Town of Hempstead breaks ground on new sports complex
It’s time to play ball in the Town of Hempstead as on January 30, Supervisor Don Clavin and the Town Board broke ground on a massive, multimillion dollar project that will create an athletic destination for generations to come. The officials unveiled their plan for two large-scale turf multipurpose fields that will each be lined
for lacrosse, field hockey, and soccer. The two side-byside fields, whose combined full turf length reaches 390 feet long and 488 feet wide, will serve as an athletic destination for teams throughout the country.
Supervisor Clavin was joined at the announcement by Adelphi University Lacrosse Head Coach Gor-
don Purdie, Deputy Supervisor Dorothy Goosby, Councilman Dennis Dunne, Sr., Councilman Thomas Muscarella, Councilwoman Melissa Miller, Councilwoman Laura Ryder, Councilman Christopher Schneider, Town Clerk Kate Murray, and Receiver of Taxes Jeanine Driscoll.
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Village of FP January Board Meeting
Board of Trustees Reports
Mayor Kevin Fitzgerald
Snow Storm - To follow up on Trustee Stewart’s report regarding the snow storm, I would like to remind residents to please not push snow into the street when cleaning their property. Every snow storm is different but this one had a quick freeze and there are places in the Village where there is now ice on the road which is hard to get rid of due to the below freezing weather. So please be vigilant and do not move snow off your property into the roadway. Congratulations - I would also like to extend my congratulations to Sergeant Mayo on his retirement. We would like to thank him for all he has done for the Police Department and the residents of this Village over the course of your career.
Deputy Mayor Lynn Pombonyo Police Department
As 2024 ended, our Floral Park Police Department compiled data in the all important areas of service, crime and law enforcement. Ongoing community engagement is reflected in all facets of our police work. In all, there were 10,133 incidents, involving FPPD, recorded in 2024. Of this number, 3671 were traffic stops, 972 were aided cases also involving our ambulance service and Rescue Company, 521 were suspicious person reports, 269 were for traffic accidents with damage, 411 were for citizens needing assis-
tance, 206 for domestic incidents, and numerous other calls for Police assistance including, but not limited to, fire and other alarms and the important welfare checks on those who are alone and may be experiencing problems. There are also numerous directed patrols and school visits during which our Officers increase their knowledge of the school layouts and become familiar to our students and staff.
Throughout 2024, our Police issued 2572 traffic summonses. Some of the most frequent violations included: failure to stop at stop signs (565), disobeying traffic control devices (68), obstructing intersections (74), uninsured vehicles (133), unregistered vehicles (87, plus 12 unregistered motorcycles), uninspected vehicles (109), unlicensed operators (125), improper u-turns (92), numerous inadequate headlights, taillights, brake lights, reverse lights, etc., and many other moving/equipment violations. With respect to parking violations, there were 11,696 summonses issued in 2024.
Our Detectives, often collaborating with the Nassau County Police Department and other agencies, investigated serious 2024 crimes including 5 catalytic converters stolen, 4 burglaries, 50 identity thefts and 55 larcenies. There were 54 arrests in 2024.
In 2025, our FPPD Detectives
Hempstead Town Supervisor Don Clavin, center, speaks at dedication of new sports complex.
Student achievements celebrated at Sewanhaka board meeting
Sewanhaka Central High School District proudly commemorated the athletic and academic achievements of several students at the board of education meeting on Jan. 28.
Sewanhaka High School senior Japheth Omezi, a member of the Superintendent’s Advisory Committee, assisted with the Superintendent’s Update at the start of the meeting. Student Ambassadors have been an integral part of the board of education meetings this school year, sharing successes and events throughout the district.
Superintendent Regina Agrusa’s celebration of student accomplish -
ments began with two athletic recognitions. Elmont Memorial High School senior Ariana Patterson, an All-Conference volleyball player and member of the track team, was honored for receiving a News 12 Scholar Athlete Award. This award, sponsored by the Bethpage Federal Credit Union, recognizes outstanding student-athletes on Long Island. As a Scholar Athlete, Patterson received a $1,000 college scholarship from BFCU. New Hyde Park Memorial High School senior Sahir Bhatia was recognized for being selected to play for the U.S. National Under19 Cricket Team. Bhatia, a bowler,
is one of two players chosen from New York State. He began playing cricket at the Queens United Cricket Academy in 2015.
The commendations continued with Sewanhaka High School ninth graders Summer Sanders and Milan Wright, who are New York State’s 2025 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Fine Arts and Essay Exhibition honorees. The exhibition, sponsored by the New York State Education Department, is an opportunity for students statewide to express how Dr. King’s legacy inspires them. This year’s theme was “Mission Possible: Protecting Freedom, Justice, and Democracy in
the Spirit of Nonviolence.” Wright’s watercolor painting and Sanders’ colored-pencil artwork were selected for the exhibition.
The impressive science accomplishments of Elmont Memorial High School senior Aafia Ahmed and H. Frank Carey High School senior Natalie Osorio were highlighted, as both students have been named as 2025 Regeneron Science Talent Search Scholars. Ahmed and Osorio were among 300 scholars nationwide and 49 on Long Island selected for this honor.
New Hyde Park Memorial High School senior Sahir Bhatia is pictured with (from left) board President William Leder, Principal Rosemary DeGennaro and Superintendent Regina Agrusa at the board of education meeting on Jan. 28.
Elmont Memorial High School senior Ariana Patterson is pictured with (from left) Principal Marya Baker, board trustee Trecia Wong, board trustee Tiffany Capers and Superintendent Regina Agrusa at the board of education meeting on Jan. 28.
Sewanhaka High School ninth graders Milan Wright and Summer Sanders are pictured with (from left) board President William Leder, board trustee Trecia Wong, Principal John Kenny, board trustee Tiffany Capers and Superintendent Regina Agrusa at the board of education meeting on Jan. 28.
Elmont Memorial High School senior Aafia Ahmed and H. Frank Carey High School senior Natalie Osorio are pictured with (from left) board trustee Trecia Wong, H. Frank Carey High School Principal Jennifer Alaimo, Elmont Memorial High School Principal Marya Baker, board President William Leder, board trustee Tiffany Capers and Superintendent Regina Agrusa at the board of education meeting on Jan. 28.
Photos courtesy of the Sewanhaka Central High School District
Built to Last: Local furniture design business
BY RIKKI MASSAND
Local resident Don Licata is heavily invested in the community, and currently serves on the Floral Park Chamber Board of Directors. He discussed his career background and interesting trends with office and school furniture that are in the works.
Licata and his wife moved into Floral Park in 2019 but he spent much time in the community leading up to it. He was working with a smaller furniture dealership at first, which services the needs of schools, local government offices and agencies, and small businesses. With Furniture Pro Corp. he is a homebased business in the village, and he has access to all the resources larger companies have – field measurements, renderings and drawings.
A goal he’s set for 2025 is bringing more of his career resources in furniture, design and customer service to his own neighbors.
“There are many companies and small businesses here that can shop and place their orders of furniture and workplace outfitting online, or over a phone. But what if they want advice, demonstrations or custom measuring in the field? There’s so much I can provide that the large companies online can’t,” Licata explained. He specializes in furniture for munic-
ipalities and the education sector. Work to outfit local schools and libraries with new furniture has been steadily increasing in and around Floral Park. He’s covered student desks, tables and study areas, administrative and conference areas, and even lockers.
“We run the gamut and we are a vendor on the New York State contract, so the items can be bought cheaper than on the open market and at the pre-negotiated price,” Licata said.
Other governmental contracts Furniture Pro Corp. has include Nassau BOCES, the NYC Department of Citywide Administrative Services and with Rockland County. The company has headquarters in Pomona, New York.
Customers learn that many top-ofthe-line products and services are available on state contracts. “I have clients that come to me and I design an upgrade still at the state rate, and I can draw out how that would look – a lot of services are taken right through from order to the product delivery and final punch list,” Licata said.
Don graduated from the State University of New York (SUNY) at Fredonia, in western New York. He grew up in the small town of Gates, New York, and worked in the Rochester area
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Don Licata, owner of Furniture Pro Corp
Photo by Rikki Massand
News from the Floral Park-Bellerose Rotary Club
Beth Kramer, District Governor (right) with new member Zaheer Clarke, Chemistry Teacher, The Academy Charter School, Hempstead, Uniondale, and Wyandanch. Zaheer was former President of the Rotaract Club of Montego Bay in Jamaica (2012-13) and District Officer of Rotary District 7020 (2011-13).
BY RICH BURGESS, CLUB PRESIDENT
January 15th Meeting
Assistant District Governor, Beth Kramer from Kramer & Associates Law called the meeting to order with the Pledge of Allegiance. We welcomed new member prospects Theresa Reid and her son James Reid, who work as sales team at Daniel Gale Sotheby's International Realty. Also visiting was Peter Camp, Marketing Director from the Floral Park Villager newspaper. Sergeant of Arms Greg Kramer, Principal of Kramer & Associates Law was our featured speaker recounting his participation in major marathons. He and his brother who lives in NJ, committed to train individually and on the weekends run together alternating between Long Island and NJ. Their 6 am training starts paid off
with their completing marathons in NYC, Atlanta, Chicago, Berlin, San Francisco, Boston, etc. Greg brought his ribbons which we insisted he wear for a photo. Beth lets us know she has been at every marathon cheering on her husband Greg, demonstrating that behind every good man there is a good woman.
Bike Donation Drive
We are pleased to report the bike donation drive for the benefit of the backstretch workers at the Belmont Race Track is going well. These hard working people who live at the track, are up at 4:00am caring, grooming, feeding, and exercising the racehorses. A bike will allow them to quickly get around the facility improving their quality of life. So if you have a bicycle in your garage collecting dust, consider donating it. Please call Rich Burgess, at 516-413-9129 and we
will arrange pick up.
We are waiting for warmer weather so we can spruce up the bikes. We are seeking help from individuals who could lend a hand at adjusting brakes, installing new tires etc. and youth (scouts?) seeking community service hours to pitch in and help clean the bikes and make them “ride ready”. If you can help please give us a call.
A huge thank-you to all those people who have already donated a bike. Awesome. Thank you Floral Park and Bellerose!
Learn More About Rotary
Rotary is a service club and all are welcome. Rotary is a great place for camaraderie and serving those in need, enriching not only their lives, but ours too. We meet for dinner at 6:30pm on the second Tuesday of the month at Jameson’s Bar & Grill. Come check us out.
Our next meeting is 6:30 Tuesday, February 11th. Our theme is “Have a Heart Valentine’s Day Food Drive”. We are asking all Rotarians and guests to bring Non-Perishable and Canned Food Items to be donated to local food pantries.
Rotarian Greg Kramer spoke of his marathon experiences at Rotary’s January 14th dinner meeting at Jameson’s.
Built to Last: Local furniture design business finds its niche
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as a teen.
For several years Don’s wife Bridgett taught special education students in NYC public school in Jamaica, Queens. She has her own business of painting and reconditioning “vintage” furniture, with online commerce through her Etsy Shop – the company is named Gray Armoire Vintage.
The couple’s older daughter graduated from SUNY New Paltz a few years ago, and now she lives in her own home in the Village of Floral Park. Their second daughter is in her senior year and approaching graduation at SUNY Binghamton.
The choice to move to Floral Park in 2019 was very clear-cut for the Licata family. Don reflected much on his process in finding their house, which is
on Lexington Street. But things almost turned out totally different for him early in his career.
In 1986 he was working for another big company in the office and school furniture industry - Gunlocke. One day the VP called to speak with him about an opening in San Francisco, but then two weeks later he learned his assignment changed to New York. Ever since then the family has been moving a little further east, from Queens to Nassau County. Starting with their first apartment in Forest Hills, they moved to Little Neck and later Glen Oaks, and finally into the Village of Floral Park. Their younger daughter was attending The Mary Louis Academy when they moved in, and she commuted there each day.
“At the time of our move I knew less
about the businesses than the community itself, and we would spend time here dining and going to events like the Street Fair and Christmas Tree Lighting. We noticed how the community gathers for beautiful events together. People here really do support each other, and they shop local all the time,” he said.
Mr. Licata also noted the resiliency and togetherness of the village. When the pandemic hit in 2020, he went to restaurants here for take-out, and discovered more happening.
“Every time I walked away learning more about how everyone was helping the neighbors out. Floral Park has a tremendous environment, camraderie, and a thriving business community.”
He has high praise for the other Floral Park Chamber of Commerce board members, starting with the immediate
Past President Marie O’Connor-Grant and the new President Shane Parouse. While visiting Tulip Avenue on a Friday morning, he went to the Floral Park Diner to meet Chamber Vice President Christos Vassiliou. He also praised the local restaurateurs including William Barry, owner of Uptown Taco. Don assisted Mr. Barry in planning the 2023 and 2024 Street Fairs.
“Billy is amazing in what he does to organize our Street Fair each year – he’s a force and a great leader. He’s done a ton of the work for it, and that effort helps build us into such a great business community. It’s in everyone around here, and the efforts they make – that’s why I love this community. They’re invested in Floral Park and residents, including myself and my wife, are proud of it,” he explained.
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!).
Book Clubs
Daniel Mason’s “North Woods” is the discussion topic for the February 13, 7:00 p.m. Evening Edition Book Club. For romantics, “It Ends with Us” will be shown in the Community Room on February 10 at 1:00 p.m.
AARP Tax Prep
It’s THAT time again! AARP Tax Prep session begin February 4, and continue weekly through April 8. Registration — by appointment only — for Floral Park residents only begins January 27; all others February 3. Why are love and taxes in the same month?
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 (floralparktech-
help@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).
Historic Hotel Davenport Puts You into Spokane’s Story
BY KAREN RUBIN TRAVEL FEATURES SYNDICATE GOINGPLACESFARANDNEAR.COM
Nothing puts you as instantly into the story of Spokane, Washington as a stay at the grand, historic Hotel Davenport.
For the past 110 years – except for the 15 years it was boarded up with a wrecking ball looming - the Davenport has been at the center of Spokane’s society. Staying here puts you into that story – most remarkably when you see the black-andwhite photographs on the wall and see the rooms just as they were, easily imagining the people filling them just as then.
Since the Davenport opened in 1914, it has been known as Spokane’s “living room” and folks would make their date to “meet me at the fireplace.” Today, it is even more than that – it is like someone who has been listening and watching all these things unfold over the past 110 years and is so anxious to share.
Louis Davenport who built this grand hotel had been operating a hugely successful restaurant with a grand ballroom at a time when the number of business travelers and salesmen coming through the Spokane transit hub on the Great Northern Railway was burgeoning. Davenport was approached by local investors to build a hotel that would cater to the growing demand.
Considering Davenport’s humble beginnings (he is a classic incarnation of the American Dream), he was surprisingly sophisticated in wanting his hotel to not only give visitors the feeling of making a Grand Tour through Europe, but with state-ofthe- art construction and amenities.
The Davenport was the first hotel
in the country with air conditioning, a central vacuum system, ice cold drinking water piped to each guest room, housekeeping carts and accordion ballroom doors, Marshall Taylor, the Davenport’s Guest Experience Manager, tells me on a grand tour of the hotel. Davenport used steel-reinforced concrete for his building material and imported artisans to make the pillars look like veined-marble and the cast plaster beams to look like wood with gilded reliefs. Indeed, this is how the structure, even after being closed for more than 15 years, could be restored, albeit at the cost of millions, to its former grandeur. (Guest rooms were in fact gutted and rebuilt and redesigned to appeal to modern guests/meet modern standards).
To design the hotel, Davenport hired architect Kirtland Cutter, who had become Spokane’s most prominent architect after the Great Fire of 1889 destroyed most of the downtown, responsible for so many of the city’s iconic mansion homes (I later see
the magnificent Campbell House), buildings and bridges (including the majestic Monroe Street bridge). Their desire was to bring the world to Spokane: the lobby is in the Spanish Renaissance style, with utterly stunning beams and a skylight that in fact is lighted by sunlight (they had to put black tar on it during WWII because of the proximity to Fairchild Air Force Base; it was cleaned up during the restoration.)
The Isabella Ballroom, named for Queen Isabella, was originally the hotel’s dining room is in the the Spanish Renaissance style of northern Spain.
The Marie Antoinette Ballroom is in French Neo-Classical design (Mrs. Davenport’s favorite room in the hotel) - the crystal chandeliers are original, each costing $10,000 (more than the cost of a family home at the time).
The Elizabethan Room is in English Tudor-style, possibly the first hotel ballroom in the world to employ folding panel doors to divide
The historic Hotel Davenport has occupied a special place in Spokane, Washington society since it opened in 1914, offering a Grand Tour of Europe within its walls.
one large room into several smaller rooms (the original panel doors are still used). The chandeliers are original, each made with 75 pounds of sterling silver. A few of the hotel’s original 405 telephones are along the base of the window wall.
The Grand Pennington Ballroom (created during the renovation) evokes Imperial Russia.
The Hall of Doges, designed by Cutter, is almost mythical in its beauty – it literally takes your breath away – you feel you have been transported to Venice. Spokane’s oldest ballroom, the Davenport boasts it is the only “flying ballroom” in the world: it was originally above Davenport’s restaurant in 1904, the year Cutter converted the red brick façade of the restaurant into a Spanish mission design, and a decade before the hotel opened. At the time, it was the largest and grandest ballroom in the West (you can well believe the hyperbole), built at a cost of $30,000. Cutter took as his
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GOING PLACES, NEAR & FAR....
Historic Hotel Davenport Puts You into Spokane’s Story
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inspiration the Palaces of the Doges in Venice. But in the 2000 renovation, the entire Hall of the Doges was removed intact by a crane and placed inside the newly constructed east wing of the hotel (the original restaurant was completely removed and now serves as the carport). There is actually a photo of the ballroom “flying” in the air.
The Peacock Lounge with its magnificent stained glass ceiling of some 5,000 pieces, has a décor and ambience that exudes the flamboyance of the Jazz Age. With the Davenport in the center of Spokane’s downtown entertainment district, the Peacock Lounge the place for pre-and post-show libations (check out the award-winning double martinis and custom cocktails). You may well spot actors, artists and dignitaries finding their way, as well. (Open seating, first-come, first-served).
The fireplace in the lobby restaurant, which Davenport insisted upon as a symbol of hospitality, was first lit by architect Cutter in September 1914 and, as Davenport decreed, remains lit each and every day, even in summer. “Meet me by the fireplace” was a popular expression among the locals. The fountain in the middle of the lobby, Taylor tells me, is made of stone from the same quarry as the Lincoln Memorial.
For the restoration, they were able to preserve the exquisite woodwork and detail, copying what needed to be replaced. Taylor points me to a bit of wood molding where if you look closely, you can see where the words are scrawled, Will.....You....Marry....Me... stretched out on the wood trim.
It is legend about how it got there
BY CHARLYN FARGO
(encouraged by the hotel, no doubt), but most believable is that during the 2000-2 restoration, the restorer fell in love with a woman who worked in the banquet department and he embedded the words to propose. “It has become the popular place for proposals,” Taylor relates.
Spokane has always been a hub for culture and entertainment, as much as for business and commerce as well as for the entertainers and audience-goers - Mary Pickford, Tyrone Power, Amelia Earhart, Charles Lindbergh, Bob Hope, Will Rogers, John Philip Sousa and Elvis Presley. and that tradition continues today with more recent celebs - Cher, Neil Diamond, Cuba Gooding Jr., Jerry Seinfeld and Sting because Spokane is still a cultural hub, which you see when you cross the street..
Most notably, though is Bing Crosby - the illustrious singer and movie star. He was born in Spokane (you can visit his childhood home on the campus of Gonzaga University). But before Crosby was so established as a singer, the young Harry “Bing” Crosby was the drummer for a local band called the Musicaladars that played on the KHQ radio station, which broadcast from the Davenport’s roof tower in 1925. There is a marvelous display about Bing Crosby in a china cabinet on the mezzanine floor. (A theater named for him is right outside.)
Bing Crosby’s story is wonderful, but I am fascinated with Louis Davenport, who epitomizes America’s self-made man.
Taylor tells me that Louis Davenport came to Spokane in 1889 when he was about 20 years old, to help his uncle, Elijah Davenport, in his restaurant. The restaurant burned down in 1889
NUTRITION NEWS
with the Great Fire that destroyed most of the downtown.
“Louie went into the rubble and found a waffle iron. He built a temporary shop with a wood frame and canvas cover and used that waffle iron to sell waffles to the workmen clearing the debris. He opened his own restaurant in one year.”
With the rail line, Spokane had become a hub and a crossroads for commerce. Davenport’s restaurant was so successful, that Spokane’s big wigs approached him to build a hotel to accommodate the numbers of business people, meetings and big events.
The Davenport, at 14 stories, was the tallest building in Spokane until The Paulson was built in the 1920s.
You can see from the photos on the wall, that the Davenport was a locus for history. The most profound photo is of the first American Indian Congress, in 1925, a gathering of the indigenous tribes in the Davenport ballroom
The Davenport.operated through the Great Depression and World War II. Louis Davenport sold the hotel in 1945 and died in 1951. The hotel changed hands several times, and when it finally closed in 1985, was in disrepair. At one point, the city wanted to demolish it and put up a proverbial parking lot. But the cost of asbestos abatement would have been ruinous.
Local entrepreneurs Walt and Karen Worthy came to the rescue. They spent two years and millions of dollars to restore the Davenport to its grandeur. The Davenport reopened in 2002 with stunning amenities including a gorgeous pool and a luxurious spa.
Now owned by KSL Capital Partners (which owns the Alterra Mountain
Supplements and Kids
You may want to check your kids’ backpacks. If he or she is a middle-school athlete, you might find some supplements instead of healthy snacks.
In a recent investigation into the prevalence of dietary supplement and sports food use in male and female middleschool-aged runners, researchers found that almost half the study participants used these products on two or more days a week during the prior year. Characteristics associated with supplement use included a prior bone stress injury, following a vegetarian diet and behaviors suggesting dietary restrictions such as losing weight and skipping meals. The study was published in the Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.
“The preadolescent years represent a crucial period of growth. While previous studies have examined the use of dietary
supplements in high school and college athletes, intake among preadolescent athletes was unknown,” wrote lead author Michelle Barrack, registered dietitian with the Department of Family and Consumer Sciences, California State University, Long Beach, California.
“It is important to evaluate this population due to the recognition of an elevated risk of low bone mineral density, bone stress injury, and inadequate intake of energy,” said Barrack. “Additionally, in some cases, dietary supplements have been associated with the development of adverse events in children and adolescents.”
Data were gathered from 2,113 middle school-aged cross-country runners who completed a survey on dietary supplement use and related factors. Dietary supplements included vitamin/mineral and non-vitamin/mineral products;
Company and Ikon Pass), there are five hotels in the Davenport Hotel Collection here in Spokane - each with a different theme, spirit and ambiance and vibe. Besides the Historic Davenport (Old World elegance), there is the Grand, which opened 2015 with a modern, Vegas style; the Tower, built in 2007 which has a safari theme; and the Centennial, which is a convention hotel.
The fifth property, the Lusso (a boutique hotel across the street from the Davenport, where Louis Davenport, himself, used to live), has since been entirely renovated, renamed, and is reopening as The Louie at Davenport Hotel, a 48-key boutique property offering personalized luxury including Butler Service (the first and only offering of this kind in Spokane).
I love that The Davenport is walking (or biking) distance to most of what I want to see (especially just a few blocks from Riverfront Park, where I find myself at least twice a day, and where you will find America’s largest urban waterfall), making for an ideal base for exploring the city’s hot culinary scene, nature and cultural offerings, like the Northwest Museum of Arts & Culture, and the Centennial Trail.
And so I immediately go off to explore. My first stop is by bus: the magnificent Manito Park, where I discover a fountain in its formal garden that was donated by Louis Davenport. The Historic Davenport Hotel, 10 S Post Street, Spokane, WA 99201, DavenportHotelCollection.com, 509-4558888, 866-238-1697.
Next: Exploring Spokane
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sports foods included energy bars, carbohydrate-electrolyte drinks, and protein bars or drinks. The survey covered demographic information, weight, height, sports participation history, weekly exercise training, running performance times, dietary patterns, menstrual function, history of a clinical eating disorder, and injury history. Respondents were asked to indicate the type and frequency of supplements and sports food consumption over the last year.
Among the middle school runners surveyed, 42.7% used either a dietary supplement or sport food on two or more days per week. Overall, 26.1% of runners reported using one or more dietary supplements, and 32.6% reported use of a sports food. Girls reported higher use of multivitamins/minerals, vitamin D, calcium, iron, probiotics and diet pills. Boys report-
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The “ins and outs” of joining new groups
BY CLAIRE LYNCH
“The moderator has left the building.” That’s what we said when one of our favorite groups had to disband in March of 2020 because of the arrival of Covid-19. One by one, groups were canceled. They either switched to Zoom meetings or they disbanded altogether. We said that line with a certain wistfulness because we knew we would miss seeing each other in person.
I say that because connecting with people over a shared interest in a community setting can be a lot of fun. I was especially disappointed because at that time I was a relatively recent retiree and I was having a ball spending my free time going around to public libraries, senior centers and people’s houses trying out new groups.
I had worked full-time for 41 years and between my Monday to Friday job and looking after my older parents, I didn’t have much spare time for hobbies. And going to groups, clubs and meetings that met during the day just wasn’t possible.
Once I retired, however, I had no trouble finding the time to check out groups I had never explored before. I don’t know about most retirees because I certainly can’t speak for them but I approach new groups with a certain sense of optimism and cynicism. I want to feel a part of and be blown away by the new group but I often wonder about how friendly people will be and if that particular group is my cup of tea. Will they stay on point and discuss the topic at hand or will they wander and digress?
It’s hard being the newcomer to a group but after a while newcomers are welcomed and become regular members. At first I wanted to bring one or two friends along because that would increase my comfort level plus I felt we might be a little less conspicuous in the group but we weren’t any less conspicuous at all. Also, sometimes my friends couldn’t attend the meeting because of prior commitments. They had some-
where else to go and some other places to be.
Or sometimes they just wanted to sit comfortably at home enjoying their favorite TV show which I found hard to understand because getting out and trying new things is one of the great bonuses of retirement.
Everyone has certain interests and let’s face it, some groups are more interesting than others. When I looked at a list of all of the various clubs I was impressed because there were so many options. But I kept looking because book clubs, writers’ groups, photography groups, bocce and bridge were right up my alley.
I chose the bocce group for something to do outside when the weather was good and the other groups were indoors. I also looked into beginner’s yoga and that was great because sometimes it was held inside and sometimes outside. Getting some exercise is key for this retiree so I am excited about both the bocce and yoga groups.
My friend Johanna, had been a member of the bridge group for eight years and every so often she talked about how much she enjoyed it. At tables of four, 16 people would play bridge and take turns meeting either at people’s houses and having refreshments or they would meet at a clubhouse. This group meets on the first Tuesday of the month and a volunteer keeps track of the dates, the times and the person who is hosting the bridge group.
Many times the host went all out when we met at someone’s house. Decorating the dining room table just so with a beautiful centerpiece and seasonal pieces such as bunnies and pastels in the spring, Uncle Sam motifs in July, autumnal leaves and colors in October, etc. We would enjoy a fancy lunch, have some dessert and coffee or tea then get down to business. Bridge tables had been set up and everyone got comfortably settled before starting to shuffle those decks of cards.
Before joining the bridge group I asked Johanna for some pointers
because I knew going in that it’s complicated. The bridge terminology sounded like a foreign language to me but I was determined to learn it. Of course I knew that the dealer dealt the cards - a standard deck of 52 cards - and an auction is the bidding phase of a bridge hand. The hands move clockwise and I realized that when we follow suit it means to play a card of the same suit that was first led to the trick. Just as in other card games.
I understood all of that preliminary stuff then it got complicated. I wanted to win the trick by putting down the highest card but I didn’t want the game to get over my head. It took a few tries and afterwards I peppered Johanna with questions but eventually I caught on.
Along the way I discovered that Johanna is a whiz at playing bridge because she is great with numbers. I was also impressed because Johanna is a good writer - for years she has
been submitting her freelance stories to magazines and newspapers.
I chose the bridge group because I wanted to have fun in my retirement years and not feel as if I were running a triathlon or taking a final exam in school. Honestly, sometimes playing bridge felt that way.
One of my criteria for sticking with these various groups is engaging in scintillating conversation and as I went from group to group I discovered that not every group offered scintillating conversation. I wanted the groups I chose to be interesting. Deciding to give up the bridge group because it was taxing my brain, I started playing poker and hearts with my neighbors. Those games were more my speed.
My friends and I are enjoying going to the book club, writers’ group and photography group and we hope we won’t have to say “The moderator has left the building” for a long, long time.
Most Beautiful Grandchild
Kathy Cordaro is a proud grandmother of Cameron age 7, Grace age 4 and James age 2. “They are not only beautiful, they are bright and talented.” she said. “Cameron received a principle award at his school. He plays baseball, flag football and is on 2 basketball teams. Grace takes ballet and tap. James is just adorable.”
Why Some People Don’t Pay Into Social Security
BY TOM MARGENAU
In some columns I wrote earlier this month about the repeal of laws that affect people who spent a large portion of their careers working at jobs that were not covered by Social Security, it became very clear to me that many people wondered why that is. Even many people who work at such noncovered jobs were confused. So why are some jobs not covered by Social Security? Here is the story.
When the Social Security laws were first passed in 1935, the program was mandatory for almost all Americans, the vast majority of whom did not have any kind of pension plan where they worked.
But at the time, Congress decided that they could not force a federal pension plan (Social Security) on state and local government employees. So, they gave them the option of joining Social Security or not. Most did. Over the years, other state and local groups who did not originally join Social Security eventually signed on to the program. But to this day, there are still large blocks of state and local employees, such as teachers in some states and firefighters and police officers in other states, who are not covered by the Social Security system. They usually have their own retirement pension system. They constitute about 20% of all state and local government workers.
Another group not covered by Social Security is career railroad workers. The Railroad Retirement System was set up in 1934, one year before Social Security came into being. But once Social Security became law, the two programs developed a special relationship that still exists to this day. For example, if you have more than 10 years of railroad work, but other years where you worked and paid into Social Security, your Social Security earnings will be transferred to the Railroad Retirement Board, and they will pay you a combined benefit. On the other hand, if you have less than 10 years of railroad work, and the rest of your career was at jobs covered by Social Security, then your railroad earnings will be transferred to the Social Security Administration, and those railroad earnings will just be incorporated into your Social Security records.
The other large group of workers who were initially not covered by Social Security were federal government employees. Back in 1935, Congress said that federal government employees did not need to be covered by the new Social Security program. Why? Because federal employees were already covered by the civil service retirement system that had been around since 1920.
But over the years, Congress felt an increasing amount of pressure to bring federal employees into the Social Security fold. There were two main reasons. No. 1: You could make the case that all workers in the country should be covered by the same retirement system. (Although to be true to that philosophy, you would have to make all state and local workers and all
railroad workers part of the Social Security program, too.)
But reason No. 2 was the bigger factor: As federal government employees, members of Congress and the judiciary, and the president, did not pay into Social Security. They were covered by the same civil service retirement system as all other federal employees. And it was politically embarrassing for politicians to be making laws about a retirement program (Social Security) that they were not a part of.
This led to all kinds of conspiracy theories (that still exist to this day) that top members of government get fat and lucrative pensions while scattering crumbs to the peasants in the form of meager Social Security benefits. This was never true. But millions of Americans believed it, and many still do.
Anyway, by the 1980s, the political pressure to bring federal employees into the Social Security tent was too great. In 1983, a law was passed saying that all federal employees hired after Dec. 31, 1983, would be covered by the Social Security system. At the same time, the law decreed that effective Jan. 1, 1984, all members of Congress, the president, the vice president and federal judges would also start paying into Social Security. (So let’s get rid of that myth.)
The new retirement program that Congress set up was called the Federal Employees Retirement System, or FERS. They gave all old government employees hired before 1984 the option of switching from the Civil Service Retirement System to FERS. By the way, I was one of those people; I was hired in 1973. I remember that I struggled mightily with that decision. Should I stick with CSRS or switch to FERS? (There were some advantages -too complicated to explain here -- to making the switch.) I finally decided to stay with CSRS. Frankly, to this day, I’m not sure I made the right move. I have several old friends and former colleagues who switched to FERS, and now that we are all retired, it looks to me like they are a little better off than I am. But that’s my problem, not yours.
FERS employees had Social Security taxes taken out of their paychecks. They also had an extra deduction from their salary to fund a federal retirement benefit designed to supplement their Social Security checks. So old federal retirees like me get just one CSRS pension check each month, but those retirees who are covered by FERS get a Social Security check and a smaller FERS pension check -- smaller than CSRS pension checks, that is. The intent of the new program was that a combination of Social Security and FERS benefits should roughly equal what CSRS retirees were getting. But, as I said, some of my FERS friends seem to be getting more. Oh, well.
Anyway, that’s the story behind the issue that some people don’t pay into Social Security. To put things in perspective, all the people whose jobs are not covered
by Social Security that I’ve been talking about in this column (some state and local employees, railroad workers and old federal retirees like me) make up only about 10% of the workforce in this country. In other words, 90% of people in the United States work at jobs that are covered by Social Security.
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
You’ve gained tremendous appreciation over the last 5-50 years. Now you have to decide to stay, upgrade and expand for your growing family or make it accessible as you age in place. However, if you have the need for increased space, and do not what the hassle of going through major construction, with all the mess, dirt, while possibly considering renting another home; then cashing out and searching for a newer, more modern home with a sizable increase in living area for your growing family just might be the most prudent path to pursue.
Moreover, if you are an empty nester, and you need to reduce your monthly expenses or loss of a signifcant other, then downsizing will make the most sense in the brain and more cents in your pocketbook. If you desire a social environment with varied activities to keep you busy and occupied, then there are other choices to consider and contemplate. One must be in a very strong financial position to consider independent or assisted living or even a nursing home. Having long-term care insurance many years ago, when it was more affordable would have enabled some to take part in those venues. However, others that can afford it will pay from $7500-$12000 per month, depending on where you decide to relocate. Leaving New York will save you a substantial amount of money if you are considering moving down south or out west to an independent or assisted living facility. However, whose children might want you to stay close by.
Unfortunately, if serious health issues are the number one reason to sell then interviewing various nursing homes could be a solution. However, renting in a condo or straight rental building and engaging a home health
Sell and take the money and run!
BY PHILIP A. RAICES
care aide will potentially save you money from going to a nursing home. Interviewing prospective candidates, making certain that your personality and theirs are amenable and a good fit resulting in a positive impact, whether part or full-time. Go online and Google nursing homes and peruse those local or out of town resources and ammenities. Ascertain and determine whether they have a 4+-5+ review ratings. Reading what consumers have to say about their services will provide much more information assisting in your decision making. There are situations where a reputable agency may have 1 or 2 negative remarks and that can happen, but it may not mean that the business is below par. It’s possible that the resident was either too demanding or they just were not a good fit and resulted in blaming the facility. As we get older, our patience, moodswings and expectations can be overwhelming to be able to comprehend, especially for others to be able to deal with and handle.
ties, food served and service; essentially how well the staff caters to the residents. I would stay for either, breakfast, lunch or dinner sitting and mingling with some of the residents in gaining valuable feedback from them. Doing your research in advance will surely benefit you in the end.
Involve your children or someone close to you in having a serious discussion to assist you in making a final pragmatic and common sense decision. It can be a very stressful and worrisome in moving out of a home, condo or coop that you have been familiar and comfortable with for many years. However, it can also be a new beginning, more conducive to a longer and more rewarding, healthier and fun lifestle. Meeting new people will be an adjustment that you will go through. However, you will be gaining new friends and most important solid future relationships.
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 industry and has earned 3 significant designations: what I consider a Master’s degree in real estate) expert in consulting and completing international transactions.
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.
Continued from page 2
ed higher use of creatine and sports food. A higher proportion of runners with supplement use, compared to preadolescents with no supplement use, followed a vegetarian diet; were underweight; had one or more running-related injuries; met criteria for elevated dietary restraint; had a diagnosed eating disorder; or reported currently attempting to gain weight. Supplement use was reported by 51% of runners who skipped meals and 77% of runners with weight loss in the past year. The findings support associations between higher supplement use and factors consistent with lower food intake or
You may bring this up and question the facility’s manager, whoever is in charge; about the reasons for the poor remark(s). Asking how long they have been in business will be another determining factor. Those that have been in business at least 5-10 years, and longer, including the large enterprises, will be crucial in adding to your knowledge to determine if this is the right place for you.
Visiting the prospective businesses will also enable you to see and experience the everyday happenings of the place, e.g. the recreational activi-
Selling one’s home can be an exercise involving months of planning. However, moving in the right positive direction with the thought in mind that life will continue to be hopefully happier and healthier in an environment that will be to your benefit, than staying where you are.
If you need any advice in planning your move, ideas in preparing your home for sale, tag or garage sales or suggestions about facilities near and far, I am just a phone call away to provide you with a free, no strings attached, no obligation consultation. So call me at your earliest convenience on the number below.
NUTRITION NEWS
Supplements and Kids
energy deficiency.
Researchers say this is the first study to observe the association in youth runners and that the findings point to the need for teaching middle school runners about the importance of getting enough calories and not skipping meals.
Q and A
Q: How do I break the sugar habit?
A: If you’re “hooked” on sugar, don’t try to eliminate all sugary foods at once. If you deny yourself even a single piece of candy or sliver of cake, you’ll only crave sweets more. Instead, eat a healthy diet made up of more satisfying foods -- whole grains, fruits, vegetables, healthy oils,
and lean protein. Steer yourself away from sugar and eat these foods, which are digested more slowly. They’ll help to even out your blood sugar and you won’t have spikes and crashes all the time. The body naturally craves sweet foods because sugar is addictive. When it’s consumed, opioids and dopamine are released into the body, causing future cravings. In fact, although the daily recommended amount is no more than nine teaspoons of added sugar, Americans on average consume between 22 and 30 teaspoons each day. Sugar is found in many foods, especially processed foods. Although natural sugar acts as an energy source for your body’s cells and is not harmful when consumed
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
in moderation, an added sugar such as table sugar or high-fructose corn syrup can encourage your brain to desire unhealthy foods and to eat more, impacting weight and heart health and leading to chronic illness. To curb cravings, consume naturally sweetened foods and foods high in fiber.
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
All Kids Fair to return April 6th
Since 2011, the All Kids Fair has provided a fun day each April for kids and their families to spend time together and also learn about Long Island-based companies that offer services and products for them.
Following successful expos at Samanea Mall in Westbury, the All Kids Fair is thrilled to return to the Huntington Hilton—where the children’s event was last held six years ago—for its 14th annual expo.
This year’s All Kids Fair will be held on Sunday, April 6, from 10 AM to 4:30 PM at the Huntington Hilton, formally known as the Hilton Long Island/ Huntington, in Melville
There are many exciting reasons for families to attend each year, in addition to the opportunity to meet with over 80 kid-centered exhibitors. Here are some of this year’s reasons, all of which are free with admission:
• Many kids’ classes
• Bounce houses
• Music
• Face painting
• Balloon animals
• Cotton candy
• Photo booth
• Child ID kits
• Puppies to cuddle
• Arts and crafts
• Mini soccer lessons
• Mini martial arts lessons
• Mini karate lessons
• Mini pediatric dental screenings
• Lego table with sensory play
Newly crowned Miss Long Island 2024, Katherine Wang, will be in attendance and will take photos with the kids.
Kids’ classes this year include golf, pickleball, fashion design and sewing, and karate.
According to Barbara Kaplan, director of the expo, “We are thrilled to be back at the Huntington Hilton. The Hilton is a wonderful venue for us because of its spacious layout, high ceilings, carpeted floors, and excellent parking. We will once again be able to have many draws for Long Island families to enjoy
BY JEFF RUGG
My birthday is coming up, and I was asked what my favorite plant is.
My favorite plants have to meet a few important criteria. They must come back on their own, because I can be a lazy gardener. Insects and diseases must be rare, so there will be no need to spray. I like plants that can grow in the water along the shoreline of my water garden, or in the hot, dry side yard or indoors. They must have big, showy flowers to please the eyes and fragrance to please the nose; tasty would be nice; and if I could get them to make a noise, I would like that, too.
Most plants in the lily family fit some of these criteria, and I have many in my house and yard, from amaryllis, daffodils, daylily, Easter lily, tulip, trillium and yucca to garlic, onion and many others. Of all the lilies, I really like the 180 or so species in the Crinum (CRY-num) genus, probably because, like many gardeners, I lust after tropical plants I can’t have. These
together.” The All Kids Fair will have many different types of exhibitors, including camps, places to play, after-school activities, birthday party planners, photographers, special needs providers, non-profits, kids’ products, and college planning.
This fun-filled event offers exciting educational and leisure activities to interest kids and their families each year. The Fair has opportunities for all ages, including kids with special needs.
One of this year’s newest additions is Puppy Party. Children will be able to play with and cuddle puppies. There will be other fun additions announced shortly.
2024 attendee Linda Calzone shared “This was a fantastic event! Thank you to All Kids Fair and everyone involved in making [the 2024 All Kids Fair] a day our kids won’t forget!!”
After the 2024 event, Barbara Kaplan said, “Once again, we had a wonderful day for families to learn about great Long Island businesses and organizations. We also had terrific products for sale. It was so much fun to see families have an amazing day together.”
There will also be a charity drive to benefit Agape Meals for Kids, a local 501(c)3 organization that provides weekend meals to children living with food insecurity on Long Island. Attendees are encouraged to bring non-perishable, easy-to-prepare, easy-to-heat, single-serve, and healthy food. Those who donate food
A GREENER VIEW
Crinums
warm climate bulbs can grow as large as a football and weigh over 10 pounds, easily dwarfing a merely grapefruit-sized amaryllis bulb.
Crinums are naturally tough. Native to warm areas of Africa, Asia, Australia and the Americas, they can survive elephants, kangaroos and hurricanes. Some crinum species grow in deserts, and some grow in swamps. I have seen Crinums growing in islands between traffic lanes in Dallas and Orlando. They get no irrigation, yet they thrive. Some tropical crinums are used as privacy hedges, but most grow only waist high.
The Crinum americanum is native to swamps all around the Gulf of Mexico and the Everglades, where I have seen them blooming for as far as the eye can see. I have grown one in a pot in my pond for more than 15 years. I bring it in every winter as a houseplant that I can’t overwater. It has a starburst of 6-inch-long petals that are less than half an inch wide.
or money will receive raffle tickets to win great prizes and enjoy the satisfaction of knowing that they have helped Long Island kids in need.
Sponsors for the 2024 All Kids Fair include SafT-Swim Swim School, WildPlay Jones Beach, Small Smiles Pediatric Dentistry, TGA – Tennis – Golf –Athletics, 106.1 BLI, Clowns.com, Your Local Kids Source, Schneps Long Island, Herald Community Newspapers, Litmor Publications/Garden City News, and 516Ads.com/631Ads.com.
Tickets purchased in advance at www.AllKidsFair. com/Tickets are $5 for children ages 2 and up and adults. Tickets purchased at the door are $10 for children ages 2 and up and $5 for adults. Children 1 and younger are admitted at no charge. The Hilton Long Island/Huntington is located at 598 Broad Hollow Road (Rt. 110) in Melville.
More information about the expo is available at www.AllKidsFair.com
Linnaeus himself is supposed to have been looking at specimens of the American Crinum when he gave the genus the Crinum name after the Greek word “Krinos,” meaning “comet tail.”
Most Crinum flowers look like an Easter lily or Amaryllis, and there may be 20 or more on a single stalk. A single bulb may send out half a dozen flower stalks at once. The foliage of most Crinums is sword-shaped and may be over 6 feet long. Like an Easter lily, many crinums are very fragrant.
Crinum flowers can be pink, red or white, and some are striped red and white. A few varieties have wine-colored leaves. A couple of summers ago, I was surprised to find a Milk and Wine (red and white striped) Crinum bulb at a Menards hardware store sold with other summer blooming bulbs such as dahlias. That Crinum has bloomed for me twice so far. I keep it in a cold but not freezing garage over the winter.
Most crinums are for warm winter areas, but as we have seen in past few weeks, cold spells can reach all the way to the Gulf of Mexico. There are a few varieties that are hardy enough to grow into zone 6. The previously mentioned Milk and Wine is one, and Orange River Lily is another. If you plant it outdoors, plant it on the south side of the house near the foundation where it can be mulched heavily for the winter.
If your local garden center doesn’t stock any crinums, check out www.jenksfarmer.com. I recently posted a video about crinums on the Greener View YouTube channel in the Chapter Four Playlist on Annuals, Bulbs and Houseplants.
The Crinums don’t make sounds on their own, but they attract hummingbirds that do make sweet twittering noises. I can live with that.
Email questions to Jeff Rugg at info@ greenerview.com.
COPYRIGHT 2025 JEFF RUGG
STARGAZERS
Finding the Elusive Zodiacal Light
BY DENNIS MAMMANA
Week of February 9-15, 2025
Over the years I’ve enjoyed hearing from readers who excitedly describe seeing something they never knew about or had never been able to see before.
I find this quite rewarding since some of the sights about which I write can be pretty challenging. The past two weeks I wrote about Venus, one of the easiest celestial sights available, but now’s your chance to seek out something even more elusive.
Once the brilliant moon leaves our early evening sky late this week, you may want to head out to the dark, pristine skies of the wilderness to glimpse the wintertime sky in all its splendor. In addition to the stars, constellations, planets and the occasional meteor zipping across the heavens, you might catch a glimpse of a unique sight -- one the average stargazer seldom sees (or even knows about). It’s called the zodiacal light.
As evening twilight fades from view -- around 60-90 minutes after sunset -- begin looking toward the western sky for a huge, softly glowing pyramid of light. In its brightest parts, the zodiacal light exceeds the brilliance of the Milky Way, which now appears rather faint as it streams north to south high overhead.
Stargazers often confuse the zodiacal light with the lingering rays of twilight or with the Milky Way itself. They also tend to expect a much smaller or brighter glow.
The zodiacal light ascends around 20-40 degrees into the western sky along the constellations of the zodiac and, right now, can be seen flowing from brilliant Venus low in the west toward the Pleiades (Seven
Sisters) star cluster and bright Jupiter high in the west. Its base near the western horizon typically appears around 15 degrees wide, and the cone tapers to about 5 degrees wide at the top. Keep in mind that the phenomenon is extremely faint, so any light pollution, haze or moonlight is sure to obliterate it from view. Binoculars or telescopes have much too small a field of view to see this phenomenon.
The zodiacal light is caused by sunlight scattered from dust particles spread out along the plane of our solar system. Most of these particles -- continually generated by passing comets or by collisions among asteroids -- are only about four-hundredths of an inch in diameter and are separated by an average distance of five miles.
The plane defined by this dusty glow passes through the constellations of the zodiac -- hence its name -- and roughly defines the plane of our solar system called the ecliptic. Since only during late winter and early springtime does the ecliptic form a steep angle with the horizon in the early evening hours, now is a great time to begin searching for this elusive glow.
If you miss it this week, check again next week. In fact, throughout the entire spring, you’ll have the best opportunity to see it in the early evening, as long as you’re observing from a dark, non-light-polluted site and the moon is nowhere to be found.The elusive zodiacal light will be visible this week.
Good luck with this one. It’s quite a challenge, and I hope you’ll let me know of your success!
Visit Dennis Mammana at dennismammana.com. To read features by other Creators S. COPYRIGHT 2025 CREATORS.COM
LOST IN SUBURBIA
The De-Stinkification of the Dog
BY TRACY BECKERMAN
I wouldn’t say I’m nose blind to the smell of my dog, but typically, I don’t realize he needs a bath until the board of health shows up and condemns the dog, his bed and our house.
My husband will usually smell him before I do. Maybe it’s because he’s out of the house all day, and when he walks in the door, the smell hits him like a basketball to the face.
“Oh wow, the dog!” he said one day when he got home, putting his hand over his nose. “Don’t you smell that?”
“Maybe a little,” I admitted.
“When was the last time he had a bath?” he asked.
“Um, what year is it?”
Once my husband pointed out that our home was starting to smell like a Superfund site, I realized the time had come to de-stinkify him (the dog, not my husband) before the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention was called in to set up a hot zone around the perim-
eter of our house. I called to make an appointment at a new grooming service I’d heard good things about. But it was booked solid by other people who no doubt had their own Superfund dogs.
I figured waiting a few days wouldn’t make a huge difference since the level of air quality in the house was already at DEFCON 5. I made the first available appointment, then sprayed the dog with air freshener for a couple of days until they could get him in.
The first hint I got that the new groomer might not be the right one for us was in the waiting room. The space was wallpapered in a pink-and-green print with little French bulldogs on it, and there were fuchsia-colored beanbag dog beds in the shapes of dog bones spread around the room for the dogs to recline on until their appointments. A bowl of free-range ostrich bites was on the counter, free to all the pampered pups in the room who preferred their ostriches organic.
I looked at my dog, who seemed as stunned by the opulence as I was.
Apparently, the clientele here was used to a certain level of comfort and cuisine. Then there was my dog. He liked to sleep on bricks and eat dirt.
We waited for a short time until it was our turn.
“Bowie Beckerman,” a voice rang out.
We approached the counter.
“Are you getting the full-service grooming today?” asked the technician.
Not knowing what, exactly, the full service was, I figured it probably included a wash, vacuum and undercarriage spray, like we got for the car. So I nodded yes.
“Would you like a rose, eucalyptus or lemon-scented spa bath for Monty?” she continued.
I raised my eyebrows and glanced down at my dog. He had his head between his legs and was busy taking care of his own personal hygiene.
“Um, just regular clean dog scent, if you have it,” I replied.
“We can do a plain cut or a cut, color and curl,” she said. “It’s very popular
with the poodles!”
“Just a plain cut, please.”
“We can offer him a special non-GMO beverage and a light snack between procedures, if you’d like.”
I looked at the dog again. He was chewing on his foot.
“That’s OK. Just some plain water for him will do.”
“Okey-dokey,” she said cheerfully. “We do ask you to pay in advance. That will be $175.”
“WHAT?” I exclaimed. “And that’s without all the extra stuff?”
She nodded.
“Here,” I said, handing her the dog’s leash. “You keep the dirty dog. I’m going to go out and adopt a clean one.”
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
The elusive zodiacal light will be visible this week.
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Compassionate and experienced Caregiver interested in Companionship and Home Health Assistance for seniors. Excellent references. Please call: 516-406-6812 or 516-523-0697
ANNOUNCEMENTS
ATTENTION OXYGEN
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INVITED SALES
BY TRACY JORDAN
Transform your space, maximize your value: Are you looking to add value to your property and enhance its appeal? Look no further!
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CLASSIFIEDS Call 294.8900
MARKETPLACE
WANTED TO BUY
LOOKING TO BUY!
Estates, Oriental items, Gold, Silver, Costume Jewelry, Dishes, Flatware, Watches, Clothing, Old Photos, Coins, Stamps, Records, Toys, Action Figures, Comics, Art and Furniture. Immediate Cash Paid
Call George 917-775-3048 TAG SALE
ESTATE SALE
GARDEN CITY
Saturday Feb 8th
10am-2pm 108 9th Street Garden City Furniture, antiques, Waterford Crystal, Belleek, military items, golf and sports memorabilia, books, vintage barware, outdoor furniture, lots of artwork, dining table and chairs, holiday decor, small kitchen appliances, housewares, camera equipment, antique trunks, and more!
No early birds, please.
AUTOMOTIVE
AUTOS WANTED
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REAL ESTATE FOR SALE
CONDO/CO-OP FOR SALE
GARDEN CITY
JEWEL BOX CONDO
Starting out or downsizing in Garden City?
Renovated 1 bedroom 1.5 bath maisonette with patio on beautiful grounds at Wyndham. Asking $695K
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SERVICES
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ATTORNEY
STEPHANIE A. D’ANGELO, ESQ. Elder Law, Wills & Trusts Asset Preservation, Estate Planning, Probate & Estate Administration/Litigation 901 Stewart Ave, Ste 230 Garden City, NY 11530 516-222-1122 www.dangelolawassociates. com
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MADE IN THE SHADE CUSTOM WINDOW TREATMENTS
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TVs MOUNTED, PHONES, TV, Computer Wires, HD Antennas, Starlink Dishes, Stereos Installed and Serviced. FREE Estimates. Lic#54264-RE and Ins.
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FAMILY CARE CONNECTIONS, LLC
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901 Stewart Ave, Ste 230 Garden City, NY 11530
SERVICES
HEALTH SERVICES
FLORAL PSYCHIATRY
MENTAL HEALTH CLINIC
Adult Psychiatrist & Nutritionist
Focus on Women’s Mental Health
Therapy & Nutrition Psychiatry
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A multilingual practice
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PAINTING & PAPERHANGING
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TUTORING
EARLY CHILDHOOD TUTOR
Get your child off to a strong start! Retired NYC teacher available for homework help or literacy development. Ages 4-9
Call/Message Susan: 516-314-4137
SERVICES
TUTORING
MATH TUTOR GRADES 4-7
Recently retired NYC teacher available to help your child succeed.
Remediation / Enrichment needs addressed. Please Call or Message: Audrey Sullivan: 347-628-8872
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CLEANING
CLEANING AVAILABLE EXPERIENCED POLISH HOUSE CLEANER
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SERVICES
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Hope Part of the Chewy.com
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
CLASSIFIEDS Call 294.8900
Feed your game day crowd with smoked chicken wings
Virgil’s Smoked Chicken Wings With Blue Cheese Dip
Sports fans across the globe tune in when the National Football League hosts its annual championship game each winter. And that already robust viewership is growing, as figures from Nielsen Fast National and Adobe Analytics indicated Super Bowl LVIII between the Kansas City Chiefs and San Francisco 49ers garnered 123.4 million viewers who tuned in to watch Patrick Mahomes orchestrate a 25-22 overtime victory over Kyle Shanahan and the Niners.
Super Bowl Sunday has become an unofficial holiday in the United States, where
Blue Cheese Dip
2 cups blue cheese crumbles, divided
1 cup mayonnaise
1⁄2 cup buttermilk
2 teaspoons hot sauce
1 teaspoon Worcestershire
sauce
1⁄2 teaspoon kosher salt
1⁄4 cup finely chopped scallions
1⁄4 cup finely chopped celery
Marinade
1⁄2 cup vegetable oil
1⁄2 cup hot sauce
4 tablespoons Virgil’s Dry Rub (see below)
1) To make the dip, combine 1 cup of the blue cheese, mayonnaise, buttermilk, hot sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and salt in the bowl of a food processor and blend on low until smooth.
2) Remove to a medium mixing bowl and fold in the rest of the blue cheese, scallions and celery, being sure to break up the larger blue cheese crumbles. Place in a covered container and refrigerate overnight.
3) Mix all the marinade ingredients in a large mixing bowl. Place the wings in a large container with a lid and pour the mixture over the wings. Toss until the wings are thoroughly coated. Cover and refrigerate for 2 days.
4) Preheat the grill or smoker to 245° F.
5) Spread out the wings on a sheet pan and wipe away any excess marinade. Sprinkle liberally with the dry rub, coating the wings all over.
6) Position the wings on the grill away from the direct heat
fans ranging from the diehard to the casual to those simply tuning in for the commercials and halftime show gather to enjoy a few fun-filled hours. Seasoned party hosts know that food features as prominently as football and fun come Super Bowl Sunday. Guests may expect a few staples, including chicken wings. With that in mind, hosts can impress their guests by serving up this recipe for “Virgil’s Smoked Chicken Wings With Blue Cheese Dip” from Neal Corman’s “Virgil’s Barbecue Road Trip Cookbook” (St. Martin’s Press). Serves 4
4 tablespoons granulated garlic
4 tablespoons granulated onion
Juice of 1⁄2 lemon
Wings
8 large chicken wings
1⁄2 cup Virgil’s Dry Rub (see below)
Sauce
10 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 teaspoon cornstarch
4 tablespoons white vinegar
3⁄4 cup hot sauce
1⁄4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
of the coals or burners, and add hickory to the smoker or hickory chips on the coals or gas burners.
7) Cook the wings for about 3 hours, flipping every 30 minutes (their internal temperature should be about 165° F when cooked).
8) While the wings are cooking, cut the butter for the sauce into 1-inch cubes and refrigerate. Whisk the cornstarch into the white vinegar in a small bowl.
9) In a medium sauté pan over medium heat, bring the hot sauce to a simmer and whisk in the thickened vinegar. Return to a simmer, cook for 1 minute, and remove from the heat.
10) Add the cayenne and slowly whisk in the cold butter. Keep warm until serving.
11) Remove the wings from the smoker or grill and put half of them into a bowl, cover with the sauce, and toss. Repeat with the remaining wings and serve on a platter, with the blue cheese dip on the side.
Virgil’s Dry Rub
Makes 5 to 5 1⁄2 cups
2 1⁄2 cups sweet paprika
1 cup granulated sugar
1⁄2 cup Texas-style chili powder
1⁄2 cup minced onion
1⁄2 cup granulated garlic
1⁄4 cup dried parsley flakes
6 tablespoons kosher salt
Combine all of the ingredients in a medium bowl and whisk together until completely
FOUR VILLAGE STUDIO
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 10th & THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 13th
Inspiring Stories
7:30 PM
8:00 PM
8:30 PM
9:00 PM
9:30 PM
Bill Corbett, Jr.
“SIBS Place” ~ Supporting Well Children with A Sick Parent or Sibling
The Author Corner
Stephanie Larkin
“Sea of Whispers” ~ Melanie Murphy, Novelist
Davidson & Co.
Larry Davidson
“Farewell, Dorothy Parker” ~ Ellen Meister, Novelist
Uncorked
Rex Whicker
“Nashville Music & Wine” ~ Singer-Songwriters Celeste Krenz & Bill Feehely
Wes Houston Presents…
Wes Houston
J. Peter Hansen ~ Singer-Songwriter-Guitarist
Floral Park Junior Woman’s Club meeting
Who We Are
We are active, community spirited women of all ages, interests and backgrounds. We are your friends, neighbors, co-workers and acquaintances. We are wives, mothers and single women, professionals, educators and business owners who donate our time and talents to the betterment of our children, neighbors, the community and our world.
What We Do
We meet on the first Thursday of the month to conduct the business of the Club at the Floral Park Recreation Center.
Our meetings consist of a special
monthly program, discussions of upcoming events, any immediate needs of the Floral Park community and how we can be of assistance.
We give away over $3,000 in scholarships annually to local students. We sponsor special community events such as a Spring & Fall Craft Fair and the Annual Christmas Tree Lighting.
Junior Clubs are a critical part of The General Federation of Women’s Clubs (GFWC.org). The GFWC is an international women’s organization dedicated to community improvement by enhancing the lives of others through volunteer service.
Get Results!
Place an ad in our Classifieds for reasonable rates and prompt results. Call 294-8900 or visit us online www.gcnews.com to request information & rates
Litmor Publishing's Community Newspapers
1 Floral Blvd., Floral Park, NY 11002
Phone: 516.326.1150 ~ Email: 4VS@4VS.org
LONG LIVE
Many ways to access great doctors? We have that. Simple mobile app? We have that, too. Convenient locations for primary, specialty, and urgent care? Absolutely. On Long Island, you have options in health care. But at Catholic Health, we'd like to remind you to choose you first – because we did, too. Long Live You and Long Live Long Island™ At
Village of Floral Park January Board Meeting
From page 1
have already played key roles in a successful narcotics investigation. Last week, the Nassau County Police Department’s Narcotics/Vice Squad reported the arrest of three males for Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance that occurred in December and January. According to the Narcotics/Vice Squad Detectives, after an extensive investigation was conducted into narcotics sales with the assistance of the Floral Park Police Department and Homeland Security Investigations, three individuals (two from the Village of Floral Park and one from Elmont) were arrested, arraigned and are awaiting their next steps in the criminal justice system. FPPD Police Commissioner McAllister commended the outstanding investigatory work done by Lieutenant Doherty and Detectives King and Timm in their partnership with the two other agencies.
Our Floral Park Police Officers participate in ongoing, intensive training in all facets of policing and law enforcement. Their skills and strategies remain current. This training is often done by FPPD expert Instructors who themselves receive training to become certified Instructors and then impart their knowledge and skills to their fellow Officers.
Such a highly regarded FPPD Instructor is Sergeant Dean Mayo. After outstanding careers in the New York City Police Department and in our Department for eighteen years, Sergeant Mayo will be retiring this month. We thank Sergeant Mayo for his decades of service in law enforcement, his years of developing the FPPD through effective training programs, and his lifelong contributions to the Village of Floral Park and its people. Sergeant Mayo, may God bless you and your family.
Local Law No. 7 of 2024
On November 19th, the Board held a public hearing to consider the enactment of a Local Law prohibiting the feeding of feral cats. The law was approved unanimously, absent any public comment.
Subsequently, residents and others with cat rescue experience and expertise offered to share that with the Board. Trustee Chiara and I had a productive meeting with the group, at which we decided to pursue guidelines regarding what residents can do when they repeatedly encounter a cat outdoors without a collar, tag or microchip, or a cat in distress. The Board will also revisit Local Law No. 7.
Trustee Chiara and I appreciate the caring and professional conversation that took place at this January meeting.
Chambers of Commerce and Our Businesses
The Floral Park Chamber of Commerce got off to an energized New
Year after many 2024 successes including June’s Floral Park Street Festival, December’s Tree Lighting and Holiday Festival (with the Floral Park Junior Woman’s Club), and the addition of twenty-four more business members to the Chamber.
The January Chamber meeting brought a new Board of Directors, sworn in by Mayor Fitzgerald. They include President Shane Parouse of Shelter Rock Wealth Management; Immediate Past President Marie Grant of Signature Premier Properties; Vice President Christos Vasiliou of the Floral Park Diner; and Directors Dan Licata of Furniture Pro; Jose Rosario of Guaranteed Rate; Mike Jakob of Landmark Tax Service; Noel Abraham of Bridge Community Church; Steve Bogdanos of All the Right Moves in New Hyde Park; Bill Barry of Uptown Taco; and Tom DeMaria of Tricia’s Kids. We wish our Floral Park Chamber businesses and their leadership another busy, exciting and successful year!
The next Floral Park Chamber meeting is scheduled for Thursday, February 6th, 6:00 – 8:00 PM at the United Methodist Church on Verbena Avenue. Catering and beverages will be provided by our local Floral Park restaurants. Come and enjoy the many flavors of Floral Park. For meeting registration and membership information, contact: floralparkchamber.org
The Covert Avenue Chamber of Commerce will also be welcoming new businesses in 2025. For information and other, please contact: covertavenuechamber.org
And, as always, shop, dine and take out local in Floral Park and Stewart Manor!
Conservation Society (FPCS)
Although it’s winter time, our Centennial Gardens and Bird Sanctuary continues to be filled with many species of interesting birds who call our Gardens their home or their home away from home during migratory periods.
Annually, our Recreation Department, with Superintendent Kurt Meyfohrt, and Conservation Society, with President Dennis McEnery, host Gardens bird counts as part of the global Great Backyard Bird Count (GBBC). Sponsored by organizations such as the Cornell University Lab of Ornithology and the Audubon Society, the world will gather on Friday, February 14th through Sunday, February 16th to count birds and species, and gather valuable data to help scientists better understand global bird populations and their annual migratory activities. At GBBC 2024, Floral Park counted, charted and reported 3014 birds spotted amongst 14 different species.
You can join us at GBBC 2025 at the Gardens on Floral Parkway on Friday, February 14th, noon to 4:00 PM; Saturday, February 15th, noon to 3:00 PM; and Sunday, February 16th, noon to 2:00
PM. Bird experts and enthusiasts, Don Haug and Doug Cioffi, will be there to share fun facts and interesting stories. And there’ll be bird literature and interactive activities for children and adults.
Visit birdcount.org for fascinating photos and details, and report your bird counts at Floral Park’s GBBC 2025.
Trustee Frank Chiara
Floral Park Library
The Floral Park Library is starting out the year with a month packed with programs. Some of the programs coming up may assist you in saving or retrieving some of your hard-earned monies.
On Wednesday, January 22, 2025, from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM, Rene Gonzalez from Fairview Independent Mortgages will educate homeowners and home buyers on the concept of reverse mortgages, addressing common misconceptions and highlighting the potential benefits of getting one.
On Tuesday, January 28, 2025, from 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM, Beth Moss, Senior Solutions Consultant, will return to the library to demystify the basics of Medicare.
On Tuesday, February 4, 2025, from 7:00 PM to 8:30 PM, don’t miss a very informative presentation from Town of Hempstead Receiver of Taxes, Jeanine Driscoll, on Tax Grievances. She will walk taxpayers through the process of grieving their property’s assessment on their own. She will also be available to answer any tax related questions.
On Wednesday, February 5, 2025, from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM, a representative from the NYS Comptroller’s office will be on hand at the library to explain how to search and retrieve Unclaimed Funds which may be owed to you.
Check the Library’s website at www. floralparklibrary.org for upcoming programs. Please remember that they fill up fast so register if you’re interested.
Fire Department
The Floral Park Fire Department is in good standing and continues to focus on honing their skills through the many training sessions that the members participate in every month. Our volunteers are very skilled and are prepared to respond to emergency situations. We are very fortunate to have such dedicated volunteers.
The Dept is always looking for new members, so if interested, stop by one of the fire houses or check out the Fire Department website at www.floralparkfd.org to get more information on how to do so.
Trustee Jennifer Stewart Department of Public Works
Following the snow storm, salt trucks went out at 4 PM Sunday afternoon as precipitation fell and temperatures plummeted. Plows began to clear Village roads at approximately 8:30 PM and crews worked tirelessly throughout
the night in very difficult conditions to have all roads cleared. We are so very grateful for our dedicated DPW crews for their hard work. All roads and buildings were cleared by 5:00 AM Monday morning. Please be reminded to clear the sidewalk in front of your home, as well as clearing corners and fire hydrants.
Additionally, Village roads and buildings have been cleaned and maintained, and all garbage and recycling has been collected throughout the Village.
Four Village Studio
Some upcoming programming include the Author Corner with Stephanie Larkin, Jade Dee & Wilnona Marie featuring Influencers & Co Authors, and I Thought Series and FPFD Red Alert with Larry King featuring Nassau County Firefighters, Operation Wounded Warrior.
MTA
The MTA/LIRR has recently informed the Village of the anticipated construction of a retaining wall just west of the Floral Park Station. As part of this project, seven large trees will be removed next week inside the fence line of the MTA/LIRR property necessitating partial road closures. The retaining wall project is slated to begin February 10th, and will take several months. Superintendents Ginnane and Marcus, Village Administrator Gerry Bambrick, Mayor Fitzgerald, and myself will be meeting with MTA/LIRR officials later in the week to discuss this work.
Trustee Michael Longobardi Building Department
Our Building Department is a busy place and 2024 was no exception. For the year, our three full time employees and four part time employees processed 587 permits, 550 contractor licenses, they have handled 11,328 phone calls, and processed 2,973 transactions at the counter. There were 17 Zoning Board cases and 85 Architectural Review Board cases. I want to give a huge thank you to Superintendent Renee Marcus and the hard-working dedicated individuals at the Building Department who swiftly move along all that flows through the office. Thank you to Superintendent Marcus who continues to upgrade and streamline the department with the latest software upgrades and tracking. Many of our permit applications are available online and can be downloaded from our website. Soon residents will be able to apply for permits and licenses as well as submit code violations online. These applications are not a nuisance process; they are required in many cases under NYS building code requirements. Our very knowledgeable staff is available to assist you when needed, so please comply with the Village codes. Reminder to our licensed contractors to renew their licenses for 2025 and, if they are a new contractor to the area,
Village of Floral Park January Board Meeting
the Village welcomes you and asks you to apply for a proper license.
Construction continues at the proposed restaurant at 99 Covert Avenue and is expected to continue for several more months. The first phase, shoring and foundation, continues at the Covert Fire property. Recent construction activity required temporary closure of Marshall Avenue and Beverly Avenue on separate days. Thank you for your patience as we strive to restore Covert Avenue to a full-strength vibrant business district. Interior improvement is ongoing at the fire property at 266 Jericho Tpke. The apartment building at 1 Carnation Avenue is expected to be completed in the next month or two. The proposed Auto Zone at 2 Whitney Avenue, (old Rite Aid) is scheduled to start renovations by the Spring. There are no updates or meetings scheduled at this time for the proposed large-scale mixed use development project at 144-162 Jericho Turnpike.
Pool and Recreation Recreation Session II programs are about to start and there are a few open-
ings left. Please call 516-326-6336 for program availability. Preparations are in full swing for park and pool 2025 season. There will be a field meeting this Saturday, January 25th, with the various league officers to coordinate field schedules for the coming year. The next recreation committee and pool committee meetings will be the beginning of February. Registration is ongoing for the 2025 Floral Park Little League Spring Baseball and Softball leagues. For information and to register, please visit www. FloralParkLittleLeague.com. A reminder that our current winter hours are 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM (weather permitting). Town-Village Aircraft Safety & Noise Abatement Committee (TVASNAC)
The next meeting will be on Monday, January 27, 2025, at the Hempstead Town Hall, One Washington Street, Hempstead. If you want to make a noise complaint regarding air traffic, you can call 1-800-225-1071. You can also go to our Village website which has the links under the TVASNAC noise complaint contact information page on our home page.
Upcoming Events at Our Lady of Victory Rosary Altar Society
Sunday, March 2nd
Pancake Breakfast in OLV Memorial Hall after the 7:30 am, 9:00 am and 10:30 am masses.
Pancakes, sausage, fruit, juice, coffee/tea, hot chocolate. $5 per person. All proceeds donated to the OLV Food Pantry.
Sunday, March 9th
OLV Rosary Meeting in Memorial Hall following 9AM mass. St. Patrick's Day social featuring Irish Soda Bread/ Scones Bake-Off and Irish entertainment.
College Notes
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.
n
Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) has announced that Nicholas Lee, of Floral Park, a member of the class 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 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 Sci-
Town of Hempstead breaks ground
From page 1
“Today is a historic day in the Town of Hempstead as we are demonstrating our commitment to youth athletics by providing a premier destination for local and visiting teams to utilize,” said Clavin. “This investment into recreation will not only address local field shortages but will also serve as a prime location for teams and tournaments, bringing extra visitors and revenue to our township.”
Marked by the official groundbreaking, construction has begun on this athletic undertaking. The plots, both larger than a football field, will come complete with goal posts for soccer, field hockey,
and lacrosse, and an electronic scoreboard for events. The fields will utilize a synthetic turf stone subbase, which provides a safe, professional playing surface. Drainage and irrigation systems will be installed to prevent flooding, as well as chain link and mesh fences surrounding the outside of the plot.
“I am proud to help deliver a topnotch athletic facility for Hempstead Town residents and beyond,” said Councilman Christopher Schneider. “Recreation is at the forefront of both mental and physical health, and we are embracing our mission of making our township an even better place to live, work, and raise a family.”
The new fields at Town Park Pt. Look-
ences.
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 University’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 n
The University of Rhode Island is pleased to announce that several area students have been named to its Fall 2024 Dean's List. Among them are: Lindsey O'Neill of Floral Park Christopher Pellettieri of Bellerose Village
To be included on the Dean's List, full-time students must have achieved at least a 3.30 quality point average.
on new sports complex
out are lined for all levels of play from professional to all-ages. The currently unnamed athletic destination will be made available to local leagues as well as tournament organizers throughout the country. Nestled alongside the beautiful shoreline of Hempstead Town, this newest addition to the Town’s athletic facilities will remain a premier playing location for sport fanatics of all ages.
"We are incredibly excited to stand alongside Supervisor Clavin and the Town of Hempstead in announcing the construction of this much-needed sports facility in Lido Beach," said Tanner Sands, Long Island Rough Riders General Manager. "The Town’s unwavering commitment to expanding youth athlet-
ics is truly inspiring, and we’re grateful for their dedication to the community. Beyond the new fields, we’re proud to be in the final stages of launching a game-changing partnership between the Town and MLS GO—one that will break down barriers and provide greater access to the sport for all residents."
“Long Island is a hotbed of athletic talent and organizations, and many have expressed their difficulties in finding quality playing locations,” said Clavin. “So much so, that travel teams will travel to other states to play against local Long Island teams. I am proud to further our town’s commitment to youth recreation while also adding to our town’s premier facilities.”
