Floral Park Villager (1/17/25)

THE GATEWAY TO NASSAU COUNTY

SERVING FLORAL PARK, BELLEROSE AND STEWART MANOR

2 Sewanhaka schools seniors named Regeneron semifinalists

Elmont Memorial High School senior Aafia Ahmed

Sewanhaka Central High School District is pleased to announce that Elmont Memorial High School senior

Aafia Ahmed and H. Frank Carey High School senior Natalie Osorio have been selected as semifinalists in the Regeneron Science Talent Search 2025, a prestigious science and math research competition. Ahmed and Osorio were among 300 scholars nationwide and 49 on Long Island selected for this honor.

H. Frank Carey High School senior Natalie Osorio

The scholars were chosen based on their outstanding research, leadership skills, community involvement, commitment to academics, creativity in asking scientific questions and exceptional promise as STEM leaders demonstrated through the submission of their original, independent research projects, essays and recommendations.

Ahmed’s project is titled, “JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway mediates methyl-

mercury toxicity in mouse astrocyte neuronal C8-D1A cell line.” Osorio’s project is titled, “Biophysical investigations into the structure and function of pseudomonas aeruginosa nitric oxide signaling system.”

The scholars and their schools will each be awarded $2,000. The top 40 finalists will be announced on Jan. 23.

Photos courtesy of the Sewanhaka Central High School District

January 28 vote to decide future of schools’

upgrades

BY KASSARA MCELROY

The January 9th Floral Park School's Board of Education meeting began on a lively note with a performance by the John Lewis Childs School color guard, accompanied unexpectedly by loud bangs from the school’s aging heating system.

This set the stage for the evening’s main topic: the January 28 public vote on a bond referendum that, if approved, would help fund upgrades to the HVAC systems at Floral Park-Bellerose and John Lewis Childs schools.

Superintendent Lisa Ruiz addressed the issue, “I don’t know if you heard, but the heating system was just gurgling and sounded like a pot that was banging and boiling. That’s an indication that the system is not in good shape and it’s time to make the commitment as a district to make this heating conversion.”

District records show $1.3 million has been spent on unsustainable repairs since 2018. During these repairs, students have been displaced, and furniture and learning materials have been damaged.

“It’s an unreliable system with inconsistent performance. We need to know that every day, when we come to school, our classrooms will be heated and functioning well, with evenly distributed heat throughout the building,” Ruiz added.

The proposed project includes a

conversion from steam to hot water heating, alongside the installation of a central air conditioning system. Engineers from Energia presented findings from energy models they created that predict annual fuel savings of about $40,089 for Floral Park-Bellerose School and $17,680 for John Lewis Childs School. These savings are intended to offset the electricity costs of the air conditioning additions.

Administrators emphasized that the new system would improve air quality, reduce the spread of illness, support students with respiratory health needs, and create a more comfortable and energy-efficient learning environment.

State regulations are adding urgency to the project. The New York State Maximum Temperature Bill for Schools, taking effect September 1, 2025, sets 88 degrees as the maximum allowable classroom temperature and requires intervention at 82 degrees. While window air conditioners currently provide some relief, they are insufficient for larger classrooms and extreme heat.

The $28.5 million HVAC project will be funded through $8.8 million in capital reserves and unassigned funds, with a $19.6 million bond. For the average homeowner, this would mean an annual tax increase of $66 starting in 2028. A public vote on the

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Regan - Rohde engagement

Jason Rohde and Erin Regan

The Conboy Regan, and Rohde families are excited to announce the engagement of their children Erin June Regan & Jason Robert Rohde. They will be married at Our Lady of Victory Church, with a celebration following at the Greenview at Lawrence Yacht and Country Club in June 2025.

JLCS Color Guard spotlighted at school board meeting

John Lewis Childs School’s Color Guard is pictured with members of the Board of Education and co-advisers Marianna Antonakis and Christina Saunders on Jan. 9. Photo Courtesy of the Floral Park-Bellerose Union Free School District

Students in John Lewis Childs School’s Color Guard were special guests at the board of education meeting on Jan. 9.

The Color Guard began the meeting with the presentation of arms and led attendees in the Pledge of Allegiance. The students sang “The Star-Spangled Banner” and the John Lewis Childs

Our Lady of Victory open house

Our Lady of Victory School will hold Open House programs on Sunday, January 26, from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. and on Monday January 27, from 10 to 11 a.m.

Come and see all Our Lady of Victory has to offer!

For additional information please scan the QR code.

School song, as well. The Color Guard students are Sebastian Perez Acevedo, Martin Brennan, Gabriel Cheng, Eva Dellagiovanna, Brooke Hodnett, Jack Kelleher, Christopher Reilly, Bellamy Rodriguez, Nola Ryan, Mia Santangelo and Emalyn Watson. The Color Guard is advised by teachers Marianna Antonakis and Christina Saunders.

FP native earns director role at nonprofit

BY RIKKI MASSAND

On Monday, January 6th, Floral Park native Lauren Jaquay began her new position as director for behavioral health services with Citizens Options Unlimited at its program office in Plainview.

Citizens Options Unlimited is a notfor-profit that works across Long Island to support people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD). The organization has multiple locations on Long Island, and Jaquay had been working as the assistant director at its intermediate care facility (ICF) in Shoreham, Suffolk County. She went through elementary school in the Floral Park-Bellerose district and then moved out of state for a while. She returned for her high school years at Floral Park Memorial.

In an interview last week, Jaquay fondly recalled her time in several classes and the seeds that were planted for her career.

“Mrs. Werbitzski was my high school Chemistry teacher, and she was really instrumental in stirring my love of science. She was so inspirational and took extra time with me during those years. It was awesome and kind of life changing! The kind of science I did with Chemistry was foreign to me, but as an adult in my 20s I got into the science of behavior, which is what I have done in my career – we work with what drives people, why they do what they do and their motives to act certain ways. That’s where I landed in the science realm,” she explained.

Jaquay was in the Photography program at Floral Park Memorial High. Overall Jaquay struggled due to her being diagnosed with learning disabilities as a child.

“Elementary to high school education was a bit of a rough time. The early experience of struggling in school opened my eyes to other people’s struggles, as I gained perspective,” Jaquay said. “It also made it important for me to try to find a career where I could help people.”

Finding Her Passion

One day, she was working part-time as a bartender at Bullfrog’s, and a regular customer started a conversation. Over time, she spoke about her goals enough for him to tell her she has personality traits to pursue a ‘DSP’ position - direct support professional – with a local facility. She always wanted to help people through her work, so despite some worries she took the advice. Jaquay applied to join the staff at YAI –Young Adult Institute.

Once she began working, she saw how one of her childhood memories would be applied to what she can do.

“At first I was petrified – I thought I wouldn’t be able to do it. After a

year of the customer bringing this up, I applied for the position of direct support professional. I had to learn about behavior and about people who are intellectually disabled and developmentally disabled. One thing pointed out to me early on was in the applied behavior analysis approach: suggesting that chores/tasks get completed first, before everyone should go out to have some fun. It was a starting point, and in that setting I could apply what my grandmother would do with us growing up – in applied behavioral psychology it’s even dubbed Grandma’s Rule, the Premack Principle. But I knew it from my grandmother!” she explained.

The joy in her career comes from making a difference and providing people with human contact and support. She is enthused about being part of supportive environments where art classes and skills are taught, and people enjoy spending the time together. “I knew I wanted to be comfortable and I did not want to be in sales or a corporate career, and I wanted to be directly in human services,” Jaquay said.

Education and Early Career

She attended undergraduate studies at Adelphi University and Long Island University to earn her master’s in special education and early childhood education. Later she completed another program at LIU to earn her advanced certificate in advanced behavioral analysis.

Her ambitions to become a teacher, one of the reasons she did the graduate studies at LIU Post, led to one year spent as a consultant-teacher in Lindenhurst.

“I ended up returning to the nonprofit sector and I have continued in this realm ever since, in various jobs, agencies and day-to-day roles – in the human services field you have to make adjustments. It’s more than money that’s really the motivation,” Jaquay shared.

At Citizens Options Unlimited’s Shoreham location, Jaquay became the assistant director in July of 2021. She held that position until the start of this year, and she supervised four professionals. The organization’s Shoreham space has capacity to house 82 people under behavioral care.

The folks she helps through programs were formally enrolled for services through the New York State Office for People with Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD). Generally, the persons have gone through care coordination services before becoming part of the Citizens Options Unlimited groups. Jaquay explained, “We specialize in the residential, group homes for those with disabilities. If there’s a care coordinator lined up they are able to provide families information on getting their relatives on a waitlist and being slotted for a home. The process is often confusing and time-consuming so care coordi-

nation is the way to go to help navigate the ins and outs.”

Enthusiasm for her career steps at the nonprofit led Jaquay to reflect on behavioral science professions.

“The benefit with this field is that you can start a career almost right out of high school, as most entry-level jobs require a high school diploma or GED to start. That can lead to any number of positions in the behavioral route, which is what I pursued, or many others have gone in the nursing route. The services are so needed and overall, in direct care across New York State our staffing needs continue – this is such important, fun work and it’s available for people,” Jaquay said.

Entering a career working with people with disabilities can also benefit those seeking a career change. One of Jaquay’s coworkers previously worked in Manhattan, in the finance industry, but she’s happy to have shifted to Citizens Options Unlimited.

Jaquay said the convenience and the experience of helping people in activities were very appealing to most of her colleagues. She commented on the “higher calling” many of them believe in as they work with the I/DD community. They are motivated to help others succeed and achieve goals.

“We help people who a few years ago weren’t able to live independently and now they can live in an apartment with some supports. For those who had intense behaviors seven or eight years ago, they might be able to attend a family member’s wedding – those are the milestones and functional skills that keep us going,” Jaquay noted.

Nonprofits & facilities working together

Partner organizations of Citizens Options Unlimited include its affiliate agency – AHRC of Nassau County – as well as the AHRC Foundation; the Brookville Center for Children’s Services; the Lindner Center for Autism and Developmental Disabilities; AdvantageCare Health Centers and Camp Loyaltown overnight camp in the Catskill Mountains for those diagnosed with I/DD.

According to its website, AHRC Nassau partners with Citizens Options Unlimited to offer people with disabilities “Residential services, Respite services, Recreation, and Self-direction.” Every year there is a 5K Walk to raise awareness and funding co-hosted by AHRC of Nassau County and Citizens Options Unlimited. The 2024 event was held Sunday, October 27th at Eisenhower Park.

Many volunteer opportunities with

Citizens Options Unlimited are available. Anyone interested can learn more by contacting Jerri Walker at 516-2931111 ext. 5140, or via email at jwalker@ citizens-inc.org

Lauren Jaquay started 2025 with a few bittersweet moments at work, with the retirement of Dorothy Bialik – the director and colleague she’s succeeding. On Friday, January 3rd there was a small reception held at the office to wish Bialik well as she moves away to Spain.

“In my years working with her she’s been my mentor and has inspired me. She’s amazing, she got everyone involved and she was a wonderful supervisor. As director here she’s helped our DSP level staff. I can’t even put into words how bittersweet it is she’s leaving,” Jaquay commented.

Back in 2016 Lauren met her husband David Slay, a Connecticut native, who currently works for New York State in homes and community renewal. They married in 2020 and live in Port Jefferson.

“It’s really about giving back. David’s also in the frame of mind to feel like the work we do is important, and we give back to our community members in need,” she said.

Mom

a Big Inspiration

Her mom is Patricia Clements Jaquay of Floral Park, who currently works as an AFLAC Insurance agent and is a proactive member in the Floral Park Chamber of Commerce events. In Lauren’s childhood and continuing now, travel has been a big part of their family time. Their trips have included Acadia National Park, Aruba and Hilton Head Island, South Carolina. ‘Pat’ – who her daughter calls the “Go-Getter” – has frequently led the way to new destinations.

Lauren looks at the life her mother has led and her career achievements, and continues to draw much inspiration.

“I get my drive from my mom because she is NON-STOP. Once she has her mind set on something, she becomes laser-focused and she winds up achieving it. And while Mom has great love for Floral Park, she’s always looking for the next big adventure – she’s traveled to Italy, went skiing in Vail, and back in high school we all went to Paris. She’s definitely an international traveler and loves exploring new destinations!” Jaquay said.

Above all, Lauren is inspired by her mother’s kindness and compassion for people, something she’s carried into the nonprofit and behavioral science profession.

Do you have Grandchildren?

Send in your grandchildren’s photos and enter our “World’s Most Beautiful Grandchildren” contest. Just send a photo and a brief description of the child (or children) along with your name and address to: editor@gcnews.com

Fifth graders learn about cells at in-school field trip

John Lewis Childs School’s fifth grade classes participated in an in-school field trip with Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory DNA Learning Center on Jan. 6 and Jan 8.

The students learned about the basic structure and function of cells, identifying the cytoplasm, cell membrane, nucleus, DNA and multiple organelles. Each student created their own “baggie cell model,” using various household

items – such as the bags, gelatin and dried beans – to represent the different parts of a cell. The students were encouraged to refrigerate their baggies to allow the gelatin to solidify so they can “dissect” their cells.

This lab activity ties into the science unit on plant and animal needs, which the fifth graders will begin this month.

Photos courtesy

of the

Floral Park-Bellerose Union Free School District

The in-school field trip brought interesting science activities to John Lewis Child School. Students used household items to create models of cells.

John Lewis Childs School fifth graders participated in an in-school lab activity through Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory DNA Learning Center on Jan. 8.

Howard Hanna Coach Realtors’ Exclusive Downsizer Workshop

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We are experts at helping people make moves that “right-size” their home to fit their current lifestyle and are happy to share what we’ve learned from helping thousands of satisfied clients.

The next local workshop will be: Scan to register! Saturday, February 1, 10am-noon American Legion Hall 15 Elizabeth Street, Floral Park, NY. 11001

Village of Floral Park Board Of Trustees’ Reports

January 7th Board Meeting

Mayor Kevin Fitzgerald

Proposed Q110 Bus Line

Just to follow up on Trustee Stewart’s commentary regarding the proposed Q110 bus. We are very glad on the decision that was made by the MTA and I’d like to thank Trustee Stewart for leading the charge with dedication and passion for the project. In the years I have been on this Board, Floral Park has had a strong history of offering reasonable arguments when challenges arise. The MTA heard our reasonable argument on why the bus route will not work in Floral Park, including logistics. There was no benefit to their customers for the bus to come into the train station, a route that runs parallel to the LIRR. Thank you, trustee Stewart and former Mayor Longobardi, for attending the public hearings with us.

E-Village Items

Lastly, I’d like to remind everyone that the Friday after our meeting we have a biweekly newsletter we send out which outlines what happened at the Board meeting along with any other pertinent information we’d like to announce, including links to our public hearings, zoning, and ARB hearings. If you haven’t signed up for it, I encourage you to do so. We have over 4,000 people who have signed up, so go to our website to sign up.

Be on the look-out for a total refresh of our new website sometime soon.

Deputy Mayor Lynn Pombonyo Police Department

The New Year’s Day deadly truck attack in New Orleans leaves our Village and Police Department outraged and expressing our sympathy to the victims, their families and the City of New Orleans.

In the aftermath, as investigations at all levels of government are under way, our Floral Park Police Department pays close attention to the findings of those official investigations, shares them across the Department, and incorporates them into Department training.

FPPD members who have completed Instructor level training include Sergeant Mayo and Officers Sawicki and Tangredi. Working with Commissioner McAllister and Lieutenant Doherty, this Instructor team closely examines the investigative reports and literature published by agencies such as the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Federal and State Attorneys General, and the local jurisdictions. Relevant information is shared with the Department in a variety of ways including training classes taught by our FPPD

Instructors. Our Department acquires the expertise that is developed after such horrific events. See the related post on our FPPD Facebook page.

With the New Year comes ongoing reminders about illegal standing and parking in the marked emergency zones on Tulip Avenue at the corners in the business district and on Verbena Avenue near the corner of Tulip Avenue. Motorists who violate the law are endangering our safety by blocking the corners for fire department vehicles and ambulances, and will be ticketed.

One-way streets in Floral Park are exactly that. Iris Avenue, between Tulip and Carnation Avenues, is a one-way street. FPPD reminds us that motorists may not exit either parking lot on Iris Avenue and proceed in the direction of Tulip Avenue or the other parking lot, even if it’s only a short distance. It’s against the law. Driving in the correct direction on one-way streets is required at all times.

The attention of our motorists to avoid “‘Blocking the Boxes” at our intersections has been noted by our FPPD Officers who have been assigned directed patrols to reduce and prevent violations. Although sixty-five summonses were issued for this violation during the last two months, we appreciate the cooperation of those motorists who keep our intersections safe.

Let’s all work together with our FPPD for a safe New Year in our Village!

Conservation Society (FPCS)

It might be bitter cold outside but, in the December issue of our Floral Park Village Items, you’ll see that registration for our Recreation Winter/ Spring programs is taking place now. One of those programs takes place in our very own Centennial Gardens and Bird Sanctuary. Gardening For Kids, taught by FPCS Volunteer extraordinaire “Miss Laura” Trentacoste, begins Saturday, March 15th at 9 AM, running ten sessions through the end of May. Children, ages three to ten, will be fascinated by the gardening, walks and crafts adventures in our unique, vast Gardens. Our 2024 highlights included planting seeds in the Gardens, planting seeds to take home, and watching them grow – bulbs, flowers, corn, herbs and others; exploring the wonders of nature on all the hilly paths throughout the Gardens; and artistic crafts activities using natural and recycled materials to create caring projects such as birdhouses and bird feeders for our feathered friends who call the Gardens home.

At Gardening For Kids 2025, our children will have fun with friends and help nature, the Earth and Floral Park.

Thank you, “Miss Laura” for creating this valuable and memorable Gardens program for our children!

Chambers of Commerce and Our Businesses

Our Covert Avenue and Floral Park Chambers of Commerce are welcoming the New Year with new members, new businesses and exciting plans.

On Covert Avenue, construction activities are under way to add new businesses and apartments to our busy street. A restaurant is coming to the former bank building at 99 Covert Avenue. Twelve apartments above approximately five to six businesses will occupy the block between Marshall and Beverly Avenues. We all look forward to continuing progress and the openings of these welcome additions to Floral Park. Details to follow in Trustee Longobardi’s Building Department report. See the website for 2025 Chamber membership information at covertavenuechamber. org.

The Floral Park Chamber of Commerce will welcome 2025 with a networking dinner meeting this Thursday, 6-8 PM at Crabtree Restaurant on Jericho Turnpike. The 2025 Board of Directors will be introduced and sworn in, and new and interesting business updates will be shared. See the website for meeting registration and 2025 membership information at floralparkchamber.org.

Make it your New Year’s resolution to shop and dine local in Floral Park and Stewart Manor!

New Year’s Thanks and Best Wishes

We all enjoyed a bright and beautiful 2024 holiday season in Floral Park. Appreciation goes to all of our residents and businesses whose sparkling lights and unique decorations made our Village so festive. Floral Park’s Department of Public Works added to the joy and holiday spirit, brightening our Village buildings, parks and streets. What a glorious place to be at Christmas time and the holiday season!

And now, as we welcome 2025, may the New Year bring good health, peace and joy to all.

Trustee Frank Chiara Fire Department

Our Fire Department would like to wish everyone a Happy New Year and a safe and healthy 2025. I would like to thank our Volunteer Fire Department who were Santa’s Elves this holiday season, when Santa made his way down the streets of Floral Park to visit the children before Christmas Day. They drove down the block and made many stops to

say hello to the many kids outlining the streets. It was a festive event enjoyed by many in our Village. Thank you once again to our Volunteers for being such vital members of our community.

For the month of December, the Fire Company responded to 48 calls, the Rescue Company responded to 14 ambulance calls and 6 fire calls, NYU Langone responded to 95 calls, for a total number of 143 calls for December.

Floral Park Library

The Floral Park Library is starting out the year with a month packed with programs. Here are a few to keep on your calendar:

On Friday, January 10th, from 4-5 PM, grades 6 to 12 can participate in “Not Your Ordinary Dessert Wars”. In this exciting competition, teens will put their culinary skills to the test by creating a unique candy masterpiece. A special judge will crown the top two creations, and all participants get to take home their delicious desserts to enjoy!

On Saturday, January 11th, from 1-2 PM Chef Barbara will be at the library to teach her favorite bread and soup recipe pairings, from crusty French bread to French onion soup.

On Monday, January 13th, from 6:307:30 PM, for grades 2 to 5, the library is hosting chess instructions with the Long Island Chess Nuts. The program is for beginners and experienced players. It is a three-week program.

Check the Library’s website at www. floralparklibrary.org for upcoming programs. Please remember that they fill up fast so register if you’re interested. The library will be closed on Monday, January 20th, for Martin Luther King Day.

Trustee Jennifer Stewart Department of Public Works

Our DPW crews have been filling pot holes and making street light repairs. Plows are in place and ready in the event of accumulating snow. Crews have salted roads on Monday morning and Monday night as temperatures plummeted and roads became icy. Sanitation Crews have collected 65 tons of household waste, 9 tons of paper and cardboard, and 6 tons of commingled plastics and glass. Bulk pickup will resume tomorrow, after two holiday weeks.

In case of snow accumulations, I would like to remind residents that sidewalks are to be cleared of snow and ice 12 hours after the storm. If you live on a corner, please shovel out the corner to make crossing the streets safe for all. If you have a fire hydrant in front of your

See page 8

Village of Floral Park Board Of Trustees’ Reports

January 7th Board Meeting

From page 6

house, in the event of significant snow, please make sure to clear the hydrant so fire fighters have access to it, saving valuable time.

Many roads as well as the Holland Avenue parking lot have been repaved and/or repaired. The full list of roads repaired/repaved will be included as part of our bimonthly newsletter.

Verizon is looking to install a tower in the Village, there is a possibility the Village will lease property to Verizon on the DPW Garage property.

Four Village Studio

Next week’s show lineup includes Inspiring Stories with Bill Corbett Jr.; Rob Weisberg – 911 Responder and Advocate for those with PTSD, FPFD; Red Alert with Larry King AEMT; and “Maritime Firefighter Training” with James P. Spear, SUNY Maritime College.

MTA

While congestion pricing has begun south of 60th street in Manhattan, the truly good news is that the final Queens Bus Network Redesign Project does not have the Q110 coming into the Village of Floral Park. I would like to thank all the residents who submitted com-

ments, my fellow Board Members and Village Administrator Gerry Bambrick for attending the hearing with me and speaking out against this plan, as well as former mayor Dominick Longobardi and Nassau County Legislator Scott Strauss for their support. We would also like to acknowledge the support of New York State Senator Patricia CanzonariFitzpatrick, State Assemblyman Ed Ra, and Assemblywoman Michelle Solages for their significant support on this matter. I would also like to thank the MTA for listening to our concerns and doing the right thing.

Village Website Upgrade Coming Soon

We are excited to announce that for the past several months, our Village website has been undergoing an upgrade. We anticipate the new page to go live in early February, I expect to announce the exact date at our next meeting. I would like to thank Superintendent Renee Marcus, Deputy Village Administrator Darlene Lanza and Ashley Siragusa for their hard work and attention to detail on this very important project.

Finally, my family and I would like to also extend our wishes to all residents for a healthy and safe 2025.

Trustee Michael Longobardi Building Department

There has been no change to the ongoing projects status since our last Board Meeting; all projects are still progressing well. Construction is ongoing at the 1 Carnation Avenue apartment building, the proposed restaurant at 99 Covert Avenue, the re-construction of 266 Jericho Turnpike and the Covert Avenue Fire property. Repairs and renovations continue at 212 Jericho Turnpike, the old Firestone building. There are no further updates or meetings scheduled for the large-scale mixed-use development project located at 144-162 Jericho Turnpike. We will announce any future meetings regarding this matter.

Letters were sent recently to our businesses reminding them of the annual fire inspections which will be starting soon. Your cooperation with the building department to complete these in a timely manner is greatly appreciated.

Pool and Recreation Recreation Session II registration will start tomorrow, Wednesday, January 8th. Senior registration for senior classes only will be from 9:30 AM to 1:30 PM. Registration for all classes will be from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM. Registration

is open and ongoing after that. Youth programs will include Zumba, gymnastics, tennis, and gardening. Adult and Senior programs will include aerobics, yoga, Zumba, Pilates, tennis, and more. A current resident leisure pass or 2024 pool pass is required to register. Applications are available at the pool building, shelter house and online at the Village web site. Registration is ongoing for the 2025 Floral Park Little League Spring Baseball and Softball leagues. For information and to register, please visit www.FloralParkLittleLeague.com. While it may only be 25 degrees outside, preparations begin for Spring 2025; orders are being placed for materials and plans to prepare the fields are being scheduled. A reminder that our current winter hours are 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.

Town-Village Aircraft Safety & Noise Abatement Committee (TVASNAC)

The next meeting will be on Monday, January 27, 2025 at the Hempstead Town Hall, One Washington Street, Hempstead. If you want to make a noise complaint regarding air traffic, you can call 1-800-225-1071. You can also go to our Village website which has the links under the TVASNAC noise complaint contact information page on our home page.

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, 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.

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).

THE HANCE FAMILY FOUNDATION PRESENTS ITS FIRST ANNUAL

Empower Her Brunch

Sunday, February 2, 2025 | 12-3 PM

Stewart Manor Country Club | 51 Salisbury Avenue, Garden City, NY

Tickets $150 | Sponsorships Available!

Text HFFBrunch to 41444 or visit hancefamilyfoundation.org/empowerher for more information.

Celebrating CONFIDENCE - EMPOWERMENT - RESILIENCE - SISTERHOOD

Featuring a bubbly bar, flower cart, fashion show, self-care vignettes, exciting raffles & more!

CHAIRED BY EXECUTIVE BOARD MEMBER KATHRYN ZEPPIERI

Wine-Tasting Exemplifies Art, Nature & Neighborhood in Sonoma, California

KAREN RUBIN WITH ERIC LEIBERMAN AND SARAH FALTER TRAVEL FEATURES SYNDICATE GOINGPLACESFARANDNEAR.COM

A staple of a visit to Sonoma, California, where nature and art come together in a perfect blend, is a tasting at one of the picturesque wineries and vineyards. It is always so fascinating to learn about the art and science of winemaking, and to immerse in joy of discovering, sharing and savoring the fruit of that creative enterprise, the wine.

This trip, we return to the charming town of Healdsburg, where we have thoroughly enjoyed visiting its galleries and restaurants and the lovely town square (like Sonoma), to visit Dry Creek Vineyard. Family owned and run by second generation owner and president Kim Stare Wallace, it is also one of the last truly private, family-owned, iconic wineries of Sonoma County that consistently produces coveted 90+ point wines.

Dry Creek Vineyard, we learn, is responsible for many of the “firsts” in this rich wine-producing valley. Established in 1972, it was the first winery to open in Dry Creek Valley after Prohibition. Founder David S. Stare paved the way for a viticultural rebirth in the valley. Inspired by his trips to France, he modeled his winery after a Loire Valley chateau – making for a delightful setting in which to enjoy the wines.

Dry Creek Vineyard was the first winery to plant Sauvignon Blanc in the Dry Creek Valley and the first to label a wine with the “Dry Creek Vineyard appellation. A pioneer of Bordeaux-style blending, the winery

tables on the lawn outside the stone chateau, as Darrin Abel, the concierge and Wine educator, introduces the wine for us to taste.

We start with a 2022 Dry Chenin Blanc, a staple of Dry Creek since its founding in 1972. This is a classic Loire Valley-style wine that is versatile and food friendly, especially when paired with fresh oysters and seafood.

was also the first to use the term “Meritage” (with its 1985 vintage) and the first to coin the term “Old Vine” to describe pre-Prohibition-era Zinfandel vineyards.

They make a claim of being the first to introduce the concept of Sustainable Agriculture in California, in 1998.

In the years leading up to Dave’s retirement in 2006, second generation owners Kim Stare Wallace and her husband, Don Wallace, began to lay the foundation for their vision for the winery’s future based on sustainability. “Their ‘no compromises’ philosophy required a complete re-invention from the inside out, including new winemaking techniques, vineyard management methods and winery upgrades on their 185 acres of sustainably farmed vineyards.”

This shift in philosophy led to dra-

matically reducing production while increasing quality and sharpening the focus on crafting appellation-driven terroir-focused, varietal-defining wines that have come to rival the best in California and the world. In 2015, Wine & Spirits Magazine selected Dry Creek Vineyard as one of its “top 100 Wineries.”

Its sustainable methods have worked: this year Dry Creek’s Sauvignon Blanc was crowned Best in California, and the Cabernet Sauvignon earned a stellar 95-point rating.

Dry Creek Vineyard is known for its Chenin Blanc, Sauvignon Blanc, Zinfandel, Cabernet Sauvignon and Meritage blends, as well as a portfolio of limited, single-vineyard selections. Prices are moderate, ranging from $18 to $125.

We sit at lovely wooden picnic

Abel, who has been at Dry Creek for 12 years, explains the difference between a wine that is meant to be consumed early, and one that is meant to age and mature in the bottle. “White wine is meant to be drunk immediately (the screw cap). A cork is for aging – the oxygen penetrates cork and slowly ages wine. A screw cap has no permeability, is not meant to be aged. Our philosophy : to make wine that can be enjoyed now but can age.”

Our second wine, is 2022 Taylor’s Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc, produced from a vineyard on the western bench of Dry Creek Valley named after Kim and Don Wallace’s daughter, Taylor. According to the winemaker’s notes, the Sauvignon Musqué grape is a unique clonal selection of the Sauvignon Blanc variety and a delicious interpretation of the classic varietal.

The 2020 Farmhouse Vineyard Zinfandel is the sixth vintage of Zinfandel produced from its Russian River Valley vineyard, where the cooler temperatures allow for complex aromas and flavors to develop. This was the second Zinfandel property of Dry Creek’s estate vineyards to be planted with the Heritage

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GOING PLACES, NEAR & FAR....

Wine-Tasting Exemplifies Art, Nature & Neighborhood in Sonoma, California

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Clone. The winemaker’s notes explain that the vines were planted using the Heritage budwood concept to preserve the heritage of iconic old vine Zinfandel vineyards. Cuttings from a pre-Prohibition era vineyard were grafted onto phylloxera-resistant rootstock to create a “young vine” wine with “old vine” Zinfandel characteristics.

We next taste the 2020 Somers Ranch Zinfandel, from grapes grown on two small parcels planted on adjacent hilltops overlooking the valley. The eastern-facing hillside vineyards provide optimum sun exposure for balanced and juicy grapes. This distinctive property was one of the first vineyards in Dry Creek Valley to be planted utilizing the Heritage Clone over 20 years ago, Abel explains. These vines produce intense, flavorful grapes that are balanced and juicy. Producing ripe fruit flavors of blackberry, cherry and cranberry, with aromatic undertones of cinnamon, clove and nutmeg. This bold Zinfandel is luxurious and fresh with firm tannins and structure.

The last wine we taste is our favorite: 2019 Meritage “Alluvial Gap,” which has been rated 93 points by Wine Enthusiast and highlights a microregion in the Dry Creek Valley known as Lytton Springs district. The Meritage blend is led by Cabernet Sauvignon with three additional Bordeaux varietals to add complexity and depth. It was inspired by decades of working with Bordeaux varietals planted in the different districts and vineyards of Dry Creek Valley, including its Endeavour Vineyard, where the soils are gravelly, clay loam. “Five decades of experience have provided the knowledge of which properties can provide the best fruit our region can offer.” We learn that the wine spends 11-17 days in fermenters

at 82-88 degrees F, then 19 months in French and Hungarian oak (43 percent new oak) – such detail that I find fascinating, along with the precise “recipe” of the different grapes: Cabernet Sauvignon (60 percent) with three additional Bordeaux varietals (Merlot 20%, Petit Verdot, 16%, Cabernet Franc, 4%).

“The grapes are crushed and fermented separately, then blended,” Abel tells us. “It really shows off the artistry of the wine maker.”

Not surprisingly, this is also the most expensive bottle of the day, $70.

After our winetasting, we go to explore.

Dry Creek Vineyard has an Insectary Garden which you can walk through and learn how it is the basis of sustainable agriculture, designed to attract beneficial insects like ladybeetles, bees, ground beetles, hoverflies, minute pirate bugs, lacewings and wasps. The plants provide an environment attractive to natural enemies of crop pests, a natural means of controlling harmful pests like include leafhoppers, spider mites, leafrollers and mealybugs. This natural means of controlling harmful pests also assists beneficial insects in pollination and creates a balanced growing environment. Other animals that are considered beneficial include lizards, spiders, toads and hummingbirds. Beneficial insects are as much as ten times more abundant in insectary gardens.

A panel explains, “In addition to the garden being a beautiful focal point for the winery, our goal is to have this insectary further enhance our sustainable farming practices. Its contribution to a balanced ecosystem in the vineyard will be a key for years to come.”

The list of plants here include black eyed Susan, butterfly weed, California fuchsia, Chinese Fringe Flower, coneflower, Sunflower, Echinacea “Ruby Star”

Other sustainability techniques are described: solar panels help reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 85 tons a year, the equivalent of planting 3,400 trees a year; bluebird houses, bat houses, owl boxes and raptor perches provide specialized housing and shady platform perches to encourage birds of prey to adopt the Dry Creek vineyards as their feeding ground – a natural control for pests such as insects, voles and gophers, without the need for chemical deterrents; a habitat enhancement project provides habitat for endangered Coho and Chinook salmon and Steelhead trout; deficit irrigation uses state of the art equipment to measure specific moisture needs of each individual block of vines, monitor soil conditions and adjust levels of irrigation to conserve water – virtual dry farming; growing cover crops like alfalfa and bell beans between vines to help rebuild depleted soil by increasing the available nitrogen and organic material, while minimizing the need to utilize fertilizer and using special seed blends that flower at different times to attract beneficial insects to help control pest populations.

Second generation winery partner Don Wallace, the driving force behind sustainable farming practices at Dry Creek Vineyard, have Established Dry Creek Vineyard as a leader in the sustainable agriculture movement in Dry Creek Valley and the industry. The winery and its 185 acres of estate vineyards are 100% certified California Sustainable.

Also among its other notable firsts, Wallace also founded one of the first wine clubs in the U.S. “with a vision of creating a family of wine lovers united in their passion” for handcrafted wines. Events like its recent Holiday Winemaker dinner, where longtime members gather together, help to realize that vision.

Dry Creek has an excellent website that makes it easy to explore the differ-

Grab Your Apron and Improve Your Mental Health

BY CHARLYN FARGO

Cooking at home not only helps you eat better, but it also helps your mental health, according to a new study at Edith Cowan University.

In a partnership between ECU, The Good Foundation and Jamie’s Ministry of Food initiative, a mobile food kitchen provided cooking classes in the community and on college campuses from 2016 to 2018 to 657 individuals over seven weeks. Researchers at the ECU Institute for Nutrition Research measured the program’s effect on participants’ cooking confidence and self-perceived mental health.

The study results, published in the

journal Frontiers in Nutrition, revealed that individuals who took part in the healthy cooking course experienced significant improvements in general health, mental health and subjective vitality. These benefits were perceivable immediately after the program and persisted for six months after the course.

The participants exhibited substantial improvements in cooking confidence and gained the ability to easily change eating habits and overcome lifestyle barriers to healthy eating, according to the study authors. Lead researcher Dr. Joanna Rees said the study showed the importance of diet for mental health.

“Improving people’s diet quality can

ent wine offers, arrange shipping, give as a gift, enroll in their club, or gift a club membership.

Visit 10 am -4 pm. Reservations Recommended.

Dry Creek Vineyard, 3770 Lambert Bridge Road, Healdsburg, CA 95448, cheers@drycreekvineyard.com , drycreekvineyard.com.

Art & Nature & Neighborhood

Wine tastings are the perfect metaphor for Sonoma County, where art and nature intertwine just about everywhere you go in the most marvelously energizing, invigorating, vitalizing and inspiring ways.

The towns of Healdsburg and Sonoma are like that – exquisite architecture, history, culture, intrinsically blended together with vineyards, farms and fields, wilderness.

Sonoma has some phenomenal state and county parks. One of our favorites is the extraordinary Jack London State Historic Park (also known as Beauty Ranch) in Glen Ellen (also which hosts marvelous street festivals). (2400 London Ranch Road, Glen Ellen, CA 95442, 707-938-5216, www.jacklondonpark.com)

Also in Glen Ellen, we discover the Sonoma Botanical Garden, which provides lovely trails through the different environments and the opportunity to see rare and endangered plants and conservation in action (12841 Hwy 12, Glen Ellen, CA 95442, 707-996-3166, info@sonomabg.org, sonomabg.org) Sonoma County Tourism, 800-5766662,  info@sonomacounty.com,  www. sonomacounty.com

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

be a preventive strategy to halt or slow the rise in poor mental health, obesity and other metabolic health disorders,” said Dr. Rees in a press release.

“Future health programs should continue to prioritize the barriers to healthy eating such as poor food environments and time restrictions, while placing greater emphasis on the value of healthy eating via quick and easy home cooked meals, rich in fruit and vegetables and avoiding ultra-processed convenience foods.”

Prior to this study, experts at the ECU Institute for Nutrition Research had identified a link between eating more fruits

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Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s Call to Action

BY CLAIRE LYNCH

Martin Luther King, Jr. Day is on January 20 and on this day we remember his impact on Americans and on people around the world. Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was born in Atlanta, Ga., on January 15, 1929. He went to Booker T. Washington High School. He skipped two grades in high school and started his college education at Morehouse College at the age of 15.

After getting his degree in sociology from Morehouse at the age of 19, King got a divinity degree from Crozer Theological Seminary in Chester, Pa. He then got his doctoral degree in theology from Boston University.

King was inspired to pursue the ministry because his father was a preacher. He had a younger brother and an older sister. In 1953 he married Coretta Scott. They had four children including Yolanda, Martin, Dexter and Bernice.

In his first major civil rights action, Martin Luther King, Jr. led the Montgomery Bus Boycott in Alabama. Rosa Parks refused to give up her seat on a bus to a white man. She was arrested and spent the night in jail. King helped organize a boycott of the public transportation system in Montgomery. The boycott lasted for over a year and when it was over, segregation on the Montgomery buses came to an end.

In 1963, Martin Luther King, Jr. helped to organize the famous “March on Washington.” More than 250,000 people attended this march in an effort to show the importance of civil rights legislation.

Some of the issues the march hoped to accomplish included an end to segregation in public schools, protection from police abuse and to pass laws that would prevent discrimination in employment.

It was at this march in Washington, D.C., that King stood on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial and gave his “I Have a Dream” speech. In that speech he said lots of great things but two quotes in particular come to mind. They are:

“I say to you today, my friends, that in spite of the difficulties and frustrations of the moment, I still have a dream.”

And: “I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by

the color of their skin but by the content of their character.”

This speech has become one of the most famous speeches in history. The March on Washington was a great success. The Civil Rights Act was passed a year later in 1964. Martin Luther King, Jr. was assassinated on April 4, 1968, in Memphis, Tenn. The civil rights leader was in Memphis to support a sanitation workers’ strike and was getting ready to go to dinner when a bullet struck him.

While standing on the balcony of the Lorraine Motel, talking to friends in the parking lot below, King was shot by James Earl Ray. King was pronounced dead after his arrival at a Memphis hospital. He was 39 years old.

Martin Luther King, III, who is the oldest son of M.L. King, Jr. and Coretta Scott King, is a lawyer and human rights advocate. He became the Chairman of the Board of the of the Drum Major Institute which is the only nonprofit organization actually started by his father over 60 years ago. Arndrea Waters King, the wife of M.L. King III, is the President of the Drum Major Institute. Together they focus on continuing the King legacy through education, action, engagement with world leaders and collaborating with socially conscious organizations.

King III has said, “My father used to talk about the eradication of poverty, racism, and, he said, militarism - and I sort of modified it to ‘violence’ - which he called ‘the triple evils.’ My mom used them too. When our society is able to reduce and eradicate those triple evils, a lot of things will subside. We will have a much better, more just and humane society. You can disagree without being disagreeable.

“I think that my mother and father always believed that through nonviolent means we could build community, and somehow we’ve got to get focused back on building community.”

As various issues in society arise, King III often asks himself, “What would Dad do?” He gives public speeches and interviews, and King III always encourages people to work together to make the world better for the generations to come.

Clarence B. Jones is an attorney who was a friend of M.L. King, Jr. and he

served as his speechwriter from 19601968. He was the person who helped King write the “I Have a Dream” speech and while he says that King could have written it himself, King was on the road all the time.

About his relationship with the civil rights leader, Jones has said, “Never ever have I seen or will there be another Martin Luther King.”

Jones also has told audiences that when King first asked him to come work with him, he said no. Jones was busy as an attorney but King responded by inviting him to attend an upcoming sermon. Jones called his speeches so powerful that they were mesmerizing. He knew that when King gave his “I Have a Dream” speech that he knocked it out of the ballpark.

“Martin King gave a lot of speeches,” Jones said, “but from my standpoint, if you had to bookend his life, it would be two documents. One bookend would be the ‘Letter from Birmingham Jail’ and the other would be ‘Time to Break the Silence.’”

Jones has said that King called

upon Americans to “save the soul of America.” This was the motto of King’s civil rights movement. Other goals were to achieve black freedom and to obtain equal rights but King believed that it was up to each one of us to work together for the sake of equality.

“So King’s legacy lives on and it will for many years to come,” Jones said. “His words were a call to action for all of us.”

Turning Full Retirement Age in 2025? Consider Filing for Benefits This Month

BY TOM MARGENAU

I write a column like this one every January. But I don’t mind plagiarizing myself, because it contains a very important message for people planning to retire in 2025.

January is a critical month for the hundreds of thousands of potential Social Security beneficiaries who are reaching their full retirement age in 2025. The important message: All of them should at least consider the possibility of filing for their benefits this month, even though they may not be reaching their retirement age until later in the year.

Please note that if you want to delay filing for your Social Security benefits until 70 to get the “delayed retirement credit” of about 30% added to your monthly benefits, then you should forgo the procedure discussed in this column. Also, if you’re one of those people who absolutely insists on waiting until your FRA to file for benefits, then forget this column’s message.

But if you are open to the possibility of increasing your benefit payout for 2025, you may want to consider filing for benefits in January.

The reason for this early filing timeframe has to do with some quirky and complicated features of Social Security’s earnings penalty provisions. Those provisions generally keep seniors who are still working off of Social Security’s rolls until they reach that magic full retirement age.

The law essentially says if you are over 62 but under your full retirement age and are still working full time, you are not eligible for Social Security. Specifically, the rules require that the Social Security Administration deduct $1 from any retirement benefits you might be due for every $2 you earn over $23,400 in 2025.

However, the rules say that once you reach your full retirement age, you are due full Social Security benefits even if you are still working and no matter how much money you are making.

Let’s follow an example. Let’s say Ed was born in December 1958, which means he’ll reach his full retirement age of 66 and 8 months in July 2025. And let’s say Ed generally makes about $80,000 per year and that he plans to continue working indefinitely. Based on the earnings penalty rules I briefly outlined above, Ed figures he must wait until July (his full retirement age) to begin collecting his Social Security benefits. As I said, at that magical point, the earnings penalty rules no longer apply, and he can get his Social Security. And prior to that, he’s making way more than the $23,400 income threshold.

But here is why Ed should check into applying for Social Security in January. Congress set up a more lenient earnings threshold for the year you reach your full retirement age. Specifically, it says you can earn up to $62,160 between January and the month you reach your full retirement age and still get Social Security benefits. And even if you earn more than

$62,160, you lose only $1 from your benefits for every $3 you exceed that threshold.

Let’s say Ed is going to make about $41,000 between January and June (i.e., before he reaches the magic age of 66 and 8 months in July). That’s under the $62,160 threshold for 2025, which means Ed is due benefits beginning in January. He does NOT have to wait until July to apply for his Social Security checks.

But there is a bit of a catch. By starting his benefits in January, Ed will be accepting a slightly reduced amount. (Benefits are reduced roughly one-half of 1% for each month they are taken before full retirement age.)

If Ed’s Social Security benefit at full retirement age is $3,000 per month, let’s look at his options.

Ed’s first option is to wait until July to start his Social Security benefits. He’ll get $3,000 per month for six months, or $18,000 for the year 2025.

Ed’s second option is to file for Social Security in January. Starting his benefits slightly early, his monthly rate is reduced to about $2,900. That comes out to $34,800 in total benefits for the year 2025. The downside to option two is his ongoing monthly benefit rate will be $100 less than what he would have been getting in option one. But because he’d be getting about $16,800 less in 2025 benefits if he chose option one, it would take Ed a long time to make up that loss with his extra $100 per month in ongoing benefits.

Even if Ed were going to make more than the $62,160 income threshold between January and June, he would only lose $1 in Social Security benefits for each $3 he exceeded that amount. So he still might come out ahead by filing in January.

Please note that this strategy generally only works for those who turn full retirement age in early to mid 2025 and whose earnings prior to reaching FRA are at least close to the $62,160 limit. In other words, if you will make a lot more than $62,160 before your full retirement age, or if you reach your FRA later in the year, you should probably just wait until your FRA month to file for your Social Security benefits.

Here is one other consideration. If you are waiting until your full retirement age (or even later) to start benefits in order to give your spouse a higher widows or widowers benefit when you die, then forget this procedure. That’s because any reduction you take in your retirement rate will carry over to your spouse’s eventual survivors benefit.

I know these rules are complicated, and the math in the examples above might be difficult to follow. But my overall message is easy to follow: If you’re reaching your full retirement age in early to mid 2025, you might want to talk to a Social Security representative sometime this month to find out if it’s to your advantage to file for your benefits to start in January.

A word of caution: Many readers

in the past told me that when they tried to file in January, Social Security Administration representatives told them they could not do so. Sadly, far too many SSA agents are unfamiliar with how these rules work. If you run into the same problem, ask to speak to a supervisor.

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

REAL ESTATE WATCH

Was the market up or down the last quarter?

BY PHILIP A. RAICES

Are you curious as to how the OctoberDecember housing market did in Nassau County?

Single family homes

Residential single family homes did excellently in October with a median sale price of $785,000 up YOY 1.065% from $737,000 and volume of $756,357,714 up 1.051% from $719,026,028. November had a median sale price just slightly off at 1.295% to $775,000; but YOY saw sale prices increase of .9341% from $724,000. Sales volume in November was down substantially from October at $610,191,260. Moreover, YOY down .9836% from $620,303,793 in November 2023. 2024 holidays may have pushed off many closings into December; as those that went to contract in August and September were slightly down, due to the lack of inventory and continued higher mortgage rates. December Median sale prices were also up nicely 3.12% to $800,000 over November. YOY sale price had increased 1.1188% from $715,000. Sales volume, showed an amazingly healthy increase of 28% over November to $782,600,010 in December2024. YOY the sales volume increased 1.2822% from $610,324,739 in December 2023.

Single Family Homes

Month Sales, $ Volume Close Price, Median

Oct

$756,357,714 $785,000

Nov $610,191,260 $775,000

Dec $787,522,510 $800,000 Search Criteria

Time frame is from Oct 2024 to Dec 2024

Property Type is ‘Residential’ Property Sub Type is ‘Single Family Residence’ County is ‘Nassau County’

Results calculated from approximately 2,100 listings © Copyright 2025 OneKey Multiple Listing Service, Inc. - Data believed accurate but not warranted.

Condominiums

Median sale price of condos in October was $797,500 and YOY up 1.064% from $749,500 in October 2023. Sales volume for Condos in October was $58,187,600 down just a smidgen of 0.9881% YOY from 1.2020% from $702,500 in November 2023. There was a decrease in Sales volume in November of 1.19%

Condominiums

Month Sales, $ Volume Close Price, Median

Oct

$58,187,600 $797,500

Nov $48,888,000 $845,000

Dec $93,255,012 $999,000 Search Criteria

Time frame is from Oct 2024 to Dec 2024

Property Type is ‘Residential’

Property Sub Type is ‘Condominium’ County is ‘Nassau County’

Results calculated from approximately 200 listings © Copyright 2025 OneKey Multiple Listing Service, Inc. - Data believed accurate but not warranted.

to $48,888,000 over October. YOY there was a slight decrease of 1.005% from $49,160,761 in November 2023. December’s median sale price was up 1.1816% to $998,500. YOY a major increase of 1.4153% from $705,000. Surprisingly, there was a robust increase in Sales volume in December of 1.885% to $92,155,012 over November and an increase YOY of 2.4472% from $37,656,498 in December 2023. $58,884,000. November showed an increase of 1.059% in the sale price to $845,000 and YOY up Surprisingly, there was robust increase in Sales volume in December of 1.885% to $92,155,012 over November and an increase YOY of 2.4472% from $37,656,498 in December 2023.

Co-ops

Median sale prices of coops in October were $352,000. However, YOY the sale price was up 1.0914% from $322,500. Sales volume in October was $22,969,550, down YOY .9236% from$24,867.537. The median sales price in November was down by 1.066% to $330,000. YOY the price was up in November 1.007% from $327,500 in November 2023 to $330,000 In November 2024. The sales volume was almost identical to October of $22,800,070. YOY the November 2024 sales volume increase was negligible by 1.049% from $21,437,500 in November 2023 to $22,489,500 in November 2024. The December median sales price increased 1.065% over November from $327,500 to$349,000. YOY (year over year) median sale price decreased 1.0974% from $349,000 to $318,000. However, YOY, December 2024 median sales volume decreased 1.464% from $22,489,500 to $15,565,875.

Although there have been some down months in sales volume, overall home and condo prices have seen increases and the demand is strong. However, sale prices of coops have seen a steady pull back in prices, although overall sales were steady in October and November, but saw strong dip in December.

Co-ops

Month Sales, $ Volume Close Price, Median

Oct $22,969,550

$352,000

Nov $22,800,070 $330,000

Dec $15,565,875 $318,000 Search Criteria

Time frame is from Oct 2024 to Dec 2024

Property Type is ‘Residential’

Property Sub Type is ‘Stock Cooperative’ County is ‘Nassau County’

Results calculated from approximately 180 listings © Copyright 2025 OneKey Multiple Listing Service, Inc. - Data believed accurate but not warranted.

The next 3 months should be fairly strong as receding prices in coops could see more purchasers come onto the market as inventory is still historically low. Homes and condo purchases will still be strong as evidenced by the continuing increases in prices and lower than normal supply.

I would not bank on rates coming down anytime soon, as Jerome Powell is carefully watching inflation and he is not ready to consider making any moves at this point in time. I am not sure the President-electwill have a marked effect on decreasing rates or prices as long as demand continues to be strong going into the early spring.

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 beenwithdrawn/ 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

Do Not Delay in Spending Those Gift Cards

BY MARY HUNT

As we head into a new year, you may be settling in for a well-deserved rest from all the busyness of the holiday season. But not so fast. Before you haul all the boxes and torn-apart wrappings to the trash, take a quick inventory of the gift cards you and your family just received. The sad truth is that of the $308 billion Americans spent in gift card sales for Christmas 2024, about $27 billion of this amount will remain unredeemed! My guess is that many of them inadvertently will get thrown out with the trash. Funny how that happens. But I digress. Now that you have all these gift cards, there are some things you need to know about them and how best to use them.

DO NOT DELAY

Someone could not decide what to get you, so they gave you the gift card. It is your responsibility to get out there and spend it.

NOT CASH EQUIVALENT

A gift card is not cash; it is store credit. It will not work the same as cash. For example, let’s say you zip right down to Best Electronics to redeem your $100 gift card. You buy the latest gizmo you’ve had your heart set on. It’s on sale for $79 with tax. So do you get $21 in change? No way. You will get your gift card back with $21 credit.

In no time you decide this is not really what you wanted after all, so with receipt and unopened box in hand, you attempt to make an exchange. You can’t believe that now they will only give you $59 in credit for this returned item because the store’s policy is to refund only the lowest sales price during the past 30 days when an item is purchased with store credit. Rip-off? Yes. But that is truly the policy in many stores.

And not to add more doom, but never forget that if the retailer for whom you are holding a gift card files for bankruptcy protection, the judge handling that case is likely to deem all outstanding gift cards null and void. How can they do that? Never forget you are holding store credit -- not cash -- and yes, they can do that.

DIMINISHING VALUE

It’s as clear as day that your gift card is worth $100. But when the clerk scans it, the store credit available is only $62. What?! How could that happen? Fees, my friend -- those pesky fees. Here’s the deal: Many states still allow gift card issuers to charge dormancy, maintenance or inactivity fees, which can eat away at your balance.

The key factor is the state law where the card was purchased, not where you’re redeeming it. Even if it looks like a “new” card, it could be years old. And don’t forget that regifting trick. The card you got from Aunt Sue might have been given to her by Cousin Sam, who won it as a door prize at a Kiwanis Club meeting two years ago! Its value could be far less than the card’s face value. Even worse, in some states, gift cards can completely expire.

more protections for consumers. Here are some states where gift cards cannot expire:

California: Gift cards cannot expire, and fees are also regulated. The state has strong consumer protections for gift cards.

Connecticut: No expiration date can be set on gift cards, and fees are restricted.

Massachusetts: Gift cards cannot have expiration dates, and fees are limited to dormancy fees under certain conditions.

Michigan: Gift cards must remain valid for at least five years from the date of purchase, and they cannot expire sooner.

New York: Gift cards cannot have expiration dates, and fees can only be charged after 12 months of inactivity.

Washington: Gift cards cannot expire, and dormancy fees can only be applied if the card has been inactive for more than a year.

States like Florida, Illinois and Virginia also have restrictions, typically limiting the imposition of fees and prohibiting expiration before a set time, but the rules vary based on the type of card and its specific terms.

gift cards include a prohibition against selling your card to another individual, or applying the value as a payment to a store credit-card account or redeeming the card for cash.

Remember, once you’ve used that gift card, let the giver know what you bought. It’s the least you can do and an easy way to say express your thanks.

Before you completely button up 2024, check out my Simple Steps for a Smoother 2025 using lessons learned from the holidays now past at EverydayCheapskate.com/2024Lessons.

In the United States, gift cards are generally protected by federal law, specifically the Credit Card Accountability Responsibility and Disclosure Act of 2009, which prohibits gift cards from expiring within five years of activation. However, states have additional rules that offer

It’s always a good idea to call the tollfree number on the back of the card to check its current value.

USAGE LIMITATIONS

Some gift cards may not be used for purchases in a catalog or on the merchant’s website. Other limitations on

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

Grab Your Apron and Improve Your Mental Health

Continued from page 2

and vegetables and improved mental health in the long term. This indicates that the healthy cooking students were not just feeling better because they became more confident in the kitchen, but also because they were eating healthier.

Individuals who had not changed their diet after completing the program had still reported improved mental health,

suggesting a link between cooking confidence, satisfaction around cooking and mental health benefits.

Q and A

Q: How can I get more antioxidants in my diet? I’ve heard they are good for you.

A: Antioxidants are substances that can help prevent or slow oxidative stress to your cells. They are the antidote to free

radicals from the environment that can cause damage to cells and accelerate the aging process, which in turn can raise the risk of cardiovascular and eye diseases and some cancers. The simplest way to get plenty of antioxidants is to eat lots of different fruits, vegetables, whole grains and plant-based foods. Brightly colored foods and foods with strong flavors (garlic, onions) are foods that are high in antioxidants. Eat at least 4 1/2 cups of produce

daily, having a serving with every meal and snack.

Charlyn Fargo is a registered dietitian with SIU School of Medicine in Springfield, Illinois, and the current president of the Illinois Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. For comments or questions, contact her at charfarg@aol.com or follow her on Twitter @NutritionRD. .

COPYRIGHT 2025 CREATORS.COM

STARGAZERS

Glittering Stars of Winter

BY DENNIS MAMMANA

Week of January 19-25, 2025

People often ask me which is the best season to view the night sky. Of course, there is no “best”; every season brings to our view something new and wonderful overhead. You just need to be outdoors to experience it.

One’s favorite, on the other hand ... well, that’s something each stargazer must sort out for themselves.

I learned long ago that my favorite night sky is that of summer. I’m pretty sure this comes partly from my childhood, when there was no school the next day and I could spend warm nights stargazing as long as I wanted. But having that beautiful summer Milky Way arching overhead is something that no other season can top for me.

At this time of year, however, I stand under the winter stars and wonder if maybe I should rethink my favorite. There is no other night sky that sparkles more than that of winter. If only it weren’t so darned cold!

Get one look at our current starry nights and you’ll do like I do ... dress warmly and become mesmerized by its beauty.

Central to all is the great constellation Orion, the hunter. Looking more like an hourglass or bowtie tipped on its side during early evening hours, Orion is a great place to begin our winter stargazing.

Orion contains two of the sky’s brightest stars. Look for reddish-orange Betelgeuse forming the rectangle’s upper left (a shoulder) and the white star Rigel at its lower right (a knee). At the center of the figure we find

the three, equally bright stars that outline the hunter’s “belt.”

Follow these three stars downward to the left, and you’ll soon encounter Sirius.

This bluish-white jewel twinkles low in the southeast after dark this week and is one of the nearest

The winter sky offers stunning views of several stars and planets.

LOST IN SUBURBIA

BY TRACY BECKERMAN

If this were a game of Clue, I knew who the victim was, where it died, and what killed it.

The Roomba was dead. In the den. With a shag carpet.

But the question was, who done it?

When I arrived home that day at 12:41 p.m., the familiar whooshing of the Roomba, set to vacuum at 12:30 p.m. each day, was suspiciously absent. I scoured the house but couldn’t find the Roomba anywhere.

I turned to the dog.

“Bowie, do you know where the Roomba is?” I questioned him. “Is it lost? Was it kidnapped? Did something else nefarious take place in this house while I was gone?”

But the dog was mum.

I retraced my Roomba’s steps, and then, just as I was about to leave the den, I spotted it. In the corner. Silent and un-Roomba-ing. Upon closer inspection I could see what happened. It had choked to

stars to us at “only” 51 trillion miles, or 8.7 lightyears, distant.

Trace those three “belt” stars upward and you’ll soon encounter the reddish-orange star Aldebaran, surrounded by a V-shaped grouping of stars known as the Hyades.

Continue that line upward and you’ll find the shimmering star cluster we know as the Pleiades, or Seven Sisters, a stunning sight in binoculars. This tiny cluster containing a thousand or so stars lies less than 400 lightyears away and may be only between 50 and 100 million years old -- a veritable cosmic youngster.

But this is just the beginning. Starting with Aldebaran, let’s take a walk in a counterclockwise direction and we’ll find, in order, Capella, Castor, Pollux, Procyon, Sirius and Rigel before returning to Aldebaran.

If the winter stars aren’t already dazzling enough, Mother Nature has thrown into the mix a couple of brilliant planets this year. Outshining all except the moon and Venus (low in the west at dusk), the giant planet Jupiter appears just to the upper left of Aldebaran.

And near the bright “twin” stars of Gemini, Castor and Pollux, we find the Red Planet Mars, this week reaching its brightest and closest point to Earth of its current orbital cycle.

You know what? With all these brilliant jewels glistening overhead on January nights, maybe my favorite isn’t the summer sky after all!

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

The Scene of the Crime

death on a clump of shag carpeting.

I was bereft. It was only 6 months old. It had died at such an early age. And it was definitely an untimely death. We knew the Roomba couldn’t handle the shag carpeting: We had caught it in distress one time before, and from that day on, we decided to keep the den door closed when the Roomba was working.

But somehow, mysteriously, today, the door had been left open, and the unsuspecting Roomba had fallen prey to the lure of the shag.

Before I could figure out who killed the Roomba, I first wanted to make sure the Roomba was, in fact, dead. The shag carpeting had the Roomba firmly in its clutches, so I grabbed a pair of scissors and cut it out of the tangled mess. Then I turned the Roomba over. Its bristles were knotted up in shag. The roller was completely encased in shag. The filter was full of shag. It was clear the Roomba was dead, and it had drowned in shag carpeting. But I took it to triage anyway

and worked on it, feverishly removing all the tangles of shag carpeting from its rollers and coils. I grabbed a set of charging paddles. “Clear!” I yelled, then shocked the Roomba. But it didn’t respond. It was dead on arrival.

Wiping away my tears, I started to look for clues. The door to the den had been closed when I left the house; of that, I was certain. So who opened it? And, more importantly, who had it out for the Roomba?

I walked into the kitchen. Vacuum cleaner mysteries always made me hungry. But as I opened the fridge, I noticed the dog sleeping across the kitchen floor. Slowly a thought entered my head. Could it be the dog? Could the dog have killed the Roomba? The dog hated the Roomba. The dog hated vacuum cleaners in general, but especially a vacuum cleaner that chased it around the house, trying to suck all the shedding dog hair directly off the dog’s body. Yes, the dog was not a fan. I went to the den and closed the door.

Then I got down on all fours and pushed against the door with my face, like a dog. The door resisted at first, then popped open. I shook my head. I knew what I had to do.

“Bowie!” I yelled across the house. The dog appeared quickly at my side, tail wagging and full of joy, clearly trying to throw off all suspicion that a golden retriever could be a stone-cold killer.

“Bowie, the Roomba is dead. And I suspect that you had something to do with it. Do you have anything to say in your defense?”

The dog looked at the rug. The rug winked at the dog.

“Don’t worry,” it said silently. “I’ve got you covered.”

Tracy Beckerman is the author of the Amazon Bestseller, “Barking at the Moon: A Story of Life, Love, and Kibble,” available on Amazon and Barnes and Noble online! You can visit her at www.tracybeckerman.com.

COPYRIGHT 2025 CREATORS.COM

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Slow-cooked beef stew makes an ideal cold weather

Crockpot Beef Stew with Potatoes and Peas

The term “comfort food” can be used in reference to a host of dishes. Some see Mom’s homecooking as the ultimate comfort food, while others may insist hearty dishes that fill the belly are the only true comfort foods.

Regardless of one’s defi -

2 pounds boneless stew beefa

1 teaspoon coarse salt

nition of comfort food, one characteristic many might agree about is that foods must provide more than mere sustenance to qualify for entry into this wide-ranging category. Beef stew certainly fits that criteria, as many feel nothing is more comforting

1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

1⁄3 cup all-purpose flour

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 medium onion, peeled and finely chopped

2 celery ribs, rinsed, trimmed and sliced

2 cloves of garlic, peeled and pressed

1) Rinse the beef under cold running water and pat completely dry with paper towels. Using a sharp knife, cut the beef into generous bitesize pieces.

2) Combine the salt, pepper and flour. Place the cubed beef in a large resealable plastic storage bag. Add the seasoned flour and shake to thoroughly coat the beef with flour.

on a cold winter day than a warm bowl of slow-cooked stew. As winter settles in, those looking for some slowcooked comfort can try this recipe for “Crockpot Beef Stew With Potatoes and Peas” from Lines+Angles. Makes 6 servings

2 cups baby carrots, sliced

6 small new potatoes, rinsed and cut into bite-sized pieces

6 ounces tomato paste

4 cups beef broth

2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce

1 tablespoon dried parsley

2 cups frozen peas

3) Heat the oil in a heavy bottomed skillet over medium heat. Add the flour-coated beef and brown on all sides.

4) Place browned beef in the crock pot. Add onions, celery, garlic, carrots, potatoes, tomato paste, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and parsley.

5) Cook on low for 10 hours or on high for 6 to 7 hours. About 30 minutes before serving, add the frozen peas, cover and continue cooking for an additional 30 minutes.

6) Ladle stew into individual serving bowls and serve. Tip: Cooking time may vary depending on age and size of crockpot.

FOUR VILLAGE STUDIO

MONDAY, JANUARY 20th & THURSDAY, JANUARY 23rd

Inspiring Stories

7:30 PM

8:00 PM

8:30 PM

9:00 PM

9:30 PM

Bill Corbett, Jr.

Krista Giannak ~ Blogger, Inspir ational Speaker, & Blind Skier

The Author Corner

Stephanie Larkin

Lâle Davidson ~ “Beyond Sight”, “Against the Grain” & “Blue Woman Burning” Uncorked

Rex Whicker

“Disney World Wines: III” ~ Restaurant Options at Disney Resorts

Wes Houston Presents…

Wes Houston

Fred Raimondo ~ Singer-Songwriter-Guitarist

Davidson & Co.

Larry Davidson

“Reflections on Harry Chapin’s America” ~ Patrick Fenton, Author-Playwright

Jan. 28 vote to decide future of schools’ upgrades

From page 1

project will take place on January 28, 2025 from 7 a.m. – 9 p.m. at both schools. For further information about the bond proposal, including project details and upcoming public presentations, please visit www.fpbsd.org.

The meeting also covered the district’s approach to technology in education. Educators backed the use of iPads for personalized learning opportunities, using platforms like i-Ready MyPath, and teaching essential digital literacy skills. A survey sent out to teachers revealed that 70% of students in grades K-2 spend less than 30 minutes a day on screens for schoolwork, while most students in grades 3-6 spend less than an hour. They reported that they feel screen time is balanced and beneficial in their classrooms, with apps fostering creativity, collaboration, and autonomy.

To manage iPad use, the district employs Apple Classroom, allowing teachers to monitor student activity and ensure appropriate use. The district

also promotes “No Tech Tuesdays,” digital citizenship lessons, and discussions about the importance of reducing recreational screen time.

Superintendent Ruiz provided an update on a cybersecurity incident involving PowerSchool, the district’s student management system. A December breach affected districts across North America, prompting PowerSchool to enhance security measures and work with a consulting firm to address compromised data. Ruiz assured parents that Nassau BOCES is collaborating with the district to safeguard student information.

The meeting also touched on ongoing discussions about regionalization. The board announced that they have submitted written notification to the NYSED, stating their decision not to participate in any current planning processes. However, they emphasized taking a cautious "wait-and-see" approach before making a final decision on fully opting out of the plan. The next regular session board of education meeting on February 9, 2025.

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1 Floral Blvd., Floral Park, NY 11002

Phone: 516.326.1150 ~ Email: 4VS@4VS.org

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.

LONG LIVE

Many ways to access great doctors? We have that. Simple mobile app? We have that, too. Convenient locations for primary, specialty, and urgent care? Absolutely. On Long Island, you have options in health care. But at Catholic Health, we'd like to remind you to choose you first – because we did, too.

Long Live You and Long Live Long Island™

WHAT DOES ‘HEALTH SYSTEM’ EVEN MEAN? IT MEANS A BIG DIFFERENCE FOR YOUR HEALTH.

A health system is more than a doctor. In our case, it’s 320+ locations with the exact same high standard of care. It’s integrated medical teams that achieve the best patient outcomes. It’s leading the charge in medical discoveries. It’s the lowest mortality rates in the nation. It’s being named #1 for quality care in the U.S. Our health system has the best doctors, and the best doctors are just the beginning.