Poet Laureate visits high school
Nassau County's Poet Laureate, Alan Semerdjian visited Floral Park Memorial High School's Art and Magazine Club for an after school poetry cafe. More than 50 students enjoyed poetry games, art sketches and an open mic session.
Village, Chamber gear up for holiday season
BY RIKKI MASSAND
At the November 19 Floral Park Board of Trustees meeting, Deputy Mayor Dr. Lynn Pombonyo highlighted the importance of Small Business Saturday, which falls on November 30, two days after Thanksgiving and the day after Black FridayNeighbors are
encouraged to support small businesses in the village, which are the backbone of a strong local economy.
She announced that throughout the 2024-2025 holiday season, Floral Park’s small businesses along Covert Avenue, Tulip Avenue and Jericho Turnpike will
be offering “surprises, sales and specials.”
“Visit the business districts, window shop, and choose the perfect gifts for family and friends. Don’t forget that the Villages of Floral Park and Stewart Manor have suspended parking meter
See page 9
Village Board approves three new local laws
BY RIKKI MASSAND
The Village of Floral Park Board of Trustees approved three new local laws at its November 19th meeting following public hearings. The new laws address a parking trust fund, residential garage regulations, and the management of feral cats.
Parking Trust Fund
The Board unanimously adopted Local Law No. 5 of 2024, establishing a parking trust fund to finance future municipal off-street parking, including potential land acquisition. At the meeting, Mayor Kevin Fitzgerald told residents, “The village parking trust fund is for the purpose of receiving funds upon the granting of alternative parking variances and further for the purpose of providing a source of funds for the provision of future municipal off-street parking, which could future acquisition of land for such purpose.” No comments came from the Board or the public during the public hearing. The new law, Local Law No. 5 of 2024, was unanimously approved, 5-0.
Residential Garage Regulations
Local Law No. 6 of 2024, also adopted unanimously,
See page 14
Free Sample
We'd like to introduce you to Floral Park's newest newspaper! Over the next few weeks we will be mailing free copies of our print edition to homes in town. We hope you like it!
To learn how to subscribe, or to contribute material, please see page 6
Sewanhaka students perform in musical production
Sewanhaka Central High School District’s middle school students performed in “Raise Your Voice” as part of a partnership with Plaza Theatricals.
Through a partnership with Plaza Theatricals, Sewanhaka Central High School District middle school students performed in the musical revue show, “Raise Your Voice,” at Elmont Memorial Public Library’s professional 400-seat theatre, from Nov. 15-16.
Forty middle school students from all five school buildings – Elmont Memorial High School, Floral Park Memorial High School, H. Frank Carey High School, New Hyde Park Memorial High School and Sewanhaka High School – were selected as cast members after an audition process.
The show featured songs from across the Music Theatre International Broadway junior collection, including classic titles like “Guys and Dolls,” “Oliver,” “Mary Poppins” and “The Little Mermaid.”
“Without a doubt, this group of talented performers will continue to light up the stage with dazzling shows for the next six years. Congratulations on a job very well done!” Superintendent of Schools Regina Agrusa said.
Photos courtesy of the Sewanhaka Central High School District
December events at the Floral Park Library
‘Tis the season…the Library halls are decked, and a holiday mood is definitely in the air!
Thank you to our patrons for their abundant generosity with our “Food for Fines” program. Your kindness will put food on the tables of our local residents in need.
As everyone’s calendar is already booked with shopping, parties, and family time, we’re keeping the programming schedule light.
Programs for Teens
For teens, there’s Teen Quilling with artist/teacher Danielle Barbaro, a New Year celebration with Chef Julie and, to end the year on a high “note,” a Totally Taylor New Year’s Eve party.
Programs for Children
Children can enjoy Play Hooray, A Time for Kids Baby Start and Family Pre-School Hour, along with P[art]y Art
programs for Pre-K thru 1st grade, and 2nd thru 5th grade.
Adult Holiday Events
The adult holiday events – all at full participation include Holiday Cricut Craft Wreath with Yvette, Marbled Holiday Ornament with Cathy Buckley, and The Charcuterie Queen’s Holiday Charcuterie Board. December 10th brings “Can You Maximize Your Social Security Benefits in Retirement?”
Hybrid Chair Yoga with Micheline continues Wednesday’s at 10:15 a.m. There is no class on December 25.
Urban Explorers
The intrepid Floral Park Library Urban Explorers visited Lincoln Center this month, following their successful October outing to Roosevelt Island.
Book Clubs
The Friends of the Library Book Club meets Monday, December 2, at
10:15 a.m. The Evening Edition Book Club’s Thursday, December 12th 7:00 pm discusses Colm Tobin’s “Brooklyn.” Both groups meet in the main level Community Meeting Room.
Made With Love Knitting and Crocheting
The Made with Love Knitting and Crocheting volunteers meet Mondays at 6:30 p.m. and Wednesdays at 11:00 a.m. No registration necessary; no formal instruction provided. New members always welcome.
Library Board to Meet
The Library Board of Trustees meets at 7:30 p.m. on December 11.
Tech Help Available
One-to-one tech help with Joe for tablets, smartphones, laptops and Kindles is available for our Floral Park patrons by appointment only (floralparktech-
help@gmail.com).
The 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.
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 Tuesday, December 24, and Wednesday, December 25, for the Christmas holiday. The Library will close at 5:00 p.m. on December 31, New Year’s Eve.
We invite you to follow us on Facebook (floralparklibrary), Twitter (@fplibrary17), or Instagram (fplibrary, 17, floralparkchildrens, fpplteens).
We’re looking for writers in our community to compose ar ticles on local topics, opinions, reviews, worthy places to visit on Long Island, and even pieces of fiction. We aim to feature at least one new article and writer each week in our Discovery magazine section.
Email submissions: editor@gcnews.com • Attach article and any photos (1MB), along with your name and contact info. • Articles must be between 1,500 - 3,000 words. • Each writer will be reimbursed a stipend of $25.⁰⁰
ELDER LAW & ESTATE PLANNING
Floral Park Library Urban Explorers visit Lincoln Center
Twenty-one members of the Floral Park Library's Urban Explorers group braved the rain for on November 21 for a trip to Manhatten and tour of Lincoln Center, after which they enjoyed lunch at The Smith restaurant.
In spite of the rainy weather, everyone had a lovely time visiting Lincoln Center.
Members of the group enjoyed lunch at The Smith restaurant as part of their trip.
Members of the Floral Park Public Library Urban Explorers group recently took a tour of Lincoln Center.
Saturday November 30th
Small Business Saturday
To all our Floral Park Residents, our Floral Park Businesses, our Government Officials, and all the Chamber of Commerce Members please Shop, Dine, and use Professional Services Locally here in the Village of Floral Park to support OUR Community’s future!
Let’s kick off the Holiday season with our Small Business Saturday, November 30th and may the entire Holiday season be healthy and prosperous!
SHOP LOCAL
Rotary Club plans bike donation drive
The Rotary Club of Floral Park - Bellerose is collecting bicycles to assist backstretch workers at Bellmont Racetrack.
Rotary Club of Floral Park-Bellerose is sponsoring a Bike Donation Drive for the benefit of the Backstretch Workers at the Belmont Race Track.
Do you have a bike collecting dust in your garage? Consider donating it to BEST. Backstretch Employee Service Team, a non profit which helps bring a better quality of life to these people.
The backstretch workers at Belmont Racetrack are the heart and soul of horse racing. Over 900 hardworking individuals live in dormitories on-site caring for the horses: feeding, cleaning,
grooming, and exercising them, working tirelessly from 4 am each day. They would love to have a bike as it will help them get around the facility quickly. How to donate: Kindly drop off bikes in the backyard of the home of Rich Burgess at 107 Birch Street, Floral Park, NY. 11001. If you need bikes to be picked up please give us a call at 516-413-9129. Lets make a difference in our community by helping those who keep the Belmont Racetrack running so smoothly!
Advent and Christmas events at Holy Trinity
Holy Trinity Lutheran Church has announced that its programs for Advent and Christmas include the following special events:
Sundays, December 1, 8, 15 and 22, at 10 a.m.: Advent Worship Friday, December 20, at 7 p.m.: Blue Christmas Worship Service. This is a service for people who find the holidays hard for any reason. The purpose is to offer hope and peace in the hustle and bustle of the season. Vicar
Christian Cederstrom preaching. Sunday, December 22, at 10 a.m.: Christmas Pageant: The Fumbly, Bumbly Angels
Tuesday, December 24, at 8 p.m.: Christmas Eve Worship Candlelight Service
Sunday, December 29, at 10 a.m.: Lessons and Carols
The church is located at 246-55 87th Avenue, Bellerose.
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CHRISTMAS WREATH SALE FUNDRAISER
Christmas Wreath Sale Fundraiser
The Boy Scouts of Troop 482 will be having a wreath sale on Saturday, November 30. Come down and support the scouts by purchasing a pre-decorated wreath for only $30 per wreath. The sale will take place at the Floral Park Public Library.
Also, by special order only, the following items will be available: deocrat-
ed grave blankets (24" x 45") - $55; decorated Balsam Cross - $35; and 25 foot roping - $30.
Special orders are due by November 13 and must be paid in full.
For information and special orders please contact Troop482Wreaths@ yahoo.com or 516-998-5715 or 631-6159031.
Cluttered?
Village, Chamber gear up for holiday season
From
said.
She also reminded residents of the annual Village of Floral Park Tree Lighting and Holiday Festival, happening Friday, December 6, at Memorial Park.
On the following Saturday night, December 14th, the Covert Avenue Chamber of Commerce and the Village of Stewart Manor will be hosting its annual Tree Lighting event – starting at 4:30 p.m.
The fun takes place at Stewart Manor Village Hall, and the tree lighting is scheduled for about 5:15 p.m. once the sun sets.
Place an ad in our Classifieds for reasonable rates and prompt results. Call our main office 294-8900 to request information & rates. Visit our website to place classified Ads, to receive more information & our latest rates, www.gcnews.com
Get featured in all 11 newspapers!
The event is co-sponsored and presented by the Floral Park Chamber of Commerce and Floral Park Junior Woman’s Club. Shops will open at 5 p.m. and the Festival starts around 6 p.m.
“Come out with friends and family to enjoy the live music, food and drinks, performances, free candy canes and of course the wonderful vendors joining us,” the deputy mayor noted.
Deputy Mayor Pombonyo noted that everyone can support two local charities (nonprofits based in Floral Park) – Tricia’s Kids and the Hance Family Foundation. Toy Collections for both charities will take place at the December 14th tree lighting.
“The event will feature hot chocolate, cookies, candy canes, horse and buggy rides and photos with Santa,” she added.
Visit covertavenuechamber.org for more information.
Do you have a service to advertise?
Our Service Directory is sure to bring results. Call 294-8900 for rates and information.
The Garden City News, Bethpage Newsgram, Mid-Island Times & Levittown Times, Jericho-Syosset News Journal & The Syosset Advance! Along with Blank Slate Media Papers: Port Washington Times, Manhasset Times, Roslyn Times, Great Neck Times, New Hyde Park Herald Courier & The Williston Times!
Holiday Festivities Kick Off Throughout NYC
BY KAREN RUBIN TRAVEL FEATURES SYNDICATE GOINGPLACESFARANDNEAR.COM
New York City’s holiday season festivities kick off with the arrival of the 98th annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, heralding in a cornucopia of festive performances, winter exhibits, holiday light displays across New York City’s five boroughs, captivating and enchanting. Here are some of the many ways to celebrate the holiday season in New York City: Christmas Spectacular Starring the Radio City Rockettes, Nov. 8–Jan. 5: Experience the beloved holiday tradition as it returns to the iconic stage of Radio City Music Hall. For almost a century, this festive show has enchanted audiences of all ages with its stunning costumes, joyful music, precise choreography and innovative performances. Multiple shows daily.
George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker, Nov. 29–Jan. 4, Lincoln Center , Manhattan: Immerse yourself in the magic of New York City Ballet’s George Balachine’s The Nutcracker, a holiday classic. Follow young Marie as she faces the Mouse King and dances through a flurry of ballerinas to the enchanting Land of Sweets, all set to Tschaikovsky’s iconic score. With stunning special effects, including a towering Christmas tree, dazzling sets and vibrant costumes, this production is a sensory delight for audiences of all ages. (https:// www.nycballet.com/season-and-tickets/george-balanchines-the-nutcracker/george-balanchines-the-nutcracker/)
Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater at New York City Center,
Santa’s arrival in town to end Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade is the official kick-off to holiday festivities in New York City © Karen Rubin/ goingplacesfarandnear.com
Dec. 4–Jan. 5, Manhattan: The Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater returns to New York City Center for its 66th annual winter season, offering a captivating mix of new works and beloved classics. This program features world premieres like Matthew Rushing’s Sacred Songs and Lar Lubovitch’s Many Angels, alongside the 25th-anniversary revival of Ronald K. Brown’s Grace and a new production of Elisa Monte’s Treading (https://www.nycitycenter.org/ pdps/2024-2025/alvin-ailey-american-dance-theater/)
Holidays with the New York Philharmonic Dec. 11–22, Lincoln Center, Manhattan: The New York Philharmonic, led by baroque expert Fabio Biondi, joins the Handel and Haydn Society Chorus and soloists for a performance of Handel’s Messiah,
highlighting its iconic vocal and orchestral melodies, with debut performances soprano Maya Kherani, countertenor Maarten Engeltjes and bass-baritone Klaus Mertens. The annual Holiday Brass tradition is also back with joyful music perfect for the whole family, promising to brighten the holiday season. Additionally, the Philharmonic will spread holiday cheer with live performances of the heartwarming classic Elf, featuring John Debney’s score as the movie plays on the big screen.
The Magic Flute, Dec. 12–Jan. 4, Metropolitan Opera, Upper West Side, Manhattan: Experience the magic of Mozart’s Magic Flute at The Met Opera in a captivating, familyfriendly production by Tony Award–winning director Julie Taymor. With stunning puppetry, vibrant visuals
GOING PLACES NEAR AND FAR
and timeless melodies, this abridged, English-language adaptation transforms the beloved fairy tale into an unforgettable New York tradition for all ages.
HOLIDAY SIGHTS & LIGHTS:
Christmas Tree and Neapolitan Baroque Crè, Metropolitan Museum of Art, Manhattan: A special holiday attraction at the Met Museumm is the Christmas Tree and Neapolitan Baroque Crèche display.
A Christmas Carol: The Manuscript, Pierpont Morgan’s Library, Manhattan: Each year for the holidays, the Pierpont Morgan Library displays Charles Dickens’ original manuscript of A Christmas Carol. Bound in red goatskin leather, the manuscript was gifted to Dickens’ solicitor, Thomas Mitton, and came into the possession of Pierpont Morgan in the 1890s. This season, the manuscript will be turned to page seven.
The Origami Holiday Tree: American Museum of Natural History, Manhattan: The delightfully decorated Origami Holiday Tree features more than 1,000 hand-crafted models.
Holiday Express: Toys and Trains from the Jerni Collection, New-York Historical Society, Manhattan: This annual wintertime favorite at the Jerni Collection is a display of handcrafted and hand-painted toy trains spanning 1850 to 1940. Alongside these, an assortment of toy train stations illustrates the design evolution from the early 20th century to the era of World War II.
Holiday Train Show, Nov. 16–Jan. 20, New York Botanical Garden, The Bronx: Model trains and trolleys wind through a festive outdoor lawn display and inside the Haupt
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GOING PLACES, NEAR & FAR....
Holiday Festivities Kick Off Throughout NYC
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Conservatory, showcasing replicas of New York City’s iconic architecture. By day or night, the show captures the magic of the season, with special evening events, Holiday Train Nights, offering illuminated scenes and holiday treats on select dates (https://www.nybg.org/ event/holiday-train-show-2024/)
Bronx Zoo Holiday Lights, Nov. 22-Jan.5, The Bronx: With more than 390 lanterns representing nearly 100 animal and plant species, the Bronx Zoo’s family-centric holiday lights festival will connect visitors with real wildlife and festivities. During the evenings, the park comes to life with holiday cheer as immersive light displays, customdesigned animal lanterns and animated light shows sparkle across the zoo. The celebration is complete with seasonal treats, classic holiday music, the Holiday Train, new interactive experiences and other entertainment. Date specific and any-night tickets. (https:// bronxzoo.com/holiday-lights/tickets)
Lightscape at Brooklyn Botanic Garden, Nov. 22–Jan. 5, Prospect Heights, Brooklyn: Lightscape returns to Brooklyn Botanic Garden, offering an enchanting after-dark experience like never before. This year, visitors will be immersed in a mesmerizing nighttime journey through light-drenched landscapes, with brand-new installations by renowned international light artists and design collectives from 10 countries on three continents. Visitors are invited to wander along the illuminated trail under the moonlight, marveling at the magical interplay of light and nature. Seasonal treats and festive music enhance the atmosphere. 21+ Nights on Dec. 12 &19 after 7 pm; Sensory-Friendly Early Entry on Dec. 18 & Jan. 3 at 4 p.m., for adults and children with disabilities or sensory sensitivity (limited capacity). (bbg.org/lightscape)
Season’s Greetings from PaleyLand at The Paley Center, Nov. 20–Jan. 5, Paley Museum, Manhattan, steps from Rockefeller Center. Visitors are invited to revel in PaleyLand, a five-floor immersive holiday experience featuring photos with Santa, free hot chocolate, holiday train displays, crafts, holiday screenings and more.
Fifth Avenue 200th Anniversary, Holiday Window Displays & Third Annual Open Streets Program Manhattan: Fifth Avenue marks its 200th anniversary with in-store activations, exclusive merchandise and special events at luxury flagship stores and hotels. Custom tours explore the avenue’s rich history and iconic holiday window displays at stores like Saks Fifth Avenue, Tiffany & Co., Cartier and Bergdorf Goodman.
Holiday Under the Stars at The Shops at Columbus: Mid-Nov.–Jan., Columbus Circle, Manhattan: The Shops at Columbus Circle, celebrating 20 years, is featuring a new, glimmering “Holiday Under the Stars” installation, brimming with 300,000 twinkling lights and illuminated stars. Free to the public, newly choreographed light shows featuring 44 glowing, color-changing stars will dance across the dramatic 74-foot-high Great Room every 30 minutes from 5pm to midnight daily.
Shine Bright at Hudson Yards Presented by Wells Fargo, Hudson Yards, Manhattan: Presented by Wells Fargo, Shine Bright at Hudson Yards adorns the neighborhood with 115 miles of string lights, 725 evergreen trees and 16-foot-tall, illuminated set pieces in the shape of hot air balloons arranged through the Public Square & Gardens. A 32-foot hot air balloon centerpiece is suspended in The Great Room of The Shops & Restaurants. Enjoy holiday shopping, festive dining and free photo opportunities with Santa.
Holiday Lights & Movie Sites
NUTRITION NEWS
Tour with On Location Tours, Nov. 29–Jan. 2, Manhattan: On Location Tours explore famous landmarks and uncover hidden gems featured in popular holiday films like Elf, Home Alone 2, Scrooged and more. Starting near Columbus Circle, the tour includes festive stops at Bloomingdale’s, Rockefeller Center and the renowned ice-skating rink at Bryant Park.
ICE SKATING & OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES:
Festive shopping at New York City’s Holiday Markets, Manhattan & Brooklyn: Find the perfect gift at the three big outdoor markets— Union Square Holiday Market (Nov.–Dec.), Holiday Shops at Winter Village at Bryant Park (Oct.–Jan.) and Columbus Circle Holiday Market (Nov.–Dec.). Stay warm at the indoor Grand Central Holiday Fair (Nov. 11–Dec. 24), Brooklyn Flea (Saturdays and Sundays, April–December) and Chelsea Flea (weekends only, year-round). Head to the Upper West Side for the indoor and outdoor Grand Holiday Bazaar (Sundays) or venture to the Brooklyn Borough Hall Holiday Market in Downtown Brooklyn (Nov.–Dec.), featuring 100 vendors selling locally crafted wares.
The Rink at Manhattan West, Midtown Manhattan: Located a block away from Madison Square Garden, offering daily public skating amid skyscrapers in Manhattan West’s expansive public plaza, conveniently located steps away from Moynihan Train Hall.
Glide at Brooklyn Bridge Park, Brooklyn Heights, Brooklyn: Skate beneath the historic Brooklyn Bridge while taking in the stunning Manhattan skyline views at Glide, the newest ice rink in New York City. Savor café and beverage options.
The Rink at Bryant Park, Midtown Manhattan: Enjoy the City’s largest free-admission ice-skating rink, a
Walking and Diabetes
BY CHARLYN FARGO
Most of us wish for an easy fix for our health issues -- a magic pill to lose weight or a magic way to cook vegetables that we love.
And then along comes a study, published in the February 2022 issue of the journal Diabetes Care, that finds we can walk to prevent diabetes. The study found that the more steps you take, and the more intensely you walk, the lower your odds of getting Type 2 diabetes.
Researchers at the University of California, San Diego and San Diego State University studied more than 4,800 participants who were women aged 65 and older.
None had diabetes. All lived independently.
Participants wore a device on their hip that recorded the number of steps they took 24 hours a day for a week. Participants’ health was monitored for up to seven years. Of the 4,800 women, 8% developed diabetes during that time.
On average, participants took 3,729 steps per day, of which 1,875 were light-intensity steps and 1,854 were vigorous-intensity steps (steps that cause you to breathe a little heavier). Researchers said that for every 1,000 steps participants took per day, results showed a 6% lower diabetes risk. If older adults were to take 2,000 more steps every day (in addition to what
vibrant holiday market with nearly 200 vendors and the cozy rinkside bar and food hall at The Lodge. Open through early March.
Wollman Rink , thru March, Central Park, Manhattan: Enjoy skating in Central Park with the picturesque Manhattan skyline in the background.
The Rink at Rockefeller Center, thru March, Midtown Manhattan: The world-famous ice-skating rink is back for the holidays, offering the classic NYC experience of skating under the iconic Christmas tree. Santa will also join skaters on the ice in December.
Classic Harbor Line HolidayThemed Cruises, Manhattan: Visitors aboard elegant 1920s-style yachts enjoy breathtaking views of the NYC skyline while indulging in complimentary hot cocoa, sweet treats and live entertainment. Options include holiday brunches, festive cruises with carols and a New Year’s Eve celebration with fireworks and captivating views of the NYC skyline and the Statue of Liberty.
City Cruises HolidayThemed Cruises, Nov. 28–Jan. 1, Manhattan Experience the charm of NYC from the water on Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and New Year’s with festive dining cruises with live entertainment. NYE cruises include fireworks display and an open bar.
NYC Hotel Week: Give the Gift of an NYC Hotel Stay this Winter, Citywide: Give the gift of New York City with a 25% discount on hotel stays at over 100 hotels. Reservations open Nov. 19; valid for stays over Jan. 2–Feb. 9, 2025.
For all there is to do and see in New York City, visit nyctourism.com.
© 2024 Travel Features Syndicate, a division of Workstyles, Inc. All rights reserved. Visit goingplacesfarandnear. com
they were already doing), they might expect a 12% reduction in diabetes risk, according to study co-author Alexis Garduno in a UCSD news release.
Here’s the bottom line: If 500,000 older individuals who are newly diagnosed with diabetes every year would increase their steps by 2,000 per day and the 12% figure is correct, Garduno said 60,000 people each year would not suffer from diabetes.
This study goes along with a recommendation from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services for at least 150 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity per week; once you’ve started
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Book clubs: Connecting with others
BY CLAIRE LYNCH
As I’ve gone around to different book clubs to see which ones I like best, I’ve noticed each place does things differently. Some schedule the meeting to last one hour while others schedule them for a block of two hours. Of course the one-hour meeting can go a little longer and people are encouraged to stay afterwards to socialize. On the other hand, I find that two hours is a bit long to discuss one particular book.
Speaking recently with my friend, Diana, who retired to Florida with her husband a few years ago, said that she likes a two-hour book club because when they meet once a month at her public library, it gives everyone a chance to talk about the book even if 30 people are attending - and it’s an enjoyable few hours. Diana added she likes the various ways people approach a book because it tells her a lot about the individuals. They give different perspectives.
I agree with that statement and it’s fun getting to know people on a different level. At the book clubs I’ve attended, many times a person will go off the tangent just a bit. If there’s a part in the book about a memorable vacation, for example, someone will talk about their own unique or memorable vacation and it can have some very humorous or serious parts.
We laugh or cry when we hear these stories and even though she has gone off the track for just a minute, we don’t care about the brief tangent because hearing these stories from various individuals, in my mind, makes each person more human. I feel like I get to know the person better when they tell the group something about what makes them tick.
Trying out different book clubs with their various formats is fun but as I experiment, I always think of one thing. As a kid in Rockville Centre I remember my friend Patty’s mother reading good books then inviting a few neighbors in to discuss them. I saw this firsthand because as Patty’s friend I was in and out of their house down the street from
my own several times a month.
Patty and I would do homework together or get an idea to play some records on her record player. 33s or 45s - either way those vinyl records sounded good to us and the Rolling Stones and The Monkees were big at the time. We could dance around and sing along to the songs and it was a nice break after being in school all day.
That was in the late 1960s and early ‘70s, a couple of generations ago, but Mrs. Smith had a book club going. Occasionally Patty and I would eavesdrop on Mrs. Smith’s book club - as we ran upstairs or running back downstairs to the kitchen for a snack - and we’d hear them describing certain characters or the houses they lived in and the families they had. It was interesting.
Mrs. Smith enjoyed reading so much and the participants loved discussing the details in the books. The characters seemed to come to life when they talked about them because they usually discussed the characters first then they’d talk about whether or not the plot worked. Sometimes the books they discussed weren’t appealing to me as a kid but at other times I’d think maybe that book is a good one, for kids as well as adults.
If you have heard of the old saying, “the walls have ears,” Patty and I were that personified. The adults didn’t realize that we were passing through and liked to stop and listen on occasion but in any event most of their book club discussions involved pretty tame material.
Mrs. Smith called them the “book discussions” but it turns out that the term “book club” has been around for many years but as a child it’s not something I bandied about with my friends. History says that the term has been used since the 17th century when Anne Hutchinson organized a discussion group of women on a ship bound for Massachusetts from England. That sounds like a bit of trivia history buffs would know.
These days all sorts of clubs are available at senior centers, in public libraries and at people’s homes, too. I looked up a calendar of events recently and discovered so many different types of clubs: chess, quilting, crafts, mah-
jongg, genealogy, movie buffs, yoga and a cooking club. I’ve even seen an Agatha Christie club advertised and a guitar jam, too. I never went to those two clubs but they sound interesting.
I’ve thought about starting a club for “Yellowstone” TV buffs starring heartthrob Kevin Costner, naturally, but I’m still a relatively new retiree who enjoys trying these clubs in various locations and seeing which ones I like the best. After working full-time for 41 years, I am a Lady of Leisure.
But I digress. After the book discussions that Mrs. Smith hosted became a regular thing in my neighborhood, she suggested they have a potluck lunch. Was that something they would enjoy doing? Yes, the ladies agreed wholeheartedly so they started bringing a light lunch to share with each other - then once they had put everything away, they’d start talking about the book of the month.
I still compare notes with my friend, Diana, about which book they will discuss or have discussed recently and that’s always fun because we are such book nerds. My favorite book isn’t her favorite book but that’s okay because we like to share and learn from each other.
I’ve been attending the book club at my public library and will keep going to see my new friends and hear new stories. But every so often I think back to the way Mrs. Smith ran her book club and I think what a marvelous thing it was for the ladies to share their thoughts, ideas and feelings about books. It’s a nice way to pass the time.
BY TOM MARGENAU
I’m dusting off an old Thanksgiving-themed column I ran many years ago. I thought that now would be a good time to remind people what Social Security is all about.
I’m going to suggest that we Americans give thanks for the Social Security program. I know lots of people like to think that the “good old days” (before Social Security) were, well, the good old days. But many times, they were not. If you’d like to get a glimpse of what life was like before the Social Security program came along, I suggest you read a book called “Growing Up,” by the late Pulitzer Prize-winning New York Times columnist Russell Baker.
In it, Baker tells the story of what it was like to grow up in the 1920s and 1930s. For most of us, the Great Depression is the stuff of history books and hard luck stories revealed in an occasional documentary about the era. But Russell Baker lived one of those stories and writes eloquently about his life and those times.
His book brings the era into focus for people whose vision of history has been blurred by the good life. For me, it also illustrates the reason why we have and need a Social Security system in this country.
Many people have attempted to explain to me that America would be better off without Social Security. They point out that this nation was founded on the principles of personal freedom and that our pioneer spirit encourages people to make it on their own without government interference. As one recent letter writer told me: “If people could make it on their own in the good old days before we had Social Security, they ought to be able to make it on their own now without the government’s help!”
The problem with that argument, of course, is that many people were not “making it” before Social Security came into existence. Case in point: Before Social Security, about 70% of senior citizens were living below the poverty level. In other words, those “good old days” were actually very bad for very many older people. Today, after more than 80 years of life with Social Security, less than 10% of seniors live in poverty.
In his book, Baker describes the period just after his father’s death. His father left a widow and three small children, including Russell, who was then about 10. Russell’s youngest sister, Audrey, was 18 months old. His newly widowed mother decided to leave their home in Virginia to move in with relatives in New Jersey. Immediately following the funeral, she had many tough decisions to make. One of them was giving up Audrey!
“The giving up of Audrey was done in a time of shock and depression for my mother,” Baker writes. “When the undertaker was paid, she was left with a few dollars of insurance money, a worthless Model T, several chairs, a table to eat from, a couple of mail-order beds, a crib, three small
Give Thanks for Social Security
children, no way to earn a living, and no prospects for the future.”
A few days later, Baker’s Uncle Tom and Aunt Goldie arrived to pick up his little sister. “My mother helped them carry out the crib and boxes packed with baby clothes. When the car was loaded, my mother bundled Audrey into blankets, carried her outside, handed her to Aunt Goldie, and kissed her goodbye forever!”
That scene struck a nerve with me because my father also died when I was young. Like Baker’s father, my dad left a widow and small children. Also like Baker’s family, my mother was left with a little insurance, a few pieces of furniture and an old car. But unlike the Bakers, we had brighter prospects for the future because my father left behind something else: Social Security survivors’ insurance.
My mother, brothers, sister and myself each received a monthly check from Social Security based on my father’s earnings. My siblings and I were able to receive benefits up to the age of 22 if we stayed in school. And my mother received checks until my youngest brother turned 18. (The laws have changed slightly since I was a beneficiary. Today, benefits to children are generally cut off at age 18, and a widowed mother’s checks stop when the youngest child turns 16.)
Survivor benefits are a very important part of Social Security. They have been paid since 1940. Yet even today, many young workers are not aware of this protection they are guaranteed through their Social Security tax deductions.
Most young people complain about the amount of Social Security taxes they pay. But I think if they really consider why our society provides a comprehensive Social Security program, they might be more inclined to accept Social Security taxes so that no other young widowed mother has to give up her little Audrey and “kiss her goodbye forever.”
As I said earlier, I ran a column similar to this one several years ago. After that column ran, I heard from more than a few members of the government-bashing and Social Security-bashing crowd. I saved just one example. Here is what he wrote -- in part. (His rant went on for more than a page!)
“It’s the namby-pamby liberals like Baker and you who have ruined this country. Russell’s father should have provided for his family, and your father should have provided for you. We don’t need the government to make up for slackers like your fathers. And don’t even get my started on widow’s benefits. These women should work and take care of themselves and not expect the government to show up each month with a widow’s dole!”
My goodness! I sure am glad I don’t live in that guy’s world. What a cold and uncaring and empathy-starved place it must be! My so-called “slacker” father served and was injured in World War II, and he struggled for the next 25 years at
low-paying jobs to provide a modest life for his family. And maybe I should have pointed out to him that Russell Baker’s mom spent many years cleaning floors in tenement houses to help take care of her family. And my mom worked all her life to help pay the rent and put food on our table. Oh, well!
I also wanted to point out that someone reading this column might conclude that Social Security is unique to the United States. As I will point out in next week’s column, just the opposite is true. The idea
Continued on next page
CROSSWORD PUZZLE
Was the real estate market better or worse in October?
BY PHILIP A. RAICES
The real estate market still appears to be resilient and there are no signs of a crash looming on the horizon. Looking at the chart below, the residential median sales price year-overyear increased substantially, from $705,000 to $775,000 (+$70,000) (+9.9%). From September through October, the increase was .00645% ($5000) from $770,000 to $775,000. Although inventory is still meager, and demand is still fairly strong, prices aren’t heading up as they were previously. However, the number of homes sold in October 2023 was 8830 compared to 8199 in October 2024 (approx 7.15% decrease. The combination of higher interest rates, increased prices, and abnormally low inventory were the factors causing the severe decline in sales year-over-year.
Median Sold Prices
from $752,250 to $760,000 It’s a possibility that those who found residential prices to be beyond their budget, considered and purchased a condo. Also, the value of condos as an investment could have been a reason for the substantial price increase. There were 705 properties sold in 2023 up to and including October and 706 sold through October 2024; a year-over-year increase of 0.1%There was a slight decrease from September 2024 from 714 units to 706. Condo inventory is trending lower as there appears to be greater interest in those types of properties.
$317,000. Prices stayed flat at $310,000 from January through June in 2024. 793 units sold through October 2024 compared with 814 units through October 2023. Again, the same variables apply here where avialable inventory was down, prices increased and interest rates became untenable for many would be purchasers.
Median Sold Prices Co-op Properties
Month Current Prior % Year Year Chg
Oct-2024 $317,000 $300,000 5.7
Sep-2024 $315,000 $300,000 5.0
pass the review. Debt-to-income ratios also may have played a major role in passing the board. From my experience, when purchasing a home one’s debt-to-income ratio can be as high as 60% for those with the proper income. However, when it comes to coops and their board approval, debt-to-income can range from 27% to 36% so the numbers are much more rigid in getting to the finish line.
Looking at the 2nd chart below for Condos, the median sold price yearover-year rose from $680,000 to $760,000; an increase of $80,000 (+11.8). The previous month saw a rise of $7,750 (1+%)
SOCIAL SECURITY AND YOU
of Social Security is a worldwide phenomenon. Almost every country on the planet has a Social Security system in place for its citizens. And many countries had Social Security long before we got around to setting up our system. It’s just too bad our program came along too late to help Russell Baker’s mother and her children.
If you have a Social Security question, Tom Margenau has two books with all the answers. One is called “Social Security -- Simple and Smart: 10 Easy-to-Understand Fact Sheets That Will Answer All Your Questions About Social Security.” The other is “Social Security: 100 Myths and 100 Facts.” You can find the books at Amazon.com or other book outlets. Or you can send him an email at thomas.margenau@comcast.net.
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Median Sold Prices Condo Properties Month
$738,000 $654,500 12.8 Jul-2024 $730,000 $670,000 9.0 Jun-2024 $730,000 $660,000 10.6 May-2024 $725,000 $670,000 8.2
Apr-2024 $700,000 $675,000 3.7
Mar-2024 $700,000 $675,000 3.7
Feb-2024 $698,000 $675,000 3.4
Jan-2024 $690,000 $675,000 2.2
Dec-2023 $690,000 $670,000 3.0
Nov-2023 $680,000 $665,000 2.3
The last classification of property are coops. The median sold price of coops in October 2024 was $317,000 compared with $300,000 in October 2023; an incrfease of 5.7%. However, prices in September 2024 to October 2024 increased $2000 from $315,000-
Aug-2024 $313,500 $300,000 4.5
Jul-2024 $312,000 $295,000 5.8
Jun-2024 $310,000 $295,000 5.1
May-2024 $310,000 $295,000 5.1
Apr-2024 $310,000 $295,000 5.1
Mar-2024 $310,000 $295,000 5.1
Feb-2024 $310,000 $290,000 6.9
Jan-2024 $310,000 $290,500 6.7
Dec-2023 $309,000 $290,000 6.6 Nov-2023 $300,000 $290,000 3.4
Prices have increased in the 3 categories year-over-year. However, the increases were greatest for residential homes and condos. Coops showed a much smaller increase year-over-year as that type of property became less affordable for those potentially seeking financing due to interest rates and monthly maintenance fees. Also, due to the coop board approval process, I surmise that many may not have had the acceptable qualifications to
Although the Fed rate was reduced again this past month by 25 basis points (1/4 point), I am still not convinced that this will have a major impact on mortgage rates and the housing market and will only lessen the monthly cost of our bloated 36 trillion National Debt. More importantly, I do not believe we are out of the inflation dilemma and I am not sure we will be going forward. If tariffs are put on imported goods from China and other countries, as President-elect Trump is planning then this will only be passed down to increase prices on goods purchased by consumers. I hope that I and most economists are wrong but time will tell.
Statistics courtesy of MLS I wish everyone a healthy, happy, and enjoyable Thanksgiving holiday with family and friends.
Philip A. Raices is the owner/Broker of Turn Key Real Estate at 3 Grace Ave Suite 180 in Great Neck. For a free 15-minute consultation, value analysis of your home, or to answer any of your questions or concerns he can be reached by cell: (516) 647-4289 or by email: Phil@ TurnKeyRealEstate.Com or via https:// WWW.Li-RealEstate.Com
What’s Your Grocery Shopping Personality?
BY MARY HUNT
Once upon a time, a big “SPECIAL” sign was enough to make us think we were getting a deal at the grocery store. But today’s shoppers aren’t so easily fooled. We’ve become wiser, knowing there’s more to shopping smart than flashy tags and end-of-aisle displays.
A number of studies now promise we can categorize ourselves into four grocery-shopping personalities. Take a look -- maybe you’ll see a bit of yourself in one of these types. With a few extra tips, you’ll be able to make the most of your unique shopping style!
SUPER SAVERS
Super Savers are the champions of bargains, always on the hunt for the best deal. They’re the ones who check out three stores in a single trip, clip coupons like pros, and can spot an authentic sale from a mile away. For them, saving isn’t just a necessity -- it’s a challenge they’re determined to win.
SIGNS YOU’RE A SUPER SAVER
-- You’ve got a meal plan ... sort of. You buy what’s on sale, but there’s a little pantry overload and still nothing for
dinner. Planning meals around what’s on sale, not just what’s in bulk, can help.
-- You don’t trust the big “SALE” tags.
You carry a calculator to see if a deal is real. Aim for items at least 50% off or buyone-get-one-free to truly call it a “score.”
-- You’re friends with your freezer. Double your recipes and freeze meals for those busy nights when cooking feels impossible.
-- Your pantry is an organized masterpiece. Everything is in its place, oldest in front, with an inventory list in your freezer so those bags of frozen chicken don’t become artifacts.
PLANNERS
Planners are calm and collected, focused on fresh ingredients and homecooked meals. They’re less inclined to chase sales and more likely to whip up a meal from scratch. To them, time in the kitchen is well spent; time clipping coupons, not so much.
SIGNS YOU’RE A PLANNER
-- You strategize without leaving your routine. You might pick up the weekly circular and see if anything fits your plan, but you’re not running all over town.
-- You think long term. Grocery stores run on 12-week cycles, so when you see a favorite item on sale, you buy enough to last until the next markdown.
-- You’ve gone digital with discounts. No paper clutter here -- you load your coupons electronically right onto your store card.
-- You know your sizes. Medium-sized items sometimes cost less per ounce than the larger ones. Quick math and attention to unit pricing can help you find the real savings.
SACRIFICERS
Sacrificers are practical and careful. Maybe they’re adjusting to a tighter budget, or they’re just picky about where every dollar goes. For them, grocery shopping has become a game of needs versus wants, and each item is a careful choice.
SIGNS YOU’RE
A SACRIFICER
-- You don’t let yourself go without. You’re brand-loyal to a few essentials, finding coupons where you can and opt-
ing for store brands on the rest.
-- You keep it to one trip a week. Multiple trips can lead to impulse buys, so you stick to a list and avoid those budget-busting extra visits.
-- You shop where the prices are right. Forget the fancy grocery stores -- sacrificers head to the no-frills places with better prices, even if it means longer lines.
-- You’re proud of your effort. Grocery shopping isn’t glamorous, but you know every bit saved here is a bit more for something else important.
SPECTATORS
Spectators are loyal to their brands and habits. They haven’t felt the impact of higher prices because they choose to not pay attention. Even high inflation hasn’t
drastically changed their shopping routines. But with a few easy tweaks, even spectators can stretch their budgets to make grocery shopping work harder for them.
SIGNS YOU’RE READY TO SHIFT FROM SPECTATOR MODE
-- You’re willing to try a cash-only challenge. Set a goal to cut your grocery spending by 20%-25%, then take only that much in cash to the store. It’s eye-opening how this keeps you on budget.
-- You’re curious about prices. Tossing things in the cart without looking at
Walking and Diabetes
prices is easy -- but keeping a mental note of what you’re spending helps curb that habit.
-- You’re willing to start small: Pick one thing to focus on, like buying in-season produce or cooking one meal from scratch.
-- You’re walking on by convenience foods. Packaged foods are pricey! Homemade granola, dips and other staples not only taste better but cost less too. Every grocery shopper has his or her style, and there’s no wrong way to do it. But knowing your personality type can help you make little tweaks that fit naturally with the way you already shop. So grab your list (and maybe your calculator) and make your next trip to the store work for you -- no tricks, just smart shopping.
Mary invites you to visit her at EverydayCheapskate.com, where this column is archived complete with links and resources for all recommended products and services. Mary invites questions and comments at https://www.everydaycheapskate.com/contact/, “Ask Mary.” This column will answer questions of general interest, but letters cannot be answered individually. Mary Hunt is the founder of EverydayCheapskate.com, a frugal living blog, and the author of the book “DebtProof Living.”
COPYRIGHT 2024 CREATORS.COM
Continued from page 2
walking, keep it up daily.
Q and A
Q: Do omega-6 fatty acids cause inflammation?
A: No, intake of omega-6 fatty acids doesn’t cause inflammation; in fact, they are anti-inflammatory. Omega-6 fatty acids, called linoleic acid, are found in nuts, seeds and plant oils such as sunflower, safflower, soybean, canola and corn. Because linoleic acid can’t be synthesized by
the body, it must be consumed in the diet. Besides being anti-inflammatory, omega-6 fatty acids help lower LDL cholesterol and triglycerides as well as helping to lower blood glucose.
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..
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BY DENNIS MAMMANA
Week of December 1-7, 2024
I don’t know why, but I always miss the planet Jupiter when it’s not in our evening sky. Sure, we’ve now got dazzling Venus lighting up our western sky at dusk, and the planet Saturn appears in the south-southwestern sky. But to me, the sky just never seems complete unless Jupiter is there.
Jupiter behaves like every other planet, of course. It revolves around the sun, and that means that sometimes it appears in the pre-dawn sky and sometimes after sunset. And I couldn’t be happier that Jupiter returns to the evening sky this week.
It reaches its official opposition point on Dec. 7. The word “opposition” is one that astronomers throw around without realizing that most beginners don’t know what it means, but it’s quite simple.
When a planet lies at opposition, it appears in our sky opposite the sun. In other words, the Earth lies between the sun and the planet. It’s the time when -for a few weeks -- the planet rises in the east around sunset and can be seen all night long. This is also the time when the planet reaches its closest point to the Earth, therefore appearing at its largest and brightest.
If you’ve got a small backyard telescope, this is the time to dig it out of the
STARGAZERS
Welcome Back, Jupiter!
closet and dust it off. Jupiter, always impressive to view through a small telescope, will be especially stunning over the next month or so.
Here’s a world that’s 11 times the diameter of Earth, yet it spins on its axis once every 10 hours or so. This means its Earth-facing side changes completely in just five hours and, with patience, skywatchers viewing through a telescope can easily watch its pastel cloud bands and, sometimes, its Great Red Spot move completely past our view in just one long evening of stargazing.
One of the most enjoyable parts of watching this planet is keeping track of its four largest moons. At last count, Jupiter has 95 known moons, but it’s these four -- Io, Europa, Ganymede and Callisto -- that we know as the Galilean satellites because it was the Italian astronomer Galileo who discovered them and their movements some four centuries ago.
Even the smallest of telescopes allows us to watch them swing around the Jovian disk from night to night, occasionally vanishing behind the planet or slipping in front of it while casting their shadows onto the giant world’s cloudtops. And sometimes, if two moons are passing one another or approaching or receding from the planet’s disk, a sharp-eyed observer can see their movements in only a few minutes.
Much of the fun of watching these
moons is knowing which moon is which. You can identify them by finding an app for your smartphone or tablet, or by visiting shallowsky.com/galilean/ and selecting your date and time.
If you don’t have a telescope, contact your local astronomy club or science museum to learn when they’ll be hosting their next free “star party” so you
can get a close-up look at this exciting giant planet.
With or without a telescope, it’s going to be a terrific winter of Jupiter-gazing!
Visit Dennis Mammana at dennismammana.com. .
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Your Fries Are My Fries
BY TRACY BECKERMAN
“I’ll have the burger,” my husband said to the server when she came to take our lunch order.
“Would you like a salad or fries with that?” she asked.
“Salad,” he said definitively.
“No, fries,” I corrected him.
“I don’t want fries,” he said.
“But I do, and my sandwich doesn’t come with them,” I explained.
He rolled his eyes and shrugged in defeat.
“Fries,” he said to the server, who had been watching our exchange with interest. I was pretty sure it wasn’t the first time she’d heard this conversation between a husband and a wife. In the married world it is common knowledge that my fries are my fries, and his fries
are also my fries. This same idea also applies to desserts, chips and basically any other food item that he might order that I would want. Sadly, for him, this policy does not work in reverse, and while I might deign to give him a fry or two, he couldn’t expect that I would fully share my fries (or flourless chocolate cake) unless there was some left after I was done eating -- a highly unusual circumstance, to say the least.
I have to say, he’s been a pretty good sport about this, considering there was very little evidence that this would be his food future when we were dating. Back then, I respected his side dishes and desserts and only would partake of them when they were offered. The longer we were together, though, the braver I got, starting with just one or two fries and working my way up to
half his portion and then some. By the time we’d been together 20 years, it was clear that when it came to eating out, I was ordering what I wanted to eat, and he was expected to order what I wanted to eat as well.
Desserts actually worked a little differently. I don’t usually order a dessert because I’m almost always on a diet. He usually orders dessert because he wants one and knows I really want one too, but I don’t want to go on the record as having ordered one. So he will get a dessert he knows I want and ask the server for two forks. My theory is, the calories don’t count if they are coming from someone else’s plate.
Meanwhile, back at the restaurant, our food arrived, and I was excited to see that he had received a hearty portion of fries with his burger. I dug right
in, and he watched with his usual combination of irritation and amusement. He moved his burger over to one side of his plate and the fries to the other to give me easier access. Then he excused himself to go to the bathroom. When he got back, he noticed that half the portion of fries were still on his plate.
“Thank you, honey,” he said with a smile. “I appreciate that you left me some fries!”
I nodded.
“I would have eaten more, but you ran out of ketchup.”
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.
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LOST IN SUBURBIA
Jupiter reaches its opposition point this week, meaning it will appear opposite the sun
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These colorful cookies are tailor-made for family baking sessions
Christmas Biscuits
Baking during the holiday season is a tradition in many households across the globe. Family baking sessions provide a perfect holiday season bonding activity, and the payoff is both cherished family time and delicious, indulgent foods once the items are ready to eat.
Holiday hosts know they’ll
For the dough:
1 1⁄2 cups all-purpose flour, sifted, plus extra for dusting
1 1⁄3 cups confectioner’s sugar, plus extra for dusting
3⁄4 cup almond meal
1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
1 large egg yolk
1 tablespoon cold water
1⁄2 teaspoon fine salt
1) For the dough: Preheat oven to 350 ° F. Grease and line two large baking sheets with parchment paper.
2) Combine flour, confectioner’s sugar and almond meal in a large mixing bowl. Stir well to mix.
3) Add butter, egg yolk, water, and salt, and mix well with an electric mixer with spiral attachments until mixture starts to come together as a dough.
4) Turn out onto a floured surface and knead briefly until even. Wrap in plastic wrap and chill for 30 minutes.
5) After chilling, roll out dough on a lightly floured surface to approximately 0.25 ” thickness.
6) Use assorted star-shaped cookie cutters to cut out approximately 23 variably sized star shapes. Arrange between prepared sheets, spaced apart.
7) From remaining dough, cut out one teardrop and two semi-circles of dough, using appropriate cutters or working freehand with a paring knife. Arrange on one of the baking sheets.
8) Bake cookies for 12 to 15 minutes, until golden and
need to feed their guests over the course of their stay, and that includes snacks. This holiday season, hosts can involve their guests in family baking sessions and whip up a batch of these delicious and colorful “Christmas Biscuits” from Lines+Angles. Makes approximately 24 cookies
For the icing and decoration:
4 cups confectioner’s sugar 3 tablespoons meringue powder
7 tablespoons warm water, combined with 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, assorted food color (e. g., red, pink and turquoise), assorted colored sugar crystals (e. g., red, pink and white)
dry to the touch. Remove to cooling racks to cool.
9) For the icing and decoration: Thoroughly stir together confectioner’s sugar and meringue powder in a large mixing bowl.
10) Gradually beat in warm water and vanilla extract mixture using an electric mixer until icing is smooth and of a flooding consistency; you may not need all of the water.
11) Divide icing between three bowls. Color two bowls pink and red, respectively, by beating in enough pink and red coloring to achieve uniform colors. Leave the third bowl uncolored.
12) Spoon pink and red icing into separate piping bags fitted with small, round-tip nozzles.
13) To ice the cookies, pipe around their perimeters with the icings to create borders. Fill in middle of cookies with more icing; you can use a damp, warm offset palette knife to spread out icing to an even finish.
14) Carefully transfer iced cookies to cooling racks, decorating with the sugar crystals in festive patterns.
15) Using same technique
as in steps 13 and 14, ice teardrop cookie with red and white icing for Santa’s hat and beard, respectively. Ice the two semi-circle cookies with white icing.
16) Before icings have set, carefully attach semi-circle cookies to teardrop cookie
to fashion Santa’s mustache. Color any remaining white icing with turquoise coloring and then dab onto teardrop cookie for Santa’s eyes. Pipe some pink icing below eyes for his nose.
17) Let cookies set and harden before serving.
Do you have grandchildren?
Enter our “World’s Most Beautiful Grandchildren” contest! Just send in your grandchildren’s photos and a brief description of the child (or children) along with your name and address to editor@gcnews.com
Tip: Flooding consistency should be similar to the consistency of toothpaste. If your icing is too thick, thin it out with some warm water, mixing it into the icing in drops
Preparation time: 1 hour, 20 minutes
Cooling time: 30 minutes
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FP Girls Fall Soccer Clinic
Coach Kurt Rogers and the FP Varsity Soccer team held a clinic for over 100 girls in grades K–6 the day after Halloween. The team was so glad to get to spend the day meeting, playing and having fun with the future Knights. Be on the lookout for future clinics with the team!
Mr. & Mrs. Kurt Meyfohrt and Mr. & Mrs. William Croak are thrilled to announce the engagement of their children Lynn Marie Meyfohrt & William Croak Jr. They will be married at Our Lady of Victory Church, with a celebration following at the Stewart Manor Country Club in December 2025.
#1 FOR QUALITY CARE IN THE U.S. AND ISN’T THAT WHAT MATTERS MOST?
For the third consecutive year, NYU Langone Health is top-ranked based on safety, equity of care, effectiveness, efficiency, mortality, and patient-centeredness. We look forward to delivering the best outcomes right here in New York for years to come.
See what makes us #1
Source: 2024 Vizient Quality and Accountability Ranking. Ranked #1 out of 115 participating comprehensive academic medical centers.
amends regulations on residential garages.
Mayor Fitzgerald commented, “The purpose of this law is to basically define what a two-car garage is. People were coming to Village Hall and the Building Department asking to have two-car garages. Some requests were getting to extreme heights. This law, amending the code, will define a two-car garage as no accessory to a garage that can be constructed below grade, ‘nor shall the accessory garages be constructed at heights that exceeds 14 feet’ – changing it from the current 17 feet – as measured from the surrounding average grade (surface). Additionally two-car garages can not exceed 576 square feet. The Code previously stated no limit on the square feet,” he explained.
Following the public hearing with no comments presented, the Board also unanimously approved Local Law No. 6 of 2024.
tectural Review Board (ARB) meetings earlier in the year.
Regulation of Feral Cats
Finally, the trustees adopted Local Law No. 7 of 2024, amending Section 10-16 of Village Code, and adopting several new sections in the Code to define feral cats and to prohibit feeding them within the Village.
The mayor explained, “The purpose of this is to add a definition on the Village books for what a feral cat is – a cat that has no owner or is a stray, wild, or feral animal and that no person shall provide food to feral cats within the Village of Floral Park.”
He added that the local law will help protect the health and safety of neighbors “who might have had their neighbors feeding feral cats in the past.”
staff, with 19 years of experience with AMC Networks.
Trustee Jennifer Stewart reported that at a meeting on November 14th Cable Committee Director James Green led the group in thanking Steve Lowe, a retiring member, for his 25 years of dedicated service with 4VS.
“The Cable Committee and Village Board wish Steve and his family well in transitioning to their new retirement home in Florida,” she said.
Holiday gratitude
Trustee Stewart also thanked the Department of Public Works, led by Superintendent Kevin Giannane, for its efforts in preparing Floral Park for another successful and exciting Veterans Day Parade and ceremony, held on November 11th.
“The banners (with veterans images) are a beautiful tribute to our local heroes, and we are so glad to have them displayed in town. And special thanks to former Village Clerk Susan Walsh for spearheading this project, and current Clerk Joe O’Grady for maintaining it,” she said.
Trustee Stewart added, “My family and I would like to wish all residents a very Happy Thanksgiving. I count living in Floral Park as one of my biggest blessings – be safe and be well.”
The village’s Deputy Mayor Dr. Pombonyo also concluded her meeting report by extending Thanksgiving wishes for the community:
“May Thanksgiving bring bountiful blessings to all in our village, and those near and far. Happy Thanksgiving, everyone!”
Village Board approves three new local laws Get Results!
Following the law’s adoption, Mayor Fitzgerald thanked Superintendent of Building Renee Marcus and Trustee Michael Longobardi for bringing the matter regarding garage proposals to the Village Board’s attention as this came up during Floral Park’s Archi-
Deputy Mayor Dr. Lynn Pombonyo added a note for residents: “The local law will not apply to any house cats or any cat that has a home and owner.”
The Board then unanimously approved the local law.
Cable Committee Updates
In other business, the board confirmed Andrew Taylor as the incoming Floral Park representative on the the Four Village Studio (4VS) Cable Committee. He is a 25-year member of 4VS
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Young journalists gain experience at JLC Newspaper Club
Lewis Childs School students in the Newspaper Club worked on The Paw Press and The Goat Gazette on Nov. 20.
John Lewis Childs School students in grades 1–4 are learning how to write articles and put together a school newspaper through the new Newspaper Club.
The students gather once a week in the school library to brainstorm article ideas, write and collaborate with their peers. The younger students in grades 1–2, advised by teacher Patricia Mancusi, are dili -
gently working on The Paw Press. Students in grades 3–4, advised by teacher Marilou Giammona, are reporting news and features for The Goat Gazette. The students have been utilizing Google Docs, Google Classroom, Kami and Canva to put together both e-editions.
The first edition of The Paw Press will feature book reviews, highlights of recent school events, interviews
The children will are publishing The Paw Press and The Goat Gazette newspapers.
The new club teaches students how to write articles and put together a newspaper.
with staff and the history of JLCS. Readers of The Goat Gazette’s first edition will also find book reviews and Q&As with staff, as well as Around Town, Culture Corner, JLC Jesters and sports sections. Both papers, which will be distributed online through ParentSquare, will also feature bios on the student-reporters to introduce the school to the newspaper staff.
The kids are interviewing staff members about the history of the school.
Due to the popularity and high interest in joining the new club, the school will be offering it in two separate sessions: one from October to January, and the second from February to May.
Getting ready for some great news writing.
John
Photos courtesy of the Floral Park-Bellerose Union Free School District
