Floral Park Villager (2/28/25)

THE GATEWAY TO NASSAU COUNTY

SERVING FLORAL PARK, BELLEROSE AND STEWART MANOR

Towns file lawsuit over airplane noise, pollution CELEBRATIONS AT JLCS

The first grade classrooms at John Lewis Childs School were bustling with excitement on Feb. 14, as the students celebrated the 100th day of school, along with Special Person’s Day and Valentine’s Day.

Centennial Gardens and Bird

Sanctuary: A Historical Perspective

The Floral Park Historical Society will present Dennis McEnery, President of The Floral Park Conservation Society on March 2. Dennis will speak about about

The Centennial Gardens and Bird Sanctuary from “An Historical Perspective.”

The event will take place Sunday, March 2, at 2 p.m. at the Pool & Recreation Cen-

ter, 124 Stewart Street (handicap accessible).

The event is free and open to the public. For more information please see www. floralparkhistorical.org

Standing beneath a steady stream of low-flying airplanes over Floral Park, Hempstead Town Supervisor Don Clavin and North Hempstead Town Supervisor Jen DeSena announced a joint federal lawsuit against the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), aiming to address increasing aircraft noise and pollution in residential areas.

The lawsuit, filed on behalf of more than a million residents, comes after the FAA failed to respond to the municipalities’ formal petition for relief from excessive air traffic.

“Not only are our communities being victimized by increased flights, noise, and air pollution … but the FAA didn’t even have the

courtesy to respond to the concerns of more than one million residents who live here,” Clavin said. “Enough is enough. The Town of Hempstead and Town of North Hempstead are fed up with the FAA’s apparent indifference to our community’s quality of life and public health, and this federal lawsuit will force them to be responsive and accountable to our residents.”

According to town officials, advancements in air traffic control technology and new flight path patterns have led to a 70 percent increase in flights over local communities, with some aircraft flying as much as 1,000 feet lower than before. Residents in heavily

FP Lions Club celebrates 100 years of service

BY RIKKI MASSAND

The Floral Park Lions Club, an organization dedicated to charitable efforts and deeply cherished by the community, is celebrating its 100th anniversary while looking ahead to another century of service and impact.

Founded in 1917 by Chicago businessman Melvin Jones, the Lions Club became international in 1920 when Canada joined. Today, Lions Clubs International boasts 1.4 mil-

lion members in 49,000 clubs worldwide, assisting millions annually through community support initiatives.

A

century

of service in Floral Park

The Floral Park Lions Club was chartered on March 3, 1925. Since then, dedicated volunteers have supported countless educational, charitable, and service-related projects. Their grassroots efforts have included rallying the community to

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FP-B sixth graders celebrate P.S. I Love You Day

Floral Park-Bellerose School sixth graders in Caitlyn Pereira’s class celebrated kindness, positivity and confidence during a P.S. I Love You Day lesson on Feb. 14.

The students learned about the mission and history of P.S. I Love You Day, a local non-profit organization dedicated to eradicating the stigma around mental health. To build their self-esteem, they

Students wrote affirmative messages to themselves.

wrote three positive affirmations about themselves, such as “I am kind,” “I am strong” or “I am smart.”

To culminate the lesson, the sixth graders each found a positive quote that resonated with them and wrote how they plan to live by the quote daily.

Photos courtesy of the Floral Park-Bellerose Union Free School District

Students also found positive quotes and wrote about them.

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 educating 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.

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.

Floral Park-Bellerose School sixth graders celebrated P.S. I Love You Day on Feb. 14.

Local couples celebrate vow renewal ceremony

Hempstead Town Clerk Kate Murray (right) conducted a vow renewal ceremony for Scott and Jennifer Kimmins of Floral Park on February 13 at the Coral House in Baldwin. The Kimmins have been married 37 years. Also attending was Councilman Tom Muscarella (left).

The Town of Hempstead conducted a vow renewal ceremony for town couples on February 13 at the Coral House in Baldwin. Town Clerk Kate Murray officiated at the vow renewal ceremonies for more than 75 couples

during the annual Valentine’s-themed event, which this year included several couples who celebrated alongside their dogs! All guests received roses, a wedding cake, a champagne toast, and a doggie bag full of goodies.

Hempstead Town Clerk Kate Murray (left) conducted a vow renewal ceremony for William and Jocelyn Lane of Floral Park on February 13, at the Coral House in Baldwin. The Lanes have been married 56 years.

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15% off parties of 25 people or more booked Mon–Sun 11:30AM–4PM. Starting at $32/person. Call for details. Holidays excluded.

HAPPY HOUR Mon–Thu, 11:30 AM–4 PM At the Bar Only

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First grade celebrations at John Lewis Childs School

The first grade classrooms at John Lewis Childs School were bustling with excitement on Feb. 14, as the students celebrated the 100th day of school, along with Special Person’s Day and Valentine’s Day.

The special guests were welcomed into the classrooms with a song performance, followed by a STEM activity. With the help of their family member,

the first graders created marshmallow or candy heart towers. To reflect on the activity, the students wrote down what was easy or worked well and what was a challenge.

To honor the 100th day of school, students wore 100th day handmade hats or shirts depicting 100 items, as well.

Students and their guests did crafts projects to illustrate the 100th day.

The children invited special guests to the celebration.

John Lewis Childs School first-grade classes celebrated the 100th day of school, Special Person’s Day and Valentine’s Day on Feb. 14.

Crafts with marshmallos were fun (and delicious).

Photos courtesy of the Floral Park-Bellerose Union Free School District

Author Talk at the Floral Park Library

Cover of “Ricette e Ricordi de Nonno,” a bilingual cookbook by author Frank Iovine

Author Frank Iovine will be at the Floral Park Library on Saturday, March 8th at 2:00 o’clock to discuss his bi-lingual cookbook “Ricette e Ricordi de Nonno.”

This book shares the history of his beloved Nonno, Italian for Grandfather, in a series of short essays, and is beautifully and lovingly illustrated with family photographs in black and white, and in color. Of course, there are plenty of

his Grandfather Angelo Iovine’s mouthwatering recipes, too, in Italian and in English.

As Frank says in the cookbook’s dedication, this book is for everyone who has their own meals and memories with a loved one.

Come, share some recipes, and make some memories with Frank! Registration is open (floralparklibrary. org).

March Events at the Floral Park Library

AARP Tax Prep

With March comes taxes, and our AARP Tax Prep appointment book is filling up quickly! Thankfully, with March also comes the return to Daylight Savings Time, as much a harbinger of Spring as a crocus poking its hopeful green shoots up from the dirt.

Programs for Teens

Also poking its head up is a Spring Canvas Fun program for Teens, along with a P[art]y Art event, and Cornell Cooperative Extension of Suffolk County hosts a Babysitting Workshop for the teen cohort.

Programs for Kids

For the young ones, there’s: Play Hooray, A Time for Kids Baby Start and Family Pre-School Hour; Craft with the Pom Pom Queen (grades 3 – 5); and Tiny Tots Storytime. Our favorite P[art]y Art is back with two Fun for Kids sessions (PreK – 1st grade, and grades 2 – 5). New this month is a Pipe Cleaner Cactus craft (grades 3 – 5), and My First Signs, a three-session highly interactive program for children six months through pre-school age.

Programs for Families

Families are invited to register for the March 9 afternoon showing of the movie “Wicked,” and for a Chef of d’Future program the following evening.

Friends of the Library

And everyone’s invited to the March 1st Friends of the Floral Park Library Bag Sale held in the lower level meeting room of the Library.

The morning Friends of the Library Book Club meets Monday, March 3, at 10:15 a.m. If you’re hungry for a good read, Catherine Newman’s “Sandwich” is on the discussion menu for the March 13 7:00 p.m. Evening Edition Book Club.

Special Programs

In keeping with the food theme, author Frank Iovine discusses his dual-language cookbook/memoir

“Ricette y Ricordi di Nonno.” The book is beautifully illustrated with treasured family photos and detailed recipes. Rumor has it Frank may bring meatballs!

By-appointment-only AARP Tax Prep continues, as do the Tuesday 6:30 p.m. English Language Learners classes and Wednesday’s weekly Chair Yoga. Floral Park’s Here and Now Yoga facilities a self defense workshop for adults and children (8 years and above).

March’s Empire Safety Council Defensive Driving class is scheduled for Saturday, March 22, from 9:00 a.m. –3:00 p.m.

Knitting and Crocheting Groups

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. The Library Board meets March 19 at 7:30 p.m. The public is invited to attend.

Tech Support

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).

Contact the Library

Call the Library (516-326-6330) to check days and times for the Book Nook. All sales of books, DVDs, knitted scarves and hats support the Friends of the Floral Park Library, a 501c3 organization.

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).

MORTALITY RATES. HOW’S THAT FOR AN ICEBREAKER?

Our health system maintains the lowest mortality rates in the nation. And at the end of the day, this is what matters. We apply the highest standard of care to every factor that impacts patient recovery and survival, so more people who come here, go home. No wonder we were named #1 for quality care in the U.S.

Better health starts with a better health system.

Six Days on Discovery Bicycle Tours’ Idaho Trails: Biking the Coeur d’Alenes

RUBIN

On Day 4 of Discovery Bicycle Tours’ six-day Idaho Trails trip, after breakfast at our base at the Silver Mountain Resort, we are shuttled to Shoshone Park in the mining town of Mullan for an easy downstream ride through the “Silver Valley,” home to several historic mining communities.

We soon pick up the official start of the Trail of the Coeur d’Alenes, enjoying views of the rocky, forested mountains, as we make our way to the utterly charming “wild west” town of Wallace.

We have been primed for Wallace’s character (and humor) when we had a talk by a local historian at the Roosevelt Inn in Coeur d’Alene so are prepared for the “history (and some hilarity!) that await us as citizens of Wallace have tenaciously preserved their town amidst an ever changing landscape of fortunes lost and gained.”

Biking the Trail of the Coeur d’Alenes, Idaho on the last day of Discovery Bicycle Tours’ six-day Idaho Trails trip © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com BY KAREN

Now, we stroll around the town looking for some of the sights she pointed out, like the town’s last brothel, a mining museum, a silver shop, before we join the Sierra Silver Mine Tour. It begins with a delightful narrated tour of Wallace in an open-air trolley that takes us up to the mine.

Who knew that Wallace was the “Silver Capital of the World” – some $138 billion worth taken out of these mines –$20 billion of metals just last year (did I hear that right?) – 1 million ounces of silver. In the 1960s, incred-

was discovered.

You would be forgiven if you thought Wallace was a theme park creation (the 1997 movie “Dante’s Peak” was filmed here), but the history and the heritage are real, as is the miner, “Fast Freddie,” who is our guide into the silver mine.

“Fast Freddie” is a colorful character (he looks as if he came from Hollywood casting), with a marvelous sense of humor, amusing and engaging, but most important, he is authentic, speaking of his own experience working 21 years underground in these mines. “You need a good sense of humor in a mine,” Freddie tells us. “We used to play tricks.”

After the collapse of the silver market and the closure of mines, Wallace looked to tourism to compensate. This mine was turned into an attraction, getting as many as 18,000 visitors a year.

ulously, Wallace was the “richest little city” in America with the highest number of millionaires per capita, as well as a thriving brothel industry. (The last running bordello was shut down in 1989 when the FBI raided tax dodgers – there is still resentment in the town - but you can visit the Bordello Museum.)

When mining began in 1886, Wallace’s population was 500; at its peak, in 1940, when some 200 mines were operating (quartz, gold, silver, copper, zinc), the population peaked at 4000, but, with the collapse of silver prices in March1980, most of the mines closed, the miners left and the population fell to the present number of 800. Today, there are still four

active silver mines, including the Lucky Friday and the Galina mines, and one gold mine.

In 1890, a chimney fire destroyed most of the town – the buildings we see today date from 1890-1920. Indeed, Wallace has the rare honor of the entire town being listed on the National Register of Historical Places.

Other tidbits: only one sitting president has visited Wallace: Theodore Roosevelt came in 1903 on a campaign whistle stop; the town spent $5000 just on flags to welcome him. There was a shootout on Valentine’s Day, 1951 –one of the tommy guns is on display in the museum. And Wallace’s most famous native is Lana Turner went one day to a grocery store where she

As we enter the mine and pass a skeleton sitting on a chair and we actually see a canary cage – used to let the miners know when oxygen is low (the proverbial “canary in a coal mine.”)

This mine was only briefly used, he says, because the silver was very low grade and not worth the expense. It was turned into a mining school, where students learned the techniques of mining and could be hired right into a job. Future miners were taught to run the jack, the drill, and to blast. The miners work alone at different levels, so each one has to do everything – digging, setting the dynamite charge, moving out the ore. “You have to get everything done so you

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GOING PLACES, NEAR & FAR....

Six Days on Discovery Bicycle Tours’ Idaho Trails: Biking the Coeur d’Alenes

Continued from previous page

can blast before the next shift arrives.”

After being returned by the trolley, we have time to wander around Wallace before biking back on the trail on our own to the Silver Mine Resort.

Wallace is really interesting - like a time warp and not really just “tourist quaint”, quirky and fun. Just strolling around, you find the Wallace District Mining Museum, the Idaho Silver Shop, Northern Railroad Depot Museum, and everyone’s favorite, the Oasis Bordello Museum.

These folks in Wallace have a sense of humor – and an eye for a profit-making tourism-promoting gimmick: they designated a manhole at the crossroads in the middle of town as the “Center of the Universe” (that’s what is engraved on it). Based on what? “What’s the evidence that it isn’t?” comes the reply. I find a shop that sells guns, antiques, curios, and collectibles. In a glass cabinet is a large mummified “mermaid” (calling to mind a similar fantastical creature displayed in a store in Banff, Canada, and P.T. Barnum’s museum of oddities).

It’s a delightful bike ride from Wallace to the Silver Mountain Resort in Kellogg, where we have dinner together in the mountain village base.

DAY 5: 39 or 46 miles, Cataldo Mission and the Coeur d’Alenes

The plan on Day 5 is to set out from the Silver Mountain Resort biking on the Trail of the Coeur d’Alenes, and after 11 miles or so, to visit the Cataldo Mission, Idaho’s oldest standing building, lunch at the Rodehouse before continuing biking, with a choice of 39 or 46 miles of cycling to Harrison, where we are to be shuttled back to the resort for

a celebratory dinner in Kellogg for our last night together.

But it is a drenching rain.

Our guide, Clarista, says “There is no bad weather, only bad clothing” and says her job is to cheerlead for biking, but we can choose to shuttle the first 11 miles instead of bike to the Cataldo Mission. After assuring us we won’t be missing much in the way of scenery and that the portion from Cataldo to Smelterville is the pretty part, we vote to take her up on her offer to drive us to the Mission.

The visit at the Cataldo Mission starts with an excellent video that explains how the local tribe invited the Jesuits (“Black Robes”) to come here and build the mission. At the time, the introduction of the horse meant that tribes that had coexisted in their own land before, began to encroach on each other’s territory. The tribe believed that the “Black Robe” missionaries had a superior power, a Great Spirit, who would enable them to triumph over their enemies.

The Mission of the Sacred Art was built in 1850-1853, by Father Pierre Jean De Smet, chief of the “Black Robes” who answered the tribe’s invitation to come, along with Father Ravalli, an Italianborn religious leader who designed the building and supervised construction with simple tools and without nails.

The Old Mission church is simple and beautiful – the wood-beamed ceiling painted blue with huckleberries, to make the native people more comfortable since they were used to praying outside. We learn that the walls were decorated with fabric bought from the Hudson Bay Company and a hand-painted newspaper from Philadelphia that Fr. Ravalli had received in the mail. Tin cans were used to create the chandeliers. Both wooden statues were carved

by Fr. Rivalli with a knife to look like marble.

What I find most fascinating, though, is the museum there that better represents the tribe’s point of view – how they were initially drawn to Christianity with its values of “comfort, community” the sense of miraculous to be found in nature, and a Great Spirit with power to grant protection, like their own spirits, which seemed (at first) to conform with their own values and beliefs.

The Coeur d’Alene people - the Schitsu’umsh, meaning “Those who were found here” or “The discovered people” - were initially drawn in because the early Jesuits were tolerant of native culture and traditions, even blending the cultures together.

Over time, the Coeur d’Alene people regretted the decision to give the Black Robes a stronghold when they realized the Jesuits’ mission was to create an Empire of Christianity. At the same time, white settlers looking to exploit the region’s resources, who brought guns and small pox, were taking territory and pushing out the indigenous tribes. In 1877, even the mission was forcibly relocated from the ‘House of the Great Spirit.”

The Cataldo Mission became a state historic park in 1935, was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1961, and put on the National Register of Historic Places in 1966.

We have lunch at the Rodehouse, right across the road from the Trail of the Coeur d’Alenes. By this time, the rain has all but ended – it is grey and humid – and we get back on the trail for the 16-mile ride back to the resort. The cloud formations make for dramatic scenes.

We cycle along an enchanting stretch of wetlands – part of the trail is a berm with marsh on either side. We have

Lowering Your Sodium Intake

BY CHARLYN FARGO

Most of us eat too much salt. We may not use the salt shaker, but we eat out too often and we eat too many processed and packaged foods.

Three slices of bread or one teaspoon of table salt gives us all we need for a day. More than 90% of Americans consume too much sodium, which can lead to high blood pressure, hypertension and increased risk of heart disease and stroke.

We only need around 450 milligrams of sodium per day, and the recommended maximum amount is 2,300 milligrams, or 1,500 milligrams for those at risk for hypertension. But average consumption exceeds 3,000 to 3,500 milligrams per day -- or 50% to 100% above the upper limit. More than 70% of our sodium intake comes from

processed and packaged foods, primarily cured meats, bread, cheese and soups.

Researchers at the University of Illinois are trying to help reduce the amount of sodium Americans consume by helping companies lower the sodium in processed foods. In a new study, researchers did a comprehensive review of the scientific literature on sodium reduction strategies in food production.

“Sodium overconsumption is a huge health concern, and the FDA has recommended sodium reduction in food since the 1980s, but we haven’t succeeded yet. While the unit volume of salt in the food supply has not increased, the amount of sodium consumption has gone up, because we just consume a lot of food,” says Soo-Yeun Lee, professor in the Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition at the Univer-

been told “just after Metamonk Village (mile 20) to be on lookout for moose, and sure enough, when we are almost at the end of the trail, we come upon a moose with her baby.

DAY 6: 16 miles to the end of the Trail of the Coeur d’Alenes Day 6 is our final day of riding. We pack up our luggage, have breakfast, and shuttle to Harrison, the point on the trail where we ended yesterday’s ride. Today, we bike the last section, 16 miles, through a series of chained lakes to the end of the Trail of the Coeur d’Alenes. It is glorious.

It’s a perfect day - sunshine, cool temp (60 degrees), a bit of a headwind. We ride along the Lake Coeur d’Alene, then cross over the Chatcolet Bridge, a really interesting bridge which was once a swinging trestle (the challenge is to ride over the hump), then into the forest where we climb for about seven miles, through the Coeur D’Alene reservation, to finish at the trail’s end, at a moving Indian Warriors and Veterans Memorial. Here we have a picnic lunch, feeling extremely satisfied and happy, before we pack into the van again for an hour-drive back at Spokane Airport or downtown.

Discovery Bicycle Tours has just joined Austin Adventures, a Montanabased North America National Parks small group tour company, under the umbrella ownership of  Active Adventures , a New Zealand-based small group adventure travel company. These companies primarily offer hiking and multi-sport options, and just like Discovery Bicycle Tours, focus on small groups (averaging 12 guests).

Discovery Bicycle Tours, 800-257-2226, www.discoverybicycletours.com

© 2025 Travel Features Syndicate, a division of Workstyles, Inc. All rights reserved. Visit goingplacesfarandnear. com

sity of Illinois and co-author of the paper.

The researchers identified five main strategies: Salt reduction, salt replacers, flavor modification, physical modification and functional modification.

Why not just remove salt from a recipe? It’s not possible to completely eliminate sodium because it has both sensory and functional properties. Salt is used for meat preservation and to make bread dough rise.

The team found many of the studies combined more than one method, such as salt removal with salt replacers and flavor modification or salt removal with physical modification.

Salt replacers include potassium chloride, calcium chloride or other chloride

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BY CLAIRE LYNCH

March Is Women’s History Month

Kristin Chenoweth is a star of the stage, the big screen and TV. She is also an author. Born on July 24, 1968, in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, she was adopted five days later by Junie and Jerry Chenoweth who both worked as chemical engineers in Broken Arrow which is a suburb of Tulsa.

At an early age, Kristin Chenoweth performed gospel songs for local churches. A performing highlight of her childhood was a solo appearance at the Southern Baptist Convention national conference at the age of 12. People realized that Chenoweth could sing.

At Broken Arrow Senior High School she participated in school plays then she attended Oklahoma City University where she was a member of Gamma Phi Beta sorority. She earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts in musical theatre in 1990 and a Master’s degree in opera performance in 1992. That same year Chenoweth participated in a studio recording of “The Most Happy Fella.”

While she was in college and working towards her master’s degree Chenoweth performed at the Lyric Theatre in Oklahoma City, among other regional theatres, in roles such as June in “Gypsy,” Liesl in “The Sound of Music,” Fran in “Promises, Promises” and Tuptim in “The King and I.”

It was also while studying at Oklahoma City University that her voice instructor and mentor, Florence Birdwell, suggested that “Kristi” add an “n” to her name to make it Kristin. That made her name sound more professional in the entertainment business.

As she completed her master’s degree, Chenoweth participated in several vocal competitions and was named “most promising up-and-coming singer” in the Metropolitan Opera National Council auditions, which came with a full scholarship to Philadelphia’s Academy of Vocal Arts.

Two weeks before school started she went to NYC to help a friend move. While there, she auditioned for the 1993 Paper Mill Playhouse production of the musical “Animal Crackers” and was cast in the role of Arabella Rittenhouse. She turned down the scholarship and moved to New York City in 1994 to play the role and pursue a career in musical theatre.

As someone coming from a small town, Chenoweth had to adjust to living and working in NYC but she did. She said it wasn’t always easy but for her work on Broadway, in 1999 Chenoweth won a Tony Award for Best Featured Actress in a Musical for her role as Sally Brown in “You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown.”

In 2003, Chenoweth was nominated for a second Tony Award for originating the role of Glinda in the musical “Wicked.” On TV Chenoweth has played Annabeth Schott in NBC’s “The West Wing,” April Rhodes in “Glee” and Olive Snook on the comedy drama “Pushing Daisies.” For that role she won a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series in 2009.

In 2001 Chenoweth had her own sitcom called “Kristin” and she has guest-starred on many shows, including “Sesame Street” and “Glee,” and she was nominated for Emmy Awards in 2010 and 2011. She also starred in the ABC TV series “GCB” in 2012, played Lavinia in “Trial & Error” in 2018, and she was also in the musical comedy TV series “Schmigadoon!” from 2021 - 2023.

In films, she has played mostly character roles, such as in “Bewitched” in 2005 and “The Pink Panther” in 2006. In TV movies, Chenoweth has played roles in “Descendants” in 2015 and several Christmas shows. She’s also done voice work in several animated films.

On July 24, 2015, Kristin Chenoweth’s parents, Junie and Jerry Chenoweth, were pleased to attend her star ceremony on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in Los Angeles. She was honored in the category of Live Theater/Performance and the guest speakers for the event were Carol Burnett and Kenny Ortega.

After dating musician Josh Bryant for five years, he and Kristin Chenoweth married on September 2, 2023, at a ceremony in Dallas. Their dog, Thunder, served as the ring bearer and 140 guests attended the celebration at a private home.

An Arkansas native, Bryant is a guitarist for the country band Backroad Anthem. Chenoweth says that Bryant is a talented musician. Chenoweth and Bryant met for the first time at her niece’s wedding and they hit it off. Two

years later Chenoweth’s nephew got married and he also booked Backroad Anthem for his wedding reception.

Chenoweth said they had become online friends. She’d gotten to know the whole band and they became friends so by the time they met at the second wedding is when sparks flew.

Kristin Chenoweth splits her time between Nashville and Broken Arrow where she hosts the annual Kristin Chenoweth Broadway Boot Camp. The camp is held at the Broken Arrow Performing Arts Center which is a 1,500 seat venue for major Broadway tours, concerts, specialty shows and other events while also acting as the official location for the Broken Arrow Public Schools fine arts programs.

The boot camp is a week-long program for students in grades 8-12. Students participate in acting, dance, and singing activities. The camp ends in a student-faculty performance called the “Kristi Awards.”

In honor of Kristin Chenoweth’s many accomplishments, the Broken Arrow Performing Arts Center renamed one of its theaters the Kristin Chenoweth Theater in 2012.

About her career and her life Kristin Chenoweth has said:

“I’m constantly learning, and that is

the greatest gift of life in my opinion - to always be learning and growing.”

“I love live theater; I like the relationship between the show and the audience. That’s my comfort zone, but more than anything, it’s what makes me happy.”

“I auditioned for a solo in church and got it. I was about seven and I sang a song called, ‘Jesus, I Heard You Had a Big House’ and I remember people standing up at the end and me thinking, ‘Oh, I think I’m going to like this.’ That’s how it all began. Sounds funny to say you got your start in church, but I did.”

Clarifying the DOGE Allegations About Social Security

BY TOM MARGENAU

Many readers have been emailing me asking for my help in understanding the allegations made by Elon Musk and his Department of Government Efficiency about sloppy recordkeeping at the Social Security Administration. Here are three typical questions.

Q: What is going on with the DOGE reports about Social Security recipients who are supposedly 120 years old?

Q: Elon Musk says that there are millions of people in Social Security files who are at least 150 years old. Who is cashing all the checks sent to these obviously nonexistent people?

Q: I’ve heard that millions of people well over 100 years old are being sent Social Security checks every month. What’s going on?

Let me begin by making this key point. The Social Security records in question are NOT Social Security benefit payment records. Those records are meticulously maintained and updated constantly. Every single study I’ve ever seen, by both government and private sector oversight groups, has shown that Social Security benefit payments are remarkably correct -- with about 99.8% accuracy.

So, despite all these ridiculous rumors to the contrary, Social Security benefit checks are NOT being sent to people who died a long time ago.

The mismanaged records in question belong to a completely separate set of files maintained by the Social Security Administration. They are the Social Security number files. Internally (within the SSA), it is called the Numident file. This is a file of every Social Security number that has ever been issued and some corresponding data about the person to whom that number was issued.

I’m in that file. You’re in that file. Anyone who has ever had a Social Security number is in that file. The data in that file comes from the form you filled out when you got your first Social Security card. To refresh your memory (because most people reading this probably got their SSN card 50 or 60 years ago), the form asked for your name, your date and place of birth and your parents’ names.

So, all those records (hundreds of millions of them) make up the Numident file. Now, I can’t stress enough that the Numident file has nothing to do with other key files maintained by the SSA, such as earnings record files for all working Americans and the beneficiary payment files for everyone getting a monthly Social Security check.

The problem is that even though Social Security earnings records and beneficiary payment records are constantly maintained and updated, especially when someone dies, those reports of death did not always get transferred over to the Numident files.

I can think of an example of how that might happen. Say John Doe was born in

1900 and got a Social Security number in 1935. Then, he died in 1938, having never been married or had children. Back then, there was no need to report that death to the Social Security Administration because there were no benefit payments to stop and no survivor benefits to apply for. So, the Numident file for John Doe will show no date of death. And that means you could look at that file and say that the SSA has a record of a guy (John Doe) who is 125 years old.

And then you multiply that John Doe story by a million other instances like that and you come up with a Numident file that has not been properly maintained. (But to be fair and put things in perspective, those incorrect files are a small percentage of the whole universe of SSN records.)

On the one hand, you could say, “What’s the big deal if John Doe’s date of death is not recorded in the Numident file if it has nothing to do with the SSA’s other, more important files such as earnings records and beneficiary payment data?” On the other hand, it is still a case of sloppy recordkeeping by the SSA, and those Numident files should be updated to show proper dates of death for everyone.

Here’s another way of looking at this story. Suppose Betty Crocker was proud of the fact that she maintained an absolutely immaculate house. Every room is meticulously cleaned each day, everything is in its place and there is never a spot of dust to be found anywhere. But Betty does have one room down in the corner of the basement that she rarely enters. It’s a storage room of sorts where, because of her scrupulous habits, everything is mostly in order. But she still has some stray clutter in it that she’s been meaning to get to someday. Because Betty spends so much time keeping the rest of her place in tip-top shape, she just hasn’t had the time to get down to the storage room to clean it.

Then, one day, Betty learns that the people at Good Housekeeping Magazine are coming over to inspect her house. When they arrive, she proudly opens the door, ready to show off all her hard work. But lo and behold, they head straight for the basement and go into her storage room. They are shocked by the disarray and proceed to write a story accusing Betty of being a sloppy housekeeper. The story goes viral, and now poor Betty is shamed across the country. Furthermore, the Good Housekeeping people are threatening to send in their own people to clean up Betty’s alleged mess.

Of course, in that little story, Betty is the Social Security Administration. Her meticulously kept home is all of the SSA’s many data files. But that basement storage room is the Numident file. The Good Housekeeping people are Elon Musk and his Department of Government Efficiency.

It’s just too bad for Betty that Good Housekeeping has dwelled on the only unclean room in her home and besmirched her reputation. And it’s too bad for the So-

cial Security Administration that its reputation for benefit payment accuracy has been muddied by a DOGE story taken out of context.

Having said all that, it obviously would be wise for Betty to clean her storage room and for the SSA to clean up its Numident files.

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

REAL ESTATE WATCH

Feng Shui and its impact and influence on Real Estate

For many years segments of the real estate purchasing population around Long Island and throughout the U.S.A. have used the 5000+ year old Asian custom called Feng Shui. The word Feng (wind) and Shui (water) are two important facets of human survival and most real estate Brokers, agents and homeowners do not understand or know the custom in preparing their homes for sale for that specific audience. But it is a serious and well adapted custom that many buyers or financially supporting relatives use when searching, examining and inspecting a home or even commercial property for sale.

This column will not delve into every aspect, because many books have been written about it and there would not be enough space in this column to explain it all. That being said, I will go into some of the basics, since I am a C.I.P.S. (Certified International Property Specialist), GRI (Graduate of the Realtor Institute, what I call my Masters Degree of Real Estate, as well as Green certified by the National Association of Realtors. I have studied and learned much of what is crucial for those who practice Feng Shui as well as a multitude of other international customs.

By the end of 2024 the Chinese were the second largest segment (11%) plus Mexicans of the international buyers of residential real estate in the U.S., behind Canadians. International home buying activity complied by the National Association of Realtors, 1.2 million Realtors, (now 1.55 million strong), saw the Chinese buy 28.6 billion of residential properties in 2015;

BY JEFF RUGG

Q: I received a Phalaenopsis orchid as a present last fall, and it is still blooming. I have never tried growing an orchid even though I do have some other house plants. I am wondering what I should do with it this summer when it is warmer outside. Are there other orchids that grow in similar situations that also bloom for a long time?

A: Yes, there are other orchids that grow in similar conditions as the common Phalaenopsis orchid that we see in grocery and hardware stores. Phals, as we commonly call them, are the gateway drug into orchid growing. Let me list the best conditions for the phals and then the deviations for some other common orchids that are grown as houseplants. If I don’t mention a change, then it grows the same as the Phals.

Phals like daytime temps 75 degrees and over during the day and mid-60s at night year-round. They start a flower spike

BY PHILIP A. RAICES

decreasing in 2024 to 7.5 billion, most likely due to much higher interest rates.

Obviously, one must be well versed, knowledgeable and practiced at knowing Feng Shui. Having this expertise in this cultural form makes a direct and monumental and impactful connection to the Asian audience. They are still purchasing with a voracious appetite for primary residences, as well as commercial properties on Long Island as well as in Queens, the 5 Boroughs of NYC and many other areas around the U.S. To tap into that audience one should be aware that the Asian Real Estate Association of American (AREAA), did a study and concluded that Feng Shui is the second most important consideration, only behind schools and neighborhood safety for their community. Eighty-six percent state that the crucial practice would play a critical role in home purchasing decisions and 79% would be willing to invest in a home that incorporated Feng Shui principles. Moreover, respondents were willing to pay 16%+ more for a home that complied with the philosophy and 90% of these Chinese buyers feel the resale value would be increased by implementing these practices. According to N.A.R.,36% of Chinese purchasers would not work with Brokers or agents who were not knowledgeable in Feng Shui.

In 2015, I enrolled in a course that spanned 5 days: and for me it was

the most enlightening subject matter I had ever undertook in the 43 years of being involved in Real Estate, as well as having the best and most knowledgeable instructor/mentor to convey the valuable and pertinent information. My instructor was Mr. David Lauster, who became the top banana, Branch Chief for our U.S. State Department who had been in charge of all the purchasing, leasing, sales and construction of all the U.S. embassies in 100 countries around the globe. He has the total and complete responsibility for managing with his staff at the State Department. Our U.S. government currently owns thousands of properties worldwide. As of 2024, it had 271 Diplomatic posts around the globe.

I made a video of a segment of one of our classes, of his first encounter with a very serious Chinese couple in 2005 in Orlando, Florida, who were looking to purchase a home. It is an extremely hilarious and a very profound and mind opening video due to the content and his lack of knowledge of Feng Shui, at that time. To learn more about Feng Shui, go to this link: bit.ly/4k7zfHf Come back next week for part 2 and the link to my video from our class in 2015 that you will never forget!

Philip A. Raices is the owner/Broker of Turn Key Real Estate at 3 Grace Ave Suite 180 in Great Neck. He has 43+ years experience in the Real Estate

Easy-To-Grow Orchids

when exposed to temperatures in the upper 40s to 50s for a couple of months in the fall when left outdoors. However, you should never expose them to frost.

They are an epiphytic plant, meaning they grow on other plants. They grow in the bright shade near the top of jungle forests, so bright shade indoors or out is best. Bright shade would be enough to barely see your shadow.

If they are planted in a bark mix, they may need to be watered every five to 10 days depending on the temperature. Don’t let the roots dry out. If they are planted in only sphagnum moss, watering intervals may stretch to 10-21 days. Be careful to not overwater. If you want to do the ice cube watering method, poke a few holes in a paper cup and put the ice cubes in the cup.

Fertilize following label directions with an orchid fertilizer. Repot them in the spring if the plant is growing over the sides of the pot. They like humidity in the

industry and has earned 3 significant designations: (What I consider a Master’s degree in real estate) expert in consulting and completing international transactions, eco-friendly low carbon footprint construction with 3-D printed foundations, solar panels, Geo-thermal HVAC/Heat Pumps).

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

He will provide you with “free” regular updates of what has gone under contract (pending), been sold (closed) and those homes that have been withdrawn/ released or expired (W/R) and all new listings of homes, HOA, Townhomes, Condos, and Coops in your town or go to: https://WWW.Li-RealEstate.Com and you can “do it yourself (DYI) and search on your own. For a “FREE” no obligation 15 minute consultation, as well as a “FREE printout or digital value analysis of what your home might sell for in today’s market without any obligation or “strings” attached call him at (516) 647-4289 or email: Phil@ TurnKeyRealEstate.com You can now search at your leisure for properties at: WWW.Li-RealEstate.com

50-70% range.

Oncidiums have long sprays of small flowers that last a long time. They grow well in normal home conditions: 70s in the day and 60s at night are good. The best situation is 2,000-3,000 foot-candles of light. Don’t let them dry out in the summer, but reduce watering in the winter.

Cattleya orchids are known for the huge flowers often used for corsages. They need temperatures in the 80s during the day and 60s at night, so find the hottest room in the house for them. They need 2,0003,000 foot-candles of light. Direct sun will burn the leaves, and they shouldn’t get extra light at night. Water them before they dry out. They have a pseudo bulb that helps them through dry spells, so don’t overwater.

The Paphiopedilum orchids are also known as Lady Slippers. The ones from tropical regions can be grown in continuous 70-80 degrees, and some of the tem-

perate region ones need to have low temperatures in the 50s to initiate flower buds. They are forest floor orchids, so they do best in 900-1,500 foot-candles of light. They need to stay humid with damp soil.

Cymbidiums are perfect for people who have cool homes with temperatures no higher than the 70s during the day in summer and the 60s at night. The night temperature needs to drop into the 50s in the fall for flowers to form. They love light up to 8,000 foot-candles. They love water and fertilizer.

A few other orchid genera you may want to read up on are the Dendrobiums, Miltoniopsis and Vandas. A couple of good books to read are “Understanding Orchids” by William Cullina and “Orchid Modern” by Marc Hachadourian.

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

COPYRIGHT 2025 JEFF RUGG DISTRIBUTED BY CREATORS.COM

A GREENER VIEW

BY MARY HUNT

Fun (Cheap) Birthday Gift Ideas for Kids

Some time ago, I got a message from Elaine G., who had recently joined a mom’s group. With all of her newly minted friendships, she and her child are getting invitations to lots of toddler birthday parties.

Her dilemma took me back to when our boys were small. Birthday parties for all their friends were challenging. That’s why Elaine’s message grabbed my attention. “Can you help me with ideas for birthday gifts for young children that will score with the kids without breaking our budget?” You bet, Elaine. Try these ideas on for size.

THE STORY OF ME

Give the birthday girl or boy everything they need to write (or draw) the story of their life. For children just learning to read, write or draw, include a list of “prompts” that might include instructing the child to draw a picture of a favorite animal, a place to visit or something that makes them laugh. Package it with a pad or book of drawing paper, markers, crayons and enough prompts to complete all the pages in their book.

PLAY KIT

Spark the interest and imagination of the birthday child with a custom play kit you put together. “Design” the kit on paper by making a list of contents, and then go “shopping” in your home, garage or attic. Visit thrift stores, garage sales and consignment stores for items that can be

laundered and sanitized. Make kits for boys or girls and feature themes such as dress-up, kitchen, handyman, restaurant, doctor, cowboy and entertainer.

PIGGY BANK

Start your recipient on the debt-proof road early with a piggy bank. Add a starter fund of coins (or cash, if it’s in your budget) to encourage regular deposits that will make the pig noisy when shaken.

PHOTO JIGSAW PUZZLE

Mount an enlarged photo of your child and the birthday boy or girl onto a piece of foam board. Cover the photo with a piece of tracing paper and lightly draw a jigsaw pattern, making the number of pieces appropriate for the recipient’s age. Carefully cut through the paper, photo and board along the puzzle lines. Separate the pieces, and place in a gift box.

BUCKET OF STUFF

Personalize a bucket or container with

the birthday child’s name, and fill with age-appropriate art and craft supplies like paper, crayons, pencils, glitter, paste, scissors, ruler, tape and a pencil sharpener. A dollar store is a great place to fill a birthday bucket because it’s quantity that counts!

COUPON BOOK

Create a book filled with coupons for play dates with your child and the birthday boy or girl. Include trips to the park, your home, sleepovers, treats, games, crafts and activities.

JUMP ROPE AND RHYMES

This gift is a fun one for elementary-aged kids -- and very budget-friendly. Purchase a colorful jump rope, and add the free printable jump rope rhymes you can easily find online with a simple search for “jump rope rhymes.”

COLORING KIT

Coloring is popular right now for kids and adults. Putting together a coloring

Lowering Your Sodium Intake

use new and different strategies.

Continued from page 2

or acid salts. However, the researchers found these substitutes tend to have a bitter taste, so they are often used in combination with flavor modifications, such as umami substances or bitter blockers.

With physical modification, another method of reduction, salt crystals are encapsulated, which changes how the salt is dissolved in the mouth. This can alter the saltiness perception, allowing for a reduction in the amount of sodium necessary to create a salty taste. You can also create an uneven distribution of the salt in a product that can further help enhance the perceived saltiness of the food product through taste contrast.

With functional modification, researchers found you could move away from a sodium-based preservative in cured meats, perhaps by using a celery-powder preservative instead of sodium nitrate.

The team is hoping their work will provide insight into the wide variety of salt-reducing technologies that exist to help food companies be more informed to

So, what’s the best strategy for reducing your salt intake? Cook at home (controlling the amount of salt you add and using herbs and spices instead) and limit your consumption of processed and packaged foods. Buy a low-sodium version of canned soups or no-salt-added canned vegetables.

Q and A

Q: Is sparkling water good for you?

A: There are a few different kinds of fizzy water. Club soda contains added minerals including sodium (12 ounce of a leading club soda has 4% of the Daily Value for sodium). Mineral water contains natural minerals like magnesium and calcium. Tonic water contains quinine, a bitter compound from the bark of a tree, plus sweetener (sometimes several teaspoons per serving). Sparkling waters like LaCroix and Bubly are carbonated water and contain added flavoring but no sodium or sweeteners. Sparkling water is better than soda, for sure. In research, sugar-sweetened beverages are associated with a higher risk for obesity, Type 2 diabetes and heart disease. And a research

kit makes for an inexpensive gift. Items for the kit might include colored pencils, markers, crayons and one or two coloring books. Purchase them during the fall, when school supplies are on sale for ridiculously awesome prices.

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

study in the U.K. (testing 13 different drinks) found that sparkling water is just as hydrating as plain water. It may be a bit more acidic than regular water and therefore affect the enamel on your teeth, but you can always drink it through a straw. The bottom line: If you enjoy it, it’s a great way to stay hydrated.

RECIPE

Who doesn’t love a great chicken salad? Here’s a recipe for Waldorf Chicken Salad (created at the Waldorf-Astoria hotel in New York and still popular). It’s refreshing with apples, walnuts and celery. The recipe is adapted from Good Housekeeping magazine.

WALDORF CHICKEN SALAD

Servings: 4

1 tablespoon white wine vinegar

1/2 teaspoon honey

1/2 teaspoon salt

3 tablespoons light sour cream

2 tablespoons light mayonnaise

1 tablespoon whole-grain mustard

1/4 teaspoon pepper

2 heads Boston lettuce

3/4 cup flat leaf parsley (roughly

chopped)

2 rotisserie chicken breasts, sliced

1 Gala apple, cored and thinly sliced

2 stalks celery, thinly sliced

1 cup small red seedless grapes, halved

1/2 cup walnuts, toasted and roughly chopped

In a large bowl, whisk together vinegar, honey, salt, sour cream, mayonnaise, whole-grain mustard and pepper. Separate the leaves on the Boston lettuce and toss with half of the dressing to coat, then toss with the parsley. Divide among bowls along with the chicken, apple, celery and grapes. Drizzle with remaining dressing and sprinkle with the walnuts. Serves 4.

Per serving: 345 calories; 26 grams protein; 20 grams carbohydrate; 15 grams fat (3.5 grams saturated); 4 grams fiber; 614 milligrams sodium.

Charlyn Fargo is a registered dietitian with SIU School of Medicine in Springfield, Illinois, and the current president of the Illinois Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. . COPYRIGHT 2025 CREATORS.COM

STARGAZERS

Shadow on the Moon!

BY DENNIS MAMMANA

Week of March 2-8, 2025

If you’ve got plans for Friday, March 14, you may want to cancel them now. I’ve already done so because next week’s amazing celestial show will keep stargazers up most of the night.

On the night of Thursday/Friday, March 13/14, we in North America will enjoy our first total eclipse of the moon in several years, and it’s something you won’t want to miss.

The cosmic show begins at 1:09 a.m. ET (10:09 p.m. PDT), when the Earth’s dark inner shadow (the umbra) appears to take a bite out of the moon’s eastern limb. I know this partial eclipse will appear like the shadow is moving across the full moon’s face, but it’s actually the moon that’s drifting through the shadow.

The moon will continue to dim as it enters deeper into our planet’s shadow until 2:26 a.m. EDT (11:26 p.m. PDT), when the moon becomes completely engulfed. If the sky is clear, we will see it take on a coppery hue.

This deep orange color occurs becaus sunlight passing through our planet’s atmosphere is reddened and bent inward toward the darkened surface of the totally eclipsed moon. Just how colorful and bright it appears will depend on the clarity of our planet’s atmosphere at the time. During totality, the moon’s appearance could range anywhere from bright orange to practically invisible.

Little more than 30 minutes later -- around 2:59

a.m. EDT (11:59 p.m. PDT) -- the eclipse will reach its midpoint. For another 33 minutes or so, the moon will continue drifting out of the Earth’s umbral shadow until it exits at 4:48 a.m. EDT (1:48 a.m. PDT).

To find the times for your town, visit te interactive map at timeanddate.com. Once there, click on the heading “Sun, Moon & Space,” scroll down and click “Eclipses”; then select the eclipse of March 13-14. Here you’ll be able to scroll around, zoom in and click on your location to get more details for your area. You’ll also find helpful links there for some terrific animations and even a link to watch the eclipse via livestream in case your sky is cloudy.

Unlike an eclipse of the sun, a lunar eclipse is perfectly safe to view without protective filters. Your eyes are all you need, but if you have binoculars or a small telescope, you may find viewing to be even more enjoyable.

You’ll be able to watch the sky show even from under bright city lights, but for a truly special display, venture out under the dark wilderness skies. Here the sky will darken during totality, and the moon will appear suspended eerily between the springtime stars of Leo and Virgo.

To find links about the workings of lunar eclipses or how to try your hand at photographing this celestial spectacle, check out Fred Espenak’s webpage at mreclipse.com. And to learn if anyone in your area is hosting a free lunar eclipse viewing party, check with your local planetarium, college or amateur astronomy club.

LOST IN SUBURBIA

A Half-Baked Column

Stargazers in North America will be treated to a total eclipse of the moon the night of Thursday/Friday, March 13/14.

Of course, I wish everyone clear skies that night, but if the weather causes us to miss the show, North American skywatchers will get another chance in early September!

Visit Dennis Mammana at dennismammana.com. COPYRIGHT 2025 CREATORS.COM

BY TRACY BECKERMAN

“I think it’s time we retired this oven,” I said to my husband as I displayed a sheet of blackened sweet potato fries. “Even the dog won’t eat these.”

“Sure he will,” he said, tossing some fries on the floor. The dog immediately sucked them down.

“Not my point,” I said.

We had known our oven was on its last burners for quite some time. But it still worked, sort of, which was more than we could say about the prehistoric dishwasher or fridge, so those got replaced first. For years, I tried to convince myself that I really wasn’t jealous of my friends with their fancy stainless steel ovens with enough BTUs to power a rocket ship. But the truth was, I had major cooktop envy. I want-

ed a stove that could boil water in 6.2 seconds. I wanted an oven that not only cooked my salmon perfectly but caught it off the coast of Alaska, skinned it and cleaned it for me.

OK, maybe I wanted something that didn’t exist. But I at least wanted a stove that had actual numbers that weren’t rubbed off the dials so I didn’t have to guess whether I was baking or broiling.

And thus began our quest for the perfect oven. Armed with our pretty little internet oven pictures, we headed off to the appliance store.

“My old stove had one oven on top and a separate oven on the bottom so I could cook two things at one time,” I told the salesman. “Do you have any 30-inch stainless steel stoves like that?”

“Was your old oven 7 feet high and pale yellow?”

“Yes!” I said excitedly.

When he was done rolling on the floor laughing out loud, he helped us find something that was actually better than what I’d had and was also from this millennium. Then he showed us the price. I choked.

“You know, for this price, the thing really should be able to go to Alaska and catch us some fish,” I said.

“That’s the next model up,” he replied.

Finally, we had our stove. We set up a delivery time, then I waited home for eight hours so it could be delivered and installed.

When the big, new, shiny, stainless steel oven arrived, I immediately knew how my husband feels when he goes into a car dealership. I stared in reverence for a full minute, then I caressed

the knobs, stroked the burners and polished a little streak away with the edge of my sleeve. It was truly a thing of beauty.

“So how’s the new stove?” asked my husband when he got home that night.

“It’s pretty!” I gushed.

“I know it’s pretty,” he said. “But how does it cook?”

“Oh. Um,” I stammered. “I don’t know.”

“You don’t know?”

“Yeah,” I replied. “I was so excited to get it, I forgot to go food shopping.”

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

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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 part of their rescue program. For each new customer that makes a purchase, Last Hope will receive a $20 donation. Go to Last Hope’s Chewy page at https://www.chewy. com/g/last-hope-animal-rescue_ b100553681 for info on Last Hope and to shop for items and necessities on the shelter’s wish list.

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Warm up one spoonful at a time

Sweet Potato and Peanut Soup

Makes 8 servings

People who live in cold climates understand that it can sometimes be challenging to warm up after a day spent combatting snow, wind or freezing rain. Luckily, eating hot soup is a very effective means to returning the body to a lesschilled temperature. Soup also tends to be easily digested and nutrient-dense, making it an ideal meal at any time.

This recipe for “Sweet Potato and Peanut Soup” from “The Culinary Institute of America Book of Soups” (Lebhar-Friedman Books) by The Culinary Institute of America is thick, creamy and full of savory flavor.

3 tablespoons unsalted butter

1 celery stalk, coarsely chopped (about 1⁄2 cup)

1 onion, coarsely chopped (about 11⁄4 cups)

1 garlic clove, minced (about 1⁄2 teaspoon)

1⁄2 leek, white and light green parts, coarsely chopped (about 3⁄4 cup)

1 1⁄2 sweet potatoes, peeled and sliced 1⁄2-inch thick (about 3 cups)

1 quart chicken broth

3 tablespoons creamy peanut butter

1⁄4 cinnamon stick

1 1⁄3 cups heavy cream, divided

Salt to taste

2 tablespoons molasses

Freshly grated nutmeg, to taste

3⁄4 cup peanuts

1) Preheat the oven to 325 F. Melt the butter in a soup pot over medium heat. Add the celery, onion, garlic, and leek. Stir to coat. Cook, stirring frequently, until the vegetables are softened, 4 to 6 minutes.

2) Add the sweet potatoes, broth, peanut butter, and cinnamon stick. Bring to a simmer and cook until the potatoes are fully tender, about 25 minutes.

3) Meanwhile, spread the peanuts in a single layer in a pie pan. Toast the peanuts in the oven until light brown, 3 to 5 minutes. Shake the pan occasionally and watch carefully (nuts can burn quickly). Let the peanuts cool, chop coarsely, and set aside.

4) Remove the cinnamon stick and discard. Puree the soup and strain it. Return the soup

to the soup pot and place over low heat. Add 1⁄2 cup of the cream. Season with salt. Keep warm, but do not boil.

5) Combine the remaining cream with the molasses, nutmeg and a pinch of salt. Whip until stiff peaks form.

6) Serve the soup in heated bowls, garnished with the whipped cream and chopped nuts.

Serves 10

Ice cream is a beloved dessert. The extraordinary number of flavor combinations that can be achieved simply by mixing together a few ingredients undoubtedly contributes to the popularity of ice cream.

For those partial to cherries and almonds, there’s nothing better than combining those flavors in this recipe for “No-Churn Cherry Bakewell Ice Cream” from “Jane’s Patisserie” (Sourcebooks) by Jane Dunn.

200 grams pitted cherries (about 1 cup)

450 milliliters double (heavy) cream (about 2 cups)

397 grams condensed milk (14 ounces)

1 teaspoon almond extract

1⁄2 teaspoon pink food coloring (optional) Cherries and toasted flaked almonds, to serve

1) Add the pitted cherries to a blender and blitz until smooth. Pass through a sieve to remove any lumps and set aside.

2) Pour the cream into a bowl and whip to soft peaks.

3) Put the condensed milk, almond extract, pink food coloring (if using) and puréed cherries into a separate bowl and stir to combine, then pour the mixture into a container,

like a large loaf tin. Freeze for at least 5 to 6 hours, or preferably overnight so it has time to get the correct texture.

4) Remove from the freezer about 20 minutes before serving to allow it to soften slightly. Scoop into bowls and serve topped with fresh cherries and toasted flaked almonds.

Town offers safe boating classes in March

Boating season may be several months away, but with a New York State law now in effect that requires all operators to be certified in safe boating, Supervisor Don Clavin and the Hempstead Town Board are now offering safety certification classes. As boating is one of Hempstead Town’s most enjoyable pastimes, Supervisor Clavin and Town Board colleagues want to ensure that all residents remain safe and prepared while setting sail.

The Town’s Bay Constables will lead a Boater Safety Course for adults (ages 18 years and older) in two sessions –Saturday, March 1, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Saturday, March 8, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. – at the Department of Conservation and Waterways (1401 Lido Boulevard, Point Lookout). Participants must attend both sessions to receive their boating safety certificate.

“Whether you’re a seasoned captain or just starting to learn, obtaining a

boater safety certification is the law of the sea in 2025,” said Supervisor Clavin. “We in America’s largest township want to ensure that all local mariners practice safe boating, and we encourage them to sign up for the Town’s upcoming safe boating course.”

The New York State law governing these new boating safety requirements is known as Brianna’s Law, named after 11-year-old Long Island resident Brianna Lieneck, who was killed in a boating accident in 2005.

Additional safe boating courses for youth and adults will be announced in the near future. To register for an upcoming Boater Safety Class, please call the Bay Constables at (516) 897-4100.

Residents who are already certified but cannot locate their card can obtain new documentation at https://www.ilostmycard.com/records?state_cd=NY&cert_ type=Boating

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FOUR VILLAGE STUDIO

Uncorked

Rex Whicker

“Disney World Wines: IV” ~ Food & Drink Options at Disney Resorts

FPFD: Red Alert

Larry King, AEMT

“Fire Investigations” ~ James F. Hickman, Asst. Chief Fire Marshal, Nassau Co.

The Antique Road Test

Walter Gosden

“Controlling Hot & Cold” ~ Engine Accessories for Temperature Extremes

Wes Houston Presents…

Wes Houston

“Wes & Friends: Another Round… For George”

The Author Corner

Stephanie Larkin

Michael Vecchione ~ Author of the “Fallen Angel” True Crime Fantasy Series

Towns file lawsuit over airplane noise, pollution

From page 1

trafficked areas report as many as 300 planes passing overhead daily, often at noise levels exceeding 65 decibels—considered disruptive by federal standards.

Last year alone, more than 388,000 complaints were filed over airplane noise, a dramatic increase compared to previous years.

“Legal action is always a last resort, but our cause is just,” DeSena said. “The residents of our two towns have been ignored by the FAA for far too long, and we’re committed to changing that.”

The lawsuit cites a 2022 report by the Government Accountability Office, which found that the FAA conducted “inadequate community engagement and insufficient environmental impact assessments” when making changes to flight paths. The report noted that only 30 percent of those changes were given a thorough environmental review.

Officials also highlighted the health risks associated with low-flying aircraft. The Environmental Protection Agency warns that planes traveling below 3,000 feet release pollutants such as carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxides, and hydrocarbons, particularly during

takeoff and landing. Studies have linked exposure to these emissions with higher-than-normal rates of asthma, stomach cancer, and prostate cancer in communities near flight paths, including Valley Stream, Hempstead, Inwood, and West Hempstead.

Meanwhile, air traffic at JFK Airport continues to surge. The airport handled more than 63 million passengers last year, a 105 percent increase since 2021.

Runway 22L alone saw more than 90,000 landings in 2023, a 50 percent jump from previous years. The resulting congestion has led pilots to nickname the arrival route the “Arc of Doom.” Offi-

cials also cited reports of 25 near midair collisions over Long Island in recent years.

Clavin said the lawsuit is about holding the FAA accountable and pushing for more equitable solutions.

“The FAA has a responsibility to be fair to area residents,” he said. “I will continue to hold them accountable until they right their wrongs and commit to exploring fair alternative flight paths, with local residents at the forefront.”

The lawsuit seeks changes to FAA policies that would reduce noise and air pollution over densely populated residential areas.

Floral Park Lions Club celebrates 100 years of service

From page 1

acquire land for the village’s recreational center.

The club has also played a vital role in the “Lions Eye Bank”, established in 1986 as part of the Norhtshore LIJ system. This initiative helps fight corneal blindness by transporting corneas and tissues for sight restoration.

During the Covid pandemic, the Floral Park Lions Club secured a grant from New York State and Lions International to provide meals to essential workers at eight area hospitals. As longtime member Theresa Whalen explained, “Where there’s a need, there’s a Lion.”

A lifelong dedication to service

Theresa Whalen joined the Floral Park Lions Club in December 1999 and has served multiple terms as club president. She has also held roles as treasurer, board member, and, notably, District 20K2 governor (overseeing all 35 Nassau County and Bermuda clubs) in 2018-2019.

Born in Brooklyn, Whalen moved to Queens Village before settling in Floral Park, which she calls her “forever home.”

Whalen was also president of the Sewanhaka Council PTA, and actively served in various PTA roles at the high school and PTSA for many years.

For nearly 40 years, Whalen has owned and operated the Sterling Sign Company, which she started without formal training in sign-making. She developed expertise in gold leaf sign writing and created many iconic signs in the community, including the “Welcome to Floral Park” sign and signage for local schools.

This January, leading up to Super Bowl 59, the Lions Club focused on food insecurity. In February, they delivered goodie bags to families and children at NYU Langone Hospital (Winthrop). In March, the club will celebrate Women’s History Month, while April’s theme will be Earth Day, with plans to distribute saplings to local schoolchildren.

Disaster relief and charitable efforts

Lions Clubs across the country lead disaster relief efforts. Following recent flooding in Florida, the Floral Park Lions partnered with the Massapequa Lions to collect and deliver truckloads of supplies.

The club also supports the Lions Eye recycling center, with 16,000 pairs of donated glasses processed for distribution. Residents can recycle glasses at 20 locations in Floral Park, including the library, Village Hall, the United Methodist Church, Raindew True Value hardware store, and various dental offices. Collected glasses are packaged at Van Buren Buick GMC before shipment.

Additionally, the club collects and refurbishes hearing aids for those in need and donates cell phones to the 911 Cell Bank in Florida, where they are refurbished and given to domestic violence victims.

Supporting local students

Each year, the Lions Club awards over 200 college scholarships nationwide to students who excel in academics, leadership, and volunteerism. In Floral Park, two key scholarships honor Past President and Principal George J. Allen and Lion John S. Murphy. Floral Park Memorial High School seniors can apply for the John S. Murphy Award, which requires an application and an essay detailing their community service, future aspirations, and how they plan to make a difference.

At the elementary level, students write essays about their contributions to their communities. The club also presents Barnes & Noble gift cards to students at FP-Bellerose, John Lewis Childs School, and Our Lady of Victory.

Floral Park high school students can join Leos, the youth Lions Club for ninth grade and above. The club frequently organizes clothing drives, “Socktober” sock donations, and the Crayon Box Initiative to support local communities

100 years of giving back

For its 100th anniversary, Whalen wants the entire village to know that the Lions Club embodies the spirit of a “big

family” where everyone is welcome to participate.

The club played a key role in founding the Floral Park Little League in collaboration with the Floral Park Police Department, Fire Department, and American Legion. The Lions also established the pocket park at Tulip Ave and Woodbine Court Extension, named in honor of past president Lion Alfred Levy.

Food insecurity remains a priority, with members regularly donating to Our Lady of Victory Church Pantry and St. Elizabeth’s Church Pantry. Monthly contributions include non-perishable food such as coffee, tea, mac and cheese, and canned chicken. Lions members also shop for fresh produce, meat, and fish for those in need.

Whalen emphasizes, “Giving is always more rewarding than receiving.”

She fondly recalls a mission trip to Mexico, where a man who had been squinting to see was finally fitted with the right pair of donated glasses. “His wrinkles disappeared as he smiled—something as simple as a pair of glasses made a huge difference in his life.”

Join the celebration

Annual Lions Club membership is $100 (or $50 for mid-year sign-ups). To mark its centennial, the club is hosting special events every month leading up to its 100th Anniversary Celebration on September 6th at Floral Terrace (noon–4 p.m.). The luncheon, featuring a cocktail hour buffet, dinner, and dancing, costs $125 per attendee.

March 5th Meeting at Crabtree’s

The next monthly meeting is on Wednesday, March 5th, at 12:30 p.m. at Crabtree’s Restaurant (226 Jericho Turnpike). The guest speaker will be Shirelle Pearson, Nassau County coordinator for Children and Adults with ADHD (CHADD). Pearson, a national CHADD board member and 2021 CHADD Volunteer of the Year, will discuss education, advocacy, and support for individuals with ADHD. A Zoom option will be available for those unable to attend in person. For more information or to join

the Floral Park Lions Club, email floralparklionsclub@gmail.com or visit floralparklionsfoundation.org.

FP Village offers congratulations

The Village of Floral Park Board of Trustees commended the Lions Club on its centennial anniversary:

“Our Floral Park Lions Club will turn 100 years old on March 3, 2025. We are extremely proud of their valuable contributions to our Village and service to those in need, near and far.

“In 1925, Helen Keller challenged the International Lions Clubs to become “Knights of the Blind,” her goal being to cure blindness.

“Over the past 100 years, the Floral Park Lions Club has responded to Helen Keller’s call. Our Lions conduct vision screenings for children three months and older, and collect thousands of pairs of eyeglasses for their valuable recycling purpose. Our Lions are “giving vision to people around the world.”

“Our Village and Lions Club partnership is close and longstanding. Lions Park is a landmark on Tulip Avenue. Twice a year, our Lions join the Floral Park Police Department in hosting National Prescription Drug Take Back Day and distributing valuable health and wellness materials. Many memorable Lions events take place in our Village buildings.

“On this 100th Anniversary, the Village of Floral Park thanks our Lions Club for their significant service around the world, across our nation, and in our own neighborhoods.

“We especially salute Lions President Terry Whalen and Fifty Year Lion David Barbieri and Fifty Year Lion Barton Fingerman.

“May God Bless each and all of our Floral Park Lions on this very special occasion.”

Deputy Mayor & Lion Lynn Pombonyo

Mayor Kevin Fitzgerald

Trustee Frank Chiara

Trustee Jennifer Stewart

Trustee Michael Longobardi