughout the 17th Assembly District. The ceremony was held at the Island Trees Public Library on October 1 and featured a keynote speech from Nassau County District Court Judge Rhonda E. Fischer, Betty Tucker who read the biographies of the women present, as well as participation from Nassau County Legislator Steve Rhoads.
“I am so honored to represent this community. It’s such a warm and wonderful place to have grown up and to continue to call home because of the remarkable people who do so much for others, and that’s what this event is all about. Taking time to rec ognize, honor, and say thank you to the women who have truly gone above and beyond when it comes to commu nity, to being civically engaged, to being leaders in their fields, or giv ing their all,” said Mikulin. “We are grateful to them for their accomplish ments because without them, our community would not be as strong
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– it wouldn’t be home. Thank you and congratulations to every woman who was nominated this year.”
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In total, nine women were hon ored this year, including a special recognition award that was given to Thien Nga Vu (Westbury), a certified body and yoga instructor. The other nominees are Carol Ippolito Arigo, retired and former local business owner of Pietro’s Restaurant (East Meadow), Elizabeth K. Franks, mem ber and treasurer of the American Culinary Federation Long Island Chapter (Massapequa), Diana Garone, world language teacher (Bethpage), Carol Louise Gravely, nurse and firefighter (East Meadow), Dr. Tonie McDonald, former superintendent of the Levittown Union Free School District and educator (Levittown), Dr. Jacklyn J. Nogan, chiropractor and head of Public Relations and Adult Programming at the Levittown Public Library (Levittown), and Deborah Podolski, retired direc tor of the Farmingdale Public Library (Massapequa), and Paula DiPietrantonio Sidor, volunteer with the Blue Star Mothers NY 14.
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DISCOVER THE FINEST IN SENIOR LIVING
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The Bristal Assisted Living has been serving seniors and their families in the tri-state area since 2000, offering independent and assisted 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.
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Upcoming Events at the Jericho Public Library
Thursday, November 3
1:00 p.m.: HYBRID: A Booktastic Discussion: Lessons in Chemistry with Lisa Jones, JPL Librarian - Join Lisa Jones when she discusses “Lessons in Chemistry” by Bonnie Garmus
A frustrated chemist finds herself at the helm of a cooking show that sparks a revolution. Welcome to the 1960s, where a woman’s arsenal of tools was often limit ed to the kitchen — and where Elizabeth Zott is hellbent on overturning the status quo one meal at a time.
4:00 p.m.: Art Workshop with Art Teacher Amy (Grades 1–6) - Snowy Owls - Learn about the snowy owl and how to draw them. No prior art experi ence necessary!
7:00 p.m.: VIRTUAL: Medicare Made Easy with Marie Cantone - This program is designed to take the “con fusion” out of all the options available so you are able to make the “RIGHT” choices. Marie will review the basics of Medicare, supplementary insurance, advantage plans, prescription drug plans, the “donut” hole, eligibility requirements and enrollment windows. Also discussed will be any changes effective in 2023.
7:00 p.m.: Pajama Storytime (Ages 3 Years to K) - Children will enjoy a half hour of stories and make a craft.
Friday, November 4
12:30 p.m.: IN-PERSON: Learn to Play Canasta - This program is designed to teach you the basics of this very popular game card game. You will learn all the basic rules, as well as strategies for success ful play. If you played Canasta many years ago, be aware that the game has changed dramatically from the old version and you will want to learn this modern version! Come join us! Cost: $15 (6 sessions)
Saturday, November 5
10:30 a.m.: Saturday Storytime (Ages Birth to 30 Months) - Join us for this interactive program of Mother Goose rhymes, songs, stories and more!
Monday, November 7
7:00 p.m.: Book Discussion: “Miss Nelson is Missing!” by Harry Allard (Grades 1–2) - Pick up a copy of the book in the Children’s Room and read prior to the program.
Tuesday, November 8
10:30 a.m.: Sing ‘n Swing (Ages 2 to 5 Years) - A Mommy & Me program of stories, rhymes and fingerplays. A
parade will follow!
7:00 p.m.: Teens: Community Service: Snowman Candy Jar - Teens will decorate a jar to turn it into a snowman candy jar! Then fill the jars with LifeSavers. These festive jars will be donated to a local nursing home for residents to enjoy.
Wednesday, November 9th
10:30 a.m.: IN-PERSON: 1,2,3 Full S.T.E.A.M Ahead (18 Months–5 Years) - These preschool STEAM programs include music movement, fine and gross motor development and storytelling fol lowed by a craft!
7:00 p.m.: Art Workshop with the Village Artist: Cartooning (Grades 3–6) - Cartooning was used by Italian mas ters, such as Leonardo da Vinci and Gian Lorenzo Bernini, as an exercise to define the essence of a person. You will learn how to draw cartoons in these workshops. No prior art experience necessary!
Thursday, November 10
2:00 p.m: HYBRID: Art Lecture-The Tudors Art & Majesty in Renaissance England with Professor Thomas Germano - England’s Tudor dynasty was a thriving home for the arts. The demanding, high-stakes royal patronage by Henry VIII and England’s first two reigning queens, Mary and Elizabeth, enlisted a truly cosmopolitan cadre of artists. This visual lecture relates to the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s exhibition on view from October 10, 2022 through January 8, 2023.
7:00 p.m.: Teens: Finding and Securing Competitive Summer Programs and Internships With C2 Education - Applying for competitive Summer Programs and Internships is a time-consuming and multifaceted pro cess. We will discuss how to research and find these programs, what is typically needed for the application, and what steps you will need to take to complete a suc cessful application. For Teens in grades 9 through 12. Parents are welcome!
7:00 p.m.: Chess (Grades 1–6) - Whether you’re new to the game or an avid player, this program will help improve your game and develop new strategies and skills.
Friday, November 11
10:30 a.m.: IN-PERSON: Jump for Joy (Ages 18 Months–5 Years) - Come to this lively program of music and activities for you and your child.
See what's happening at your library!
From classes to lectures and concerts to movie screenings, there's never a dull day at your local library! Check this paper each week for fun and informative all-ages activities, all for free or cheap!
Syosset Library to present autism-friendly “Willy Wonka, Jr.”
On Sunday November 27, at 12 noon, Syosset Public Library will host an autism friendly production, “Willy Wonka, Jr.” for children with autism spectrum disorders and their families. This production has been modified by Plaza Productions, Inc. and will be presented in the library’s theater. The performance will last approximately one hour. A calming corner with coping tools will be avail able for use outside the theater. Seats
will be available beginning October 25 for families with children on the autism spectrum. Reserve seats by email splchildrens@syossetlibrary. org or by phone (516) 921-7161 ext. 209. Registration will open to all beginning November 14, if space is available.
For more information, visit the library’s website at www.syossetli brary.org
This Week at the Syosset Public Library
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 company, 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 iconic. No registration needed. For Zoom link, go to syossetli brary.org.
Monday, November 7, at 1:00 p.m.
Autumn Pumpkin Pie Scones (IN PERSON)
Presenter: Chef Rob Scott
Join us and make these delicious scones that are perfect for a fall breakfast or brunch.
Bring two medium bowls, one small container, rubber spatula and a cookie tray. Registration is required. Fee: $5. To register, go to syossetlibrary.org.
Thursday, November 10, from 1:45–3:30 p.m.
Seniors of Syosset Drop In Session (IN PERSON)
Funded through New York State Office for the Aging, Seniors of Syosset is a Neighborhood Naturally Occurring Retirement Community program (NNORC-SOS). The program will offer social work support, community health nursing, volunteer-based transportation to local medical appointments and shopping, and other activities and services, including some at the library! Whether you are a senior in need of support, someone who wants to volunteer helping the community, or just someone who wants to learn more, we hope you will drop-in and get involved!
Thursday, November 10, from 5:00–8:00 p.m.
Prescription Drug Take Back Day (IN PERSON)
Sponsored by Nassau County Legislator Josh Lafazan, and made possible by the 2nd Precinct, Nassau County Police Department Safely dispose of unwanted or expired medications. Keep potentially dangerous pharmaceuticals away from children, groundwater, and waterways. ACCEPTED ITEMS INCLUDE: prescription and over-thecounter medications and vitamins.
ITEMS NOT ACCEPTED INCLUDE: needles, sharps, aerosol cans, thermometers, hydrogen peroxide, inhalers, ointments (liquid or lotion), biohazardous waste, and items from business.
Thursday, November 10, at 2:00 p.m. Technology and the Constitution (HYBRID)
Presenter: Professor James Coll, adjunct professor of American and Constitutional history, Nassau Community College and Hofstra University, and retired NYPD detective
A discussion about how the Constitution and laws written in previous centuries have been applied to new technology and how the courts may rule in this area in the future. No registration needed for in-person or virtual. For zoom link go to syossetlibrary.org.
Thursday, November 10, from 7:30–8:30 p.m.
Nekesa Afia and Emily Edwards
Author Visit (VIRTUAL)
Grab your favorite fall beverage and zoom in to “ meet ” authors Nekesa Afia and Emily Edwards. No registration needed. For Zoom link, go to syossetlibrary.org.
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Hawks notch a win at POB Homecoming
The Plainview-Old Bethpage school community gathered on Saturday, October 15 for its annual Homecoming celebration. The jubilant display of school spirit was made even more so when the POB Hawks prevailed against Westbury 24-8, capping the day-long celebration.
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“It is always a pleasure to see our school community out in force to cele brate all things Plainview-Old Bethpage,” said Superintendent of Schools Dr. Mary
O’Meara. “The beautiful weather was a perfect pairing to the cheers, smiles and talent on display for this wonderful annual tradition.”
The festivities began with the traditional parade down the streets outside PlainviewOld Bethpage John F. Kennedy High School. School and local officials marched alongside class leaders, the POBJFKHS marching band and cheerleaders to the field ahead of the game.
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The theme of this year’s Homecoming celebration was music. Members from each high school class collaborated to design and craft their own music-themed banners, which they proudly marched across the
field for the crowd and judges to see. At halftime, the class of 2023 was crowned the winner with its Senior Salsa banner.
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Bethpage students brainstorm ideas for Thoughtful Thursday
Bethpage fourth graders in Lauren Abrams’ class at Central Boulevard Elementary School celebrated Thoughtful Thursday on Oct. 20 with an activity based on the book “The Most Magnificent Thing” by Ashley Spires. One Thursday each month, Central Boulevard students do something special, whether it be an activity or an event, to acknowledge Thoughtful Thursday.
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After reading “The Most Magnificent Thing” by Ashley Spires, Ms. Abrams’ students discussed the book which focuses on a girl who tries to create the most magnificent thing but tries and fails. Out of anger, she quits but
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later returns to get it just right. The book showcases perseverance and creativity and showed the students just how important growth mindset is.
Inspired by the story, each student made a list of some magnificent things that they could create. They let their imaginations run wild and picked one of their amazing ideas to draw and color. From a robot that does homework, to a speaker that translates penguin language, the fourth graders did a great job bringing their magnificent thing to life on paper.
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Division Ave. cheerleaders named champions
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Cruising on the Galapagos Legend: Santiago Island
BY KAREN RUBIN, DAVE E. LEIBERMAN, LAINI MIRANDA, ERIC LEIBERMAN & SARAH FALTER TRAVEL FEATURES SYNDICATE GOINGPLACESFARANDNEAR.COMOn the second day of the four-day cruise aboard the Galapagos Legend, we sail on to Santiago island. Early in the morning, after a talk about snorkeling and getting outfitted with our gear, we have a dry landing at Bartolome island just off Santiago. We climb a long boardwalk, 372steps, over a barren landscape that evokes a moonscape, up to the sum mit for an iconic view overlook ing the famous Pinnacle Rock and Santiago Island. On the way up, we get to see sea lions frolicking (court ing, perhaps?) with each other, and on the way down, one perches on a deck, perhaps putting on a show for us, until another literally pushes it off (wanting attention?).
When Darwin visited here on October 5, 1835, he encountered Spaniards who came to catch tor toises for food; he also found many land iguana which today are extinct. Goats, pigs and donkeys were released on the island in the 1800s, “causing havoc for the island eco system and many of its native spe cies,” the Galapagos Conservancy, a US-based nonprofit, notes. “Goats destroy habitat, cause massive ero sion, and compete with native her bivores, including the giant tortoise. Pigs dig up both giant tortoise and sea turtle nests and destroy both eggs and hatchlings, dig into Galapagos petrel nests in the highlands, and destroy other ground-nesting birds.
Donkeys are particularly destruc tive to Opuntia cactus in the arid zones. The presence of these species on Santiago had created an ecosys tem very different from the pristine condition.” (https://www.galapagos. org/about_galapagos/the-islands/)
Today there are programs to eradicate the goats, which have provoked ire from animal rights groups. “Which would you prefer,” our guide, Billy, challenges, “pen guins or goats? Penguins or cats? Flightless cormorants or dogs? We are sorry for animal-loving people, PETA” but the Galapagos has made its choice.
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Then we ride in the dinghy along the coast where we get a glimpse of the Galapagos penguin (one of 18 penguin species but the only one found this close to the Equator).
We are returned to a beach on Santiago Island to snorkel and explore for an hour. (Those who don’t want to snorkel can take a
12-passenger glass bottom boat to observe the marine life). Naturalist Alejandro, who is also a Galapagos National Park ranger, tells us to look for sea turtles, rays, maybe a small reef shark and the Galapagos pen guin. (Karen is so happy with her Olympus Tough6 waterproof, shock proof camera, though David got excellent video with his cellphone in a waterproof pouch).
It is amazing to literally share the beach with sea lions. This also provides an opportunity to see the extraordinary Galapagos penguins; Sarah gets to swim with one. One of our group (we are Albatross; the other group is Booby) actually sees a white-tipped reef shark as he snor kels.
In the afternoon after a wonderful lunch, we have a dry landing off the dinghy and into the water at Sullivan Bay (Santiago Island) – a fascinating geologic site of a relatively “young” pa-hoe-hoe lava flow that came from
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10 km away. It is like being dropped into a sculpture of black swirls and shapes – an absolutely stunning and dramatic landscape. Billy explains the black is because of oxidation but the layers underneath still have the original reddish-mustard color.
Billy says that when Darwin visited this very place, he estimat ed it formed only 200 years before and was spot on because scientists believe this land mass is a mere 350 years old. Now it seems virtually devoid of life – a moonscape - though when we look more carefully, we see the very beginnings of life taking hold: small mollugo plants beginning to grow out of fissures, a cactus, a locust flying by.
There is no organic soil, no water, the food chain is poor, but that locust eats the little bush and drinks its liquid and becomes food for lava lizards. This is like what Galapagos would have been at the beginning, just the top of volcano above the sur face and nothing living, he says.
We are already witnessing the process of how the surface material will be broken down by lichens and eventually become soil.
Lichens are key to “terraform ing” this barren landscape. “Look for moisture from steam coming out from fissures – that’s where lichens colonized.” The lichens crack the rock and turn it into organic soil that can support a plant or tree. Come back in 500 years, he says, and there will be life.
Billy tells us there used to be coal mining here, but after the National Park was established, the company
Cruising on the Galapagos Legend: Santiago Island
was evicted. Today, the government has resisted permitting any kind of drilling, mining – for fresh water or for any of the valuable minerals that are likely in these islands, nor any of the resort or real estate development companies that would pay a small fortune for the rights to establish themselves here. The gov ernment has resisted all offers in order to preserve the Galapagos, “Nature’s Greatest Laboratory.”
“We know the Ecuador government has pressure to build resort hotels. But Galapagos has been a UNESCO Heritage site since 1978 – even if a cor rupt government would want to sell, it cannot. Politically and geographically, Galapagos belongs to Ecuador, but cul turally, Galapagos belongs to world.”
But a lot of celebrities and billionaires have been so moved by their experi ence, they deposit hefty checks on their way home. “Bill Gates wrote a check for $5 million and left it at one station.”
Sullivan Bay was made famous because “Master & Commander” was filmed here – but the images of the ship were all digitized because the only boats allowed in the Galapagos have to come from here. Also, all the wood that is used to build boardwalks has to be already cut down – no living trees can be cut.
Back on board, Alejandro gives a
talk about how the weather and cur rents are responsible for the unique life found in the Galapagos, and why, only in the Galapagos, can you see sea lions, penguins, tuna with parrot fish, angel fish and flamingoes.
From December through May, the water temperature (avg. 76°F/25°C) and air temperature (avg. low/high 72-86°F/22-30°C) are slightly warmer. Seas tend to be calmer. Rainfalls are common for a short period of time each day, but the remainder of the day tends to be very sunny resulting in high humidity. Flowers come into bloom and vegetation is more colorful. This is a good time to observe birds mating or sea turtles nesting on the beaches.
From June through November, when we visit, the Humboldt Current brings colder water (avg. 72°F/22°C) and cooler land temperatures (avg. low/high 66-79°F/19-26°C) It also brings nutrient-rich water that attracts fish and sea birds: albatross arrive on Española and penguins are easier to encounter. This is the mating season for blue-footed boobies. During this time of year clouds fill the sky and a misty rain called Garua is common. Winds tend to be stronger and seas a bit rougher. The abundant marine life makes this the preferred time of year for experienced divers.
Alejandro tells us that the sunny, blue skies we have had are unusual for
this time of year (late August).
Back on board the Galapagos Legend, we thoroughly enjoy relaxing on the deck, hanging out together –there are two hot tubs and a nice-sized pool, plus a fitness center, a library, a children’s playroom, and a gorgeous lounge where coffee, tea, hot chocolate and fresh fruit are always available.
The M/V Galapagos Legend has 52 ocean view, air-conditioned cabins plus 3 interior ones, each cabin which can accommodate a matrimonial, double, triple or quadruple option, accommo dating 100 passengers. The Balcony suites have private balconies and pan oramic windows. The Junior suites have three meters of panoramic win dows. Housekeeping is provided twice daily. You can use US plugs, and US currency. Our cabins on the Earth deck are gorgeous and spacious and can eas ily accommodate a triple.
The ship is large enough to feel very comfortable and have all the amenities you would want in a luxury cruise, but small enough to feel intimate.
The cuisine on board is superb (we especially love the BBQ banquet served alfresco on deck), how we are greeted on the return from our excursions and snorkeling with hot chocolate or tea and a snack, and how coffee, tea and fresh fruit are always available.
There are special touches: we abso lutely adore the electronic key-brace
EVERYDAY CHEAPSKATE
Frugality on the Fun Meter of Life
BY MARY HUNTI was not born with a natural bent to ward frugality. Everything in me cries out to spend, acquire, spend, achieve, amass, spend, spend, spend! I am drawn to the extraordinary, the luxurious and the unique. I live with visions of gran deur and opulence. My fondest dreams include tailored clothing, domestic staffs, $600 silk bed sheets, manicured gardens, rich Italian leather, exotic cars, limousines and private jets. That’s just how I am.
For me, practicing frugality is not re ally fun. Oh, there’s an occasional situ ation when scrimping might be slightly amusing, but on the fun meter of life, planning and budgeting, paring down, doing without when it seems that ev eryone else in the world is prospering beyond belief -- none of that can hold a candle to carefree shopping and living as if money were no object. Self-im posed financial limits are confining and often prevent the spontaneity and ex citement of reckless abandon involving unlimited funds.
My dilemma is that I do not have the means to indulge in a lifestyle equal to
my natural-born tendencies. Those of you familiar with my story know that my feeble attempts to play out my nat ural tendencies landed me in a lot of trouble. I took the treacherous path of incurring debt to acquire things I couldn’t afford. Living under moun tains of ever-growing debt is not living; it feels like dying.
So if living naturally brings pain but living frugally isn’t fun, is there any hope for the unnatural frugal type? Yes! It requires new behaviors. Voluntarily.
Attitude is key. If you can change your attitude, everything else will follow. No one can do that for you be cause unless there is a heart change from deep inside, the behavior change will be neither genuine nor permanent. Here are some baby steps you can take to start the change.
DON’T CONFUSE FRUGALITY WITH POVERTY
The fear of feeling poor keeps many of us entrapped in financial bondage because the shopping and spending produce a false sense of richness. Both feelings are unfounded. Unless you are
a permanent resident of Burundi (one of the poorest countries in the world), you probably have no idea what “poor” really is.
Frugality is a smart and dignified ac tivity. It takes the ability to reason and apply self-discipline. Never forget that while you may not have it all, you have enough. And that’s more than many people in this world can say.
LEARN SELF-TALK
Non-frugal types often suffer from major cases of the I-wants whenever they find themselves within the vicin ity of a mall or other commercial estab lishment, often resulting in compulsive purchasing. If this describes you, try a little shopping self-talk. Instead of coveting and envying every wonder ful thing you see, assure yourself that if these things were really necessary (such as a kidney transplant or milk for the baby), you could find a way to purchase them. The necessity test usu ally dismisses the matter right then and there.
If the desire still lingers, make your self consider what would be required
lets we wear throughout our stay (even snorkeling) so you never have to fish for a key; how they keep track that everyone is onboard with a computer ized check-in. (You can purchase beer or wine packages; wet suits are $25 to rent; kayaks are $40 pp, and you can purchase access to wifi.)
More information: Go Galapagos by Kleintours, 1-888 50 KLEIN, GoGalapagos.com.
Next: Our Voyage on the Galapagos Legend Continues to San Cristobal
For more photos, see: https:// goingplacesfarandnear.com/cruis ing-on-the-galapagos-legend-santia go-island/
© 2022 Travel Features Syndicate, a division of Workstyles, Inc. All rights reserved. Visit goingplacesfarandnear.com , www. huffingtonpost.com/author/karenrubin, 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
if all those things really were yours. There’d be cleaning and maintenance, repairs and dusting, insuring and fuel ing and worrying about the possibility of theft, to say nothing of all of the pack ing required should you ever decide to move.
By the time you get through that exercise, you should be sufficiently exhausted and thankful that you can enjoy those beautiful things without
Crossword Answers
Admiring New England’s beautiful fall foliage
BY CLAIRE LYNCHMy friend, Taylor, and his wife, Julie, bought a house in Unity, Maine, two summers ago and he announced it to friends on social media. Knowing they’ve lived in Norwalk, Conn., for 35 years I was surprised until Taylor said it was their summer house. That made sense because I knew he was still work ing in Manhattan. Almost six hours by car from southern Connecticut, Unity would be a perfect getaway home for their family.
Located in Waldo County, Unity is north of Augusta and south of Bangor. Taylor said friends could come visit. Fall with the changing color of the leaves would be great. My curiosity was piqued because I had been to Bangor years before but I hadn’t had a chance to explore some of the smaller towns and the coastline of Maine.
Taylor and I had worked together in Manhattan for 10 years doing corporate PR then I moved on to a job on Long Island. We kept in touch and when I told Taylor that my friend, Emma, and I were taking a road trip to New England last October, he and Julie said, “Great, come on and visit!” We worked out the details of our visit and Julie gave us great directions to their Maine home.
As we drove north on I-95, the leaves had started to turn and the fall foli age looked magnificent. I told Emma I was excited about seeing their house because in Taylor’s social media pic tures I saw a good-sized river from their living room window. It turns out the Kennebec River is literally just outside their back yard. She agreed it would be an interesting trip and she mentioned wanting to take some side trips to coast al towns.
Driving to Taylor and Julie’s house on Friday, we had a delicious dinner and the view of the river from their dining room was spectacular. Maine’s fall leaves made it even more impres sive. Taylor tossed some logs into their fireplace and lighted it, so we felt warm despite the dropping temperatures of the evening. We told them we envied
the location of their house and Emma asked if they would retire there. Taylor said they were still thinking about it. He wouldn’t retire for several years so in the meantime they could enjoy Norwalk, Conn., and Unity, Maine.
We chose a good time to go to Maine - it was cool but winter hadn’t arrived yet. Light jackets and sweaters did the trick and although we’re always impressed by Long Island’s changing leaves, New England’s fall foliage is always great.
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Reuniting and comparing notes was fun and Taylor and I pledged that we would only spend a few minutes talking about our former job and the colleagues we knew. He and I had a few laughs about some of our on-the-job pranks then Emma changed the subject.
Ever the explorer, Emma brought up going to Belfast, Maine, the next day, and Taylor and Julie said they would join us. Taylor hopped into the driv er’s seat that Saturday and we adjust ed our first stop as we headed a little further southeast to Northport, Maine, just because we liked the sound of it. “It reminds me of Long Island,” Emma said and we all laughed, not knowing if it would be anything at all like Northport, LI.
Northport, Maine, was quaint, just like Northport, LI, but each town has its unique personalities. Meandering around Northport, Maine, we found the Bayside Store which turned out to be a perfect place to stop for lunch. The four of us tried the Steak & Cheese Pizza which was tasty and something we’d never heard of before.
After a relaxing lunch we headed back to Belfast and Julie suggested stop ping at two shops she had visited before and liked. Coyote Moon is a cute cloth ing and accessories store in Belfast. After browsing Coyote Moon we headed to the Purple Baboon, a gift shop on Front Street. We had fun acting like tourists walking around, chit-chatting with the owner then picking out some souvenirs for our relatives back home.
In late afternoon we drove back to Unity and Taylor and Julie surprised
us by having a BBQ dinner complete with a red and white tablecloth, ears of corn, a tossed salad and corn muffins on their enclosed porch. They brought the outside world in and sitting there admiring the Kennebec River up close and personally, we drank in the beauty of the area. Their dog, Copper, a gold retriever, loved jumping into a pile of leaves outside and watching him was funny.
Julie explained that this 170-milelong river starts in Moosehead Lake to the northwest and empties into the Atlantic Ocean at Popham Beach in Phippsburg which is about 25 miles east of Portland. Taylor added that between 1782-1790 settlers slowly began to move into Unity. Around 1785 Lemuel and Benjamin Bartlett, two brothers from Plymouth, Mass., moved to Unity. Within a few years they were so well established they sent for their mother and father.
Unity was officially incorporated as a town on June 22, 1804. Taylor, a his tory buff, had read the history of the town. It was interesting to hear their descriptions because we weren’t famil
iar with that part of Maine.
We took in some terrific water views on that trip and as we drove along many of the smaller roads, we saw the tall pine trees that Maine is known for. In the late afternoons when we saw the sun glistening through the yel low, orange and brown leaves, we were impressed. With a steaming hot mug of coffee in hand, watching the sun rise in the early mornings in Unity was breath taking. I was glad we went at that time of the year although I bet summertime in Unity is great, also.
Our trip to New England last fall was rewarding. We enjoyed spending time with Taylor and Julie and we had a chance to see what makes Maine so special.
No Social Security Taxes Means No Social Security Benefits
BY TOM MARGENAUQ: My husband is a 58-year-old farmer. He is a very stubborn man. He is opposed to paying any kind of federal taxes, including Social Secu rity taxes. He will do anything near the end of a year to show a loss on his farm. He will buy equipment. He will buy seed or fertilizer. He will do whatever it takes so he can show a loss on his tax return and therefore not have to pay any Social Security self-employment tax. He has been do ing this all his adult life. He is also a very old-fashioned man. Even though I have a college degree in nursing, he will not let me work outside the home. I am 54 years old. So, we are approaching our senior years and I’m worried what’s going to happen to us financially. Will we be eligible for any kind of Social Security? I’ve heard of something called Supple mental Social Security for people who don’t qualify for Social Security. How does that work?
A: I’ve met stubborn guys like your husband many times in my 50-year Social Security career. Or to be more precise, I usually meet the widow of guys like him who come to the Social Security office following his death wondering what ben efits they might be due. They learn that because he didn’t put anything into the Social Security system, he (or the widow) won’t get a dime out of the Social Securi ty system.
That’s the fate that awaits you. So, I hope your husband has some invest ments or insurance or otherwise has put some money aside, because the two of you will get nothing from Social Securi ty.
You mentioned that other program that you mistakenly labeled “Supple mental Social Security.” I’m sure you are referring to the Supplemental Security Income program. SSI is a federal welfare program that is managed by the Social Security Administration. (As I always make clear to my readers, SSI is funded out of general tax revenues, not Social Security taxes.)
SSI pays a small monthly stipend (currently less than $900 per month) to disabled people and to people over 65 who are poor. How poor? Well, you’d have to have less than $3,000 in assets. With the farm (and with all that equipment your husband is buying to avoid paying So cial Security taxes), I am sure you guys would never qualify for SSI payments. So, all I can say to you is, “Good luck!”
By the way. I showed your email to my wife, and she insists I add this to my an swer. She said: “What do you mean your husband won’t LET you work? It’s your life and you should be able to make your own decision about working or not. Tom says that if you spend the next 10 years nursing, by the time you are 64 years old,
you will have earned a small but decent Social Security retirement pension. And you’d have your own income from your job during that time. Think about that.”
Q: My husband and I own a small heating and air conditioning business in Northern California. We’ve been doing this for about 30 years. He does most of the physical labor. I do all the office work (except taxes, which our accountant does). My husband is 61 and I’m 57. We get occasional So cial Security statements. He is sched uled to get $3,100 a month at age 67 and about $2,200 if he takes benefits at 62. My statement shows minimal earnings -- and all from before we were married -- but not enough to get my own Social Security. I remem ber reading past columns of yours about how moms often get the shaft (pardon my French!) in a mom-andpop business, but I can’t remember why that is. After all, we have been filing joint tax returns ever since we got married. Can you please explain again why his Social Security record is full and mine is virtually empty?
A: Filing a joint tax return has noth ing to do with the payment of self-em ployment taxes and the assignment of earnings for Social Security purposes. That happens with a tax form called the Schedule SE. And obviously, for all these years, your accountant has been putting only your husband’s name and Social Se curity number on that Schedule SE. That means all the earnings from the business end up on your husband’s Social Securi ty record.
(And by the way, your accountant isn’t the only one doing this. In my 50 years of working for the Social Security Administration or writing about Social Security issues, I’d guess that about 90% of the “pops” in mom-and-pop business es get all the Social Security credits -meaning 90% of the “moms” end up with a blank Social Security slate like yours.)
That’s the bad news. The good news is that it could work out for you, and that’s because you’ll get spousal benefits on your husband’s record. The combination of his high benefit and your spousal rate could end up netting you guys more mon ey than you would have received if you had split the business earnings -- mean ing you each could have ended up with two smaller retirement benefits. Also, assuming he dies before you do, your widow’s rate will be more because it will be based on his high retirement benefit.
Q: My first husband and I ran a small business together for 25 years before we divorced about 10 years ago. We both remarried about two years later. I am now turning 62. My current husband is 58 and plans to work until age 70. My ex is 68. I don’t have my 40 quarters because my first husband took all the Social Security earnings from our business. Can I get
any of my first husband’s Social Se curity now, and later switch to bene fits from my current husband?
A: No, you can’t do that. As long as you’re married to husband No. 2, you can’t get any Social Security from No. 1.
Your case provides a good example of how this tax-filing tactic of giving all the Social Security credit to pop in a momand-pop business can really mess mom up. You’re going to get absolutely no So cial Security benefits for those 25 years you spent running that business with your ex. On top of that, you’re going to have to wait until your current husband files for his Social Security before you
can get benefits on his record. In fact, that might be an incentive for your hus band to file at full retirement age rather than waiting until 70.
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.
COPYRIGHT 2022 CREATORS.COMCROSSWORD PUZZLE
Most consumers, who were or are still looking to buy, are somewhat aware of what is occurring in our econ omy. Serious decisions for so many as to whether to buy or rent or just sit tight where they are have come into play over the last year as rates have doubled. Even when the desired home is found and there is an agreed and accepted price between seller and buyer this is the first step in the pro cess. Next, an inspection needs to be completed to determine whether or not you are purchasing a “money pit” with thousands of dollars of additional costs creating an expense that you didn’t anticipate. Lately, most contracts are subject to an inspection, written mortgage approval, and of course your attorney’s review of all documents
When the market was in a feeding frenzy, there were those buyers that waived their inspection as well as the mortgage contingency, leaving them in a some-what precarious position. This could be a real financial problem if any issues came about with the home or if they had to come up with more money if the appraisal was less than the selling price. Another question to ask yourself is should you lock in your interest rate right now anticipating another rate hike on November 1st? With all that being said, you need to be much more cognizant of what you are purchasing and the terms and condi tions that you are agreeing to. Lately, I have seen that some sellers are now agreeing to a certain number of repairs or a credit towards fixing them.
A few smart sellers are beginning to offer short-term 5-10 year financing with lower interest rates, just to make a transaction happen. As demand has been reduced by higher rates, sellers
Tradeoffs to consider in home sales
BY PHILIP A. RAICESmust begin to think outside the box if they really have a need to sell. Then again, as I have mentioned in a previous column, those that might be hesitating to move due to leaving their low-interest mort gage to a new higher rate might find seller financing to be more advantageous with lower closing costs. If you are a real seller that doesn’t need all the proceeds upon the sale, then this is an opportunity to consider and become creative and earn a greater return than what a bank or credit union is offering and much less risk than trying to be a stock picker in the current market. If you have substan tial capital gains, providing your pur chaser a mortgage, and spreading out your taxable gains, over the term of the mortgage will enable you to not have to pay it all upfront. You now have secu rity by being a lien holder in the first position, similar to a bank. Also, if the buyer wanted to extend the mortgage, then the seller’s capital gains could be spread out even further. This situation could be a real win/win for both seller and buyer and allow more homes to be sold. I would suggest that you discuss this with your CPA and financial plan ner and strategize this in advance to know your options and the best path to pursue. Throughout approximately the last 150 years real estate has returned on average 8%; but over the last 50 years a much higher return has been gained due to inflation and supply and demand economics, as per the Federal Reserve. Obviously, future returns
may not reflect past histo ry. Bank of San Francisco (frbsf.org). So timing the market to purchase will never work and you have to determine whether buy ing and building long-term equity or renting now, and giving away money month ly (with increases); based on your family’s financial position and capability is in your best interest in building long-term wealth. Lastly, finding your first or next home in today’s environment may take lon ger, and realizing trade-offs will be part and parcel of the purchasing process. However, it is crucial for buyers and sellers to work with each other in a mutually beneficial pragmatic situa tion so this can inevitably conclude with more very happy endings.
Tip of the Week:
As leaves are falling, they are begin ning to clog your gutters and leaders. You will need to regularly remove and clean them as necessary or consider installing screening or custom covers to eliminate the issue going forward. Clogged gutters could create great er damage, by having water back up inside your soffits and then inside your walls later on. Also, if you haven’t already, cover or store all your outdoor furniture, gas grill, and hoses.
Continue to Donate to the Ukrainian Crisis and save a life or 2: https://usaforiom.org/iomsukraine-response/
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.) and also as a Certified International Property Specialist (C.I.P.S.) and in 2022 has earned his National Association of Realtors “Green Industry designation for eco-friendly construction. He will provide you with “free” regular updates of sold and new homes in your town via the Multiple Listing Service of Long Island (MLSLI) or go to https://WWW. TurnKeyRealEstate.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.
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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.
committing to ownership. Personally, I have many wonderful things that I “store” in the lovely shops at a local fan cy-schmancy mall. They are well taken care of and I can visit anytime I want.
COME UP WITH REALISTIC ALTERNATIVES
I recently met a man whose wife works in a Nevada casino. She would put a roll of quarters into a slot machine every workday. He showed her that her week ly $50 could pay for the boat she really wanted in just two years if she would simply put the quarters in a savings ac count rather than in an electronic ban dit. They now have their paid-for boat and she’s saving for her next dream,
having given up the slots completely. It was just a change of attitude.
For me, practicing frugality is not al ways fun the way it must be for you nat ural-born tightwads. Actually, it’s rare ly fun. But the results are so well worth the effort that I will never go back to the pain of living beyond my ability to pay. I haven’t bounced a check in 34 years. I have savings and investments. I buy with cash. I have no credit card debt. I don’t dread evening phone calls and I no longer have to hide the mail and shop ping bags.
Now that I think about it, there are many things I’ve been called to do in my life that aren’t particularly fun -- such as dental visits, childbirth, cleaning toilets and weeding. But so far, I’ve not been ex
cused simply because I don’t like them. I enjoy the results so much, I willingly re peat these activities over and over again. Except for the childbirth!
Mary invites you to visit her at Every dayCheapskate.com, where this column is archived complete with links and re sources for all recommended products and services. Mary invites questions and
comments at https://www.everyday cheapskate.com/contact/, “Ask Mary.” This column will answer questions of general interest, but letters cannot be an swered individually. Mary Hunt is the founder of EverydayCheapskate.com, a frugal living blog, and the author of the book “Debt-Proof Living.”
Week of November 6-12, 2022
Night owls and insomniacs will be the only people to see a remarkable sky show next week.
Why? Because for much of North America, the full moon will be experi encing one of nature’s great sky shows during the wee hours of Tuesday, Nov. 8: a total lunar eclipse.
Most skywatchers will see the start of this eclipse (weather permitting), but depending on where you live, you may see only a portion of the event. In gen eral, the farther west you live, the more of the eclipse you will see before the moon sets.
A lunar eclipse occurs when the full moon slips into the shadow of the Earth far out in space. This occurs every six months or so when the sun, moon and Earth are aligned. Sometimes the moon only partly enters this shadow, and we see what’s called a partial eclipse. Other times it passes closer to the shad ow’s center and we see the moon fully engulfed: a total lunar eclipse.
And that’s just what will happen on the morning of Nov. 8.
At 12:02 a.m. PST (3:02 a.m. EST) the moon will enter the Earth’s light outer shadow called the penumbra, but this is so thin that no one will notice a darken ing of the moon’s appearance.
Total Lunar Eclipse
Within an hour or so, that will change. As the moon approaches the dark inner shadow of the Earth, known as the umbra, skywatchers will notice the eastern side of the moon beginning to darken slightly.
The real show begins at 1:08 a.m. PST (4:08 a.m. EST) when the moon officially enters the umbra. No one gazing sky ward will have any doubt that a “bite” has been taken out of the moon -- a bite that will grow larger with each passing minute.
For more than an hour, the moon will dim as it enters more deeply into our planet’s umbra until 2:59 a.m. PST (5:59 a.m. EST) when it reaches its maximum eclipse. Eclipse watchers on the East Coast will have a treat as they watch the partially eclipsed moon descending over the western horizon.
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During mid-eclipse, the moon will take on a strange coppery hue because sunlight passing through our atmo sphere is reddened and bent inward toward the darkened surface of the eclipsed moon.
At 3:42 a.m. PST (6:42 a.m. EST), the moon will begin to recede from the shadow. The partial phase will last until 4:49 a.m. PST (6:49 a.m. CST).
Unlike an eclipse of the sun, a lunar eclipse is perfectly safe to view without protective filters. Your eyes are all you need, but you’ll have even more fun with binoculars or a small telescope.
If the sky is cloudy that morning, or if you live in an area where it won’t be visible, you can watch a livestream of the eclipse. Visit timeanddate.com and click on “Solar and Lunar Eclipses” to find details for your location as well as links to view it live online.
If you miss this sky show, North
Americans will have to wait a year for the next partial lunar eclipse visible here, and two and a half years for the next total lunar eclipse.
Visit Dennis Mammana at dennis mammana.com.
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BY TRACY BECKERMANIn the world of melons, you’ve basi cally got your cantaloupes, your hon eydews and your watermelons. You can generally expect the cantaloupes to be on the smaller size, watermelons to be large and the honeydews somewhere in between. So, it can be very discon certing when one day you order a can taloupe from the supermarket, and it doesn’t arrive the size of a cantaloupe. It doesn’t arrive the size of a watermel on. It arrives the size of a Buick.
“Oh my gosh, look at the size of this cantaloupe,” I exclaimed to my husband as I struggled to lift the ginormous piece of fruit out of the shopping bag.
“Are you sure that’s not a watermel on?” he asked.
“No, it’s definitely a cantaloupe,” I said.
“Well, why did you order such a big one?” he asked. “It’s just for the two of us.”
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Feeling Melon-choly
“I didn’t expect it to be so big. I had no idea I was ordering a mutant melon from outer space. It just showed up that way.”
“It’s going to go to waste,” he said. “We’ll never eat all that cantaloupe.”
I shook my head. “Oh, we’ll eat it,” I said. “And we’ll like it!” I insisted. I was not one to shy away from a challenge. I would not be bested by a piece of fruit. We had been gifted an ubermelon and we were going to eat the ubermelon if it killed us.
“It’s going to take us a year to eat that,” he said.
“Oh, don’t go making melons out of molehills,” I replied. “We’ll just have a little at a time.”
I was confident in this plan. But talking about eating a giant cantaloupe and actually eating a giant cantaloupe are two very different things. First, I had to cut it up, which took the better part of the morning. Then I had to find containers big enough to house mass
amounts of cantaloupe. Then I had to make room in the fridge for an army of cantaloupe. By the time I was done with the whole cantaloupe prep, I was too tired to actually eat any.
So, I made my husband.
“Hey, what’s for lunch?” he won dered.
“Cantaloupe,” I said. “And then there’s cantaloupe for dessert. But it’s early. Do you want a snack to hold you over?”
“Sure,” he said.
“Great,” I replied. “Have some can taloupe!”
“Hmmm...” he said. “I’m sensing a theme here.”
“Then for dinner I thought I might make a cantaloupe salad and a canta loupe gazpacho, and maybe a canta loupe souffle,” I told him.
“Is that all?” he said.
“How about some cantaloupe shish kebab?” I asked, holding up a piece of cantaloupe on a stick.
He waved me away. “I just can’t... aloupe.”
“You know,” I said, “In the scheme of things, this cantaloupe isn’t really that big.”
“How do you figure?” he wondered.
“Well, I just read that there’s a pumpkin in Minnesota that weighs 2,500 pounds. That’s enough pumpkin pie for a small village.”
“That’s great, honey,” he said. “After the villagers finish their pumpkin pie, invite them over here for some canta loupe.”
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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FOAM INSULATION SOLU TION
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HANDYMAN
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THE GENERAC PWRcell
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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
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SERVICES
HEALTH SERVICES
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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
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PAINTING & PAPERHANGING
MICHELANGELO PAINTING & WALLPAPER Interior, Exterior, Plaster / Spackle, Light Carpentry, Decorative Moldings & Power Washing. Call: 516-328-7499
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PARTY HELP
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LADIES & GENTLEMEN
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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
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SERVICES
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A & J MOVING & STORAGE: 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
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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
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LEAK REPAIRS
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Plumbing Repairs Bathrooms, Showers, Kitchens 24 HOUR SERVICE Call 516-668-5624
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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
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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
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Jericho MS celebrates Hispanic Heritage
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LEGAL NOTICES
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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
BID # 010-2223
Parts for Chromebooks
PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that sealed bids will be received by the Board of Education of the Bethpage Union Free School District, Town of Oyster Bay, Bethpage, New York. BID # 010-2223 for Parts for Chromebooks Bids will be publicly opened and read on November 29, 2022 at 11:00 AM in the Administration Building, 10 Cherry Avenue, Bethpage, New York.
Bids must be (1) submitted to the Board of Education, Bethpage Union Free School District, on the bid form furnished by the District; (2) in accordance with the specifications in the bid solicitation; (3) enclosed in sealed envelope bearing (a) name and address of the bidder, (b) Parts for Chromebooks #010-2223, November 29, 2022, 11:00 AM and (4) delivered no later than 10:00 a.m. on November 29, 2022– Attention: Scott Harrington, Assistant Superintendent for Business, Bethpage Union Free School District, Administration Building, 10 Cherry Avenue, Bethpage, New York 11714.
The Board reserves the right to reject any and all bids which in its discretion are not in the best interest of the school district, and to waive any informality as to non-material errors or omissions in the submissions.
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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
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.
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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.
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Karen C. Grant, Esq., Referee, Aldridge Pite, LLP Attorneys for Plaintiff 40 Marcus Drive, Suite 200, Melville, NY 11747
NOTICE OF FORMATION OF A LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY
A Notice of Formation of 138 Peer LLC, Art. of Org. filed Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 8/19/2022. Office location: Nassau County. SSNY Designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail copy of process to: The LLC, 17 Pal St, Plainview, NY 11803. Purpose: any lawful activity.
NOTICE OF FORMATION OF A LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY
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 Garden City NY 11530. Purpose: Any lawful purpose
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to hit a milestone?
BETHPAGE UNION FREE SCHOOL DISTRICT BETHPAGE, NEW YORK 11714
Lee Road students get creative with ‘Mr. Lemoncello’s’ projects
Good Shepherd Lutheran Church Fall Festival
Fifth graders at Lee Road Elementary School in the Levittown Public School District recently got creative while making book report projects on their summer reading of “Escape from Mr. Lemoncello’s Library” by Christopher Grabenstein.
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On poster boards and in repur posed cardboard boxes, students created dioramas, new book covers,
advertisements and puzzle books. They utilized various methods to cre ate their presentations, including 3D pens, sculpting clay, paper crafts and much more. The projects are a culmi nation of the districtwide fifth grade summer reading initiative, which was participated by all Levittown students entering fifth grade.
Nassau County Legislator Arnold W. Drucker (D - Plainview) recent ly celebrated the autumn season on Saturday, Oct. 15 by joining the Good Shepherd Lutheran Church commu nity for their annual fall festival. “Good Shepherd’s fall festival is a beloved seasonal tradition that so
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many in Plainview look forward to each year,” Legislator Drucker said. “Thank you to Rev. Marc Herbst and the entire Good Shepherd family for making this event such an enjoyabl e afternoon and a great success!”
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