Floral Park Chamber hosts
Nassau Council President
Former Chamber Presidents Mike Jakob and Marie O’Connor-Grant (front, center) joined 2025 President Shane Parouse (right) welcomed Nassau Council of Chambers of Commerce President Frank Camarano Jr. to the "A Taste of Floral Park" event.
PHOTOS AND STORY
BY RIKKI MASSAND
The Floral Park Chamber of Commerce gathered for its monthly dinner meeting and networking mixer Thursday night, February 6th, at United Methodist Church on Verbena Avenue. There, members and guests enjoyed ‘A Taste of Floral Park’
featuring a tremendous spread of appetizers, hot main dishes and desserts from local restaurants
– Gyro Village, Uptown Taco, the Floral Park Diner and J. Fallon’s Tap Room. The food ranged from penne alla vodka, barbecued skewered meats and corned beef & cabbage to empanadas, lemon potatoes and spinach pie. Pastor reflects on relief efforts
UMC Pastor George B. Mangan welcomed all Chamber members to the church hall. He shared news about an ongoing charitable effort to provide relief to people impacted by flooding in the 2024 hurricane season, most notably North Carolina and other parts of the south. He mentioned the growing need for flood victims
See page 15
The Floral Park Villager Published every Friday by Litmor Publishing Corp. Telephone 931-0012 Postmaster: Send Address Change to: The Floral Park Villager, 821 Franklin Ave., Suite 208 Garden City, N.Y. 11530 • Meg Norris, Publisher
BY KASSARA MC ELROY
At the February Board of Education meeting, administrators of the Floral Park-Bellerose Union Free School District initiated budget proposal discussions for the 2025-2026 school year.
Assistant Superintendent for Business Dr. Linda Macias outlined the budget timeline, which began last October with a financial audit. Since then, administrators have been reviewing priorities, drafting proposals, and analyzing costs.
The first draft of the proposal reflects a 2.06% budget-to-budget increase. Highlights and a “big picture” overview were presented to meeting attendees, but further analysis is still in progress related to curriculum and instruction, special education, technology, staffing, enrollment, and state aid. All updates will be provided at the next board meeting in March.
As of today, the district projects a 1.926% tax levy increase, or $529,610.
The tax levy is the total amount of property taxes the district collects, set by the board of education. The tax rate, controlled by the town, determines what homeowners pay per $100 of assessed property value. While often called a “2% tax cap,” administrators clarified that no strict cap exists. Instead, 2% is a growth factor in the formula that determines the allowable levy increase. Budgets within this limit require a simple majority of 50% to pass, while those exceeding it need a supermajority of 60%.
The district expects a 0.21% increase in state aid, amounting to $20,829, though final figures will be determined in April.
On the expense side, the proposed budget includes a $1.3 million, or 3.35%, increase, covering salaries, benefits, supplies and materials, equipment, and more.
Inflation has created an 11.14% gap over four years, meaning FP-B expenses increased at a far greater rate than its ability to raise revenue. With costs climbing, maintaining programs and staffing without over-reliance on reserves remains a challenge.
Right now, there is a budget gap of $510,060. To balance the budget, officials are evaluating staffing, software usage, and mandated services, aiming to optimize resources while minimizing cuts.
The public budget vote takes place in May. All current proposed budget breakdowns, including dollar and percentage
Students participate in Valentines for Veterans program
John Lewis Childs School pre-K students are pictured with Councilman Thomas E. Muscarella, Town Clerk Kate Murray and Principal Kristina Lynch on Feb. 7.
Photo courtesy of the Floral Park-Bellerose Union Free School District
John Lewis Childs School students crafted thoughtful, handmade cards to express their gratitude to those who have served the country in the Town of Hempstead’s annual “Valentines for Veterans” program.
On Feb. 7, Councilman Thomas E. Muscarella and Town Clerk Kate Murray visited the school to pick up the cards, which will be delivered to local veterans.
FP Junior Woman’s Club plans Supermarket Bingo
The Floral Park Junior Woman ’ s Club will hold a Supermarket Bingo event on Friday, April 4, to support its program of scholarships and social services.
The event will take place on Friday, April 4. Doors open at 7 p.m., and the first game starts at 7:30 p.m. It will take place at the American Legion Hall, 15 Elizabeth Street, Floral Park. The building is handicap accessible.
Cost of $15 includes two bingo
cards, coffee, dessert, and a a door prize raffle ticket. Additional bingo cards are available at two for $6 or 4 for $10. Winners will receive supermarket gift cards.
There will also be raffle baskets and a 50/50 drawing.
Payments must be made with reservations. Please contact Kathy Kiss at 516-946-3369 or kklccj@hotmail. com by March 21 for reservations and more information.
Hillcrest Civic Association to meet
The Hillcrest Civic Association will hold its next meeting on Thursday, February 27, at the Floral Park Recreation Center. The Village trustees and the Floral Park Police Department will speak about issues affecting the Village.
All are welcome. Refreshments will be served.
A civic organization is a voluntary group of residents who come together to improve and maintain the quality of life in a community, while educat -
ing the residents on local issues. It acts as a liaison between the community and the Village Board.
If you haven ’ t joined the Hillcrest Civic Association for the upcoming year, please consider doing so. A mailing will be sent shortly to all houses in the Hillcrest area. Members receive Hillcrest newsletters. Membership dues provide for civic events and scholarships to local students.
Who are the “Friends” of the Floral Park Public Library?
The Friends donated a new Book Bin outside the main Library entrance.
Google “friends of the library” and you’ll learn that it’s a volunteer organization that actively supports a local library by raising funds, promoting programs and services, advocating for library needs, and creating awareness about the library’s value within the community.
The Friends of the Floral Park Public Library is one of these volunteer organizations. Founded in 1948, its first home was in Village Hall, and now has a “virtual” home in the Library’s 17 Caroline Place location.
Its early fundraising activities cen-
tered around social gatherings like card parties, cake sales, luncheons, and donor gifts, were gradually replaced by more literary endeavors like book sales and trivia nights.
Several years ago, the Friends launched “The Book Nook,” which offers a wide variety of books for sale at very reasonable prices. The Nook is on the lower level of the Library, with a smaller sampling of books for sale on the main level. Thanks to the generous donations from the Library’s patrons, there’s always plenty of inventory to choose from.
The Friends of the Library organize a twice-yearly community Lawn Sale that is always sold out.
Along with the semi-annual bag sales and regular basket raffles, the sales at the Nook allow the Friends to make various purchases of equipment and furnishings needed by the Library. And, they subsidize the very popular museum passes, assist with Children’s Summer Reading programs and “Book Page” publications, to name a few.
The Friends also organize and run a twice-yearly community Lawn Sale on the Library lawn, with up to 50 tables at the always sold out events.
So, what does it take to be a Friend? A shared desire to support the Library,
time to volunteer and share ideas in a spirit of community.
Oh, and dues. Annual dues for individuals are $20, $30 for family, $50 for sponsor, and $100.00 for benefactor. The Friends of the Floral Park Library is a 501c3, so dues are tax deductible.
In the words of Bette Midler, “…but ya’ got to have friends,” and we could use a few more. The application to join the Friends is downloadable from the Library ‘s website (floralparklibrary. org), or you can pick up an application at the Library. Questions? Reach out to Kathy Tyson at 718 578.8231.
The Friends of the Library subsidize popular programs such as museum passes, summer reading programs and The Book Nook, which sells a wide variety of books at very reasonable prices.
Drama Club performs at FP-B February board meeting
John Lewis Childs School’s Drama Club are pictured with members of the Board of Education, Interim Superintendent Lisa Ruiz, Principal
and Drama Club advisers on Feb. 6.
John Lewis Childs School’s Drama Club gave a sneak peak of their upcoming musical production, “Shrek Jr.” at the board of education meeting on Feb. 6.
The performers took to the stage to perform “Freak Flag,” which features a cast of fairytale characters who sing about embracing your differences and that they are what make you special.
The JLCS Drama Club production of “Shrek Jr.” will be held in March.
the Board of Education meeting on Feb. 6.
John Lewis Childs School’s Drama Club performed “Freak Flag” from “Shrek Jr.” at
Kristina Lynch
Photos courtesy of the Floral Park-Bellerose Union Free School District
JLCS celebrates Lunar New Year with festival, parade
John Lewis Childs School students eagerly awaited in the hallways, as students with dragon masks, décor and streamers paraded by in honor of the Lunar New Year on Feb. 3.
The event, organized by the teachers Angela Dunbar and Amitai Perline, invited students schoolwide to celebrate the Year of the Snake. The students featured in the parade created their masks
or artwork in school and studied the culture and traditions of this annual holiday. They learned new vocabulary and completed writing assignments related to the Lunar New Year, as well.
This is John Lewis Childs School’s fifth annual Lunar New Year parade.
The students paraded in the school with their masks.
The youngest students were a part of the celebration.
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!
John Lewis Childs School hosted a Lunar New Year parade on Feb. 3.
The children created masks in honor of Lunar New Year.
Great artwork for the Lunar New Year celebration!
Photos courtesy of the Floral Park-Bellerose Union Free School District
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Sewanhaka district hosts Music Festival, Art Exhibit
Sewanhaka Central High School District musicians and artists from all five buildings were highlighted for their exceptional talents at the 62nd annual District Music Festival and Art Exhibit, hosted at New Hyde Park Memorial High School on Feb. 6.
The concert featured 250 gifted musicians in band, choir and orchestra, who were selected by audition and NYSSMA scores. More than 400 student-artists districtwide had their artwork on display in the main lobby, welcoming guests to the festival with their beautiful, unique pieces.
The evening's festivities began with the District Festival Orchestra, under the direction of guest conductor Susan Weber, who delivered a stunning performance of “Elementa,” “Somewhere” from West Side Story, “Jazz Sebastian Bach: Rondeau from Orchestral Suite No. 2,” and concluded with the grand “Procession of Nobles” from Mlada.
The District Festival Chorus, under the direction of guest conductor Dr. Jennifer Miceli, captivated the audience with powerful renditions of “Dies Irae” from Requiem, the Italian folk song “Ma Bella Bimba,” “Glow,” and the soulful African American spiritual song “Children, Go Where I Send Thee.”
The performances culminated with an impressive performance by the District Festival Band, under the director of guest conductor David Kaufman, featuring “An American Fanfare,” “Groove Music,” “In Honor of the Fallen,” and the lively “Ruckus.”
Every year, the festival honors an individual for their exceptional contributions to both the district and school communities. This year’s honoree was Dr. Thomas Dolan, retired Interim Superintendent of Sewanhaka Central High School District.
The District Festival Chorus
The District Festival Band rehearsed for the performance on Feb. 5.
The District Festival Orchestra
The District Festival Band
14, 2025
A River Runs Through It: Discovering Spokane, WA
BY KAREN RUBIN TRAVEL FEATURES SYNDICATE GOINGPLACESFARANDNEAR.COM
My long-held desire to bike the award-winning Route of Hiawatha rail trail in Idaho provides the opportunity to discover the enormous appeal of Spokane, Washington, where the Discovery Bicycle Tours’ Idaho Trails bike tour begins. I cleverly arrange to come in three days early to give myself time to immerse, staying at the exquisitely grand and historic Hotel Davenport, so connected to Spokane’s story and walking distance to most everything I want, and even taking advantage of their bicycles to get a jump on the Centennial Trail which figures so prominently in the bike tour, too.
This is all new territory for me.
The first delightful surprise is how easy it is to navigate Spokane International Airport (if you’ve been through JFK and LaGuardia in New York, you will appreciate what I mean) – a few steps to the door, and a few steps more to a wonderfully convenient public bus that takes me steps from the Davenport’s door (the bus driver and fellow travelers are so helpful! – something I find throughout my stay in Spokane) – just $2 for the fare (which you can use to transfer or return within 2 hours; $4/day or $12 for three-days).
It doesn’t take long for me to realize why Spokane, with its natural and cultural appeal, isn’t just a great place to visit, but a great place to live.
Imagine strolling over America’s largest urban waterfalls, walking 15 minutes from downtown to a rafting trip on a river that cuts through evergreen forest, and getting on a bike in the downtown city park - the site of the 1974 World’s Fair, appro-
The Spokane River that goes through the city of Spokane, Washington, gives the city its special beauty and quality of life (as well as its hydroelectric power). It can be said that the river energizes the city. © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com
priately themed for environmental protection - and biking 58 miles on the trail to Coeur- d’Alene in Idaho. This is Spokane, Washington - and even though it is 95 degrees outside, it doesn’t feel hot.
Spokane is this vibrant city organized for its people. Of course, it wasn’t always that way, but the same reasons it developed into a hub of the West – railroads, commerce and mining - Spokane was an early adopter of sustainability and environmental protection while transitioning into the 21st century by holding on to what was best about the past.
For me, the mark of a place that takes pride in itself and has community spirit is one that has historic markers and plaques and its respect for historic and cultural places.
You feel it especially in the historic Davenport Hotel - a truly grand dame that is very happy to share its stories.
So I begin my exploration with a tour of The Historic Davenport
Hotel (see Historic Hotel Davenport Puts You into Spokane’s Story)
From there, the concierge directs me to the public bus (the central depot is across the street), for a ride to visit the magnificent Manito Park. (1702 S Grand Blvd). This is a spectacular 90-acre oasis in the in the South Hill neighborhood that features five distinct gardens: the Duncan Garden (a formal garden where I notice the fountain is dedicated to Louis Davenport who built the Davenport Hotel), Rose Garden, Perennial Garden, Lilac Garden and (my favorite) the Japanese Garden. (If you come in the afternoon, save the enchanting Japanese Garden for last; if you come in the morning, see it with the morning light.)
Most wonderfully, the Manito Park, is really a neighborhood park –much like Central Park in New York City, and Golden Gate Park, in San Francisco – grand and yet neighborly. Besides the gardens, Manito Park has spacious manicured lawns, play-
grounds, walking trails and biking paths, topiary shrubs, a greenhouse conservatory, a conservatory and a duck pond. It gets some 150,000 visitors a year. (Best viewing May-October, http://www.manitopark.org/)
An absolute highlight for me –almost a homebase during my stay in Spokane – is Riverfront Park. Just a few minutes walk from the Historic Davenport Hotel, I found myself wandering into the park two, even three times during the day.
It is actually one of the rare successes in urban renewal: once a blighted space, the city seized on the opportunity to host the 1974 World’s Fair (notably the first expo themed around environmental conservation) to make major, lasting improvements serving the community in myriad ways.
Riverfront Park was opened by President Nixon (who made an eloquent speech about the importance of environmental protection and resigned by the time the Fair closed). It is pure delight for residents and visitors alike: stroll over bridges for dramatic views of the falls you neve expect in an urban landscape; be carried over the falls on the Numerica SkyRide gondola, channel your inner child on the historic Looff Carrousel, fantastic playgrounds and rides (slide down The Red Wagon, a giant Flyer), and feed the Garbage Goat (a clever way to encourage composting). Enjoy a concert at the United States Pavilion which was saved and repurposed as an outdoor performance venue seating as many as 6000 (there was a concert there during my visit) – the roof replaced by steel ribbings that are lighted at night.
The park actually is composed of several islands. One of the islands pays tribute to Spokane’s indigenous heritage. There is a totem pole and story
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A River Runs Through It: Discovering Spokane, WA
Continued from previous page
board stations. The pathways weave throughout – you come upon marvelous playgrounds, sculptures and art.
I stop into the Riverfront Park Visitor Center (actually the Visit Spokane tourist center), where I learn about the Great Fire of 1889 that destroyed 90 percent of the downtown – the only surviving buildings were those made of brick by the railroad company. What was left became the historic district (but there are some modern skyscrapers that seem so out of place, that were built before the new rules were put into place).
Also going through the park is the Centennial Trail, a biking/pedestrian/ recreational trail that extends for miles, which I will take from beginning to end on my upcoming Idaho Trails bike tour.
It is an interesting experience to be walking distance of a rafting experience in a major city - the Spokane River that goes through the city gives the city its special beauty and quality of life (as well as its hydroelectric power). It can be said that the river energizes the city – and this confluence of nature, urbanity and livability is what makes Spokane such a hot place for people to put down roots.
Within minutes, we embark from the Peaceful Valley neighborhood on a two hour-long scenic Spokane River Float with Wiley Waters. (Wear water-shoes and a bathing suit; a dry bag is provided, as well as drinks). It’s the end of the season so is a very gentle glide – towards the end, we hop off the raft for a brisk dunk. The season runs May-September (Wiley E. Waters, riverrafting.net, 888-502-1900).
In the evening, I return to the Riverfront Park to once again stroll about as the sun set.
BY CHARLYN FARGO
February is Heart Health Month, and a good reminder that eating the right foods can make a difference in heart health and longevity. My mom died from poor heart health. My goal is to help others choose a different path.
For years, heart disease was the No. 1 cause of mortality in the U.S, and it’s responsible for nearly a fourth of annual deaths -- more than all types of cancer combined. COVID-19 may have taken over that first-place spot -- the numbers aren’t all in yet -- but the point is, we need to be concerned about the health of our hearts.
There are several heart-healthy diets (Mediterranean; DASH; vegetarian; MIND). Here’s what they have in common:
--High in vegetables
--High in traditionally healthy fats such as fish, nuts, seeds, olives and avocado
The next morning, I take advantage of the Davenport’s bike rental (two hours are included in the resort fee), and connect to The Centennial Trail in Riverfront Park. I ride west, toward Riverside State Park, where the Centennial Trail begins. The trail in this direction goes along the high ridge that follows the Spokane River well below – just beautiful – and passed these beautiful housing complexes that are wonderfully designed, sharing the trail with families out for a stroll, runners, walkers, and cyclists. (Again, pointing to the livability of Spokane).
I bike up to the point where the trail has a sharp descent which I would have ride back up (with a three-speed city bike) so I leave that for the bike tour which will start at the very beginning of the trail and ride to where it ends in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho.
Instead, I cycle the trail in the other direction, going back through Riverfront Park, toward Gonzaga University campus in search of the famous singer/actor Bing Crosby’s childhood home, which is actually on the campus and now a museum. You can also see a statue of Bing outside a building named for him on campus. (Crosby House, 508 E. Sharp Avenue, Spokane, WA 99258, 509-313-4064).
In the afternoon, I head to the Northwest Museum of Arts & Culture
To get there, I could easily hop on the purple City Line lightrail from just across the street from the Davenport and get off in Browne’s Addition, but I prefer to walk the mile.
The walk takes me passed the Bing Crosby Theater, the Fox Theater (1931), gorgeous Art Deco buildings that exemplify Spokane’s importance as a cultural center for the Northwest, its legacy as an
NUTRITION NEWS
Heart Health
--High in plant-based protein sources such as legumes and soy
--High in aquatic protein sources such as fish and seafood
You can’t go wrong with foods and snacks that are nutrient-dense, such as dark leafy greens -- which have fiber, micronutrients and phytochemicals -- and nuts, fruits (especially berries) and vegetables, olive oil, whole grains, avocados, salmon and walnuts.
In his book, “The 5-Ingredient Heart Healthy Cookbook”, Registered dietitian Andy De Santis offers six guidelines for eating in a heart-healthy way.
No. 1: Lead with legumes. They help keep blood cholesterol levels down. Legumes are beans, peas and lentils.
No. 2: Push potassium. It helps lower blood pressure, which when high, can be a major risk factor for heart disease. High amounts of sodium can raise blood pressure; high amounts of potassium can help restore the balance. Potassium is found in
important commercial hub on the railroad line, and its wealth from nearby Idaho mines.
I pass stunning Victorian mansions – most of them now inns or museums – but none more magnificent than the Campbell House, which is now part of the museum and a “must visit” (be aware of the opening hours).
Founded in 1918, the Smithsonianaffiliated Northwest Museum of Arts and Culture presents an extensive, permanent collection of Plateau Tribal art and artifacts, Pacific Northwest art, regional historical objects and archives. It really offers a synthesis of the history and heritage here, with appropriate respect for the tribal people.
Having spent time in Riverfront Park, I am particularly fascinated to see the special exhibition, “It Happened Here: Expo ‘74 Fifty Years After” and so fortunate to visit when the museum is presenting a riveting exhibit,”1924: Sovereignty, Leadership, and the Indian Citizenship Act” marking 100 years since American Indians were declared citizens.
Be sure you leave enough time to visit The Campbell House and its carriage house (admission to the house closes an hour before the museum, so in retrospect, should have done it first.).
The Campbell House is an absolute jewel with exquisite architecture, interior decoration. The mansion was designed in 1898 for the Campbell family by architect Kirtland K. Cutter (who also designed the historic Davenport Hotel). Cutter incorporated all the modern technologies available - indoor plumbing, hot and cold running water, electricity, central heat and even a telephone.
The carriage house holds the personal
bananas, tomatoes, potatoes, salmon and avocado.
No. 3: Stick with soy if you enjoy it. Products include soy milk, tofu, soybean oil, edamame and soy nuts.
No. 4: Go nuts for tree nuts. Tree nuts are high in fiber, potassium and hearthealthy fats. Tree nuts include almonds, Brazil nuts, cashews, hazelnuts, pecans, pistachios and walnuts.
No. 5: Choose vegetables and fruits, fresh or frozen. Fruits and vegetables
Continued on page 6
story of the Campbells and the Spokane community of the time – artifacts and photographs, a car that would have been very much like the one the Campbell’s had. It is so interesting to have such a personal look at this family.
Campbell made his fortune investing in the mines of north Idaho (that I will be visiting soon on the Discovery Bicycle Tours’ Idaho Trails trip). The Campbell family (his wife was a school teacher) lived here for 26 years and in 1924, after both parents had passed away, their daughter, Helen, donated the house to the Eastern Washington Historical Society which started the museum. Now it is under the auspices of the Northwest Museum of Arts & Culture.
(Open Tuesday-Sunday, 12-4 pm, admission included with museum ticket) Northwest Museum of Arts & Culture, 2316 W First Avenue, Spokane 99201, northwestmuseum.org (give yourself at least 2 hours, more like 3)
In the evening I return again to the Riverfront Park. The setting sun casts a pink glow in the sky and I am once again awed by the dramatic view over the falls – the largest urban falls in the country, apparently. And I finally get my chance to ride the Looff Carrousel.
The beloved, iconic attraction of the park was hand-carved by Charles Looff in 1909 as a gift for his daughter and her husband. Looff, an immigrant from Germany, arguably was America’s first great carousel carver, having made wooden animals for Coney Island’s carousel. This carousel was set in an amusement park, Natatorium Park, for many years before the park closed in 1968, saved for the city by Spokane’s parks manager.
To plan your visit: Visitor Information Center, Riverfront Park, 6y20 W. Spokane Falls Blvd, Spokane, WA 99201, 888-SPOKANE, Visit Spokane, www. visitspokane.com.
© 2025 Travel Features Syndicate, a division of Workstyles, Inc. All rights reserved. Visit goingplacesfarandnear.com
BY LOU THEODORE
Sleep apnea is a disorder of the respiratory system in which breathing ceases for a period of a few seconds before resuming. Such periods, which may also occur during sleep, are sometimes alternated with periods of rapid, heavy breathing known as hyperpnea.
On a personal level, I snore. But what’s worse is that I suffer from apnea, a term which means “no air.” It seems nearly one in three Americans snore and one in ten have sleep apnea.
Well, is it a nuisance or is it a health concern? The answer: both. Most of us know that snoring can be extremely bothersome to your bedroom partner if he / she is not a sound sleeper. The snoring occurs when your breathing airway is partially obstructed by tissues (that may vibrate) near the pharynx in the back of the mouth. Alternately, the air passage may be extremely narrow or partially blocked; a small jaw can also cause problems. Thus, anything that narrows the breathing airways can cause snoring. In these cases, the noise usually ends when the problems are addressed.
When total blockage occurs, it is defined as the aforementioned sleep apnea. Breathing ceases at this point and the individual is deprived of oxygen. Individuals on average can suffer from a few to a hundred of these episodes per hour. This in turn leads to an increase in blood pressure. Although the apnea effect may only last a few seconds, this starting-and-stopping process can lead to a heart attack, stroke, hardening of the arteries, or kidney failure. In addition to these problems, sleep apnea
On Sleep Apnea
can cause difficulty in reasoning, shortterm memory loss, headaches, muscle pain, depression, and slow reflexes.
From a medical perspective, the delivery and deposition of oxygen to the heart is a requisite to sustaining life. The breathing process provides the regular and continuous requisite supply of oxygen content of the air to various locations within the body.
One of the oxygen passageways to the lungs is the pharynx (often referred to as the windpipe); its opening is ½ inch in diameter. However, the passageway can be partially blocked by muscle tissue at the entrance to the windpipe. This tissue normally hangs loosely in the pharynx during most hours of the day. During sleep, particularly when one is dozing face up, the tissue can flop downward due to the force of gravity and partially (or totally) block the opening.
The blockage phenomenon also arises because muscle tissues in the uvula at the back of the throat and the entrance to the pharynx can sag under the force of gravity. This effect may be exasperated due to a similar action at the epiglottis.
When blockages occur, the resistance to the flow of air in the passageway increases, which in turn reduces the flow of air to the lungs. This sleeping disorder process has come to be defined as the aforementioned sleep apnea.
There are several possible solutions to sleep apnea.
1. The first is to sleep on one’s stomach with a prop pillow to support one side of the face. This prop pillow can be similar to a doughnut used by a pregnant woman to relieve pressure from
one side of her body. By sleeping on the stomach, the gravitational effect on the trachea and any blockage of the airway will be minimized or eliminated.
2. The second possible solution is to insert a mouthpiece similar to that of a wrestler or boxer. This mouthpiece forces the mandible jaw to remain in the forward position which keeps the airway open during the course of the night. Your dentist can also provide a soft plastic device that can be custom-fashioned to hold both the jaw and tongue forward during sleep. This solution may cause some discomfort to the patient and is not recommended for all individuals.
3. Use adhesive plastic strips to hold the nostril (more) open. This solution helps to reduce the resistance of flow to the lungs.
4. The treatment by somnoplasty, a procedure that employs radio frequency energy to treat the affected area in the air passage. Here, an automated radio frequency control delivers a measured amount of thermal energy to a specific area at the back of the mouth. The process effectively burns off the unwanted fat and / or tissue without damaging the throat lining. Somnoplasty usually takes less than five minutes and can be performed in a doctor’s office.
5. The fifth solution is a lifestyle change, and only pertains to some sufferers of sleep apnea. Changes that include: eliminating the use of alcohol and other depressants, loss of excess weight, and maintaining regular sleep times. Depressants such as alcohol relax the muscle cells of the trachea, causing them to partially collapse and prohibit the flow of oxygen. Eliminating these
drugs can lower the occurrence, or even prevent sleep apnea in some patients. Losing excess weight can lower the risk of sleep apnea because, if the trachea is made up of less fatty cells, it will have less tendency to collapse during sleep. By maintaining regular sleep times, the effects of extreme fatigue on the muscle cells in the trachea can be minimized. Two other lifestyle changes can include: smoking cessation and avoiding unhealthy snacks before sleep.
6. The new kid on the block (this year) prompted the writing of this article involves using an expensive (relatively speaking) simple strip across the mouth that forces one to breath through the nose. The inventor claims that it will solve the apnea problem.
Well, that is what is out there in terms of solving the apnea problem. What do I recommend, you ask? My solution earlier first employed process (3), which was followed by (2). Both, at best, marginally solved my problem. Process (1), which I first recommended 20 years ago, did the job. It is what I recommend, and don’t tell me you can’t sleep face down! I presently continue to employ (1) and have no plans to visit a sleep apnea doctor; and, I have no plans to use process (6).
I hope the above helps some of you.
Visit the author at: www.theodorenewsletter.com and / or Basketball Coaching 101 on Facebook
P.S. My talk on casino gambling scheduled for Wednesday, February 5th was cancelled and rescheduled for Thursday, April 10th.
BY TOM MARGENAU
Poor Lyndon Baines Johnson. When it comes to Social Security, he gets blamed for something he never did. Our 36th president is often accused of being the first chief executive to tamper with Social Security financing. Well, he did tamper with it. But not in the way conventional wisdom would have you believe.
I was reminded of this when I got reactions from people to some recent columns I wrote about the repeal of certain laws that effect the Social Security benefits paid to government employees. I thought the repeal was unwise and would drain Social Security funds. Dozens of you wrote and told me some version of this sentiment that came from a reader in California: “Social Security wouldn’t need any changes if Congress would just pay back the money that President Johnson stole from the Social Security system back in the 60s.” Here is another version of the story as relayed by a Texas reader: “We all know that LBJ cooked the books when it came to the Social Security trust funds. And politicians have been stealing money ever since. Get that money back and Social Security will be flush with cash!”
Unfortunately, for decades now, misinformed critics have charged that President Lyndon B. Johnson moved Social Security money from its own separate ledgers to the government’s general funds in order to spend it. That’s not quite right. Here is what really happened.
We all know that the Vietnam War, which LBJ inherited from his predecessor, John F. Kennedy, was rapidly turning into a huge albatross around Johnson’s neck. And it wasn’t just the loss of thousands of young men’s lives that was bothering him. It was also the staggering costs of paying for the increasingly unpopular war in Southeast Asia. He was looking for a way to hide some of those costs, not just from Congress, but from the American people. The government’s general coffers were essentially empty. But he noticed that there was an entirely separate government fund that was flush with cash: the Social Security trust fund.
What most people mistakenly think LBJ did was simply tap into those funds and “steal” Social Security money to help pay for the Vietnam War. But that is NOT what he did.
What he did do was simply change an internal government bookkeeping practice. Up until then, Social Security’s income and expenditures had always been kept on a completely separate set of government books. President Johnson merely added Social Security’s accounts to the general government budget. But this is the important (and almost always overlooked) point: He did not change in any way the method used to invest and spend Social Security money.
In other words, Social Security funds were not touched. By pulling off this bookkeeping maneuver -- adding the Social
LBJ and Social Security
Security funds to the government’s overall ledgers -- LBJ was able to disguise the growing deficit caused primarily by all the spending for the Vietnam War.
Maybe this analogy will help you understand what happened. Fred and Ethel are married. They both work. And they keep separate bank accounts to manage their finances. Fred spends money like there is no tomorrow. His bank balance is always near zero. Ethel saves a lot of her income, so she has a substantial account balance. Fred talks Ethel into combining their assets. Neither person changes their habits. Fred keeps spending just his money and Ethel saves most of hers. But suddenly Fred looks like he has more money than he really does because, on paper at least, his bankrupt account has been combined with Ethel’s flush ledgers.
Fred is like President Johnson and the overall government budget. Ethel is Social Security. Fred really hasn’t done anything wrong. He hasn’t taken any of Ethel’s money. He’s simply using her money to make his bottom line look better.
Like Fred, Johnson moved the balance sheets for Social Security money into the overall government budget for one sneaky reason: to mask his (and Congress’) risky spending habits. All the Social Security income made the actual government deficit appear smaller.
This accounting procedure is known as the “unified budget.” Despite its shifty intentions, you could make the argument that the procedure is entirely justified. After all, Social Security money is government money, and it makes sense to add it in with all other government funds.
Still, after the American people figured out what was going on, these bookkeeping shenanigans left a bad taste in their mouths and in Congress’ mouths. That’s why back in the 1990s, Congress changed the law to remove Social Security funds from the overall federal budget. So, Social Security went back to its original “off budget” status. But that doesn’t stop politicians and pundits from including Social Security funds when discussing the overall federal budget. And because for several years now, the Social Security system has been running a deficit, if someone wants to make the federal budget look even worse than it really is, all they’d have to do is add Social Security funds to the picture.
Having said all that, I cannot stress enough that this game-playing with the government books has absolutely nothing to do with how Social Security tax money is spent on Social Security benefits and invested in government bonds. If you would like to read a more thorough account of Social Security financing, including a discussion of its investment practices, spend 15 bucks at Amazon.com and get my bestselling guidebook called “Social Security -- Simple and Smart.” An entire chapter in the book is devoted to the topic.
Here’s the bottom line: Neither President Johnson nor any other president nor any member of Congress has ever stolen a
nickel of Social Security money. But they sure have played around with its accounting ledgers!
If you have a Social Security question, Tom Margenau has two books with all the answers. One is called “Social Security -- Simple and Smart: 10 Easy-to-Understand Fact Sheets
That Will Answer All Your Questions About Social Security.” The other is “Social Security: 100 Myths and 100 Facts.” You can find the books at Amazon.com or other book outlets. Or you can send him an email at thomas.margenau@comcast.net.
COPYRIGHT 2025 CREATORS.COM
CROSSWORD PUZZLE
American Garden Rose Selections 2025 Winners
BY JEFF RUGG
The American Garden Rose Selections judges have announced the newest roses to be selected in their testing program. This year, there are an unprecedented nine new winners.
The All-America Rose Selections progra ran from 1940 until 2013. The AGRS program began in 2016. If you are looking in a garden catalog and see that a rose was the winner of either award, you can be sure it is a good rose.
Since the country has diverse climates, it makes sense that the AGRS judging is done by region. All roses entered into the AGRS are tested for two years in six geographical regions, each containing at least two test gardens. Most of the test gardens are open to the public, so you can see for yourself which roses you like.
The roses are evaluated five times each growing season. Evaluators are looking for the same characteristics you would like in a garden rose. Disease resistance is highly valued since it will give you a rewarding experience with less care required. They also judge each plant on its bloom abundance; bloom form; attractiveness; fragrance; rebloom habit; aging quality of blooms; hardiness in cold and heat; vigor; foliage proportion and attractiveness; and plant habit. For a variety to be granted an award, it must demonstrate superior performance in at least three of the six regions. An award is also given for fragrance, because that is important to many gardeners.
The region codes are NC for north central, NE for northeast, NW for northwest, SC for south central, SE for southeast and SW for southwest.
Blushing Drift is the latest addition to the drift roses. Drift roses are crosses between full-size groundcover roses
and miniature roses, and they are great for containers or large masses of roses on slopes. Blushing Drift grows 18 inches high by 3 feet wide. The double pink flowers last a long time. It won in all six regions.
Brindabella Crimson Knight is the newest addition to the Brindabella roses that have won this award. Brindabellas are tough, low-maintenance shrub roses growing 4 feet tall and wide. The dark red flowers of Brindabella Crimson Knight are very fragrant. This flower won in the NW, SC and SW regions.
Fiesta Veranda is part of the veranda series of roses. It is a floribunda with yellow and orange flowers on a 4-foot-tall, 3-foot-wide low-maintenance shrub. It won in the NW, SC and SW regions.
Firefly has a bright yellow flower with lots of petals. There are older varieties of roses that are orange or red that also have the Firefly name. This one is from Altman Plants. It won in the NC, NW, SC and SW regions, and it won a fragrance award.
Grandbaby may only be 2 feet tall, but the fragrant, pale yellow flowers are huge with lots of petals. It is perfect for containers or planting en masse. It won in the NC, NW and SW regions.
Like No Other lives up to its name. Each fragrance-award-winning dark purple flower has over 100 petals. The 4-foot-tall plant is very disease resistant. It won in the NW, SC and SW regions.
Ruby Red has a dark red flower and dark green leaves on a 5-foot tall, 3-footwide plant. It won in the NC, NW, SC and SW regions.
Soaring to Glory is a yellow floribunda rose that grows 3 by 3. It won in the NW, SC and SW regions.
1000 Wishes is a large shrub rose that is so easy to grow you will wish you had
Valentine’s Day is a day of love nestled in the middle of February. Sweethearts use Valentine’s Day as an opportunity to show the people they care about just how deep those feelings run. A 2023 survey from the National Retail Federation found consumers expected to spend $25.9 billion on Valentine’s Day, up from $23.9 billion in 2022. Forecasters suspect spending is likely to increase this year as well. Valentine’s Day is awash in many different customs. Here’s a deep look at some of those enduring traditions and others that some may feel should be brought back into favor or adopted entirely.
Handwritten cards
It’s a common scene each year in card retailers and pharmacies: people threedeep in the aisle trying to pick out Valentine’s Day cards in the eleventh hour. People can save themselves the hassle of
1,000 more. The pink flowers attract pollinators more than the other 2025 winners because they are the original rose shape with just five petals. It won in the NW, SC, SE and SW regions.
To find a test garden near you, a list of all the past winners in your region and
the names of the nurseries growing the roses, visit americangardenroseselections.com.
Email questions to Jeff Rugg at info@ greenerview.com.
COPYRIGHT 2025 JEFF RUGG DISTRIBUTED BY CREATORS.COM
6 Valentine’s Day Traditions
fighting the crowds if they make their own handmade cards. In the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, sweethearts created unique cards from scratch, according to Country Living. And prior to products produced by Hallmark and other greeting card companies, people used to send one another cards customized with personalized messages.
Pampering gentlemen
It is common in North America for Valentine’s Day celebrations to lean significantly toward favoring women, who are often on the receiving end of flowers and chocolates. However, in South Korea and Japan, it is the men who are pampered with such gifts. Women purchase chocolates for their male partners, family members and coworkers as tokens of appreciation and affection. Never fear, a month later on White Day (March 14) men
reciprocate with candy, cake and flowers.
Bouquets
These days a dozen long-stemmed red roses might be the norm for Valentine’s Day gifting. However, roses weren’t always the preferred flower for the holiday. History.com reports that, in the nineteenth century, bouquets might contain all sorts of flowers, each chosen to convey certain messages. Individuals can research the meanings behind certain flowers and put together a Valentine’s Day gift this year that expresses exactly what they are feeling.
Puzzle purses
Sweethearts in Victorian England created “puzzle purses,” which were a series of love letters that could be read separately, but also fit together to create a design and message. These intricately folded sheets of paper had parts of messages or
verses written on different corners and were meant to be read in a specific order.
Heart-shaped chocolate boxes
British chocolatier Richard Cadbury is credited with creating the first heartshaped box for Valentine’s Day. The boxes were intended to be so beautiful they would be kept to hold trinkets or love letters. Ornate chocolate boxes are not quite as common today, although the gifting of chocolate for the holiday is still strong.
Celebrating in June?
Many Brazilians skip Valentine’s Day in February and choose to celebrate Saint Anthony, the patron saint of marriage and matchmaking, on June 12. Celebrating both is fine for those who prefer to shower affection on loved ones multiple times a year.
Valentine’s Day traditions are still strong and can add a little something extra to celebrations this February.
BY MARY HUNT
Saving money doesn’t have to require becoming a miser or even erasing all the fun from your life. In fact, there are so many ways you can choose to not spend just $5 every day -- and instead hide that money away in a safe place. It’s about sidestepping sneaky little expenses that can add up faster than loads of dirty dishes after a big Thanksgiving feast if we’re not paying attention!
BREW YOUR OWN COFFEE
Your kitchen is a coffee shop waiting to happen. Put that machine on your countertop to good use so you can skip the daily $5 latte. There’s a reason it’s called a coffeemaker. See how that works?
PACK YESTERDAY’S DINNER FOR LUNCH
Fancy name: leftovers. Better name: fee lunch. Bonus: You don’t have to fake a smile when your coworker asks to “try a bite.”
BRING YOUR OWN SNACKS
That vending machine is just a shiny box of bad financial decisions. Toss some cheese and crackers or a banana in your bag and call it good.
TAP WATER IS A THING
We’re blessed to live in a country where water comes straight out of the faucet. Fill up a reusable bottle and pretend it’s artisanal.
2 3 Easy Ways to Save $5 a Day
AVOID THE CONVENIENCE AISLE
Those prechopped fruits and veggies are just regular produce sporting a huge tax. Check it! Anything you buy that comes grated, chopped, sliced or otherwise prepared is going to cost twice the price. Opt for the unprepared version, then do it yourself. It counts as exercise.
STAY HOME FOR MOVIE NIGHT
Your couch doesn’t charge admission, and the popcorn is 1/10th the price. Plus, you get to wear pajamas.
USE THE LIBRARY
The library is like Amazon but free. And quieter. And there’s no guilt when your “to be read” pile gets out of hand.
STICK TO FREE APPS
That app upgrade promising “endless possibilities” is code for “endless charges.” Stick to the free version and call it good enough. Want to find lots more $5 bills? Make sure you read “This 5 Minute Self-Checkup to Find iPhone Subscriptions Saved Me a Lot of Money” at EverydayCheapskate.com/subscriptions. I was shocked and I’ll bet you will be too when you discover how much you’re paying for stuff you’ve totally forgotten.
CARPOOL OR COMBINE ERRANDS
A gallon of gas is basically a liquid $5 bill these days. Plan ahead, buddy up and cut those extra trips.
DITCH THE TOLL ROADS
Unless that toll road takes you straight to a tropical vacation, skip it. Save yourself the fee and enjoy the scenic route.
PAUSE BEFORE YOU PURCHASE
Impulse buys are like stray cats -- they seem harmless, but they’ll take over your house if you’re not careful. Walk away, then walk away again.
FIX INSTEAD OF REPLACE
A little duct tape and creativity can save you from replacing that torn shirt or wobbly chair. Think of it as channeling your inner MacGyver.
CANCEL UNUSED MEMBERSHIPS
If you’re still paying for the yoga studio
you quit six months ago, that’s a problem. Cancel it and do a downward dog in your living room instead.
STICK WITH FREE SERVICES
You don’t need the premium version of every app. Most of the time, the free one does the job just fine without draining your bank account.
TURN OFF THE LIGHTS
If you’re not in the room, the light doesn’t need to be on. Your parents were right about this one.
ADJUST THE THERMOSTAT
It costs nothing to haul out a sweater
from the closet. Cranking up the heat costs $5. You do the math.
DIY MANICURES
Your nails can look good without shelling out $30. Just don’t try anything fancy unless you’re OK with “abstract” art. Better yet, learn my simple secrets for the perfect home manicure at EverydayCheapskate.com/manicure. (It’s free!)
MAKE YOUR OWN CLEANERS
Vinegar, baking soda and elbow grease can clean almost anything. Plus, they’re cheaper than those miracle sprays that smell like regret.
HOST A POTLUCK
Your friends are tired of restaurant bills too. Have everyone bring a dish and marvel at how much cheaper fun can be.
SAY NO TO SCRATCH-OFFS
The lottery isn’t a retirement plan. Save that $5 instead. Call it money not spent.
AVOID ATM FEES
Plan ahead so you’re not forking over
$3 to withdraw $20. That’s paying to get your own money.
PAY BILLS ON TIME
Late fees are just money you could’ve spent on snacks. Set a reminder and keep that cash in your pocket.
STOP BROWSING ONLINE STORES
Window shopping online is like inviting temptation to move in. Close the tab, log out and call it a win.
Saving $5 a day isn’t about deprivation -- it’s about outsmarting the sneaky little expenses that chip away at your bank account. Actually taking that money and putting it into a safe place is the way to save. Now go forth and keep all those unspent $5 bills where they belong: hidden away for you!
Mary invites you to visit her at EverydayCheapskate.com, where this column is archived complete with links and resources for all recommended products and services. Mary invites questions and comments at https://www.everydaycheapskate.com/contact/, “Ask Mary.” This column will answer questions of general interest, but letters cannot be answered individually. Mary Hunt is the founder of EverydayCheapskate.com, a frugal living blog, and the author of the book “DebtProof Living.”
COPYRIGHT 2025 CREATORS.COM
Continued from page 2
are fundamental components of a hearthealthy diet. Eating any and all fruits and vegetables is strongly associated with a reduced risk of heart disease, according to a
2017 paper in the International Journal of Epidemiology.
No. 6: Choose omega-3s. Omega-3 fatty acids are known to have anti-inflammatory capabilities and to lower blood triglyceride levels. A 2019 study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association showed that omega-3 intake did indeed reduce heart disease risk. Good sources include flaxseed, chia seeds, walnuts, tofu, salmon, trout, mackerel and sardines.
Q and A
Q: Is it a good idea to have a snack?
A: Snacking can be healthy or un-
healthy, depending on what you choose for a snack. Advertising will tell you that organic and plant-based foods and products without additives are good choices, but organic potato chips, rice crackers and even some cookies and candy bars meet all three of those criteria, and they’re not necessarily good choices. For a healthy snack, choose fruits, low-fat plain yogurt, veggies and nuts or seeds. Snacking is an opportunity to add nutrients like calcium or vitamin C that you may be short on. Beware of front-of-the-package claims -- it’s better to read the label on the back. Here are a few healthy snacks to try: almonds,
fruit, unsweetened yogurt (add your own fruit), hummus and fresh veggies, a tuna snack pack, light string cheese, and airpopped popcorn.
Charlyn Fargo is a registered dietitian with SIU School of Medicine in Springfield, Illinois, and the current president of the Illinois Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. For comments or questions, contact her at charfarg@aol.com or follow her on Twitter @NutritionRD. COPYRIGHT 2025 CREATORS.COM
BY DENNIS MAMMANA
Week of February 16-22, 2025
Our sun is a star, and the stars are suns.
While some are hotter or cooler than others, and some are larger or smaller, all work the same way. Each is a thermonuclear cauldron that converts hydrogen into helium and releases a tremendous amount of energy, some of which we see as light.
For centuries folks wondered how the sun worked -- they postulated that it might be coal- or wood-powered -- but it wasn’t until Einstein’s famous equation E=mc2 hit the presses in 1905 that we finally understood the process, that they were all like our sun.
This understanding also made it possible for us to measure stellar distances. By sending a star’s light through a spectrograph, we can determine a star’s temperature and intrinsic brightness. Once we know how luminous the star is, we can ask (mathematically, of course) how far that star would have to be to appear as faint as it does. And that’s its distance.
Surprisingly, it was the ancient Greeks who first did this. They didn’t have telescopes and spectrographs, but some thinkers presumed that the stars were like our sun. And when they wondered how far they would need to drag our sun away from us before it appeared as small and faint as the stars we see at night, they were shocked by
STARGAZERS
Peering Into the Cosmic Past
the answer. It was the equivalent of trillions of miles. Well, this was just too mind-boggling for them, so they dropped the whole thing!
As it turns out, they were right. The stars are trillions of miles from us, but modern astronomers don’t use miles when computing stellar distances. These units are much too small for cosmic distances, and the numbers we calculate come out insanely large (just as the ancient Greeks discovered). Instead, we talk about how long it takes for a beam of light from the stars to reach us.
Take Sirius, for example, the brightest star in the night sky, now appearing low in the south after dark. Sirius has been measured to be about 50.6 trillion miles away, and that means that its light takes 8.6 years to travel to Earth, so we say that Sirius is 8.6 light-years from us. In other words, the light we see of Sirius tonight left that star in the summer of 2016, and we see the star as it was then.
Other stars are considerably farther, with some of their light requiring hundreds or thousands of years to reach us. And that means that we view the stars as they were in the distant past.
Now you may ask if the stars we see are even there anymore, and this is a great question. The answer is yes, they are. Stars operate for billions of years, so a few measly centuries or millennia to a star would be equivalent to only
a few seconds or minutes to a human. Stars just don’t change much in such a short time.
In a sense, the night sky is a cosmic time machine in which we can view light from the distant past. Check out
BY TRACY BECKERMAN
When it comes to air travel, I’m certainly no stranger to flight delays. On a trip last summer, our return flight was delayed 36 hours. Strangely enough, this was also approximately the same amount of time I had been in labor with my son. The difference was at the end of my labor, I got a beautiful child, whereas at the end of the flight delay, I only got a free pack of pretzels.
After this marathon travel experience, I was understandably nervous when I spent an hour on the runway waiting to take off for a trip to Texas. I had a connecting flight to make, so I thought it would be a good idea for us to actually take off that day if I would have any chance of making my connection.
The one thing I had going for me was the fact that I didn’t check my luggage. After the delay, I would only have 20 minutes to change planes. Had I checked my bag, I knew there was
no way it would have made it onto the connecting flight. Then I would have had to buy underwear from a vending machine in the airport, and I would have been really cranky for the rest of the trip.
Unfortunately, when we landed, I found out that my connecting flight was in another terminal in another part of the airport, which was so big that the other terminal seemed to actually be in another part of the state. I was going to have to run 20 miles in chunky platform boots, which seemed like a good footwear choice at the time but maybe isn’t the most sensible one when you have to run a half-marathon and you have knee issues. Add to that a suitcase with a wonky wheel, and I was not a happy traveler.
I barreled down one of the moving sidewalks at an incredible pace because I was running and it was moving, and invariably I got to the end
the winter sky this week and enjoy traveling back through history!
Visit Dennis Mammana at dennismammana.com.
COPYRIGHT 2025 CREATORS.COM
Plans
where it stopped, but I didn’t, and I fell on my face.
After doing this five times, I decided I needed an alternative mode of transportation. But just when I thought I would actually have to walk the rest of the way, I caught site of an airport golf cart for the elderly and the disabled.
“Hey, mister, could you give me a ride to Terminal C?” I begged the driver.
“Lady, this is a transport for disabled people,” he told me.
“But I am disabled,” I told him. “I’ve been running for 10 miles in these chunky platform boots, and I’m pretty sure I have stress fractures in all of my toes.”
He looked at me skeptically.
Fortunately, there were no actual disabled people around, so he let me hitch a ride until a man on crutches came into view.
Golf Cart Guy started to slow down.
“No, keep going,” I insisted. “He’s doing just fine. He’s got to learn to stand
on his own two, er, one and a half feet.”
Golf Cart Guy stopped the vehicle, gave me a free pack of pretzels and kicked me out.
Eventually I arrived at my gate, breathless and sweaty from dragging a suitcase with a wonky wheel and limping from running in my platform boots that were not even made for walking, much less running across an airport.
“Did I make it?” I panted to the woman behind the check-in desk. “Am I in time for the flight to Texas?”
She looked at me, perplexed. “Of course,” she said. “That flight is delayed. Would you like some pretzels while you wait?”
Tracy Beckerman is the author of the Amazon Bestseller, “Barking at the Moon: A Story of Life, Love, and Kibble,” available on Amazon and Barnes and Noble online! You can visit her at www. tracybeckerman.com.
COPYRIGHT 2025 CREATORS.COM
A star’s distance from Earth is measured in light-years, the distance light travels in one year. One light-year equals about 5.88 trillion miles.
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If you haven’t tried Chewy.com yet for your pet food and supply purchases, this is a great time to check them out. Last Hope is now part of their rescue program. For each new customer that makes a purchase, Last Hope will receive a $20 donation. Click on the ad below or go directly to the Last Hope page at https://www.chewy. com/rp/5941
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Treat your Valentine to gluten-free sweets
Snickerdoodles
Valentine’s Day is an opportunity to lavish love and attention on a special person in your life. Exchanging gifts, enjoying dinner out and snuggling with your sweetheart are commomplace on this mid-February holiday devoted to love. It is equally common to enjoy a sweet dessert to cap off this romantic day.
Food allergies and intolerances do not take a holiday when Valentine’s Day rolls around. For those who live gluten-free, finding a dessert that suits their diet might prove a tad challenging. Luckily it is relatively easy to whip up a gluten-free dessert and ensure that Valentine’s treats can be enjoyed by all. This recipe for “Snickerdoodles” from “Cozy Kitchen Allergy-Friendly Cooking” (Umbrella Sky) by Jeanette Smerina, is gluten-, soy- and dairy-free, but certainly not free of delicious flavor. What’s fun about these cookies is cooks can use colored sugar to customize them for any occasion. Use red and pink for Valen
Makes 25 to 30
2 1⁄2 cups gluten-free flour, 1-1 blend
1 teaspoon cream of tartar
1⁄2 teaspoon baking soda
1⁄4 teaspoon salt
1 cup granulated sugar
1⁄2 cup olive oil
1) In the bowl of a stand mixer, add the flour, cream of tartar, baking soda, and salt. Mix on low just to combine.
2) In a small bowl or large measuring cup, whisk together oil, eggs, sugar, and vanilla extract until thickened.
3) Add the egg and sugar mixture to the dry ingredients, and mix until just combined. Then add the almond milk and blend once more.
2 eggs
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
3 tablespoons almond milk
For rolling and cutting 1⁄4 cup granulated sugar (or colored sugar)
2 tablespoons cinnamon
4) Cover and chill dough for 30 minutes or more. Meanwhile, preheat oven to 400 F. Line two cookie sheets with parchment paper or use silicone baking mats.
5) In a shallow bowl, combine sugar and cinnamon. Scoop small balls of the cookie dough (about an inch in diameter) and roll in the cinnamon and sugar mixture. Place each ball 2 inches apart on the cookie
sheets. Repeat until all dough is used. The cookies will puff and enlarge while cooking.
6) Press down slightly on all cookie balls to flatten a bit. Bake cookies 8 to 10 minutes, or until edges of cookies are looking set up.
7) Cool cookies on racks. Store in covered containers for up to one week.
Attention students!
Graduated from school? Have an outstanding GPA? Made the honor roll or Dean’s List? Scored an internship or study abroad opportunity? We invite you to send details of any of these things and more, along with your name and contact info, to editor@gcnews.com for a chance to be seen in our paper!
FP-B district proposes
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increases, are available on the site.
Community Questions & Comments
A board member inquired about the transition to electric buses and the impact this may have on the budget. With a 2027 mandate requiring all new buses to be electric, the district is awaiting further state guidance.
Concerns were raised about the SCOPE program. While a parent acknowledged recent improvements, they questioned the lack of a feedback loop, rising costs, and whether parents have a voice in negotiations. Administrators responded that a survey will
be sent out next week to gather family feedback and determine the program’s direction for next year.
One parent asked about district-wide Black History Month celebrations, which the Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction confirmed is integrated throughout the curriculum. Another community member inquired about an unfair termination. The board did not publicly comment on the matter.
The next Budget Advisory Committee meeting will be later this month, with the second draft of the budget reviewed at the March 13, 2025 Board of Education meeting.
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Litmor Publishing's Community Newspapers
The Author Corner
Stephanie Larkin
Mari Grande, LCSW, LCAT ~ “Overcoming the Mother Wound” Inspiring Stories
Bill Corbett, Jr. “pkDO” ~ Polycystic Kidney Disease Outreach ~ Richard Kellner, Founder
Wes Houston Presents…
Wes Houston
“The Mike Frost Band” ~ A Jazz Quartet featuring Vocalist Lauren Meccia
FPFD: Red Alert
Larry King, AEMT
“Firefighting Techniques” ~ Ex. Capt. Joe Petrucci & 2 nd Lt. Andrew Kosinski 9:30 PM
The Antique Road Test
Walter Gosden & John Salemmo
“Tools of the Trade” ~ Factory Supplied Tools for Owners
516.326.1150 ~ Email: 4VS@4VS.org
Sixth graders create models using simple machines
As part of their science unit on simple machines, Floral ParkBellerose School sixth graders in Caitlyn Pereira’s class created “Simple Machine Playground” models.
After learning about the six classic simple machines – lever, wheel and axle, pulley, inclined plane, wedge, and screw – the students sketched their playgrounds to include an
example of each, such as a slide for the inclined plane or a seesaw for the lever. Using household and craft supplies like pipe cleaners, popsicle sticks, plastic cups and straws, the students created a model of their playground in a recycled cardboard box.
The model playgrounds were built in recycled boxes.
The students used craft supplies to create model playgrounds.
Floral Park-Bellerose School sixth graders created their Simple Machine Playgrounds as part of their science unit.
The students created miniature playground models to demonstrate simple machines. Working together to learn about simple machines.
Photos courtesy of the Floral Park-Bellerose Union Free School District
WHAT DOES ‘HEALTH SYSTEM’ EVEN MEAN? IT MEANS A BIG DIFFERENCE FOR YOUR HEALTH.
A health system is more than a doctor. In our case, it’s 320+ locations with the exact same high standard of care. It’s integrated medical teams that achieve the best patient outcomes. It’s leading the charge in medical discoveries. It’s the lowest mortality rates in the nation. It’s being named #1 for quality care in the U.S. Our health system has the best doctors, and the best doctors are just the beginning.
health starts with a better
Rena Seeram of Floral Park , who is studying in the Business Administration academic program at Hudson Valley Community College was named to the President’s List for the Fall 2024 semester. Students must have an average between 3.5 and 4.0 to receive this honor.
n Christian Halsey, of Floral Park, a student at Fairleigh Dickinson University’s Florham Campus in Madison, NJ, has been named to the Honors List for the Fall 2024 semester.
To qualify for the Honors List, a student must carry a 3.5 or better grade point average out of a possible 4.0 and be enrolled in a minimum of 12 letter-graded hours (four courses).
n Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) has announced that Nicholas Lee, of Floral Park, a member of the class
College Notes
of 2027 majoring in Biomedical Engineering and Robotics Engineering, was named to the university’s Dean’s List for academic excellence for the fall 2024 semester.
n
Floral Park residents were among the students named to The University of Scranton’s Dean’s List for the 2024 fall semester. The Dean’s List recognizes students for academic excellence. A student must have a grade point average of 3.5 or better with a minimum number of credit hours during the semester to make the Dean’s List.
Among those honored were:
Clodagh J. Kenneally, a freshman early and primary education major in the University’s College of Arts and Sciences.
Jack A. Hamerman, a junior mechanical engineering major in the University’s College of Arts and Sciences.
Delia R. Locurto, a freshman communication sciences and disorders major in the University’s Leahy College of Health Sciences.
Michaela M. Rasquin, a freshman occupational therapy major in the University’s Leahy College of Health Sciences.
Meaghan K. Hayes, a sophomore kinesiology major in the University’s Leahy College of Health Sciences.
Jason A. Kozak, a junior kinesiology major in the University’s Leahy College of Health Sciences.
Hannah M. Turck, a junior counseling and human services major in the University’s Leahy College of Health Sciences.
Daniel M. O’Hara, a sophomore accounting major in the University’s Kania School of Management.
Ian P. Power, a senior business administration major in the Universi-
ty’s Kania School of Management. Senan Price, a senior marketing major in the University’s Kania School of Management.
n Judy Dumas of Levittown was named to the Dean’s List for the fall 2024 term at University of Maryland Global Campus. To be eligible for the honor, a student must complete at least six credits during the term, earned a grade point average of at least 3.5 for the term, and maintained a cumulative GPA of 3.5
n The following Floral Park students enrolled during Fall Semester 2024 at The University of Alabama were named to the dean’s list with an academic record of 3.5 (or above):
Caroline Gross
Brandon Madden
February events at the Floral Park Library
“Without Valentine’s Day, February would be, well…January.”
– Jim Gaffigan
May you find love in a good book this month (and elsewhere, too!).
Programs for Adults
Rounding out Adult programs, Carol Leitner offers Plant Food Nutrition for a Healthy Lifestyle. Marina Horan and Doug Cioffi lead a talk about birding, and show Doug’s award winning bird photographs taken at Floral Park’s Centennial Gardens. Hybrid Chair Yoga with Micheline continues Wednesdays at 10:15 a.m.
Urban Explorers Go to the Library
A private tour of the New York City Public Library is on tap for February’s
Floral Park Library Urban Explorers outing.
Programs for Teens
For Teens, February brings Spy Game (Unleash your Inner Secret Agent), a Vacation Mini-comic book event, and a P[arty] Art program.
Programs for Kids
There’s a four-day Winter vacation Mini-art Camp for the younger set, an author visit, and a winter break cooking fun session (pre-K – 1st grade) with Chef Julie. And, the “regulars” are here, too: Play Hooray, A Time for Kids Baby Start and Family Pre-School Hour; Craft with the Pom Pom Queen (grades 3 – 5); Tiny Tots Storytime, and more cooking fun with Chefs of d’Future.
Made with Love Knitting and Crocheting
Our Made with Love Knitting and Crocheting groups meet Mondays at 6:30 p.m. and Wednesdays at 11:00 a.m. No registration necessary; no formal instruction provided. New members always welcome.
Library Board Meeting
The Library Board of Trustees meets at February 19 at 7:30 p.m. All are invited to attend.
Tech Help
One-to-one tech help with Joe for tablets, smartphones, laptops and Kindles is available for our Floral Park patrons by appointment only (floralparktechhelp@gmail.com).
Book Nook
Call the Library (516 326-6330) to check days and times for the Book Nook. All sales of books, DVDs, etc. support the Friends of the Floral Park Library, a 501c3 organization.
Library Information
For more information on dates and times, events registration and program details, visit the library website, floralparklibrary.org, call 516 326-6330, or visit us at 17 Caroline Place. All events and programs are subject to change and/or cancellation. The Library is closed Monday, February 17, for President’s Day.
Follow us on Facebook (floralparklibrary), Twitter (@fplibrary17), or Instagram (fplibrary, 17, floralparkchildrens, fpplteens).
Floral Park Chamber hosts Nassau Council President
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in other parts of the country, including Vermont, to receive care items and support.
“We have collected flood buckets and 20 hygiene kits that will be used down south. Multiple areas were impacted by the serious flooding, and our congregation is looking to do another drive and event this spring to collect donations. We truly appreciate all in our community that has helped in these efforts, and we’ve received about $1,500 to help support these humanitarian efforts to help all the flood victims,” Pastor Mangan said.
A special guest in Floral Park for the meeting was Frank Camarano, president of the Nassau Council Chambers of Commerce (NCCC) which is the umbrel-
Rev. George B. Mangan of United Methodist Church welcomed all Floral Park Chamber of Commerce members and guests to the 2025 Taste of Floral Park event.
la organization for all 49 local Chambers of Commerce within Nassau County. He spoke about several ways the organization assists small businesses, including as the hosts of the annual Legislative and Awards Breakfast in late October, at which each chamber’s Businessperson of the Year is formally honored with their peers countywide.
The NCCC has recently relocated to Nassau Community College, and the organization will be starting a small business resource, training and development center at that location. Camarano said this has been a natural outgrowth of training events, courses and workshops they executed from a Nassau County Technical Services Grant – conferred through the office of County Executive Bruce Blakeman and the County Legislature. Under the grant program, NCCC administered and sponsored nine workshops in three locations – Malverne, Massapequa and Port Washington – during January.
The training and development that small businesses and entrepreneurs will receive through the Nassau Council of Chambers will be entirely free, as the grant-sponsored workshops were last month.
“We kicked this off with 9 workshops and they were designed to teach small businesses about technology skills and tools – like QuickBooks, online marketing for example – they would need in getting started. We will be taking it to the next level and then some through this facility opening at Nassau Community College. This allows us to continue to do what a local chamber can not, as when we started this countywide chamber 50 years ago to do ‘directory help’ and to come up with programming for the small business community and the work needed to help them,” Camarano explained.
Looking ahead, the Nassau Council of Chambers is ready to strengthen the local economy through administration of large-scale grant programs designed to spur business growth in the county. Frank spoke about the recent grant from the Town of North Hempstead, as parts of Floral Park Village north of Jericho Turnpike are within the town. A sum of $50,000 has been awarded to help each local business chamber.
“Something wonderful happened in recent weeks.” The Town of North Hempstead has set aside $50,000 a chamber for a grant. We can give the chamber a round of applause tonight, as you operate in the Town of North Hempstead, and NCCC will be administering that and great things will happen,” Mr. Camarano explained.
Chamber Board Members Report
The Floral Park Chamber’s 2025 president is village resident Shane Parouse. During the February 6th meeting he outlined initiatives and goals ahead for the Chamber.
A Chamber board member, Tom DeMaria of nonprofit Tricia’s Kids, is dedicating time to be a connection and liaison between the local business community and village government. Floral Park Deputy Mayor Dr. Lynn Pombonyo and Trustee Michael Longobardi regularly attend all of the Chamber of Commerce meetings to provide timely updates on development, insights that have value to the local economy and ways that business can be part of large-scale community happenings and events.
“Everybody is actively ready to help our businesses. I speak to Deputy Mayor Pombonyo weekly too, and if there’s ever any issues or concerns please remember your chamber is a resource and we are eager to help you out,” Parouse said.
Following the meal and networking, Dr. Pombonyo gave the chamber a detailed report on February 6th. She noted how the village’s website, FPVillage.org, offers a way to sign up for the municipality’s mailing list which currently has 4,000 subscribers.
“The Village Board met on Tuesday, February 4th, and what I feel is most interesting for our local businesses is the news about development in
Nassau Council of Chambers of Commerce (NCCC) President Frank Camarano Jr. (left) joined the Floral Park Chamber of Commerce and was happy to see his longtime friend and colleague, Village Deputy Mayor Dr. Lynn Pombonyo on Thursday, February 6th, at the annual ‘Taste of Floral Park’ held inside the United Methodist Church. Mr. Camarano spoke about the Nassau Council of Chambers’ opportunity to administer programs funded by a substantial grant from the Town of North Hempstead.
the community. We list the dates for our Architectural Review Board meetings to review applications and approve properties and plans for development, and the agendas are put online. Every new building owner has to go through that process, and the village’s Zoning Board of Appeals also has important topics coming up,” she explained.
According to Deputy Mayor Pombonyo, the Village Board meeting on Tuesday, March 4th at 8 p.m. will feature a special use permit hearings for a new
Nassau Council of Chambers of Commerce (NCCC) President Frank Camarano Jr. (left) visited the ‘Taste of Floral Park’ at the February 6th Chamber of Commerce meeting inside United Methodist Church. He explained that the NCCC is the umbrella organization for all 49 local active chambers within Nassau County, and is administering a grant to help local businesses from the Town of North Hempstead.
business – a new arts studio on Jericho Turnpike next to Rite Aid, for a special public assembly permit.
She also noted another public hearing – on Wednesday, March 19th – for “the big one that is so exciting – the new Italian restaurant coming up next to The Harrison” on S. Tyson Avenue.
“The owner of The Harrison also owns Luigi’s, 265-21 Union Turnpike, and he’s run some very successful Italian restaurants, and we know them well. He still must come before our Village Board on March 19th because it is another food use in Floral Park. But we are enthused because when the owner came for the special use permit to open The Harrison, it was one of the best presentations the Board has ever reviewed,” Dr. Pombonyo told the Floral Park Chamber audience last week.
Meeting nights continue throughout this winter. Chamber Vice President Christos (Chris) Vassiliou is co-owner of the Floral Park Diner on Tulip Avenue, which is celebrating its 10th anniversary as a dining staple of the village. As events chairperson, he was instrumental in organizing the annual ‘Taste of Floral Park’ mini-festival at the meeting last week.
For the next Floral Park Chamber meeting – set for Thursday, March 6th beginning at 6 p.m. – Vassiliou explained that the board is looking forward to having an official chamber gathering at Swing the Teapot, 6 Verbena Avenue, for the first time. For more information and to register, visit www.floralparkchamber.org
