The Garden City News (1/3/25)

GCRE collects $200K for charities

The Garden City Real Estate Professionals organization recently announced that it has collected over $200,000 for local charities through its endeavors during 2024. See page 3 for story.

Above, Joe Farkas, GCRE Founding Trustee and President, Lauren Scarantino, GCRE Trustee and Co-Chairperson Charitable Events Committee, Frank Liantonio, GCRE Trustee, Vice President and C0-Chairperson Charitable Events Committee, Tiffany Rufrano, Executive Board Member, Gary Rufrano, GCRE Trustee and Treasurer, Salvatore Ciaravino, GCRE Trustee, Secretary and Chairperson of Membership Committee, not shown, Brad Wolk, Executive Board Member.

Bond Ok’d for intersection fixes

BY RIKKI MASSAND

At the regular Village Board of Trustees’ meeting on Thursday, December 12th, Superintendent of Public Works John Borroni outlined a new capital project requested for board approval: “Village of Garden City intersection improvements.” The agenda item proposed a bond resolution for $5.1 million to fund the construction of intersection improvements in the village. According to Superintendent Borroni, the project will cover approximately 250 curb lanes and 46 intersections.

The Village of Garden City applied for and was awarded a Transportation Alternatives Project (TAP) grant, which reimburses 80% of the project’s estimated $4.028 million cost. The village must provide the

See page 13

Trustees approve $19K repair for St. Paul’s roof

BY RIKKI MASSAND

At a special meeting of the Garden City Board of Trustees on Monday evening, December 30th, the board approved funds for emergency repairs of the St. Paul’s roof after a contentious debate.

The special meeting, which was only announced two days earlier, had a single agenda item – $19,925 to fix a gaping hole, described by Trustee Vinny Muldoon as approximately four feet by 10 feet.

On December 30th the Board simultaneously authorized spending $19,925 to hire Statewide Roofing Inc. to perform the emergency repair on St. Paul’s, and also to board up six broken windows there.

Although there was only the single item on the agenda,

See page 12

Delay in St. Paul’s survey

BY RIKKI MASSAND

After months of revisions and fine-tuning, the approval of a survey on the future of St. Paul’s, intended for village-wide distribution, has been delayed until early 2025.

At the Board of Trustees meeting on December 12, residents used the public comment period to voice concerns about the final version of the survey. Some advocated for including the option to demolish the building.

Mayor Mary Carter Flanagan explained, “A group of six village trustees are working together on the survey and they’re getting great feedback from Brandstetter Carroll Inc. (BCI) – stay tuned. We don’t know what the next step will be.”

Trustee Ed Finneran shared what he sees as the best analogy, for people to understand how the survey is held up “at 3rd base.”

“I don’t think we are gonna be in position to steal home plate, but we’re right there,” according to Trustee Finneran.

Trustee Judy Courtney provided an update on the survey’s status, acknowledging delays but emphasizing progress.

See page 20

When we received notice of a special meeting of the Garden City Board of Trustees on Monday, December 30th, with only one item on the agenda, we assumed that it would be a minor “housekeeping” meeting. Boy were we wrong! It went on for 35 minutes and was quite contentious.

The meeting was called ostensibly to approve funding to repair a large hole in the roof of St. Paul’s, at a cost of almost $20,000.

As the village has a budget of about $70 million, the expenditure was relatively small, but since the next regular meeting won’t be held until January 16th, holding a special meeting now so that the repairs can be started was warranted. And any time the Board spends

taxpayer funds it must hold a public vote - which is good government.

What made the meeting so ...spicy is that it got to the question that will probably define village government in 2025, “What are we going to do with St. Paul’s?”

While it makes sense for the village to spend money to preserve the building if it is indeed going to be repurposed, it doesn’t make sense if the building is ultimately to be torn down.

But since none of us can predict the future (when the residents will choose) spending a relatively small amount of money to preserve all the options is the best course of action.

The planned St. Paul’s survey can’t come soon enough!

Disastrous traffic

To the Editor:

We’ve been to events at UBS arena in Elmont and the traffic there on not only the Cross Island Pkway but, more importantly, the local roads around the arena, is a good (albeit less serious) model for the serious problems that will occur if the Sands project goes forward.

The opening of UBS Arena in Elmont, NY, created notable traffic challenges, especially during events such as Islanders hockey games and concerts. The incremental traffic added strain to local roadways, particularly around the Cross Island Parkway and Hempstead Turnpike, as well as nearby neighborhoods. Key factors contributing to traffic issues included:

• High Event Turnout: The arena’s capacity of about 17,250 for hockey and more for concerts brought a large influx of vehicles to the area during events.

• Limited Public Transportation Options: Although a new Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) station was added at Belmont Park, it wasn’t sufficient to offset the volume of cars.

• Residential Concerns: Local residents raised issues about congestion and overflow parking in residential areas.

• Event Timing: Events often coincided with rush hour or other high-traffic times, compounding congestion.

Predictions for Sands Casino in Uniondale:

The Sands Casino project in Uniondale would likely face similar, if not greater, traffic challenges due to:

• Continuous Operations: Unlike UBS Arena, which hosts periodic events, a casino operates 24/7, creating a constant flow of visitors rather than peaks tied to specific events.

• Proximity to Key Roadways: The casino’s location near the Meadowbrook Parkway and Old Country Road, already busy areas, could exacerbate congestion.

• Increased Development: Additional commercial activity around the casino

might draw even more traffic to the area.

• Parking Needs: With large visitor numbers, the demand for parking might spill into adjacent areas, increasing local traffic woes.

The UBS arena experience proves that traffic cannot be mitigated and Nassau County cannot handle 27,000 (up to 55,000 estimated for peak demand days!) visitors per day to the hub. In addition, there is an element of consumer choice in transportation.  Given the choice, most car owners would choose to drive to the casino if it is in a suburban area like the Hub.

It should be noted that in addition to the ‘regular’ volume of traffic, there will be even greater volumes of traffic whenever there is

• A special concert within the facility

• A scheduled show performance i.e. like Cirque Soleil

• Any special promotion i.e. similar to being run by Jakes 58

• All holiday, Fridays, and Saturday nights

James Bauer

Keep letters coming

To the Editor:

Congratulations to my fellow 2024 Letter to the Editor writers. Surveys reveal that “Letters To The Editor” is one of the most widely read and popular sections of newspapers.

Most newspapers will print letters submitted by any writer regardless of where they live so long as the topic is relevant to readers.

It helps to have a snappy introduction, good hook, be timely, precise, have an interesting or different viewpoint to increase your odds of publication. Papers welcome letters commenting on their own editorials, articles or previously published letters to the editor.

I’m grateful that the Garden City News and other sister Litmor publications afford both me and my fellow letter writers the opportunity to express

See page 20

I want to subscribe to

2025 Call To Action: Say NO to Casino

BY RICH CATALANO AND MONICA KIELY SAY NO TO THE CASINO

In November 2024, Nassau County released its Draft Environmental Impact Study or DEIS which is available at this link - https://www.nassaucountyny. gov/5734/Sands-DEIS. A hard copy including all appendices is available for review in the Garden City Library. The DEIS summarizes the many environmental, social and economic impacts of the proposed casino.

On December 9, 2024, the residents from Garden City and surrounding communities came out in force to express their concerns and opposition to the proposed casino based on many clear harms to our community including increases in traffic, pollution, crime, and gambling addiction and a decrease in our home values.

The County is accepting comments by email until January 21, 2025 at 5PM at sandscomments@nassaucountyny. gov

We need all residents of Garden City (and all of Nassau!) to submit an

opposition email so that our voices are heard. Please follow these simple steps and encourage your friends and family throughout Nassau to do the same.

We have made available an example letter at this link - https://www. nocasinonassau.org/post/exampleletter-on-deis Copy and paste this example letter into an email addressed to sandscomments@nassaucountyny. gov and then customize the letter based on what issues are of most concern to you and your family. You should sign the letter with your name and indicate you are a resident of Garden City.

We also recommend you cc or copy this email to all of the County Legislators, County Executive, Town of Hempstead council members and other key elected officials. Use this link to copy and paste the email addresses into the cc line of your email to the Countyhttps://www.nocasinonassau.org/post/ email-addresses-for-deis-letter

Spend 15 minutes to send this email and share this article with your friends and family. Any questions, email us at info@nocasinonassau.org

Cathedral to host Twelfth Night Christmas INNcarnation Cocktails

The Cathedral of the Incarnation is delighted to announce the return of its cherished event, the Twelfth Night of Christmas INNcarnation Cocktails, scheduled for Sunday, January 5, from 5  to 7  p.m. This elegant fundraiser, which supports The INN (Interfaith Nutrition Network), will take place at the beautifully decorated Victorian See House on the Cathedral grounds.

After a hiatus due to the global health crisis, this annual event is a celebration of community, music, and philanthropy, focusing on aiding our neighbors

in need in Nassau County. The evening promises an array of cocktails, and a rich musical ambiance provided by a talented trio of piano, flute, and harp, along with performances by The Cathedral Choristers.

The festivities will follow a special choral service, Evensong, which will be held in The Cathedral at 4:00 p.m. This service is open to all at no cost, offering a spiritual and musical prelude to the evening’s fundraising event.

Registration: Secure your spot at (space is limited) http://bit.ly/4gSDhAG

GCRE gives over $205K to GC charities

Joseph Farkas, founding trustee and president of Garden City Real Estate Professionals (GCRE) announced that the 501(c)3 charitable Foundation, best known for supporting local charities that are important to the residents of the Village of Garden City and for its annual Fall Gala, Cocktails for a Cause had completed its “Year of Giving” which for 2024 totaled over $205,000.

Foundations receiving GCRE support included the International Association for Spelling to Communicate (www.IASC.org) the Rix Family Foundation, For All Who Fight (www.forallwhofight.org), Charlie Schmitt’s, Charlies Champions Foundation (www.charlieschampions.com), Bobby Menges, I’m Not Done Yet Foundation (www.imnotdoneyetfoundation.org), Tomorrow Hope Foundation (www.tomorrowshopefoundation.org), The Interfaith Nutrition Network / THE INN (www. the-inn.org), the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation /Breakthrough TD1 honoring Eric Tiedemann (www2. breakthroughtd1.org) the NYU Langone Mineola Cancer Center for Kids (www.

nyulangone.org) and The Griffiths Family Foundation, Enriching Special Adults (www.enrichingspecialadults. org)

Mr. Farkas stated that this incredible giving is made possible through the generous donations of the GCRE members, all of whom are Garden City residents, along with support from their families, friends and colleagues. Mr. Farkas continued by stating “that while fund raising efforts across so many foundations had been challenging this year, the spirit of giving in Garden City was a very bright spot in a year otherwise overshadowed by geopolitical events and economic uncertainty for many. It is great to see a tight knit community remain active in support of one-another”.

For information on how to have an important charity become recognized by GCRE, if you would like to become involved with GCRE or if you would like to make a donation, please go to www.gcrepf.org or contact Joe Farkas, jfarkas@metropolitanra.com to get involved.

Have you lost someone?

If you would like to post an obituary for a loved one, simply send a short biography of them with (if desired) their photo, details of their funeral/visitation services, and/or any donation requests to editor@gcnews.com, or call our office at 516-294-8900 to inquire.

Home Happens Here

Dana Eaton Kate Crofton Denise Donlon

Patricia Aprigliano Susan Bashian Andrea Bharucha Suzanne Blair Liz Breslin

Barbara Chmil

Deirdre Albertson

Arlene Conigliaro Roberta Clark Colleen Ciullo Cheryl Adams McAuliffe

Maribeth Quinn

Paiewonsky Louisa Pironi Jill Palmeri

Tony Leondis

Bill Eckel

Sharon Redmond

Anny Ko

Theanne

Environmental Tip of the Week

Recycling Holiday Lights

Holiday lights should be recycled with e-cycling at the Village Yard or call the Village at 516-465-4031 for a special pickup.

Prepared by the GC EAB. See gardencityny.net for details.

Let your voice be heard!

Is there an issue in your community you want to discuss? Want to respond to something you saw in our paper? Then write a letter to our editor and bring it to everyone’s attention! Send your letter to editor@gcnews.com and we’ll publish it for you!

GCPD collects toys for Toys for Tots

The Garden City Police Department recently donated 37 boxes of toys to the renowned Toys for Tots program.

The Toys for Tots program relies heavily on contributions to fulfill its mission, and the generous donations from the Garden City community are a shining example of compassion. The community’s support is essential in spreading the holiday spirit and ensuring no child is left behind during this festive time.

Commissioner Jackson stated, “We

are incredibly proud of our community for coming together to support such a worthy cause and were honored to play a part in ensuring that every child has a wonderful holiday. We also extend our deepest gratitude to the Garden City U.S. Marine Base for their unwavering dedication and continued efforts in supporting the Toys for Tots program, which brings joy and hope to countless children during the holiday season.”

Wreaths Across America Day

Each December, our nation celebrates Wreaths Across America Day.  On Saturday December 14, Frank Tauches, Commander of the William Bradford Turner Post 265, led the wreath laying ceremony at Veterans Memorial Plaza on Seventh Street.

The American Legion Post and the Auxiliary came together to honor and remember the brave men and women who have served our nation with courage and sacrifice. Wreaths Across America has been a tradition where wreaths laid upon memorials are symbols of remem-

brance, symbols of honor, symbols of our commitment to never forget.  Wreaths Across America remembers, honors and teaches the next generation about the valor and commitment of our veterans, so their sacrifices are never forgotten. The Legion thanks those in attendance including Commander Frank Tauches, John Halloran, Domenick Romano, Walter Gross, Auxiliary President Jacqueline Eltrigham, Donna Armieri, Kathie Wysocki and from the Garden City Police, PA Connor Cheswick, PO Chris Caiazza and Sgt. Toulty.

Officer Danisi, Sergeant Baker, Officer McCarthy, Marine, PA Hertz.

FOR SENIORS

Garden City’s Senior Center is open. Please visit the Senior Center Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. for further information on activities and events!

Free Lavender Workshop

Free workshop, Monday, February 3rd at the Senior Center, with Marina Horan from Lavender Works. Learn about the history of lavender while you make a roll on perfume and enjoy a short, relaxing meditation.  Register at the Senior Center front desk, or by calling (516) 385-8006.

Chair Yoga

New chair yoga schedule for Tania at the senior center. Beginning Friday, January 10, she is adding an additional Chair Yoga Class at 11:30–12:30 as well as a Meditation Class at 12:30–1:00. This is in addition to her Tuesday 9:45–10:45 Chair Yoga class.

St. Francis Outreach Bus

St Francis Outreach Bus will be at the Senior Center on Monday, January 13, for free health screenings from 10:00–2:00. No appointments necessary.

Art Class

Exciting new art class lead by instructor Julia, at the Senior Center, Thursdays at 10:00-11:00, beginning January 23. Come and learn how to paint different textures and patterns, no experience necessary. Take away a custom designed bookmark, after the 10 week session. $140 check made payable to “Inc Village of Garden City”. Register at the Senior Center or Recreation office.

Trip to West Point

Tuesday, June 10

Trip to West Point for a tour and lunch at the Thayer Hotel. Tuesday, June 10, charter bus leaves from across the street from the Senior Center at 8:00 a.m., and it will depart West Point to return home at 3:00. To register visit the Senior Center, $153.oo check made payable to “Amazing Destinations”.

Trip to Nassau County Museum of Art

Trip to the Nassau County Museum of Art and lunch at Mim’s. Friday, January 24, bus leaves from across

the street from the Senior Center at 10:45, guided tour at 11:30, then Lunch at Mim’s in Roslyn at 1:15. Cost: $20 check made payable to “Nassau County Museum of Art” and $40 cash for lunch, both required at time of registration.

Deadline: January 17. Register by visiting the front desk of the Senior Center.

Save the Dates for Future Trips:

Sunday May 4: “Fiddler On the Roof” (Argyle Theatre)

Sunday, June 8: “Legally Blonde” (Madison Theatre at Molloy University)

Sunday, August 3: “The Music Man” (Argyle Theatre)

Trip

to Argyle Theatre

to See “Jersey Boys”

Trip to the Argyle Theatre to see Jersey Boys, and have lunch at La Famiglia restaurant, in Babylon. Saturday, March 8. Our new recreation bus departs from across the street from the Senor Center at 11:00, lunch is at 12:00, performance at 2:30. Register at the Senior Center front desk, $67.00 check made payable to ‘The Argyle Theatre” and $50 cash for lunch, also paid at time of registration.

Happy New Year Luncheon

Wednesday, January 8, at 12:00

Ring in the new year with a delicious luncheon of hot food catered by Garden City Pizza. Register at the front desk of the Senior Center, $15 a person. Cash only, please. Space is limited.

Chess 4 Community

Join us for Chess 4 Community’s Play and Learn at the Senior Center, every other Friday 3:00–4:00 beginning December 6. The dates for January are January 10 and January 24. All ages and levels are welcome. No registration is required, just stop by and play!

Senior Center Lunch Group

Join our Senior Center Lunch Group at 12:30-3:30 on Wednesdays, or, if you miss your pool friends, join the Garden City Pool Chat Group at the center, on Thursdays beginning at 1:00-3:30. For both groups, coffee and tea will be served, just bring your lunch and chat!! WE CAN HELP!

Women’s Health Care of Garden City committed to personalized care

By John L. Gomes, MD

John L. Gomes, MD, founded Women’s Health Care of Garden City in 1995. It has remained an independent private practice, providing personalized obstetrical and gynecological services.

He employs the technical advances of conventional medicine with an integrative approach to navigate women through difficult pregnancies into the menopausal years. He treats a wide variety of OB/GYN conditions and is dedicated to providing the highest quality of care.

All tests are conveniently done on the premises, and a dedicated, compassionate staff is on call 24/7.

He is committed to excellence in patient communication, education and support, as many patients come with anxiety associated with past experiences and future concerns.

Dr. Gomes received his undergraduate degree from Brown University, and his Doctor of Medicine from Columbia University.

He is both Board Certified and a Fellow of the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology.

Women’s Health Care of Garden City is located at 1000 Franklin Avenue, Suite 200, Garden City.

Holiday luncheon thanks village employees for service

Trustee Vinny Muldoon (left) and Trustee Ed Finneran (right) greeted Garden City Police Commissioner Kenneth Jackson (center).

The Garden City News’ Rikki Massand (left) with Village Trustee Judy Courtney and a fellow East resident, Marie Ilardi, at the senior center on Friday, December 20.

All the departments of the Village of Garden City were represented at the 2024 holiday luncheon, held on Friday afternoon, December 20, at the senior center.

Five members of the Village Board of Trustees attended and helped serve food at the December 20th holiday luncheon for municipal employees: Trustee Vinny Muldoon, Jessica Tai, Michele Harrington, Judy Courtney and Ed Finneran.

Andrew Hill, assistant superintendent of Garden City Recreation & Parks, with Recreation Supervisor Felicia Lovaglio and Greg Simone of the Village Sanitation Department.

The Village’s Finance Department team were among the many municipal employees gathered on December 20 at the holiday luncheon. Photographed are Mary DiBenedetto-Anteri (left). She is the assistant to Village of Garden City Treasurer Irene Woo (right).

The Village of Garden City held a special luncheon on Friday, December 20, at the Senior Center to thank village employees for their service all year long.

The Transition Period

BY BOB MORGAN, JR.

Initially, even those of us who had questions about President Jimmy Carter’s policies when in office have long since come to respect the man and his tremendous decency and integrity. May he rest in peace.

Here are a few observations about the current transition between the Biden administration and the Trump administration.

At the outset, it is difficult to ignore the low visibility of President Biden. There are obviously many theories as to why he has been out of the picture. One is that he is simply unable to perform his duties at an acceptable level.

Mr. Biden does continue to be President, and there our significant ongoing foreign policy developments. Nevertheless, the two most significant announcements from the White House have related to pardons of his son, Hunter, and many others and most recently, the commutation of most death sentences for federal convicts.

Mr. Trump, on the other hand, has assumed an extremely high profile. He has rapidly announced a series of cabinet appointments, some controversial and some not. He traveled to Paris for the reopening of the Notre Dame cathedral, renewing his ties with many foreign leaders. He has made his headquarters at Mara-Lago a focal point of activities and announcements, surrounding himself with Elon Musk and others and greeting many dignitaries, foreign and domestic.

Mr. Trump generally has had success with the rollout of his cabinet selections. The most important failure involved Matt Gaetz, the original choice for Attorney General. Mr. Gaetz was derailed by serious allegations about his personal life as well as his political conduct as a member of the House. Mr. Trump pretty much got over his Gaetz problem by his replacement choice, Pam Bondi, the former attorney general of Florida. Mr. Trump has been able to shore up Senate support for Pete Hegseth, the nominee for defense secretary. While Mr. Trump's nominations of Robert

F. Kennedy and Kash Patel are still not completely safe, in general, Mr. Trump has done a pretty good job toward getting his team in place as soon as possible.

Nevertheless, there are still some challenges for Mr. Trump during this period before his inauguration.

First, Mr. Trump will likely have to step in to avoid potential chaos in the House of Representatives, which will be reconvening this week. There was already an inkling of these problems in the difficult votes last week on authorizing government spending There is uncertainty as to whether the slim Republican majority will reelect speaker Mike Johnson. Mr. Trump needs to enact his legislative program through the House. Indeed, in the short run, he needs the new House to convene with a speaker to ratify his victory in the electoral college. This is an area where the president should maximize the use of his political clout and popularity among Republicans.

Second, Mr. Trump will need to sidestep and discourage public controversies among his supporters, such as last week's dustup about. H-1B visas.

There is obvious common ground here in limiting these visas to foreigners with exceptional technological skill rather than rank-and-file workers. Trump will want to discourage these public kerfuffles and be open to reasonable compromise solutions.

Third, Mr. Trump will have to consider the effect of some of his off the cuff public statements on foreign affairs, including about annexing Canada as the 51st state, purchasing Greenland from Denmark, and taking over the Panama Canal. These statements may just be a hangover from Mr. Trump's days as a real estate negotiator in New York, rather than serious proposals. However, they could complicate foreign policy during the next administration.

In summary, Mr. Trump's transition has been reasonably successful, but many challenges lie ahead.

Are you thinking of selling your home?

Let Jen Sullivan Guide you.

Whether you are downsizing, or searching for your dream home, allow Jen’s experience, passion, and results to work for you.

Reach out any time. 516.361.7190

Jen Sullivan

Licensed Real Estate Salesperson Founding Agent of Long Island Member of the Luxury Division jennifer.sullivan@compass.com M: 516.361.7190

General reminder From The BuildinG deparTmenT

The Garden City Building Department would like to remind residents who file for Building Permits to finalize their permits by scheduling a final inspection. Please call the Building Department at (516) 465-4046.

Please note that building permits expire within one year from the date of issuance. If additional time is needed to finalize construction, you can apply for a six-month extension. The reinstatement fee is 15% of the original filing fee.

As a reminder, in the event any permit covered by the provision of LL 4-2017 expires without evidence of completion of the permitted work, all deposits and other fees shall be deemed forfeited and the permit holder may be declared in violation of § 68-3E of this Code. The permit will be deemed expired and would require re-filing and payment of new filing fees.

Garden City Real Estate Market Information

RECENT REAL ESTATE SALES IN GARDEN CITY

The information about the homes and the photos were obtained through the Multiple Listing Services of Long Island. The homes presented were selected based solely on the fact that they were recently sold.

Mortgage Rates this week from www.nerdwallet.com Loan

Long Island Sales Data From One Key MLS Nassau County Median Sale Price

29 Locust Street

Date: 12/27/2024

Sold price: $1,850,000

4 bedrooms, 3 full baths

Architectural Style: Colonial

Property size: .26 acres

Annual taxes: $23,877

MLS number: L3576354

The Seller’s Team: Laura Carroll, Compass Greater NY

The Buyer’s Team: Nancy Giannone, Howard Hanna Coach

Situated on a quiet street with mature trees and charming homes, this classic brick English Center Hall Colonial exudes elegance and charm. The south-facing property is bathed in sunlight, creating a bright and inviting atmosphere throughout. Traditional first floor offers a wonderful flow with formal living room and dining room, exercise room, and a cozy sitting room. The updated kitchen boasts abundant countertop space, high-end appliances, and additional areas perfect for entertaining. Upstairs, the primary suite features a luxurious spa-like bathroom and ample closet space. Two oversized bedrooms and a full bath complete the second floor. The third floor includes a spacious bedroom with generous walk-in storage.The exterior is perfect for entertaining, set on a generous 75 x 150 lot with a pool, hot tub and a bluestone slate patio. The beautifully landscaped grounds provide a private oasis for relaxation and recreation.

158 Chestnut Street

Date: 12/27/2024

Sold price: $940,500

4 bedrooms, 2 full baths, 1 half bath

Architectural Style: Cape

Property size: .17 acres

Annual taxes: $18,039

MLS number: L3585976

The Seller’s Team: Nancy Giannone, Howard Hanna Coach

The Buyer’s Team: Elizabeth Burke and Maryanne Hargadon, Douglas Elliman Real Estate

Welcome to your dream home! Beautifully expanded 4-bedroom, 2.5 bathroom Cape is perfectly situated on an oversized 60x125 lot, offering ample outdoor space for your family to enjoy. Step inside to discover a formal LR, a formal DR perfect for gatherings, and an eat-in kitchen w/ a convenient island and new stainless steel appliances. The large den is the heart of the home, boasting a cozy wood-burning fireplace and sliders that lead to the spacious yard - ideal for entertaining! The 1st flr primary suite is a true retreat, featuring a generous layout with a luxurious en suite bathroom, complete with soaker tub, walk-in shower, and double vanity. An additional bedroom and a newly updated powder room round out the main level. Venture upstairs to find two oversized bedrooms and an updated full hall bath, providing plenty of space for family/guests. The basement offers convenient laundry, utilities, and rec space. Outside find an expansive backyard, complete with a new paved patio & plenty of grassy areas for play or relaxation. Close to school, park and shopping!,

101 Second Street #B11

Date: 12/13/2024

Sold price: $400,000

1 bedrooms, 1 full bath

Architectural Style: Co-op

Maintenance: $1,196

MLS number: L3525527

The Seller’s Team: Carole and Michael Trezza, All Village Properties

The Buyer’s Team: H. Arthur Anderson III, Daniel Gale Sothebys Intl. Realty

Perfect 1 bedroom unit on second floor of secure building with elevator. Newer kitchen and bath kept in pristine condition. Hardwood floors preserved under carpeting. Plenty of closet and storage space. Laundry and additional storage in building. Superintendent on site. Close to LIRR and shopping. Don’t miss this opportunity to make Garden City your home!

This informational page is sponsored by Douglas Elliman Real Estate

Houses featured on this page were sold by various real estate agencies

Trustees approve $19K repair for St. Paul’s roof

the debate and vote took 35 minutes as trustees shared comments and concerns. Several trustees noted that the Board routinely covers agenda items at this relatively low price level without calling a special meeting.

Trustee Michele Harrington made it clear that invoices can be approved and signed without everyone getting together in a room just for review of one expense under $20,000. Harrington commented that Mayor Carter Flanagan decided to make something like this simple cost a political issue, to be aired in an emergency public meeting the night before New Year’s Eve.

The mayor commented, “Not knowing how many people support a preservation project that would include this area of the building and the availability of funding makes votes like this one more difficult. I am voting in favor based on the amount of money, the further damage that results from water entering the building, and the fact there may be community support for a preservation project in the future that would be impeded by neglecting this repair.”

At the start of the meeting, Mayor Carter Flanagan said this emergency repair expense “is not a surprise” to anyone given the condition St. Paul’s is in.

“I do expect, and I think we all expect, these types of expenditures will continue to face the village as we endeavor to find a St. Paul’s project with community support. It is regrettable that we haven’t yet heard from residents on St. Paul’s sentiment, and this is an example of why we should not further delay getting the St. Paul’s survey out. I take my fiduciary duty to the village seriously and fully understand that those in favor of removing the building, perhaps with visions of a new state of the art recreation center or a park in its place would find this expenditure wasteful,” Mayor Carter Flanagan said.

The mayor also commented on the St. Paul’s Conservancy group, saying “I will note that I am surprised to see no donations have been forthcoming from the St Paul’s conservancy. That is an organization formed back in 2003 as an IRS recognized 501c3 charitable organization whose mission is to reduce the capital and operating & maintenance costs of the St. Paul’s campus. I did advise one of their Board members who is also a co-Chair of our advisory committee of the need for urgent repairs.”

Other board members strongly objected to her comments, saying that they were not pertinent to the matter on the agenda.

Trustee Finneran said for the mayor

to “put the St. Paul’s Conservancy front and center here” in the December 30th discussion is a “cheap shot.”

He noted that there’s a myriad of reasons why it may not be appropriate for any citizen to donate money towards St. Paul’s. “This is our 30+ years’ cross to bear and we have endeavored in a very significant and serious way over the last 18 months to do so,” Finneran commented.

Trustee Muldoon, who is experienced in construction and restoration matters, spoke about his visits to St. Paul’s in the last four months. “The village has a responsibility for St. Paul’s just like with any other building owned by the village – the residents own St. Paul’s. We as a Board and mayor have responsibilities to take care of our buildings until such a time we find or have a use for them – for any of our buildings. It’s not about what happens at just St. Paul’s or the the Toll Lodge (on east Seventh Street) or multiple other buildings where there has been neglect in regards to responsibilities of the Board of Trustees and mayors over the last 32 years, for the sake of being short-sighted and fighting over politics and differing views as opposed to putting that aside to do a repair that’s desperately needed…..Unfortunately nobody saw the hole because of the angle it’s at. Now that we know it’s there, we have a responsibility to perform the desperately needed repairs. An enormous amount of water is coming into the St, Paul’s building through this hole, and there are some other areas of the building where some moisture comes in through and we must deal with that. It makes sense financially to fix the huge hole – it has to be done and it’s our responsibility to not allow the deterioration of this building to continue until the residents decide what they want to do with it,” he said.

In addition Trustee Muldoon said the Board should be united to not allow village facilities to deteriorate to the point where they can cost up to ten times more money to address in the future, “because we were neglectful and weren’t paying attention.”

Momentum for historic preservation

Several times during meeting, Mayor Carter Flanagan acknowledged the minority results in the October 2023 St. Paul’s Opinion Poll, which indicated 39% of those who voted were in favor of demolition.

Although she went on to vote to approve this emergency allocation, the mayor spoke about continued uncertainty and division among village residents over the future of the historic structure.

The mayor brought up the need for a St. Paul’s Survey in January or by February at the latest:

“I continue to urge my fellow trust-

ees who are working on a revised version of a St. Paul’s survey to leave all options in that survey and to follow the recommendations of the professionals we hired. Of particular importance is leaving the facade and demolition options in as one of those may be the option most supported by the community, even though it may be distasteful to some preservationists and some serving on the present Board of Trustees. We are here to do what is best for the community always and should not be putting our own biases into the survey.”

Trustee Bruce Torino reminded the mayor that the process of polls and elections in the United States most often ends with a tangible result, involving a majority – “a winner” and not a split decision. He asked Mayor Carter Flanagan, with the election she prevailed in over then-challenger and current Trustee Judy Courtney, if the village would have decided to allow the mayor to serve as mayor for the majority percentage of time such as four days per week, and Courtney to serve as mayor for the minority percentage of time, such as two to three days a week, based on the amount and percentage of votes each side received. The mayor did not address his question directly in her responses.

Trustee Torino said it’s been made clear that the survey is almost ready to reach residents. Mayor Carter Flanagan said it was the advice of village counsel to hold a special meeting for the approval and allocation of the $19,925 towards St. Paul’s repairs. Torino then questioned that and said he never received an email outlining what the mayor explained.

“All it involved is an invoice circulated to (the Board) that the building requires a repair. If you have information and decided to keep that from the Board, I don’t understand why,” he said. The mayor responded that the email was in the form of “Reply All” to hold the special meeting with the topic being for the St. Paul’s building.

Trustee Muldoon commented that every official is entitled to their views and opinions and can express them without hesitation in a public meeting. He also said he disagrees with points made by the mayor in her opening statement. For the process of developing and redrafting the St. Paul’s survey, which Muldoon was clear is “really, really close” to being done, he noted how hard all the Board members have been working.

“Hopefully the survey gets to (consultants) Brandstetter Carroll Inc. in the next week or so, so we can finalize it and get this thing out – depending on BCI’s schedule of completion – to our residents by the end of January, hopefully, or early February. That’s our goal and whether we agree or disagree about what’s on there, we are doing what we

Trustees approve $19K repair for St. Paul’s roof

think is in the best interests of Garden City residents and it’s up to them to tell us what they want and we will take it from there. But we can’t allow the same neglect that’s impacted a lot of buildings owned by this village to continue,” Muldoon said.

Trustee Harrington felt the mayor’s prepared statement was “unnecessary and off-topic” for the December 30th agenda.

She noted, “There are routinely $20,000, $40,000 and $100,000 expenditures that I sign every week. This is for $19,925 and we don’t really need to have this meeting.”

Mayor Carter Flanagan stated that at the regular Board meetings the agendas are fully covered and the Board debates and decides on every expense; Harrington said that is not always the case. The mayor said “this is our government, and it’s open.” She said she might be the only one who feels any difficulty in making the decision to allocate $19,925 at this point towards St. Paul’s, “but it is a huge part of our responsibility to decide how people’s tax dollars get spent.”

“Hypothetically if we find (from answers on the upcoming survey) that a majority of the community wants to demolish St. Paul’s then this isn’t a good use of funds and if, hypothetically it’s a facade project and this area of the building where the roof is would be demolished then it isn’t a good use of funds. I know people on the Board may be having a different perspective and I think it’s important to listen to and understand the community in making financial decisions in accordance with the wishes of taxpayers,” Mayor Carter Flanagan said.

She commented that the residents who voted in favor of demolition on October 21, 2023 “could be a little annoyed” by the board’s approval of the

$19,925 for the emergency repairs. In that Poll, 1,704 out of the 4,339 who voted were in favor of demolition and the 61% majority – 2,635 chose the option of full or partial preservation of St. Paul’s.

“For every expenditure on the building, until we have consensus on what to do there, I will continue to feel that it’s questionable. You can’t just spend taxpayer money on something they don’t want,” the mayor said, again questioning if there is a majority of Garden City residents who do not want to preserve St. Paul’s.

Trustee Ed Finneran said it is “very unfortunate” that the mayor took on this allocation for emergency repairs as an opportunity to reiterate her strong disappointment in the timing of the St. Paul’s Survey heading into 2025, “and various other factors that led us here.”

“We aren’t here to make political statements; we are here to judiciously and quickly address a situation uncovered approximately two weeks ago by our village staff and others. I am in favor of the $19,925 expenditure and I hope we will vote on it soon,” he said.

Likewise, Trustee Courtney commented that the December 30th meeting turned into an opportunity for the mayor to “once again, rehash a perspective that isn’t the topic of the meeting” and start up more talk about the (2023) Opinion Poll and forthcoming St. Paul’s survey.

“We would also talk about where the money for St. Paul’s should come from and all these other things – I’m insulted by it. I am in total support of your (the mayor’s) objective to have the meeting in public and vote on these dollars in a public session, but your statement just blew me away with the degree to which it is inappropriate and unnecessary for this meeting,” Courtney said.

Mayor Carter Flanagan responded, “Sorry you feel that way.”

Bond OK’d for intersection fixes

From page 1

remaining 20%, amounting to $1,007,200, as grant-matching funds.

The planned improvements focus on the village’s eastern section, bounded by Saint James Street South at its western point; the Saint James Street south/ Commercial Avenue intersection at the north; Grove Street to the project’s east and the Meadow Street/Magnolia intersection Avenue intersection at the south.

The Village Board approved the

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bond resolution and accepted the TAP grant agreement with the New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT). This includes allocating municipal matching funds.

Superintendent Borroni noted the importance of adopting an official resolution to execute the grant agreement with NYSDOT.

“The village will need to pay the cost up front and then submit for reimbursement from New York State,” he explained.

Old World Quality Corp.

For those residents looking for an idea for a New Year’s resolution, please consider joining your neighbors in advocating on behalf of our wonderful Village as the LV Sands Casino continues to press to bring the second largest casino in North America to the Nassau Hub.

A grassroots organization (Say No to the Casino) that counts among its leadership residents Richard Catalano, Monica Kiely, Richard Williams, and George and Lynn Krug has a website with extensive information about the negative impacts of a potential Casino in Nassau County. Their website includes a helpful link providing sample language residents can use for their environmental comments as well as a link with important addresses to copy on the email to make sure it is not missed by any decision makers.

comments is January 21st, which will be here before you know it. The DEIS has raised alarms amongst residents not only in our Village but also in surrounding communities about the negative impact of this enormous project.

The impact on local traffic and water in particular highlight how much wiser it would be to award the gambling license to a location that has easy access to public transportation and is not reliant on a sole source aquifer.

I want to thank the residents named above who saw early on how negative this project would be to our Village and who knew better than to believe that this was a done deal.

Now is your opportunity to submit comments regarding the Draft Environmental Impact Statement. Don’t delay! The deadline for DEIS

Your Board of Trustees remains unanimously and unequivocally opposed to the proposed Casino at the HUB, and we continue to work collaboratively on this issue that is so important to our Village.

Happy and Healthy New Year!

Members of the Say No to the Casino group and members of the Garden City Board of Trustees attended recent county hearings to object to the proposed Sands Casino.

(From left, back row) residents Rich Catalano, Monica Kiely, Trustee Michele-Beach Harrington, Mayor Mary Carter Flanagan, Deputy Mayor Bruce Chester, residents Richard Williams, George and Lynn Krugg, and (from left, front row) Trustees Vinny Muldoon and Ed FInneran.

Place an ad in our Classifieds for reasonable rates and prompt results. Call 294-8900 or visit us online www.gcnews.com to request information & rates Litmor Publishing's Community Newspapers

Mayor Mary Carter Flanagan

Items reported stolen

Two items were reported stolen from a vehicle parked on 4th Place on December 23.

Aggressive driver violations

On December 23, a Clinton Road motorist was charged with multiple aggressive driver violations, including speeding and unsafe lane changes.

Cryptocurrency scam

An online scam resulted in the unauthorized transfer of cryptocurrency from a victim’s account on December 23.

Child safety violations

A 7th Street motorist was charged on December 23 with driving with a suspended registration and failing to properly secure children in car seats.

Natural gas odor investigated

On December 23, firefighters investigated a report of a natural gas odor inside a home and deemed all was in order.

Probation-related arrest

A subject on probation was arrested on December 23 for allegedly driving with a suspended license.

Flooding condition resolved

Firefighters and police assisted residents with a flooding condition caused by a faulty water heater on December 23.

False fire alarm at school

On December 23, GCFD and GCPD responded to a school for a fire alarm that was activated in error.

Identity theft investigation

Garden City Police are investigating a report of a former employer allegedly using a victim’s identity and credentials to charge customers for unperformed services.

Multiple false alarms

On December 24, GCFD and GCPD responded to fire alarms caused by a water leak, a hair dryer, burnt food, and alarms set in error.

Driving violations

A motorist on Franklin Avenue was charged on December 24 with driving with a suspended registration, defective lights, and operating an uninsured vehicle.

Aggressive driving charged

On December 24, a motorist on Commercial Avenue was charged with aggressive driving, including improper lane use and passing a red light.

Medical alert error

Officers responded to a residence

for a medical alert set in error on December 24.

Christmas hit-andrun

On December 25, officers investigated a report of a vehicle leaving the scene after striking another vehi cle on Rockaway Avenue.

Multiple violations

A Stewart Avenue motor ist was charged on December 25 with multiple aggressive driving violations, including speeding and passing two red lights.

Burnt food alarm

GCFD and GCPD responded to a fire alarm on December 25 caused by burnt food.

Smoke condition

On December 25, firefighters rendered a residence safe after addressing a smoke condition caused by a chimney vent issue.

Assault investigation

Garden City Police and medics responded to a Garden City location on December 25 where a victim reported being assaulted in Stewart Manor. Nassau County Police were alerted. The victim sustained a head injury and was transported to a hospital.

Gasoline smell investigated

A leaking snowblower caused a gasoline smell in a residence on December 25.

Damaged side-view mirror

A side-view mirror on a car parked on Brook Street was found damaged by unknown means on December 26.

Drug disposal program

On December 26, thirty-five pounds of medications collected through the Drug Take Back program were disposed of via official channels.

Egg-throwing incident

Reports of individuals in a truck throwing eggs at a home and vehicle were received on December 26.

Carbon monoxide alarm

On December 26, firefighters investigated a residential CO alarm activation but deemed all was in order.

Adelphi fire alarm

A fire alarm caused by an apparent malfunction at Adelphi University was addressed on December 26.

Multiple violations

On December 26, a motorist on New Hyde Park Road was charged with

driving with a suspended registration, operating an unregistered auto, and failing to have insurance.

Field 7N hit-andrun

A vehicle left the scene after striking another vehicle parked in Field 7N on December 27.

Truck safety viola-

On December 27, a New Hyde Park truck operator was charged with defective brakes and a broken driveshaft.

Gas leak resolved

A gas leak caused by a construction worker cutting a gas line at a home was addressed on December 27. Firefighters and National Grid workers rendered the area safe.

Motor vehicle charges

On December 27, two motorists on Clinton Road were charged with excessive speed, and one was charged with unlicensed operation.

Mail theft report

A check placed in a 6th Street mailbox on November 1 was reported stolen, altered, and cashed.

Faulty fire alarm battery

On December 27, firefighters responded to a residence for a fire alarm and determined the cause was a faulty battery.

Excessive speed

A Clinton Road motorist was charged with unlicensed operation and excessive speed on December 27th.

Truck tickets

On December 27th a Clinch Avenue truck operator was charged with driving in a non-commercial vehicle zone and defective lighting.

DWI arrest

A 31-year-old motorist was arrested on December 28 on Washington Avenue for alleged DWI, improper lane usage, and driving in the wrong lane.

Broken water line alarm

A fire alarm caused by a broken water line at a medical office was resolved on December 28.

See page 22

Quick

Trusted

Beyond the Biggies, New York State Has an Embarrassment of Riches When it Comes to Ski Areas

BY

New York State has an embarrassment of riches when it comes to skiing. Besides the worldclass Olympic Regional Development Authority ski areas of Whiteface (and all the Olympic sports facilities in Lake Placid), Gore Mountain in the Adirondacks and Belleayre Mountain in the Catskills, there are some 50 other areas throughout the state – in fact, the most ski areas of any state.

There are ski destinations that are big, incredibly popular and iconic like Hunter Mountain (now part of Vail Resorts and the Epic Pass) and Windham Mountain Club (which offers a membership-style experience), to areas that provide a very intimate, classic experience with great affordability, ideal for families and beginners.

Hunter Mountain

Adds Two Lifts

Hunter Mountain, an iconic Catskills ski resort which opened 65 years ago and is now part of Vail Resorts (so one of the Epic Pass resorts), celebrated a major milestone with two new lifts: Broadway Express: a new high-speed, 6-person chair replaced the existing 4-person fixed-grip Broadway Lift and reduces wait times at one of the mountain’s most popular lifts while increasing uphill capacity by 55%; Otis Quad: the existing 4-person fixed-grip Broadway Lift replaced the 2-person fixed-grip E lift, increasing uphill capacity giving more time to learn

new skills and explore terrain.

Vail Resorts’ investment also added new state-of-the-art automated snowmaking systems on three classic and beloved trails, Belt Parkway, Clair’s Way, and Way Out, accelerating the resort’s ability to open terrain earlier in the season, disperse skier traffic, provide greater efficiency to rebuild snow bases later in the season and allow for better connection of Hunter North and Hunter West more directly and earlier in the season.

Hunter’s summit is at 3,200 ft, from a base of 1,600 ft, for a vertical of 1,600 feet. It offers 320 skiable acres and four terrain parks – 67 trails of which 25% are beginner, 30% are intermediate and 45% are advanced - accessed by 13 lifts. There

is also tubing.

Save up to 15% when you bundle lift tickets & lodging.Lodging spans the old-age charm of the Kaatskill Mountain Club & Spa to family-friendly slopeside condos (huntermtn.com, 518-263-4223)

Windham Mountain Club

Windham Mountain Club has reorganized as a membership club (actually returning to its roots) but is still open to the public – all skiers benefiting from minimal lift lines and uncrowded slopes because of the capacity limits on daily lift tickets and season passes. (The reorganized Windham Mountain Club also is continuing its longstanding partnership with the Adaptive Sports Foundation.)

Set amid 1,200 pristine alpine acres (so plenty of room to roam), Windham Mountain Club has continued to add improvements for the 24/25 season following last year’s transformative rebranding and investments, continuing to reimagine the mountain as a worldclass, year-round destination and New York’s premier public-private mountain resort and membership club.

This season there are more enhancements to snowmaking including automating two of their trails, “Why Not?” and “What’s Next?” with 47 new snow guns on the “Why Not?” trail and 18 rebuilt and refurbished fan guns on “Warmup”. The resort also upgraded their groomers with SNOWsat LiDAR technology.

Windham has a vertical rise of 1,600 to its summit at 3,100 ft. Its 54 trails and six terrain parks on 285 skiable acres range from 300 to 12,500 feet long, accessed by 11 lifts including a high-speed six-passenger, 3 high-speed quads, 1 triple, 1 double, 5 surface (97% snowmaking). But the best thing about Windham is that you really feel like it is a private club (which is how Windham began).

Windham Mountain Club members-only benefits include: use of a state-of-the-art fitness center and a Spa and Wellness facility; a dedicated adventure concierge for personalized outdoor experiences, including year-round guided hikes and memorable summer activities such as guided horseback riding, fly fishing, and a clay shooting range are available for members;

on next page

GOING PLACES, NEAR & FAR....

New York State Has an Embarrassment of Riches When it Comes to Ski Areas

Continued from previous page

and members-only dining options such as “Cin Cin!” which is an Italian Alpsinspired mid-mountain restaurant, and the Windham Grill.

Book a two-night stay at the Winwood Inn and receive a complimentary third night. Accommodations at the Winwood Inn and Condos also include access to reduced ticket rates, every day of the season (www.windhammountainclub. com/ski-and-stay-package, windhammountainclub.com)

More Catskill Gems

Thunder Ridge Ski Area is really geared for families – from the ease of access, ease of reserving lift tickets, rentals, lessons (book online, since walk-ins are only accommodated if the mountain has not reached capacity), serious snowmaking and night skiing. ThunderRidge offers private lessons from age 4, family private lessons, group lessons, Mommy/Daddy & Me, and race teams. Open Monday-Friday, 10 am -9 pm, Saturday, 9-9 pm, Sunday 9 am to 5 pm. just 60 minutes from NYC, you can even take Metro North (so hop on after work) and take advantage of free shuttle service to and from the Patterson train station, (137 Birch Hill Rd & Rte 22, Patterson, 845-878-4100, ThunderRidgeski.com.)

West Mountain, Queensbury: An ski and outdoor activities year-round community with a family-friendly atmosphere (“True to our roots since 1961!”), West Mountain offers an authentic upstate experience on the mountain. Nestled at the foot of the Adirondack , it is conveniently located off I-87. Familyowned and operated, West Mountain continues to evolve to meet the needs of families as well as skiing and riding loyalists and year-round outdoor enthusiasts. (westmountain.com)

Greek Peak Mountain Resort, Cortland, celebrating its 65th anniversary in 2024, has invested $1 million in ski area improvements

including new snowmaking equipment that enables the resort to cover the equivalent of 16.5 football fields with a foot of snow in a 24-hour period. They also upgraded the Chair 1 lift, trail lighting, and purchased new rental equipment. This season, Greek Peak made lift improvements and widened the Castor Connection trail for safer merging. The ski area installed new hand ticket scanners to complement its online purchasing portal (it is now cashless resort), so you can just head straight to the lift when arriving (greekpeak.net)

Holiday Mountain, Monticello

New owners have invested millions of dollars in renovations and upgrades including expanding snowmaking to trails that had not had snowmaking before, re-opening dormant trails, renovating and upgrading their chairlifts as well as updating the base lodge. This year, Holiday Mountain is benefitting from $5MM in improvements and upgrades: 3 new trails (one, Hackledam, is now the steepest in the Catskills) and a new race trail with Giant Slalom races and timing; updated learning center for “terrain-based learning;” and a newly rebuilt quad chair 2,700 feet long. They installed lights on the three new trails and replaced other lights to expand night skiing. They have also greatly enhanced the snow experience with improved snowmaking and grooming. They also installed thrree miles of fiberoptic cable, electrical upgrades and improved parking areas. (skiholidaymtn.com)

Plattekill Mountain  opened a new intermediate new trail, “Whiskeys Way,” for a total of 41 ski trails. Snowmaking and grooming are improved with 13 new snowguns, 3,500 feet of new snowmaking pipe and a new winch cat for snow grooming. Plattekill has partnered with 37 mountains for free and discounted tickets with the purchase of Plattekill Mountain season pass which also includes “Platty Perks” for discounts at local businesses. Their

season pass includes new “Buddy Passes” for passholders to bring a friend on non-holiday Friday and Sunday for 50% off the friend’s ticket. Plattekill also installed new electric vehicle charging stations. (plattekill.com)

Adirondacks’

Uncrowded, Affordable Hidden Gems

One of the best-kept secrets in upstate New York is that the Adirondack Mountains have a handful of hidden gem ski resorts ideal for novice to expert skiers, including two ski areas that offer free skiing.

Oak Mountain, Speculator: This quaint ski area – popular with families since 1948 though a new discovery for us – offers 22 trails (snowmaking on 40%; longest run is 7,920 ft.), a 650-foot vertical from base (1,750 feet) to summit (2,400 feet), and four lifts (quad, two T-bars and a surface lift). Lift tickets to Oak Mountain are very reasonable. Full-day tickets are $44, four-hour tickets are $37, and two-hour tickets are only $30. (Capacity is limited, and lift tickets, rentals and lessons must be booked in advance online.) In addition to downhill skiing and snowboarding, Oak features four lanes of snow tubing and miles of snowshoeing trails that take you through a majestic forest. Oak Mountain is a three-season resort (518548-3606, www.oakmountainski.com)

Among the nearby lodges is Lorca ADK, recently renovated from a historic motel to accommodate stays yearround. Lorca ADK is a classic drivein lodge, reimagined as a self-check property for the contemporary traveler. Lorca ADK is about 20 minutes from Oak Mountain, and about 30 minutes from Gore Mountain Resort. (Lorca ADK, Sabael, NY, 518-300-3916, hello@ thelorca.com, thelorca.com/adk)

McCauley Mountain, Old Forge: A charming resort near the Adirondack wilderness. Get a great night’s sleep at the Adirondack Lodge Old Forge, stop by Keyes’ Pancake House for breakfast and Tony Harper’s Pizza and Clam

Strong Bones, Healthy Life

BY CHARLYN FARGO

My friend Joyce fell recently and broke her ankle. After surgery, she’s couchbound for a while as her ankle can’t bear weight. A similar thing happened to my friend Marybeth.

We all want healthy bones, and most of us know that healthy bones require adequate calcium. It’s true that dairy foods generally deliver the highest amounts of calcium per serving. But there are other foods to include in your diet as well, like tofu, bok choy, kale, broccoli and calcium-fortified orange juice.

Calcium as we age is just as important as calcium for our kids. It’s true that for most people the bone-building years end somewhere between age 25 and 30. After that peak is reached, bone mass is generally stable until age 50, when a steady decline begins, according to researchers at Tufts University in Boston. But there’s still plenty we can do to preserve our bones. Keeping active, eating a healthy diet, avoiding smoking, maintaining a healthy weight and limiting alcohol consumption are all ways to slow down bone loss and prevent osteoporosis.

All exercise is good for bone health,

Shack for lunch/dinner. (mccauleyny. com)

Mt. Pisgah Recreation Center

Saranac Lake: A welcoming community ski hill with night skiing and tubing, with half-day weekend ski passes available for $15. Kick off your boots at Traverse Lodge or Hotel Saranac, and enjoy dinner at nearby Bitters & Bones. (https://www.saranaclakeny.gov/)

Titus Mountain (Malone): A familyfriendly ski gem a short drive from Plattsburgh, Lake Placid, Watertown and Northern Vermont, with terrain for all levels. Check out the rustic cabins at Deer Valley Trails (and stay for dinner) and stop by The Pines Tap & Table for evening revelry. (www.titusmountain. com)

Ski Free at Two Bonus Ski Areas

Newcomb Ski Slope is an ultralocal and community-owned ski hill that offers free skiing. For the last 50 years, the Town of Newcomb has owned and operated this two-run ski slope, where generations have learned to ski. The hill also boasts a trail through the adjacent woods along its 200 vertical feet. At this low-elevation summit, skiers are treated to a view of the snowy High Peaks. (www.newcomb7.bar-z.com)

Indian Lake Ski Hill (https:// indianlakeadk.com/) also offers free skiing, with the local feel and charm of a community-owned establishment. The recreation area comprises a small hill, two ski trails, a t-bar lift and even ice skating. It is just down the road from Lorca Adirondacks at Indian Lake (thelorca.com/adk).

ISKINY online at www.iskiny.com is a hub for snow reports, openings, news and program information for ski mountains throughout New York State, including a map.

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

especially weight-bearing activity. New research finds that all types of physical activity (swimming, yoga, tai chi, dancing, walking) are beneficial. A study, published in the International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity, found that a 12-minute regimen of 12 yoga poses designed to target common fracture sites (spine, hip and femur) increased participants’ bone density when practiced daily over a 10-year period.

Should you take a calcium supplement? If you don’t get enough calcium,

on page 5

BY CLAIRE LYNCH

What’s great about this season of Winter

The cold winter months are here and Long Island is transformed into a winter wonderland. I’ve given some thought as to what I like about this season - the season of bundling up in parkas and wearing the hats, gloves and scarves I pulled out just recently. What makes winter magical:

Cooking Pots of Beef Stew

I find cooking great, big pots of beef stew during the cold winter months is the perfect time to give my family something nourishing and tasty. The hot pots warm the kitchen and it smells great when the stew gets going on the stove. There’s no perfectly right or wrong way to make beef stew. Whatever works best for you and your family is fine. I usually make beef stew for my family the way my mother and grandmothers did before me. Browning the meat in the pot, I then add some water or beef broth and an array of vegetables. Potatoes, carrots, onions, peas and celery, all sliced or chopped, are good. I’ll often substitute green beans for the peas so I use whatever I happen to have on hand. I skip the garlic but some people like to add it. Bay leaves and thyme are also optional. Adding some black pepper, a dash of salt and a teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce, I keep the lid on the pot, let it simmer for hours and stir the stew every so often. To thicken the gravy, I add some flour and stir well. The perfect beef stew gravy should be thicker than soup and flavorful but it shouldn’t be so thick that it has to be eaten with a fork. I place a bowl of biscuits or corn bread on the table and people dig in. I’ve gotten many compliments over the years on my beef stew and I’m proud of that because it means I’ve provided a delicious meal, one that is hot on cold or snowy days and one that, as my grandma used to say, sticks to the ribs. It’s a filling meal and every time I dig into it, I’m reminded of just how tasty beef stew can be.

Watching the Grammy Awards

Each winter we get to see the Grammy Awards on TV and what I like about the show is they highlight those singers, songwriters and musicians who have been around a long time and those who are new on the scene. The Grammys on Feb. 4, 2024, featured Joni Mitchell singing her song, “Both Sides, Now” which came out in 1969 and seeing the Canadian native perform it live at the Grammys was fantastic. During the 2023 Grammys newcomer Madison Cunningham was surprised and delighted to win a Grammy Award for Best Folk Album titled “Revealer.” Cunningham was 26 years old when she won that award. Born in Escondido, Calif., Cunningham grew up in Costa Mesa with her four sisters. Her father was the pastor in a local church and as a child Madison Cunningham performed her music in church. Home schooled from kindergarten through 12th grade, Cunningham was playing guitar and writing songs at seven, experimenting with alternate guitar chords at 15. She planned on going to college but she met musician and producer Tyler Chester whom she credits with putting her on the path to a music career. Chester invited her to go to Los Angeles and start the hard work of writing songs, playing music and recording. He told her, “Just get up here and meet all my friends and all these people you should know.” Cunningham still lives in Los Angeles and in the music industry she’s a triple talent: a singer, songwriter and guitarist. Cunningham sees herself as a songwriter first, guitar player second and vocalist third but however she does it, she’s got some new and different songs. It’s nice seeing new artists on the stage and each winter I wonder what

surprises the Grammy Awards will bring. What’s great about the young singers and musicians is they represent a whole new generation in the world of music.

Ice Skating Adventures

Hunkering down for the cold winter months, I like hearing my friends’ stories about their childhood adventures. My friend, Kelly, recently told me about her visits to Crescent Lake. It’s in Enfield, Ct., which is where she grew up. That lake is in Hartford County which is about as far north in Connecticut as you can get. Kelly said her friend, Amy, had an aunt and uncle who had a house right on Crescent Lake. It was a beautiful house on Lake Drive overlooking the northern part of the lake. Amy’s mother would drive them plus whatever siblings were around on a given day to visit their relatives and the kids were allowed to ice skate on Crescent Lake during the winter months when

the ice was solid. A green flag would be posted meaning it’s safe to skate. The entire state of Connecticut gets cold in December and usually stays cold until early April. Then it takes a few weeks for the lake to thaw out. Kelly and Amy, who were 11 at the time, tied the laces on their ice skates and went skating around Crescent Lake. With all of their gliding and twirling Kelly, Amy and the siblings lost track of time. When it got too cool or they got tired of ice skating they headed back to the relatives’ house to drink some cups of hot chocolate topped with mini marshmallows. Amy’s Aunt Sally graciously set out a plate of chocolate chip cookies and they had a nice snack while chatting about their ice-skating adventures. They laughed when Amy said her brother Billy, 12, showed off by skating backwards - a feat she didn’t know he could do since no one had taught him that trick. By 5 p.m. Amy’s mom asked them to get in the car so they could head home and she could start cooking dinner. Kelly didn’t have a chance to go to Crescent Lake on day trips very often but she’s got some fantastic memories of her visits there.

The Social Security Fairness Act: A $200 Billion Boondoggle

BY TOM MARGENAU

Congress just passed a law that will give me (and millions of people like me) extra Social Security benefits that we simply do not deserve and haven’t earned.

To understand what is going on, here is a quick history lesson: The original Social Security Act included unintentional and overly generous benefits for government employees. These were benefits that no other Americans could get. About 50 years ago, a more responsible Congress recognized this and created two laws to correct this mistake. The Windfall Elimination Provision said that Social Security retirement benefits for government employees should be figured the same way as those for all other senior citizens. The Government Pension Offset law said that government pensions should offset any Social Security spousal benefits potentially due, just as Social Security retirement benefits have always offset those same spousal benefits.

But now, bowing to relentless pressure from government employee unions and advocacy groups, a more naive and vote-seeking Congress has repealed WEP and GPO. So once again, government retirees like me will get overly generous Social Security benefits that no other senior citizens in the country are eligible for. And by so doing, they have put a $200 billion hole in an already rapidly deflating Social Security budget balloon.

To explain why repealing WEP and GPO is a wrongheaded boondoggle, I will use myself as an example. But first, you need to know a basic tenet of Social Security: Benefits have always been skewed to give lower-paid workers a better deal than their more highly paid counterparts. Very low-paid workers could get a Social Security benefit that represents up to 90% of their preretirement earnings. This percentage is known as a “replacement rate.” People with average incomes (the middle class) generally get a 40% replacement rate.

So now back to me. I spent the bulk of my career working for the federal government. While working as a fed, I paid into the Civil Service Retirement System, not Social Security. (Things have changed since I was hired in the early 1970s; all federal employees hired after 1984 pay into Social Security.) But I also did pay into Social Security at a few jobs I had in high school and college and at other jobs I’ve had since I retired from federal government work. I have about 15 years of earnings that were covered by Social Security.

So when the Social Security computers looked at my record when I applied for Social Security benefits, they assumed I must be poor. After all, I had all those years with no earnings. That record didn’t show that I actually was working all that time for the government and earning a civil service retirement pension.

And because the Social Security system thought I was poor, it was pro-

grammed to give me that 90% poor person’s benefit rate. In other words, I would have been getting an undeserved windfall from Social Security. And that’s where the “Windfall Elimination Act” came in. It correctly recognized that I wasn’t poor, and it gave me the same 40% rate all other average income Americans get.

And it did the same for all other workers who spent the bulk of their careers in jobs not covered by Social Security. These are primarily teachers, police officers and firefighters in certain states. (Why those groups don’t pay into Social Security is the subject for another column.)

For the past half-century, union officials representing these groups have been pressuring Congress to eliminate WEP because they wrongly think the law cheats their members out of Social Security benefits they are due. And in each of those years, a bill to eliminate WEP has failed to get approved. But in this wacky political year, things were different. So even though almost all of you reading this column are getting the proper 40% Social Security benefit rate, Congress has now decided to eliminate WEP to give me (and all those other government employees like me) the 90% rate -- boosting our Social Security checks by a couple hundred extra bucks per month. What a sham and what a shame!

But it gets even worse. As I said, the other law that the misnamed “Fairness Act” eliminated is called the Government Pension Offset, or GPO.

To explain what is going on here, I will once again use myself as an example. Before the GPO law came into effect, I would have been able to get my government pension retirement check AND I would have been due a “dependent” husband’s benefit on my wife’s Social Security record. Why? Because of those Social Security computers that think I’m a poor old guy with just a small Social Security check. So I was deemed financially dependent on my wife and granted spousal benefits on her Social Security record. But the GPO law came along and recognized I worked for the government and get a civil service pension check. And just like a Social Security retirement check offsets any spousal benefits that might be due, my civil service pension check would also offset those potential dependent benefits.

But by eliminating GPO, Congress is giving me (and all those millions of other government pensioners) unintended benefits from our spouses. Think about that. Almost all of you reading this column cannot collect your own Social Security retirement check and at the same time, get some extra benefits from your spouse’s account. But now I and other government pensioners will do just that.

And so if you believe that repealing WEP and GPO makes sense, write your member of Congress and tell him or her you think the “Social Security Fairness Act” was a great idea. But if you don’t

think it’s fair, then write your member of Congress and say, “Shame on you! I thought you were supposed to be saving Social Security, not squandering its funds on greedy government retirees!”

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.

Have you seen the news reports lately about Florida? If not, stay tuned, and continue reading. It may be old news, but do you remember what happened in Surfside, Florida on June 24, 2021? I will let you know at the end of my column.

Besides New York and California, Florida appears to be losing its appeal for sun worshipers when retiring would flock to the “Sunshine State” due to its’ warm climate and sunny days. However, climate change, hurricanes, tornadoes and floods, have greatly impacted many coastal areas in the U.S. especially Florida. Those events have devastated the state in 2024.

Did you know that cyclones have hit the region and resulted in over 10,000 deaths, and most had resulted prior to the hurricane hunter flights in 1943?

More devastating is the total cumulative damage costs of over 300 billion dollars ( based on 2018 dollars). This is only based on damage from Hurricane Andrew, Hurricane Irma and Hurricane Ian in the 1992, 2017 and 2022 seasons respectively!

Just this year, Hurricane Milton came on shore in Siesta Key, Sarasota County, where it brought at least a 10 foot storm surge and ferocious winds and tornadoes that accompanied the storm. It destroyed and left in ruins Orlando, Tampa, Saint John andd throughout Hillsborough County. Even Palm Beach, Broward, St. Lucie and Brevard counties were hit badly and 100 tornado warnings were issued as Hurricane Milton hovered over the state.

More critical it tore off the roof of Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg, home of the Tampa bay Rays, Florida’s Major League baseball team. At that time 29% of the state had no power and 50,000 linemen from as far west as California travelled to assist in restoring the energy grid.

The damage from Hurricane Helene and Milton is calculated to be in the

Florida, are you kidding me?

BY PHILIP A. RAICES

billions; and the total cost is still being tallied. All these disasters are raising and in most cases doubling and tripling home and building owners costs. This will continue to be a burden for the majority of those living in the effected locations. Due to these catastrophic events it has caused an exodus out of Florida. Moreover, prices have been plummeting and this is mainly due to the overall excessive cost of homeowner insurance, increased common charges and assessments by the condo associations.

of the people moved due to worsening weather and climate change. Population declined in 17 states in 2021, according to a yearly report from the Pew Charitable Trusts Fiscal 50 project. This was intensified by Covid-19 deaths and continued restrictions from immigration. More info here: https://www. worldpopulationview.com

ry. (en.m.wikipedia.org).

So plan ahead to ascertain and determine where you want to move to whether retiring or relocating as your decision will have either a positive or a devastating effect; so do your due diligence, homework and research and take your time.

I hope all my family, friends, business associates and current and future clients enjoyed a healthy, happy, fun, and relaxing Christmas and the best of the holiday season

Continued from page 2

it’s a good safety net. Be aware that your body can only absorb 500 milligrams at a time, so choose a supplement that stays under that level. There have been news articles that supplements can cause kidney stones. However, most of the kidney stone data comes from the 2006 Women’s Health Initiative trial where study participants were taking as much as 1,200 milligrams per day from supplements alone,

Most important, are the new inspection laws passed in 2022, covering all of Florida, whereby condo associations have 9 days, from the writing of my column, to submit inspection reports for their buildings and to collect additional money to pay for any needed and required repairs. Condo owners are reporting that new condo rules are resulting in magnifying and increasing fees and influencing shocking assessments! Moreover, the financial burden on retirees have been monumental and devasting, causing many to leave and others now considering selling and getting out. This is having a direct impact and effect on prices and sales, as inventory has been skyrocketing. I have several friends that had their insurance costs quadruple from $9500 to over $30,000 per year! Many insurance companies are exiting the state due to the humongous loses that they have been experiencing.

However, United Van Lines did a study this year. Prior to the hurricanes, employment was the number 1 reason in the last 3 years why people moved between states with a third citing and admiting it was the main reason. 32% moved due to wanting to be near family and was also due to the isolation caused by the Covid-19 Pandemic. The balance

In 2024 South Carolina, North Carolina and Wyoming were the top 3 states where people and families were flocking to. More information can be found here: https://www.movebuddha. com California had the greatest number of people and families moving out due to real estate taxes and the cost of housing.

However, this year, those that reside near a major or even a minor waterway, has experienced severe increases in homeowner’s insurance, as well as real estate taxes. The costs of housing and daily living are pushing people to leave Florida in droves, adding to increased inventory and prices being impacted. But people and families are still moving south due to lower cost housing in those previously noted states, lower real estate and State taxes, lower cost of living and warmer climates. However, Florida may never be the same.

Florida appears to have lost its shine for it has the 2nd largest population loss, followed by New York at number 3, Texas #4 and Illinois #5. California has the dubious position as #1 with the greatest loss in population this year.

The answer to the initial question of what happened in Surfside, Florida on June 24, 2021 at 1:22 a.m. was the unfortunate collapse of Champlain Towers, killing 98 people and to date was tied with the Knickerbocker Theatre collapse as the 3rd most deadliest, non-deliberate, tragic and devastating, structural engineering failure in U.S. histo-

Strong Bones, Healthy Life

far above the RDA of 1,000 to 1,200 milligrams for most adults.

The bottom line? Work in some exercise, grab a yogurt or roast some broccoli and track your calcium like you track your calories for your bones to be strong when you need them to be.

Q and A

Q: Are there any foods that can help ease headaches?

A: It’s well known that environmental

factors such as certain foods, noise, lighting, changes in sleeping patterns, alcohol use and exposure to strong smells or allergens can trigger headaches. Research finds that vitamins and minerals found in some foods may have a positive effect on headaches by preventing, stopping or soothing symptoms. Eating some foods regularly, such as fatty fish (salmon and tuna), leafy greens (broccoli, romaine, spinach) and nuts (almonds, cashews, peanuts), may reduce how often you ex-

Philip A. Raices is the owner/ Broker of Turn Key Real Estate at 3 Grace Ave Suite 180 in Great Neck. He has 42+ years experience in the Real Estate industry and has earned designations as a Graduate of the Realtor Institute (G.R.I.) and also as a Certified International Property Specialist (C.I.P.S.) and has earned his National Association of Realtors “Green Industry designation for eco-friendly low carbon footprint construction with 3-D printed foundations, Solar panels, Geo-thermal HVAC/Heat Pumps).

He will also provide a copy of “Unlocking the Secrets of Real Estate’s New Market Reality, and his Seller’s and Buyer’s Guides for “Things to Consider when Selling, investing or Purchasing your Home.

He will provide you with “free” regular updates of what has gone under contract (pending), been sold (closed) and those homes that have been withdrawn/ released or expired (W/R) and all new listings of homes, HOA, Townhomes, Condos, and Coops in your town or go to: https://WWW.Li-RealEstate.Com and you can “do it yourself (DYI) and search on your own. For a “FREE” no obligation 15 minute consultation, as well as a “FREE printout or digital value analysis of what your home might sell for in today’s market without any obligation or “strings” attached call him at (516) 647-4289 or email: Phil@ TurnKeyRealEstate.com

perience headaches. Other foods, including ginger, beans and legumes, plus proper hydration, may help soothe the pain once a headache has started.

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

Save Money Using What You Have On Hand

BY MARY HUNT

From pasta to vinegar, there are all kinds of things in your kitchen pantry that could save you all kinds of money -and frustration too! You’re going to wonder why you didn’t think of that!

CANDLELIGHTER

If you can’t light a candle without using a long lighter, grab a piece of dry spaghetti from your pantry. Strike a match and hold the flame under the spaghetti until it ignites, keeping the spaghetti so the end farthest from you is slightly downward. Once lit, extinguish the match and use the lit spaghetti to light the candle. -- Erin

BAG THE FAT

Removing fat from meat drippings before you make gravy is easy. Let the drippings cool a little, then pour into a zip-type bag. I use the quart size the most. Allow it to settle long enough for the fat to congeal, seal the bag and then snip off a very tiny corner. The good drippings will come out of the hole, but the fat won’t. Once all the good stuff is out, just toss the bag. -- Rosemary

FOGGY BATHROOM MIRROR

I have figured out a way to clean the

BY MARY HUNT

toothpaste splatters from the bathroom mirror. After someone gets out of the shower and the mirror is all fogged up, I grab an old rag and wipe down the mirror. The heat and steam from the shower softens those pesky little toothpaste splatters, and they wipe away with ease. Later, I use a solution of vinegar and water to make it shine. -- Valerie

FORK IT

My favorite kitchen tool is a large table fork. Some flatware styles are extra big and heavy, making the fork just right for stirring and mixing. It works better than a large spoon, and with the quick turn of the wrist, it even whips like a whisk. The fork fits in my flatware drawer, and I have found extra-large forks at thrift stores. -- Jo

DISCOUNTED BY A DENT

We bought a brand-new dishwasher that we found on Craigslist for only $230. It was a high-end, stainless steel model that retailed for $799. A delivery truck had dropped another dishwasher on top of it, denting the top. We inspected it and didn’t find any damage to the machine. We covered a hammer with a soft cloth and banged out the dent, but once

installed, the damage was unseen. We installed it ourselves and are still enjoying the savings. -- Ginger, email

VINEGAR CLEANER

Having children with sensitive skin, I’ve learned to disinfect my home without the use of harsh chemicals such as bleach or ammonia. Vinegar in a spray bottle is my cleaner: full strength for the bathroom, and diluted for windows, wood floor, linoleum and tile. I use it to clean my car windows, vinyl upholstery, door handles and vinyl mats. I use vinegar once a month to clean my coffee maker and once every six months to clean my hot tub and dishwasher. Mixed with baking soda, I clean my refrigerator, porcelain kitchen sinks and bathtub. -- Colleen DIY BROWN SUGAR

Brown sugar can be replaced with one cup of white sugar plus one to two tablespoons of molasses. Place both into a bowl and stir to mix using a fork. Hint: I find this to be so much better than commercial brown sugar, I’ve made a permanent switch. And I only make as much as needed at the time. No more brown sugar turning hard as a brick! -- Caleb

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

10 Essential Resources for Caregivers

Planning for an uncertain future can feel downright overwhelming -- like trying to pack for a trip without knowing the destination. Whether you’re making arrangements for elderly parents or figuring out your own plan, I am confident that the following books, websites and organizations will give you the kind of help, support and information you need.

BOOKS

“The Complete Eldercare Planner” by Joy Loverde. This is the most complete resource between two covers. Caring for aging parents, loved ones or other elders in your life can feel overwhelming, whether you’ve been thrust into the role unexpectedly or are thoughtfully planning your own future care. Now in its fourth edition, “The Complete Eldercare Planner” is here to guide you through the challenges of today’s caregiving landscape, offering practical tools and insights tailored to your unique situation.

“Long-Term Care: How to Plan and Pay for It” by Attorney Joseph L. Matthews, 14th Edition. This reader-friendly book offers straight-talking information on choosing and paying for care, as well as excellent information on Medicare, Medicaid and long-term care insurance.

“They’re Your Parents, Too!: How Siblings Can Survive Their Parents’ Aging Without Driving Each Other Crazy” by Francine Russo. Here’s a book that is indispensable for anyone who has sib-

lings and aging parents. Includes real-life stories and helpful family negotiation techniques, as well as practical advice on a wide range of topics, such as how to choose a gerontologist and a financial planner.

WEBSITES

Eldercare (ElderCare.gov) is a public service of the Administration on Aging, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services that connects older Americans and their caregivers with information on senior services in their area. Just type in your zip code and the kind of information you’re looking for, or call (800) 677-1116.

National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys (NAELA.org): Supporting the supporter is the role of an elder law attorney. You can find an elder or special-needs attorney in your area using the search function on this highly regarded, not-forprofit site.

The National Council on Aging (NCOA. org) is a nonprofit advocacy group that works with thousands of organizations across the country to help seniors find jobs and benefits, improve their health and live independently. It also offers an excellent free booklet, “Use Your Home to Stay at Home,” that gives an overview of reverse mortgages in an easy-to-read format. Go to ncoa.org/article/use-yourhome-to-stay-at-home to get this free download.

Medicare.gov is the single best place to learn all about Medicare. Includes up-tothe-minute changes as well as help with

benefits eligibility and enrollment. Or call 800-MED-ICARE.

LongTermCare.gov is a clearinghouse for long-term care presented by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. You’ll find a lot of good information here -- from how to assess your need to what to look for in long-term health insurance policies.

OTHER

Medicaid: To find specific details about your state program, search online with the name of your state plus the word “Medicaid.” For general information, go to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services website at CMS.gov.

The Senior Health Insurance Program Volunteer counselors are available free of charge through this organization to assist Medicare beneficiaries and their

caregivers with Medicare, prescription drugs, long-term care and related issues. Go to ShipHelp.org, then click on “SHIP Locator” to find your state’s specific and very helpful information.

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

100 Years Ago This Month: Historical events from January 1925

The month of January has been home to many historical events over the years. Here’s a look at some that helped to shape the world in January 1925.

• Christiania, the capital city of Norway, is renamed “Oslo” on January 1.

• Violence plagues Italy on January 2 as part of the fallout of Benito Mussolini’s crackdown on opposition newspapers. Though King Victor Emmanuel III refuses to grant Mussolini the dictatorial powers the latter requested, he grants the Prime Minister tacit permission to respond to the violence how he sees fit.

• Nellie Tayloe Ross is inaugurated as the Governor of Wyoming on January 5, becoming the first woman elected to a gubernatorial office in United States history.

• Bhanupratap Deo is proclaimed as the new Raja of the princely state of Kanker within British India on January 8. The 3-year-old would rule until 1947, when the princely states are abolished as India gains its independence.

• The British submarine HMS L24 sinks in the English channel on January 10. The submarine had collided with the Royal Navy battleship HMS Resolution, killing all 43 men aboard the L24.

• Al Capone survives an assassination attempt made by the North Side Gang on January 12 in Chicago. Capone was conducting business inside a State Street restaurant when the rival gang riddled his car with bullets, prompting the mobster to order a bulletproof Cadillac.

• Joseph Stalin fires Leon Trotsky as Commissar for Military and Navy Affairs on January 15. A prominent critic of Stalin, Trotsky is eventually murdered at his home in Mexico City by a Stalinist agent in 1940.

• Huddie Ledbetter, better known as “Lead Belly,” is granted a full pardon by Texas governor Pat Morris Neff on January 16. The blues musician had served seven years of his prison sentence after being found guilty of killing a relative over a fight for a woman.

• “The Gentleman Bandit” Gerald Chapman is arrested in Muncie, Indiana on January 18. Chapman is apprehended thanks in part to informant Ben Hance, who is murdered in August in a killing that is believed to have been performed as retaliation for Chapman’s incarceration.

• Roy Olmstead, a lieutenant in the Seattle Police Department, is indicted by a federal grand jury on January 19. Olmstead is accused of smuggling alcohol into the country from Canada in violation of the Volstead Act.

• Curtis Welch, the only doctor in Nome, Alaska, sends an urgent message via radio telegram on January 22. The message alerts all major Alaskan towns of an impending outbreak of diphtheria, while a second message sent to the U.S. Public Health Service in Washington, D.C. highlights the desperate need for antitoxin. Roughly 300,000 units of antitoxin are discovered in Anchorage on January 26, temporarily containing the epidemic.

• Paul Newman is born in Shaker

LOST IN SUBURBIA

Taking the Plunge

BY TRACY BECKERMAN

When we got the last-minute invite to a Christmas party at someone’s house, I didn’t realize I had a problem until I was waiting for the elevator to take us up.

“Oh no! I don’t have a gift,” I said to my husband.

“What?” he replied.

“I don’t have a gift,” I repeated. “I don’t have a hostess gift. We’ve never been to this woman’s apartment before, and my mother always said you should never go to someone’s house for the first time without a gift. I need to go out and get a gift.”

He shook his head. “There’s no time. There will be a ton of people there. I’m sure she won’t notice.”

I frowned. This just would not do. I was brought up to be a polite member of society. I respected my elders, moved over in movie theaters and didn’t say anything when someone had spinach in their teeth. But now I was showing up at a party without a gift. Miss Manners would be appalled.

I looked around at the exquisitely decorated lobby, resplendent with a gold Christmas tree, twinkling lights, and bow-wrapped poinsettia plants dotting the floor, tables and ledges, and I had an idea. As the elevator chimed and the doors opened, I grabbed one of the poinsettia plants on the table beside me.

“Gift problem solved,” I said to my

husband and our friends as the elevator doors closed. My husband looked horrified. Our friends laughed.

And the hostess loved her gift.

At the end of the party, though, I asked her for the plant back so I could return it to the lobby. I wasn’t sure how good the building’s security was, and I didn’t want to spend Christmas in jail for grand poinsettia larceny.

Fast-forward one year.

“We got invited to the big holiday party again this year,” my husband told me.

“I guess she liked the stolen poinsettia,” I said.

“Yeah, well, this year you have time

to go out and buy a gift,” he said.

“What should I get?”

“I don’t know, honey,” he said. “You decide. Just make sure you pay for it this time.”

Although I had met the hostess last year, I had only spent about 10 minutes talking to her and didn’t really know her all that well. Also, the apartment had been so packed with people that I hadn’t really had a chance to get a sense of her decorating style or taste. I wondered, what does every single person need in their home?

So I bought her a plunger.

“You bought her a plunger?!?!” exclaimed my husband.

Heights, Ohio, on January 26. The son of Theresa Garth and sporting goods store owner Arthur Sigmund Newman, Sr., the younger Newman would grow up to become one of the world’s most recognizable movie stars and a devoted philanthropist.

• A riot breaks out in Berlin on January 27. Numerous injuries are reported as monarchists, communists and republicans clash during demonstrations held on the birthday of ex-kaiser Wilhelm II.

• On January 28, nominee to the U.S. Supreme Court Harlan Fiske Stone testifies before the U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee. Stone is eventually confirmed by a vote of 71 to 6.

• After nearly a year of fighting and 14,000 deaths, the Khost rebellion against King Amanullah Khan is ended in Afghanistan on January 30. The rebellion is ultimately unsuccessful, but many of the king’s reforms are delayed until 1928.

“It’s not just a plunger. It’s a Christmas plunger,” I said.

“What makes it a Christmas plunger?” he asked.

“I wrapped it in Christmas paper.”

“You can’t give her a plunger!” he said adamantly.

“Why not?” I replied. “I actually think it’s a very thoughtful gift.”

“Really? How so?”

“If she has as many people at the party this year as she did last time, she’ll definitely need it.”

Tracy Beckerman is the author of the Amazon Bestseller, “Barking at the Moon: A Story of Life, Love, and Kibble,”

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Let these nachos be the hit at any gathering Outrageous Barbecued

Nachos

Chips and dip always work when entertaining, and the potential flavor combinations of this classic party offering are endless. When it comes to nachos, the dip and the chip are melded into a single dish for a convenient and tasty offering that works as a snack, appe-

3 ounces (about 1 cup) pulled pork

tizer or even a main course. Of course, nachos also are a go-to dish while watching the big game with friends.

Nacho flavors run the gamut from Latin-inspired to chili-covered to everything in between. These “Outrageous Barbecued Nachos,” courtesy

3 ounces (about 1 cup) pulled chicken

3 ounces (about 3 slices) sliced and chopped barbecued brisket

1 1⁄2 cups favorite mild barbecue sauce

1) Preheat the oven to 400° F.

2) Combine the meats and barbecue sauce in a small saucepan over medium heat.

3) Spread half of the tortilla

of “Virgil’s Barbecue Road Trip Cookbook” (St. Martin’s Press) by Neal Corman, pair the smoky flavor of slow-cooked barbecue with the zip of some nacho standards like jalapeño peppers and cheese.

Serves 4–6

3⁄4 (10-ounce) bag tortilla chips

1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese

1 cup shredded mild cheddar cheese

15 pickled jalapeño slices

chips on a small cookie sheet. Cover the chips with half of the meat and sauce. Top with half of each cheese.

4) Repeat the process on top of

this layer, using the other half of the ingredients.

5) Bake until the cheese is completely melted, about 10 minutes. Remove and top with the

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Delay expected in St. Paul’s survey

“We are continuing to work on it. After some suggestions were made I was in contact with BCI who was great. They gave us some suggestions and shared their expertise about the things we could do differently than what we had proposed. It’s a work in progress still, and hopefully it will be ready soon,” the trustee explained.

Resident George Salem questioned the process and raised concerns about a line in the mayor’s recent column referencing a potential section in the survey for residents to identify as “people who want to learn more” about St. Paul’s before committing to any proposal.

“The October 2023 St. Paul’s Opinion Poll in my opinion got us to where we hired a consultant to explore the multiple options, needs and costs for the building. That specific line (Salem brought up) was a reference for people who might have gone into the 2023 Public Opinion Poll and they want to learn more. They are not ready to say they want to demolish St. Paul’s and they don’t know about it, and how much it would cost and they’d like to learn more,” Mayor Carter Flanagan said.

She added “What we’ve been doing since the October 2023 Opinion Poll was to move towards having more information and to some extent, I don’t know what the next version of the survey will

be as the one I proposed was intended to gather information to get a project proposal that we could price and share details on what the project could be.”

The mayor also told Salem he will see the changes but she is unaware of how similar or dissimilar that will be to the previous version proposed.

Resident Steve Gorray picked up on a comment by Trustee Judy Courtney, that there was still some work being completed on the draft survey.

“She did not make a representation that it will be ready at the next Board meeting which is about 30 days from now (January 16th). The Board had stated it would take just another week to two weeks and definitely be ready by tonight (December 12th). I’m not sure I would be receiving black coal in my Christmas stocking for asking if demolition would be on the survey – maybe I get a reprieve. But I remind the Board we have consultants BCI, experts that five of the board members here hired, and the rest of you have worked with BCI since April. To me the most prudent, reasonable and impartial way to proceed is to engage with the survey/BCI and be heard. Version 8, not Version 8A, is the version of the survey that should be submitted to residents early next year!” he commented.

Trustee Finneran, who recently announced his candidacy for village mayor, acknowledged the delay. He cited

factors including coordination with BCI and the village’s involvement in the New York Sands Casino issue, which required attention in early December.

“I was of the opinion we’d be able to have it done in time for a Board vote tonight, however we have had to coordinate with BCI and we were delayed some more by the push back to the proposed New York Sands Casino with the Legislative hearing on December 9th, and the Article 78 proceeding. It is just taking a little more time George but we are doing it right. I am a little disappointed but it’s no one’s fault it wasn’t able to be ready and we weren’t able to vote on it. But I am very optimistic the survey will be prepared and set for our January 16th agenda,” Finneran said.

The mayor emphasized collaboration in the survey’s development.

“A group of six village trustees are working on the survey, and they made comments to submit to BCI. They are working through those comments to

see if there are any changes planned,” she noted.

Trustee Judy Courtney assured residents that the survey was not being neglected.

“I would rather take my time on this though I am very confident it will be done. BCI gave us great feedback and we will incorporate that, going back and forth and back and forth, with the hopes of it being done. It was not forgotten or sitting there,” Courtney said.

Mayor Carter Flanagan noted how neither side, the consultants from BCI and the Board of Trustees, were able to agree on details. She used an analogy of the feedback loop and said no one could anticipate reactions to the survey by the village trustees or consultants.

“Now the group is speaking amongst themselves and they will be bringing another version to BCI. Whether the trustees work more depends on what BCI says to that one. But they are working” she explained.

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THI S WEEK AT ROTARY

Trees – Garden City’s Treasure

Village Arborist to Report on Garden City’s Tree Policy

All are invited to join the MineolaGarden City Rotary’s first lunch meeting of 2025 on Tuesday, January 14, 12:15 at Mineola’s Davenport Press restaurant, 70 Main Steet, Mineola NY.  Rotary will be pleased to welcome as guest speaker, Joseph Umana, Village arborist.

The importance of maintaining Garden City’s tree-lined streets, recognizing the environmental benefits, and working to increase our overall tree canopy is the aim of the new Tree Policy recently unanimously passed by the Village Board of Trustees and Joe will have an integral part in this on-going process.

Joe began working with the Recreation and Parks Department with the task to address the Village tree situation and to work with Andy Hill of the Parks Department along with the n-house Village planting crew.  Acknowledged to have a passion for trees, Joe will speak on his first year as Village arborist – issues found and corrected, initiatives, policy and what the future holds for horticulture in Garden City.

Born and raised on Long Island, Joe started his work in the landscaping horticulture field while in high school at Kellenberg Memorial, Uniondale. He attended the University of Delaware where he graduated in 2013 with a Bachelor’s in Plant Science and Horticulture with a concentration in Landscaping Design.

After graduating, Joe attended Walt Disney’s professional internship program in Orlando, Florida.  After Disney, Joe returned home to Long

Island and studied to pass the Certified Nursery Landscape Professional, the ISA Certified Arborist Exam and the Municipal Specialist Arborist Exam.  Joe started his career with the Village as arborist in January 2024.

All are welcome to attend.  To reserve, please email mineolagardencityrotaryclub@gmail. com.  Luncheon fee: $40 payable at the door.

Breakfast Meeting on January 28

The next Rotary meeting will be a breakfast to be held on Tuesday, January 28, 8 a.m. at the Carle Place Diner.  Fee: $20 payable at the door. To reserve, email mineolagardencityrotaryclub@ gmail.com.

Photos from the Village Archives

A selection from the extensive Village Archives. Others can be seen at www.NYHeritage.org - click on Organizations, G, and Garden City Public Library. Comments/questions: email Historian@gardencityny.net

Mineola-Garden City Freight Yard

Facing northeast to the Mineola-Garden City freight yard building in the early 1960s, located at the east end of Twelfth St., behind the Fairchild Sons building. The railroad yard was opened in 1911 on the LIRR line that ran from Mineola to Hempstead. The four-track yard was a major receiving point for the many building and associated supplies that were used to build in Garden City and surrounding areas.One track of the yard extended westward across Franklin Ave. to the Water Works to allow coal deliveries to that site until 1951. The yard existed until 1978, when it was replaced by what is now the four-building Franklin Avenue Plaza office complex centered on Thirteenth St.

Archives identifier: sta oth02. An aerial photo of the area can be seen at Archives identifier va03

A Franklin Avenue motorist was charged on December 28 with unsafe turning, using improper license plates, and operating an uninsured vehicle.

Battery issue

GCFD and GCPD responded to two residences on December 29th for fire alarms that were activated in error.

Suspended alarm

On December 28t Garden City Police and Firefighters responded to a residence for a fire alarm and determined the cause to be a battery issue.

Natural gas issue

On December 28, firefighters rendered a Garden City Plaza building safe by shutting down two faulty boilers causing a gas leak.

Underage DWI arrest

An underaged motorist was arrested on December 29 on Clinton Road for alleged DWI, unlicensed operation, and driving with an open container, and failing to use headlights during nighttime

A Stewart Avenue motorist was charged with driving with a suspended license and unregistered vehicle on December 29th.

Stolen check

On December 29th Garden City Police received a report that a check issued to a medical office was reportedly intercepted, altered, and cashed.

Bank ATM alarm

Officers investigated an ATM alarm at a local bank on December 29 and found all was in order.

Delivery vehicle damage

On December 29, a delivery vehicle was reported to have damaged a grassy area on Stewart Avenue.

Joseph Umana Arborist, Village of Garden City

Uninsured auto

Rotary celebrates the holidays, recognizes award recipients

The honorees were the recipients of numerous citations.

Pictured from left: NYS Senator Jack Martins, NC Legislator John Giuffre, co-honorees Mineola Mayor Paul Pereira, and Randy Colahan and Dennis Walsh, Town of North Hempstead Councilman.

It was a most treasurable and long to be remembered evening at the festively decorated Stewart Manor Country Club on the evening of December 18.  A capacity crowd of Rotarians and a bevy of guests gathered to celebrate the holidays and award Rotary’s coveted Community Service Award to co-honorees Paul Pereira, Mayor of the Inc. Village of Mineola and Randy Colahan, Chairman of the Board of Garden City’s Public Library.

Before moving from the Grand Salon cocktail hour into the spectacularly decorated ballroom for an elegant buffet dinner, more than 130 guests enjoyed good cheer, fellowship and great networking along

with an array of door prize opportunities donated by event supporters and local businesses.   A major highlight of the evening was a performance by the renowned 16-piece Garden City High School Chamber Orchestra which regaled guests with their comprehensive repertoire and holiday tunes.

The Rotary Planning Committee contributing to the success of the event included James Brady, Kimberly Carlstrom, Jennifer Ferrara-Poupis, Diane Marmnn, Joanne Meyer-Jendras, Meg Norris, Tina O’Keefe, Diana O’Neill, Katherine Perrera, Althea Robinson and Ray Sikorsky.

Dinner guests were captivated by the astounding performance of the 16-piece Garden City High School Chamber Orchestra under the direction of Andrew Armani.

Rotarians Althea Robinson (left) and Joanne Meyer-Jendras (far right) with Diana and Andrew Pereira; Mineola Mayor and honoree Paul Pereira, and Ana Pereira. Not pictured: Sofia Pereira.

For her major planning efforts, Althea Robinson (third from left) received a floral bouquet on behalf of the event Planning Committee.

Pictured from left: Meg Norris, Jennifer Poupis, Ray Sikorski, Joanne MeyerJendras, Diane Marmann, Tina O'Keefe and Jim Brady. (Not pictured, Diana O'Neill.)

From left: Althea Robinson, Claire Long, honoree, Randy Colahan and Elena Colahan; Kathryn Schmidt, Elizabeth Praino and Joanne Meyer-Jendras.

Seated from left: Laurie Burke, DeDe and Tom Orr, honoree Randy Colahan and Elena Colahan.

Standing from left: Joan Hedermann, Scott Perrin, Peter Colohan, Debbie and Tom Long.

Rotary celebrates the holidays, recognizes award recipients

From left, seated: Past Rotary Presidents Emily Franchina, Peter Marshall and Gary Fishberg.(standing) and Past President Jim Brady.

Honoree Randy Colahan, Garden City Public Library board chair, receives an introduction by Colleen Foley, board member, to become board chairman as of January 1. Emcee Ray Sikorsky looks on.

Jean Kelly, chief executive officer of The INN (Interfaith Nutrition Network), offered a heartwarming invocation.

Ray Sikorsky, event emcee extraordinaire, with Emily Franchina, past Rotary president.

The Stewart Manor Country Club in readiness for Rotary’s grand celebration.

Meg Norris, Mineola Garden City Rotary vice president, with Diana O'Neill, president, and Althea Robinson, publicity chair/event planner.

From left: Gary and Eileen Fishberg, Diane and Jim Brady, Anita Frey, Laurette Marshall,E mily Franchina and Franklin Perrell.

Gary Jendras, president of RotaCare, created by Mineola-Garden City Rotary in 1992, and Past Rotary President Joanne Meyer-Jendras.

President of Mineola-Garden City Rotary Diana O’Neill and Dr. Peter O’Neill.

Diana O'Neill, president, MineolaGarden City Rotary Club, welcomes guests to the Holiday Dinner and Community Service Awards presentations.

News from the Garden City Public Library

The film “Thelma” will be screened at the Garden City Public Library on Monday, January 6.

Happy New Year!!

Monday Movies presented by the Friends of the Garden City Library at 1:30 p.m.: January 2025

1/6/25: “Thelma” - 97 Mins., 2024

1/13/25: “Cabrini” - 142 Mins., 2024

1/20/25: “Ordinary Angel” - 118 Mins., 2024

1/27/25: “Arsenic & Old Lace” - 118 Mins., 2024

Programs

Below is our schedule for Adult Services. More programs and information will be available soon.

Mah-Jongg

Thursday, January 16, Saturday, January 18  (New!), Thursday, January 30 from 10 a.m. to noon in the Large Meeting Room

Players will be required to bring their own games and registration will be required on Eventkeeper (www. gardencitypl.org).  For additional information contact Adult Services at (516) 742-8405 ext. 5236 or email speakingofbooks@gardencitypl.org.

January Programs

More programs and information will be available soon.

Reiki with Kathleen Gunning Tuesday, January 7, and  Tuesday, January 28, from 7 – 8 pm in the Large Meeting Room

Start the New Year off with an introduction to Reiki.   Reiki promotes relax-

ation, stress reduction and pain management.  It’s a wonderful form of self-care, which supports physical, mental, emotional and spiritual well-being to improve the body’s natural healing ability.

To register, please go to www.gardencitypl.org/calendar.   For additional information contact Adult Services at (516)7428405 ext. 5236 or email speakingofbooks@ gardencitypl.org.

This program is funded by the Friends of the Garden City Public Library.

Operatalks with Tanisha Mitchell“La Bohème”

Sunday, January 12, from 2 p.m.–3 p.m. in the Large Meeting Room

“La Bohème” continues to be one of Giacomo Puccini’s hits with memorable music and characters. This opera is about a beautiful love affair between poet Rodolfo and seamstress Mimi during Christmas in Paris.

Tanisha Mitchell is the founder and CEO of Operatalks (operatalks.com), an arts outreach company that brings a new spin on opera lectures by using technology, artifacts, and even her own singing to teach and inspire audiences. Her outreach continues to grow on the east coast from Long Island to Florida through libraries, community centers and beyond. No registration is required.

This program is funded  by the Friends of the Garden City Public Library.

Learn to Speak Italian with Retired GCHS Teacher Mrs. Lea Brunetti8-Week Program Series

Fridays, January 10, January 17, January 24, January 31, February 7, February 14, February 21, February 28, 11 a.m.–12 p.m.  in the Small Meeting Room

Retired Italian teacher from Garden City High School Mrs. Lea Brunetti will be teaching beginner Italian in an eightweek series. Come join us as we start to learn the beautiful language of Italian with an experienced teacher! We promise there will be no tests!  Just some fun!  Maybe this will inspire a trip to Italy? Who knows! Non vedo l'ora di vederti! (I look forward to seeing you!)  Grazie!

To register, please go to  www.gardencitypl.org/calendar.  For additional information contact Adult Services at (516)742-8405 ext. 5236 or email speakingofbooks@gardencitypl.org.

This program is funded  by the Friends of the Garden City Public Library.

Dennis Raverty Art Lecture on “The Mysteries of ChiricoThe Reluctant Surrealist” Tuesday, January 14,

from 2 p.m.–-3 p.m. in the  Large Meeting Room

Join Dennis Raverty in a lecture about Giorgio de Chirico’s work. Chirico is among the most enigmatic of early 20th century painters.  His strange “metaphysical” pictures executed during the First World War and shortly thereafter capture an uncanny, poetic world of lonely, haunted piazzas and melancholy streets with dreamlike distortions and juxtapositions of time, scale and perspective. Although idolized by the Surrealists, he later denounced his early work and turned to classicism.

No registration is required. For additional information contact Adult Services at (516)742-8405 ext. 5236 or email speakingofbooks@gardencitypl. org.

Chairobics and Strength with Debbie Kryzminski

Wednesdays, January 22, January 29, February 5, February 12, February 19, February 26 12 p.m.–1 p.m. in the Large Meeting Room

Debbie Kryzminski from Fitness Figures, NY, Inc. will be teaching “Chairobics and Strength.” This program covers strength training, balance, coordination, aerobics and flexibility. Most of the exercises are performed seated in a chair. Equipment will be provided. Feel free to bring your own free weights, if you are comfortable using them. Have water available, wear clothing that you can comfortably move in and be ready to have fun!  This is a six-week session; a separate registration is required for each class. To register, please go to  www.gardencitypl.org/ calendar or call the Reference desk at (516)742-8405 x 5236.

This program is funded  by the Friends of the Garden City Public Library.

Organize Me - How to Manage Your Paper without Losing Your Mind

Monday, January 27, from 7–8 p.m. in the Large Meeting Room

The beginning of a new year and it’s time to get organized!  Join Annmarie Brogan and Marie Limpert of Organize Me of NY, LLC as they show us How to Manage Your Paper Without Losing Your Mind.  This one-hour presentation will focus on:

• Where to begin

• Handle everyday mail quickly

• Create a “Command Center” to manage short-term-active paperwork

• Sort and group your papers for easy decision-making

• Tackle running “to-do” lists

• Develop a simple, easy to main-

tain filing system

• Reduce stress and make tax season a breeze

• Protect important legal documents and access them quickly

• Establish behaviors and routines that work for you and your family

This program is funded  by the Friends of the Garden City Public Library

Book Discussion

Tuesday, February 4, from 7–8 p.m. in the Large Meeting Room

Join us for a book discussion on “An Unfinished Love Story: A Personal History of the 1960s” by Doris Kearns Goodwin, one of America’s most beloved historians who artfully weaves together biography, memoir, and history. She takes you along on the emotional journey she and her husband, Richard (Dick) Goodwin embarked upon in the last years of his life.

Dick and Doris Goodwin were married for forty-two years and married to American history even longer. In his twenties, Dick was one of the brilliant young men of John F. Kennedy’s New Frontier. In his thirties he both named and helped design Lyndon Johnson’s Great Society and was a speechwriter and close advisor to Robert Kennedy. Doris Kearns was a twenty-four-yearold graduate student when selected as a White House Fellow. She worked directly for Lyndon Johnson and later assisted on his memoir. Over the years, with humor, anger, frustration, and in the end, a growing understanding, Dick and Doris had argued over the achievements and failings of the leaders they served and observed, debating the progress and unfinished promises of the country they both loved.

The Goodwins’ last great adventure involved finally opening the more than 300 boxes of letters, diaries, documents, and memorabilia that Dick had saved for more than 50 years. They soon realized they had before them an unparalleled personal time capsule of the 1960s, illuminating public and private moments of a decade when individuals were powered by the conviction they could make a difference; a time, like today, marked by struggles for racial and economic justice, a time when lines were drawn and loyalties tested. Their expedition gave Dick’s last years renewed purpose and determination. It gave Doris the opportunity to connect and reconnect with participants and witnesses of pivotal moments of the 1960s. And it gave them both an opportunity to make fresh assessments of the central figures of the time—John F. Kennedy, Jacqueline

News from the Garden City Public Library

Kennedy, Martin Luther King Jr., Robert Kennedy, Eugene McCarthy, and especially Lyndon Johnson, who greatly impacted both their lives. The voyage of remembrance brought unexpected discoveries, forgiveness, and the renewal of old dreams, reviving the hope that the youth of today will carry forward this unfinished love story with America.

To register, please go to  www. gardencitypl.org/calendar or call the Reference desk at (516)742-8405 x 5236.

Defensive Driving Course with Empire Safety Council

Saturday, February 8, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the Large Meeting Room

Join us on Saturday, February 8, 2025,  10 a.m.–4 p.m. for a Defensive Driving Course with the Empire Safety Council. Receive 10% reduction on automobile/ liability insurance and qualify for a license point reduction. Register In person at the Garden City Public Library. Space is limited, so check with the Reference Department for availability. Register separately for each person. Proper ID is required when registering an absentee party. You must bring a $33 check made payable to Empire Safety Council and current Library card with you to register. Bring your valid New York State driver's license and a pen to class.

Museum Pass Information

Print From Home for Some Passes!

Through the generosity of the Friends of the Garden City Public

Library, the Library offers free passes to select museums and cultural institutions. You can make a reservation to borrow a Museum Pass from one of the member institutions in our Museum Pass Program.

Some museum passes are now available to print from home.  If you do not have access to a printer, the library will be happy to print the pass for you. These passes will be good for one day only.

Please note that not all museums participate. Passes for the following museums still need to be picked up at the Library: 9/11 Memorial & Museum, NYC (2 adults & 2 children); Empire Pass, Long Island Children’s Museum, Garden City (2 adults & 2 children); MoMA (the Museum of Modern Art), NYC (5 visitors) and Old Bethpage Village Restoration, Old Bethpage.

The following Library Museum Pass rules remain in effect.

• Museum passes are available only to Garden City Public Library cardholders in good standing who have signed the Museum Pass User Agreement. Museum passes may be reserved in advance and must be checked out by an adult (18 years and older) family member.

• Reservations will be taken up to one month in advance of the desired date, subject to availability on a firstcome, first-served basis. Reservations can be done in person at the Reference Desk or over the phone at 516-742-8405 x5236.

Additional rules and information are available at the library.

News from the Children’s Room

On Saturday, December 21 Grades K–5 enjoyed a program presented by Cradle of Aviation. This program was funded by the Friends of the Garden City Public Library.

Upcoming January Library Programs for Children

These programs are for children ages birth through Grade 5. Registration is required. Due to continuing technical issues with Eventkeeper, please visit https://www.gardencitypl.org/calendar to view our Event Calendar. Links are available on this webpage to our new temporary program registration forms as well as a printable calendar for December 2024.

• Monday, January 6, at 4:00 p.m.: Inclusive Storytime Elementary, Grades 2–5

• Wednesday, January 8, at 1:30 p.m.: Duplo Lego, Ages 2–5 (Not In Kindergarten).

• Saturday, January 11, at 10:00 a.m.: A Time For Kids Ages 2–5 (Not In Kindergarten)

• Tuesday, January 14, at 4:00 p.m.: Lego Club, Grades 2–5

• Saturday, January 25, at 12:00 p.m.: Tiny Song Birds

Unattended Child Policy

It is Library policy that all children under age 11 must be accompanied by a parent or designated responsible person while in the Library. Also, if the young child is attending a Library program, we require the parent or designated responsible person to remain in the Library throughout the program and meet the child upon completion of the program.

Three Sacred Heart seniors have papers published

BY GARY SIMEONE

It was a special day for three senior students at the Sacred Heart Academy as the girls learned they’d have their Regeneron STS papers published in peer-reviewed journals. The three girls Abigail Johnson, Emma Carotenuto and Llenia Graffagnino, had their papers accepted for publication in the Regeneron science research competition.

Stephen Sullivan, science research director at SHA, said that the three students submitted their papers in November and two girls were published in the Walt Whitman Journal of Psychology and one girl in the Curieux Academic Journal.

“I had nine students submit to the Regeneron academic scholarship program,” said Sullivan. “Seven of those nine students have submitted to scholarly journals. This was the students’ senior thesis, and for them to achieve what they did is beyond the thought of the high school level,” said Sullivan.

Abigail (Abby) Johnson said that her paper was focused on gender roles in the science Industry. Her research project was entitled “How Do Elementary Students View Gender in the Science Workforce?”

For her project, she interviewed 182 female participants in the elementary and middle school level.

“I spoke to girls in the Girls Gaining Steam Science club at St Anne’s and

girls in the sixth through eighth grade level,” said Johnson. “My findings were that the majority of girls were not interested in the science field compared to boys, and how that is a concerning trend going forward.”

She said she started working on her eighteen-page thesis in her junior year and after editing and rewriting was able to submit her final analysis this past November.

Carotenuto’s research project was entitled “The ‘Sunset Effect’ among Nursing Home and AtHome Patients in the Latinx Community.’”

She said that she began working on her project in November of last year putting together the citations and graphs for her statistical analysis.

“For a two-week span, I traveled to a nursing home facility in Washington Heights in Manhattan and At-Home care to interview the patients,” said Carotenuto. “I interviewed them at two different timeframes from 8–11 in the morning and 1:30 to 4 in the afternoon. My final results were that cognitive decline was greater in the afternoon especially among the older patients.”

She interviewed a total of thirty patients, fifteen nursing-home and fifteen at-home, and found that the cognitive decline was equal in both groups.

Graffagnino’s research project studied the impact of AI technology and critical-thinking skills in college age students. Her project was entitled “The Impact of AI Language Models on the

Critical Thinking Abilities of College Students.”

She said that she interviewed a total of 332 participants in colleges throughout the United States.

“I utilized the Amazon Mechanical Turk model online to do my research,” said Graffagnino. I found that the more students relied on AI, the less they used their critical thinking skills. The only factor that truly affected their criti-

cal thinking abilities was enhanced AI usage.”

The three students said they are looking forward to receiving printed versions of their editions in the peer-reviewed journals.

They are also interested to find out if they make the semifinal rounds of the Regeneron competition in late January of 2025.

Emma Carotenuto, Ilenia Graffagnino, and Abby Johnson

GCHS Boys Fencing team opens with strong start

The Garden City Boys Fencing team began the season with a strong start going 2-1 and winning their meets against Great Neck North and Oyster Bay.

The meet on December 2 had a home advantage against Great Neck North. The teams alternated winning bouts until Garden City flexed their skills and won seven bouts in a row, bringing the score to Garden City’s favor, a promising 9-4. Saber Colin Chan, épées Ronan Comerford and Keathan Ho and foil Captain Trey Plastaras all went 3-0. Saber captain Matteo Schettino contributed 2 wins and foil Henry Conlon and épée Justin Rivera one each. In only his first appearance on the competitive strip, junior saber Matthew IsobeRussell earned a win. Trey Plastaras won the 14th bout, sealing the deal for the Boys team and ending with a final score of 17-10.

On December 4, the team faced Great Neck South, who finished last season as County Champions. Despite suffering a loss, there were some notable wins. Matteo Schettino had two wins during a tough evening, and two more were added from Henry Conlon and captain Ronan Comerford. Trey Plastaras once again swept his bouts.

On December 18, the boys were home again for a meet against Oyster

Bay. Henry Conlon, Colin Chan, Trey Plastaras and Matteo Schettino all accomplished going 3-0 towards the win. Justin Rivera and Ronan Comerford each provided wins as well. Garden City had won 13 bouts in the third round versus Oyster Bay’s 10 when in one incredible moment, Miles Luk, a freshman foil, won the 14th bout winning the meet for Garden City. The evening ended 15-12 and was made more meaningful by former GCHS Fencing team members, who made the time to support the team during their winter break from college. Some of these young men have continued fencing through their college club teams, exemplifying how enriching the sport can be in high school and beyond.

For those unfamiliar with the high school format of fencing, each meet consists of three rounds of nine bouts, three for each weapon: saber, foil, and épée. The winner of each bout is the first to reach 5 touches or who has the most touches at the end of a 5 minute period.

A team point is awarded for every bout won and the team that wins 14 bouts first wins the meet. Fencing continues until all 27 bouts are fenced, culminating in a final score.

The team looks forward to its next meet at Manhasset during the break on January 3.

Not pictured: Brendan Kennedy and Keathan Ho.

Foil Henry Conlon in the first of his three wins.

Ronan Comerford, Keathan Ho, Colin Chan and Matteo Schettino with GC Fencing alums Stephen Cowie, Connor Davan, Eric Hartmann and Louis Rivera.

The Boys Fencing team before the Oyster Bay meet on 12/18: (left to right): Matthew Isobe-Russell, Matteo Schettino, Ronan Comerford, Justin Rivera, Trey Plastaras, Henry Conlon, Colin Chan, Tyler Orishimo, Miles Luk and Timothy O’Brien.

Sabers Colin Chan, Matthew Isobe-Russell and Matteo Schettino get ready at the strip.

Trojans wrestle well in final matches of year

The Garden City High School wrestling squad closed out their December schedule with dual meet wins over Seaford and Glen Cove, a strong showing at Cold Spring Harbor’s “Battle at the Harbor” team tournament, and finished with four boys competing for individual championships at the 61st annual Massapequa Holiday Tournament between Christmas and New Year’s Day. Overall, the team stands at 6-2 headed into the new year.

In the December 18 matchup with Seaford, the Vikings jumped out to a big lead early by winning the first four matches before freshman Nick Sampieri (131 lbs) pinned his Seaford foe to finally get the Trojans on the scoreboard. Garden City went on to win six of the next eight matches to emerge with a 35-23 victory. Later that same week GC traveled to Glen Cove and lost just two matches enroute to a big 63-12 win. Eight Trojans won by fall, starting off with freshman Ryan Bozelli (108 lbs), who pinned his opponent in just 36 seconds.

The squad then headed out to Cold Spring Harbor for a dual meet tournament and five head-to-head competitions. The boys won their first three matches over Cold Spring Harbor (40-28), Westbury (5124), and Freeport (36-25) before falling by just one point to Rocky Point (35-34) and then losing to a very talented MacArthur team (53-17) -- who had six wrestlers listed in the Long Island Wrestling Association’s (LIWA) Section 8 rankings. Congratulations to freshman Michael Polizotto (101 lbs) and junior Zach Olson (285 lbs) who both finished at 5-0 on the day. Polizotto was dominant with two wins by fall, two by technical fall, and one by forfeit. Olson had three falls, one forfeit, and an exciting 3-2 overtime win against Freeport.

Reached after the Cold Spring Harbor tournament, Coach Stephen Jones remarked, “I believe the team as a whole is getting better each day. We were off to a 6-0 start before losing a close dual meet to a tough Rocky Point team. The

season is a marathon and it’s important that our wrestlers peak at the right time -- at the qualifiers and County tournament in February. Our wrestlers have bought into the winning culture and will surprise Nassau County come playoff time. The best is yet to come for this group of young men.”

And in their final action of 2024, GC entered 14 wrestlers in the 61st annual Massapequa Holiday Tournament and nine reached the podium. Winning championships for the Trojans were junior Gabe Cohen (145 lbs) and junior Zach Olson (285 lbs). Cohen cruised through his bracket and won the title by a convincing 15-5 over his Baldwin opponent. Olson matched up against #2 LIWA ranked James Mulhern from Massapequa and won by an 8-4 score. Senior Nick Griffin (131 lbs) and junior Kyle Walsh (190 lbs) also reached the finals, however both fell by identical 7-1 scores. Other placers were Bozelli (3rd at 101 lbs), junior Anthony Pica (5th at 145 lbs), sophomore Matteo Ingrassia (3rd at 152 lbs), junior Angelo Cupani (4th at 160 lbs), and sophomore Luke Agrippina (5th at 215 lbs). As a team, GC finished 4th behind strong teams from Massepequa, Long Beach, and Monsignor Farrell.

The boys are back on the mats tonight (January 3) in an away match against Calhoun, who Garden City upset on the road last year, 36-33. From there, the varsity squad heads upstate to the Arm Bar Duals in Clifton Park, NY and will compete against teams from Christian Brothers Academy, Glens Falls, Monroe Woodbury, St. Anthony’s, and Shenendehowa.

Zach Olson remains undefeated and is among the top wrestlers on Long Island at 285 lbs.

Gabe Cohen works to secure the takedown in his championship match in the Massapequa Holiday Tournament.

Michael Polizotto in action versus a Westbury opponent at Cold Spring Harbor.

Anthony Pica (left) and Nick Griffin at the opening coin flip for the matchup with Freeport at Cold Spring Harbor.

Angelo Cupani hand fights with his Massepequa opponent.

GCHS Boys Fencing team opens with strong start

Continued from page 29

Matteo Schettino in the first win of the night.

Miles Luk wins the meet for Garden City.

Épée Keathan Ho at Great Neck South.

Colin Chan evens the score 5-5.

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