Tricia's Kids Toy Drive
Hempstead Town Councilman Tom Muscarella (3rd right) and Receiver of Taxes Jeanine Driscoll (2nd left) greeted Tom DeMaria, Kat DeMaria, and Joe Juliano during the Tricia’s Kids Toy Drive on December 10, 2024 at Arp’s Tavern in Floral Park.
Venue change in congestion lawsuit
The legal battle between the Town of Hempstead and the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) over the upcoming congestion pricing plan has been sent back to Nassau County Supreme Court. Town Supervisor Donald X. Clavin Jr. called the move a "win."
The U.S. District Court for
the Eastern District of New York ruled that the case, centered on state administrative law, belongs in state court. Hempstead argues the MTA violated the law by skipping a required 45-day public notice period before setting the toll rate and is seeking a temporary restraining order to delay the plan’s January 5 implementation.
Originally filed in Nassau County, the case was moved to federal court at the MTA’s request but has now been remanded. The MTA contends that Manhattan is the proper venue since congestion pricing will occur there, while Hempstead maintains Nassau County is appropriate because of its residents' stake in the toll’s impact.
Incoming Chamber President discusses local business growth
PHOTOS AND STORY BY
RIKKI MASSAND
The Floral Park Chamber of Commerce hosted its annual Holiday Party at Nancy’s Restaurant on Jericho Turnpike on Wednesday, December 18. The event featured delicious food, desserts, an Ugly Christmas Sweater contest, and a 50/50 raffle benefiting the local nonprofit Tricia’s Kids. Attendees also donated unwrapped toys and presents to the charity, led by local resident Tom DeMaria.
Village Trustees Frank Chiara, Michael Longobardi and Deputy Mayor Dr. Lynn Pombonyo joined the festivities alongside Deputy Village Administrator Darlene Lanza.
Looking ahead to 2025
The Chamber’s 2024 Vice President Shane Parouse, a wealth management advisor and longtime Floral Park community member, will be taking over the chamber presidency during 2025. Parouse lives in the village, and his firm is Shelter Rock Wealth Management. A former youth coach and volunteer, Parouse is deeply connected to the community.
Over 60 years ago, Parouse’s grandparents settled in Floral Park. He was born in Brooklyn and moved here after getting married. Shane and his wife, Katya, have two daughters that grew up in the village.
Attracting New Members
Parouse says the goal of growing the chamber’s membership base will continue into the new year. “We know there are businesses here we are missing, and it’s not their fault. It’s not always easy to reach everyone. We will continue working on new ways to reach out to people, communicate the mission of the chamber and have them find out about us. Businesses and professionals in Floral Park will find out how becoming a chamber member can benefit them.”
The first Chamber meeting of 2025 will be held at Crabtree’s restaurant, 226 Jericho Turnpike, from 6 to 9 p.m. The cost including dinner is $45 per person. Shane Parouse will be formally sworn-in as the 2025 Floral Park Chamber president in January.
“Year’s end/January 1st is membership time. We remind
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FPHS hosts food drive, fundraiser for Island Harvest
The student council collected 2,450 pounds of non-perishable food.
Floral Park Memorial High School’s Student Council assisted those in need during the holiday season by hosting a food drive for Island Harvest from Nov. 18-Dec. 12.
Park Memorial High School donated non-perishable food items to Island Harvest.
Student Council hosted an Ugly Sweater Day fundraiser, raising $500 for Island Harvest. This donation enabled the organization to support an additional 1,000 meals.
Along with the food drive, the
Due to the generosity of students and staff, 2,450 pounds of non-perishable food items will be delivered to local food banks and shelters to support 2,041 meals for individuals and families facing food insecurity on Long Island.
Town Board congratulates soccer team
Hempstead Town Supervisor Don Clavin (right), Councilman Tom Muscarella (third right), Town Clerk Kate Murray (econd left) and Receiver of Taxes Jeanine Driscoll (left) presented a commemorative sign to members of the Floral Park Memorial High School Boys Varsity Soccer Team in celebration of their 2024 New York State Class A Championship. Also attending were Coach Ahkeel Rodney, Assistant Coaches Kristen Freiermuth and Chris McKie, Athletic Director Larry Doreson, and Principal Alicia Calabrese.
The Student Council is led by
Floral
President Umamah Shahbaz and adviser Christina Dierlam.
Photos courtesy of the Sewanhaka Central High School District
Holiday chorale music at December board meeting
Sewanhaka Central High School District celebrated the holiday season and student accomplishments at the board of education meeting, hosted at H. Frank Carey High School on Dec. 17.
Frank Carey High School 10th grader Shivani Pillai, a member of the Superintendent’s Advisory Committee, began the meeting and assisted with the Superintendent’s Update. Having student ambassadors share districtwide highlights at the board meetings is part of a new initiative this school year.
The District Chorale Ensemble treated the board members, staff and families to the festive annual tradition of performing holiday tunes. The ensemble, featuring students from all five school buildings, sang “Deck the Halls,” “Carol of the Bells,” “Joy to the World” and “Jingle Bell Rock.” The choir members learned the songs separately in their respective buildings before joining together for a brief rehearsal prior to the beautiful performance during the board meeting. They were led by H. Frank Carey High School Choir Director Michael Moreno, Sewanhaka High School
Choir Director Rachel Daloia and Elmont Memorial High School Choir Director Benjamin Pesenti. Following the chorale performance, Superintendent of Schools Regina Agrusa commended the recent achievements of Carey students. Senior Natalie Osorio was recognized for being recognized as a 2025 Coca-Cola Scholar Semifinalist. She is among 1,336 students selected from over 105,000 applicants nationwide. Osorio was chosen based on her academic excellence, leadership, and service demonstrated in school and community activities.
Carey’s varsity football team was congratulated for their successful fall season and for being named as 2024 Class II Long Island Champions. The Seahawks faced off against Half Hollow Hills East at Hofstra University in November, securing a victory with a final score of 37-36. The team was led by head coach Mike Stanley and assistant coaches Tom Aiello, Mike Cellan, Anthony Catapano, Russ Cellan, Anthony Millan, Paul Luzzi, Sebastian DeJose, Scott Snyder, Frank Sonnenberg and Jack Esposito.
The District Chorale Ensemble performed at the Board of Education meeting on Dec. 17.
John Lewis Childs School collects items for those in need
Each year, John Lewis Childs School spreads goodwill during the holidays and supports those in need by hosting a toy drive and mitten collection during December.
The Student Council, led by teachers Christina Saunders and Marianna Antonakis, held their annual toy drive for the Hance Family Foundation. Students throughout the building were encouraged to donate new, unwrapped toys for the drive. Items from the recent holiday boutique were generously donated by the school’s PTA as well. On Dec. 18, Student Council members invited their classmates to “come aboard” the Toy Train to drop off their donations. The toys will be given to families in need in the Harlem area.
In the main lobby, the Mitten Tree displays new mittens, scarves and gloves as ornaments, which will be donated to an elementary school in Utah. JLCS chooses this school to assist due to a former employee, Matthew Reid, working there and helping the local community in need.
John Lewis Childs School first graders brought their donations to the Toy Train on Dec. 18.
John Lewis Childs School Student Council members are pictured with advisers Christina Saunders and Marianna Antonakis on Dec. 18.
The students collected donated toys and mittens.
Photos courtesy of the Floral Park-Bellerose Union Free School District
John Lewis Childs School pre-K students are pictured with the Mitten Tree.
Melted Ed plays the Teapot in final show of year
Local musicians Melted Ed and Cousin Dan will close out the year with a show at Swing the Teapot in Floral Park on Friday, December 27th.
The Something From Nothing Tour closes out the year at Swing The Teapot , 6 Verbena Ave., Floral Park. Melt away the chill of winter as Melted Ed and Cousin Dan warm the cockles of your heart with rocking Christmas songs, Americana, folk punk and some
Melted Ed originals from their soon to be released LP ‘Ten Dogs’. Join us tonight, Friday, December 27 8 PM to 11 PM. Call for reservations 516 488 2180 or come see Rick at the bar. Merry Christmas and the Happiest New Year ever from Melted Ed and Cousin Dan
FPFD: Red Alert
Larry King, AEMT & Bob Wisniewski, Firefighter “Celebrating SMFD History” ~ Chief Fred Powell & Firefighter Carl Barone
Davidson & Co.
Larry Davidson
Remembering Nelson DeMille ~ “The Quest” …from 2013 Davidson & Co.
Larry Davidson
Remembering Nelson DeMille ~ “The Deserter” with Alex DeMille …from 2019
Wes Houston Presents…
Wes Houston
“The 200th Episode” ~ Wes & Friends, A 6-Piece Band of Buddies 9:30 PM
Uncorked
Rex Whicker
“An Intro To Whiskey” ~ A Global Exploration of the Popular Spirit
#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.
New York State’s Olympic Authority Ski Mountains Open for Season
BY KAREN RUBIN TRAVEL
FEATURES SYNDICATE
Governor Kathy Hochul celebrated the official start of the 2024-25 winter season with the daily opening of New York State Olympic Regional Development Authority (Olympic Authority) ski mountains, Gore, Whiteface and Belleayre Mountains.
These are the three largest of New York State’s 52 operating ski (the most of any state!). With ski areas located across the state, nearly every major New York metro area is within 90 minutes of top-tier winter recreation and makes skiing and riding an important contributor to employment and quality of life for residents throughout the state.
“We are proud to welcome New Yorkers and visitors of our great State to our worldclass ski resorts this winter season,” Governor Hochul said.
“Our investments in these facilities have strengthened the state’s winter tourism industry, creating jobs, driving economic growth and enhancing the quality of life for residents. These resorts offer unparalleled opportunities for recreation, ensuring that New York remains a top destination for winter sports enthusiasts.”
Gore, Whiteface and Belleayre, as well as many of the ski mountains in New York State, offer programs for all ages and abilities. Adaptive snowsports programs offer individuals with cognitive and physical disabilities the opportunity to learn with certified instructors. There are also numerous
opportunities at respective mountains for beginners to masters.
These include the 2024-25 SKI NY Free for Kids Passport Program granting third, fourth and fifth grade students to obtain a complimentary one-day lift ticket at participating New York State ski resorts and the College Club Program at Gore, Whiteface and Belleayre, allowing any full-time student currently enrolled in college or university to apply for the program.
Whiteface Mountain Whiteface continues to build on its legacy of excellence with several key enhancements. A new heated patio at the Bear Den Learning Center provides expanded space for dining, gathering and watching ski lessons. Snowmaking infrastructure has been
upgraded with new pipes and high-efficiency snow guns on popular trails, along with a Snowmax injection system to ensure high-quality snow, even during warm conditions. The Cloudsplitter Gondola received a new haul rope to ensure reliable operations, while the addition of a winch-ready PistonBully 600 Snow Cat will help maintain optimal trail conditions. These improvements reinforce Whiteface’s status as a top destination for skiers and snowboarders of all abilities (whiteface.com).
What makes Whiteface Mountain so absolutely special (and worldclass) is that it is part of a Olympics complex where you not only can see training facilities and historic sites, but you can participate in many of them, including ice skating, bobsled,
Nordic skiing and biathalon. And with the multi-million dollar investments in facilities, you may well see World Cup competition going on.
Mt. Van Hoevenberg: Building on the momentum of hosting the successful WHOOP UCI Mountain Bike World Series event in September, the Nordic ski area at Mt. Van Hoevenberg is gearing up for another full season of events taking place alongside daily recreational opportunities for cross-country skiers. This season’s event schedule includes local, regional, and national Nordic races, culminating with the SuperTour races March 29-30. Drawing on a 7.5 million gallon reservoir, the ski area at Mt. Van Hoevenberg is the home of the world’s largest snowmaking system dedicated to Nordic skiing.
The best way to experience Lake Placid, we discover, is with the Olympics Legacy Sites Passport, which provides access to the four Olympic venues and experiences – so even if you don’t ski, you can take the Cloudsplitter Gondola up to the summit of Little Whiteface to enjoy the spectacular view of the Adirondacks high peaks; go to the top of the highest ski jumping tower at the Olympic Jumping Complex to see what the ski jumpers see (terrifying); tour Mt. Van Hoevenberg where the sliding sports (bobsled, skeleton and luge), Nordic skiing, and Biathalon are held; and tour the Olympic Center, where you visit the museum that houses one of the best collections of Olympics memorabilia in the world, as well as the skating arenas. (The passport includes one admission to the four venues plus 10% off
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New York State’s Olympic Authority Ski Mountains Open for Season
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shopping and dining at all the Legacy Sites. (The Olympic Legacy Passport can be purchased at any of the venues (https://lakeplacidlegacysites.com/legacysitespassport/) Lake Placid Legacy Sites, 518-523-1655, https://lakeplacidlegacysites.com/
When the track isn’t being used for practice or competition, you can take the Bobsled Experience, where you are driven down the track with real bobsledders. You get to go through that famous Turn 10 but from Start 4, so it comes soon into the ride before you get going too fast, but you still reach speeds up to 50 mph on the lower halfmile of the track. (Be sure to reserve in advance; in summer, the bobsled uses wheels on concrete; $125/9+; $100/military, https://mtvanhoevenberg.com/ todo/bobsled-experience/).
Also at Mt Van Hoevenberg you not only get to see the Olympic bobsled track but you can ride alongside on the Cliffside Coaster, the longest coaster in North America, which opened in 2020. As you ride up to the top, you hear the Olympic history of the track but once at the peak, you are in the driver’s seat and control the speed, navigating sharp corners, cliffside banks and long winding stretches (open daily in season but weather dependent; make reservations in advance; 31 Van Hoevenberg Way, Lake Placid, NY 12946, https:// mtvanhoevenberg.com/todo/cliffsidecoaster/).
At the Olympic Jumping Complex, you can also ride the new Sky Flyer Zipline adjacent to the ski jumps – and if the ski jumpers are practicing, you can seemingly fly alongside. ($20 off ticket price with the Legacy Passport).
Other special experiences:
High Peaks Resort, is offering a Ski Adirondacks Package that includes a welcome beverage upon arrival, a $25 nightly property credit to use at Dancing Bears Restaurant, complimentary snowshoe rentals, complimentary admission to Whiteface Club & Resort Nordic Center for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing, 10% off rentals at Cunningham’s Ski Barn, and a guaranteed 2:00 pm checkout. Après ski, visit the newly reimagined Lake House at High Peaks Resort for drinks, snacks and entertainment. Rates start at $249 per night, excluding taxes and fees.
Mirror Lake Inn in Lake Placid offers guests three unique opportunities this winter to learn from some of the ski world’s most successful athletes: Ski with Olympic Medalist Andrew Weibrecht, Nordic Ski with Olympic Medalist Andrea Henkel Burke, and the Your Turn Women’s Ski Clinic with Andrew and Lisa Densmore Ballard.
On our last visit, we really enjoyed our stay at Eastwind Lake Placid,
Skiing Gore Mountain, one of three New York State Olympic Authority ski destinations, with Whiteface and Belleayre, that have opened for the season © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com
which offers a variety of lodging options (6048 Sentinel Road, Lake Placid,518-837-1882, https://www.eastwindhotels.com/lake-placid-overview). Also, the Golden Arrow Lakeside Resort, right on Mirror Lake, walking distance to attractions, shopping, dining, 2559 Main Street, Lake Placid www.golden-arrow.com, 844-209-8080.
Gore Mountain
Gore Mountain’s improvements align with its vision of becoming a premier year-round destination. Construction is underway on a new 18,300-squarefoot lodge at the North Creek Ski Bowl, featuring a restaurant and two levels of outdoor patios upon completion in 2025. Ahead of the 2024-25 season, the old Hudson chairlift was replaced with a new detachable quad, providing access to trails for all skill levels. Additionally, the Northwoods Gondola cabins are being upgraded to accommodate modern skis and snowboards, ensuring greater comfort for guests. These upgrades position Gore as a hub for all-season recreation,strengthening the local economy.
Gore Mountain is New York State’s largest ski and ride resort with 439 skiable acres spanning four mountains, including Gore, Bear Mountain, Burnt Ridge Mountain and Little Gore Mountain, a vertical drop of 2,537 feet from the summit at 3,600 ft, 108 trails (longest is 4.4 miles), accessed by 14 lifts. As a perennial blue-trail/ intermediate skier, Gore Mountain is one of my favorite places to ski. Nestled in the Adirondacks, it offers expansive views of a real wilderness. You actually
popular with families because of its proximity (just about 2 ½ hours drive) and perfect size, with marvelous beginner trails and learn to ski programs, and a natural separation between beginner and advanced skiers. There is no on-mountain lodging, but quaint inns and lodges nearby in Fleischmann’s, Pine Hill, Big Indian, Phoenicia, Margaretville and Shandaken – among them, the Lorca Catskills offering several cabin/cottage-style accommodations (Gooding Rd & Rt 42, Shandaken, NY 12480 hello@thelorca. com,. thelorca.com, 518-300-3916). See more at www.belleayre.com/plan-yourvisit/lodging/)
(Belleayre, Highmount, NY 12441, 800-942-6904, 845-254-5600, www. belleayre.com).
World Championships, World Cups at Olympic Venues
feel as if you were in the Rockies. Gore Mountain has no on-mountain lodging but there are plenty of charming places throughout the Adirondacks, and marvelous dining in North Creek. Among them, Lorca Adirondacks at Indian Lake, about 40 minutes away, which is owned by a Great Neck native (Gooding Rd & Rt 42, Shandaken, NY 12480, hello@thelorca.com, thelorca.com, 518-300-3916). For a luxurious stay, choose The Sagamore, a historic, grand resort in Bolton Landing on Lake George, 45 minutes away (www.thesagamore.com).
Gore Mountain, 793 Peaceful Valley Road, North Creek, NY 12853, Snow Phone: 518-251-5026, info 518-251-2411, info@goremountain. com, goremountain.com
Belleayre Mountain
Celebrating its 75th anniversary, Belleayre continues to enhance its facilities with several key improvements. Early season will have limited lodge and services in anticipation of a grand re-opening of Discovery Lodge to include a new rental center and tuning services. Snowmaking capabilities were upgraded with the installation of 20 new PoleCat fan guns and 30,000 feet of new piping, increasing efficiency even in warmer temperatures. A new learning area at the summit, complete with a carpet lift and easy-graded trail, offers beginners better snow conditions and inspiring views. Guests can also access the summit via the Catskill Thunder Gondola for a seamless learning experience.
Belleayre Mountain is especially
The New York State Olympic Regional Development Authority (Olympic Authority) 2024-2025 events calendar is highlighted by World Cup events in three different sports and the International Bobsled & Skeleton Federation (IBSF) World Championships set for March 2025. Among the highlights: the return of International Ski and Snowboard Federation (FIS) Aerials World Cup on January 18-19, and the FIS Ski Jumping World Cup, which will now include both men’s and women’s competitions, on February 7-9. The IBSF World Championships will take place over two weeks, from March 6 through March 16. More information at the Olympic Regional Development Authority, orda. org.
© 2024 Travel Features Syndicate, a division of Workstyles, Inc. All rights reserved. Visit goingplacesfarandnear. com
Lining up New Year’s resolutions for 2025
BY CLAIRE LYNCH
To make a list of New Year’s resolutions or to not make a list - that is the question. It sounds familiar, right? For several years I’ve come up with a thoughtful list of resolutions, including things I will improve upon, and sometimes I stick to that list and other times, I don’t. Exercise more, lose some weight, eat healthy, get more organized, declutter, you know the drill.
Moving forward health-wise involves having a positive mindset. When I get psyched about choosing better food options I make better choices. Getting fresh vegetables and fruit in the house means I’m getting ready to whip up some fresh smoothies for my family and me.
That’s a good thing because they’re fun to make and it means choosing wisely. No more malted milkshakes or banana splits - at least not in the months ahead. I want to cinch my waistline and with a realistic goal of dropping 5 pounds, I’m motivated to doing it.
One year I didn’t make a list of resolutions at all and I felt pretty free about it. Knowing I could move ahead and make improvements at my own pace was fine and if I didn’t, I wouldn’t have to feel guilty about it. Guilt has a way of throwing me off track, of holding me back, so I prefer to spend the time taking healthy steps and not dwelling on what I could have done better.
Whether you’ve made resolutions or not, my recommendation is to stay active, keep moving, and make good choices when it comes to eating and going for healthy options. Enjoy healthy meals whether they are at a restaurant or prepared at home.
I am one of those people who goes around asking people what their New Year’s resolutions are in the weeks before the actual holiday. Curiosity always seems to get the best of me and I’m genuinely interested in what is making people tick this year in terms of New Year’s resolutions. Some of the responses I’ve gotten have been interesting such as starting yoga, signing up to deliver Meals on Wheels to seniors who need some help and being a volun-
teer at a public library or at an animal shelter.
Other responses are the triedand-true ones we’re all familiar with. Budgeting more realistically and improving work-life balance are on many people’s list of resolutions because they always seem to demand our attention.
One of my friends was on the radio in years past when the radio host asked people to share their resolutions. My friend, Nicole, told the host - and the whole listening audience - that she was determined to take a trip to France with her husband, Joe. She had dreamed about it for 40+ years and in the summer of 2024 she made it happen. She’d also been talking about it for years and saving up for it she and didn’t want to keep talking about it. It was her promise to herself to do something fun - in a big way - and she kept it.
Sure enough Nicole and Joe flew from New York to Paris and spent two weeks going from there to other cities. They’d consulted a travel agent ahead of time so they had a complete itinerary mapped out and they’d both brushed up on some basic French.
After seeing the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre Museum, they strolled along the Champs-Élysées like the tourists they were. They spent another two days taking side trips to Versailles and Brittany, then they flew to Marseille because they wanted to see France’s southern coast and the Mediterranean coast with all of the cruise ships coming and going.
My friend, Ethan, made a resolution last year to learn how to play chess. All his life he’d played checkers but he’d never gotten around to learning chess. Attending a weekly beginner’s chess club at his local public library, Ethan sat with other beginners and found out how the game of chess works. Their instructor started out by showing them the chess board and identifying each piece and its function. The king can move one square at a time in any direction.
The queen can move horizontally, vertically or diagonally in any endless number of unoccupied squares. The
rook can move any number of spaces horizontally or vertically without jumping per move. And so on. Ethan’s class wasn’t a masterclass but still, he was happy with what he’d learned.
Challenging his wife, Lexi, to a game of chess once he got comfortable, she said okay because she’d learned to play chess as a teenager and always liked it and off they went. It took two hours to finish their first game but that was fine. Lexi won that first game but that was fine, too. Ethan was enjoying chess.
Some of my relatives and close friends are taking small steps to achieve great results. They don’t want to make big promises out loud but as we talk, I hear that they are committed to the resolutions they’ve made.
My friend, Diana, likes to sing the famous Barbra Streisand song, “People who need people are the luckiest people in the world …” She has a point. Staying connected is so important.
For me, staying connected means not just reaching out to my current friends but branching out and making some new friends. It takes a concerted effort to reach out one’s hand and say hi to someone new but it can make all the
difference in the world. People appreciate friendliness.
Right now my plan is to drink more water each day and get a good night’s sleep. Those two things are always good places to start. After that I’ll move forward on all of the other resolutions and keep my fingers crossed that I keep them. There are so many great ideas out there for New Year’s resolutions - I just have to figure out which ones to do first!
I wish everyone a very Happy New Year!
The History of the Social Security Number
BY TOM MARGENAU
I have a granddaughter who is a junior in high school. Recently, she needed to write a report for her history class on any subject related to a federal government program. Because she knew that her grandpa worked for the Social Security Administration for 32 years, she initially thought she’d write about the history of Social Security. I told her that was actually a pretty broad topic. Many entire books have been written about that subject -- and her paper was supposed to be limited to 1,000 words.
So I suggested that she concentrate on the history of just one small part of Social Security, something her teacher and every student in her class were familiar with -- the Social Security number. After all, everyone has one.
To help her out, I dug out a column I had written years ago about that very subject. After rereading it, I remembered how interesting the story is, so I decided I’d repeat it here today.
People sometimes ask me who got the first Social Security card. They are also curious what the lowest Social Security number ever issued was -- and who got it. They usually assume that the person who got the first Social Security card and the person who got the lowest number are one and the same, but that’s not the case.
When Social Security numbers were first issued in 1936, the SSA did not yet have a network of field offices. So the agency contracted with the U.S. Postal Service to distribute and assign the first batch of Social Security numbers through its 45,000 local post offices around the country. Of these 45,000 post offices, 1,074 were also designated as “typing centers” where the cards themselves were prepared.
Because of that, the best that SSA historians can say with certainty is that the first SSN was issued sometime in mid-November 1936 from one of those 1,074 post offices to someone whose identity and SSN are unknown. Thousands of Social Security numbers and cards were probably issued on that day, so there is simply no way to tell who got the first one.
The SSA does know, however, who received the Social Security card with the lowest number. They tried to make a bit of a public relations fuss over it, but it didn’t work out as the agency’s flacks planned.
SSNs were grouped by the first three digits of the number (called the area number) and assigned geographically starting in the Northeast and moving down the Eastern seaboard and then across the country to the west. However, instead of starting in Maine (the most northeasterly state), they gave “001” numbers to New Hampshire. That’s because the plan was to give card number 001-01-0001 to John G. Winant, who was a former governor of New Hampshire and was at the time the chairman of the Social Security Board (the forerunner of the Social Security Admin-
istration). But Winant turned down the honor.
Then it was offered to the head of the agency’s regional office for the Northeastern United States, but he also said no. They tried to designate a couple other officials for the alleged honor, but with no luck. In frustration, the agency’s PR people nixed their plans for a ceremonial first official SSN recipient. So instead, they just decided to issue card number 001-01-0001 to the first Social Security number applicant from New Hampshire. This proved to be Grace D. Owen of Concord, New Hampshire, who applied for her number on Nov. 24, 1936.
There is one more little twist to this story. If you do some research into old press reports, you may find a story that says the very first Social Security card was issued to John Sweeney of New Rochelle, New York.
What actually happened is this: All of the SSN records prepared by post offices were shipped to the SSA’s headquarters in Baltimore. One of their first jobs was to create an official Social Security record (primarily to track earnings) for each SSN issued. When the first batch of SSN records came in from the postal service, the agency’s head of accounting operations pulled the top card off the pile and declared it to be the official first Social Security record. It happened to be card number 05509-0001, belonging to the aforementioned Mr. Sweeney. The next day, newspapers around the country announced that Sweeney had been issued the first SSN. That wasn’t quite right. It would be more accurate to say that the first Social Security earnings record was established for John Sweeney. But because those records were invisible to the public and the Social Security card was a very visible token of the program, the newspapers overlooked the nuance, and John Sweeney had his 15 minutes of fame in 1936.
But neither 001-01-0001 nor 055-09-0001 is the most well-known Social Security number. That honor belongs to 078-05-1120.
In 1938, a wallet manufacturer in New York decided to promote its product by showing how the still relatively new Social Security card would fit into its wallets. The president of the company thought it would be a bright idea to insert a sample for display purposes in each wallet. His next not-so-smart idea was to put a real Social Security number on the display card. The number shown on the card, 078-0051120, actually belonged to the president’s secretary, a woman named Hilda Witcher.
The wallets were sold by Woolworth stores all over the country. Even though the card was only half the size of a real card, was printed all in red and had the word “specimen” written across the face, many purchasers of the wallet adopted the SSN as their own! In the peak year of 1943, 5,755 people were using Hilda’s number. The SSA acted to eliminate the problem by voiding the number and publicizing
that it was incorrect to use it. (Witcher was given a new number.) However, the number continued to be used for many years. In all, over 40,000 people reported what became known as the “Woolworth number” as their SSN. In fact, as late as 1977, 12 people were found to still be trying to use Hilda’s original SSN. By the way, some of you may be wondering how I could be giving real names and real Social Security numbers in this column. First, the people mentioned have
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CROSSWORD PUZZLE
BY CHARLYN FARGO
Having a more plant-forward diet is important for a lot of health reasons but leaving out meat altogether may not be best for children, teenagers, breastfeeding women and older Americans.
In a study from the University of Illinois and Colorado State University, researchers found that the protein in plantbased burgers wasn’t digested as much as that found in meat-based burgers due to the concentration and digestibility of the amino acids.
A decade ago, the U.N. Food and Agriculture Organization developed a standard for protein quality called the Digestible Indispensable Amino Acid Score (DIAAS). It focuses on the digestibility of essential amino acids (the building blocks of protein).
Plant Protein
Researchers used the DIAAS system to understand protein quality in beef and pork burgers and plant-based burgers from Impossible and Beyond Meat.
The researchers fed pork burgers, 80% and 93% lean beef burgers, the soy-based Impossible burger and pea-based Beyond burger to pigs, the FAO’s recommended research subject for DIAAS studies. Then they measured digestibility of individual essential amino acids and used those digestibility scores to compute DIAAS values.
Both beef and pork burgers, served without buns, scored as “excellent” sources of protein (DIAAS scores 100plus, for people of all ages). The Impossible Burger, when served without a bun, also scored as an excellent protein source for ages 3 and up, but not for children less than 3 years old. With a value of 83,
the bunless Beyond burger was a “good” source of protein for ages 3 and up.
“We have previously observed that animal proteins have greater DIAAS values than plant-based proteins and that is also what we observed in this experiment,” wrote Hans Stein, professor in the Department of Animal Sciences and the Division of Nutritional Sciences at the University of Illinois and co-author. The study was published in the European Journal of Nutrition.
Burger patties are typically eaten with a bun, so the researchers also looked at the protein quality of patties and buns together. Because grain products, like hamburger buns, offer low protein quality, feeding the bun and the patties together reduced DIAAS values.
It’s particularly children, teenagers, breastfeeding women and older people
EVERYDAY CHEAPSKATE
who are at risk of not getting enough amino acids, according to Stein.
The study has implications for developing countries where there may be little access to animal-based proteins, particularly for children. In some countries, Stein said most children are amino acid deprived. Without enough amino acids, brain development can suffer.
The bottom line is an occasional meatbased burger, pork chop or steak may be helpful in making sure you’re digesting the amino acids you need.
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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13 Practical Tips to Cut Pet Food Costs Without Sacrificing Quality
BY MARY HUNT
When money is tight, the grocery bill isn’t the only thing that makes us sweat. For pet owners, the cost of keeping furry family members fed and happy can feel like an added burden. But cutting costs doesn’t mean you have to skimp on quality or compromise your pet’s health. With a little creativity, you can keep tails wagging without breaking the bank. Here are some practical tips to save on pet food while still giving your animals the nutrition they need.
1. BUY IN BULK
Purchasing larger quantities of pet food can bring the cost per serving way down. Warehouse clubs, online retailers and even some pet stores offer significant discounts when you buy in bulk. Before you stock up, check the expiration date to ensure you’ll use it before it goes stale. Store the food properly -- in airtight containers in a cool, dry place -- to maintain freshness.
2. LOOK FOR SALES & COUPONS
Pet food brands frequently run promotions, and pet stores often have sales or discounts for loyal customers. Keep an eye out for store flyers, coupon apps or manufacturer websites offering printable coupons. Signing up for store loyalty programs can also unlock discounts and earn points toward future purchases. You’d be surprised how quickly those little savings add up.
3.
TRY STORE BRANDS OR GENERIC OPTIONS
Just like with human groceries, the name-brand version isn’t always better. Many store brands or generic pet foods meet the same nutritional standards as their pricier counterparts. Compare the ingredient list and look for a statement of nutritional adequacy from the Association of American Feed Control Officials. If it checks out, give it a try -- your pet likely won’t notice the difference.
4. SWITCH PROTEIN
The price of pet food formulas varies treating depending on the type of protein. Chicken or turkey-based food is typically cheaper than lamb, venison or salmon. If your pet doesn’t have dietary restrictions or sensitivities, switching to a more affordable option could make a noticeable dent in your expenses.
5. DIY PET FOOD
Homemade pet food not only cuts the cost but also gives you control over the ingredients. Consult your veterinarian or a pet nutritionist to develop a balanced recipe and avoid ingredients that are toxic to dogs, like chocolate, xylitol and avocado.
6. CUT BACK ON TREATS
Treats can be a sneaky expense. In-
stead of splurging on expensive storebought options, consider making your own with simple ingredients like peanut butter (make sure it’s xylitol-free), oats and pumpkin puree. Reward your pet with healthy, low-cost treats like baby carrots or (seed-free) apple slices.
7. SHARE SUBSCRIPTION SERVICESVICES
Some online retailers, like Chewy or Amazon, offer discounts when you set up a recurring subscription for pet food. If the order size is too large for just your pet, consider splitting it with a friend or neighbor who has a similar pet. Sharing the order means sharing the savings.
8. GIVE UP ON BRAND LOYALTY
Sometimes a brand you’ve relied on for years suddenly increases its prices. In these cases, rotating to another quality brand can help you dodge the inflation bullet. Gradually mix the new food into your pet’s diet to avoid upsetting their stomach.
9. SHOP LOCAL AND SAVE
Farm supply stores or small independent pet shops often have competitive prices on pet food and supplies. They may also offer discounts for regular customers or bulk purchases. Supporting local businesses is a win-win.
10. AVOID OVERFEEDING
This tip isn’t just about saving money -- it’s also about your pet’s health. Many pet owners accidentally overfeed, leading to higher food costs and potential health problems for their pets. Follow the feeding guidelines on the bag (or as recommended by your vet) and measure portions carefully.
11. CHECK OUT PET FOOD BANKS
For families in a real pinch, local pet food banks can be a lifesaver. Many communities have organizations that provide free or low-cost pet food to those in need. Check with local animal shelters or rescue groups to see what resources are available in your area.
12. TRADE SERVICES FOR SUPPLIES
If you have a skill or service to offer -- like dog walking, pet sitting or grooming -- consider bartering with friends or neighbors in exchange for pet food or supplies. It’s a creative way to save money and help others.
13. JOIN ONLINE COMMUNITIES
Facebook groups or neighborhood apps like Nextdoor often have members looking to re-home unopened pet food their pets didn’t like. These groups can be a great source for local deals or giveaways.
When it comes to pets, love and care go beyond a price tag. With these strategies, you can lighten the financial load while ensuring your furry friend remains wellfed and happy. After all, they’re part of the family -- and they deserve the best, even in tough times.
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.”
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Readers Share Creative Post-Holidays Tips and Tricks
BY MARY HUNT
I have so enjoyed the unique holiday tips and tricks you, my dear readers, have sent my way during the holidays. Over and again I find myself saying, “Wow! Why didn’t I think that?”
A few weeks before Christmas, I was boiling mad at myself when I opened boxes marked “Christmas” to find supplies of cards, tags and gift wrap purchased on sale, then promptly forgotten. By then, I’d repurchased so many of the things I had already. You can be sure I’ve already noted where my bargain-priced holiday paper goods are on Oct. 31 of my 2025 calendar, along with a printed copy of this column! You’ll understand as you read on.
MAKE MEMORIES
Once Christmas is over for another year, I scrapbook all the photos and handmade cards we receive. It’s great to look back over the years at all our friends
(cleaned and dried) to store my Christmas bows. I use one for red, another for green and the other two for gold and mixed colors. I can stack them in storage and my bows stay new-looking all year. I reuse these bows for several years. -- Gwen
TREE SKIRT
I purchased a round Christmas tablecloth at the local thrift store for 75 cents. I laundered it and have been using it for the past three years as a tree skirt. It is large enough that I just fold it in half and wrap it around the tree holder, meeting in the back. It is reusable, beautiful and easy to clean. -- Darlene
GIFT OF PHOTOGRAPHY
We have wanted family portraits for a long time now, so last summer we told our family members that we were going to make an appointment for a family photo session. The photographer took photos of individuals, small family groups and our large family. We told everyone we would pay for the session, and we called it a Christmas gift but said it was something that we wanted for ourselves. Everyone loved the idea. They were able to purchase any pictures they wanted from the studio. When Christmas rolled around, I still had the urge to give gifts, so I simply bought everyone a picture frame. -- Melissa
FILED UNDER HALLOWEEN
and relatives as they grow. So much creativity goes into some of these cards. The scrapbook is with all my other photo albums, so I don’t have to wait until the Christmas decorations come out of storage to see them. -- Vicky CANNED BOWS
I use the large Christmas popcorn tins
Like many people, I buy my Christmas cards and other paper goods after the holidays when they are on sale. Instead of storing them with my Christmas decorations, I put them with my Halloween decorations. When I open the bin in mid-October, I have at least eight weeks to write a well-considered greeting to each recipient and still get them mailed on time. -- Rosemary
GREEN BAG FILLER
It was Christmas Eve and I was fran-
tic to finish wrapping gifts. I used a lot of gift bags but had run out of tissue. Then I remembered all the Kohl’s and JCPenney ads that had run in the newspapers. They were all the right colors: red, green and white. I ran them through my paper shredder and had free filler for my gift bags. My recipients were very impressed with my “green” wrapping. -- Jo
ORNAMENT STORAGE
I have lots of small, breakable ornaments that I’ve collected over the years. They easily get lost in tissue and the commercial ornament boxes are too large and bulky. A friend gave me a great idea -- egg cartons. I save my egg cartons and put the ornaments in each cup of the carton. They stack nicely in my Christmas storage boxes with my other decorations.
-- Betty
FAMILY TREASURE
My sister-in-law created a cookbook for Christmas this year. She’s asked everyone in the family to submit five dessert recipes. Next year it will be a different category. She is compiling the cookbook this year and will only need to print out the new recipes each year in the future.
-- Tracy
TREE HANDLER
We have an artificial Christmas tree that requires bending out the branches after it is set up to make the tree look bushy. I keep a pair of inexpensive cotton garden gloves in the tree box so handling the branches is more comfortable. I also use the gloves to squeeze the branches closed before putting it away. -- Margie
GIFT OF LAUGHTER
A few years ago, we decided to be creative with Christmas gifts for our two adult sons. We went through boxes of things they’d left behind, gathering some of their old childhood “treasures” like “Animaniacs” figures, an old neck-
erchief, metronome, a college mug and prom mementos. We wrap them as Christmas presents. One of our sons conveniently left behind a birthday gift in August. He got it again for Christmas. One year I found school papers from their very early years of school. I put them in three-ring binders and wrapped them up. The boys loved reading their work from second and third grade. We’ve had more laughs and fun with these “free” gifts than with the gifts we purchase. -- Leslie 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
Winter weather is welcomed by some and loathed by others. Some want to hibernate until the mercury rises and the warm sun returns, while others relish in the crisp air, fluffy snow and the absence of insects.
Guidelines for safe sledding
Wintertime activities are numerous and include everything from ice hockey to snowshoeing. However, nothing beats an afternoon of sledding for active families. Believe it or not, the first sleds traveled on sand instead of snow.
Historians say the earliest evidence of sledding dates back to ancient Egypt, where carved rock sleds were used for convenience and labor needs. But it was Russian aristocrats who created the first recreational sledding events in the 1650s. Youth would carve large blocks out of ice and traverse hills on wooden tracks. Eventually more modern sleds were used on snow directly, and children from all social classes and around the globe got their thrills from downhill adventures.
On snowy days, scores of children and their parents often take to neighborhood hills to test their sledding skills and feel the breeze blowing by. While sledding can be exciting, it also has the potential to be dangerous. People can follow these sledding safety tips to reduce the risk of sledding injury.
• Pick a safe sled that has brakes and can be steered. Make sure that all sledding equipment is in good condition.
• Choose gently sloping hills with a level run-off at the end so the sled can safely come to a stop.
• Avoid hills with obstacles, such as rocks and trees.
• Sledding participants should always wear helmets.
• Always sled feet-first. Going down a hill head-first is a recipe for serious injury.
• Do not sled around ponds, streams or lakes that appear frozen. They may not be solid and drowning or hypothermia can occur if sledders enter the water.
• Dress warmly and wear thick gloves or mittens and heavy boots. This clothing can protect against frostbite and injury.
• Avoid hills that end near a street or parking lot.
• Everyone should go down the hill one at a time with only one person riding on the sled. The only exception is for adults with young children.
• Don’t ever pull a sled with a moving vehicle like a snowmobile or all-terrain vehicle.
• Sled only during the day or in well-lit areas at night.
Sledding is an entertaining activity this time of year. All sledders should keep safety in mind before hitting the hills.
Family-friendly resolutions to pursue together
There are plenty of resolutions that families can enjoy together. Undertaking goals as a family unit can create an accountability that keeps everyone on track. Here are some resolutions to think about making right now.
• Eating healthier meals together can move everyone’s personal health in the right direction. Start by adding a fruit or vegetable to every meal and try whole grains or a new grain, like quinoa. Small changes can add up to big gains and healthy results.
• Transform negative thinking pat-
SOCIAL SECURITY AND YOU
Continued from page 4
all long since passed away. Second, the SSA has flagged those SSNs (and other famous or infamous numbers) so that if anyone ever tried using them, they would be instantly investigated.
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 2024 CREATORS.COM
terns into positive ones. The family can keep gratitude journals, highlighting things in their lives they are grateful for or actions that make each person proud.
• Collectively aim to get more sleep each night. This may be achieved by turning electronics off earlier each night and spending the hour or two before bed engaged in lighthearted conversation or stress-busting activities like reading books.
• Plan for screen-free family time each day so that everyone can engage without the distractions of social media, work, friends, and other digital activities.
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Lemon cupcakes are on the menu
Lemon Drizzle Cupcakes
1) Preheat the oven to 180° C (350° F) and get 12 cupcake cases (liners) ready. Beat the butter with the sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs, self-raising flour and lemon zest and mix until combined. 2) Spoon the mix evenly into the cupcake cases (liners) and bake for 18 to 22 minutes until they
are baked through and springy to the touch.
3) Mix together the lemon juice and sugar for the drizzle in a bowl. Once the cupcakes are out of the oven, carefully spoon the drizzle over the cupcakes, then leave them to cool fully on a wire rack while you make the buttercream.
Cupcakes are handheld treats that can make any celebration even more spectacular. If guests expect the standard flavors of chocolate, vanilla or even red velvet, change things up with a sunny surprise: lemon!
Enjoy this recipe for “Lemon Drizzle Cupcakes” from “Jane’s Patisserie” (Sourcebooks) by Jane Dunn. Anything with sweet drizzle is a hit, and these cupcakes deliver plenty of lemony flavor in every bite.
Note: Imperial measurements were approximated from the metric and may not be exact. Using a food scale set to grams and weighing ingredients will produce the most authentic version of this recipe.
Makes 12
Cupcakes:
150 grams (1⁄2 cup) butter or baking spread
150 grams (1⁄2 cup) caster sugar
3 eggs
150 grams (1 cup) self-raising flour
Zest of 1 lemon
Drizzle:
Juice of 2 lemons
75 grams (51⁄2 tablespoons) caster sugar
Lemon Buttercream:
150 grams (1⁄2 cup) unsalted butter, at room temperature
300 grams (21⁄4 cups) icing sugar
Juice of 1⁄2 lemon
Sprinkles
Lemon zest
4) Beat the butter until smooth; this can take a couple of minutes. Add the icing sugar in two batches, beating well after each addition, then add the lemon juice and beat again.
5) Pipe or spread the buttercream onto your cupcakes, then sprinkle each one with some sprinkles and lemon zest.
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Incoming Chamber President discusses local business growth
From page 1
all those who are chamber members to renew. Anyone who wants to join should visit our website – FloralParkChamber.org. The dinner meeting on January 9th offers another opportunity for any attendees to join the chamber right there. Once they are signed up they will receive our emails, members will be invited to all our events and they will receive all the benefits of being a member,” he explained.
Parouse views the Chamber as a vital advocate for local businesses. Drawing on his experience owning a restaurant/ bar in Levittown, he understands the challenges small businesses face. He praised the incoming board members as talented and committed individuals who will energize the Chamber.
“Many members are local residents who run really great businesses. This board has energized, optimistic people, and I think our Chamber’s future is very bright with the team. We have fun and we build relationships here, with people you can trust and care about. We look out for each other and we’re always part of the positive outreach and activities of the village, through the
events held (including the Chamber’s Holiday tree lighting) and advocating with our local and County government about pro-business initiatives,” Parouse noted.
Parouse said the Floral Park Chamber takes steps to evaluate plans and programs on behalf of the local businesses. “We want to make sure that anything happening locally will help and benefit people starting or growing their businesses here,” Parouse said.
He’s also asked Tom DeMaria of Tricia’s Kids to serve as the government liaison from the Floral Park Chamber.
“Tom and I will be able to work with officials to make sure they are hearing the voice of businesses, from supporting new startup businesses to maintaining consistency of communication,” he said.
A key 2025 initiative is strengthening collaboration with Belmont Park’s “Big 4” — the New York Islanders, New York Racing Association, UBS Arena, and Belmont Village shopping district.
“We want to establish and maintain a great working relationship with each entity – the Floral Park Chamber wants to help with employment, both for the companies and for interested local res-
idents. We’ll also have them connect with our high school leadership and our young people who might want to work there,” Parouse explained.
Public Safety Priority
Parouse plans to advocate for safer streets, working with Nassau County and the Town of Hempstead to improve pedestrian and cyclist access in business districts.
Parouse said car culture is dominant on Floral Park’s streets, just as it is in most places on Long Island. However for Floral Park, the public safety plans can assist children and parents walking to or from schools, playgrounds and the local shops.
According to the incoming chamber president, the better people feel about going around the main business districts of Floral Park, the better it will be for businesses to attract and retain customers.
“It’s good for business if people feel safe when they’re walking, biking or crossing a street. Too often, cars are speeding and big trucks obscure visibility. The way the grid was built and designed, it is to allow cars to move as quickly as possible. I want people to
move around the village and feel safe doing so on foot or on a bike. As a resident and as someone who goes around town all the time, I feel it and I see it. My goal is to explore ways the community can slow down traffic, and that would make the village feel safer,” he shared.
The objective includes providing a sense of safety parents can feel if they allow the kids to stroll to Tulip Avenue, Covert Avenue and Jericho Turnpike for events, activities and fun with friends.
“That work is a positive step for our businesses – it’s important for the village for people to feel safe,” Parouse explained.
He said local chambers including the Floral Park Chamber, the Covert Avenue Chamber and the Garden City Chamber, among others in central Nassau County, “interact and intersect very much.” Much coordination exists between the Floral Park and Covert Avenue chambers for local events, traffic and village programs.
President honored at holiday gathering
The December 18th Holiday Party at Nancy’s offered a warm sendoff to out-
Outgoing Floral Park Chamber of Commerce President Marie O'Connor-Grant, left, holding a bouquet and plaque for her dedication and service to the business community, with 2024 Chamber Vice President Shane Parouse.
Floral Park Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors member Christos Vassiliou, owner of the Floral Park Diner, greeted Village Trustee Frank Chiara.
Floral Park Deputy Mayor Dr. Lynn Pombonyo sat with Heather McClintock of McClintock Advisory Services
Floral Park Villager photographer and writer Rikki Massand and Pastor George B. Mangan of the Floral Park United Methodist Church on Verbena Avenue.
Lynn Henry, longtime village resident Pat Jaquay, who works for AFLAC, and Rita Mulhall (outgoing Chamber president Marie O'Connor-Grant's sister), Henry and Mulhall are volunteers with the FISH of Floral Park nonprofit.
Incoming Chamber President discusses local business growth
going Chamber President Marie O’Connor-Grant. She took over as chamber president in 2022, as the village’s businesses were just recovering from the pandemic shutdowns. With O’Connor-Grant’s guidance, the momentum came back to the business community.
In an interview with the Villager this fall, she explained, “The chamber got a lot of people back and our monthly meetings are always well-attended. We present good networking opportunities all year, and I see members doing business with each other. Most importantly, the Chamber has been getting ahead of things happening in town, thanks to the tremendous and consistent participation of the Floral Park Board of Trustees.” The reports on developments, new construction projects and initiatives with the LIRR/MTA and on local roads are always shared with the chamber by Trustee Longobardi and Deputy Mayor
Pombonyo.
During the Holiday Party, the Chamber board and local officials toasted to outgoing president Marie O’Connor-Grant. She received a bouquet of flowers and a plaque honoring her service, having stepped into the role in 2022.
The deputy mayor congratulated O’Connor-Grant and said Shane Parouse will be a phenomenal Chamber president and successor. She added that in 2025, she’s ready to continue being an active participant and governmental liaison for the Chamber.
“I am happy to speak with our business community and provide any information that people would like. When I hear suggestions or news, I take that back to share with the Board of Trustees,” Dr. Pombonyo said.
The deputy mayor continued, “We are ready to help and do something spe-
business members
and
and Michelle
owners of
and (seated) his wife Ann Moynagh, who own Swing the Teapot on Verbena Avenue and Tulip Bake Shop.
Vice President Shane Parouse; Past Chamber President Mike Jakob; Christos Vassiliou, owner of the Floral Park Diner; Owner of 'All the Right Moves' moving and storage business Steve Bogdanos (winner of the Ugly Christmas Sweater contest) with Uptown Taco owner William Barry and Jose Rosario, vice president of Mortgage Lending at Guaranteed Rate.
Front row: Tom DeMaria of local nonprofit Tricia's Kids; Don Licata, regional manager of FurniturePro; 2022-2024 Marie O'Connor-Grant holding the bouquet and plaque she received.
cial for any new business or new chamber members getting started in Floral Park, as we’ve held many ribbon-cutting ceremonies and we frequent the business districts. It’s all about the networking in our community – at every
meeting we learn something and get to meet new people.”
For more information on the Floral Park Chamber, visit FloralParkChamber.org or email info@floralparkchamber.org
The 2024 Chamber Holiday Party Ugly Christmas Sweater contestants were: Pastor George B. Mangan of the Floral Park United Methodist Church; Owner of 'All the Right Moves' moving and storage business Steve Bogdanos; The Floral Park Villager advertising executive Peter Camp, Chamber Director Christos Vassiliou, owner of the Floral Park Diner, Brian McClintock of McClintock Advisory Services; Zef Noci, owner of Zef's Pizza Firetruck, and Village of Floral Park Trustee Frank Chiara
New
Dina Denis-Paolucci
Cavanagh,
Here
Now Yoga, Wellness & Arts Collective, were greeted by Shane Moynagh
