Urban Explorers celebrate a year of adventures
The Floral Park Public Library Urban Explorers recently celebrated the holidays, and a year filled with adventures, on Friday, December 27th at Nancy's in Floral Park.
Hempstead Town Mulchfest
The holiday season may be wrapping up, but Hempstead Town Supervisor Don Clavin says there’s plenty of fun to unwrap at the Town’s 5th Annual Mulchfest! This beloved event invites residents to bring their Christmas trees to Veterans Memorial Park in East Meadow
on Saturday, January 11, to have it shredded down into mulch for personal use. This eco-friendly program ensures that a family’s Christmas tree continues to embrace the season of giving by providing rich nutrients all year long. What’s more, the herd of Nigerian Dwarf goats at Norman
J. Levy Park and Preserve will also be on the receiving end of some pine gifts, as excess mulch will be donated to the goats as a tasty snack.
“Mulchfest is back for the fifth year in a row and the goats at Norman J. Levy Park and PreSee page 2
Congestion pricing launches despite legal challenge
New York City’s landmark congestion pricing program, the first of its kind in the United States, officially began on Sunday, January 8th. The initiative, designed to alleviate Manhattan’s notoriously traffic-clogged streets, imposes a daily toll of $9 for most drivers entering the “congestion relief zone” south of 60th Street.
The program, modeled after successful systems in cities like London, aims to generate $15 billion to fund critical repairs and upgrades to the region’s transit network, including subways, buses, and commuter rail lines. Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) officials expressed optimism about the program’s potential to reduce traffic while supporting much-needed infrastructure improvements.
Toll Mechanics and Enforcement
Drivers entering the zone will have their fees calculated based on several factors, including the time of day, vehicle type, and whether they used exempt routes like the FDR Drive. Charges will appear on motorists’ E-ZPass accounts within days of their trips. Non-E-ZPass users will receive toll bills by mail.
While proponents argue that congestion pricing will make Manhattan more navigable and environmentally friendly, some drivers are bristling at the added cost.
Legal Battle Brewing
The program’s rollout has not been without controversy. Hempstead Town Supervisor Don Clavin, with backing from federal, state, and local officials, has filed a lawsuit against New York State. The suit accuses the MTA of bypassing the New York State Administrative Procedure Act by failing to file the plan in the State Register and denying residents the legally mandated 45-day public comment period.
Hempstead Town Supervisor Don Clavin said, “Governor Hochul and the MTA have completely silenced the voices of hardworking Long Islanders, rushing this plan through with no public comment or transparency. This is not just wrong – it’s illegal.”
The legal challenge underscores broader objections to the
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College Notes
More than 90 students completed New York Institute of Technology’s rigorous Internship Certificate Program during fall 2024, earning valuable handson experience and developing skills in a wide range of work environments.
Local students include Roshni Shah of Floral Park, who interned at Sapna Shah in the role of Medical Assistant.
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Julia Maria Courtney of Floral Park was among 1,132 graduates who received degrees from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln during commencement exercises Dec. 20 and 21 at Pinnacle Bank Arena.
Courtney earned a Master of Science
from the Office of Graduate Studies.
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Jason Velez of Floral Park, made the York College of Pennsylvania Dean’s List. Velez is a Senior Psychology major.
More than 1,400 York College students made the Dean’s List in the Fall 2024 semester. To be eligible for this honor, a student must be registered for at least 12 academic credit hours and earn a semester GPA of 3.50 or higher.
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The following local students who were named to the Dean’s List at the University of Connecticut for the fall 2024 semester.
Kate Reid and Hattie Wong.
Have you lost someone?
Congestion pricing launches despite Town's legal challenge
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program, particularly from suburban commuters and businesses that depend on car travel into Manhattan. Critics argue that the plan unfairly targets drivers while doing little to address congestion caused by delivery vehicles and ride-hailing services.
A National Test Case
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would like an for one, simply a of with desired) their details of funeral/visitation services, any to editor@gcnews.com, call at to inquire.
Despite the legal and public pushback, MTA officials remain confident in the program’s benefits.
For now, the city moves forward with its bold experiment, with millions of drivers and transit riders waiting to see how it will reshape the streets of Manhattan.
As the first U.S. city to implement congestion pricing, New York City’s experience is being closely watched by urban planners and policymakers nationwide. If successful, it could pave the way for similar initiatives in other major cities struggling with traffic and environmental concerns.
Hempstead Town Mulchfest
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serve are bleating in excitement,” said Supervisor Clavin. “This holiday tradition sees scores of residents turning their Christmas trees into mulch with each year getting better and better.”
Residents can bring their Christmas trees to Veterans Memorial Park in East Meadow on Saturday, January 11, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Parks employees will properly dispose of the trees by shredding them down into mulch for residents to use at their convenience. Residents will also have the option to forgo a bag of mulch and instead have it fed to eager Town goats. Broken down cardboard will also be accepted and recycled.
Mulch can be utilized for gardening purposes, soil moisture, and a preventative measure towards pesky weeds. The Town of Hempstead Mulchfest will be producing mulch from fresh and properly shredded Christmas Trees to
supply residents with organic compost that will provide an ideal environment for gardening. In addition to providing the Town goats with something to munch on, the surplus mulch will be used towards various Town of Hempstead parks for future planting and landscaping plans.
Residents who cannot be in attendance for Mulchfest can drop off Christmas trees at the homeowner disposal area next to Norman J. Levy Park and Preserve at 1600 Merrick Rd., Merrick starting Monday, January 13, through Saturday, January 18, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
“The Town of Hempstead proudly stands for greener and environmentally friendly programs,” Clavin said. “Come on down to Vets Park to repurpose your Christmas Tree and receive a free bag of mulch in return. Don’t forget to stop by Norman J. Levy Park and Preserve and share some with the loveable goats!”
FOUR VILLAGE STUDIO
4 V S ~ Optimum Ch.18 & Fios Ch.28
MONDAY, JANUARY 13th & THURSDAY, JANUARY 16th
The Antique Road Test
7:30 PM
8:00 PM
8:30 PM
9:00 PM
9:30 PM
Walter Gosden
“Motor Car Lighting: Gas to Electric (1900 -1940)”
Inspiring Stories
Bill Corbett, Jr.
Rob Weisberg ~ 9-11
Responder & Advocate for Those with PTSD
FPFD: Red Alert
Larry King, AEMT
“Maritime Firefighter Training” ~ James P. Spear, SUNY Maritime College
Uncorked
Rex Whicker
“Grilling With Wine” ~ Rex Pairs Wine with Barbecue Meals
Wes Houston Presents… Wes Houston
“The Kevin McLeod Band” ~ 5-Piece Rock Group
Just married
Hempstead Town Clerk Kate Murray (left) officiated the wedding of Bellerose residents Gupreet Kaur and Sukhvir Bisla on December 23, at Hempstead Town Hall. Residents interested in obtaining their marriage license and/or scheduling a wedding ceremony should call the Office of the Town Clerk at (516) 812-3014 or visit hempsteadny.gov/marriage.
1 Floral Blvd., Floral Park, NY 11002
Phone: 516.326.1150 ~ Email: 4VS@4VS.org
Floral Park Police Department 2024 Crime Statistics
Floral Park Police Department Commissioner Stephen G. Stephen G. McAllister has released the year end statistics on crime in the Village of Floral Park. He commented,"The Floral Park Police department is happy to report a
The
in Larcenies and Burglaries."
Out of This World Experiences come to LI Children's Museum
January kickstarts an exciting year of exploration at Long Island Children's Museum! This month, we are thrilled to host the second edition of our Musical Explorers! series in the LICM Theater, usher in the Year of the Snake, and explore a brand-new traveling exhibit.
LICM is adding one Bonus Monday to its public hours to provide families with more play time in January. The Museum will be open on Monday, January 20 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (Note, the Museum will be closed on Wednesday, January 1.)
January 2025 Calendar
Special Event - Lunar New Year
Saturday, January 25 and Sunday, January 26 from Noon to 4 p.m.
Join us in celebrating the Lunar New Year at LICM! Lunar New Year, also known as the Spring Festival, marks the start of the new year of the lunisolar calendar and is celebrated all over the world. Come ring in the Year of the Snake as you enjoy a variety of dance and musical performances, view live artisan demonstrations and create themed, take-home crafts.
The Lunar New Year Festival is supported by the generosity of JP Morgan Chase & Co. in partnership with the Long Island Chinese American Association. Crafts are brought to you by Portledge School.
Ages: 3 and up. Free with Museum admission.
January in the LICM Theater
Jazz at Lincoln Center’s Let Freedom Swing: Louis Armstrong’s Great Migration Sunday, January 19 and Monday, January 20 at Noon and 2 p.m. Join us in the LICM Theater for the second installment of “Musical Explorers!” a series of live music concerts designed especially for kids! Dive into a world of rhythm and melody showcasing a variety of musical styles from around the globe. The series will take young audiences on an exciting journey through sound, featuring legends, trailblazers and GRAMMY winners.
As part of our Musical Explorers! series, LICM is proud to present Jazz at Lincoln Center’s Let Freedom Swing: Louis Armstrong’s Great Migration. Louis Armstrong was one of the most important musicians in American history. Born in turn of the century New Orleans, his virtuosic trumpet style and unique singing voice brought joy to millions of people around the world.
As a young man, Armstrong left his home in New Orleans, changing the history of American music in the process. In this concert, we will learn about Louis Armstrong’s journey to Chicago and New York, and his rise to become
Explore the wonders of space through interactive displays and hands-on activities that bring the cosmos to life in Moon to Mars exhibit.
one of the most influential figures of the twentieth century.
Jazz at Lincoln Center’s Let Freedom Swing brings outstanding performances to community audiences. Since 2013, Let Freedom Swing has reached over half a million people in over 3,500 concerts around the world.
The generosity of Musical Explorers’ funders, Roni Kohen-Lemle and Robert Lemle, allows us to offer these performances at a special rate.
Ages: 4 and up. Fee: $5 with museum admission ($4 members), $10 Theater only.
Workshops
Thanks a Bunch
Tuesday - Friday from 2:30 to 4 p.m. (except January 20)
Acts of kindness come in all shapes and sizes and all deserve to be celebrated! Come celebrate National ‘Thank You’ Month with us by making a thank you card for someone special in your life. This is a drop-in program, free with admission. It takes approximately 10 minutes and is yours to keep.
All ages. Free with museum admission.
Fit as a Fiddle
Saturday, January 11 from Noon to 2 p.m.
Come celebrate Family Fit Lifestyle Month with us by making your own custom fitness game to get in tip top shape by having fun. This is a drop-in program, free with admission. It takes approximately 10 minutes and is yours to keep.
Ages: 3 and up. Free with museum admission.
Stuck on You
Sunday, January 12 from 1 to 3:00 p.m.
The modern sticker was invented in 1935 as a form of advertisement, but stickers are now a fun way to express yourself on everything from cars to water bottles. Come celebrate National Sticker Month with us by creating your own stickers to take home. This is a drop-in program, free with admission. It takes approximately 10 minutes and is yours to keep.
Ages: 3 and up. Free with museum admission.
STEM Explorers: Out of this World! Saturday, January 18 from Noon to 2 p.m.
Take a trip out of this world as the Green Teens explore space and the galaxy. Discover the secrets of the solar system and imagine what lies beyond our planet!
STEM Explorers, powered by Green Teens. This program is made possible with the support of National Grid.
Ages: 4 and up. Free with museum admission.
Let Freedom Ring with MLK! Monday, January 20 at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.
This month, the AdvoKids series focuses on Martin Luther King Jr and Civil Rights. During this workshop visitors will learn about MLK beyond his “I Have a Dream” speech and gain a better understanding of his impact on the Civil Rights Movement. Visitors will also participate in a gallery walk of images from the Civil Rights Movement. Visitors will then create a bell to ‘let freedom ring.’
Ages: 5 and up. Fee: $4 with museum admission ($3 LICM members).
Exhibits
Moon to Mars
Saturday, January 18 through Sunday, May 4, 2025
Blast off with Moon to Mars, in this new interactive STEAM exhibit that transports children to the out-of-thisworld experiences in space travel, coming to LICM. This touring exhibit was designed with support from NASA’s Deep Space Exploration Systems at Johnson Space Center. Young guests will be inspired by the current realities and future dreams for interplanetary travel while experiencing firsthand the diversity of talent and skills that a team requires to make space exploration a reality. Young explorers can experience walking in reduced gravity, design, build and launch their own rockets, and take the controls in the Orion Spacecraft and navigate new land in the Lunar Rover.
Opening Weekend Programs
Blast Off!
Saturday, January 18 and Sunday, January 19 from 1 to 3 p.m.
Launch into fun by making your own flying Orion spacecraft. Orion is a very special spacecraft that was built to carry astronauts into deep space missions farther than ever before. The hope is that someday it will take astronauts to Mars! This is a drop-in program, free with admission. It takes approximately 10 minutes and is yours to keep.
Ages: 3 and up. Free with museum admission.
Exclusive elegance
LUXURY RENTALS FOR THOSE 62 AND OLDER
Apartments with Full Kitchens
Concierge Services
Daily Housekeeping
Private Car Services
On-Site Cinema
Outdoor Pool with Cabanas
Fitness Center & Yoga Studio
Spacious Patio & Fire Pit
Golf Simulator
Beauty Salon & Spa
Best of the Alps Destinations, Where Skiing Began, Showcase Heritage, Authenticity
BY KAREN RUBIN TRAVEL FEATURES SYNDICATE
GOINGPLACESFARANDNEAR.COM
The Best of the Alps, a tourism promotion consortium founded more than 40 years ago, recently came to town to remind American travel writers that this is where skiing began over 100 years ago and that these iconic destinations are still for the most part villages and towns where people live year-round, where tourists come year-round, and where you can be immersed in heritage and traditions as you experience all that the mountains have to offer.
“There is more to skiing than a purpose-built resort,” said, Sammy Salm, CEO of the Best of Alps. “These villages have existed for 100 years, some for more than 300 years, attracting summer travelers. Then, 155 years ago, some hotels decided to stay open in winter.” They built the first motor-driven ski lift, hosted the first Winter Olympics.
These are the most authentic places, he noted. Most of the businesses have been in the same family for generations. There are cultural and sports events throughout the year – some 1,000 in 10 destinations – covering all manner of interests. You enjoy cuisine that reflects the locality – “farm to table” before the expression was a thing.
Cortina D’Ampezzo , the “Queen of the Dolomites” in a national park within a UNESCO World Heritage Area, epitomizes charm, glamour and elegance. Set on a plateau 4500 ft. high, Cortina d’Ampezzo, with 6,000 inhabitants, offers skiers breathtaking scenery
Davos Klosters, one of 10 Best of the Alps destinations, received its first winter guests 150 years ago. Today, it offers 300 km of slopes among six ski areas (photo: Davos Klosters)
from an altitude of 1224 to 3248 meters. The resort’s three ski areas are connected by a free bus and offer 120 km of slopes (the longest trail is 10 km),accessed by 35 lifts with snow making. Winter activities also ski mountaineering, sledding in the moonlight after a dinner in a mountain hut, 70 km of Nordic skiing and 100 km of snowshoeing and 50 km of winter hiking. In summer, Cortina offers 400 km of hiking trails, biking on hundreds of kilometres of marked trails amid magnificent Dolomite scenery, mountain climbing, an indoor climbing center, indoor and outdoor tennis; golf, summer ice skating; horse riding, canyoning, and activities families can enjoy together – water park, skate park, zipline. The most convenient airports are Venice
(there is bus service from Venice Airport), Treviso, and Innsbruck; the train station is Toblach. (cortina. dolomiti.org)
“Discover your true nature” is the motto of Garmisch-Partenkirchen, a multifaceted mountain region at the base of the 2,962 meter high Zugspitze mountain. It features winter sports with 207 km of ski runs (longest is 6.8 km) from a base at 708 meters to 2,962 meters, state-of-the art lifts, snowmaking on four long runs into the valley, backcountry skiing; the legendary ski stadium and ski jump and on Tuesdays and Thursdays, the Bayerische Zugspitzbahn invites ski alpinists to a “Ski Tour Evening.” Also: 28 km of cross-country ski tracks, the famous biathlon and cross-
GOING PLACES NEAR AND FAR
country ski center in Kaltenbrunn (snow-making and flood lights for night-skiing); Visitors’ Biathlon in Kaltenbrunn on Wednesdays); ice skating and curling at the Olympic Ice Sports Center on one of the many natural lakes. The racy 1.6 km run down from the cozy lodge, St.-Martins-Hütte am Grasberg, is an insider tip for bold sledders. Garmisch-Partenkirchen also offers 110 km of groomed winter hiking trails. Special experiences: a torch hike through the Partnachklamm gorge featuring amazing ice and snow formations; a romantic ride in a horse sleigh; guided winter hikes from the Gesundheits-Eck meeting point (book January-March). Garmisch-Partenkirchen, with 10,000 guest beds, 172 restaurants and 450 shops, can be reached by German Rail, Deutsche Bahn (Saturdays ICE connection from Hamburg, Berlin and Dortmund-Ruhr Area-Cologne with no train changes). Nearest airports are Munich and Innsbruck. (www.gapa.de)
Kitzbühel and the holiday resorts of Reith, Aurach and Jochberg, Austria, known globally as a winter holiday destination with almost 130 years of skiing tradition, offers a mix of down-to-earthiness and cosmopolitan outlook, of rural charm and urban flair. Its accessibility, long winters, reliable snow conditions, multitude of sports activities and maximum comfort are the hallmarks of this town, also lovingly referred to as “Gamsstadt” (chamois town). It offers a total of 234 km of downhill runs (longest is 8.3 km), including the world-famous January 10, 2025
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“Streif”. Families will delight in the free practice lifts in the valley. Kitzbühel also offers 70 km of cross-country skiing, winter hiking and snowshoeing, tobogganing, ice skating, curling and new trend sports. In summer Kitzbuhel offers 1,000 km hiking trails; four golf courses; 1,200 km road network for road bikes and 800 km for mountain bikers. It is reached by train from the Kitzbuhel station; the nearest airports are Salzburg, Innsbruck and Munich. (www.kitzbuehel.com)
Davos, Europe’s highest city and the picturesque alpine village of Klosters are set amid stunning mountain scenery and the granddaddy of winter Alpine tourism. Davos Klosters received its first winter guests 150 years ago. Today, it offers 300 km of slopes among six ski areas: Madrisa and Rinerhorn are the family-friendly ski areas, Jakobshorn is the “fun mountain” for freestylers and après-ski connoisseurs. Parsenn is the classic ski area with wide pistes, Pischa is considered the off-piste paradise and Schatzalp is the “chill” ski area for pleasure skiers. Its 275 km of ski sloopes (longest is 12 km), rise from 1124 to 3146 meters. Among the activities: daily experiences with local guides, an extensive network (100 km) of cross-country tracks, hiking trails (170 km in winter, 700 km in summer), mountain biking routes (700 km) in all the tributary valleys, adventure and theme parks, a lively art and culture scene including the Kirchner Museum. Davos Klosters, which offers childcare programs, has also been awarded the Family Destination quality seal. Take the train to Davos; the nearest airport is Zurich (www.davos.ch)
Lech Zurs am Arlberg is a
GOING PLACES, NEAR & FAR....
Best of the Alps Destinations
cosmopolitan mountain village of just 1,500 inhabitants in a mountain region of five villages which form Austria’s largest ski destination (the fifth largest in the world) – affording 305 km of ski trails (it’s famous for its off-piste territory, which is best explored with a guide). Besides alpine skiing there is also snowshoeing, cross-country, tobaggoning, sledding, ice skating, curling, horsedrawn sleigh rides, art installations, Arlberg can be combined with visits to Vienna or Zurich (by train). Closest airports are Altenrheim, Innsbruck, Zurich, Friedrichshafen (www.lechzuers.com)
St. Anton am Arlberg is a Tyrolian mountain village, where you can enjoy uncrowded outdoors with all the amenities of an international holiday resort. Just 2400 inhabitants host 11,623 guest beds. The destination offers 305 km of ski slopes (longest is 9 km0, accessed by 88 lifts. There is also 40 km of cross-country skiing; 80 km of winter hiking (300 km of summer hiking). It is accessed by train to St. Anton am Arlberg; the nearest airports are Innsbruck, Friedriichshafen, Zurich, Memmingen and Munich (www. stantonamarlberg.com)
Chamonix-Mont Blanc valley is a land of legend full of history and sporting feats, a natural environment and a mecca for skiers, snowboarders and free riders. The astronomical 1000 km of slopes, which rise from1,035-4,809 meters, are served by 44 lifts including the Mont-Blanc tramway and the cable car of the Brévent. The Aiguille du Midi cable gives unforgettable view of the Mont-Blanc range. The Montenvers and mer de glace is an exceptional sightseeing excursion on the nostalgic red cog railway to the “sea of ice
Dietary Decline
“glacier. The resort of 20,000 guest beds, 120 restaurants and 400 shops, also offers 53 km of cross-country skiing. In summer among the 46 activities include 350 km of hiking, mountaineering, paragliding, golfing. It is reached by train to Chamonix-Mont Black; nearest airport is Geneva. (www.chamonix. com)
Courmayeur, on the other side of Chamonix-Mount Blanc, at the foot of Mont Blanc, is described as “a pure, authentic, elegant, traditional, cosmopolitan, lively and regenerating mountain experience both in summer and in winter. The smallest of the “Best of the Alps” group, it is a “hidden gem.” These are the many facets of the soul of Courmayeur Mont Blanc, a unique location offering visitors a chance to reconnect with their inner self and engage in life at the right pace.” The 33 km of ski slopes go from an altitude of 1224 to a summit at 4810 meters. This is an intimate resort, with just 2798 inhabits and 6715 guest beds, 96 restaurants and 170 shops. The nearest airport is Geneva, nearest train is PreSaint Didier or Chamonix-MontBlanc. (www.courmayeurmontblanc.it)
BY CHARLYN FARGO
As we age, we need fewer calories, yet we need those calories we eat to be of higher quality. But older adults in the U.S. seem to be losing that battle.
A recent study in JAMA Network Open found the number of adults aged 65 and older in the U.S. with a poor diet quality increased from 51% to 61% from 2001 to 2018, while the percentage of those who had an ideal diet remained low at 0.4%. The proportion of those with intermediate diet quality significantly decreased from 49% to 39%.
Participants included a total of 10,837 adults ages 65 or older who completed a 24hour dietary recall several times over the years of the study. Researchers scored diet quality using the American Heart Association Diet Score and the Healthy Eating Index.
Researchers said older adults ate more processed meats, sugar-sweetened beverages and foods with sodium, while intake of fruits and vegetables, fish and whole grains decreased.
There may be a lot of reasons for that dietary decline -- income levels, losing a spouse, depression -- but this national trend is one we should all be concerned about. Poor diet quality is a major risk factor for chronic diseases, disability, frailty and death among older adults. It’s predicted that the number of adults aged 65 years or older will more than double by 2060, accounting for nearly a fourth of the U.S. population, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.
We know a healthy diet is crucial for all of us, but especially for older adults to maintain physical and mental health.
Here’s the good news: It’s never too
late to start eating healthy, no matter your age. Can you add some berries to your oatmeal or cereal? Snack on roasted chickpeas instead of chips? Cook at home more instead of going out? Try adding two vegetables to your evening meal instead of one? Drink a bottle of water with your morning meds to start your day?
When in doubt, throw some color on your plate -- bright greens from crunchy vegetables or vibrant reds from tangy fruit -- to give a healthy boost. Pack your lunch to control portion sizes and add fruits and vegetables.
Choose foods with less sodium and less sugar. Rinse canned foods or choose “no salt added”. Buy fresh poultry, seafood and lean cuts of red meat and pork rather than processed meat and poultry. When it comes to sugar, flavor your low-fat plain
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Crans-Montana, set on a sunny plateau above the Rhone valley, offers views of the Plaine Morte glacier and summits from Breithorn to Matterhorn and Mont Blanc. It offers 140 km of skiing (longest trail is 12 km), accessed by 25 lifts, plus 25 km of cross-country; 65 km of hiking (320 km in summer) and 180 km of mountainbike trails. Convenient airports are Sion (30 minutes), Geneva, Zurich and Milan; the train station is Siders. (www.crans-montana.ch)
Ski passes like Alterra Mountain Company’s Ikon Pass (which includes Chamonix Mont-Blanc Valley in France, Cortina in Italy and Kitzbühel in Austria) and Vail Resorts’ Epic Pass (which includes Arlberg (Lech Zurs, St. Anton) in Austria and Crans-Montana, Switzerland) have given Americans an incentive to explore these legendary international ski destinations, from Europe to Asia to South America. Those seeking to venture afar can also take advantage of Ski.com, a ski travel specialist that can help you put together all the elements of your trip.
Megeve is a small alpine village nested at the foot of Mont Blanc that dates from the 12th century. In the 1920s, a Rothschild who was insulted by the unwelcoming attitude in St. Moritz, decided to create a new resort in France. It is one of the first ski resorts in France, had the first cable car, France’s first ski champion, the first fondue restaurant, and it was here that the French song made famous by Frank Sinatra (“My Way”) was written. It boasts the highest altitude 18-hole golf course. Megeve set the standard as a “place to be” for the jet set. (The Rothschilds still own the resort). It’s still high-end, with 32 hotels of which 10 are five-star; three Michelin star chefs (one three-star chef is rated among the top 10 in the world). It offers 400 km of ski trails (longest is 3.6 km), accessed by 107 lifts, plus 40 km of crosscountry, 50 km of winter hiking (150 km in summer). Visitor amenities include 43,000 guest beds, 82 restaurants, 200 shops and galleries, 17 well-being and spa centers, a balneoform and aquatic area, indoor/outdoor skating rink. You can arrange an overnight stay in an igloo. Megeve has its own airport, 15 minutes away, or Geneva Airport, one hour away; or by train to Sallanches. (www.megeve.com)
More information at www. bestofthealps.com.
© 2025 Travel Features Syndicate, a division of Workstyles, Inc. All rights reserved. Visit goingplacesfarandnear. com
BY LOU THEODORE
I’m now in the last decade before officially becoming a centenarian. A host of people have questioned my secrets on longevity. (Webster simply defines longevity as: “length of life.”) Could it be genes? Maybe. But, then again, maybe not. If not, what then?
Here are my half-dozen keys to longevity. This is followed by a host of other “minor” suggestions that one might consider.
1. WALK! This is the most important of my 6 keys. Up until this year, I walked a mile at a leisurely pace in the morning (on awakening) and at night (following dinner). It’s now down to the morning walk and a 1/8 to 1/4 mile at night. I also do a few deep knee bends and seven push ups in the morning. I also try to walk 25 to 100 feet several times in between these walks. If you choose to run, don’t run too far, and don’t overexert. The important thing is to get all parts of your body moving without putting any excessive pressure on other parts of your body. Don’t bypass this key; as I indicated above, I believe it is the most important suggestion you will find in this article.
2. DRINK WATER. Lots of it! Water is the common name for the liquid state of the hydrogen – oxygen compound H2O. It is the major constituent of all living matter. Approximately 75% of the weight of living organisms is water. It plays an important role in the metabolic breakdown of protein and carbohydrates in our system and has been defined by many as the “universal solvent.” Did I say drink lots of it? Well, if you’re not feeling well, I suggest you drink even more of it. I believe that it helps flush out the evil demons within us when ill. Colleague and former student John McConway suggests drinking the water at ambient temperature (no ice) and with a glass (not a bottle) to reduce the resistance to flow. A good idea. Remember, it’s water – not coffee, tea, soda, etc.
3. DON’T SMOKE, DRINK ALCOHOL OR TAKE DRUGS. I smoked for one year during my mid-twenties. You will be spared of the tales of the effects of smoking on some of my friends. I drank alcoholic beverages for approximately 25 years but haven’t had a drink since 1977. And I don’t miss it. I guess alcohol in moderation would be okay, but given a choice, I wouldn’t drink. As you might suppose, I have never done drugs in any manner or form. I think those that do are playing with fire.
4. TAKE DEEP BREATHS. I do just this on awakening and prior to going to sleep. Oxygen is the most abundant of all the elements known to man. It composes 23% by weight of the atmosphere, 86% of the oceans (98% of pure
On My Keys to Longevity
water is oxygen); and, as a constituent of most rocks and minerals, 47% of the solid crust of the earth. Oxygen comprises 60% of the human body. It is a constituent of all living tissues; almost all plants and animals, including all humans, require oxygen to maintain life. Oxygen is administered medicinally to patients whose respiratory functioning is impaired and is supplied to individuals in aircraft flying at high altitudes where the concentration of oxygen is insufficient to support the normal respiratory process. I suggest the aforementioned deep breaths be taken through the nose. You might also consider doing it during the middle of the day.
5. MAKE OTHERS HAPPY. Since the mid-1970s when I survived a fierce battle with depression, I have attempted to make someone happy every day of the year. How, you ask? By saying thank you whenever the occasion arises. By complimenting people. By overtipping the waiter and commenting on the services. By tipping the bus boy. By tipping anybody who has gone out of their way for me, etc., etc. It really is a good feeling.
6.MAINTAIN TIES WITH IMPORTANT RESOURCES. The resources would, of course, include your physician(s), dentist, psychiatrist, hospital, etc., at the medical level. But also maintain ties and surround yourself with individuals (and things) that are happy, smart, kind, positive, and (most importantly) funny. There are few things that beat a good laugh.
As you might suppose, there are other things that you should consider doing. Some of my other “favorites” are listed below.
• Read.
• Get educated.
• Try writing or painting. I don’t paint. But I did get educated to a point where I have written 117 books…plus nearly 200 articles for my monthly newsletter.
• Drive defensively.
• Vacation occasionally. A change of pace is good but there is nothing like home.
• Slow down and get rid of that protruding belly.
• I’ve been successful in minimizing sugar and salt intake.
• Expose yourself to extreme temperatures on a regular basis; cold during the winter and heat during the summer.
• Stay away from snacks. I guess a small snack on occasion is ok.
• Wed later rather than earlier in life. I got lucky. Girls didn’t want to know me. Then – and I still can’t believe it – I hit the jackpot.
• Don’t overextend exercising. On the other hand, Mary does just the opposite.
• Do puzzles. Newsday provides a crossword puzzle, a Jumble, and 2 crypto quotes.
• I’ve been on a diet the last 13 years. It consists of 600 – 800 calories one day per week.
Back to longevity. Lifespan is the length of time that embraces all the events of one’s life, from conception to death. The maximum lifespan for humans has not changed significantly in the last several centuries. The average lifespan, however, has increased greatly for persons living in industrialized countries. The average lifespan has risen from nearly 40 years of age at the end of the 18th century to about twice that age today. And, the average lifespan of American women now exceeds that of American men by approximately seven years. Interestingly, humans have the longest average lifespan of almost all mammals. The longest living
animal is the giant tortoise, which is believed to attain a maximum age of about 200 years. Some plants, such as trees, however, live much longer than any animal; redwoods, for example, may live for more than 3000 years!
How about you in the reading audience? Any comments? Any contribution(s)? I’d appreciate some help here.
Visit the author at: www. theodorenewsletter.com and / or Basketball Coaching 101 on Facebook
Note: I will be presenting an encore (by popular request) seminar tutorial on gambling (particularly dice) based on my book Winning at Casinos on February 5 at the Village of East Williston Library, 2 Prospect Street, East Williston, at 7:00pm. Entry is free and refreshments will be served.
About to hit a milestone?
Share your life accomplishments with your neighbors! Put your engagement, wedding, or baby announcement in the paper, (and it's free of charge for subscribers!) Email editor@gcnews.com
BY TOM MARGENAU
It has been my custom for most of the past 27 years to write a year-end column that summarizes the Social Security updates scheduled to take place the following year. I already discussed some of these updates in a column back in October when they were first announced, but it doesn’t hurt to repeat them here. (They all grow out of the annual cost-of-living adjustments that have been part of the program since 1973.)
Before I go on, I’ve got to address a related and totally misleading ad that pops up almost every day on my cellphone and iPad, and I’m sure it on your devices, too. The headline goes something like this: “Here are 6 major changes to Social Security coming in 2025 that you probably don’t know about.” If you open it up (and maybe get sucked in by all the other ads on the site), you will learn that those “major changes” are just the routine COL adjustments that have been part of the program for over 50 years now. I’m sharing those routine adjustments with you today -- without all the hype.
Almost all Social Security beneficiaries are familiar with the most popular and publicized upcoming change: the increase in monthly benefit checks for 2025 due to the automated cost-of-living adjustment, or COLA. As all of you are already aware, that increase will be 2.5%.
I always dread mentioning COLAs in this column because every single time I do, I am flooded with emails from readers complaining that the increase is not enough.
Yet here’s the rub: Many economists and social planners believe Social Security COLAs are too generous! (I’ve explained why in past columns, but I don’t have the space to get into that argument today.) That’s why many discussions of long-range reform for Social Security include proposals to reduce cost of living increases.
OK, back to the 2025 Social Security COLA. Due to these increases, the average monthly retirement check will be $1,976 in 2025, a $49 increase from the 2024 level. The maximum Social Security check for a worker turning full retirement age in 2025 will be $4,018, compared to $3,822 in 2024. And please note that $4,018 is the maximum for someone turning full retirement age in 2025. That does not mean it is the maximum Social Security payment anyone can receive. There are millions of Social Security beneficiaries who get much more than that, primarily because they worked well past their FRA and/or delayed starting their benefits until age 70.
Here’s another important point about the COLA: Many readers have been asking me if they must file for Social Security benefits in 2024 in order to get the COLA that’s paid in January 2025. The answer is no. The COLA will be built into the benefit computation formula. So even if you don’t file for Social Security until next year or
Social Security Update for 2025
some subsequent year, you’ll still get the 2.5% increase.
Although this is a Social Security column, I must mention the upcoming increase in the Medicare Part B premium, which is deducted from Social Security checks for most people. In 2025, the basic Part B premium will be $185. And as has been the case for 20 years now, wealthy people will pay more than the basic premium.
I don’t want to get into the complicated issue of Medicare premiums other than to make this quick point. Even though they are linked in the minds of most senior citizens, Social Security and Medicare are entirely separate programs, administered by entirely separate federal agencies, and they have entirely separate rules and regulations regarding their benefit and payment structures. For example, the Part B Medicare premium increase has nothing to do with the Social Security COLA. Instead, by law, it must be set at a level that covers 25% of the cost of running the program. Taxpayers pick up the remaining 75%. (And again, wealthy people pay more than the 25% share.)
Another measuring stick called the national wage index is used to set increases to other provisions of the law that affect Social Security beneficiaries and taxpayers. Specifically, this includes increases in the amount of wages or self-employment income subject to Social Security tax; the amount of income needed to earn a “quarter of coverage;” and the Social Security earnings penalty limits.
The Social Security taxable earnings base will go up from $168,600 in 2024 to $176,100 in 2025. In other words, people who earn more than $176,100 in 2025 will no longer have Social Security payroll taxes deducted from their paychecks once they hit that threshold. This has always been a very controversial provision of the law. (Bill Gates pays the same amount of Social Security tax as his plumber!) I think it’s a pretty good bet that any eventual Social Security reform package will include an increase in that wage base.
Most people need 40 Social Security work credits (sometimes called “quarters of coverage”) to be eligible for monthly benefit checks from the system. In 2024, people who were working earned one credit for each $1,730 in Social Security taxable income. But no one earns more than four credits per year. In other words, once you made $6,920, your Social Security record has been credited with the maximum four credits or quarters of coverage. In 2025, the one credit limit goes up to $1,810, meaning you will have to earn $7,240 this coming year before you get the maximum four credits assigned to your Social Security account.
People under their full retirement age who get Social Security retirement or survivors benefits but who are still working are subject to limits in the amount of money they can earn and still receive all
their Social Security checks. That limit was $22,320 in 2024 and will be $23,400 in 2025. For every $2 a person earns over those limits, $1 is withheld from his or her monthly benefits.
There is a higher earnings threshold in the year a person turns full retirement age that applies from the beginning of the year until the month the person reaches FRA. (The income penalty goes away once a person reaches that magic age.) That threshold goes up from $59,520 in 2024 to $62,160 in 2025.
Continued on next page
CROSSWORD PUZZLE
Do you have a Will? If not, why not? What are you waiting for? If so, when is the last time you looked at it to possibly determine if it is updated based on your current situation in life?
In 2024, only 32% of adults reported having a will, down from 34% in 2023, according to the 2024 Wills and Estate Planning Study from Caring.com, an online senior care site. There were over two plus million who will have died in 2024 without a Will. Since the Pandemic in 2020, the percentage kept increasing. The spike occurred at the peak of the Pandemic, when most hunkered down in their homes very concerned about their health. People realized and woke up to the fact that their mortality was front and center, prevalent and real.
A staggering 67% of Americans die without an estate plan. However, 33% did create a will and had an Executor of the Estate, who knew where the will was or had a copy; and was appointed to handle the distribution of assets The unfortunate situation arises whereby Probate kicks in when a decedent’s estate is value over $184,500 and they have passed away after April 1, 2022 and no documents were created for their estate, prior to them passing. However, it’s the ways; titles to property are held that dictates whether or not the probate process can be avoided. Most crucial and critical is the severe cost of going through the Probate process. I am familiar with one family where it took 10 years to complete and the financial ramifications were extremely severe for the heirs.
Examples of non-probate asset transfers are the following:
1.) Trust distributions
Continued from previous page
A couple other Social Security provisions are also impacted by inflationary increases. For example, people getting disability benefits who try to work can generally continue getting those benefits as long as they are not working at a “substantial” level. In 2024, the law defined substantial work as any job paying $1,550 or more per month. In 2025, that substantial earnings level increases to $1,620 monthly.
Wills, Trusts and Real Estate
BY PHILIP A. RAICES
2.) Assets owner in joint tenancy (the share of the deceased tenant’s asset goes to surviving joint tenant)
3.) Assets owned as community property with rights of survivorship
4.) Life insurance policies
5.) More info at: https://www.keystone-law.com
6.) https://www.investopedia. com is another resource that will provide invaluable information about Wills vs. a Trust
Setting up and having a Trust in place, while living; will protect ones assets from heirs from the probate process, after one passes. However, a Will only comes into play when one passes. This differentiation is important, so while you are alive. An Irrevocable Trust can reduce estate taxes and protect assets from creditors. Revocable Trusts do not provide tax benefits but can avoid Probate. A Will doesn’t avoid estate taxes (or Probate if contested) which can range from 18-40% for estates over 13.99 million dollars in 2025. Wills do not offer any protection while incapacitated. However, Trusts can provide asset management if the grantor becomes incapacitated.
Unfortunately, if you die without a Will, your estate will be subject to intestacy law. The Probate court will decide how your assets, especially if real estate is owned, which has a greater value than the debts, if any, will be distributed typically favoring close family members. If going into Probate,
Finally, the Supplemental Security Income basic federal payment level for one person goes up from $943 in 2024 to $967 in 2025. SSI is a federal welfare program administered by the Social Security Administration, but it is not a Social Security benefit. It is paid for out of general revenues, not Social Security taxes.
the court will appoint an administrator to manage the estate and distribution of assets. If there is a surviving spouse, then those assets will transfer to that individual, then to any children, then to extended family and descendants. If there are no family members that can be found, then all property typically ends up within State control.
Those who have accumulated a reasonable or larger portfolio of real estate, should ascertain the necessary and important information about setting up either an irrevocable or revocable trust.
As noted earlier, there are so many that just either forget, don’t care or avoid planning their estate wisely or not at all. The inevitable fact is that no one is getting out alive and what you do beforehand will avoid potential financial assets to be given over to the government
This process will save your heirs inheritance taxes; so planning your estate in advance will be the most prudent and most valuable decision in the long run.
There are three guarantees in life, birth, taxes (if you are making any decent amount of money) and death. The only thing that is truly negotiable are your assets if you are smart enough to protect them from Probate and/or the government taking possession of them.
So the bottom line is if you do not have a Will or a trust or haven’t updated your Will or Trust in the last few years; and have some things that have
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
changed in your family situation, get off your butt and do something today!
Philip A. Raices is the owner/ Broker of Turn Key Real Estate at 3 Grace Ave Suite 180 in Great Neck. He has 42+ years experience in the Real Estate industry and has earned designations as a Graduate of the Realtor Institute (G.R.I.) and also as a Certified International Property Specialist (C.I.P.S.) and has earned his National Association of Realtors “Green Industry designation for 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
Continued from page 2
yogurt with fresh fruit instead of purchasing flavored yogurt and choose fresh fruit as an after-dinner treat. Reduce your consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages by drinking water flavored with fruit.
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
BY MARY HUNT
I wouldn’t call it a radical new idea, although a recent issue of a popular women’s magazine did say that living below your means is the hot new trend.
It is a simple concept -- spend less than you earn. Still, LBYM is seen by many as a life sentence, not the lifesaver that it is. It can take a crisis like unemployment or a sudden illness to reveal to some people just how far in over their heads they really are. That’s when a lifesaver can look mighty good.
LBYM means living the best life you can on what you earn. It means learning how to manage your income so well that you can live your life for half the price. A household is just like a business. You earn revenue and you have expenses. If you spend more than you bring in, you will eventually take on debt. A business that continually takes on debt will eventually fail. Same with a household. In a business you make spending decisions based on the effect they will have on the business; you decide how to reinvest your profits to improve your net worth. It is a healthy company that ends the year not just breaking even but with money in the bank. Same at home. This is LBYM.
MAKE A COMMITMENT
A commitment to LBYM should not be taken lightly. It’s a big deal, particularly if you, like most people these days, have come to see credit as a required extension of your income. Of all the things in your
BY JEFF RUGG
The Hot New Trend
life, there is only one that you control absolutely: your attitude. You choose your thoughts and your response to life and all that happens to you. Making a commitment to LBYM is one of the most important choices for your head and your heart that you will ever make.
TAKE CONTROL
If you’ve ever flown on a commercial jetliner, you have survived a controlld crash -- also known as landing. I’m no pilot, but I’ve read how much control is required to take a piece of machinery that weighs roughly 10 million tons (give or take) going at a speed of 600 mph and bring it to a full and complete stop precisely at the gate cited on that monitor inside the terminal. It’s called reverse thrust, and depending on the length of the runway, that braking sensation can be quite an interesting experience. You’re belted in, and for good reason. You could get thrown on your head. Thankfully those systems work thousands of times every day.
If you’ve been spending all that you earn plus a lot more, you’ve been spending at a rate of about 600 mph, metaphorically speaking. Things are out of control. You need to bring your large debt problem to a halt.
At first it will feel like you’ve just reversed your engines, that you’re about to be thrown on your head. That’s when you’ll be thankful for your seatbelt of determination to keep you strapped in and upright. Once you get your bearings,
you’ll be ready to take the first step: For 30 days, track your spending. Write down everything. You have to find out where your money is going.
STAY FOCUSED
The consumer credit industry would prefer that you give up silly notions of LBYM. They want you to drift through life in a spending coma believing you deserve everything you want and that you can have it all. Wake up! Start talking to yourself. Whenever you are faced with a desire to spend, STOP and ask:
Can I afford it?
Do I really need it?
Do I need it now?
Do I have something like it already?
Can I find a cheaper substitute?
Is this the best deal?
If you make it through all six questions, go home and sleep on it. Tomorrow you’ll probably change your mind.
DEVELOP A PLAN
An attitude change is essential and just the start. You have to develop a plan 1) to get out of debt, 2) to be prepared for unexpected expenses, and 3) to reduce your expenses significantly. Your plan needs to look good on paper, and it has to work too. You may not be surprised to know that I have written an entire book on this subject. It includes my personal story of debt, devastation and recovery! Yes, since 2014, my husband and I have lived totally debt-free. I cannot tell you how amazing this has been. Wait, yes I can!
It’s all in my book “Debt-Proof Living,” available in stores and online where fine books are sold. I would consider it pure joy to lead you out of your debt mess!
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 2024 CREATORS.COM
Use Your Resolutions To Help Others
Well, we made it through last night’s parties, and we have a whole year ahead of us. How are we going to use it to our full advantage? Most people at least think about New Year’s Resolutions, even if they don’t follow through with them for very long. How did you do with last year’s resolutions? Resolutions that involve or help other people are more likely to be kept than ones focusing on yourself.
First, if you are not a gardener or don’t have a vegetable garden, flower garden or houseplants, share your copy of the “Greener View Gardening” book, or grab a friend and watch the over 400 videos I have posted on YouTube on the A Greener View channel.
Even if you live in an apartment or in a condo, you can grow plants. You don’t need a yard, but if you do, why not plant
some native plants that attract birds and butterflies?
Do you know any children? Help them get away from video games and cellphones by helping them get outdoors more. Help them grow their own flowers and vegetables. Teach them about the insects that come to the flowers. This will help them start a lifetime of enjoying nature and gardening.
Teach skills that involve carpentry. Start by teaching how to build and use a compost bin. Build a birdhouse out of a fence board as seen in one of my videos. Later, you can move up to simple chair and table designs, and then by the time summer is over, you can build a trellis or arbor. Again, help kids develop some life skills that don’t involve scrolling. Take a risk and plant a new kind of vegetable you have never eaten before. It may become a family favorite. Plant extra
tomatoes and peppers instead of zucchini so that your kids can give away vegetables that people like.
Volunteer at a local community garden, even if it is just pulling weeds. Maybe especially if it is pulling weeds. In my experience, most people will be willing to harvest, and some people will be willing to water once in a while, but few people want to do the weeding. Show kids how beneficial hard work is. Volunteer at a local school to help create or maintain a garden. Plant and maintain a tree at the school or local park.
Try a new gardening method such as a rain garden, vertical garden on a wall, rooftop garden, hydroponic garden, water garden or vertical container garden on a pole. Plant a cut flower garden in the unused side yard so that you can bring flowers indoors for a vase. Kids can sell flowers instead of lemonade, or they can give
them to elderly neighbors. And there’s another idea: Help an elderly neighbor with maintaining their landscape. Show kids how to help wildlife by planting a bigger variety of plants that bloom over a longer season. Add water to your landscape, even if it is just a small birdbath.
Plant native plants that use less water. Use drip irrigation that uses less water. Install the proper amount of mulch in all of the flower and vegetable garden beds so they will need less water. Add water-absorbing crystals to flowerpots and hanging baskets so they use less water. May you be blessed with an awesome gardening- and nature-filled 2025.
Email questions to Jeff Rugg at info@ greenerview.com.
COPYRIGHT 2025 JEFF RUGG DISTRIBUTED BY CREATORS.COM
STARGAZERS
Another Exciting Year of Stargazing!
BY DENNIS MAMMANA
Week of January 12-18, 2025
The new year begins with planets filling our evening sky.
Throughout January and February, we’ll see Venus blazing in the western sky at dusk until early March, when it becomes too low to see over the glare of the setting sun. Turn around and face the opposite direction at dusk and you’ll find Jupiter, another bright planet that will grace the evening sky throughout the first half of the year.
Perhaps the most interesting planet of this period will be Mars. Reaching its “opposition” point to the sun on Jan. 16, it will lie as close to us as it will get this year and should be marvelous for up-close telescopic viewing. The Red Planet will drift through four separate constellations during the first half of the year, during which time it will recede farther from Earth and become a dozen times fainter.
And this year Saturn will become the planet with no rings! Yes, you read that right. During 2025 our orbit carries us across the ring plane of this planet, and since the rings are 180,000 miles wide but barely a mile thick, they will seem to nearly disappear from view.
The rings will begin to reappear next year and will return to their full glory by 2032.
Eclipses will be in short supply for North Americans this year, but we will be treated to a beautiful total eclipse of the moon. On the night of Thursday, March 13, and the morning of Friday, March 14, the full moon will enter the dark umbral shadow of the Earth. If the sky is clear, you will see the moon disappear except for the deep coppery color it takes on during totality.
Meteor shower fans will have to fight moonlight for one of the year’s best displays. The Perseids will reach their peak on the night of Aug. 12/13 but will be accompanied during most of the night by light from a waning gibbous moon so that only the brightest of meteors may be visible. The Geminids will peak on the night of Dec. 13/14 this year, and they’ll share a waning crescent moon in the predawn sky, so we can expect a pretty nice show.
This year the sun reaches the height of its 11-year solar activity cycle, and we can expect some beautiful aurora displays to make their way down over more southerly parts of North America. During 2024, skywatchers throughout North America got a few rare glimpses
of the northern lights, so we hope they’ll return for an encore performance this year. To keep up with current solar and auroral activity, visit spaceweather.com or get an app or two for your smartphone. Two of my favorites are AmazingAurora and AuroraAlerts.
Of course, our view from the lower 48 pales in comparison to that seen regularly in the Arctic and subarctic. If this amazing sight is on your bucket
list, I hope you’ll join me for my exciting March 2025 Alaska Northern Lights tour. For details about this once-in-alifetime cosmic adventure, please send me an email at dennis@mammana.com. In the meantime, I wish everyone a healthy, safe and star-filled new year!
Visit Dennis Mammana at dennismammana.com..
COPYRIGHT 2025 CREATORS.COM
When Earth crosses Saturn’s ring plane this year, the planet’s distinctive rings will nearly disappear from our view
LOST IN SUBURBIA
When Bad Things Happen to Good Laptops
BY: TRACY BECKERMAN
There wasn’t a full moon. I didn’t walk under a ladder or break a mirror. No black cats crossed my path. Yet it was undeniably one of those days when I felt cursed. It started with the demise of my coffee maker, followed by the nervous breakdown of my washing machine, and an unfriendly letter calling me for jury duty. I blatantly ignored all of the above so I could keep working. Unfortunately, my laptop was also showing signs of distress: Programs were crashing, screens were freezing, and error messages were flying left and right.
Suddenly, my screen went blank. For a moment, I just sat, stunned. Then I shrieked and started pressing the power button hysterically. But I got nothing. Nada. Zippo. Zilch. No happy little chimes or cute little spinning icons. It was completely, utterly dead.
In a panic, I called the EMTs at Apple support.
“Is it terminal?” I asked.
“It doesn’t sound good, “ said the Genius on the other end of the line. “You better bring it in.”
Two hours later I sat patiently in the waiting area at an Apple Store in the nearby mall, cradling my laptop and talking to it in soothing tones.
“Don’t worry,” I whispered. “I’m sure it’s just a corrupt file or a software problem. You’ll be fine.” I rocked it gently, not wanting to alarm it.
Other people filled the benches, similarly consoling their laptops, tablets and phones. Up at the Genius Bar, a woman began to cry. “You can’t retrieve my data?!?” she sobbed. I cringed and held my laptop closer.
Finally, they called my name.
“Let’s take a look at the patient,” said the Genius. He hmmm’d and tsssk’d as he tried to get my laptop to start, first on its own, then with his hard drive, then with some Voodoo black magic. Finally, I saw
the familiar Apple icon light up on the screen and I breathed a sigh of relief. He held up his hand.
“Hang on,” he said. “We’re not out of the woods yet.”
I gnawed my fingernails. He ran a diagnostic. Then he looked at me gravely.
“It’s the hard drive.”
I looked around desperately. Others who could overhear avoided my eyes. They all KNEW.
“What does that mean?” I asked, knowing full well what it meant.
“We have to replace the hard drive.”
He paused, then said gently, “We will try to retrieve your data, but it may not all be retrievable. You need to sign this form giving us permission to attempt this.”
I scanned the form. The words blurred. I blindly scribbled my name. Then he collected the papers and picked up my laptop. I reached out my hand to stop him.
“Where are you going with it?” I asked.
“I’m taking it to triage. They’ll work
on it there.”
“How long?”
“Seven to 10 days,” he replied and disappeared through an unmarked door. I stood alone. Emotionally naked. Laptopless.
It had been an awful day. The prospect of facing an empty desk and a basement filled with piles of dirty laundry that I couldn’t wash was more than I could bear.
But as I stood there despondent, I realized three things, and my black mood began to melt away. ...
I still had my health, I still had my credit card and, quite fortuitously, I was in the mall.
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 2024 CREATORS.COM
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• Each writer will be reimbursed a stipend of $25.⁰⁰
MARKETPLACE
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!
At Invited Sales, we offer a comprehensive range of services tailored to meet your needs: Personal Property Appraisals and Evaluations: Get expert insights into the true value of your personal property.
Estate and Tag Sales: Simplify the process of selling estate items with our professional online and in-person tag sale services.
Home Updates: From carpet removal to one-day floor refinishing and contractor services, we handle it all to refresh your home effortlessly.
Staging Services:
Elevate your space with our curated selection of furniture, accessories, lighting, and decorative items for a stunning transformation.
Explore our captivating before and after photos showcasing homes where we’ve added significant value, making them stand out in the market: Visit: InvitedSales.com today to discover how we can help you achieve your property goals! Please Call: 516-279-6378 Or Text Tracy Jordan: 516-567-2960
AUTOMOTIVE
AUTOS WANTED
***AAA*** AUTO BUYERS
$Highest$ Ca$h Paid$ All Years /Conditions! WE VISIT YOU! Or Donate, Tax Deduct Ca$h. DMV ID#1303199 Call LUKE 516-VAN-CARS 516-297-2277
GOT AN UNWANTED CAR??? Your car donation to Patriotic Hearts helps veterans find work or start their own business. Fast free pick. Running or not! Call 24/7: 1-888-251-3135.
WE BUY 8,000 CARS A WEEK
Sell your old, busted or junk car with no hoops, haggles or headaches. Sell your car to Peddle. Easy three steop process. Instant offer. Free pickup. Fast payment. Call 1-855-403-3374
SERVICES
CONSUMER CELLULAR
the same reliable, nationwide coverage as the largest carriers. No long-term contract, no hidden fees and activation is free. All plans feature unlimited talk and text, starting at just $20/month. For more information, call 1-844-919-1682
GET DISH SATELLITE TV + INTERNET! Free Install, Free HD-DVR Upgrade, 80,000 On-Demand Movies, Plus Limited Time Up To $600 In Gift Cards. Call Today! 1-866-7824069
INJURED IN AN ACCIDENT? Don’t Accept the insurance company’s first offer. Many injured parties are entitled to major cash settlements. Get a free evaluation to see what your case is really worth. 100% Free Evaluation. Call Now: 1-888-454-4717. Be ready with your zip code to connect with the closest provider
or
CLASSIFIEDS Call 294.8900
SERVICES
JACK’S CUSTOM FRAMING
We can frame anything! Quality Care & Workmanship
Thousands of frames to choose from!!
Over 30 years in business! 92 Covert Ave, Stewart Manor 516-775-9495
SAVE ON YOUR TRAVEL PLANS! Up to 75% More than 500 AIRLINES and 300,000 HOTELS across the world. Let us do the research for you for FREE! Call: 877 988 7277
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
HOME IMPROVEMENTS
BEAUTIFUL BATH UPDATES in as little as ONE DAY! Superior quality bath and shower systems at AFFORDABLE PRICES! Lifetime warranty & professional installs. Call Now! 1-855-399-2076
DO YOU KNOW WHAT’S IN YOUR WATER? Leaf Home Water Solutions offers FREE water testing and whole home water treatment systems that can be installed in as little one day. 15% off your entire purchase. Plus 10% senior & military discounts. Restrictions apply. Schedule your FREE test today. Call 1-866-247-5728
MADE IN THE SHADE CUSTOM WINDOW TREATMENTS
Blinds, Shades, Shutters, Draperies
Top Brands at Discount Prices! Family owned & operated www.madeintheshadensli. com
516-426-2890
MASONRY
All types of stonework Pavers, Retaining Walls, Bel gium Block Patios, Founda tions, Seal coating, Concrete and Asphalt driveways, Side walks, Steps.
Free Estimates
Fully Licensed & Insured
#H2219010000
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Louie 516-850-4886
SERVICES
HOME IMPROVEMENTS
PREPARE FOR POWER
OUTAGES with Briggs & StrattonPowerProtect(TM) standby generators the most powerful home standby generators available. Industry-leading comprehensive warranty 7 years
($849 value.) Proudly made in the U.S.A. Call Briggs & Stratton 1-888-605-1496
HEALTH SERVICES
FAMILY CARE CONNECTIONS, LLC
Dr. Ann Marie D’Angelo PMHCNS-BC
Doctor of Nursing Practice
Advanced Practice Nurse Care Manager
Assistance with Aging at Home /Care Coordintion
Nursing Home & Assisted Living Placement
PRI / Screens / Mini Mental Status Exams
Medicaid Eligibility and Apllications
516-248-9323
www.familycareconnections.com
901 Stewart Ave, Ste 230 Garden City, NY 11530
FLORAL PSYCHIATRY
MENTAL HEALTH CLINIC
Adult Psychiatrist & Nutritionist
Focus on Women’s Mental Health
Therapy & Nutrition Psychiatry
Medication Management
A multilingual practice
Parthy Shah, MD
516-666-2693
Virtual Clinic online at: urjapsychiatry.com
PAINTING & PAPERHANGING
INTERIOR & EXTERIOR PAINTING
Plastering, Taping, Sheetrock
Skim Cutting, Old Wood Refinish, Staining, Wallpaper Removal & Hanging, Paint Removal, Power Washing, Wood Replacement
JOHN MIGLIACCIO
Licensed & Insured
#80422100000
Call John anytime:
516-901-9398 (Cell) 516-483-3669 (Office)
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
CLASSIFIEDS Call 294.8900
SERVICES
CLEANING
CLEANING AVAILABLE EXPERIENCED POLISH HOUSE CLEANER
Good references, ability. Very honest, reliable, responsible and hard working. Own transportation. English speaking. Flexible days and hours. Reasonable rates. I will do a good job. Call or text 516-589-5640
Do you have a service to advertise?
Our Service Directory will bring results. Call 516-294-8900 for rates and info.
SERVICES SERVICES
AFFORDABLE TV & INTERNET. If you are overpaying for your service, call now for a free quote and see how much you can save! 1-855-399-2803
PEST CONTROL: PROTECT
YOUR HOME from pests safely and affordably. Roaches, Bed Bugs, Rodent, Termite, Spiders and other pests. Locally owned and affordable. Call for service or an inspection today! 1-866-448-8311 Have zip code of property ready when calling!
Celebrate a time-honored cocktail
Raymond Carver’s “Heart Starter” Bloody Mary
A Bloody Mary is a popular cocktail. Some rely on a Bloody Mary as a hangover cure, and others enjoy it as a treat with brunch. Some say the drink was named after a server, Mary, at The Bucket of Blood in Chicago, while others insist Queen Mary Tudor of England is its namesake. A Bloody Mary gets its “bloody” moniker from the vibrant red color of the tomato juice in the drink. Try this recipe, courtesy of “How to Drink Like a Writer: Recipes for the Cocktails and Libations that Inspired 100 Literary Greats” (Apollo Publishers) by Margaret Kaplan. Serves 8
4 cups tomato juice
1⁄2 cup dill pickle juice
1⁄4 cup lemon juice, freshly squeezed
1 tablespoon grated horseradish
2 teaspoons Tabasco sauce
2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1⁄2 teaspoon celery seeds
1⁄8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
2 cups vodka
Celery stalks for garnishing
Lemon wedges for garnishing
1) In a large pitcher, mix together tomato juice, pickle juice, lemon juice, horseradish, Tabasco, Worcestershire, salt, pepper, celery seeds, and cayenne pepper. Cover and chill in refrigerator overnight.
2) In the morning (or whenever it is you wake up), locate your phone, keys, dignity, and pants. Next, find the vodka (if you have any left), and pour it into
the tomato juice mixture. Stir. Pour into a highball or collins glass filled with ice and garnish with celery, a lemon wedge, and a cocktail shrimp.
OPPORTUNITY KNOCKS...
Each week,
Litmor Publications publishes the ads of providers in our Classifieds, Professional Guide and Service Directory. A 6-week agreement brings your specialty or service to the attention of the community in a public service format.
LET US BEGIN LISTING YOU IN OUR NEXT ISSUE.
For More Information and Rates, Call Nancy 516.294.8900
Email:
Nancy@gcnews.com
Include name, daytime phone number, address and email.
Deadline for Professional Guide or Service Directory is Monday, 12 Noon. Deadline for Classified is Tuesday, 1pm
Advertising in the Professional Guide is only open to N.Y.S. Licensed Professionals.
Share your accomplishments with our readership! Put your engagement, wedding, baby announcement, or more in our paper. It's free of charge for subscribers! Email editor@gcnews.com
January Events at the Floral Park Library
“The new year stands before us like a chapter in a book, waiting to be written…” – Melody Beattie
The Floral Park Public Library wishes all of its patrons, presenters, and neighbors a year full of good health and good reads!
Programs for Adults
Adult programs on the January calendar include: for tasting, Winter Soups and Breads with Chef Barbara. For planning, The Truth About Reverse Mortgages, and the Basics of Medicare. For fun, first time presenter Judith Caseley brings her love of mosaics to an Adult Intro to Mosaics program. For learning, the Empire Safety Council Defensive Driving program happens on January 16 (registration is open), and there’s two more sessions of English Language Learning with Vianna Calderon.
Hybrid Chair Yoga
Hybrid Chair Yoga with Micheline is back Wednesdays at 10:15 a.m. for all of 2025.
Urban Explorers
The popular Floral Park Library Urban Explorers head to Astoria’s Museum of the Moving Image in the historic space of the former Astoria Studios.
Programs for Children and Teens
Teens can expect a P[ART]y Art program, and a “TBA” pop up for a January surprise.
The kiddos and their parents and caregivers can choose: Play Hooray, A Time for Kids Baby Start and Family Pre-School Hour; P[art]y Art programs for Pre-K thru 1st grade, and 2nd thru 5th grade; Crafts with the Pom Queen (grades 3–5); two Creatology Kidz programs (grades 2–5); StoryCraft (PreK –2); Building Fun for the grades 2 thru 5; and a three-session LI Chess Nuts program for those 2nd through 5th graders.
And what would a month be without a Chef of d’Future session with Chef Julie (PreK–2)?
Made with Love Knitting and Crocheting
The 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.
Board Meeting
The Library Board of Trustees meets at 7:30 p.m. on January 15.
Tech Support
One-to-one tech help with Joe for tablets, smartphones, laptops and Kindles is available for our Floral Park patrons by appointment only (floralparktechhelp@gmail.com).
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. The Friends have added handmade knit hats and mittens for sale this winter, too.
General 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 on Wednesday, January 1, for New Year’s Day, and on Monday, January 20, for Martin Luther King, Jr. Day.
Follow the Library on Facebook (floralparklibrary), Twitter (@fplibrary17), or Instagram (fplibrary, 17, floralparkchildrens, fpplteens).
Welcome to The Floral Park Villager, where your story is our story!
Over the next few weeks we will be mailing free copies of our new newspaper to all of the homes in the zip code so you can see what we’re excited about! If this is your first time seeing the paper, welcome! Copies are also available at drop points around town. In addition, you can find us online at www.fpvillager.com
What You Can Expect:
Local Focus: Unlike other papers, we concentrate solely on Floral Park and Bellerose. Our pages will be filled with news that matters to you and your neighbors.
Community Contributions: We want to hear from you! Share your sports updates, event announcements, club news, scouting adventures, and personal milestones like weddings and graduations. Your stories are the heartbeat of our publication.
Comprehensive Coverage: Stay informed about village and school board meetings, ensuring you’re up-to-date with the decisions that impact our community.
Letters to the Editor: We value your voice. Share your opinions, ideas, and feedback. Your letters will help shape the dialogue in our community.
Get Involved:
We encourage you to submit your items for publication to editor@gcnews.com. Whether it’s a story, a photo, or an announcement, your contributions will help us build a newspaper that truly reflects the spirit of Floral Park and Bellerose.
How to Subscribe
If you would like to get convenient home delivery of the paper through the mail, please use this QR code or go to our website at www.fpvillager.com
Advertising:
Our Advertising Account Executive, Peter Camp, is a long-time member of the Floral Park community. For information about advertising, you can reach him at 917-861-4627 or pcamp@gcnews.com.
