After a 20-year drought, the Floral Park Memorial boys basketball team triumphantly captured the Nassau County Championship! This historic victory, only the second in school history, was achieved on March 8th. Coaches Sean Boyle and Matt Kelly were commended for their hard work to prepare the team for this big stage. From Matt Kelly’s days as an FPM student and basketball player to this championship moment, Sean and Matt have worked together, making this victory the realization of a long-held goal, and therefore, an exceptionally sweet one.
Rosary Altar Society Spring Fair
OLV Rosary Altar Society Spring Fair will be held on Saturday, April 26, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
FP Schools continue budget development
BY KASSARA MCELROY
The Floral Park-Bellerose School District presented an updated draft of its 2025-2026 budget at last week’s Board of Education meeting, outlining revisions to revenue, expenditures, and capital reserves as the district prepares for a public vote on May 20.
The second draft reflects a 2.07% budget-to-budget increase, with the final tax levy rising 1.942% from the previous year, generating an additional $534,016 in tax revenue and bringing the total to just over $28 million. The first draft originally proposed a 2.06% budget-to-budget increase and a 1.926% tax levy increase. Most adjustments stem from the now finalized BOCES capital exclusion figure, which had been pending at the time of the previous presentation.
Revenue and Financial Planning
“We’re keeping an eye on potential changes to education funding in New York State, which could impact future resource distribution to schools,” said Linda Macias, assistant superintendent for business. “These factors will shape our financial planning as we continue prioritizing student success.”
Expenditures, Program Updates
The curriculum and instruction budget will decrease slightly by $8,300, from $905,621 to $897,341. This reduction is attributed to lower professional development costs, as last year’s implementation of a new math program required extensive teacher training, which will not be as necessary moving forward.
The special education budget will see a $225,923 decrease, from $1,530,957 to $1,305,034, primarily due to a shift in service provision. Occupational therapy (OT) and physical therapy (PT) consultants are now hired directly, reducing costs. However, consultant fees for mandated services have increased, and tuition lines have been adjusted based on student needs.
The event will include great vendors; free bike tune up, blessing of bikes, bake sale, raffles, refreshments.
The district’s primary funding source is local revenue, accounting for 70% of total funding, largely derived from the tax levy and Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILOT) agreements. State aid contributes 24%, including both base and service-driven aid, while the remaining 1% comes from other sources such as community services, health services, and interest.
Anyone interested in being a vendor at the event, please email janiceolv@gmail.com
Garden City, N.Y. 11530 • Meg Norris, Publisher
The total projected revenue surpasses $40 million, marking a yearover-year increase of $820,036. Projections indicate a $20,829 increase in state aid, though final figures will be determined in early April by the Governor.
In line with New York State’s updated literacy guidelines, all districts must align their literacy instruction with the science of reading, which emphasizes phonemic awareness, phonics, vocabulary development, reading fluency, and comprehension. Staff development will be provided to support this transition, particularly for Pre-K through third-grade teachers.
See page 4
Floral Park Lions: Serving locally and globally
The Floral Park Lions Club continues to make a meaningful impact in our community and beyond through service, education, and advocacy. Whether providing vision screenings for children, supporting young patients with gifts, or learning from guest speakers about critical local issues, the Lions are dedicated to making a difference.
Lions Terry Whalen, Lorri Rieger,
Fred Rieger, and Lynne Mattern participated in Give Kids a Smile Day, offering free vision screenings to children receiving oral health care. The spirit of giving continued on Valentine’s Day when Floral Park Lions Donna Langone, Sue Reichert, and Kat Schubach delivered 25 tote bags filled with toys, coloring books, and other goodies to young patients at NYU Langone Children's
Cancer Center for Kids. The thoughtful Leos at Floral Park Memorial High School generously donated items and beautiful handmade cards to brighten the children's day!
Host your next event at the Knights of Columbus’ newly renovated party room! It’s the perfect place for:
Floral Park K of C is open for all the NCAA Men’s & Women’s Tournament Games!
Opening at 12 noon each day on Thursday, 3/20 (St. John’s at 9:45 PM), Friday, 3/21, and Saturday, 3/22. Opening at 1 PM on Sunday, 3/23. Come down and enjoy the games and a cold beer!
The Floral Park Lions Club recently welcomed two inspiring guest speakers. Jackie Borodan from Neighborhood Cats shared the importance of their Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) program, which aligns with the Lions' commitment to environmental sustainability. Shirelle Pearson, Nassau CHADD Chapter Coordinator, discussed her family’s journey and the essential resources CHADD provides for individuals with ADHD and their loved ones. The Lions proudly donated to both causes to support their vital work.
Floral Park Lions Lorri Rieger and Fred Rieger took part in Global Service Week, joining 40 Lions from around the world in humanitarian efforts. In Kenya, they supported the Keeping a Girl in School program, provided gifts to pediatric cancer patients, and attended the launch of a Sight for Kids
mobile van. Their service also included tree planting, recycling efforts, and a community health fair with essential screenings. Meanwhile, in Floral Park, Lion Ann Corbett, the community’s dedicated historian, has been preserving and sharing the remarkable contributions of Caroline Childs, Floral Park’s First Lady, ensuring her legacy lives on. These three Lions exemplify the spirit of service, making a difference both globally and locally.
We welcome members of the community to our upcoming Lions Lunch Meeting. Meet our dedicated members, learn about our latest service projects, and enjoy good company over lunch. This a chance to connect and see what the Lions are all about. Please RSVP by emailing us at FloralParkLionsClub@ gmail.com to confirm meal arrangements. The lunch will be held at Crabtree's Restaurant on Wednesday, April 2, 2025, at 12:30 p.m. Attendees are responsible for the cost of their meals. The Floral Park Lions Club members look forward to seeing you there!
Lions Donna Langone, Sue Reichert, and Kat Schubach visit patients at NYU Langone Children's Cancer Center for Kids.
Nassau CHADD Coordinator Shirelle Pearson accepting the Floral Park Lions Club donation from President Terry Whalen.
Friends of the FP Library elect new board
The March 12 annual election meeting of the Friends of the Floral Park Library ushered in a new Friends Board of Directors for the first time in seven plus years. The votes, by a show of attendees’ hands, were strongly in favor of the slate of nominees.
Also, in great favor was attendees’ gratitude for the many contributions of the outgoing Board including: fundraising, lawn sales, raffles, special events, and the opening of the Library’s Book Nook, and the ongoing support of and for the Library.
The Library would like to extend a big THANK YOU to the “outgoings” President Maria Tetro; Vice President Maryann Pugliese; Treasurer Terry Meegan; Recording Secretary Vanessa Spinner and Corresponding Secretary Anne Marie Santangelo.
The Friends of the Floral Park Library’s new Board of Directors features: President
Terry Paterno; 1st Vice President Kathy Sweeney; 2nd Vice President James MacDonald; Fundraising Kerry Cormican; Treasurer Christine Conway; Recording Secretary Stephanie Fattorini; and Correspondence Secretary/ Social Media Annie Pollack.
The new Board members bring diverse community, corporate, education, public and private sector experience to their respective roles, and have previously worked together on a number of community and charitable initiatives.
Everyone at the Library is excited to see what the new team has planned!
If you’d like to become a Floral Park Library Friend, you can download an application from the Library website (www.floralparklibrary.org), or stop in during normal business hours. The Friends of the Floral Park Library is a 501c3 organization; dues and donations are
deductible.
FP Schools continue budget development
From page 1
The proposed expenditures total $40.6 million, reflecting a $1,090,142 increase from the previous year. The district has successfully reduced the initial budget gap from $510,000 to just over $270,000 while maintaining existing programs and staffing. Officials continue evaluating staffing, software usage, and mandated services to optimize resources and minimize potential cuts.
Capital Reserve Proposal
A new capital reserve fund has been proposed to support long-term facility improvements outlined in the district’s five-year capital improvement plan. If approved, the reserve would be capped at $9 million and would remain in place for up to 10 years, allowing the district to save for major projects, avoiding costly borrowing and preventing significant tax increases when repairs or renovations are needed.
Community Comments
Results from a recent survey of the district’s SCOPE program identified areas for growth, including expanding opportunities for physical activity,
using classrooms for quieter, smaller group settings, adding more creative and structured activities, offering enrichment and aftercare options during registration, and increasing staff engagement with students. Parents were informed through ParentSquare that the program will continue next year. Registration is now open on the district’s website.
The Board of Education has narrowed its search for a new superintendent following initial interviews with six candidates at the start of the month. Two finalists were invited back for a second round of interviews. The board plans to announce the new superintendent at its April meeting.
One community member spoke up for a second time regarding an unresolved personnel matter. No additional details or support were provided at the meeting.
Future Meetings
The Budget Advisory Committee meeting will meet later this month, followed by a board meeting on April 10 to adopt the proposed budget.
9:30 PM
Uncorked
Rex Whicker
“Cars & Claret” ~ Rex Pairs Family Autos with Deserving Wines
The Antique Road Test
Walter Gosden & John Salemmo
“Styling Models” ~ Designing & Promoting Early Automobiles
Davidson & Co.
Larry Davidson
“The Long Island Motor Parkway ” ~ Howard Kroplick, Historian
FPPD: Behind The Badge
The Floral Park Police Department
“Car Stops: Rights & Wrongs” ~ FPPD Officers Will Doherty & John Groshans
FPFD: Red Alert
Firefighters Bob Wisniewski & Leigh Tyrrel
“The Evolution of the Fire Truck” ~ Modernization & Mandates of Design
SPRING HAS SPRUNG!
Our third annual Casino Night event was a huge success!
Thank you for your continued support.
OUR MISSION IS URGENT. Join us at our upcoming events to support young children living in our most under-resourced communities.
GOLF & TENNIS OUTING
MONDAY, JUNE 2
CHERRY VALLEY CLUB
Fall Ball
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 21 THE GARDEN CITY HOTEL
FPM students represented at district art exhibit
On March 13, the Sewanhaka Central High School District Art Department hosted a special reception at the Central Administration Building to recognize the talents of 25 outstanding student artists from across the district. Each district art teacher selected a standout masterpiece from their top-performing student to be showcased. The event brought together student artists, district supervisors, teachers, and proud family members, all gathering to celebrate the creativity and artistic achieve-
ments of these remarkable students. Representing Floral Park’s art department with great pride are five extraordinary artists: Kaylin Adler from Ms. Crimi’s Studio in Art class, Jeremiah Farrier from Ms. Santana’s Photographic Arts class, Ariana Noto from Mr. Kutner’s Drawing and Painting class, Amelia Varon from Ms. Glasser’s Art 8 class and Mia Verde from Mrs. Papajohn-Shaw’s Studio in Art class. Their exceptional pieces of art will continue to be displayed throughout the entire year!
Amelia Varon with Principal Alicia Calabrese.
Kaylin Adler with Principal Alicia Calabrese and Superintendent Regina Agrusa.
Ms. Santana with student artist Jeremiah Farrier and Assistant Principal Alicia Calabrese.
Mia Verde with Principal Alicia Calabrese.
Ariana Noto with teacher Kyle Kutner.
The things you love doing are more than just passions. They’re what make you “you.” This is why for 25 years at The Bristal, our expert team members dedicate their time, attention, and energy to creating personalized experiences that ensure each resident continues being the unique person they are. See for yourself. Explore all of our locations in the tri-state area. thebristal.com
AmaWaterways’
Mekong Luxury Cruise through Vietnam
and Cambodia: Ho Chi Minh City and the Vietnamese Mekong
BY GERI BAIN
FOR TRAVEL FEATURES SYNDICATE GOINGPLACESFARANDNEAR.COM
Silently, our rowboat glides through waters thick with lotus flowers, water lilies, and vegetation and along narrow passageways lined by towering evergreen cajuput (melaleuca) trees whose outstretched branches host hundreds of nesting birds. Later, we hike to an observatory tower for panoramic views of the 2100-acre Tra Su Cajuput Forest and Bird Sanctuary, which shelters over 70 bird species.
We are in Vietnam, and this is one of many amazing tours my 30-yearold-daughter and I enjoy on a weeklong AmaWaterways Mekong River cruise. We are traveling on the fivestar AmaDara. Our cruise begins in Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam and ends in Siem Reap, Cambodia. Here, in the first of a three-part story, we share highlights from our journey through southern Vietnam.
Our trip begins with two precruise nights at the Sofitel Saigon Plaza Hotel in Ho Chi Minh City. The hotel is within walking distance of almost everything we want to see, and its rooftop pool and Bremiere spa are great for unwinding after our 26-hour journey from New York City.
The Sofitel reflects the city’s blend of French Colonial and traditional and modern Vietnamese influences in its decor, service and dining. The lobby has a croissant/pastry cart as well as an area displaying and selling fine local lacquerware and other crafts. It has both French and Vietnamese restaurants, and
an extensive breakfast buffet that features Pho (soup) made to order, a croissant and pastry station and extensive selections of foods from around the world.
Our favorite meal in Ho Chi Minh City is at ST25 by KOTO, our hotel’s tony Vietnamese restaurant. It is popular with locals and guests for its ambience and its creative twist on traditional dishes like spiced Barramundi (fish) roasted in banana leaves with mam tôm sauce (fermented shrimp paste). It takes its name from the acclaimed Vietnamese rice variety, ST25.
One of the wonderful things about this restaurant is that it trains, hires and supports at-risk and disadvantaged youth, and the training is in life-skills, not just hospitality. Everyone working there has come through the program, including our personable maitre d. The service is impeccable and every dish is an artfully presented unique treat, from the yellowtail kingfish in avocado
puree and black sesame appetizer to the Barramundi, a delicious fish roasted in banana leaves with chili, turmeric, spring onion and a mam tôm sauce (fermented shrimp paste).
A friend had advised us to pack lightly and bring an empty suitcase because Vietnam prices warranted buying a whole new wardrobe. The values are definitely there; two shopping experiences stand out.
The first is Phuong Giang, a small shop that came highly recommended, where we page through style books, select a fabric and get measured; the dress is delivered to our hotel the next day for a follow-up fitting at the time we request. The cost is under $75.
Also memorable is Ben Thanh Market, a bustling, clean and orderly indoor market that sells everything from running track suits to suitcases at jaw-droppingly low prices. For example, Nike shirts and shorts are about $5. I buy a chic pleated maxi dress for $18 USD that is similar to ones I’d seen for more than $100 in the
U.S. Note: bargaining is expected. Happily, the museums in Ho Chi Minh City we visit have excellent English signage. We start out at Independence Palace, a.k.a. Reunification Palace, the opulent former seat of French Colonial and South Vietnamese governments, where we see the stately meeting rooms where diplomats and heads of state were greeted, held important meetings and were entertained, and the War Remnants Museum, where news clippings, photos, munitions and other artifacts reveal the ravages of the “American War.”
Since we’re especially interested in learning more about the cultural and historic roots of Vietnam, we visit two other excellent museums: the Museum of South Vietnamese Women, which focuses on women’s roles in farming, family and war during more than 1,000 years of foreign invasions, and the History Museum of Ho Chi Minh City, whose exhibits start with prehistoric times. We spend about two to three hours in each and they provide great context for the sights we will see during our cruise.
On our third morning, we meet up with our AmaWaterways group in the hotel lobby and board buses for a lively, informative ride to our home for the next seven nights, the AmaDara. Built in Vietnam, the fivestar, 62-cabin river cruise ship reflects the Mekong’s French Colonial and Asian aesthetic in its hardwood floors, wood furnishings, and colorful artwork depicting local life.
Exploring the ship, we find a small air-conditioned workout space,
Continued on next page
AmaWaterways’ Mekong River cruise takes us deep into the cultures of southern Vietnam and Cambodia (Photo courtesy of AmaWaterways)
GOING PLACES, NEAR & FAR....
AmaWaterways’ Mekong Luxury Cruise through Vietnam & Cambodia
Continued from previous page
three spa treatment rooms, a plunge pool, large indoor and outdoor cocktail/ coffee lounges and a large dining room. Before dinner, Huy, our energetic and knowledgeable cruise manager, provides the first of our daily talks about the destinations we’ll visit. We begin getting to know some of our crew members, who are almost all from the region.
We appreciate that the dining room always serves a choice of several regional foods like sweet and salty pork bowl and fish “amok”, cooked in a rich, spiced coconut milk sauce, as well as international dishes. And we love that menu items are plated and displayed with a list of ingredients as we enter the dining room—especially helpful for some less familiar dishes.
After dinner, a group of folk musicians comes aboard to perform. The music is unlike Western music and each musician demonstrates their instrument before performing. Then, after the performance, we are invited to chat with the musicians and if we like, try out their instruments.
The next morning, I join a prebreakfast stretch class on the sundeck with Hanna, the ship’s wellness coach. She offers a surprising number of daily yoga, qigong and other classes, and I can still hear her gentle reminders to breathe deeply and take in the healthy air of the Mekong.
Our next two days in Vietnam are packed with adventure and our days take on a rhythm of morning excursions, a refreshing midday break and lunch on board the ship in air-conditioned comfort, and then a second set of activities in the afternoon. We opt for the active excursions which have more walking or add a second site to the standard tour.
After breakfast, we head out in sampans (traditional small boats) to a
candy and rice-paper workshop in Cai Be, where we watch and sample each step of the candy process, see rice paper being made by hand, and visit their small local crafts shop. We taste some local liquors, but on the advice of our guide, we skip the snake wine.
Active travelers continue on for a guided walk through Dong Hoa Hiep, an ancient village of fruit tree groves and ornate historic homes. The highlight is Mr. Kiet’s Ancient House, a faithfully restored upper-class 1838 home with intricately carved wooden archways and doors and a fine collection of antique furnishings, many with luminescent inlaid nacre. Recognized by UNESCO as a World Cultural Heritage site, the home is still occupied by the widow of Mr Kiet, who operates a small restaurant in the orchard garden.
Our afternoon tour takes us to the wet market in Sa Dec, where we see live eels, snake fish, snails and duck embryos, still in the shell, which are a local delicacy. From there, we board sampans and boat over to the Cao Dai Temple, where brilliant paintings and sculptures illustrate the beliefs of this home-grown Vietnamese monotheistic religion. Combining elements of Confucianism, Buddhism, Taoism, Christianity, Vietnamese folk religions and other practices, the Cao Dai religion is now the third largest religion in Vietnam.
On our last morning in Vietnam,
NUTRITION NEWS
BY CHARLYN FARGO
We explore the watery Tra Su Cajuput Forest by traditional rowboat and on foot.
we have two options: a trishaw tour of a village, stopping at silk and rattan workshops and a home visit, or an excursion to the Tra Su Cajuput Forest and Bird Sanctuary. Based on conversations with fellow passengers over dinner that evening, there was no wrong choice. We opt for nature, and are thrilled to have the chance to see this pristine eco-system.
This afternoon, we are required to remain on-board as the boat clears customs into Cambodia. AmaWaterways has collected our passports, arranges our visas and takes care of all the details. We take the opportunity to experience the region’s special deep-tissue massage spa treatments and join a cooking class.
It’s only been three days since we set out on AmaWaterways’ AmaDara, but it feels like much longer because of all we’ve seen and done. We are excited for tomorrow, when we will wake up in Cambodia’s exotic capital, Phnom Penh.
The basics:
In 2025, AmaWaterways offers oneweek Mekong River trips, except during May, June, and July, traveling between Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam and Siem Reap, Cambodia. Prices start at around $2,320 and include transfers between the ship and Ho Chi Minh City and Siem Reap and all sightseeing, wi-fi, meals, and onboard programs. Extra charges include airfare (discounted fares are available), visa fees, bar drinks (alcoholic beverages
Celebrate a World of Flavors
That’s the theme of National Nutrition Month this March. Highlighting March as National Nutrition Month started back in 1980. The goal is to stress the importance of a balanced diet and exercise.
The idea behind the theme is to embrace global cultures, cuisines and inclusion. Enjoying different flavors of the world is a chance to learn more about your own food culture as well as those that may not be so familiar. Familiar ingredients can be presented in new ways and new foods may remind you of things you already know and love. You may also come across ingredients and flavors you’ve never ex-
perienced before.
Trying foods and recipes from various cultures in one way to incorporate different flavors into your healthy eating routine. And trying new flavors and foods from various cultures can also help you increase the variety of foods you eat.
That’s the premise of healthy eating: variety, moderation and balance.
Looking to global cuisines also is a smart alternative for those who get bored eating the same thing over and over.
That’s especially important because the way foods taste is a major factor in what kids and adults do -- or don’t -- eat.
Try an international breakfast to break the monotony and expand your world.
with meals are included), port charges (about $210 p.p.) and suggested tips ($80 per passenger for the crew and $20-$25 for the cruise manager). AmaWaterways also offers a choice of all-inclusive pre- and post-cruise options. The most comprehensive is eight nights, including stays in Ho Chi Minh City, Siem Reap/ Angkor Wat,, and Ha Long Bay, and all transportation, priced at $2,779 per person.
Flights from the U.S. can take well over 20 hours. As with all cruises, it’s important to arrive at least a day early in case of flight delays. Considering the time change and potential for jet lag, I’d suggest a minimum two-night pre-cruise cushion—more if you have time.
Be sure to check with your doctor or a travel medicine specialist for recommendations on vaccinations and other health precautions, and the U.S. Department of State, CIA.gov and the CIA World Factbook for helpful country information.
Note when filling out visa applications, flight and hotel reservations that dates in Vietnam and Cambodia are written day/ month/year. I almost booked my flight for the wrong date. (April 1, 2025 would be written 01/04/2025).
Get the required visa at Vietnam’s website, evisa.gov.vn, where the fee is $25 (if you use a visa service it costs something like $197), and at Cambodia’s website (evisa.gov.kh), where the fee is $30, but give yourself enough time to get the confirmation.
--Mexico -- It’s not uncommon to eat tortillas with beans and shredded beef or chicken for breakfast, providing protein and fiber (from the beans).
--Israel -- An Israeli breakfast includes both vegetables and fruit as well as healthy fats. A typical breakfast consists of olives, cheese, vegetables, bread and fresh juices. Try threading chunks of cheese and vegetables such as peppers, tomatoes, cucumbers and pitted olives on wooden skewers. Yep, it’s breakfast food.
--Kenya -- A traditional Kenyan breakfast includes porridge, made from corn,
Continued on page 5
On purely chaste, pristine, and random thoughts
BY LOU THEODORE
Here we go again. There are 24 of my random, scattered thoughts below about nothing in particular. These “random” articles come when I am at a loss; they actually lift my spirits during those times.
• Our favorite resort in Florida –The Sandcastle in Sarasota – got flooded out permanently with Helene. The end of an era for our family.
• I vowed to dedicate part of my life to helping students professionally; I just loved it.
• Planning another presentation of Winning at Casinos in the near future.
• The most underrated movie of all time is Random Harvest, starring Greer Garson (a true beauty) and Ronald Coleman.
• My dining favorites are:
Soup – avgolemono
Salad – Ceasar’s
Meat – Lamb (naturally) followed by ribeye steak followed by short ribs.
Fish – Pick it
• Ribeyes are unquestionably the tastiest of the steak cuts.
• Swing the Teapot in Floral Park (at the Queens/Nassau border) is a gem of a restaurant in the middle of nowhere.
• I’m on borrowed time at 90+.
• Harry’s Hilltop deli in Williston Park does a nice job on Greek food.
Mary used him for parts of her menu for my 90th birthday party.
• It has become more painful to bury a dear friend or close relative. Just lost former classmate Neophitos Ganiaris, a fellow Greek.
• 2024 was truly an exciting baseball season. The Mets really put a show on in late September and the playoffs.
• I have made every attempt to stop patronizing businesses (particularly restaurants) that charge for using a credit card.
• Astoria is still your best bet for Greek food.
• School taxes are really getting out of hand.
• More and more streets in Queens and Nassau County are in dire need of repair.
• Did I call it with Rodgers? I’m a Jet fan but he was 2 years older, and lost his desire, mobility, and running capability.
• Dining out – with the sales tax and increased tipping – has become overly expensive.
• The Hambones has become one of our favorite go-to music groups; John Kouri is a great entertainer, and his lead guitarist is just super. Same for Hell or High Water with Tom Wiff.
• Could it possibly be true that somewhere between 10-20 million undocumented (or is it illegals) are now in our country?
• Dinner out with entertainment is turning out to be no more expensive than just dining out.
• I love D’Angelo’s (Williston Park) grandma pizza.
• Getting a Ph.D. today is almost like getting a bachelor’s degree when I was growing up.
• When I’m at a loss, I start writing; it lifts my burden(s) or solves a problem.
• The last half of the last century passed into the sunset a quarter of a century ago. I was on top of the world: horses, the Queen, Killeen’s, Astoria, Rockaway Beach, Ph.D., great students. Those were the days.
Visit the author at: www.theodorenewsletter.com and / or Basketball Coaching 101 on Facebook
BY TOM MARGENAU
Military Myths and Social Security
Not a week goes by when I don’t get emails from veterans who have been led to believe that they are missing out on some extra Social Security benefits allegedly payable to people who served in the military.
As is often the case with these misleading internet come-ons, there is a tiny kernel of truth to the rumor. But then exaggerated claims and false information take over and things get blown way out of proportion.
Here are the facts in a nutshell: If you were in the military anytime up until 2001, the government may add a small amount of additional earnings to your Social Security record. And note that I am NOT talking about extra money added to your Social Security check. These are simply extra earnings incorporated into your Social Security earnings record -- the record upon which your Social Security monthly benefit is based.
The good news is you get these extra earnings on your Social Security account. But the bad news is these extra credits are relatively minimal and usually will have little or no effect on the eventual amount of your Social Security check.
You also need to know that these extra earnings are automatically added to your Social Security account. There is nothing you need to do to get the extra credits.
Now let’s back up and give a little more information about military service and Social Security. If you served on active duty or active-duty training in the military service anytime after 1956, you paid Social Security taxes on your earnings just like anyone else working at a job covered by Social Security. Since 1988, inactive duty in the armed forces reserves, such as weekend drills, has also been covered by Social Security. That’s the simple part.
What leads to all the confusion is that Congress decided to add extra earnings credits to the Social Security records of military personnel. And the amount of those credits varies depending on the time served.
If you were in the military between 1957 and 1977, the government adds $300 to your Social Security record for each calendar quarter in which you received active-duty basic pay.
From 1978 through 2001, the government added an extra $100 to your Social Security account for each $300 you earned in basic pay, up to a maximum of $1,200 per year. There are times when these extra credits aren’t granted. For example, if you enlisted after Sept. 7, 1980, and didn’t complete your full tour of duty, you won’t get the extra credits. Check with the Social Security Administration for more exceptions.
Beginning in 2002, the government stopped adding extra credits to Social Security records for military service.
As I said above, if you are due extra
credits, you usually don’t need to do anything to get them added to your record. If you served from 1968 through 2001, those credits are automatically added to your Social Security account. If you served from 1957 through 1967, the credits will be added at the time you file for benefits. In some cases, you may be asked to provide your DD-214 (discharge papers) to verify your military service.
The story is a little different for older vets reading this. If you served in the armed forces between 1940 and 1956, Social Security taxes were not deducted from your military paychecks. But in most cases, the government did add $160 per month in earnings to your Social Security account for the time you served. These credits were automatically added at the time you applied for Social Security benefits.
So that’s the story. There are no big Social Security bonuses for vets. You don’t need to go to your Social Security office waving your DD-214 and expect to get a big pile of cash. (Although, as I pointed out above, folks who served between 1957 and 1967 may need to show their discharge papers at the time they file for benefits to get those extra earnings added to their Social Security account.)
And finally, I must repeat this message: Those extra earnings you get for your military service aren’t going to make you rich. Because Social Security retirement benefits are figured using a 35-year base of earnings, a few hundred dollars sprinkled here and there into your Social Security account will have little if any effect on your eventual Social Security benefit.
Another common myth involving Social Security and people who were in the military concerns the relationship between Veterans Administration benefits and Social Security disability benefits.
I hear from vets all the time who say something like this: “The VA says I’m disabled. Yet when I tried to get Social Security disability benefits, they turned me down. How can one federal agency say I’m disabled, and another federal agency says I’m not?”
The reason one government department says you’re disabled and another says you’re not is that each agency has its own laws and rules about what constitutes a disability.
For example, the VA makes disability payments to vets based on degrees of disability. They might say you are 10% disabled, or maybe 50% disabled.
But to get Social Security disability benefits, the law says you must be 100% disabled. Or to be more precise, the rules say you must have a physical or mental condition that is so severe it will keep you from doing any kind of work for at least a year. Or you must have a terminal condition.
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.
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Saving and keeping our NYS population from leaving
Somehow my link to our hilarious belly laugh video of my instructor, David Lauster’s story of his Chinese couple was incorrect from last week. So here is the correct link: https:// www.facebook.com/philipraices/ videos/10209707276180032/
The last 14 years, NYS has been losing its’ primary population, GenZs, GenX and Millennials and even our baby boomers too. (Governor Cuomo’s failed 207 million dollar advertising plan/Pressconnects.com). You’d have to have your head in the sand or never read or watch the news to not know why. It’s obvious that the price of homes, real estate taxes and the cost of living are the three main reasons, right? Well, you guessed it! It seems extremely doubtful, that anyone, including our local, state and federal governments can do anything about the price of homes, but maybe they can. Moreover, there is a way to cut our real estate taxes, by methodically creating a plan of action to ascertain and determine where monies can be saved in running our local, state and federal governments. I do not suggest or believe a swift sword slicing to every department “willy-nilly” that runs our local, state, and Federal governments without a plan in determining who needs to be on the “chopping block” in a fair and equitable fashion. What is happening today is not the most prudent, logical and pragmatic plan of action. However, if we fail to plan then we will plan to fail, similarly to what is currently occurring today. When you try to save, you must plan and figure out how to do it with the least amount of damage and pushback to the governing aspect of everyday life as well as to the people that are employed.
There should always be a consistent log and a record of reviews on a quarterly basis to create a history of timeliness, actual quality and quantity of work being completed and being accountable, whether working remotely, hybrid or full-time in an office. Laying people off as a cost savings method is one thing; but what is hap-
pening today, is suddenly just firing or offering them buyouts without cause or proof of failure to perform without actual and factual reasons is another thing and surely isn’t the most advantageous and smart path to pursue. Go to CNBC. com for more information on the extent of the firings and layoffs.
BY PHILIP A. RAICES
This will have some consequences to those who are homeowners, as well as those who planned to become homeowners as their jobs are eliminated. How will this help our economy and minimize our future inflation? My professional opinion is, it will not. There are enough economists that have come out and said that inflation is here to stay and will be increasing once again as it had during the Covid-19 Pandemic. As the DOGE contingent continues to layoff federal workers, the future may not be as bright as they may be planning.
I do apologize for digressing into the political arena, but this explanation will make many realize and understand how we can keep more of our younger population who want to stay in NYS, and it has become next to impossible under the current home pricing crisis.
To me, one of the answers is to construct much smaller homes for singles, couples and families with children. In my town, studios are currently prices from$150,000-$339,000; and the approximate square footage ranges from 250400 sq. ft. This might work for singles and couples but not for families.
The time has arrived for greater emphasis on factory, pre-built modular homes. This must now be considered one of the solutions and an avenue to pursue to keep our population from exiting NYS. There are companies, one in particular that I am working with where prices can range from $110,000$450,000 depending on the size, finishes and extras. The cost savings can be monumental; and these are facto-
ry built modular homes are assembled on sight in a very expeditious and simple fashion. However, this will provide the benefits of true ownership as opposed to being under the control of a landlord, who receives all the benefits and gains of income, appreciation, tax writeoffs, building their future wealth and the tenant’s zero. it’s all about enabling tenants to become homeowners, experience the “American Dream” and building their future wealth. This in turn will continue to aid and boost our local and state economies. The issue is finding suitable land that economically priced to build upon in development styled locations where nimbyism (not in my backyard) is less of an issue and can be tolerated by local homeowners, understanding the ramifications of losing our populations to other less costly states. Suffolk Country and many areas of the five boroughs of NYC and upstate have sufficient land to provide reasonable housing at cost effective prices.
Local, State and Federal Governments need to take a stand as they have the power to create first time assistance programs to provide grant money that you wouldn’t have to pay back if you reside in the home for at least 10 years. We are losing our middle class in NY as well as other high cost states. We need to be innovators and government needs to have an entrepreneurial spirit to keep our local and state economy from falling behind and losing our workers. Modular factory-built homes are now a necessity and are one of the solutions to consider to keeping our younger generation from leaving.
Just curious, I would like to know who among you would consider staying if the price of purchasing a studio sized, small to midsized single family or attached home from 350-1200 sq. ft was affordable. Email me at the address below. If we have a sufficient response,
I will report on it in a future column.
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, eco-friendly low carbon footprint construction with 3-D printed foundations, Solar panels, Geo-thermal HVAC/Heat Pumps).
He will also provide a copy of “Unlocking the Secrets of Real Estate’s New Market Reality, and his Seller’s and Buyer’s Guides for “Things to Consider when Selling, investing or Purchasing your Home.
He will provide you with “free” regular updates of what has gone under contract (pending), been sold (closed) and those homes that have been withdrawn/ released or expired (W/R) and all new listings of homes, HOA, Townhomes, Condos, and Coops in your town or go to: https://WWW.Li-RealEstate.Com and you can “do it yourself (DYI) and search on your own. For a “FREE” no obligation 15 minute consultation, as well as a “FREE printout or digital value analysis of what your home might sell for in today’s market without any obligation or “strings” attached call him at (516) 647-4289 or email: Phil@ TurnKeyRealEstate.com
You can now search at your leisure for properties at: WWW.Li-RealEstate. com
Continued from page 2
sorghum, or millet. It’s often served with peanuts, fish or boiled sweet potatoes or cassava.
--India -- Indian breakfasts often are vegetarian. A favorite is vegetable upma, a hot breakfast made from farina and vegetables including onions, carrots and green beans and spiced with ginger, cur-
ry leaves, mustard seeds and cumin. The warm morning meal provides plenty of iron from fortified grains and dietary fiber from vegetables.
--Peru -- A typical Peruvian breakfast often is a corn or quinoa tamale with papaya and white cheese known as queso fresco. A weekend favorite is stir-fried steak with tomatoes and onions served with bread.
Q and A
Q: Is a slow metabolism to blame for my weight?
A: Only in rare cases do people gain an excessive amount of weight from a medical issue that slows the metabolism, such as Cushing’s syndrome or having an underactive thyroid gland. Weight gain is a complicated process, a combination of genetic makeup, hormonal controls,
diet composition and other lifestyle factors such as sleep, physical activity and stress. To be at the right weight, choose a healthy diet and get plenty of exercise. 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.
BY MARY HUNT
I’m sure my supermarket is not the only grocery store with an area in the back I call “My Bargain Bin.” It’s refrigerated and features some dandy bargains, especially on perishable items approaching that “sell by” date. There are no limits on the number of items I can load into my cart -- all of them with ridiculously low, rock-bottom prices.
You may be asking, but Mary, what can we do with all of these perishables to make sure they don’t, well, perish! The answer, of course, is to freeze them. Yes, even the eggs, milk and cheese.
BUTTER
Freeze margarine or butter in the packaging and containers they come in for up to six months. Thaw to return to their original texture and quality.
CREAM, WHIPPED
Once whipped and sweetened, cream freezes well for one to two months. Note: Freezing cream in its liquid state is not recommended because it affects the quality of the product. In most cases, freezing causes changes to the fat, which can lead to poor texture.
How to Freeze Eggs, Dairy Products and More Who Needs Balance?
BY MARY HUNT
Dear Mary: What does it mean to “balance” my bank account? How do I do that? Why should I? I really appreciate you answering my question. I’m sure I should know this, but honestly, I don’t. -- Josey
Dear Josey: This is a great question, and I’m sure you’d be surprised to know just how many of your fellow readers want to know the same thing!
To balance, or “reconcile,” your account means you agree with the amount of money the bank says you have in your account at any given time -- that it is exactly the same amount that your records say you have. If the amount you show you have in the account does not match what the bank says you have, you’re out of balance. Someone has made a mistake, and you need to find it.
There are four reasons you need to balance your account at least once a month:
No. 1: To catch the bank’s mistakes (they make ‘em!).
No. 2: To catch your mistakes (so do you).
EGGNOG
Unopened eggnog may be frozen for up to two months. Thaw in the refrigerator, and shake well before serving, as there may be some ingredient separation during freezing.
EGGS
You can freeze eggs, provided you remove them from the shell first. Do not freeze whole eggs in the shell. Raw eggs can be frozen for up to one year. Thaw in the refrigerator. Hint: Separate the whites from the yolks, and freeze in small portions for easy use.
MILK
Milk may be frozen for as long as three months, provided the sealed container is frozen prior to the “best before” date. Skim and low-fat milk freeze better than whole milk. Thaw frozen milk in the refrigerator. The milk will still have the same nutrients, but it may separate. If it does, shake well, and consume as soon as possible.
CHEESE
Hard cheese freezes well, but it changes the texture, making it nearly impossible to slice. Frozen cheese is great for cooking and to grate. Hint: Grate first, then freeze
FRESH MEAT
Fresh beef roasts and steaks can be frozen for up to one year if wrapped well to retard freezer burn; pork and lamb up to six months.
PROCESSED MEATS
You can freeze bacon, hot dogs, cooked ham, luncheon meats and sausage for up to two months before these items begin to lose quality and taste.
FRESH POULTRY
Whole turkey, chicken, duck and goose can be frozen for up to one year. Poultry pieces, however, should be used within nine months.
FLOUR
All-purpose flour, whole-wheat flour, cornmeal and other baking staples, including baking powder and baking soda, stay fresh and bug-free indefinitely in the freezer. You will experience no change of texture or taste. Even better? You can ignore the expiration dates.
COFFEE AND TEA
Storing coffee beans in the freezer has long been the method of choice to preserve freshness. But die-hard coffee lovers tell us to never freeze coffee beans or grinds because it changes the flavor from fresh to “freezer-stale.” However, no one
argues that freezing leftover brewed coffee in ice cube trays to make blended coffee drinks or iced coffee is a great idea. Freeze leftover tea in the same manner and you’ll have “ice” for your iced tea that will not dilute the drink.
Mary invites you to visit her at EverydayCheapskate.com, where this column is archived complete with links and resources for all recommended products and services. Mary invites questions and comments at https://www.everydaycheapskate.com/contact/, “Ask Mary.” This column will answer questions of general interest, but letters cannot be answered individually. Mary Hunt is the founder of EverydayCheapskate.com, a frugal living blog, and the author of the book “DebtProof Living.”
COPYRIGHT 2025 CREATORS.COM
No. 3: To avoid really expensive bounce fees.
No. 4: To feel like a genius.
When you go for long periods of time without settling up to make sure the bank and you agree on how much you have in your account, you’re handing over your power to whatever the bank says you have. They’re not perfect. Banks are run by humans, and humans make errors.
You make errors, too -- not only with math but also with things like forgetting to write down an ATM withdrawal, a forgotten debit card swipe or other transaction.
OK, enough with the lecture. The next time you get your statement, allow that to be your new starting point. Accept the balance the bank says you have, and then reconcile your account every month going forward. You’ll find simple fill-in-the-blank instructions with a form on the back of your statement, or you can find something similar online.
Another option is to download an app that will effectively balance your account for you. There are some great
apps out there for balancing your checkbook, such as Mint, WalletWhiz, PocketMoney, QuickBank Checkbook and ClearCheckbook.
Dear Mary: I hardly ever carry cash and rarely use credit. I use only a debit card. But still, there are times I feel out of control. How can I get some control over my spending? -- Cindy
Dear Cindy: Merchant research groups have proven it over and again: Customers who shop with plastic spend about 30% more than those paying with cash.
I believe that’s because credit and debit cards (paper checks as well) are stand-ins for our money. They’re not the real thing, but more like “play money.”
I know for myself that swiping a card or writing a check for a purchase doesn’t require the same kind of mental consideration as paying with cash.
I suggest you put yourself on a cash-only diet for the next 30 days. Don’t carry a checkbook or plastic. Except for payments you must send through the mail, force yourself to pay with cash.
Then determine to keep a written record of how you spend the cash.
While making the switch to cash will be quite an adjustment in the beginning, I predict your mindless spending will disappear.
Tip: If you are concerned about being caught short in case of an emergency, keep a large denomination ($50 or $100) prepaid debit card, such as a MasterCard or Visa gift card, tucked away in the back of your wallet. I’ll bet you’ll have a tough time cashing them, but you’ll know you are prepared if you get stuck.
Mary invites you to visit her at EverydayCheapskate.com, where this column is archived complete with links and resources for all recommended products and services. Mary invites questions and comments at https://www.everydaycheapskate.com/contact/, “Ask Mary.” This column will answer questions of general interest, but letters cannot be answered individually. Mary Hunt is the founder of EverydayCheapskate.com, a frugal living blog, and the author of the book “Debt-Proof Living.”
COPYRIGHT 2025 CREATORS.
STARGAZERS
Seeing the ‘Unseeable’ with Averted Vision
BY DENNIS MAMMANA
Week of March 23-29, 2025
The human eye is a remarkable device. Most of what we know about the world and universe around us we owe to this 1-inch diameter gelatinous globe.
As much as the eye can show us around our daily world, it requires plenty of light to work properly. It’s not made for viewing in low-light situations and, as you can imagine, it’s quite limited when it comes to astronomical observing.
For example, go out to a dark site some night and just try to see colors around you. Sure, it’s easy to see colors of taillights or flashlights, or even distant city lights, but these are relatively bright. Check out the colors of your car or someone’s shirt without shining a light on them, and you’ll see only shades of gray.
This is because the color receptors near the center of the retina -- the “cones” -- are triggered only by relatively bright light. The shades of gray we see come courtesy of the sensors known as “rods”; these surround the cones and work pretty well under dim lighting. We can improve the ability of our eyes to see in darkness by a process known as dark adaptation. You’ll get a great demonstration of dark adaptation if you try to find a seat in a dark movie theater after entering from a bright
sunlit street. By the time you’re ready to head out to the refreshment stand or restroom, you’ll discover that navigating inside the theater is no longer a problem. That’s because our pupils dilate in the darkness to allow in more light. This process takes time -- at least 30 minutes -- but it does eventually occur.
To have a chance to see the stars most effectively, we must allow dark adaptation to take place, and that requires at least 30 minutes without looking into a bright white light. Astronomers always allow plenty of time for this process to occur before we begin our observations, and once we do, we protect our night vision by using only red light to find our way around or to use star maps or logbooks.
Even so, there’s another challenge our eyes face when peering at the night sky. After you’re dark-adapted, choose something faint in the sky and stare directly at it. A good subject for this experiment is the Pleiades star cluster, midway up in the western sky after dark this week.
If you stare directly at it, you may be surprised to watch it disappear! Why should this be? Because when you stare directly at a faint object, you’re focusing its light onto the center of the retina, where the color-sensing cones reside, and they don’t work with faint light. So whatever you’re staring at will vanish.
Now suppose you avert your gaze a tiny bit up or down or to the side. You’ll be focusing its light onto the rods; they work pretty well under such conditions, and the Pleiades will pop sharply back into view.
This “averted vision” technique helps overcome some of the limitations
of our amazing eyes. It also works when peering through a telescope or binoculars, and even while walking or driving after dark.
Visit Dennis Mammana at dennismammana.com.
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BY TRACY BECKERMAN
“Hello, hello,” I said when I saw my husband’s number come up on my phone.
Nothing.
“Hellllloooooooooo?” I said louder.
“Can I have a tall decaf skim mocha Frappuccino?” I heard my husband say. It sounded like he wasn’t talking directly into his phone but rather from a galaxy far, far away.
“HELLLLOOOOOO!” I yelled at the top of my lungs. “HONEY, YOUR PHONE IS CALLING ME AGAIN!!”
This, unfortunately, was not a new scenario. There are times when my husband calls me on his cellphone, then there are times when his cellphone calls me all on its own. My husband keeps his phone in his rear pocket, and sometimes he will use his phone and then slip it into his pocket, and he will sit on it, and it will call me. The problem is, while his phone knows it called me, my husband doesn’t.
“PICK UP YOUR PHONE!” I yelled again. “PICK IT UP!”
I imagined people waiting in line behind him wondering why there was a tiny voice coming from my husband’s butt.
I waited, but alas, nothing happened. He didn’t hear me. No one heard me. This must be what’s it like to be a Who in Whoville.
I hung up, then I picked up the phone again. Because he didn’t hang up on his end, we were still connected. Now I couldn’t use my phone until his phone decided to hang up. I was trapped in cellphone purgatory.
“Your phone called me again today,” I told him in a huff later that night.
He laughed. “Come on. It did not.”
“You went to Starbucks today and got a grande decaf skim mocha Frappuccino,” I said.
He paused. “You’re wrong! It was a tall. I knew you made this up.”
“I DIDN’T MAKE IT UP!!! I KNOW WHAT YOU DID AND I KNOW WHERE
YOU WERE BECAUSE YOUR STUPID PHONE CALLED ME!!!!” I yelled. I couldn’t help it. I was at the end of my rope. His phone was calling me three or four times a day. I was being harassed by a rogue cellphone.
“I think you’re overreacting,” he said in the calm, soothing tone people use to talk to their mothers and other irrational people.
“Please put the phone in your front pocket or something because it’s driving me nuts,” I pleaded. Clearly he didn’t understand how much this was bothering me. I thought, maybe I should take matters into my own hands. Yes, I suppose the phone could “accidentally” end up in the wash. Or in the garbage disposal. Or under the wheel of my car. Even for me, psycho housewife, that all seemed a little extreme. Well, maybe not the wash.
I realized the only way to deal with this was to change tactics.
“You know, maybe this isn’t a bad thing,” I told him. “This phone can help
me keep track of you when you’re not around. Every time you sit down and your phone calls me, I can hear where you are and what you’re doing,” I said thoughtfully.
He frowned. I could hear the wheels turning. “Well, I don’t want it to keep interrupting your day,” he said.
“Maybe I’ll find another place to keep the phone.”
“Great.” I replied. Victory was mine.
The next day, my husband didn’t accidentally call me once. But then my phone rang, and I saw my brother’s number come up on the screen.
“Hello?”
I heard my brother in the background, a bit muffled. “Turkey on rye with mustard, please.”
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
To most effectively view the night sky, astronomers allow dark adaptation of the eyes to occur before beginning their observations.
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Serve up springtime flavor with beetroot soup
Beetroot Soup with Mixed Seeds
Makes 4 servings
Certain foods tend to hit the spot a little more convincingly during particular times of year.
For instance, it’s hard to resist a hearty comfort food when the weather outside is cold and the winter winds are howling.
For the soup:
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 onion
1 finely chopped garlic clove
3 chopped celeries
1 teaspoon dried marjoram
1⁄2 teaspoon dried dill
5 cups vegetable stock, plus
To serve:
4 tablespoons plain yogurt
2 tablespoons chopped pistachio nuts, shelled
2 tablespoons black chia seeds
1) For the soup: Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan set over medium heat until hot.
2) Add the onion, garlic, celery, and a generous pinch of salt, cooking for 6 to 7 minutes until softened.
3) Stir in the dried herbs and vegetable stock. Bring to a simmer before stirring in the beets.
4) Simmer gently for 20 to 25 minutes until the beetroot is very tender to the tip of a knife.
5) Purée with an immersion blender, adding in some of the reserved beetroot juice to thin
Come springtime, lighter fare regains its place in the spotlight. As spring blooms return, foodies looking for something that won’t bust their belts can try this recipe for “Beetroot Soup with Mixed Seeds” courtesy of Lines+Angles.
extra as needed
1 1⁄4 lb. pickled beets, cubed, juice reserved
2 tablespoons plain yogurt
Salt
Freshly ground black peppercorns
2 tablespoons pumpkin seeds 2 tablespoons golden linseeds or linseeds
1 handful mint leaves
out the consistency to your liking; you can also thin it out with more stock or some water.
6) Return the soup to a simmer and stir in the yogurt and some salt and pepper to taste. Keep warm over a very low heat, making sure the soup does not boil.
7) To serve: When ready to serve, ladle into warm bowls and top with some yogurt.
8) Garnish with a scattering of chopped pistachios, mixed seeds and some mint leaves before serving.
Last Hope Part of the Chewy.com Rescue Program
If you haven’t tried Chewy.com yet for your pet food and supply purchases, this is a great time to check them out. Last Hope is part of their rescue program. For each new customer that makes a purchase, Last Hope will receive a $20 donation. Go to Last Hope’s Chewy page at https://www.chewy. com/g/last-hope-animal-rescue_b100553681 for info on Last Hope and to shop for items and necessities on the shelter’s wish list.
FP-B School Drama Club performs at board meeting
Floral Park-Bellerose School’s Drama Club are pictured with members of the Board of Education, Principal John DeKams and Drama Club advisers on March 13.
Floral Park-Bellerose School Drama Club students offered a preview of their upcoming musical production, “Aladdin Jr.,” at the Board of Education meeting on March 13.
The students sang the opening number, “Arabian Nights,” introducing the audience to the fictional city of
Floral Park-Bellerose’s Drama Club performed “Arabian Nights” from “Aladdin Jr.” at the Board of Education meeting on March 13.
Agrabah, and the characters of Aladdin and Princess Jasmine. The FPBS Drama Club production of “Aladdin Jr.” will be held in April.
Photos courtesy of the
Floral Park-Bellerose Union Free School District
Sacred Heart students to present at conference
Front row (left to right): I. Porrini, G. Loscano, I. DePalma, A. Desir
Back row (left to right): E. Gray, H. Peter, E. Carotenuto, I. Graffagnino, A. Calabrese, K. Mazaroski, C. Preall
For the seventh consecutive year, several Sacred Heart Academy research proposals submitted to the Association for Psychological Science have been accepted for presentation at the Association’s Convention this May 23-25. At this year’s convention, five SHA seniors and six juniors will participate. Nine girls will present individual posters as first-authors; Another project is co-authored by a junior-senior team. Our teens will present their work alongside undergraduates and graduate students at one of psychology’s most prestigious international annual gatherings. All proposals are “read blind,” meaning the judges did not know they were reading the work of high school students.
Less than 150 pre-collegiate researchers have been asked to present original work over the 38 year lifespan that the APS has held its annual conference. Sixty-five have attended SHA. At this convention, scholars from all over the nation and the world gather to network and share cutting-edge insights. The girls will present ten posters and discuss their original research with other
FPM students hear presentation from NC Jury Commission
Students from Floral Park Memorial High School's Criminal Justice and AP Government classes listened to a presentation from the Nassau County Court System.
The Nassau County Jury Commission recently gave a presentation given to students at Floral Park Memorial High School's Criminal Justice and Government classes. Mr. Vanenburg’s Criminal Justice class and Ms. Nagy and Dr. Schwartz’s AP Government classes heard from the commission jurors during 9th period in the library.
The presentation was incredibly impactful. It was engaging and effective-
ly conveyed the importance of jury participation in ensuring fair, impartial, and unbiased verdicts based on evidence rather than prejudice. Additionally, students gained insight into the various career opportunities within the Nassau County court system, learning that the legal field extends far beyond attorneys and judges to include a vast network of professionals who support the criminal justice system.
APS members. APS annual meeting. Typical attendees include university undergraduates, graduate students, and faculty. Institutions such as Boston College, Stanford University, Princeton University, Columbia University, Howard University, Binghamton University, Georgetown University, and the University of Notre Dame are represented at most of the conferences. Science Research Director Stephen Sullivan encouraged the girls to submit their respective projects to the convention, and suggested health, social, cognitive, and educational psychology, along with psychology of religion and spirituality as relevant subfields. From 2019 to 2024, the girls have met with and discussed a variety of topics - from women in STEM to life as an academic - with luminaries such as Carol Dweck and Geraldine Downey, legendary Stanford and Columbia psychologists, respectively.
Floral Park’s Emma Carotenuto (Grade 12) will present “The ‘Sunset Effect ’ among Nursing Home and at-Home Patients in a Latinx Community.”
FP Junior Woman’s Club plans Supermarket Bingo
The Floral Park Junior Woman's Club will hold a Supermarket Bingo event on Friday, April 4, to support its program of scholarships and social services.
The event will take place on Friday, April 4. Doors open at 7 p.m., and the first game starts at 7:30 p.m. It will take place at the American Legion Hall, 15 Elizabeth Street, Floral Park. The building is handicap accessible.
Cost of $15 includes two bingo cards,
coffee, dessert, and a a door prize raffle ticket. Additional bingo cards are available at two for $6 or 4 for $10. Winners will receive supermarket gift cards. There will also be raffle baskets and a 50/50 drawing.
Payments must be made with reservations. Please contact Kathy Kiss at 516-946-3369 or kklccj@hotmail.com by March 21 for reservations and more information.
