Two Sacred Heart seniors named Regeneron Semifinalists
Sacred Heart Academy students Erica Revill of Garden City and Emma Carotenuto of Floral Park were named semifinalists in the 2025 Regeneron Science Talent Search competition.
Sacred Heart Academy has announced that seniors Emma Carotenuto of Floral Park and Erica Revill of Garden City have been named semifinalists in the 2025 Regeneron Science Talent Search competition. This remarkable achievement for Long Island Catholic Schools was announced January 8, 2025. Sacred Heart Academy
is the only private school in Nassau or Suffolk that can boast a 2025 Scholar (a.k.a, semifinalist).
Emma Carotenuto, ‘25, &
Erica Revill, ‘25, become the third & fourth SHA students honored by Regeneron Science Talent Search.
Emma’s research project is entitled, “‘The Sunset Effect’: Among Nursing
Home and At-Home Patients in a Latinx Community.”
The girls are among 300 scholars nationally selected by the Society for Science to advance in the competition. Each girl will receive a $2,000 award for her accomplishment; Sacred Heart Academy has also earned matching grants ($4000 total)
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Floral Park joins Great Backyard Bird Count
BY DON HAUG, FPCS VOLUNTEER AND “BIRDER”; AND ANN GRIBBINS, FPCS VOLUNTEER
Please join us at the Annual Great Backyard Bird Count at Centennial Gardens on Friday, February 14th from noon to 4 pm; Saturday, 17th from noon to 3 pm; and Sunday February 16th from noon to 2 pm.
Centennial Gardens and Bird Sanctuary is the year round home to hundreds of birds. One of our goals is to provide easy access to food sources during severe winter and harsh migration periods when natural seed sources are depleted. During the month of February the Recreation Department at the gardens participates in the bird count to assist scientist at the Cornell Lab of Orinthology and the National Audubon Society. They study bird population and research and define environmental changes.
At the bird count you will learn about birds, identify different species and participate in a special life experience. To help learn about all of the birds Don Haug, the birder, will be present and share his wealth of knowledge with all who are present. Don began his interest in birds when, as a young boy, he started collecting reptiles.
Marina Horan developed an
interest in birds as she developed her lavender garden in Centennial Gardens. Spending hours at her garden she witnessed the many variety of birds that come to the gardens and share their beautiful songs.
Doug Cioffi, photographer and bird enthusiast, has published beautiful pictures and books, often sighting difficult findings for the casual observer. Doug has recordings of the songs from many different species. Marina and Doug give informational talks about birds at the Floral Park library.
People around the world participate in the the bird count, in their backyards or in public places. The best way to count is to stay in one place for 20 minutes and count. There are 200 - 400 billion birds around the world and 10 - 20 billion in the United States. The Audubon Society has conducted the annual bird count for twenty eight years. Floral Park Recreation Center has been doing the count for twelve years. Forty-six species of birds have been seen in the gardens and over twelve thousand birds have been counted over the years.
During the summer months many of the natural plantings, along with insects, provide healthy food sources for the birds.The
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Author to speak at FP Historical Society meeting
The Floral Park Historical Society will host author Mark Torres at a special program on Sunday, February 2, at 2 p.m. to discuss his new book, “ Long Island and the Legacy of Eugenics: Station of Intolerance.” The program will be held at the Floral Park Recreation Pool Building.
Mark Torres is an attorney for the Teamsters union and award-winning author of several books. His fictional novels include “A Stirring in the North Fork” and “Adeline.” His work in nonfiction includes “Long Island Migrant Labor Camps: Dust for Blood” (for which he was the recipient of the Joseph F. Meany Award by the Association of Public Historians of the New York State for excellence in a labor history publication) and the newly released “Long Island and the Legacy of Eugenics: Station of Intolerance” which will be released on January 21, 2025. Mark has a law degree from Fordham University and a bachelor’s degree in history from New York University. He is currently an adjunct professor of Labor Studies at Hofstra University.
Book Synopsis: In the early 20th century, eugenics was at the forefront of scientific discourse in the quest to understand human genetics. On Long Island and throughout the nation,
Author Mark Torres will discuss his new book “Long Island and the Legacy of Eugenics” at the February 2 meeting of the Floral Park Historical Society.
eugenicists were granted unfettered access to conduct experiments on prisoners, psychiatric patients, Coney Island circus performers and at Native American reservations—all in an effort to legitimize a false science.
The origins of the eugenics movement can be found in the Eugenics Record Office, an otherwise nondescript administrative building at Cold Spring Harbor, Long Island, under the direction of Charles Benedict Davenport, from 1910 to 1939. The work conducted there directly led to the forced sterilization of thousands of American citizens, the passage of anti-immigration laws, and sparked a deadly global movement that directly inspired the murderous Nazi regime to commit heinous acts under the banner of eugenics. Author Mark Torres will discuss the local characters, influences, landmarks, and ghastly Long Island facility for decades and spread throughout the world.
For more information, please see www.floralparkhistorical.org
Floral Park Junior Woman’s Club meeting
The Flora Park Junior Woman's Club will hold its next meeting on Tuesday, February 6, at 7 p.m. at the Floral Park Recreation Center.
Who We Are
We are active, community spirited women of all ages, interests and backgrounds. We are your friends, neighbors, co-workers and acquaintances. We are wives, mothers and single women, professionals, educators and business owners who donate our time and talents to the betterment of our children, neighbors, the community and our world.
What We Do
We meet on the first Thursday of the month to conduct the business of
the Club at the Floral Park Recreation Center.
Our meetings consist of a special monthly program, discussions of upcoming events, any immediate needs of the Floral Park community and how we can be of assistance.
We give away over $3,000 in scholarships annually to local students. We sponsor special community events such as a Spring & Fall Craft Fair and the Annual Christmas Tree Lighting.
Junior Clubs are a critical part of The General Federation of Women’s Clubs (GFWC.org). The GFWC is an international women’s organization dedicated to community improvement by enhancing the lives of others through volunteer service.
Hillcrest Civic Association to meet
The Hillcrest Civic Association will hold its next meeting on Thursday, February 27, at the Floral Park Recreation Center. The Village trustees and the Floral Park Police Department will speak about issues affecting the Village.
All are welcome. Refreshments will be served.
A civic organization is a voluntary group of residents who come together to improve and maintain the quality of
life in a community, while educating the residents on local issues. It acts as a liaison between the community and the Village Board.
If you haven't joined the Hillcrest Civic Association for the upcoming year, please consider doing so. A mailing will be sent shortly to all houses in the Hillcrest area. Members receive Hillcrest newsletters. Membership dues provide for civic events and scholarships to local students.
Mark Torres
Floral Park Schools pre-K interest survey
The Floral Park-Bellerose School District has announced the 5th year of implementation of a full-day pre-K program. The program is available only to children that are residents of the Floral Park-Bellerose School District who will turn four years of age prior to December 1, 2025. Please note, as per NYS Education Law, a lottery will be conducted. Further information regarding the lottery will be shared after the close of the survey.
• The curriculum follows the NYS Pre-Kindergarten Standards.
• The program is free to residents.
• Before or after school care IS available for a fee.
• Families are responsible for transportation.
• The program follows the school calendar.
• Seats for the program are not school specific.
• Times will vary based on school hours.
The district hopes to accommo -
date all eligible students, however, seats are limited and a placement is not guaranteed. The survey will be available starting February 1, 2025. Please go on the district website www.fpbsd.org or scan the QR code below to complete the survey. The survey must be received by 4 p.m. on Friday, March 21.
Town offers safe boating classes
Boating season may be several months away, but with a New York State law now in effect that requires all operators to be certified in safe boating, Supervisor Don Clavin and the Hempstead Town Board are offering safe boating classes starting in February. As boating is one of Hempstead Town’s most enjoyable pastimes, Supervisor Clavin and Town Board colleagues want to ensure that all residents remain safe and prepared while setting sail.
The first course of 2025 — for ages 10–18 years — will be held in two sessions: Saturday, February 1, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Saturday, February 8, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Department of Conservation and Waterways (1401 Lido Boulevard, Point Lookout). Participants must attend both sessions to receive their boating safety certificate. The classes are led by the Town’s Bay Constables.
“Teaching the next generation how to operate a boat is a rite of passage for many Long Island fam -
ilies, and we in America’s largest township want to ensure that local mariners practice safe boating,” said Supervisor Clavin. “Learning at a young age will give future seafarers greater experience and knowledge of their watercraft and the local waterways, creating a safer environment for everyone. We encourage all young residents to sign up for the Town’s upcoming safe boating course.”
The New York State law governing these new boating safety requirements is known as Brianna’s Law, named after 11-year-old Long Island resident Brianna Lieneck, who was killed in a boating accident in 2005. Additional safe boating courses for youth and adults will be announced in the near future. To register for an upcoming Boater Safety Class, please call the Bay Constables at (516) 897-4100. Residents who are already certified but cannot locate their card can obtain new documentation at https://www.ilostmycard. com/records?state_cd=NY&cert_ type=Boating
Floral Park Great Backyard Bird Count at Centennial Gardens
From page 1
energy requirements of birds is high because they must feed their young. Cold weather increases a bird’s calorie intake when food is most scarce. Insects, seeds, weeds, fruit and nuts are often not available. Leaving leaves, weeds and flower remains in gardens over winter helps the birds. Often this is a food resource for them that is not visible to the human eye. Fall cleanup should be postponed until spring when natural resources return.
Water is also very important for hydration, preening and roosting. Bird baths help with survival of birds year round.
Bird Facts:
Here are a few interesting facts about birds. The California Condor is the rarest and largest bird in the U. S. Cocka-
toos live the longest, at 100 years. The most abundant bird in the US is the Robin. The owl and nighthawk are nocturnal, they sleep during the day. Diurnal birds, those who slept night, perch on branches or sills, turn their head and tuck it into fine back feathers, this keeps them warm. The bird stands on one leg. Muscles in the leg tighten and tendons in the foot tighten, this way the bird has a strong grip and does not fall. Birds can sleep with one eye open and half the brain alert.
When they sense rain coming the birds eat , then hide in dense shrubs, heavy tree trunks, or on the wide side of a hill. Birds need food, places to live and rest and raise their young.
Enjoy the wonderful beauty of nature, especially the birds. Looking forward to seeing everyone at the Bird Count.
Two Sacred Heart seniors named Regeneron Semifinalists
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for Sacred Heart Academy’s Science Research Program.
Emma said, “I am so grateful for this incredible honor — being named a 2025 Regeneron STS semifinalist. Being recognized in such a way is not just a reflection of my efforts; it’s a testament to the unwavering support and encouragement I have received from so many along the way. My classmates, family, and teachers, and particularly, Dr. Sullivan, have played a crucial role in shaping this project (and me) into what it is (and I am) today. Dr. Sullivan and the
research girls have provided me with so much guidance and always pushed me to improve. This award is not just a recognition of two years of hard work, of what I have accomplished, but of what we have accomplished together. The findings of my research have significantly impacted me as a student and as a researcher. I anticipate that this project will contribute to discussions on geriatric mental health, specifically among Hispanic populations and at-home patients. I hope I can continue to expand on my research in the future and continue to lean on all those who helped me."
Don Haug, Marina Horan and Doug Cioffi
Don loaded the feeders with bird food. He also uses suet. Donations of food and suet are appreciated!
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
Hofstra University is proud to release the fall 2024 Provost’s List, which recognizes students who earned a perfect 4.0 grade point average.
Floral Park students on the fall 2024 Provost’s List are: Edmund Conway and Jennifer Stepancic.
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Hofstra University congratulates the students named to the fall 2024 Dean’s List for their outstanding academic achievements. Students must earn a grade point average of at least 3.5 during the semester to make the Dean’s List.
Floral Park students on the fall 2024 Dean’s List are:
David Aldorisio
Aleksei Armas
Jack Carella
Nora Cernjul
Mark Filoso
College Notes
2024 semester. To achieve the honor of being on the President’s List, each student must have satisfactorily completed 12 numerically-graded semester hours, with a grade point average of 3.5 or higher. This semester, the honorees included Meghan McCarthy of Floral Park, whose major is Speech Communication n
SUNY New Paltz announces its Dean’s List for the fall 2024 semester, a recognition for students who excel academically and earn at least a 3.3 grade-point average in a semester with a full-time course load.
Floral Park students included:
Meagan Boettcher
President’s List.
Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) has announced that Braller Allende of Floral Park has been named to the Fall 2024 Dean’s List. The fall terms run from September to December.
Full-time undergraduate students who have earned a minimum gradepoint average of 3.500 to 3.699 for the reporting term are named to the Dean’s List.
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The University at Buffalo has named 4,330 students to the fall 2024 dean’s list.
Floral Park students include:
Irtiza Ahmed
Aliya Ambachen
Jenna Ragusa
n Hannah Ferguson of Floral Park was named to the Dean’s list at Miami University for the 2024 fall semester.
Miami University students who are ranked in the top twenty percent of undergraduate students within their division for the fall semester 2024 have been named to the Dean’s list recognizing academic performance.
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The following Floral Park students earned the grades necessary for PartTime Honors during the fall 2024 semester at SUNY Canton.
Andrew Mahmood, a Finance major
FOUR VILLAGE STUDIO
Noelle Lauletta
Aleeza Nasir
Brandon Ridge
Jake Urban
Kristen Weiss
Michael Wieber n
Thee State University of New York at Potsdam recently named students to the President’s List, in recognition of their academic excellence in the Fall
Erin Lanning n
Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) has announced that the following students Floral Park students have been named to the Fall 2024 President’s
Vanessa Davidson
Cassandra Persaud
Marcela Carver
Jocelyn Chen
Krish Saini n
Full-time undergraduate students who have earned a minimum gradepoint average of 3.700 and above for the reporting term are named to the
FOUR VILLAGE STUDIO
More than 1275 SUNY Oneonta students earned Dean’s List honors for the fall 2024 semester. To qualify for the Dean’s List, a student must earn a grade-point average of 3.5 or higher while carrying a course load of 12 hours or more.
Floral Park students include:
Amy O’Connor
Avril O’Connor
Ashish K. Singh, a Health Care Management major Part-Time Honors recognize students who earned at least a 3.25 GPA in 6 to 11 credit hours of coursework during a single semester.
n Lucas Goldberg, a Lasell University student from Floral Park, was named to the Dean’s List for their academic performance in the Fall 2024 semester. To be named to the Dean’s List, Lasell students must complete at least 12 credits as a full-time student and achieve a semester GPA of 3.5 or higher.
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We invite you to compare this local choice for a fraction of your Middle School tuition dollars!
WE SERVICE NURSERY–8TH GRADE
Following 10 am Mass, 11 am–12:30 pm 25 Dartmouth Street, Garden City V Visit Our Open House: Sunday, January 26th
For More Information:
↠ C Call us at 516-352-1205
↠ V Visit https://stannesgcschool.org/
↠ Q Questions regarding enrollmentemail: annzino@stannesgcschool.org Ann-Marie Zino, Assistant Principal
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.
Featuring a bubbly bar, flower cart, fashion show, self-care vignettes, exciting raffles & more!
CHAIRED BY EXECUTIVE BOARD MEMBER KATHRYN ZEPPIERI
Skiing with Baby? Palisades Tahoe in California’s Sierra Nevada Proves Ideal for Multigenerational Ski Holiday
BY KAREN RUBIN,
As our three-generational family with baby in tow pulls into Palisades Tahoe, a premier mountain resort in California’s Sierra Nevada Mountains, after a three-hour drive from Sonoma we are greeted with the Olympic flame – a reminder of having hosted the 1960 Olympics when this cherished ski destination was called Squaw Valley. Palisades Tahoe is celebrating its 75th anniversary this season (it opened on Thanksgiving, 1949), and all season long, is honoring its origins, heritage and place in developing skiing. But what really impresses us is how the resort has incorporated technology and understanding of what skiers and riders need and want into its state-of-the-art facilities.
From the Village base, you can’t appreciate how vast the resort is (the lighted map though is a clue). Unlike most ski mountains (especially in the Northeast), where you can see the trails meander from the summit like fingers stretching down, you can’t see the slopes. Instead, the trails seem to fold into onto themselves into the undulating hills and peaks (six on Palisades Tahoe and two more on Alpine) – making it really interesting and exciting to explore and discover. Indeed, the lifts take you over peaks so as you ride, the mountain reveals itself.
Imagine: 270 trails spread over 6,000 skiable acres across eight peaks. Such a massive network can be intimidating, but Palisades Tahoe does a stellar job to ease the way for newcomers, beginners, low
intermediates and infrequent skiers, and people (like me) coming from the Northeast where ski areas are one-tenth the size. But thanks to the incredible support – including a ‘first-timer” website, resort app, ambassadors, and great signage, very soon you do get the hang of it. And once you do, skiing/snowboarding at this magnificent mountain destination, which affords some of the most spectacular vistas in the world, is thrilling.
Indeed, Palisades Tahoe is an “upside down” mountain, its trails designed with the most plentiful and interesting greens and blues at the top, so even beginners and low intermediates get the full experience and awe of the spectacular vistas that make Palisades Tahoe such a special place.
Palisades Tahoe, which changed its famous name of Squaw Valley in 2021 out of respect to the indigenous people who came before - is now part of Alterra Mountain Company’s vast portfolio of mountain destinations and one of more than 58 global resorts included in Alterra’s Ikon Pass program. This is (and always was) a high-end, luxurious resort with the finest, state of the art lifts and services. Its phenomenal lift network (a mindboggling 43 lifts), multitude of peaks, and especially its European-style tram make you feel you are skiing the Alps rather than California’s Sierra Nevada. (Its tram is iconic, and one of the older ones serves as a bar at the base.)
Also, the Funitel which operates from the base, is the only one of its kind in North America, operating
on two cables for enhanced stability (and is recommended for beginners and low intermediates to ride down, rather than ski down Mountain Run, a 3.2 mile-long blue trail, not so much for its difficulty, but because it is narrow and can be crowded with fast skiers.)
Riding the tram up to High Camp, at 8,200 ft. elevation, where you are greeted with the Olympic rings and where the heritage of having hosted the 1960 Winter Olympics (it was known as Squaw Valley then) lives on, proves one of our favorite experiences.
Here you find the Terrace Restaurant and Bar and Granite Bistro-Pizza where you can sit at walls of windows with the most magnificent views all the way to Lake Tahoe, as well as the High Camp Marketplace and a porch area that is the most magnificent viewing platform.
You also find the Olympic Museum with interesting artifacts, photos, prints of news headlines and medal winners, a video (free admission). The 1960 Olympics was most notable for USA’s Carol Heiss winning gold in figure skating and taking the Olympic oath on behalf of all the athletes, the first time a woman had this honor; Penny Pitou winning silver in Women’s Downhill and Giant Slalom, and USA winning gold in hockey over Canada and USSR (free admission). There is also a small exhibit that honors the legacy of the indigenous Wahoe people who once occupied these lands.
What is more, there is an actual skating rink, which was closed during COVID and awaiting restoration. January 24, 2025
Continued on next page
GOING PLACES, NEAR & FAR....
Skiing with Baby? Palisades Tahoe in California’s Sierra Nevada Proves Ideal for Multigenerational Ski Holiday
Continued from previous page
High Camp can be enjoyed by green and blue skiers (as well as the most advanced skiers who go through narrow, ridiculously steep openings between boulders) have access to a range of trails.
Nonskiers can also purchase a ticket for the tram to enjoy this area. (It’s also where Eric and Sarah take the baby for his first experience playing on snow!)
Considering how Palisades Tahoe is a world-class, world-famous destination drawing from far and wide, especially with the benefits of being part of Alterra Mountain Company’s Ikon Pass, what strikes me is the unpretentious, easy-going California-friendly feel – very possibly because it is about 4 hours drive from San Francisco, about 3 from Sonoma, so has its regulars.
And considering how vast and expansive Palisades Tahoe is, I so appreciate the logistics, especially for a family traveling with a baby.
Of all the ski destinations I have visited, none make it easier for a newcomer, first-timer, beginner or infrequent skier to orient to the mountain, which makes the logistics as convenient as possible, especially for a ski area as humongous as Palisades Tahoe.
Inside Tip: The paper map (yes, REALLY helpful), has a progression plan that lists the lifts and the trails in an order. Also, there are helpful ambassadors at the base. People you wind up riding the gondola or chairlift with also provide the benefit of their experience. I strongly urge to read the “first timers guide” - handy info on website (https:// www.palisadestahoe.com/explore/ first-timers-guide)
You will get the most out of the mountain by downloading its Palisades Tahoe App.that gives up up-to-date information on lifts and trail status,
parking availability (notably, the parking lot is right at the village, a short walk to the lifts) and road conditions, and maps. You can also use the app to track your progress on the slopes. A new navigation tool within the app allows you to easily identify terrain that aligns with your ability level and get guidance on how to reach those areas. (https://www.palisadestahoe.com/palisades-tahoe-app)
Just how vast? Palisades Tahoe offers 3,600 skiable acres; of its 170 trails, five terrain parks and 16 bowls.
Of the 170 trails on Palisades Tahoe, 25% are beginner, 45% intermediate and 30% advanced (the biggest surprise for me was the quantity and quality of green and blue trails, especially from the top). One of the hardest trails, K-2, that the most advanced skiers have to hike to once they get off the lift, is world famous, while the longest trail, Mountain Run, at 3.2 miles, is graded intermediate (beginners and low intermediates are advised to take the Funitel down to the base not because the trail is difficult but that it is narrow and highly trafficked that can be intimidating).
Once I get my ski legs back on the greens from the Big Blue Express, I venture over to the Gold Coast Express and enjoy Gold Coast Face (the easiest blue), Mystery and Emigrant Gully. I appreciate the excellent signage that points to the easiest way down, how to get back to a lift, and even signs that warn against beginners or low intermediates from venturing down a particular trail, or taking a particular lift. And even on a busy Saturday morning, the lift line never takes long.
Alpine is an experience in itself- just getting there with the relatively new Base-to-Base gondola, which opened for the 2022-23 season, offers quite a ride with gorgeous views as it traverses the
GREENER VIEW
mountain peaks (it makes two stops along the way). But this involves a little bit of strategic planning, since the gondola often has holds for the wind, in which case, there is a shuttle bus available to go back to the other base. (Eric especially enjoys the Lake View lift to the summit with a spectacular view of Lake Tahoe, where you can get to two great blues, Outer Limits and Twilight Zone.)
Alpine, which for many years was its own ski area, has a vertical rise of 1,802 ft, from a base elevation at 6,835’ to a peak at 8,637’. It has two mountain peaks, Ward Peak (8,637’) and Scott (8,289’). It offers 100 trails (25% Beginner, 40% Intermediate and 35% Advanced) and seven bowls on 2,400 skiable acres accessed by 11 lifts, with an uphill capacity of 19,400 people per hour (snowmaking on 9 of them) Village at Palisades
When we arrive at the Village at Palisades and our two-bedroom condo (full kitchen, dining table, living room, two bathrooms) after pulling into its own secure underground garage with elevator access to the floor, we walk out to the balcony and are awed by the view: we are literally the closest we can possibly be to the Funitel, Base-to-Base gondola and aerial tram, with gorgeous views of the mountain faces. The logistics prove ideal since we will be taking turns skiing and taking care of Eric and Sarah’s baby. (Palisades Tahoe does not have on-site childcare but there are daycare options nearby you can find at its website.)
The luxurious condo offers marvelous amenities – the resort charge includes garage parking, high speed internet, towels in the spa, local and toll free phone calls, 24-hour front desk, guest computer with printing, board and Xbox games to borrow at the front
All-America Selections Vegetable Winners for 2025
BY JEFF RUGG
Last week, we looked at the flowers that won the 2025 All-America Selections awards, and this week, we look at the five new vegetable winners.
The AAS testing program is an independent nonprofit organization that tests new plants. They have about 80 test gardens from Alaska and Canada to California and Florida. They also have almost 200 display gardens all across the continent that are used not for judging but to show gardeners how well the plants grow locally.
The judges evaluate the plants all season long, not just at the end of season harvest. Only the entries with the highest
nationwide average score are considered worthy of a national AAS Award. Some plants will do better in a hot, dry climate or a cool, humid region and wouldn’t win a national award, so the country is divided into six regions where a plant might win one or more regional awards.
The vegetable plants are evaluated for desirable qualities such as earliness to bloom or harvest, disease and pest tolerance, novel flavors, total yield, the length of harvest, and overall performance.
I will mention again that one of last week’s flower winners, Nasturtium, has leaves and flowers that are edible with a strong pepper flavor.
Another winner with a peppery flavor
desk, in-room coffee and tea, multiple wi-fi hot spots throughout the resort. Other guest amenities include access to eight hot tubs, four sauna, three fitness rooms, media room, and HD TVs, pool table and children’s room and guest laundry among the five, tastefully designed buildings that make up the Village resort.
Programs, Events, Clinics & Happy Hour
Among the many marvelous programs and clinics offered at Palisades Tahoe one that gets my attention is an opportunity to join a free, interactive on-the-mountain Guided Tour with a UC Davis Tahoe Environmental Research Center (TERC) Scientist The one-hour tours are offered at 1pm on Fridays, mid-February through March, from the Alpine Lodge (https:// tahoe.ucdavis.edu/events/ski-scientist) Sunset Happy Hour at High Camp; enjoy a champagne toast and breathtaking views of Lake Tahoe and the snowcapped peaks as the sun sets behind the Sierras (select dates, December-February; 4-6 pm, $24; https://www.palisadestahoe.com/events-and-activities/ activity-finder/sunset-happy-hour)
Guided Snowshoe Tour & Chalet Dinner at Alpine : This dining adventure starts at the Last Chair Bar in the Alpine base lodge with a hot glass of mulled wine and a 15-minute walk up a moderately pitched ski trail to the Chalet at Alpine for a four-course Bavarian inspired meal (snowshoes provided). ($140, must be 21+, https://www.palisadestahoe.com/events-and-activities/ activity-finder/snowshoe-tour-chalet-dinner)
is Konstance Kohlrabi. Kohlrabi is a fatstem vegetable created by selecting plants from the natural wild cabbage. Our regular cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, kale, Brussels sprouts and others all come from selections of wild cabbage. This is a purple-stem variety that has a crisp, sweet cabbage flavor that can be cooked or eaten raw. It matures over a longer time, giving gardeners a longer harvest time.
Continuing today’s pepper theme, we have Pepper Pick-N-Pop Yellow. A single 2-foot-tall plant can grow 50-100 of these 4-inch-long sweet peppers. They produce over a long season, starting just two
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A world of difference: Gen Xers & Baby Boomers
BY CLAIRE LYNCH
For years now the subject of the generation gap has been amusing to me because whenever I am out in social situations or getting together at parties with my extended family, it’s inevitable that instances of the generation gap come up.
A coincidence? For a while I thought so but as time goes by I realize the way they see things and the way my friends, siblings and I see things are two very different things. Life experiences matter and for better or worse, those experiences help shape our perspectives.
There are humorous examples of misunderstandings and misinterpretations and sometimes there are actual misunderstandings of historic events and events in the family. I like being a stickler for reality so it can get pretty darn uncomfortable when any misunderstandings pop up and the record has to be corrected. There’s no point in having any hard feelings after all.
My niece, Shannon, is a Millennial in every aspect of the word. Now in her 30s, Shannon has a certain outlook on the world and I can only stand back and appreciate it. She embraces life and once she became a teenager she thought long and hard about what her future career would be. She has lots of different talents and in the end she chose to attend law school.
After graduating and passing the bar exam Shannon thought about what type of law to practice and engaging in one where she helps others every day, I stand back and applaud her. Shannon has been a breath of fresh air to my family where for generations several of us were more cautious about our job choices and willingness to go out there and take the world by storm.
My five brothers and sisters and I were raised by two Traditionalists, those who were born between 1925-1945, and because they lived through the Great Depression and World War II, prudence and caution were uppermost in their minds. The same holds true for my aunts and uncles - life had a way of affecting how and why they made the decisions they did. They sought security, wanted time to enjoy their retirement, and they were inordinately proud of doing a job well both at work and with their families.
The years rolled by and so many Baby Boomers were born between
1946-1964. When the six of us Lynch Baby Boomers were born and my family moved from Brooklyn to Rockville Centre, we studied hard and when it was our turns to fly the nest, we looked at our options, made our moves, got careers and started families. Society continued to change and it still does which brings me to the group right after the Boomers, those Gen Xers who were born between 1965-1980. It’s interesting to see how their perspective on what they want from life is different from my generation and my parents’ generation.
When I’ve worked side by side with Gen Xers I’ve had to remind myself that what motivates them is often different from what motivated me throughout my 41 years of full-time work. It’s not that one approach is better than the other, it’s just different. My friend, Sarah, is a good example. She always struck me as more independent because as she grew up both of her parents worked. It helped shape her personality and form her outlook on life.
Sarah and I worked together in the public relations department of a NYC corporation and sometimes we teamed up for projects and other times we did independent work. I noticed that Sarah liked having the freedom to work independently, to think about and fashion her ideas of how a new marketing concept should be approached and carried out. It always struck me that the more freedom Sarah had the more creatively she approached the tasks. I always liked her final products and so did management. Many of her marketing campaigns were successfully launched.
Seeing Sarah’s approach at work was fun for me to watch since not only was I raised by two Traditionalists but on my own I have my fair share of caution. Sometimes Sarah and I had dinner after work in the city and as we chatted we found ourselves talking and laughing about how different we were in our approaches to creative projects within the corporate structure even though we’re just 11 years apart. Sometimes she’d tell the executives her project was ready to launch when it wasn’t quite ready but she got a certain thrill out of pushing the envelope. It gave Sarah a spark and an energy that kept her reaching for greater heights.
Sarah was an on-time person but she never worried about the clock. She’d attack a project and use her creative ideas to work things out. She was
always happy with the final product and I could tell when in her mind everything came together and looked great. My approach was a little different, a little more methodical and some would say more conservative. Caution has always been a guiding force of mine so as I drafted and worked up a project I’d ask people’s opinions. Feedback is good and as I took in people’s comments, additional ideas would jump out at me.
My friend Paul has a son Corey who he feels is a typical Gen Xer in that Corey has always had a laid-back approach to life and work and this concerns Paul because as much as he tells Corey to apply himself, Corey feels the
jobs and paths he takes in life will all just work out. Paul on the other hand thinks that things don’t just fall into place. There’s got to be a plan but that’s where Corey and Paul disagree.
Corey tells his dad that eventually he wants to marry and start a family but right now he isn’t dwelling on it, he’s more interested in traveling to Europe. He’s got so much to see and visit and wouldn’t it be a thrill to just go do it?
Paul laughs as he tells me this but he’s also looking quizzical because that is a good example of the generation gap we’re talking about.
Most Beautiful Grandchild
“I
think I just saw Mommy kissing Santa Claus.” Evan, grandson of Bobby Wihnyk of Garden City
BY TOM MARGENAU
I had originally planned to use this space to write a follow-up column to one I wrote several weeks ago about the misnamed “Social Security Fairness Act.” But I’ve decided it’s not worth it.
For decades, government retirees who worked at jobs not covered by Social Security, but who did pay into the program at jobs before or after their government careers, have been led to believe that they had been shortchanged by the Social Security system. They hounded Congress for almost 30 years about this issue to no avail. But late last year, Congress finally caved in and gave them what they wanted.
Then I wrote a column saying that they never really had been cheated by the system. And gosh, did I get lambasted for that! I got many hundreds of emails from readers around the country. Some were polite and presented reasoned arguments explaining their take on the law. Many other responses were ill-advised and perpetuated myths about Social Security that I have spent a lifetime trying to correct. And sadly, many responses were crude, mean-spirited and vindictive. Some were even downright threatening.
Even though I know this subject better than most and have lectured around the country on this topic, it was pretty obvious that most readers affected by the law didn’t understand the points I was trying to make. So, I’m done with the topic. Besides, it’s a moot point, since the bill was signed into law earlier this month.
Having said all that, I must make another observation about many of the emails I received. Their comments reinforce a point I’ve made many times: People always say they want smaller government and less government spending. But what I’ve learned over the almost 30 years I’ve been writing this column, and what I relearned with this episode, is what people really mean is that they want less government spending for the other guy but more for themselves.
Very many of the responses I received said something like this: “I deserve this extra money and I earned it. But those people don’t.” (And when I say “those people,” you can insert your favorite Social Security villain.) I’ll use the rest of this column to give you some examples.
Villain No. 1 -- people on disability:
“You sir, are a jerk! And how dare you say I don’t deserve an increase in my Social Security checks. I’ve been robbed for years. But if you want to save Social Security, stop paying disability benefits. They’re all deadbeats anyway.”
My response:
Disability benefits have always been a favorite target of those looking for some part of the Social Security program to
Less for Others but More for Me
gripe about. Everyone claims to know a neighbor or uncle or someone who is supposedly cheating the system.
But the fact is the Social Security disability program is universally recognized as one of the most difficult programs to qualify for. You simply don’t get benefits if you have a minor problem. To qualify for disability payments, you must have a severe physical or mental impairment that is expected to keep you out of work for at least 12 months -- or a condition that is terminal.
Villain No. 2 -- women:
“You are a complete moron if you think I don’t deserve what’s rightfully mine -- higher Social Security benefits. But you know who should have their benefits stripped away? Women who never worked and never paid a dime into the system! That’s an add-on goody that makes no sense!”
My response:
Benefits to dependent spouses and widows have been part of the Social Security program since 1935 -- the very beginning. It’s not an “add-on goody.” But I tell you what. If you convince Congress to eliminate these benefits, I hope they put you in charge of calling the approximately 3 million women getting widow’s benefits to notify them their Social Security checks will stop. I’ve got a suggested script for your phone call: “Hello, ma’am. My name is Ebenezer Scrooge, and I’m calling about your Social Security. Even though your deceased husband paid into the program for over 50 years, I’m afraid we are going to have to cut off your checks because you were a slacker who never worked and paid taxes. Have a nice day.”
Villain No. 3 -- people on SSI:
“You are an idiot! I worked hard and deserve every nickel I can get out of Social Security. It’s those lazy bums who never worked and are getting SSI benefits. Kick them off the system and Social Security will be saved.”
My response:
Supplemental Security Income is a federal welfare program that happens to be managed by the Social Security Administration. But SSI payments are not Social Security benefits and are not funded by Social Security taxes. So kicking people off of SSI won’t save a dime from the Social Security trust fund.
Besides, many people on SSI have worked and paid taxes. But for a variety of reasons, they ended up with very small Social Security checks, and those benefits are frequently supplemented with SSI payments.
There were many more examples of “those people” from readers saying that “I deserve more money, but those people don’t.” But I’m out of room. As I’ve always said: Lots of people want less government
spending for others but more for themselves.
If you have a Social Security question, Tom Margenau has two books with all the answers. One is called “Social Security -Simple and Smart: 10 Easy-to-Understand Fact Sheets That Will Answer All Your
Questions About Social Security.” The other is “Social Security: 100 Myths and 100 Facts.” You can find the books at Amazon. com or other book outlets. Or you can send him an email at thomas.margenau@comcast.net.
COPYRIGHT 2025 CREATORS.COM
CROSSWORD PUZZLE
Covid’s affect and impact on real estate, then and now
Have you ever been a landlord? Were your experiences mostly positive or negative? (Please respond and let me know by filling out the reply form in my online column. I want to survey to gather statistics to be reported in the future. If you are still a landlord, how did you handle not receiving your monthly rent during the COVID-19 pandemic?
Did you apply via your tenant or for your employees for any PPP (payroll protection plans), EIDL (economic injury disaster loans), or any landlord programs for reimbursements? If not, why not? I most definitely applied since my real estate brokerage and all the other 125,000+ Realtors and businesses in NYS were told by Governor Andrew M. Cuomo, to cease doing business until further notice. He initiated and signed into law “New York State on Pause.” It was an executive order, a 10-point policy to assure a consistent, stable, and safe environment for everyone.
Here is a brief history of what occurred and affected the crazy market that we have been experiencing. Our industry and others considered non-essential, had to be sequestered and cease working until further notice. My professional opinion was that this was definitely a huge error in judgment by Governor Cuomo. What Realtors always do for the economy is to totally and emphatically support a humongous and myriad number of ancillary industries and services in our consumer expenditures, contributing to 70% of our economy. The fact we were ordered to stop working affected all industries except supermarkets, food, delivery services, utility companies, and transportation.
Real estate sales plummeted for a short period, and the greatest exodus
of consumers in modern times occurred in major and even minor cities. They began moving away from crowded locations to avoid contact with others. This truly revitalized our industry.
BY PHILIP A. RAICES
I saw the market soften in 2019, after the longest 8-year expansion in real estate history. However, during the pandemic, the most qualified, credit and income families, individuals, and ready-to-buy consumers began purchasing homes, townhomes, HOAs, condos, and coops in a frenzied and almost insane fashion.
This began the severe reduction in our housing inventory from the normal 6-7 months to the current 3.1 months. With a mindset of FOMO, fear of missing out, the overwhelming demand, and the lowest interest rates in history, it became the major factor causing the escalated and skyrocketing double-digit prices and increased values over the next few years. Single-family homes with at least one additional room that could be utilized as a home office became the most popular and valuable entity for sale, which purchasers needed and wanted.
This event seriously affected our housing inventory, creating a historical 50-year low, and was crucial and critical in causing a fragmented and catastrophic supply chain shortage. Consumers hunkered down, working remotely. They began purchasing in significant, monumental, and frenetic numbers online, never seen before.
So we all had to stop working from Sunday, March 22 @ 8 PM until June 10, 2020, when we were legally and finally allowed to return to work.
However, before that date, there were those who I knew were still actively conducting business, worrying more and with greater concern and emphasis on earning money than about their or anyone else’s health. They were jeopardizing their health and that of others, with the possibility of infecting others, especially if they were asymptomatic and didn’t contract the disease but caused others to become sick or, worse, die!
Fast forward, things have returned somewhat to normal, and most landlords are finally getting paid again. Covid is still with us in various ways as it has consistently morphed into new strains, but is not as dangerous as the original. The death rate is minimal, nothing close to what we experienced in 2020. Real Estate in the commercial office space has been severely affected and may never be the same again, as many people are working part remotely and a partial return to their workplace.
Next year, we will celebrate the 250th anniversary of our Independence from England. The next four years could be a critical and crucial determining factor in our success or the potential of becoming more mediocre on the world stage. Currently, NATO is stronger than it has ever been, since the war in the Ukraine began. Could our reserve currency play second fiddle to the BRIC nations (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and now Africa) who have begun purchasing their oil with their currencies, putting a tiny bit of pressure on our dollar, although, at the moment, our dollar is still very strong?
A GREENER VIEW
We all must bury the hatchet, learn from the past, begin to get along once again, forge ahead, and press on to be the best we can be with empathy, respect, sympathy, and consideration for one another and keep the world’s strongest economy to continue improving and expanding.
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
All-America Selections Vegetable Winners for 2025
Continued from page 2
months after planting into the garden and continuing until frost. With a Scoville heat rating of 0, they can be eaten right off the plant or added to any recipe. Pattypan-type squash look like alien spaceships. A lot of gardeners don’t grow them, but they should. Green Lightning is striped with light and dark green stripes and could be used as a decoration, but inside the fruit is a delicious edible flesh. It is bush-type squash, so it doesn’t spread, and the fruit weighs 1-2 pounds.
The Thriller squash is a 1- to 2-pound squash growing in what is called the dumpling shape. It is taller than wide and almost square, and it has a flat top and wide ridges. The furrows mature to or-
ange, while the ridges mature white with green speckles and spots. It is very pretty and edible at the same time.
The last vegetable is the one we are all waiting for: a new cherry tomato. OK, maybe not; there are so many types of tomatoes, why do we need a new one? Well, maybe because Tonatico has everything we want in a cherry tomato. The judges said it has great flavor, high yield, high disease resistance to common diseases and very few fruit that crack open -- all on a plant that stays under 5 feet tall and starts bearing 150 to 200 fruit in just 60 days after transplanting into the garden. It can even be grown in a container, such as a 5-gallon bucket. It is a regional winner in the mountain, southwest and northeast zones. All of the other vegeta-
ble winners in 2025 are national winners. Email questions to Jeff Rugg at info@ greenerview.com. .
An Efficient Way to Slash Home Heating Bills
BY MARY HUNT
Just as I was knee-deep in researching, testing and learning all I could about electric space heaters, this letter popped up in my inbox.
Dear Mary: I need your help to figure out how we can reduce our home heating bills. It’s killing us to pay so much to keep our house warm in the winter. We have a gas furnace, and where we live, the cost of gas has gone up more than 10% while, at the same time, the cost of electricity has gone down slightly.
Our home is a two-story with a basement. Our kids are grown, so it’s just the two of us. My husband travels for his work, so I’m the only one here most of the time. Thanks in ad-
BY CHARLYN FARGO
Here’s more proof that skipping the saltshaker and processed foods with high sodium, along with adding potassium-rich foods, can lessen your risk for a heart attack.
In a large-scale study of more than 10,000 adults with accurate sodium measurements from individuals, researchers from Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health reaffirmed that lower sodium consumption and higher potassium intake is linked with lower risk of cardiovascular disease in most people. The study was published in the New England Journal of Medicine, November 2021.
Researchers decided to conduct the study because past research had used less-than-ideal methods to assess sodium and got mixed results -- with some studies showing both low and high sodium diets linked to cardiovascular disease. This study measured excretion of sodium and potassium in participants urine -- the most accurate way possible to measure intake.
Researchers calculated that each daily increment of 1,000 milligrams in sodium
vance for your help! -- Jeanine
Dear Jeanine: An efficient and easy way to reduce your home heating cost is to heat only the rooms that are occupied and keep your furnace set very low. Use a space heater (or heaters) to make occupied rooms comfortable. You can rely on this method during the day, as well as at night.
You could easily see your heating bill drop 35% or more with these simple changes. It’s such a simple way to make a huge difference in your home heating costs.
Keep in mind that multiple space heaters could become less efficient and more expensive than running the central heat. It’s a matter of experimentation and careful tracking.
Just as I received your letter, I was in the throes of figuring this out for my own situation here in Colorado, as we were facing our first winter and the matter of heating the house. I learned there are several types of space heaters, each with its own strengths.
MICATHERMIC
This type of heater has an element covered in thin sheets of mica. The Bionaire Silent Micathermic Heater is a good example. The manual states that it produces both convection and radiant heat. The Bionaire creates immediate warmth -- a nice, gentle kind of heat, not a blast of hot air. And it is a constant source of warmth -- not a constant warming up to hot and then shutting off until it gets cold again.
CONVECTION
Generally, a convection heater relies on the circulation of air within the room to heat the room. The fan blows air over a heating element, and the air is recirculated into the room. Convection heaters push hot air up to the ceiling, which results in energy loss. Still a viable option, our pick for the Best Inexpensive convection space heater is the Mill Convection Heater that can be found for under $50.
PARABOLIC
The Best Inexpensive parabolic heater, the Presto HeatDish Parabolic Electric Heater for under $100, uses a computer-designed parabolic reflector to focus heat like a satellite dish concentrates TV signals. That makes it feel three times warmer than 1,500-watt heaters, yet it uses a third less energy. Because it warms you directly, you feel the heat almost instantly without it first having to heat the entire room.
HALOGEN
It operates using energy-efficient halogen lamps that provide radiant heat, which means that they heat up the objects that are around them but not the air. It does not operate with a fan, which should be good news for people who suffer from dust allergies. A good choice for a halogen heater is the Comfort Zone Oscillating Flat Panel Halogen Heater, in the $50 range.
QUARTZ
This produces infrared, which heats
Less Sodium, More Potassium
excretion was associated with an 18% higher cardiovascular risk and each daily increment of 1,000 milligrams in potassium excretion was associated with an 18% lower risk.
Most of us consume far more sodium than the recommended 2,300 milligrams of sodium per day, not from the saltshaker, but from packaged foods and restaurant meals.
On the other hand, we don’t get enough potassium, found in fruits, vegetables and legumes.
Too much sodium in the bloodstream pulls water into the vessels, increasing the volume of blood flowing through them. That can lead to high blood pressure and an increased risk of heart attack and stroke. Potassium helps lower blood pressure by lessening the effects of sodium.
The researchers examined data from 10,709 generally healthy adults who were an average of 52 years old. They were participants in six different studies across the U.S. and Europe. Their sodium and potassium levels were measured with at least two 24-hour urine samples, meaning all urine produced in a full day, which is
objects, not the air. The Holmes Quartz Tower Heater, a bit pricy at about $140, has an auto safety shut-off and tip-over protection to help prevent accidents. The quartz element glows red, making the front grille very hot and hazardous for young children and pets. It operates with a fan that cycles on and off.
For more information plus resources for the heaters mentioned, go to EverydayCheapskate.com/heaters.
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
considered the optimal method.
During an average follow-up of 8.8 years, there were 571 cardiovascular disease events such as a heart attack or stroke. The researchers found that higher sodium levels, lower potassium levels and higher sodium-to-potassium ratio were all associated with higher risk.
After adjusting for other cardiovascular risk factors such as age, smoking status, cholesterol and diabetes, participants with the highest levels of sodium in the urine (an average of about 4,700 milligrams) were 60% more likely to have a cardiovascular event than those with the lowest sodium levels (about 2,200 milligrams). Those with the highest levels of potassium (about 3,500 milligrams) had a 31% lower risk of cardiovascular events than those with the lowest levels (about 1,750 milligrams).
The bottom line: Cook at home where you can control your sodium intake, and opt for fruits, veggies and whole grains, skipping the more processed foods. Your heart will thank you.
Q and A
Q: Are best-by-dates or use-by-dates
required by law on all food products?
A: No, except for infant formula. Infant formula is required to have use-by product dating and it should be honored to ensure the nutrients are at peak quality. For all other foods, use-by or best-by dates are included voluntarily to tell consumers about peak quality, but it doesn’t necessarily mean the food should be thrown out past the date. Use a first-in, first-out system when storing canned or packaged shelf-stable items. Keep the older dates in front so you’ll use them first. If you use a product past its use-by or best-by dates, the quality may be affected but, in most cases, they are still safe to use. The dates refer to freshness and peak quality. The exception is food that can spoil, such as dairy products or meat.
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 DENNIS MAMMANA
Week of January 26February 1, 2025
Anyone who reads this column regularly knows how much I enjoy seeing a conjunction of the moon and Venus in the western sky at dusk. I’m not sure why it’s so beautiful to me. Perhaps it takes me back to my childhood; even then I was enamored by this almost three-dimensional pair as daylight was fading.
I still get that same feeling when I gaze upon these two, and this coming Saturday (Feb. 1) will occur another great show that I’m looking forward to.
The two actors in this celestial drama have long been recognized as female characters. The moon has been known for ages as Diana, Isis and Levanah. Why many cultures perceived the moon to have female traits is anyone’s guess. Perhaps it’s her 28-day cycle during which she dances among the stars, intriguing us with her ever-changing shape and brilliance.
And Venus -- well, she was known by both the ancient Greeks and Roman as the goddess of love, and anyone seeing her light up the sky will understand completely.
On Saturday, Feb. 1, the moon will appear in the direction of Venus at dusk, and together they will create a pair worthy of stepping out into the cold.
The fact that they appear near each
BY TRACY BECKERMAN
As the chief domestic officer of our family, I’m usually pretty fastidious about the cleanliness of my home. But every once in a while, something escapes my attention, and then, before I know it, we have a disturbing situation on our hands.
Such is the case with my refrigerator.
“Something in the fridge has gone bad,” said my husband, slamming the refrigerator door on the offending smell.
“I may have forgotten to throw something out,” I, the likely guilty party, said.
“Well, don’t worry about it,” he said. “At this point, whatever it is can probably walk itself to the garbage.”
I will typically empty out the leftovers once a week. But occasionally a leftover will be pushed to the back of the fridge, out of sight and out of the smell zone, until it gets so bad we have
STARGAZERS
Two Lovely Ladies at Dusk
other that night is, of course, an illusion. Our moon is our nearest celestial neighbor, only about 226,000 miles away on that evening, and Venus -- currently our second-nearest celestial neighbor -- will lie about 48 million miles away. On Saturday evening they will lie roughly along the same line of sight but will give the impression that they’re close to each other.
The pair will create a beautiful sight to the unaided eye. And, while the moon will appear as only a thin crescent lit directly by sunlight, you will be able to see a ghostly outline of the full moon. This is called earthshine, and it’s caused when sunlight reflecting off the Earth falls back onto the darkened lunar surface.
You can even try taking a photo of the pair. Just aim your smartphone in their direction during twilight, and snap a shot or two. You may need to zoom in a bit, but you should capture a wonderful image to help you remember.
For a real visual treat, aim binoculars in their direction. You’ll see both the moon and Venus together, and the lunar earthshine will be much more obvious; you’ll even be able to make out the darker lunar features (the “seas”) quite easily.
And if you have a small telescope, you can certainly get a closeup look at each of these celestial bodies in turn. Expect the moon to appear quite dramatic; the craters on its sunlit crescent combined with the eerie earthshine make a wonderful sight. If you then aim the telescope toward
Venus, don’t be surprised by what you see. Though Venus orbits the sun, it also displays phases like the moon, so with a telescope you’ll be able to see it in a thick crescent phase this week.
Mark your calendar now so you don’t
miss this beautiful twilight event. Now let’s hope clouds don’t ruin our view!
Visit Dennis Mammana at dennismammana.com.
COPYRIGHT 2025 CREATORS.COM
The Bad, Smelly Thing
to bring in a crime scene cleanup crew to take care of it.
Typically, the offending culprit is just one lone container, and the stinkified aroma is not that bad. In this case though, the smell was so horrific that it was clear there might be multiple former leftovers that had transmutated into things with consciousness and, possibly, hair. Knowing the endeavor of finding and disposing of the problem could singe my nose hairs or otherwise expose me to a life-threatening health hazard, I donned rubber gloves, a rain poncho and a surgical mask.
Experience had taught me that when it comes to rotting leftovers, you can never be too careful.
“OK, save the dog and yourself,” I announced. “I’m going in.”
But my husband did not leave. He offered to help, proving once again that love is not only blind but olfactorily challenged. After he put on his own personal hazmat suit, we opened the fridge
and began clearing out the items in the front that we suspected were blocking the offending items in the back. We soon came upon four storage containers that looked and smelled suspect. My husband opened the first one.
“What is it? Or rather, what was it?” he asked, stepping back for fear that the thing in the container would leap out and consume him, then consume the house, the city and all the people in it.
“I don’t know,” I admitted. “Maybe fish?” We both stared at the former fish and realized we no longer had fish, but we did have an excellent source of homegrown penicillin.
We opened another container and decided that not only did the contents have to go, but so did the container itself.
“I’m afraid to open the next one,” said my husband as he reached for the third storage container. “Every time I open one, I think it couldn’t be as bad as the last one, and it’s worse.”
“I know,” I said. “It’s like the kitchen version of Chernobyl.”
“I think we’re in over our heads,” he said. “We need a biohazard team to contain the problem.”
“No, we can do this,” I assured him through my mask. “There’s just one more container.”
As we pried open the top, my son walked into the room, assessed the situation, then peered into the Pyrex.
“Oh, hey! I was wondering what happened to my leftover pizza,” he said.
I raised an eyebrow at him.
“It was just biding its time before it could take over the world,” I said.
“Oh, cool,” he replied. “Do you think I can still eat it?”
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
On Saturday, Feb. 1, at dusk, the moon and Venus will appear close together in what’s known as a conjunction.
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DIRECTV- All your entertainment. Nothing on your roof! Sign up for Direct and get your first free months of Max, Paramount+, Showtime, Starz, MGM+ and Cinemax included. Choice package $84.99/mo. Some restrictions apply. Call DIRECTV 1-888-534-6918
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
ANNOUNCEMENTS
GET BOOST INFINITE! Unlimited Talk, Text and Data For Just $25/mo! The Power Of 3 5G Networks, One Low Price! Call Today and Get The Latest iPhone Every Year On Us!! 844-329-9391
HEARING AIDS!! High-quality rechargeable, powerful Audien hearing aids priced 90% less than competitors. Tiny and NEARLY INVISIBLE! 45day money back guarantee! 855-598-5898
WE BUY HOUSES FOR CASH AS IS! No repairs. No fuss. Any condition. Easy three step process: Call, get cash offer and get paid. Get your fair cash offer today by calling Liz Buys Houses: 1-888-704-5670
MARKETPLACE
A.T. STEWART EXCHANGE CONSIGNMENT SHOP 516-746-8900
Antiques-FurnitureJewelry-Silver-MirrorsLamps-Artwork Come to Consign & Stay to Shop Visit.... Our Shop 109 Eleventh St. Garden City Mon-Fri 10-4 (Wed till 6) Saturday 12-4 Shop Our Online Store ATStewartExchange.org Items to Consign?
Email photos (with sizing info) to: store@atstewartexchange.org All proceeds benefit The Garden City Historical Society
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Email editor@gcnews.com to put your engagement or wedding announcement in this paper.
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
TAG SALE
ESTATE SALE SYOSSET
Saturday, 1/25 & Sunday 1/26 10am to 4pm 44 Vista Drive Syosset, NY 11791
Magnificent furnishings and accessories fill this 7,000 sf house.
Dining & cocktail table with metal sculptor Silas Seandel signed bases, 8 stunningly upholstered dining chairs, large Schonbeck/Swarovski chandelier.
Living room furniture, Lalique Double Carp Sculpture, dozens of large LLadro, Armani and Murano figurines, pair of 3ft tall Italian ceramic cheetahs. Total workout gym equipment, hundreds of unopened boxes giftware, extensive bar and barware. Just a small sampling. See Estatesales.net for photos. Tags R Us Cynthia 516-764-5573
NYU Langone Health is recruiting participants for an exciting new study exploring why and how some people with dementia experience a return of mental clarity as they approach the end of life.
These episodes are known as paradoxical lucidity. If you have a loved one suffering from advanced dementia, they may eligible for this study.
If interested, please contact the Parnia Lab research team at 917-227-0932 or pl@nyulangone.org
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: 1-888251-3135.
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 step 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
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
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
901 Stewart Ave, Ste 230 Garden City, NY 11530 516-222-1122
www.dangelolawassociates. com
SERVICES
HOME IMPROVEMENTS
BEAUTIFUL BATH UP -
DATES 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, Belgium Block Patios, Foundations, Seal coating, Concrete and Asphalt driveways, Sidewalks, Steps. Free Estimates
Fully Licensed & Insured #H2219010000
Boceski Masonry Louie 516-850-4886
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
SERVICES
HEALTH SERVICES
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
SERVICES
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)
CLASSIFIEDS Call 294.8900
SERVICES
TUTORING
BIOLOGY TUTOR
AP level: Biology, Environmental Science
Regents and Honors: Living Environment
Virtual or In-Person
Dr. Amanda Shore, University Professor
Please email: ShoreThingBiology@gmail. com
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
O’REILLY TUTORING ACT-SAT-LSAT-GRE
Admissions + Writing Science + Math Virtual and In-Person 631-252-0462
Baloreilly.tutoring@gmail.com FREE consultation
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
SERVICES
AFFORDABLE TV & INTER-
NET. 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 the Chinese New Year with deep-fried wontons
Deep-Fried Pork Wontons
The Chinese New Year is a unique celebration with a global footprint. While many of the more awe-inspiring celebrations may occur within China, that doesn’t mean there aren’t ways to commemorate this unique event elsewhere. Celebrations can even take place at home, where individuals can whip up homemade Chinese fare to lend their festivities a more authentic feel. This Chinese New Year, those who want to bring this unique event into their homes can try the following recipe for “DeepFried Pork Wontons” courtesy of Lines+Angles. Makes 6 servings
For the filling:
7 ounces minced pork
2 spring onions
1 green chili, deseeded
1 tablespoon grated ginger
1 garlic clove, minced
2 tablespoon fish sauce
1 tablespoon lime juice
32 square wonton wrappers
Vegetable oil, for frying
To serve:
Mixed leaf salad; cabbage, lettuce and coriander Sweet and sour sauce
1) Mix together the ingredients for the filling, stirring in one direction only.
2) Place double layers of wonton wrappers in front of you in a diamond shape. Place a little of the filling on the bottom half of the dough. Fold the bottom corner of dough over the filling and
roll it once. Take the outside corners and bring them together, sealing with a little water. Stand the wontons on their flat bases and gently separate the two top flaps. Repeat with the remaining wrappers and filling.
3) Heat about 4 inches oil in a deep pan until gently bub -
bling, then fry the wontons in batches for 3 to 4 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through. Drain on paper towels then serve on beds of the mixed leaves with the sweet and sour sauce alongside.
Tip: This recipe may also be steamed or boiled.
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.
Town holds Taxpayer Forum
Hempstead Town Receiver of Taxes Jeanine Driscoll (left) greeted Fran Bellanger
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™
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.
1. Your Home Stands Out with Less Competition. Generally during winter months fewer homes are on the market because many people wait until spring to list their homes. It can be a wise decision to take advantage of less competition, thereby setting the stage for your home to stand out.
2. Winter Brings Motivated Buyers Who Are Anxious to Close. Though winter may not bring as many buyers, those that are looking tend to want a quick closing. These people are serious buyers interested in purchasing a home and purchasing it quickly.
3. Your Home May Show Better. One key to attracting a buyer for your home is to create an atmosphere where they can imagine themselves living in it. Winter is a perfect time to show off the cozy, warm, and inviting qualities your home possesses.
4. Using The Winter Season To Your Advantage. Creatively decorate to appeal to the senses. A fresh wreath provides beauty and a lovely scent. Use lighting inside and out to give your home an inviting feeling. Consider some well-placed scented flameless candles on timers.
