The Garden City News (1/17/25)

S WIMMING TO V ICTORY

The Garden City Varsity Boys Swimming & Diving team secured another victory in the 2024/2025 season by outperforming North Shore High School at Hofstra University. See page 44

GCHS students make presentations at EAB’s Sustainability Night

BY RIKKI MASSAND

On Wednesday, January 15th, four students from Garden City High School presented at Village Hall during the annual Sustainability Roundtable. The event was attended by teens, adults, three Village trustees, members of the all-volunteer Environmental Advisory Board (EAB), longtime residents, and several middle school students.

Roisin Pfaff, a senior at GCHS and this year’s EAB student liaison, delivered a presentation summarizing the Village’s sustainability initiatives. She highlighted the pesticide-free fields treatment program, which began in 2016 under the guidance of EAB member Dr. Kelly Smith.

“During COVID Garden City (the municipality) ramped

up its use of organic fertilizers on fields – primarily St. Paul’s. The village maintenance instituted the Cornell field management method free of pesticides including the use of high-quality organic materials, in consultation with Cornell Cooperative Extension,” Pfaff said. She also noted that Adelphi University, pesticide-free for over 20 years, has advised the Village’s

See page 24

LibraryBoard considersfuture capitalprojects

BY RIKKI MASSAND

The Garden City Public Library (GCPL) Board of Trustees held a public work session on budget development and upcoming projects for the 2025-2026 fiscal year during its meeting on Monday, January 13. The Board, now chaired by Colleen Foley, former Village of Garden City Trustee and former Garden City School Board president, reviewed expenses and capital project plans. Library Director Marianne Malagon led the budget review and the meeting also featured discussions with Village Secretary to the Board of Trustees, Courtney Rutt Rosenblatt.

The Board discussed the project to renovate the library’s lower level – what Director Malagon calls a “merge” between the two meeting rooms’ (one small and one large) project and the conference/computer room project budget lines.

The library’s drop ceiling and interior painting project came about after a discussion the director had with Garden City Superintendent of Building Giuseppe Giovanniello and Superintendent of Public Works John Borroni. Different locations inside the Garden City Public Library had different and at times contrasting styles of ceilings and varying tiles.

Malagon shared a rough estimate of the drop ceiling and painting project for all three levels of the library, which is expected to cost about $1,040,000.

“During a different project walkthrough with several department heads Mr. Giovanniello and Mr. Borroni recommended that we look into having the ceilings replaced and painted. A lot of our ceilings are not in that great of condition, and with the different styles it makes for a mismatched appearance. Some of the paint, especially the harder to reach areas like the skylight and mezzanine, are really in rough shape,” she said.

The Library’s first floor and upper floor ceiling and painting, not including the freshly renovated Children’s section, would be entirely separate from the Lower Level as budgeted capital projects. The GCPL Board resolved to hold off for the 2025-2026 capital budget of the Lower Level and Malagon said it could be for 2027-2028 or one year later. She was pleased to have the numbers (estimates) available for the Library Board to discuss the funding

See page 22

St. Paul’s Survey

The long awaited St. Paul’s survey was posted on the village’s website just before our deadline this week, in preparation for the village Board of Trustees meeting on Thursday night. At this juncture we haven’t heard all of the reasoning behind the questions in the survey, so these are our initial thoughts on it.

We were very surprised to see that “mothballing” the structure is back under consideration. Mothballing has been done over the last thirty years, to a greater or lesser extent. At times, different boards have spent money on keeping the elements at bay by patching and repairing things as they decayed. Over the decades, boards have addressed storm damage, and just the basic “dem-

olition by nature” as sun, rain and wind do their things.

After all this time we had hoped that this board would finally make a decision, yes or no, to either restoring the building or demolishing it. Mothballing just kicks the can down the road, yet again, so some future Board can take up the issue.

We have to say - if there are some sensible benefits to mothballing that are articulated at this week’s Board of Trustee meeting, we will be back in this space next week to explain them, and rethink our opposition to mothballing. But on the face of it, this seems like the worst of the choices.

Just make a decision.

Remaking heart of village

To the Editor:

Like the young boy, our wonderful mayor said the emperor had no clothes. And the chamberlains rose up and said, you don’t know what everyone else knows. The purpose is not to hold fundraisers or galas to save the crumbling school. Instead, it will remake the entire 50 acres and, for that, it is a tool. It does not work in the weeds holding bake sales in the chill and rain. Rather, it stands ready to remake the green heart of the village, as long as the chamberlains continue to hold up the train.

Charles P. Kelly

The St. Paul’s Survey

To the Editor:

The process for developing the St. Paul’s building survey has been long and difficult. We hired BCI Consultants to guide us through a process that we hoped would lead us to sending out a comprehensive survey that would be fair and unbiased. A survey that would give our residents a number of options to choose from on the St. Paul’s build-

ing.

The initial survey was presented to us by BCI June of 2024. The survey consisted of a number of options on the building. Adaptive Reuse of the building, Partial Reuse saving parts of the building, Facadism saving the front part of the Building, and Demolition taking the building down. The initial survey was not accepted by 6 members of the Board and so changes began to be made by them. Demolition was eventually taken off and then the word Facadism was taken out but the description was left in. There were various smaller changes made over the course of this St. Paul’s building survey saga. BCI has done 12 or 13 of them for us. The St. Paul’s Alliance Trustees have done another 12.

During the time of the survey reviews as various concoctions were rejected Mayor Flanagan began to get frustrated. One such time was her November15th Mayors column in the GC News when she voiced her disappointment over the continuing rejection of the surveys and

See page 26

Final call for comments: Casino DEIS

BY RICH CATALANO AND MONICA KIELY, SAY NO TO THE CASINO

The deadline for submission of comments to Nassau County on the Draft Environmental Impact Study or DEIS is this Tuesday, January 21st at 5PM. The DEIS summarizes the many harmful environmental, social and economic impacts of the proposed casino.

To assist you in drafting an email, we have made available example comments at this link: https://www.nocasinonassau.org/post/example-letter-on-deis

Copy and paste these comments into an email addressed to sandscomments@ nassaucountyny.gov . Then proceed to customize your email for the issues most important to you and your family.

We also recommend you cc or copy this email to all of the County Legislators, our County Executive, Town of Hempstead council members, other key officials and the Say NO to the Casino Civic Association. Use the following link to copy and paste the email addresses into the cc line of your

See page 26

GCHS senior named Regeneron Talent Search Semifinalist

Garden City High School student Amy Xiao. Photo courtesy of the Garden City School District

Garden City High School student Amy Xiao has been named a 2025 Regeneron Science Talent Search Scholar semifinalist for her project,

“Exploring Citrin as a Therapeutic Target for Cancer Treatment Through a Clinical, Pharmacologic and Metabolic Lens.” She was selected as one of 300 students from nearly 2,500 applicants from almost 800 high schools across 48 states, American Samoa, Guam, Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico and 14 other countries. Amy and Garden City High School will each be awarded $2,000 to celebrate Amy’s hard work and scientific discoveries.

Amy’s project focused on Citrin, which is well known within the context of its genetic disease. Amy instead analyzed its effects when looking at cancer cells, which can rewire their metabolisms to support uncontrolled growth. Amy explored how Citrin’s function can impact patient outcome, be blocked and affect cancer cell metabolism.

Amy began her project at home by analyzing publicly available cancer patient data and Citrin mutations through AI-based structural modeling and discovered loss of Citrin function to correlate with better patient outcome.

She became interested in finding molecules, specifically on-the-market drugs, capable of blocking Citrin function, so she performed a large-scale virtual docking of FDA-approved drugs to her Citrin model.

Throughout last summer, Amy continued her research in the lab, using CRISPR to “cut” Citrin’s gene out of colon cancer cells and examine the metabolic impacts of Citrin targeting. Metabolite level measuring via Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry revealed Citrin targeting to impact multiple metabolic pathways and likely deplete these cells of cytosolic aspartate—an essential nutrient for cancer cells—which is especially important because targeting aspartate availability is a prominent interest in the current cancer metabolism field.

“I am forever grateful to my AP Chemistry teacher, Dr. Foley, for her support. Dr. Foley was kind enough to meet with me during my lunch periods to discuss my progress and provided me with valuable resources, articles

and encouragement. Dr. Foley helped me gain access to Stony Brook’s High Performance Computing Cluster which I used for the large-scale virtual docking,” Amy said. “I am also grateful to Dr. Gordon for his support for paperwork and deadlines; Dr. Andrew Intlekofer for letting me explore my passion project in his lab; and for Dr. Jinsung Park, my lab mentor, for his patience and guidance.”

“I am so proud of Amy, who is a uniquely talented and creative thinker,” said Dr. Steve Gordon, Amy’s science research teacher. “Her project combines her deep understanding of coding, AI protein structure prediction, and the biological processes underlying metabolic pathways in cancer to chart a path to new cancer treatments.”

On Jan. 23, 40 of the 300 semifinalists will be named Regeneron STS finalists, who will then compete for more than $1.8 million in awards during a weeklong competition in Washington, D.C., taking place March 6–12, 2025. Enter our “World’s Most Beautiful Grandchildren” contest! Just send in your grandchildren’s photos and a brief description of the child (or children) along with your name and address to editor@gcnews.com

Home Happens Here

Feautured Home

84 Third Street

Life with Luxury, Indulgence, and Convenience!

Step into timeless elegance in this extraordinary Colonial manor nestled on a pristine three-quarteracre lot in the heart of Garden City. This sevenbedroom, five-and-a-half-bathroom masterpiece blends classic sophistication with modern luxury.

The home’s grand entrance welcomes you with a two-story foyer and a sweeping staircase, leading to sunlit living spaces adorned with five fireplaces, intricate crown molding, and gleaming hardwood and marble floors. A 2023 gourmet kitchen, complete with high-end appliances and an oversized island, connects seamlessly to the airy family room, creating the perfect space for entertaining or relaxing.

Retreat to the luxurious primary suite, featuring a private office, spa-like en suite, and ample space for serenity. The home’s additional bedrooms, spacious third floor, and a library make it as functional as it is beautiful.

Outside, indulge in the resort-like setting with a sparkling pool, spa, expansive patio, and a fully equipped pool house with a gym, kitchen, and more. All this is just moments from the LIRR, vibrant shops, dining, and top-rated Garden City School District. $4,299,000

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

Sean R. McCoyd Jayne McGratty Armstrong

Roseanne McMahon Barbara Moore

Patricia O'Grady

Julie O’Neill Rita Paiewonsky Louisa Pironi Jill Palmeri

Tony Leondis

Bill Eckel

Sharon Redmond

Anny Ko

Theanne Ricci Laura Rich Elise Ronzetti John H Russo Angela Linda Simbus

Two Sacred Heart seniors named Regeneron Semifinalists

Sacred Heart Academy has announced that seniors Emma Carotenuto of Floral Park and Erica Revill of Garden City have been named semifinalists in the 2025 Regeneron Science Talent Search competition. This remarkable achievement for Long Island Catholic Schools was announced January 8, 2025. Sacred Heart Academy is the only private school in Nassau or Suffolk that can boast a 2025 Scholar (a.k.a, semifinalist).

Emma Carotenuto ‘25 & Erica Revill ‘25 become the third & fourth

SHA Students Honored by Regeneron Science Talent Search.

Erica’s paper was titled, “If Negative Coping Hurts, Why Doesn’t Positive Coping Help?: Caregiver Burden, Coping Strategies, and State-Trait Anxiety among those Responsible for Individuals with Developmental Disabilities”

Erica said, “I am beyond excited, and so very grateful to have been named a semi-finalist in the 2025 Regeneron STS competition. Whether or not I advance to the finalist or winner stage, I’ve

CHUCK METZGER

• Experienced fitness professional with 25 years in the industry

• Specializing in strength, agility, and stretching exercises

• ITPA certified tennis fitness trainer

• TPI golf-specific training and screening

• Working with all ages

• Train at home or preferred gym (516) 578-1159

683 Nightingale Rd., West Hempstead Open House Saturday, Jan. 18th & Sunday, Jan. 19th 12-2pm Offered at $999,000

Stunning 5-Bedroom New Construction Colonial on Expansive Private Lot – Your Dream Home Awaits!

• 10, 212 sq. Ft. fenced in lot on private cul-de-sac

• Gorgeous white custom kitchen with quartz countertops, marble backsplash, stainless steel appliances and peninsula w/seating open to dining room

• Large living room with sliding doors to patio and yard

• 5 brs - 1 first floor bedroom/office and 4 oversized bedrooms on 2nd floor

• 3 full, beautifully appointed bathrooms with marble & porcelain finishes

• Gas heat / central AC - 2 zones each

• Tasteful moldings, hardwood & porcelain floors

• Complete Package: Tasteful hardscape & landscaping for a flawless outdoor oasis

Nancy Giannone

Licensed RE Salesperson, CBR Mobile: 516.865.2448 ngiannone@coachrealtors.com

already won by being Dr. Sullivan’s student. His mentorship and support have been invaluable in guiding my research. He consistently goes above and beyond to teach and assist me. I’ve also won by having the encouragement of the Sacred Heart community behind me. Dr. Feinman and the other research girls have pushed me to be my best, and without them, I wouldn’t be where I am today. Additionally, I deeply appreciate my time volunteering with the special needs community at Camp ANCHOR and OLV Parish—two organizations that provided unusual access to caregiver participants for my study. I am proud that my research on the well-being of caregivers of individuals with developmental disabilities is contributing to important conversations in this area. I hope that this project sparks discussions and additional research around how we can better support caregivers, explore adaptive coping strategies, and ultimately reduce caregiver burden and anxiety. By doing so, we can positively impact both these caregivers and care receivers, fostering positive lives for everyone involved.”

Sacred Heart Academy students Erica Revill of Garden City and Emma Carotenuto of Floral Park were named semifinalists in the 2025 Regeneron Science Talent Search competition.

Coach Realtors offers free “Right Sizing” seminar

Are you a homeowner who is ready to “right size” your life in 2025?  Perhaps your home requires too much upkeep, you’ve accumulated too many possessions over the years, and you dream of a fresh start, but don’t know where to begin.  On Saturday, January 25, agents from the Garden City office of Howard Hanna | Coach Realtors will host a free downsizing seminar, “Right Size Your Life: Simplify, Sell and Start Fresh” from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Garden City Senior Center on Golf Club Lane.  This community event is open to the public and will include continental breakfast, fabulous giveaways, and exciting raffle prizes.

At this informative seminar, Howard Hanna | Coach agents and invited professionals will share valuable tips and strategies to make your downsizing transition smooth and successful.  We’ll cover the main questions that homeowners face when thinking about downsizing.  For example, “Where am I going?”  Would you prefer a co-op or condo, a smaller home, a retirement community, or maybe even a new place out-of-state?  We will explain the costs and benefits of each option.  Also, “What do I need to do to sell?”  Experts will walk you through decluttering and stag-

ing your home, as well as gathering and organizing the documents you will need to sell your property.  Speakers will include a tax attorney from Schroder & Strom, LLP and estate attorney Robert M. D’Angelillo, Esq. of Futterman Lanza, LLP.  Real estate attorney Amanda R. Castellanos, Esq. will discuss the closing process, and home stager Dawn Turck of My Refreshed Room will offer pointers on staging your home to sell.  After the information session, participants may stick around to speak one-on-one with representatives from 1st Priority Mortgage, Inc.; Kalfur Brothers, Inc. Moving and Storage; The Andy Foundation; and a handyman from Safe Harbor Inspections, Inc.  As you embark on your downsizing journey, your final question may be: “Who will guide me to a fresh start?”  Let our team of experienced Howard Hanna | Coach Realtors agents provide information and advice to help you navigate this exciting next chapter in your life.

To register for this free community event, please call the Howard Hanna | Coach Realtors office at (516) 746-5511.  All pre-registered guests will receive a free gift.  Walk-ins are also welcome.

Join us for an informative seminar on Downsizing your home and learn valuable tips and strategies to make your transition smooth and successful.

Presented by: The Garden City Howard Hanna | Coach Realtors Team January 25, 2025, 10am - 12pm

Garden City Senior Center - 6 Golf Club Lane, Garden City Complimentary Continental Breakfast & Raffle Giveaways

What We’ll Cover:

Where are you going? Co-op, condo, smaller home, rental, 55+ community, or out-of-state. What do you need to do to sell? Declutter, organize, gather documents. Who will guide you to a fresh start? Our team of experts at Howard Hanna | Coach Realtors will lead the way.

All pre-registered guests will receive a give away. Walk-ins welcome.

POAs announce candidates for Village Board of Trustees

SUBMITTED BY THE GARDEN CITY PROPERTY OWNERS’ ASSOCIATIONS

The Garden City Property Owners Associations are proud to announce the Community Agreement Party (CAP) nominees for Village Mayor and Trustees: Ed Finneran - Mayor, Michele Beach Harrington, Rich Catalano

and Yvonne Varano. We welcome all Garden City residents to attend a special joint POA meeting to meet the four candidates on Tuesday, January 21, at 7:30 p.m. at the Garden City Senior Center

Ed Finneran

Ed is currently serving as a Trustee

and is running for Mayor. He has lived in the Village for over 38yrs, is married to Mary Cullen Finneran (GCHS ’75) and together they raised four boys in town. His many years of community involvement range from his current position on the Board to 20+ years in the POA’s, dedicated service on Village wide committees and continual focus on addressing issues important to his neighbors. He is a strong listener and consensus builder with valuable experience and possesses a strong work ethic. This term he is serving as Chairman of the Traffic Commission and is a member of the BOT’s Legal Committee. Amongst many other issues, he is an ardent and active opponent of the LV Sands proposal to build a massive casino complex at the Nassau Coliseum. During his career he practiced law for 11+ years before moving to the finance industry where he worked for 25+ years. Ed has had one guiding principal during his service on the BOT…“always doing what’s right by the residents of Garden City”… and that rock solid philosophy will continue unabated if he is elected this coming March.

Michele Beach Harrington

Michele is a lifelong resident of Garden City and she is currently serving as a Trustee for the Village. Michele serves as Chair of the Finance committee, Co-Chair of the Environmental Advisory Board and she is a member of the Traffic Committee. Prior to being elected as a Trustee, Michele served as President of the Estates Property Owners Association for 2 years. She has been an active Director of Estates for over 20 years. Since 2021, Michele has worked diligently to support our community and its associations such as the POAs. Michele has worked from a platform of transparency and being present for the residents; keeping our government in front of our residents at multi-

ple levels and has made it easier for residents to know what is going on within the Village! Prior to becoming Trustee, Michele was a Managing Director at Merrill Lynch in Fixed Income Sales & Trading where she worked for over 30 years. She is currently an Executive Director of Alumni & Employer Engagement at Long Island University in Greenvale. Over the years, Michele has been involved in many organizations within the Village. She is very proud of our Village, its residents and looks forward to keeping Garden City one of the best places to live for people of all ages.

Rich Catalano

Rich is a CPA and currently serves as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of CVD Equipment Corporation. Prior to this role, he was an audit partner at KPMG, until he retired in 2020 after working at the firm for 38 years. Rich currently serves as Co-President and Director of the Estates Property Owners’ Association. He is a leader of the Say NO to the Casino Civic Association, a grassroots organization of residents dedicated to preventing a casino at the site of the Nassau Coliseum. Rich currently serves on the Board of Directors of Farmingdale College Foundation. Rich and his wife, Mary, have lived in Garden City since 1996 and have raised their three sons here. Rich looks forward to bringing this financial expertise to the review of the annual budget as well the financial aspects of any plan for St. Paul’s. He will continue the fight against the casino and is proud that the Board of Trustees of Garden City has led opposition efforts since day one.

Yvonne Varano

Yvonne has a long record of volunteering in Garden City for organizations including the CPOA, the Garden

Rich Catalano

Michele Beach Harrington

Ed Finneran

Yvonne Varano

POAs announce candidates for Village Board of Trustees

City PTA, Centennials, GCAA, St. Joseph’s church and the Girl Scouts. Her professional background is in finance having retired as a Managing Director from a major financial services firm. Ms. Varano is currently serving as an alternate on the Village Planning Commission. Having served on the Citizens Budget Review and Advisory Committee (CBRAC), Yvonne has a solid understanding of the village financials. Additionally, she has held numerous leadership positions in the PTA including President and Vice President of Budget. Yvonne also sits on St. Joseph’s Church parish council and has been a lector at the parish for over 20 years. Yvonne will listen to and

represent all residents of the village and approach all decisions with the same meticulous research and analytical skills that have been the hallmark throughout her career. Mrs. Varano is a life-long resident of Garden City and she and her husband have raised their three children in the Village.

Ed, Michele, Rich and Yvonne will appear as Community Agreement Party candidates on the ballot for Village election on Tuesday, March 18, 2025. Additional information on each candidate will appear in future editions of the Garden City News. Residents will also have the opportunity to learn more about Ed, Michele, Rich and Yvonne and meet them at upcoming events.

POAs to host family magician event

The Property Owners Associations invite Garden City families to attend a magician event on Sunday, January 26. This event is designed for children of all ages and to promote community engagement.

Mr. Magico will be performing an interactive and surprising magic show, filled with laughter and amazement for the kids. As the Property Owners Associations are sponsoring this event, we encourage you to renew your annual membership or sign up to become a new

member, to help support our community events.

Please see the event details:

When: Sunday January 26, at 2:00 p.m.

Where: Cluett Hall – 295 Stewart Avenue

Magician: Mr. Magico

Cost: Free (Sponsored jointly by the GC Property Owner Associations)

If you have any questions please contact Steve Costello at scmc66@yahoo. com.

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.

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

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

24 Merillon Ave.

Date: 01/13/2025

Sold price: $1,525,000

4 bedrooms, 1 full baths, 1 half bath

Architectural Style: Colonial

Property size: .15 acres

Annual taxes: $17,981

MLS number: L3588016

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

The Buyer’s Team: Lisa Gelman, Douglas Elliman Real Estate

$1600 tax grievance approved for 25/26. LOW TAXES. This fully renovated estate offers a seamless blend of luxury and modern living. The open-concept layout boasts a stunning kitchen equipped with quartz countertops, white inset cabinetry, and a professional-grade Wolf stove, perfect for both everyday cooking and entertaining. The spacious living room, complete with a cozy fireplace, flows effortlessly into the dining area, while the first-floor mudroom and laundry feature radiant heated floors for added comfort. Upstairs, you’ll find four generously-sized bedrooms with a fully updated bathroom and custom closet systems. The meticulously landscaped outdoor space includes a fully hedged, turf yard with a putting green and ample storage options, ideal for outdoor living and entertainment. This home is move-in ready, offering a rare combination of elegance and practicality. Nearby to Merillon Avenue Express train to NYC 30 Min as well as High School and Recreation fields at Saint Pauls.

18 Kensington Road

Date: 01/10/2025

Sold price: $1,300,000

3 bedrooms, 3 full baths

Architectural Style: Tudor

Property size: .14 acres

Annual taxes: $17,249

MLS number: L3581020

The Seller’s Stephen and Laura Baymack, Compass Greater NY

The Buyer’s Team: Adrienne McDougal, Compass Greater NY

Perfectly situated on a quiet tree lined street in the Estates Section of Garden City, this beautiful Tudor style home enjoys a bright open interior setting. The home features a spacious entrance foyer, a living room with a fireplace, an elegant formal dining room, and a gourmet kitchen with custom cabinetry, stainless steel appliances, granite countertops and a large breakfast nook. A sun-drenched den or home office and a full bathroom with radiant heat and a steam shower complete this level. The second floor boasts a primary bedroom suite and two additional nicely sized bedrooms that are serviced by a full hall bathroom. The third-floor walkup offers a generously sized bonus room and a large storage closet. The basement provides a recreation room, a pub room, and a laundry and storage room. The private backyard patio is an ideal setting for entertaining. The home is proximate to the Garden City pool, shopping, restaurants, and the Long Island Railroad station. The location, low taxes, and overall condition make this a truly exceptional value and the perfect place to call home!

74 Meadow Street

Date: 01/09/2025

Sold price: $1,155,000

4 bedrooms, 2 full baths, 1 half bath

Architectural Style: Tudor

Property size:.17 acre

Annual taxes: $19,251

MLS number: L3540049

The Seller’s Team: Stephen and Laura Baymack, Compass Greater NY

The Buyer’s Team: Joseph Donohue, HomeSmart Premier Living Realty

Welcome to your dream home in the charming Eastern section of Garden City! This stunning Tudor offers generous living and entertaining space, featuring a cozy living room with a fireplace that flows into a delightful dining area and a sun-drenched den or office. The large eat-in kitchen is filled with natural light, perfect for family gatherings, along with a convenient powder room. Upstairs, you’ll find a serene primary bedroom, two additional spacious bedrooms, and an updated full hall bathroom. The third floor adds an extra bedroom, while the finished basement offers a recreation room and a second full bathroom. Set on an oversized lot, the generously sized, fully fenced backyard is perfect for outdoor fun. Recent updates include Wallcoat exterior, Azek trim, and more, while elegant moldings and hardwood floors enhance the interior. Conveniently located near parks, shopping, restaurants, and the Country Life Press LIRR station, this enchanting Tudor is a perfect blend of comfort, style, and accessibility. Don’t miss your chance to call it your forever home!

This informational page is sponsored by Douglas Elliman Real Estate

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

Long Island Choral Society to host auditions for singers

The Long Island Choral Society under the Direction of Michael C. Haigler will be holding auditions for new members for the final concert of their 96th Season.  The Berlioz Requiem is a piece known for its power and beauty which will offer a rare musical performance opportunity while bringing the Choral Society’s 24–25 concert season to an exciting close.  Auditions are by appointment only and will be held on five Mondays starting on January 13 and continuing January 20, 27, as well as on February 3 and 10.  Auditions will take place at the Garden City

Community Church at 245 Stewart Ave in Garden City.  Interested parties can schedule an audition by calling (516) 652-6878 or via e-mail at audition.info@lics.org.  If you love to sing please consider auditioning to be part of this treasured Long Island tradition.

The Long Island Choral Society is celebrating 96 years of bringing wonderful Music to the people of Long Island.  They are the longest continuously performing arts organization on Long Island. For additional information about the Long Island Choral Society visit at www.lics.org.

12 Steps for Contemplatives with the Community

Members

We bring a unique perspective to the table, blending traditional values with modern expertise. Whether you’re a first-time buyer or a seasoned investor, we are dedicated to providing personalized service tailored to your needs. When you choose our Mother/Son team, you gain a partner who truly understands the importance of long-term success and building a legacy for generations to come.

Community of the Incarnation.

BY KRIS VIEIRA, CATHEDRAL OF THE

INCARNATION

Join us on Wednesdays beginning January 22, 2025, from 6:30 – to 7:30 p.m. for individual practices and step work combined with community connection that will take place over the course of five months. This online series will be co-facilitated by community members with a long history of practice in the 12 steps, both in recovery spaces and in the new monastic community.

Register for the Zoom link on our website, Spiritualimagination.org/ events. We offer all of our programs by donation only, thanks to the generous support of our donors. The

suggested donation is $20 per live session ($240 for the series.) You are welcome to set up a recurring payment or make a one-time donation. If you can’t give, please attend just the same! We need your presence more than we need your money.

Introduction and info session: Wednesday, January 22, 6:30 p.m.–7:30 p.m. ET

“I believe the Twelve-Step programs are a movement of the Spirit in our time. In creating Alcoholics Anonymous in 1935, Bill Wilson and Dr. Bob Smith, with typical American pragmatism, designed a truly practical program that really worked to change lives.” - Fr. Richard Rohr

Sanitation collections

for holiday week

Residents are reminded that there will be no garbage pickup on Martin Luther King Day, Monday, January 20.

The holiday week collection schedule will be as follows:

Western half of the village (west of Rockaway Avenue): Garbage - Tuesday and Thursday; Rubbish - Wednesday, January 29 Eastern half of the village (east of Rockaway Avenue): Garbage - Wednesday and Friday; Rubbish - Wednesday, January 29

Residents scheduled for recycling on Monday, January 20, are asked to put their recyclables out on Martin Luther King, Jr. Day.

of the

THE HANCE FAMILY FOUNDATION PRESENTS ITS FIRST ANNUAL

Empower Her Brunch

Sunday, February 2, 2025 | 12-3 PM

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

Tickets $150 | Sponsorships Available!

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

Celebrating CONFIDENCE - EMPOWERMENT - RESILIENCE - SISTERHOOD

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

CHAIRED BY EXECUTIVE BOARD MEMBER KATHRYN ZEPPIERI

GCHS students participate in disability awareness activities

On Dec. 18, Garden City High School students visited the library to participate in activities centered around disability awareness. Students signed a pledge by writing how they can commit to being more inclusive to students of all abilities and learned about augmentative and alternative communication devices by using one firsthand. These important devices allow those who are nonverbal or have limited speech to communicate, and students at the event created smaller versions of AACs on paper filled with words they use in their everyday lives.

Students then used a VR headset to view the National Autistic Society’s video “Can you make it to the end,” which takes the user through the sensory overload experience of a boy with autism at a crowded mall. Information was also available about the challenges of reading for a person with dyslexia.

Through these hands-on activities, students deepened their knowledge of experiences of individuals with disabilities and learned how they can contribute to creating a more inclusive community.

Garden City High School students made their own augmentative and alternative communication devices.

Garden City High School students signed the Commitment to Inclusion poster.

Garden City High School students learned about how augmentative and alternative communication devices worked.

Photos courtesy of the Garden City School District

GCHS students make cards for hospitalized kids

Garden City High School students spread holiday cheer by creating and sending cards for hospitalized children across the country through the nonprofit organization, Cards for Hospitalized Kids. A station in the library was created for students to visit and make these cards during the school day, and students used this area to write heartfelt messages and draw pictures on handmade cards for children in hospitals during this holiday season.

Clubs and world language classes throughout the building participated in this initiative, ensuring that hospitalized children received cards for the holidays in their native language. These classes also take part in this activity during other holidays such as Halloween, Thanksgiving and Valentine’s Day, spreading joy yearround to children across the country.

Garden City’s participation in the Cards for Hospitalized Kids initiative was led by school librarian Margaux Calemmo, who sent the cards to the organization in the middle of December, ensuring they arrived before the holiday season.

Garden City students positively impacted the lives of children nationwide through their acts of kindness during the holiday season.

Students in the Spanish Honor Society and Spanish Club created cards for hospitalized kids with their club adviser, world language teacher Antonietta Gutierrez.

Photo courtesy of the Garden City School District

Old World Quality Corp.

mcarterflanagan@gardencityny.net

Some may wonder how it is that after I have put so much time and effort into moving our Village towards identifying a St Paul’s project that can be executed I will not vote for the current survey.

Simply stated, the new survey as drafted by six trustees is a far cry from the professional survey recommended by the consultants and will not help us to learn what project at St. Paul’s would have the most community support. We hired a great consultant with a track record of success, but rejecting their advice and approving this seriously flawed survey we are taking away their ability to gather the data needed to identify the project that would have the most community support and could be executed. We had a chance to reach the end of the toxic debate over the St. Paul’s building that has caused serious harm to the Village, something I think our community needs desperately.

With the final version of the survey, I feel we as a Village have once again gone off course with regard to being solutions-oriented about the St Paul’s Main Building. This is not a personal attack on anyone serving on the Board of Trustees, and I hope none of them take it that way. As your Mayor I feel strongly that I need to deliver this message to the community, and I will continue to speak with candor even when it may be difficult.

Residents should ask themselves why their elected officials would find it objectionable to professionally survey the residents they represent to learn what type of project most residents would support and how much they would be willing to pay? What could possibly be wrong with putting out a true survey that is unbiased?

If Trustee Muldoon’s preservation project is the plan most supported by the community, we would have learned that through the unbiased survey. Faced with an opportunity to gather reliable data on this difficult topic for the first time since we purchased the building in 1993, the majority of the Board have chosen instead to put out this biased survey with only the options they will accept, and the Village will not get any new direction on the type of project residents would support.

serving the community. Many great things have been happening in Village government during the last three and a half years and I urge the others on the BOT to not allow St. Paul’s to be a distraction from what matters most - focusing on quality of life issues and remembering what drew residents to choose our beautiful Village as their home.

DEIS Comment Period

Deadline January 21st

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) has a website [https://www. nocasinonassau.org] with extensive information about the negative impacts of a potential Casino in Nassau County, and they have a link [sandscomments@nassaucountyny. gov] to help residents submit their environmental comments. Now is your opportunity to submit comments regarding the draft environmental impact statement to sandscomments@nassaucountyny. gov. Don’t delay! The deadline for DEIS comments is January 21. 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.

Keep Fire Hydrants Clear

I’d like to share a reminder from the Garden City Fire Department regarding the importance of keeping fire hydrants clear during the winter months: Many hydrants near homes and businesses get buried under a snow pile in winter months. Clearing a three-foot area around the hydrant in your yard or your neighbor’s yard could be life saving. The few minutes it takes to do this could truly make the difference between life and death. Please join the Garden City Volunteer Firefighters in encouraging your friends and neighbors to “adopt a fire hydrant” near their home. There are about 1000 fire hydrants in Garden City!

Sanitation Collection - Martin Luther King, Jr. Day

During the last months of my term, I plan to focus on completing some of the other initiatives I have been working on during my time

Residents are reminded that there will be no garbage pickup on Monday, January 20, 2025. The hol-

See page 36

Mayor Mary Carter Flanagan

Bus accident

On January 8, officers responded to Chestnut Street, where a bus struck the train overpass. The driver was charged with disregarding bridge clearance signs. No injuries were reported.

Gas odor on 7th Street

On January 8, GCFD and GCPD were called to 7th Street due to reports of a natural gas odor. Firefighters investigated the area and deemed it safe.

Suspended license

A motorist on Washington Avenue was charged with driving with a suspended license and registration on January 8.

Railroad gate malfunction

Garden City Police responded to a railroad gate malfunction on Nassau Boulevard on January 8.

Cooking smoke fire alarm

On January 8, GCFD and GCPD were called to a residence after a fire alarm was activated by cooking smoke.

Traffic violations on Stewart Ave

On January 8, a Stewart Avenue motorist was charged with driving with a suspended registration and excessive speed.

Search for suspects

Garden City Police assisted Nassau County Police on January 8 in the vicinity of Cambridge Avenue and the Cherry Valley Country Club to search for two subjects wanted for grand larceny and allegedly ramming a police vehicle in Franklin Square.

Stolen vehicle recovered

On January 9, a vehicle was reported stolen from a Hathaway Drive driveway. Garden City Detectives recovered the auto in Suffolk County. Additional items were also reported stolen from another vehicle in the driveway.

Sparking power lines

Firefighters responded to Kilburn Road on January 9 to investigate sparking power lines.

Speeding charges

On January 9, two Clinton Road motorists were charged with unlicensed operation and excessive speed.

Unsafe U-turn

A Courthouse Road motorist was charged on January 9 with unlicensed operation and making an unsafe U-turn.

Multiple fire alarms

On January 9, GCFD and GCPD

responded to fire alarms activated by a faulty battery, a malfunction, and a report of a natural gas leak on 7th Street.

Overweight truck charge

On January 9, a Rockaway Avenue truck operator was charged with driving an over weight vehicle.

Burst water line

Garden City Police assisted firefighters on January 9 at a residence with a burst water line. The home was rendered safe.

Erroneous medical alert

On January 9, officers responded to a medical alert alarm at a residence. It was determined to have been set in error.

Multiple fire alarms

On January 10, GCFD and GCPD responded to various fire alarms, including those caused by burnt food, construction workers, and errors.

Traffic offenses on Stewart Ave.

Three Stewart Avenue motorists were charged on January 10 with driving with suspended licenses and registrations.

Village Court scofflaw

On January 10, officers impounded a vehicle deemed a Village Court scofflaw due to unpaid parking tickets at Parking Field 12.

Suspicious persons

Officers investigated suspicious persons knocking on doors on Sandy Court on January 10. After investigation, all appeared to be in order.

Smoke condition resolved

On January 11, GCFD and GCPD responded to a residence for a smoke condition, which was determined to be boiler steam emanating from a chimney.

Traffic violations

A Clinton Road motorist was charged on January 11 with driving with a suspended registration and operating an unregistered vehicle.

Electrical issue on 7th Street

On January 11, firefighters determined smoke coming from the sidewalk on 7th Street was caused by an underground electrical issue. PSEG was notified and responded.

Suspended registrations

Two Stewart Avenue motorists

were charged on January 11 with driving with suspended registrations and additional violations.

Fire alarm at Adelphi

GCFD and GCPD responded to Adelphi University on January 11 for a fire alarm caused by a water line issue.

Water main break

On January 12, an officer discovered a large water main break on Franklin Avenue. The Water Department was notified and responded to repair the water main. Due to icy conditions caused by the leak, Nassau County DPW responded and salted the roadway.

Medical facility fire alarm

GCFD and GCPD responded to a medical facility on January 12 for a fire alarm activated by a water line leak.

Excessive speed

A Clinton Road motorist was charged on January 12 with unlicensed operation and excessive speed.

CO alarm investigation

On January 12, GCFD and GCPD responded to a residence for a Carbon monoxide alarm. Firefighters determined all was in order.

Unsafe turn charge

On January 12, a Stewart Avenue motorist was charged with driving with a suspended license and making an unsafe turn.

Natural gas odor

Officers assisted firefighters on January 12 in investigating a report of natural gas odor on Lefferts Road. All was deemed in order.

Traffic violations

On January 12, a Stewart Avenue motorist was charged with unsafe lane use, failure to comply with a lawful order, and defective lighting.

Vehicle entered

Items were reported stolen from a vehicle in a Brompton Road driveway on January 13.

Multiple violations

A Clinton Road motorist was charged on January 13 with driving

Will Sing For Food concert heads (slightly) west

The annual Will Sing For Food Winter Charity Concert is set for Saturday, February 1, 2025 at the beautifully renovated Queens Theatre in Flushing Meadows Park. Head on out and come in from the cold for a complimentary wine, beer, and light snack reception at 7pm and settle into your seat for an inspiring evening of music and giving. The show starts at 8pm. The set list, as always, features plenty for every taste, spanning decades and genres.

Since its inception in in 2011, Will Sing For Food has held true to their mission of doing their musical best to help feed Long Island’s hungry; raising critical funds by bringing live music and a spirit of philanthropy to all corners of the island.

Their outreach and effect have grown with the years, starting as an idea — a basement band in Garden City Community Church — and moving on to pack Nassau County institutions like Mulcahy’s and the Nutty Irishman, performing at Eisenhower

Lakeside Theatre, and annual outdoor summer vineyard shows on Suffolk’s North Fork. This year, right next door in Queens.

The band has a simple and poignant mantra: the need never ends so the music cannot stop. To date, Will Sing For Food has raised and donated over $400,000 for Long Islanders in need. Again this year, all proceeds from ticket sales, online donations, and anything tossed in the iconic onstage guitar case will go directly to Long Island Cares, Inc., The Harry Chapin Food Bank.

Tickets for the Winter Concert are available now. The intimate Queens Theatre’s capacity is just 472 so line up family and friends and visit queenstheatre.org/will-sing-for-food for tickets or WillSingForFood.org for more information on the show, the band, and the mission. If you cannot make the show, please consider making a donation by going to https://onecau.se/willsing

Photos courtesy Will Sing For Food

guitar case for donations.

Will Sing For Food in rehearsal.

Will Sing For Food in concert.

The Biden Years

BY BOB MORGAN, JR.

This will be the final week in office of President Joseph R. Biden, who assumed the presidency on January 20, 2021. A few thoughts on the Biden years.

You certainly cannot blame Mr. Biden for the tumultuous days preceding his inauguration. Unfortunately, supporters of his predecessor, Donald J. Trump, contested Mr. Biden’s election to the extent of invading the Capitol on January 6, 2021 in an effort to overturn the formal count of electoral votes. To his discredit, Mr. Trump, who later did not attend Mr. Biden’s inauguration, made insufficient efforts to tell his supporters to leave the Capitol.

There were ups and downs once Mr. Biden took office. On immigration, Mr. Biden issued orders that basically undid former President Trump’s strenuous effort to strengthen borders security.  For example, the Remain in Mexico initiative, which required asylum seekers to stay in Mexico pending adjudication of their claims, was set aside.  The result was an influx of migrants across the border, which for many years led to huge numbers of illegal immigrants all over the country.

The Biden Administration’s effort to get the country vaccinated against Covid did make a considerable dent against the virus, although the vaccine ended up oversold by the President. The vaccine was effective at limiting the most  severe symptoms of many Covid cases, but did not, as promised, do much to prevent transmission of the virus. The country remained very divided about preventive measures like masks and closings of schools and other facilities, but at least by the end of 2021 things were clearly getting better.

The economy was a mixed bag. Although unemployment remained low and the stock market moved forward, there was inflation that was unprecedented for 40 years. It was reasonable to assign at least some blame for this inflation on Mr. Biden in that there was a record amount of spending shortly after he took office, particularly in one of the Covid relief bills.

The Biden Administration stumbled badly on foreign policy when it decided to withdraw from

Afghanistan, but did so in a completely chaotic way that ignored advice from military leaders.  Later, although no United States soldiers were actively involved, we were indirectly and financially involved in two wars, in the Ukraine and Gaza.

Mr. Biden did score one major legislative victory when he passed the Inflation Reduction Act, which was mostly focused on infrastructure and clean energy projects.

Perhaps the biggest black mark against the Biden Administration was the lack of candor by the President and senior officials (as well as supporters outside the government) about Mr. Biden’s physical and mental health during his presidency. Compared to his predecessors, Mr. Biden had an extremely limited work schedule, working a few hours during the day, and scheduling extensive vacations to Delaware or Camp David virtually every weekend. Nevertheless, there was a blanket denial from the White House of any competency questions until very late in the administration and Mr. Biden announced that he was seeking reelection, which would extend his presidency until he reached 86 years old

Things did not finally turn around until 2024. A special counsel investigating Mr. Biden’s document handling, Robert Hur, basically said that he was too old and forgetful to be prosecuted, something Mr. Biden vehemently denied.

Only after a disastrous performance in a debate on June 27 against Mr. Trump did Democrats and their supporters in the media finally address the competency issue. Mr. Biden eventually announced on July 21 that he would not seek reelection and that he was endorsing Kamala Harris as the Democratic nomination.

In summary, you could say that the Biden years were relatively tranquil in that there was no major wars involving American troops and only inflation rather than a depression. The problem was that neither Mr. Biden nor his team had the personal qualities or policy proposals to make the country seem a better place and the voters rejected both him and his party.

The

Library Board considers future capital projects

potential and timeframe.

“The total to renovate all the drop ceilings and lights, including all the second level and the first floor except the Children’s Room, would be $650,000. To only do the Lower Level would be $140,000 or including a contingency amount up to $170,000. If we do not include that, the first and second floors drop ceilings and lighting would total $480,000,” she told the GCPL Board.

The costs for painting of the library interior was also broken down – $290,000 for the first and second floors, and an additional $100,000 to include the Lower Level, including meeting rooms and a Contingency amount.

Director Malagon said, “That’s where the grand total of $1,040,000 comes from but it would be $770,000 if we only completed the projects for the first and second levels (with the first floor not including the Children’s Room) – the $480,000 plus the $290,000 for the first and second levels.” She then mentioned that ahead of Village Board of Trustees’ Budget work sessions in March, she would include all of the updated cost estimates and financial outlook involving that project.

Library Board Chair Foley said if the Library had any intentions over the next three to four years to renovate the entire Lower Level, then a current project spending the money on its lights, ceilings and painting would not be reasonable. She commented that there wasn’t a clear picture on what program and tech needs the next iteration of the GCPL Lower Level would entail, so the project would not be a good plan at this time. “I feel like this (Lower Level) can wait whereas the first and second floor is used by the public constantly and in some areas we have a few blackened ceiling tiles, and the lights there and in the mezzanine are a more noticeable impact to our patrons,” Foley said.

Library Trustee Linda Ryan agreed with that and added that the $770,000 would be “more palatable” for this project at GCPL.

As he joined the beginning of the meeting on Monday, Village Trustee Bruce Torino shared updates and

sought some info on the allocations of expenses for capital project work at GCPL – including remodeling drop ceilings, lighting, and painting – and whether that would fall under the Department of Public Works’ 2025-2026 budget or the Library’s.

Foley also wanted to see the costs clarified. She commented that in general the infrastructure items attached to the physical library building are under the Library budgeted figures while items like the parking lot and maintenance of the lawns/outdoor areas are under different village departments, such as Recreation and Parks.

Library Trustee Mary Maguire brought up Torino’s thoughts, and Director Malagon said while she appreciates the consideration for GCPL’s budget she had understood how Borroni and Village Treasurer Irene Woo had relayed the project planning and budgeting.

“Our budget is where they currently place the project at the moment, but we will see what happens. The numbers in the drop ceiling project ($1,040,000) are based on a square footage estimate and not based on a quote. We did have a contractor come here and give us a quote in the first week of January,” she noted.

Director Malagon shared with the GCPL Board that technology upgrades at the library continue as a “rolling and ongoing project.” She said that for the Lower Level’s two meeting rooms, the project plans evolved from just the technology and the finishes – new walls, ceilings, floors, painting – into more detailed work. A storage room located between the two meeting rooms will be renovated to have an epoxy floor and accommodate better storage, for upgraded tables and stackable chairs which will be easier to set up and break down for programs or gatherings.

The Library’s A/V media room would be another area to address as DVDs and CDs are no longer prevalent, and the materials there can be moved to the main section upstairs. Malagon said the Computer Lab would also be a space that could be downsized substantially or overhauled.

“Last year I proposed that it become sort of a conference room area, to turn

the A/V room into small study rooms or rentable meeting rooms, or for staff meetings. There was some conversation for when the archives moved over to St. Paul’s that we could put Local History Archival space downstairs (in the Lower Level), or we could have a new study area for pulling out items. Or we can put a cross-wall Makerspace into the existing Computer Lab space. Last year, with Trustees Maguire and Foley on our Building Committee we also discussed installing a kitchen, and the addition of a sink would help accommodate projects, crafts or activities,” Malagon explained. Trustee Foley suggested the sink for these purposes in 2024.

Another project for the Lower Level was for renovating the bathrooms to make them ADA compliant. The consulting architect team from H2M, Katie Stone and Eric Heuler, met with Malagon on January 3.

She reported that their estimates ranged – as a ‘soft, square footage-based’ concept – from $1.8 million to $2.8 million to include all the components and rejuvenate the entire Lower Level, “to put in the function that we want and the finishes we want all in one project, in phases if needed.” The director shared that as a single project the cost would be lower than separating items for the Lower Level.

Garden City Public Library currently has an agreement with firm H2M for architectural schematics (design work) and a review of the existing conditions.

“To get from the existing conditions to opening of bids and ultimately construction, we’d have to do design development, permitting, construction documents and more. That phase of H2M’s work is what I had Ms. Stone do, using the high number for the fees, and we broke out the phases – I moved the $160,000 requested into budgeting for Consultant Services in 2025-2026. We would be able to move forward with H2M to design the space and if everything is approved the construction would start in June 2026,” Malagon said.

Trustee J. Randolph Colahan explained his intention to have data from the recently completed Children’s Room Renovation project and to com-

pare the costs for the Lower Level, based on square footage calculations. H2M was the library’s architectural consultant on that major project as well.

Director Malagon stated that based on that comparison, the Library spent $1.3 million on the Children’s Room Renovation and for the entire Lower Level, an estimate of $3 million would not be too high.

“We started budgeting for the Children’s Room project being around $300,000 and then additional items and changes led it to $600,000, then $800,000 and eventually to $1.3 million,” Malagon said.

Trustee Foley said the rise in the Children’s Room project cost was partially attributed to things that were found and needed to be addressed after years of the building remaining untouched. She noted that while condensation was a needed fix, the village “rolled in” a new HVAC project cost into the scope of work upstairs. “The new roofing here was approximately $1 million and the HVAC project was approximately $1 million,” Foley noted.

Also on Monday, Malagon shared that the library’s security alarm and monitoring system project was substantially complete, but there were a few items left to review with village counsel from the contract agreement.

Just before the GCPL Board budget work session Trustee Torino, mentioned a few points related to library infrastructure in his monthly report. He spoke about the carpeting inside, and noted the many stains and discolored areas. Malagon explained how there was previously some money left in the Teen Room renovation account, and that was rolled into the carpeting project for upstairs when GCPL was in need of additional funds. Trustee Torino looked at an interim idea first.

“The village is going to ask for a price quote from the new cleaning contractor to do a deep cleaning, for different areas in this library. There’s also a new generator for GCPL being placed in our capital projects budget for 2025-2026, and then we anticipate a project for repaving of the parking lot,” Torino noted.

LONG LIVE

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

Long Live You and Long Live Long Island™

GCHS students present at EAB’s Sustainability Night

From page 1

Recreation and Parks Department on organic practices.

Pfaff also addressed the Village’s lead pipe remediation efforts, a key EAB focus for the past two years.

“This is similar to the pesticide issue and anything involving our water is not only unhealthy for us but everything leaches into groundwater and ultimately it reaches organisms surrounding us. It’s important that we are cautious of that and also it’s required by 2037 per the federal law set forth by the Biden-Harris administration. It is an investment for safe drinking water in the future,” Pfaff said.

She shared slides on the composition of water service lines and detailed the ways people can be proactive, including by taking home a free water testing kit provided by the village.

Among the audience members was Liam Iudica, a sixth-grader at Garden City Middle School, who attended with classmates. They asked insightful questions about lead and copper pipes and were eager to test their own home water systems.

Farmers’ Markets at the High School

Hannah Lam, a GCHS Science Research student, presented her project to create a farmers’ market offering fresh vegetables and salad kits at the high school.

Lam said the goal of the market is to encourage students to have more vegetables, for a better diet and healthier living, but also to inspire peers to grow some food at their homes too.

Teachers would be welcome to contribute anything from their home gardens to the GCHS farmers’ market as well. Different methods of communicating the availability of fresh items are part of Hannah’s ideas.

She and a partner grew herbs and tomatoes using a hydroponic garden –using seed pods with soil in them. The roots take water from a basin which also has plant food.

“This is a really good solution for winter months, when you really can’t grow outside. You can grow plants yearround or when they get too large you can move them outside, to an outdoor garden. We have a plan for that as the Hope Club has an outdoor garden and for instance the tomato plants get really tall, but we’ve learned that herbs are probably better to grow in the small hydroponic garden area. They are easier to support, they grow quickly and you can use them for a range of things and recipes,” Lam said.

Lam also emphasized the environ-

mental benefits of growing food at home, including reducing reliance on industrial farms, avoiding plastic packaging, and recycling compostable waste.

“We know growing your own food is good for both the environment and yourself – instead of buying the produce from large, industrial farms that might till the soil until it’s harmful for the land and surrounding areas, you would be growing your own. Plus the compost from banana peels, apple cores and other items could be recycled back into the environment and soil to make it healthier,” Lam explained.

She added the benefits of skipping the plastic packaging and other unsustainable items found at grocery stores or more items produced in facilities with chemicals. “You can reduce your practice use while discouraging the chemicals and pesticides being used on food which also harms the soil,” Lam commented.

In addition, composting mulch can be used for home landscaping, and it’s beneficial for the soil.

“If enough people do this, we can help our hometown have a better soil environment and reduce the carbon footprint,” she said.

HOPE Club’s Initiatives

Maeve Smith and Simone Oustacher, officers of the GCHS HOPE Club (Help Our Planet Earth), shared updates on their club’s activities. Oustacher, the co-president, highlighted the club’s focus on addressing climate anxiety among teens by fostering constructive discussions and brainstorming solutions to environmental issues.

“For the past few years we’ve found that teenagers experienced increasing anxiety over the climate crisis and the issues impacting sustainability. It is common to open news apps and be bombarded by information on climate, natural disasters and accumulating pollution. HOPE Club seeks to position itself to be an outlet for anxiety that might arise. Through constructive discussions and debate about climate issues, we hope to create an environment in which students are able to express their frustrations but also – and more importantly – come up with some solutions,” Oustacher said.

The HOPE Club also provides community outreach, presenting on topics like endangered species and sustainability. They recently visited Homestead School to show Dr. Seuss’ *The Lorax* and discuss recycling and environmental care with younger students.

Smith noted the club’s ongoing beach cleanups at Nickerson Beach Park, held up to 10 times annually.

THI S WEEK AT ROTARY

Village Arborist Reports

Last Tuesday, January 14, Village Arborist, Joseph Umana was welcomed by the Mineola-Garden City Rotary Club as guest speaker.

January is Rotary vocation month and Joe provided a most informative talk about the horticulture of the Village of Garden City and his vocation as Village Arborist.

Marking his one year anniversary as Village arborist, working along with the Village Parks Department, Joe had come aboard with a background of impressive credentials racking up numerous degrees and continuing to study towards his designation as Master Arborist.

In describing accomplishment, Joe spoke of many of the issues he had uncovered – particularly in regard to our trees which need particular attention. Many issues were found and corrected with the addition of new initiatives plus the development of a new tree policy in unison with the Village Board of Trustees and Civic Beautification Committee.

Exhibiting his passion and enthusiasm for his task, Joe fielded questions from interested Rotarians and guests who said they learned so much from Joe’s revelations. Joe said, moving forward the goal is “the right plant (tree) for the right place!” Asked about what he considered to be paramount, in this accomplishment, he said establishing the policy, relating to residents reasons why the policy is needed plus the funding necessary to put it forward.

With approval of the Village Board of Trustees, Joe has agreed to work with Rotary toward selecting the type and location of the tree Rotary will donate to the Village to celebrate its 100th anniversary.

At its meeting last Tuesday, Rotary was also pleased to welcome as guest 49-year Rotarian Ronny Kessler and wife Anna. Ronny leads the Central Nassau Rotary Club, having served as both president and co-president

throughout his years of myriad service in which he is always known to promote Rotary’s motto, “Service Above Self.” Rotary Plans a New Service Each Month Throughout Its 100th Year Mineola-Garden City Rotary plans are in full motion to provide a specific service to various charitable organizations for each month of its milestone 100th year.

On Tuesday, January 28, 8 a.m. Rotary will hold a breakfast meeting at the Carle Place Diner, 151 Old Country Road at which it will collect toiletries to benefit MAMMA’S HOUSE, a nonprofit which provides housing and support services for young mothers and their children.

Rotarians and anyone wishing to attend the breakfast meeting (fee: $20 payable at the door) is encouraged to bring various toiletry articles such as: new or unopened unused items … baby grooming kits and health care items plus lotions for sensitive skin along with womens body wash also for sensitive skin. Items may also be dropped at the Garden City News Office, 821 Franklin Ave., Suite 208.

Althea Robinson, Speakers Bureau Chair; Joe Umana, Village arborist and guest speaker with Meg Norris, Rotary Vice President.

Rotary Vice President Meg Noris receives a gift flag from Ronny Kessler representing the Central Nasau County Rotary Club.

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

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

From page 2

The

Friday, January 17, 2025

that it was looking more and more like we were not going to give residents many choices to pick from for the St. Paul’s building.

At the very next BOT meeting, Mayor Flanagan was attacked by Trustees Finneran, Courtney, Harrington, Muldoon, Tai, and Torino (the St Paul’s Alliance Trustees). Saying she was totally wrong. Comments such as “Everyone will have an opportunity to tell us what they think about the building”, “The process will be Community Driven”, “ The finished product will be a fair, open and unbiased survey”. I stayed quiet as the Trustees made their comments because I wanted to wait to see what the final survey that these Six Trustees were putting out was going to look like.

I’ve reviewed the survey and frankly I’m very disappointed. The three building options are: Option A - Adaptive Reuse, Option B Partial Reuse, and Option C Mothballing. These options in one form or another all keep up the entire 125,000 square foot building.

The Mayor and I knew, confirmed by Trustee Courtney’s comments a few meetings ago that Demolition would not be on their survey. Although we weren’t happy, we hoped that Facadism would be on the final product. Unfortunately it’s not. If you support the idea of taking down the back of the building (2 or 3 wings), where do you vote for that? The survey is flawed to produce results they want, not getting the unbiased results of 7,000 households who will receive the survey.

After all the surveys and revisions, we should have done better than this. While I appreciate the work that has been put in by this Board, the bottom line is we are not giving the Residents all the choices they should be given to make a decision on this building.

Bruce Chester,

Deputy Mayor

Conflicts of interest

To the Editor:

It was good to learn that at the urging of the Mayor the Village had Ethics Training for all BOT members and

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

those residents sitting on Boards and Commissions last week, January 6th, 2025. Those that have been advocates of good governance find it heartening that the presentation by John A. Mancini emphasized not just actual conflicts of interests, but the need to avoid the appearance of potential conflicts of interest. Obviously, as those of us that have had ethics training all know, voluntary and pro-active disclosure is an important component of avoiding the appearance of potential conflicts.

In light of this training, and Trustee Harrington’s responsibilities at Long Island University as an “Executive Director of Alumni and Employer Engagement”, that might have the appearance of intersecting with the program the Sands Casino has publicly announced, a “partnership that includes a hospitality program that would create new career opportunities for students at LIU”, and in light of Trustee Harrington’s vote against bringing the lawsuit against the Sands Casino, we hope she would go before the standing board appointed ethics committee to have them advise on an appropriate course of action for her when it comes to voting on issues regarding the Sands Casino and Garden City.

This way residents can be comfortable Trustee Harrington is able to vote her conscious without any concern of negative repercussions at her place of work on this most critical issue to the Village.

We have an Ethics Board. Let’s use it. Donald MacLeod

It’s NOT a done deal!

To the Editor:

We’ve been fighting the casino proposal for two years now.  We were told by our own government in January 2023 that this was a “Done Deal”, and perhaps it’s finally sinking in with our elected officials that it was not and IS NOT a “Done Deal”.  The overwhelming majority of residents do not want this casino.  We citizens do not have a vote on this issue - - so we need to make our voices heard in other ways: emails and phone calls to our representatives,

Final call for comments: Casino DEIS

From page 2

email to the County: https://www.nocasinonassau.org/post/email-addressesfor-deis-letter Alternatively, you can submit a letter by using this easy to complete form: https://win.newmode.net/saynotothe-

speaking at hearings, posting on social media, and, yes, even suing in court.

Our elected officials cannot ignore us if we keep up our opposition emails and calls!  We have a deadline coming up: January 21st at 5:00 pm is the last chance to submit your comments on the DEIS (Draft Environmental Impact Statement).  Your own unique email is best, but you can also use our template email.  You do not need to limit your comments to the environment.  Go to www.nocasinonassau.org and there are links to the template and a list of addresses that are easy to copy, paste, and send.  Encourage friends and relatives in other towns to do the same!

This is not just a Garden City fight, we now have thousands of members signed up, and many of those are in other towns.  Once again, thank you Garden City Board of Trustees for your leadership, and thank you residents for your passion and persistence.  We will win this fight!

Monica Kiely

Richard Catalano

Jacquie Ghosh

Robert Hussey

Kevin Kiely

George Krug

Lynn Krug

Bill McAndrews

John McFeely

Maureen McFeely

Mike McKeever

Diana O’Neill

Lenore Rust

Brent Stranathan

Elizabeth Stranahan

Dominic Valente

Richard Williams

What else, St. Paul’s

To the Editor:

Let me begin by commending Brown/ Gorrey/MacLeod/Salem for very informative articles in last weeks edition. Anyone interested in St Paul’s outcome should give them a read. Frankly, my head was spinning after doing so. I’ll try to summarize what I thought were important issues.

• Re last years Village opinion poll, by % demo got more votes than adaptive reuse or facadism (39/31/30) yet it won’t be an option on the long delayed Village survey.

Does that make sense to anyone? If you dig deeper into the #’s only 25% of eligible voters voted in the opinion poll. One could surmise the other 75% don’t care about saving the building, bolstering the demo option.

2003 with the purpose of advocating to save the building, has not contributed $1 towards the maintenance of the building since its inception. What’s the point of this group?

• Another St Paul’s Advisory committee was formed. No offense to the members, but this is silly.

• As Kordes aptly noted, St Paul’s closed because it could not support the building, which contains over 500 rooms. How is the Village going to make sense out of that many rooms? Kordes, long an advocate for saving the building, changed his stance (last year?) and now supports demo. Of all the striking things I read in last weeks articles that is the most telling. This dude is Garden City.

• MacLeod mentioned an unnoticed cost of this ongoing problem, the time and effort St Paul’s consumes of Village leadership. I believe their efforts could be better allocated to serve the Village. I’d also note the acrimony its causing among Village leadership. Thats never good.

• We have yet to receive firm cost estimates for any of the options. Will that be part of the Village survey?

It’s obvious the Board is not listening to the will of the people and insists upon saving the building. Perhaps there will be a reckoning in the upcoming elections.

Tim Deignan

Fairness and integrity

To the Editor:

Last week’s lengthy letter by Joseph Brown entitled “End of Democracy” raises some valid points about what a survey means and how it should be done. Last week’s Mayor Update (p. 17), predicted a survey will be presented by the 6 Trustees on Jan. 16 after this letter has been submitted. ( Note: The Mayor and Deputy Mayor are excluded from the current process -since the second November Board meeting).

So what to expect?

casinocivicassociation/submissionofcommentsondeis-1 This draft letter contained in this form is fully customizable. Either way, be sure to have your voice heard. If you would like to volunteer and join the fight, email us at info@ nocasinonassau.org

• Re the Village survey, draft #8 was rejected by the board last Oct. If the board can’t even produce a survey how can they solve the St Paul’s dilemma?

• 19k was allocated for roof repair, bringing the total to over 400k covering the last few years. More good money after bad.

• St Paul’s Conservancy, formed in

The Brown letter objectively sets out a survey process which allows all residents to have their say on an equal playing field and points out the flawed process the 6 Trustees are engaged in. Unlike this writer who favors demolition but also thinks facade belongs in the conversation and survey, Mr. Brown expresses no lean toward a particular choice but makes the incontrovertible argument that the 6 Trustees’ blending of several distinct preservation possibilities into a “ it’s all chocolate” singularity (his letter p. 45, first col.) so the chocolate won is a cooking the books recipe approach to obtain a result they desire- the seeking of affirmation not resident driven information. There is more to it. The very presumption that any result of the Oct. Poll can be relied upon is patently false. The result was occurred based upon

years worth of misinformation from a Committee/Alliance, and that three present BOT members were in leadership or liaison positions; Trustees Harrington, Finneran and Torino. I offer the following:

1. A fake senior exemption, (later refuted by the Mayor)

2. The unfeasible Conservancy concept to make for pretend easy peasy debt financing of more than 15 years, ( 2 legal opinions expressed the conservancy plan was flawed and not beneficial

3. Widespread false claims that demolition would close the fields for many months or even years (refuted during the Westerman presentation that a library next to the structure remained safely open while demolition occurred)

4. Fallacious statements -demolition would be be hazardous to nearby residents,

5. The unfounded statements that the Village had numerous unsatisfied recreational wants and needs( requiring more use which was contradicted by the BCI professional recreation survey)

6. The cost of a park and/or new community center the Village would be proud of were never set forth on the poll

7. Facade appears to be supplanted by a not in the Poll mothballing which would be a very costly stop gap measure to kick the St Paul’s can down Stewart Avenue for yet more years (Would any clear thinking senior seriously consider such a loser option now knowing there is no senior exemption?).

8. No discussion of whether we really want more activities at St Paul’s, the busiest intersection in the village. Do seniors want to fight 3-5 PM traffic and Saturday soccer tournaments to park when they now have excellent parking at the Senior center?

What happened? The six Trustees seem spooked by BCI pushback as well as the resident survey which expressed some desire for an indoor swimming pool, better maintenance of existing facilities, multi use space to accommodate events and activities and more outdoor activities. None of these suggest the need to spend a fortune on fixing up a decrepit school building with demonstrable problems to an extent the building would effectively need to be gutted to use it. (This is quite different than the sales job done by the old Committee that the interior of the building would be restored to the hay days of the building many years before decades of neglect and disinterest took root.) This misinformation persists as spouted by Trustee Harrington at a survey BOT work session when she wanted a marketing campaign to inform residents of the past wonders of the building’s interior which they have not seen for 30 years. The Mayor remarked there are plenty of past pictures,(of course some of them depict the sorry state of the building in its deteriorated state).

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

But aren’t Trustees supposed to be fiduciaries not sales persons? A fiduciary is ethically (and often legally) bound to prioritize the interests of residents, not their own preferences.

Clearly, the 6 Trustees have prioritized saving the building over anything else, rather than acting upon the legitimate needs of all residents, even if it saddles the Village and residents with enormous long term debt . In the movie Alien, Ripley (Sigourney Weaver) asks the computer how to defeat the Alien and the reply is “ All other priorities have been rescinded” referring to saving the Alien over the crew. That says it, it’s really that simple! If you agree, want to dialogue, that demolition must be a resident option, then info.spiritgc@ gmail.com is a place you may want to weigh in.

S.G.Gorray

GCFD and GCPD heroics

To the Editor:

Early in the morning of December 15, we were awakened by the barking of our dog. Going downstairs to see what the issue was, I noticed a smell as I went to the basement to check out the boiler and the hot water heater. The smell grew stronger as I walked around but nothing appeared to be wrong. After some back and forth about whether it was worth it to disturb the neighbors, I decided to call the GCFD and have them take a look and see if there was a problem.

Approximately three minutes after I called , about 1:15 AM, a Garden City PD officer arrived and asked what the issue was. I told him I wasn’t sure there was an issue , but “something smells funny”. After walking the officer downstairs, he immediately closed the door to the basement and told us to get some clothes, get the dog and go outside.

Approximately 3 minutes after that, the GCFD showed up in full strength with multiple trucks and well over 15 firefighters. At that point in time watching from my front lawn I could see the house begin to fill with smoke. GCFD entered my house, immediately turned around, put on masks and oxygen tanks, and started hauling hoses. Within minutes they had knocked the fire down and extinguished any remnants.

After some time had passed, they led us back into the house and showed how the dryer had ignited, probably from a burned out motor or broken belt

Being that the house is older, almost 97 years, like much of the housing stock in Garden City it would have gone up like a campfire in another 3 to 5 minutes. I have to thank the efforts of both the Garden City Police Department and Chief James Taunton as well as the entire Garden City Fire Department for their incredibly prompt response that undoubtedly saved our home and very possibly our lives.

My wife and I will never take you for granted again. Thank you.

Stephen & Martha Ripp

The following letter appeared in last week’s issue. However, due to a typographical error we are reprinting it this week.

Great “doctors”; sick “patient”

To the Editor:

In late-November I submitted a letter to the Garden City News in which I called for disclosure of the resumes of the recently-selected members of the just- formed “St. Paul’s Board of Trustees Advisory Committee.” It was set-up to assist the BOT in making final plans to move forward and decide on disposition of the controversial 48-acre property. The Village acquired it in late-1992 and has been unsuccessful throughout the years in reaching a decision on redevelopment of the property, which was poorly neglected and maintained -- which contributed greatly to its deterioration.

At last count the new Committee consisted of 15 members, plus one youth, and was announced by Trustee Vinny Muldoon and is co-chaired by residents Frank Tauches, Jr. and Bob Catell. The Committee was created out of frustration with the ineffectiveness of two mayor-sponsored St. Paul’s groups during the last three years. Incidentally, the 100,000 square foot structure is now 140-years old and by any expert’s judgement, in extremely poor condition. This answers my headline...a very sick “patient.” The resumes of all members of the new group have now been posted on the Village website. I carefully studied the resumes and here’s what I found:

Number of Years’ resident of G.C.: Entire life--5 persons; More than 40 years--2; and most of all others--20-plus years. Career professional related experience -- Is impressive, for virtually each person; all were, or still are, employed in one or more of the following necessary skills: municipal investment banking, commercial architecture, real estate law, partnership in a prestigious Wall Street law firm, real estate finance, large project construction, and civil engineering. Bob Catell, is retired former CEO of KeySpan (National Grid); former mayor of G.C. (Mr. Tauches, Jr.); and member of a previous St. Paul’s Committee-Joe Jabour. In my opinion, the newly-formed group could be one of the best among the many St. Paul’s Committees in history. We will not know the fate of St. Paul’s for many more months, and likely years. There are several necessary and time-consuming steps prior to actual construction. Among these are stabilization, abatement, plus complicated environmental studies. By some consultant estimates these procedures could delay actual construction for two years or more.

The stated charge of the new Committee is, in Mayor CarterFlanagan’s words... “To guide the reimagined (repurposing) phase as follow-up to the already- completed Recreation Survey of resident desires.” In my opinion,Trustee Muldoon is the most experienced for the job of point person among the eight Trustees. Being the head of a very successful residential construction business in Garden City speaks for itself. None of the other seven have such career backgrounds.

So much for the good news.

I describe the members of the Committee as a talented group of “medical doctors.” Unfortunately, their assignment is to “save the life” of a very sick “patient”--the decrepit St. Paul’s main building -- and redevelop the property into one of several potential choices--100% preservation, partial preservation i.e, facadism, or full demolition with a town park added. Regarding facadism, there is no existing plan for residents to choose from--just an idea of a lower-cost project. My personal bias favors demolition. No one can predict the likely outcome of the new Committee--which will be guided by the upcoming, and thus far delayed for months, survey of all Garden City households, plus advice from BCI (Village consultants) and of course the Board of Trustees who will have the final say in how we go forward.

There are simply too many unknowns for anyone to be dogmatic. What do the residents truly want? Choices are endless, and this reality adversely affects reaching a consensus. What will it cost each household, annually, for the next 10, up to 30, years, depending on financing and bond market conditions? The range of the ultimate cost for the project is enormously wide--up to $125 million. Some optimists believe that G.C. can raise material funds via grants from government programs and/or philanthropies. In my view, these sources are long-shots. Sometimes there are strings attached by donors. Another crucial potential barrier to the entire St.Paul’s project is the need for large bond amounts to be issued--perhaps These could be beyond the ability to carry on the Village balance sheet and could jeopardize Garden City’s AAA Moody’s debt rating. Related to this is that financing of ongoing G.C. capital spending could be “crowded out.”

There are no final plans at this time; therefore the ultimate cost is simply guess work. Demolition, apparently, and unfortunately, will probably not be printed as a choice in the survey; only full or partial preservation. I say this for three important reasons: 1) the present 8-member Board of Trustees as currently constituted, heavily favors preservation; 2) professional project specialists, who I have spoken to, seem to “have it

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

A view facing west of the once LIRR freight siding at New Hyde Park Rd., mid 1940s, being used as a parking lot. Plaza Rd. is at left with cars also parked perpendicular to the siding track. The photo was taken from the top of a box car still on one end of the siding. It was referred to as the “Franklin Square Team Track”, a “team track” being used by multiple businesses that once had teams of horses attached to their wagons.The 11-car siding was abandoned in 1941.

As this was LIRR property, free commuter parking, both resident and out-of-town, was then allowed by the railroad, until an agreement was made with the Village in 1947 to instead provide 72 spaces on the north side of the RR opposite the station in exchange for the acquisition of the siding property by the Village for park purposes. The free parking was later rescinded when the agreement was abrogated. Archives identifier: vss03 Cluttered?

in their veins” to save the building-- not tear it down; and 3) many members of the new Committee, as long term G.C. residents could have a nostalgic--not necessarily objective--affection for the importance of the historic building. (For obvious reasons, the latter group of likely preservationists would be led by the G.C. Historical Society.) A crucial unknown is the outcome of the March 2025 annual Village Trustee election. Thus, in early April, we could have a new mayor and some new trustees who may have views different from the present Board. This potential could send

the debate back to the drawing boards.

George M. Salem

P.S. Readers who find this discussion foggy and highly confusing, are “good analysts.” Too many facts are missing. Affordability is a major issue—for both residents and our Village budget. Finally, one of my own favorite big picture analogies re St. Paul’s, and the challenge to the “doctors” (the new advisory Committee) and the BoT is: “they are being asked to bring back, to youthful good health, a 100 year-old, multi-diseased, person.”

Place an ad in our Classifieds for reasonable rates and prompt results. Call the Garden City office today 294-8900 for more information.

Stewart Manor Freight Siding

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!

FOR SENIORS fyi Mobility Impaired Committee update

Fighting Arthritis with Physical Therapy

Friday, January 31

Sarah Girgis from STM Physical Therapy will be at the Senior Center at 1:15 to explain what arthritis is, what causes it to become worse, and how to fight back against it with physical therapy. Light refreshments will be served. Reservations are required, please stop by the Senior Center front desk or by calling (516)385-8006.

Mental Health and Substance Abuse Among Seniors

Tuesday, February 4

Mary Aguilar, MSW and outreach specialist, will be at the Senior Center to give a presentation about mental health and substance use among older adults. We will explore what mental health is, what substance abuse vs misuse is, break down the stigma, and learn healthy coping skills. Reservations are required. Please stop by the Senior Center front desk or by calling (516) 385-8006.

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.

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.

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!!

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!

SUBMITTED BY THE MOBILITY IMPAIRED COMMITTEE

The Mobility Impaired Committee (MIC) appreciates the wonderful improvements in both public and private buildings and services in 2024. The Village of Garden City renovation of the library entrance helps with automatic door sensors eliminating the need to find and push the handicapped buttons. This change is a huge benefit to the community especially seniors and the mobility challenged! Thank you Library Board and Village! GC Pool staff cleared a path to the adult bathroom using stanchions. This minor adjustment was a big relief to caregivers, seniors and disabled who had previously struggled moving chairs to gain access. Thank you! Finally, we also appreciate our first responders and especially the Village Police for the “Lift Assists” program which helps our residents get back on our feet after an unfortunate slip or fall! The officers and medical staff are very kind and understanding. In the private sector, new restaurants have improved accessibility to fine dining with appropriate tables for all. On

Seventh Street, El Gufo’s sparking clean, and accessible bathrooms made a great impression on our MIC members! The business community along with our wonderful residents always go out of their way to open a door, ask if we need any help with a package or just show patience as they follow our slow pace. Thank you! Over the last year the MIC has been active providing ideas and possible solutions to our neighbors. For example, we had a request to find a gas station that will help disabled residents get fuel. We found an app fuelService.org which was created by a frustrated disabled driver who knew there had to be a better way of getting petrol than driving around for hours beeping his horn and hoping someone helped. This app allows a resident to review nearby gas stations and make appointments to fill up your tank! With an increasing number of self serve gas stations, some with only one attendant on premises, this issue can be challenging. The MIC encourages you to contact us if you have a mobility impaired issue or concern via Gerry Kelly at gerry7th@ gmail.com or text 302-547-0800.

Monday Night

Duplicate Bridge Results

The winners of the Monday, January 13 games: North / South:

1st Place: Grace Basile and Carol Cook

2nd Place: Pat Fontaine and Ellen Moynahan East / West:

1st Place: Bill Draybk and Nick Basile

2nd Place: George Salem and Rudy Kaiser

Reminder - No Duplicate Bridge next Monday (January 20)Martin Luther King Day

It’s What’s Happening for Young Adults through the Library

Go on an Adventure with Dungeons and Dragons!

Go on an imaginary adventure during Tweens and Teens Dungeons and Dragons, which will be held next week, Thursday, January 23 at 4PM at the Library. Dungeons and Dragons meets monthly and is for Grades 6-12. Game campaigns are often teen-led and snacks and drinks are served during the program. Teens can register online at www.gardencitypl.org/calendar. Please note space is limited. Played before and want to volunteer to DM? Make sure to let us know when you register! This program was funded by the Friends of the Garden City Public Library.

Upcoming and Ongoing Library Programs for Tweens and Teens

These programs are for tweens and teens in Grades 6–12 unless otherwise noted. Registration is required for these programs.

Teens who complete an online survey after specific programs can receive community service for participating. These programs have been funded by the Friends of the Garden City Public Library.

Registration is live online at https:// forms.gle/jx3hFv5Kjw15hSje6 for the following programs:

• Ongoing until Friday, February 28: Tweens and Teens Winter Reading Club (Grades 6–12)

Registration is live online at https:// forms.gle/EWNZ7RS8CyQ3C76T7 for the following programs:

• Saturday, January 25, at 3 p.m.: Teen STEAM Workshop:

Strawberry DNA with Chris Buchman (Grades 6–12) (Rescheduled from January 4)

Registration is live online at 10 a.m. online at https://forms.gle/93CP3HeuRHjRipsB9 for the following programs:

• Saturday, January 18, at 2:30 p.m.: Teen Puzzle Party (Grades 6–12)

Registration begins Tuesday, January 14, at 10 a.m. online at https:// forms.gle/NJzMLZCLB7HSYb187 for the following programs:

• Tuesday, January 14–Thursday, January 23: Ornaments for Community Service (Grades 6–12)

• Tuesday, January 21, at 7 p.m.: Teen Paint Night (Grades 6–12)

• Thursday, January 23, at 4 p.m.: Dungeons and Dragons (Grades 6–12)

• Friday, January 24, at 3:30 p.m.: Teen Crafternoon: DIY Ceramic Mugs (Grades 6–12)

Registration begins Monday, January 20, at 10 a.m. online at https:// forms.gle/8QaGHYk3zcvALLPj9 for the following program:

• Monday, January 20–Friday, January 24: Bookmarks for Community Service, Week Three (Grades 6–12)

Registration begins Tuesday, January 21, at 10 a.m. online at https:// forms.gle/y7qMcRdhQvPe34rTA for the following programs:

•  Tuesday, January 28, at 4 p.m.: Tween Tuesdays: Watercolor

Painting (Grades 4–7)

• Thursday, January 30, at 4 p.m.: Teen Creative Hour (Grades 6–12)

• Thursday, January 30, at 7 p.m.: Friendship Bracelets for Community Service (Grades 6–12)

• Saturday, February 1, at 3 p.m.: Intro to Safe Babysitting Workshop (Grades 6–12)

• Monday, February 3, at 3:30 p.m.: Inclusive Storytime Adventure Volunteers (Grades 9–12)

Registration begins Monday, January 27, at 10 a.m. online at https:// forms.gle/Dtqb11mWoLjyVuXw9 for the following program:

• Monday, January 27-Friday, January 31: Bookmarks for Community Service, Week Four (Grades 6–12)

Registration begins Tuesday, January 28, at 10 a.m. online at  https:// forms.gle/fMSu9SNq4WZLjRMu6 for the following programs:

• Tuesday, February 4, at 4 p.m.: Teen Advisory Board (Grades 6-12)

• Tuesday, February 4, at 7 p.m.: Teen Paint Night (Grades 6-12)

• Thursday, February 6, at 4 p.m.: Tweens and Teens Yarn Group (Grades 4-12)

• Friday, February 7, at 3:30 p.m.: Teen Gamers (Grades 6–12)

• Saturday, February 8, at 3 p.m.: Teen STEAM Workshop: Edible Slime with Chris Buchman (Grades 6–12)

Are you a professional?

Ongoing Take-Home Community Service Opportunities

Looking to volunteer? Check out some of our ongoing take-home community service opportunities for tweens and teens in Grades 6–12. Please check at the Library for more information on each of these opportunities; all volunteer projects should be submitted at the Library with a Volunteer Form, which can be found outside the Tweens and Teens Room.

• Ongoing: Kindness Cards for Community Service - No registration required. Up to 10 cards can be submitted per volunteer monthly.

• Ongoing to Friday, February 28: Winter Stories for Community Service.

• January 6 to Monday, May 5, 2025: Around the World Recipe Cards for Community Service.

Teens Get Creative During the Holiday Break with the New Program Teen Creative Hour

Teens enjoyed their holiday break with crafts and snacks during the new Teen Creative Hour, which was held Thursday, December 26, at the Library. Teens were able to unwind, socialize, and be creative with a variety of simple craft supplies, including LEGO bricks, paper, coloring sheets, colored pencils, markers, air dry clay, yarn, knitting needles, crochet hooks, beads, and string. The next Teen Creative Hour will be held Thursday, January 30, at 4 p.m. Registration will begin Tuesday, January 21, at 10 a.m. online at gardencitypl.org/calendar. This program was funded by the Friends of the Garden City Public Library.

Teens enjoyed the new Teen Creative Hour at the Library.

Teens playing Dungeons and Dragons at the Library.

News from the Children’s Room

On Saturday, January 11, children enjoyed A Time For Kids Ages 2–5 (Not in Kindergarten)This program was funded by the Friends of the Garden City Public Library.

Upcoming January and February 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 January 2025.

• Saturday, January 18, at 1:00 p.m.: Family BINGO

• Saturday, January 25, at 12:00 p.m.: Tiny Song Birds (Birth to 5, but older siblings are welcome.

• Monday January 27, at 10:30 a.m.: Storytime (Birth–5, Not in Kindergarten).

• Tuesday, January 28, at 4:00 p.m.: Tween Tuesday

• Saturday, February 1, at

Saturday, January 18, at 1:00 p.m. families will enjoy playing BINGO and maybe win a prize.This program is funded by the Friends of the Garden City Public Library.

10:00 a.m.: A Time For Kids, A Sensory Storytime

• Monday, February 3, at 4:00 p.m.: Inclusive Storytime (Grades 2–5)

• Wednesday, February 5, at 10:00 a.m.: DUPLO Lego

• Thursday, February 6, at 6:00 p.m.: Tiny Song Birds

• Saturday, February 8, at 1:30 p.m.: Edible Slime With Science

Teacher

Chris Buchman (Grades 3–5)

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.

Spanish teachers honored in essay contest

Garden City High School Spanish teachers

Stephanie Castañeda and Michael Berg were among the educators Optimum and the Univision Foundation recently recognized during their annual Hispanic Heritage Essay Contest. They received a combined gift of $1,000 that will be dedicated to the purchase of educational supplies and support materials for their students.

As Optimum’s longest-running essay competition, the contest honors and celebrates the rich histories, cultures and contributions of generations

of Hispanic Americans across the United States. Students were invited to submit essays highlighting a person, cultural experience, celebration or tradition that helped them connect to Hispanic culture and reflect on what it meant to them in honor of Hispanic Heritage Month. The contest was open from Sept. 15 to Oct. 31 and awarded grand prizes and honorable mentions to students with the most impressive submissions. Optimum also recognized educators who encouraged the highest number of student entries.

Optimum Market Business Manager – Northeast Region Jay Keel, Stephanie Castañeda and Michael Berg. Photo courtesy of the Garden City School District

News from the Garden City Public Library

Monday Movies

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

January 2025

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

Saturday, January 18  (New!), Thursday, January 30 Thursday, February 13, 2025 Saturday, February 22, 2025 (New!) Thursday, February 27, 2025 from 10 a.m. to noon in the Large Meeting Room

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.

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

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.

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 pro-

vided. 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 maintain 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

Reiki with Kathleen Gunning

Tuesday, January 28, from 7–8 p.m. in the Large Meeting Room

Start the New Year off with an introduction to Reiki.   Reiki promotes relaxation, stress reduction and pain management.  It’s a wonderful form of selfcare, 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)742-8405 ext. 5236 or email speakingofbooks@gardencitypl.org.

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

The film "Ordinary Angels" will be screened at the Garden City Public LIbrary on Monday, January 20.

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

The book "An Unfinished Love Story: A Personal History of the 1960s" by Doris

Goodwin will be discussed on Tuesday, February 4.

an opportunity to make fresh assessments of the central figures of the time—John F. Kennedy, Jacqueline 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.

Constance Hallinan Lagan Presents  A Valentine’s Gift: The Eight Habits of Love Thursday, February 6, from 12 noon to 1:30 p.m. in the Large Meeting Room

Utilizing Ed Bacon’s thought-provoking book “The Eight Habits of Love” as inspiration, this lecture focuses on developing a lifestyle defined by an open heart and an open mind. Such a lifestyle enriches one’s personal existence while blessing the universe with peace and goodwill.  Topics covered include the eight habits of love: generosity, stillness, truth, candor, play, forgiveness, compassion, and community.

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.

Kearns

News from the Garden City Public Library

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 avail-

able 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.

GCHS teacher receives grant, award for leadership

See what’s happening at your library!

Check this paper each week for fun and informative all-ages activities, like classes, lectures, concerts, movie screenings, and more, all for free or cheap!

Garden City High School’s Latin teacher, Kathleen Durkin, was recently awarded a professional development grant from the Classical Association of the Atlantic States and has been named a 2024 recipient of the Society for Classical Studies Award for Excellence in Teaching at the K–12 Level. Magistra Durkin was selected based on her passion for Latin and love of learning, dedication to her students’ growth, and unwavering mentorship, making her a leader throughout the classical education field.

Magistra Durkin has been teaching since 2008, and she currently leads the Garden City Latin program and related extracurricular activities. She believes in the power of Latin to inspire students, and her students’ posters, pottery and three-dimensional models line the school’s hallways. She continuously meets the diverse needs of each student, ranging from additional support for those who need it to extra enrichment opportunities for those eager to pursue a challenge.

Magistra Durkin has been involved with the Classical Association of the Atlantic States for many years, and the $1,000 grant funded her first attendance at the annual joint meeting between the Archaeological

Institute of America and SCS, which occurred in Philadelphia from Jan. 2-6. She serves as an associate editor for a classics journal, and along with her co-editors of The Classical Outlook, presided over a session called "How Do We Teach Introductory Language?" sponsored by the American Classical League and will be published in the CO journal later this year.

The SCS is the leading organization in North America dedicated to the study of ancient Greek and Roman languages, literature, history, material culture, and their connections to the wider ancient Mediterranean world and beyond. Magistra Durkin’s award includes a prize of $500, airfare and accommodation to the 2025 ACL Institute, and a $200 donation to GCHS for educational resources selected by her.

Magistra Durkin was honored at the SCS meeting and will receive the award at the 2025 American Classical League Institute in Chicago later this year. She is grateful to Jessica Anderson, her former colleague and current Mineola High School Latin teacher, for the nomination and is thankful for the ongoing support she receives from Garden City High School.

SCS Immediate Past President Alison Keith, Kathleen Durkin and SCS President Kirk Ormand.

Photo courtesy of the Society for Classical Studies

Garden City Jewish Center celebrates Chanukah

This year, the Garden City Jewish Center’s Chanukah Latke and Dessert party was held before the actual holiday, due to the holiday’s unusual start date of December 25th!  So, on the evening of December 20th, more than 115 members and friends of the congregation enjoyed fried potato pancakes (latkes), applesauce, sour cream, fruit salad, jelly donuts and our traditional make-your-own ice cream sundaes!  Children designed their own dreidels and played the game together. They then went into the sanctuary for a Family Shabbat service led by Rabbi Stephen Goodman, with Rabbi Luisa Sinacore (our student Cantor), on Zoom from Canada!

Songs were accompanied by rhythm instruments. The highlight of the evening was Rabbi Goodman’s reading of Hershel

and the Hanukkah Goblin, by Eric Kimmel, as children gathered on the floor to listen to the story.

Thank you to the Garden City Police Department who have provided extra security protection for our faith community over the past year, and to the Garden City Fire Department, who are always looking out for us.

May everyone’s holidays be joyful, peaceful, and healthy, and Happy New Year to all.

The Garden City Jewish Center is a Reform congregation where everyone is welcome – Jews of all denominations, dualfaith families, singles, and students.

Please go to www.gardencityjewishcenter.org for more information.

Along with latkes, it’s a tradition to eat jelly donuts.

GCJC President Lee Korn and family enjoying the event.

Some prefer apple sauce, and some prefer sour cream on latkes.

Religious School friends celebrating at the party.

A happy family enjoying potato latkes.

Garden City Jewish Center celebrates

Rabbi Goodman reading “Hershel and the Hanukkah Goblin” by candlelight.

Children got to decorate their own dreidels. Children listening intently to the story.

NASSAU COUNTY

NOTICE OF FORMATION OF A LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY

Notice of Formation of Devi’s Sacred Journeys LLC / DBADevi’s Soul Creations. Articles of Organization filed with Secretary of State of NY (SSNY) on 10/31/2024. Office location: Nassau County. SSNY designated as agent of Limited Liability Company (LLC) upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY should mail process to UNITED STATES CORPORATION AGENTS, INC.: 7014 13TH AVENUE SUITE 202 BROOKLYN NY 11228. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

NASSAU COUNTY BIDS

Sealed bids MUST be RECEIVED BY & DELIVERED TO:

PURCHASING DIVISION

Inc. Village of Garden City 351 Stewart Avenue Garden City, NY 11530 between the hours of 8:30 AM and 4:30 PM, UNTIL 11:00 AM EST

THURS, FEBRUARY 6, 2025 at which time they will be publicly opened and read aloud, for furnishing the following:

COMMUNITY PARK POOL SLIDE REPLACEMENT

Specifications, Form of Bid, and other information may be obtained from the office of the Purchasing Division at the above address or you may download the bid specifications from the New York State Contract Reporter website at the following web address: https://www.nyscr.ny.gov/ contracts.cfm

This bid specification will be listed under the Agency Name of:

Garden City, Inc. Village of Catherine Reynolds Purchasing Agent

Dated: 01/17/24

From page 19

with a suspended registration, uninsured auto, and defective lights.

Suspicious activity

On January 13, surveillance cameras captured unknown subjects checking car door handles on Kensington Road.

Overweight truck

A Clinton Road truck operator was charged on January 13 with driving an overweight vehicle.

Erroneous panic alarm

Officers responded to a panic alarm activation on January 13 and determined it was set in error.

School zone speeding

A Rockaway Avenue motorist was charged on January 13 with excessive speed in a school zone and passing a stop sign.

THE OFFICE CAT

Unauthorized credit card use

On January 13, a victim’s wallet containing credit cards was reported lost or stolen. The cards were later used for unauthorized purchases.

Traffic violations on 1st Street

A 1st Street motorist was charged on January 13 with driving with a suspended registration and operating an unregistered auto.

Truck prohibition violation

On January 13, a truck operator was charged with driving on Clinton Road during prohibited hours and excessive speed.

23 suspensions

On January 14, a Clinton Road truck driver was arrested for allegedly operating with 23 license suspensions, an out-

standing warrant, driving an overweight vehicle, and defective brakes.

Package theft

A package was reported stolen from the porch of a Raymond Court residence on January 14.

Suspended documents

A Stewart Avenue motorist was charged on January 14 with driving with a suspended license, a suspended registration, and operating an uninsured auto.

Vehicles entered

Officers investigated reports of subjects rummaging through vehicles on Wyatt Road and Chestnut Street on January 14. No loss was reported.

One-way violation

A Stewart Avenue motorist was charged on January 14 with unlicensed operation and

driving the wrong way in a oneway zone.

Smoke condition investigation

On January 14, officers assisted firefighters who responded to a residence for a smoke condition. The cause was determined to be a defective basement light fixture.

Drug Take Back program

On January 14, the Department collected 35 pounds of medications through its Drug Take Back program and disposed of them through official channels.

Multiple violations

A Clinton Road motorist was charged on January 14 with driving with a suspended license, a suspended registration, and operating an uninsured auto.

From page 18

iday week collection schedule will be as follows: Garbage

• Western Half of Village: Tuesday and Thursday

• Eastern Half of Village: Wednesday and Friday Rubbish

• Entire Village: Wednesday, January 29th Recycling

• Residents scheduled for recycling on Monday, January 20th are asked to put their recyclables out on Martin Luther King, Jr. Day.

Crayon Initiative

The Garden City Public Library is participating in the Crayon Initiative by hosting a crayon-collection box at the front counter to collect and recycle crayons, in partnership with Rotary Club and Lions International. The initiative was the creation of Bryan Ware of Danville, California, in 2016. Through volunteers, he is collecting crayon pieces, melting them, and re-manufacturing them into larger, bright, clean, paper-free crayons and sending them free of charge to children in hospitals nationwide. Being larger and three-sided, they are easier for children to grip and

won’t roll off the hospital bed trays. On Long Island, they are being sent to The Children’s Medical Center at NYU Langone Hospital, Cohen Children’s Medical Center, Stony Brook Children’s Hospital, and St. Mary’s Healthcare System for Children. The Crayon Initiative, to date, has collected and kept more than 381,000 pounds of crayons out of landfills and donated more than 863,800 packs of crayons to over 250 hospitals across the U.S. Residents are encouraged to donate today!

Happening in Garden City

Friday, January 17th

9:30 a.m. Pickleball at the St. Paul’s Field House. Nominal fee.

11:00 a.m. Learn to speak Italian with retired GCHS teacher Lea Brunetti at the Library. Must register.

11:30 a.m. Chair Yoga with Tania at the Senior Center

12:30 p.m. Meditation Class at the Senior Center

Saturday, January 18th

10:00 a.m. Mah-Jongg at the Library. Players must bring their own games. Must register.

3:00 p.m. Family Fun time for Garden City families at the St. Paul’s Field House Monday, January 20th

1:30 p.m. Monday Movie Matinée: Ordinary Angels at the Library

7:30 p.m. Men’s Basketball in the St. Paul’s Field House. Nominal fee.

Tuesday, January 21st

7:00 p.m. Teen Paint Night at the Library. Must register. Wednesday, January 22nd 7:30 p.m. Adult Basketball at the Field House. Nominal fee.

Thursday, January 23rd Art class at the Senior Center. Ten-week session; $140. Register at the Senior Center or Recreation Office.

7:30 p.m. Adult Volleyball in the St. Paul’s Field House. Nominal fee.

Friday, January 24th Chess 4 Community’s Plan and Learn at the Senior Center. All ages and levels are welcome.

Monday, January 27th 7:00 p.m. Get organized with Annmarie Brogan and Marie Limpert of Organize Me! of NY, LLC.

Tuesday, January 28th 7:00 p.m. Reiki with Kathleen Gunning at the Library. Must register.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

This shift in philosophy led to dra-

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

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

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

We sit at lovely wooden picnic

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

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

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

Continued on next page

GOING PLACES, NEAR & FAR....

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

Continued from previous page

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

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

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

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

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

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

After our winetasting, we go to explore.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Grab Your Apron and Improve Your Mental Health

BY CHARLYN FARGO

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

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

The study results, published in the

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

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

“Improving people’s diet quality can

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

Visit 10 am -4 pm. Reservations Recommended.

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

Art & Nature & Neighborhood

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

on page 5

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

BY CLAIRE LYNCH

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Jones has said that King called

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

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

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

BY TOM MARGENAU

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

A word of caution: Many readers

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

If you have a Social Security question, Tom Margenau has two books with all the answers.

One is called “Social Security -- Simple and Smart: 10 Easy-to-Understand Fact Sheets That Will Answer All Your Questions About Social Security.” The other is “Social Security: 100 Myths and 100 Facts.” You can find the books at Amazon.com or other book outlets. Or you can send him an email at thomas.margenau@comcast.net.

COPYRIGHT 2025 CREATORS.COM

REAL ESTATE WATCH

Was the market up or down the last quarter?

BY PHILIP A. RAICES

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

Single family homes

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

Single Family Homes

Month Sales, $ Volume Close Price, Median

Oct

$756,357,714 $785,000

Nov $610,191,260 $775,000

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

Time frame is from Oct 2024 to Dec 2024

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

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

Condominiums

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

Condominiums

Month Sales, $ Volume Close Price, Median

Oct

$58,187,600 $797,500

Nov $48,888,000 $845,000

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

Time frame is from Oct 2024 to Dec 2024

Property Type is ‘Residential’

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

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

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

Co-ops

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

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

Co-ops

Month Sales, $ Volume Close Price, Median

Oct $22,969,550

$352,000

Nov $22,800,070 $330,000

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

Time frame is from Oct 2024 to Dec 2024

Property Type is ‘Residential’

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Do Not Delay in Spending Those Gift Cards

BY MARY HUNT

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

DO NOT DELAY

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

NOT CASH EQUIVALENT

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

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

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

DIMINISHING VALUE

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

USAGE LIMITATIONS

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

Mary invites you to visit her at EverydayCheapskate.com, where this column is archived complete with links and resources for all recommended products and services. Mary invites questions and comments at https://www.everydaycheapskate.com/contact/, “Ask Mary.” This column will answer questions of general interest, but letters cannot be answered individually. Mary Hunt is the founder of EverydayCheapskate.com, a frugal living blog, and the author of the book “DebtProof Living.”

COPYRIGHT 2025 CREATORS.COM

Grab Your Apron and Improve Your Mental Health

Continued from page 2

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

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

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

Q and A

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

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

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

daily, having a serving with every meal and snack.

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

COPYRIGHT 2025 CREATORS.COM

STARGAZERS

Glittering Stars of Winter

BY DENNIS MAMMANA

Week of January 19-25, 2025

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

LOST IN SUBURBIA

BY TRACY BECKERMAN

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

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

But the question was, who done it?

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

I turned to the dog.

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

But the dog was mum.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Scene of the Crime

death on a clump of shag carpeting.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

COPYRIGHT 2025 CREATORS.COM

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Antiques-FurnitureJewelry-Silver-MirrorsLamps-Artwork Come to Consign & Stay to Shop Visit.... Our Shop 109 Eleventh St. Garden City

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MARKETPLACE

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Transform your space, maximize your value: Are you looking to add value to your property and enhance its appeal? Look no further!

At Invited Sales, we offer a comprehensive range of services tailored to meet your needs: Personal Property Appraisals and Evaluations: Get expert insights into the true value of your personal property.

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TAG SALE

ESTATE SALE SYOSSET Saturday, 1/25 & Sunday 1/26

10am to 4pm 44 Vista Drive Syosset, NY 11791

Magnificent furnishings and accessories fill this 7,000 sf house.

Dining & cocktail table with metal sculptor Silas Seandel signed bases, 8 stunningly upholstered dining chairs, large Schonbeck/Swarovski chandelier.

Living room furniture, Lalique Double Carp Sculpture, dozens of large LLadro, Armani and Murano figurines, pair of 3ft tall Italian ceramic cheetahs.

Total workout gym equipment, hundreds of unopened boxes giftware, extensive bar and barware. Just a small sampling. See Estatesales.net for photos.

Tags R Us Cynthia 516-764-5573

MARKETPLACE TAG SALE

INVITED ESTATE SALES BY TRACY JORDAN Friday, January 24, 2025 9:30 a.m. 280 Stewart Ave. Garden City, NY 11530

Public sale selling furniture, decor, artwork, collectibles, vintage items, linens, office supplies, frames, glassware, basement, tools, garage. Visit www.invitedsales.com for pictures & details!!

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Slow-cooked beef stew makes an ideal cold weather

Crockpot Beef Stew with Potatoes and Peas

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

Regardless of one’s defi -

2 pounds boneless stew beefa

1 teaspoon coarse salt

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

1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

1⁄3 cup all-purpose flour

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 medium onion, peeled and finely chopped

2 celery ribs, rinsed, trimmed and sliced

2 cloves of garlic, peeled and pressed

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

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

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

2 cups baby carrots, sliced

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

6 ounces tomato paste

4 cups beef broth

2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce

1 tablespoon dried parsley

2 cups frozen peas

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

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

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

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

Fifth grader earns perfect score in vocab challenge

Taylor LeFave, a fifth grade student at Stewart School in Garden City, recently received a perfect score in the first of three meets in the 38th annual WordMasters Challenge—a national vocabulary competition involving nearly 125,000 students annually.

The WordMasters Challenge is an exercise in critical thinking that challenges students to use words to complete analogies expressing various kinds of logical relationships. Working to solve the analogies helps students learn to think both analytically and metaphorically.

Competing in the difficult Blue Division of the WordMasters Challenge, Taylor earned a perfect score of 20 on the challenge. Nationally, only 34 fifth graders achieved this result.

Taylor and students in both Stewart School and Stratford Avenue School were coached in preparation for the WordMasters Challenge by teacher, Taylor Macdowell, within the Quest curriculum.

Ms. Macdowell, Stewart School, and the Garden City Public Schools congratulate Taylor on this achievement. Good luck to Taylor and all the WordMasters students in their upcoming second competition.

Photos courtesy of the Garden City School District

Taylor LeFave and her teacher Taylor Macdowell in the Stewart School library.

IN MEMORIAM

Alan V. Dustman, PhD

Alan Vincent Dustman, PhD passed away peacefully at his home on January 9, 2025.  Alan had a keen wit and a gentle nature.  He loved fine cuisine, old movies, shooting, and watching Jeopardy and he had an incredible memory for lengthy jokes and historical facts.  During his 42 years as a practicing clinical psychologist, he touched the lives of hundreds of people, sharing his deep intellect and perspective from a life well lived.

Alan was born on September 13, 1945, in the Bronx.  He excelled in school and was an accomplished speedskater.  While he attended Manhattan College, Alan was a member of the ROTC and the Arnold Air Society.  After graduation he joined the Air Force and was stationed at McChord Air Force Base in Tacoma, Washington for four years.  Upon returning to New York, he worked as a NYC cab driver while getting his master’s degree at the New School.  Later, he earned a PhD in Psychology from Adelphi University.  Alan began his career as a psychologist at Creedmoor Psychiatric Center in Queens where he worked for 20 years as a Treatment Team Leader.  Alan soon began his private practice which became his passion and life’s work for the next three decades. Alan cared deeply for his patients and continued working until just days before his passing.

A Garden City resident since 1996, Alan was also involved with the Garden City Special Police for many years.  He was a longtime supporter

of law enforcement and, following 9/11, joined the Police Organization Providing Peer Assistance (POPPA), an organization offering counseling and support for police officers.   Alan's greatest love, however, was his family.  He is survived by his loving wife Mary Harkin, daughter Jessica (John Fuller) of Philadelphia, stepsons Adam Harkin (Dana) of Massapequa, Eric Harkin (Jo-Ann) of Wantagh, and Matt Harkin of North Bellmore, and seven adoring grandchildren who affectionately addressed him as Pa or G-PA.  All of Alan’s family members and friends have the best flashlights, as he would present this gift to each and every person he loved at Christmas as a means to “light the way.”   Alan will be sorely missed, but the impact he had on all our lives will endure.

IN MEMORIAM

Vivienne 'Sistie' Lewis

Vivienne Sime Lewis, affectionately known as “Sistie", of Garden City, NY and Vero Beach, Florida passed away peacefully on January 1, 2025 at her home in Florida. She was surrounded by her five children, several grandchildren and her cherished dog, Lexie.

The beloved daughter of Maybelle Mader Sime and David Sime, Sistie is predeceased by her husband Thomas A. Lewis, Jr and her brother David Sime, Jr. Sistie leaves behind five children, James Lewis (Nancy), Sally McLaughln (Terence), Carolyn Westerberg (Stephen), Nancy Whelan (Chris), Bill Lewis (Kelly), 16 grandchildren, and 6 great-grandchildren.

Sistie was born in Brooklyn, NY on May 23, 1933 and grew up in Garden City.  She graduated from Garden City High School in 1951 and from St. Lawrence University in 1955. At St. Lawrence she met the love of her life and husband of 63 years, Tom Lewis, also from Garden City. Tom won her heart by frequenting her dorm selling Chesterfield cigarettes and the two married one month after her graduation, at the Cathedral of Incarnation in Garden City. The Lewis household grew quickly to five children, numerous dogs, cats, birds, and rabbits. Sistie reveled in raising her family in her beloved Garden City, and was involved with The Cathedral, The Historical Society, and the campaign to Save Saint Paul’s. She loved hosting parties in her home, celebrating Christmas and New Year’s with family and friends, and throwing memorable birthday bashes, themed dinner parties, scavenger hunts, and Derby Day festivities. In Garden City, Locust Valley, Stratton, VT, and Vero Beach, she had a wonderful talent for creating joyful memories with those she loved.

Beach, volunteered as an obedience trainer, and rescued five dogs from their shelter. She was also a devoted member of Trinity Church in Vero and the Cathedral of Incarnation in Garden City.

Sistie always remained active with her alma mater, St. Lawrence University. She was on the Alumni Council for many years receiving the alumni council citation award, and loved taking her family on vacations to St. Lawrence’s Camp Canaras in the Adirondacks.

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Sistie was dedicated to the causes she cared deeply about and her charitable works were numerous. She was the co-founder and President of the Twigs of Nassau Hospital, the first women’s auxiliary for the hospital (now NYU Winthrop). She was President of the Garden City Nursery School Cooperative, President of the Nassau-Suffolk Committee of Hospital Auxiliaries and a member of the NY State Committee for Hospital Auxiliaries. When Sistie and Tom relocated to Locust Valley, NY in 1982 she joined the Board of Trustees of the Glen Cove Boys and Girls Club, served as Vice President of the Long Island Chapter of Save the Children and was a Co-Chairwoman of the Conservation Committee for the North Country Garden Club. As a testament to her steadfast love of dogs and animals, she served on the Board of the Humane Society in Vero

Sistie leaves behind a lasting legacy to her children, grandchildren, great grandchildren and friends: her natural gift for bringing people together, her infectious love of fun, festivity, and adventure, and her competitive spirit. She traveled the world with loved ones, and well into her 80s, continued to ski, swim in the ocean, and play golf, tennis, and Bridge. She adored ice cream, champagne, and Southsides at Lawrence Beach Club. Her grandchildren fondly remember learning the hula dance from “Mimi,” singing along with her at the piano, and enjoying countless hours of classic family games. A true patriot, Sistie proudly donned her red, white, and blue each Memorial Day and 4th of July, celebrating both her love of country and her spirited approach to life.

Sistie will be sadly missed by all who knew her. May God Bless this remarkable woman, Vivienne “Sistie” Sime Lewis.

In lieu of flowers the family asks donations be made to the Humane Society of Vero Beach and the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.

Humane Society of Vero Beach: 6230 77th Street, Vero Beach, FL 32967

JDRF Breakthrough T1D: 62 Walnut Street, Suite 5, Wellesley, MA 02481

Alan Dustman

Vivienne “Sistie” Lewis

WPOA West End Tree Lighting brings warmth on cold night

On December 6, despite the biting cold, the spirit of the holiday season warmed the hearts of everyone who gathered for the annual West End Tree Lighting event sponsored by the Garden City Western Property Owners Association. The frosty weather only added to the charm as families and friends came together to celebrate this beloved tradition.

The festivities began with a warm welcome by WPOA President RoseAnn Vernice followed by lively performances by Broadway Bound dancers dressed in festive costumes. The crowd enjoyed high-energy routines, choreographed to classic holiday tunes. Following the dancers, our emcee for the evening,

Matt Wahl of Matt Wahl Music, took the stage to sing heartfelt renditions of holiday favorites.  The event also featured hot cocoa, where attendees could warm their hands and spirits.

As the final notes of Matt's performance lingered in the crisp night air, excitement rippled through the crowd. The familiar sound of a siren announced the arrival of Santa Claus, who waved joyfully from atop a brightly decorated fire department sleigh. Children’s faces lit up when Santa’s sleigh came to a stop and he disembarked to hand out candy canes and pose for photos.

The highlight of the evening came when the tree was officially lit. The countdown, led by President Vernice

WPOA Police, Fire and Safety Director Chris DelliCarpini serving up hot chocolate to warm everyone up.

WPOA President Vernice appreciated the support of (left to right) Chamber of Commerce President John Wilton, Councilman Tom Muscarella, State Assemblyman Ed Ra and Nassau County Legislator John Giuffre.

Broadway Bound dancers entertaining the crowd.

Broadway Bound owner and Director Debbie Tavernese (center) with WPOA President RoseAnn Vernice and former Broadway Bound student Alex Vernice.

Emcee Matt Wahl and WPOA President RoseAnn Vernice.

President Vernice and WPOA Director of Public Works Nick Vernice thank the GC firemen for contributing to making the event so special.

WPOA West End Tree Lighting brings warmth on cold night

are

Trustee Harrington, Chamber of Commerce President John Wilton, GC Police Detective Paul Hennessy, WPOA President RoseAnn Vernice and Trustee Ed Finneran.

and emcee Matt, culminated in a burst of light as the tree’s colorful lights came to life.

A special thank you to the Village of Garden City's Board of Trustees, Administration, Parks, Police and Fire Departments for their contributions.  The Town of Hempstead for providing the Showmobile, Broadway Bound Owner Debbie Tavernese, Stewart Manor Country Club Owner John Parks for providing the hot chocolate and Dr. Joseph Onorato for his donation to the event.

The WPOA would also like to thank Assemblyman Ed Ra, Councilman Tom Muscarella, Legislator John Giuffre and Garden City Chamber of Commerce President John Wilton for braving the cold and coming out to support us.

The West End tree lighting is more than just an event; it’s a reminder of the joy, togetherness, and magic that the holiday season brings. Despite the freezing temperatures, the warmth of community and holiday spirit prevailed, making the evening a memorable one for all who attended.

GCAA Basketball Results

Week 1

Girls 2nd and 3rd Grade Standings

Boys 4th Grade

Girls 4th thru 6th Grade Results

Date

1/11/2025 Warriors - 18, Pelicans - 6

1/11/2025 Knicks - 26, Celtics - 24

1/11/2025 Heat - 26, Lakers - 14

1/11/2025 Mavericks - 26, Bucks - 15

Girls 4th thru 6th Grade Standings

Boys 2nd Grade Standings

Boys 3rd Grade Results

Date Score

1/11/2025 Celtics - 13, Knicks - 11

1/11/2025 Heat - 29, Warriors - 27

1/11/2025 Mavericks - 21, Lakers - 20

Boys 3rd Grade Standings

Boys 4th Grade Results

1/11/2025 Mavericks - 40, Jazz - 27

1/11/2025 Celtics - 15, Clippers - 13

1/11/2025 Knicks - 33, Lakers - 11

1/11/2025 Pelicans - 28, Bucks - 26 1/11/2025 Warriors - 24, Heat - 19

Boys 5th

Boys 5th Grade Standings

Enjoying the festivities

(from left) Trustee Chester,

Adult Evening Programs at the Field House

The Recreation Adult Programs in the Field House begin on Wednesday, October 16 according to the following schedule:

Mondays - Mens’ Basketball - 7:30–10 p.m.

Wednesdays - Mens’ Basketball -   7:30–10 p.m.

Thursdays - Adult Volleyball - 7:30 –10 p.m.

These programs are open to residents of the Inc. Village of Garden City who have graduated high school OR adults who can show proof of graduating Garden City high school (diploma, student ID card). A picture ID is required to sign in to any program.  For further information, please contact the Recreation Office at 465-4075.

A fee schedule will be place for any resident adult interested in participating in Adult Activities in St. Paul’s Fieldhouse.  The fee schedule is as follows:

10 Play Pass – good for any Fieldhouse sport for 10 visits, $50

5 Play Pass – good for any Fieldhouse sport for 5 visits,  $25

A participant may also “pay as you go” but payment will only be accepted by check or credit card only, NO CASH ACCEPTED. “Pay as you go” prices will be $6.  Passes may be purchased at the fieldhouse when arriving for your sport.

Please note - A resident participant may bring in 1 non- resident guest. This rule will be strictly enforced.  These guest must arrive and leave with the resident.  There are no passes for nonresidents.  The daily fee for the non-resident guest is $8.

To purchase one of the passes, please fill out the attached application and mail to or visit the Recreation Office at 108 Rockaway Ave. You will also be able to purchase a pass from our St. Paul’s staff.  All payments must be made by either a check made payable to the “Inc. Village of Garden City” or credit card only, no cash will be accepted.

St. Paul’s Fieldhouse Adult Pickleball Program

Pickleball began again in St. Paul’s Fieldhouse on Tuesday, September 17.  This program is open to Garden City residents only, Tuesdays through Fridays, 9:30 to noon.

Each session will consist of open play with everyone attending round robining in to play.  If you attend the first session you must pay again to stay for the second session.  There will be no reserving of courts for individual play.  A monitor will be available for any person wishing to learn the game.  The fee schedule to attend is as follows:

10 Play Pass – good for any Fieldhouse sport for 10 visits, $50

5 Play Pass – good for any Fieldhouse sport for 5 visits,  $ 25

A participant may also “pay as you go”. “Pay as you go” prices will be $6.

To purchase one of the passes, please visit the Recreation Office at 108 Rockaway Ave. You will also be able to purchase a pass from our St. Paul’s staff at the time of attendance.  Check or credit card payment is preferred.

Indoor Track Hours at Cluett Hall

Mondays: 1 p.m.–8 p.m.

Tuesdays: 9 a.m.–12 p.m. and 5 p.m.–

9 p.m.

Wednesdays: 9 a.m.–12 p.m.; 1 p.m.–

4 p.m. and 5 p.m.-9 p.m.

Thursdays:  9 a.m.–12 p.m. and

1 p.m.–8 p.m.

Fridays: 9 a.m.–12 p.m.; 2 p.m.–4 p.m. and 5 p.m.–8 p.m.

Saturdays: 1 p.m.–5 p.m.

*Walk at your own risk **Hours are subject to change*

Stay Up to Date On All Things Recreation!

Follow our new Instagram and Facebook “GardenCityRecreation” for all Recreation content! Any questions regarding programs or facilities can be directed to our new Recreation email, GCRec@gardencityny.net .

Winter Swim Lessons at Adelphi University

Registration ongoing

Youth swim lessons for Village residents will be held at the Adelphi Pool on Saturday mornings beginning December 7. The program runs for 9 weeks.

Fee for this program is $150 per child. Registration begins Friday, November 22.

• You may register online if you have an account with Recreation Dept.

• If registering by mail please include a check with the registration form

• If registering in person you may pay by check or credit card.

• Checks are to be made payable to: Inc. Village of Garden City

Please note: Your child must be six years of age by the start of the program to participate

For more information or a registration form go to: www.gardencityrecreation.

org

Dates of Classes: Jan 18, 25; Feb 1, 8, 15; Make-up date March 1

Winter After School Program is Back!

Garden City Recreation and Parks is excited to announce our annual after school program for grades K-6! Kindergarten and 1st grade will be held on Tuesdays, 2nd and 3rd will be held on Wednesdays, and 4th–6th grades will be held on Thursdays beginning the week of December 3. The cost is $100 for the 9-week session. Space is limited and fills up very quick! Registration is accepted online, if you have an account or at the Recreation Office at 108 Rockaway Ave.

Family Fun Times on Sundays

On Sunday afternoons beginning January 5, St. Paul’s Field House will be open for “Family Fun” for Village of Garden City families.   This open time provides the opportunity for families to enjoy various gym activities in an indoor environment.   The gym will be available for use from 2:45 to 4:45 p.m. each Sunday until March 9.

This time is designated for family time only.   No organized practices or workouts will be allowed.   Although

there will be staff to monitor activity, this is not a drop off program.   We ask that all elementary and middle school aged children must be accompanied by an adult/guardian.   For the safety of our users, sports involving paddle, stick, or bat equipment will not be allowed.

Garden City Recreation Children’s

Tennis Lessons, Winter 2024–25

The Garden City Department of Recreation and Parks is pleased to announce the start of the WINTER children’s tennis program. Registration is ongoing and classes begin on Monday, January 13. All classes are held at the Community Park indoor tennis center and are available to Garden City residents’ ages 4 through 16 years old.

How to register:

• In person at the Recreation Office (108 Rockaway Ave). The recreation office is open M – F from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. You can download a registration form at our website: gardencityrecreation.org.

• By Mail: Mail in your registration form and check to the Recreation Office.

• Register online at www. gcreconline.gardencityny.net .You need a password to register online.  If you do not have a password please go to the Recreation office, with proof of residency, to receive one.

If paying by check, please make check payable to Inc. Village of Garden City If paying by credit card please use: Mastercard, Visa or Discover. We do not accept American Express at this time. For more information, call the Recreation Office at 516 465-4075

***Non-resident children who attend Garden City Public Schools can register for tennis lessons beginning December 11.   Registration must be done by mail or in person at the Recreation Office. Those who would like to register for our tennis program must prove they attend one of the Garden City Public Schools.  Proof must accompany registration.  An additional $50 fee will pertain to anyone in this category.  Make checks payable to the “Inc. Village of Garden City”

GCAA Tigers start year off with a bang

You have heard of the shot heard round the world, but did you hear the shot heard round Levittown last Saturday? The Garden City Tigers were looking to get the new year off on the right foot when they went to visit St. Bernard's in Levittown. The Tigers were looking to win their third game of the season, tripling their win total for all of the 2023–2024 season. This game would not disappoint!

The game proved to be a tightly fought affair with both defenses playing extremely well. The game was tied at four at half, as Garden City battled back from an early 4-0 hole backed by baskets from Grant Kelly and Jackson Weber. Garden City opened the half with two quick buckets from Timmy Ahern and Jackson Weber to extend the lead to 8-4, but St. Bernard’s stormed back with six points of their own. However, the Tigers’ defense, which was strong all day, was par-

ticularly strong in the second half of the fourth quarter completely shutting down the St. Bernard’s offense.  With the clocking ticking down, chaos would ensue. With a minute left, coming off a time out, Garden City had numerous chances to go up a score, but none of their shots would drop and St. Bernard’s was able to secure the rebound and take it the other way. With just twenty seconds remaining, St. Bernard’s was able to get the ball to their best player for an open shot, but it hit the front of the rim and Oliver Chabot was able to secure the rebound with just ten seconds left. Oliver sent a pass up to Timmy Ahern (four points on the day) who sprinted into the St. Bernard's zone. He fired a pass to Grant Kelly, who turned and launched a last second desperation three point shot towards the basket. The ball swished right through as the buzzer sounded sending the Tigers

players and fans into pandemonium. The dramatic come from behind win extended the Tigers win streak to two and evened their record at 3-3.

The Tigers were able to hold St. Bernards to a season low 10 points in large part to a stifling defense led by the strong guard play of Grant Michalak, Preston Blanco, Timmy Ahern and Grant Kelly. The big men down low, led by Jack Doyle, Gio Fodera, Brogan Hajart, Jackson Weber (four points) and Oliver Chabot, were particularly dominate, not allowing St. Bernards to drive to the hoop for any easy baskets and dominating the boards. The team battled hard all game long, despite missing starting point guard Hudson Overby and swingman Kellan Mastaglio. The Tigers take the court for a pair of games this weekend against the Lightning Gold (0-1) on Saturday and Sky is the limit (1-0) on Sunday.

Brogan Hajart and Oliver Chabot battle for a defensive rebound.

Tigers celebrate the big win.

Oliver Chabot passes to Timmy Ahern with Jackson Weber and Brogan Hajart in the middle.

Boys Swim & Dive team takes home win, GCHS diving record

The Garden City Varsity Boys Swimming & Diving team secured another victory in the 2024/2025 season by outperforming North Shore High School on Saturday, December 4th, at Hofstra University. The final tally was Garden City with 91 points while North Shore garnered 80 points. Under the outstanding leadership of Coach Anne Sullivan, the team persists in showcasing their dedication and effort in the pool, marked by a range of shared achievements and personal accomplishments.

Notable individual performances against North Shore included: Liam Harty (Junior) securing 1st place in the

200 IM, Connor McHugh (senior) finishing 3rd in the 50 Free, Kevin McMaster (8th grade) taking 2nd place in both the 200 and 100 Free, Ethan Lee (soph) achieving 1st place in the 50 Free and 100 Back, and John Crouchley (Junior) earning 1st place in the 100 Breast and 2nd place in the 100 Fly.

Earlier this season, Garden City dominated Bellmore-Merrick, scoring 100 points compared to Bellmore-Merrick’s 76 points. Liam Harty secured 1st place in both the 200 and 500 Freestyle events, while Ethan Lee achieved 1st place in the 100 Backstroke, and Connor McHugh finished in 2nd place in the 50 Free. Garden City claimed victo-

ry once more with a 1st place finish in the 400 Free Relay, thanks to the collective effort of teammates Ethan Lee, Ethan Wu, Kevin McMaster, and Liam Harty. Coach Anne attributes the

team's accomplishments this season to their strong collaboration, personal record times, and the inclusion of Julien Crampe (junior), a skilled diver who joined the team this year.

John Crouchley, butterfly.

Thomas Santucci, swimming breaststroke, Bellmore-Merrick.

Julien Crampe breaks school diving record at Farmingdale.

Connor McHugh ready on the block, Farmingdale.

Boys Swim & Dive team takes home win, GCHS diving record

At the season’s beginning, during the competition against Farmingdale, a number of teammates achieved qualifying times for Counties, such as Liam Harty and Leo Straus in the 200 Free, John Crouchley and Ethan Wu in the 200 IM, and Ethan Lee in both the 50 and 100 Free events. Liam Harty and

Julien Crampe successfully qualified and took part in the prestigious Long Island Challenge Invitational meet on December 19 at Farmingdale High School. Liam Harty earned qualification in two events, the 200 Free, where he recorded a time of 1:53.52, finishing in 16th place, and the 500 Free, where he

clocked in at 4:57.68 to secure 11th place.

Julien Crampe, a current junior, has achieved remarkable feats, including setting a new diving record at Garden City High School on December 2 during the competition at Farmingdale, where he not only won his event but also established an unprecedented record for that meet with a score of 546.75 points. After transferring to Garden City High School in September from the Collegiate School in Manhattan, where he spent eleven years, Julien has made a significant impact in just two years of diving. Leveraging his extensive gymnastics experience, he has found considerable success as part of the Long Island Divers at Eisenhower Park. Julien ranked in the top 20 nationally in both the 3 meter and 1 meter springboard events for his age group at the 2024 AAU National

Championships.

During his inaugural meet as a Trojan, Julien broke the Garden City High School 1 meter record for six dives, finishing in first place with a score of 313.95. Later, he excelled at the Long Island Challenge, surpassing the school's record for 11 dives with a 1st place finish and a score of 546.75, which also qualified him for the state competition. At Garden City High School, he has discovered a wonderfully supportive environment both academically and socially. His achievements and character have led to a commitment to West Point as a junior.

The team is excited to conclude the rest of the season successfully, focusing on the Garden City Trojan values of teamwork, sportsmanship, respect, commitment, and excellence both in and out of the pool. Go GC!

Seven Tips to Exercise Safely and Stay Strong for Life

BY AHMED AHMED

Ever been afraid you might hurt yourself exercising?

It’s a common concern…

And while it’s true that exercising may lead to injury…

So can using a knife.

But if you’re like me and enjoy home cooked meals…

That doesn’t stop you.

My point is any tool that can be dangerous can be used safely.

Through exercise, you can unlock ever-lasting mobility, strength, and energy…

So that you can…

• Travel with your family without worrying about going for long walks.

• Open jars by yourself with ease.

• Get in and out of your car without pain or discomfort.

But how do you exercise safely?

Use these seven tips…

• Use machines- machines are often engineered to guide your movement so that you can push or pull in one direction.

The stability machines offer, protect your joints from getting injured.

Read instructions- in seconds you can learn how the machine works which can save you from confusion and injury.

Plan your repetitions- a repetition is when you move your body away from a starting position and return to it.

For example, sitting in a chair and then standing back up is one repetition.

For your repetitions…

• Decide where to start and end them.

• How fast to go.

• And when to stop. A good time to stop the exercise is when you can no longer move the weight, or when you try to move another body part to complete the repetition.

• Stay consistent- Make the first and last repetition look the same.

• Avoid pain- if it hurts, stop.

• Control your movement- you should be able to immediately stop moving at any point during the repetition.

• Reflect and tweak - notice how you felt and decide on what adjustments to make for next time.

Remember exercise is key to lifelong strength and independence. Try these tips today!Ahmed Ahmed is the owner of Lotus Fitness. Contact him at (646)415-2349 or ahmed@lotusfitnessny. com https://lotusfitnessny.com/

the scoop on what’s happening in your community every week! Contact us today 516.294.8900 or visit us online www.gcnews.com

Curtis Cheng swimming breaststroke at Long Beach.

Julien Crampe dives against Long Beach.

Ahmed Ahmed

GCHS Boys Varsity Basketball off to 11-0 start

Garden City Boys Varsity Basketball has won its first 11 games of the season. The team has worked hard to start off 11-0 beginning with a 59-48 win vs Syosset in the Jo-Jo Wright Memorial

Tournament. In the third game of the season, Garden City beat New Hyde Park 57-29 to secure Coach Hegmann’s 200th career win.

Other notable wins include games

against Massapequa, Calhoun, Wantagh and on Saturday, January 11, Sewanhaka. This was a battle between two teams that hadn’t lost a conference game. Garden City had some top players

unavailable but the team stepped up with a gritty 51-48 win to take sole possession of first in Nassau AA-IV.

Patrick Shirley

Chris Sarkis

Jack Costa

Riley Quinn

Ryan Kenny Ben Lau

Jason Bremer

Noah Lau

Brian Nolan

Coach Hegmann Ryan Campbell

GCHS Boys Varsity Basketball

Joe Carey

James DeBusschere

Thomas Fargione

TJ Cooke

Merit Ruckh

Patrick Van Blenis

GCHS Wrestling Squad excels in two trips upstate

The Trojans wrestling team has had a quite active and successful last few weeks on the mat — highlighted by consecutive weekend trips to Clifton Park, NY. The first visit north saw the squad turn in an outstanding 4-0 performance at the Arm Bar Duals; while just this past weekend, four Garden City wrestlers competed in the prestigious Eastern States Classic (ESC) against top wrestlers from nearly 150 schools and nine states. Congratulations to senior Nick Griffin and junior Zach Olson for both advancing to the second day of competition and therefore “sweet sixteen” finishes in their respective brackets.

At the Arm Bar Duals, the boys began with a contest against the highly regarded Shenendehowa Plainsmen and emerged with a convincing 36-25 victory. The Trojans’ matches included two nail biters — one by freshman Ryan

Bozelli (108 lbs) who recorded an 11-8 sudden victory win, and another by sophomore Vin Lattuca (116 lbs) who grinded out an 8-7 win. Junior Angelo Cupani (170 lbs) chipped in with a big pin. Next up, GC overwhelmed Glens Falls 63-9, winning 11 out of 13 matches. Among the winners for the wrestlers in maroon were 8th grader James Derosa (101 lbs) who won by pin, senior Ben Griffin (138 lbs) with a spot start pin, and juniors Anthony Pica (145 lbs) and Kyle Walsh (190 lbs), who both dominated their opponents with technical falls.

In the third matchup of the tournament, the Trojans bested nearby St. Anthony’s from the NSCHAA 37-31, thanks in large part to 15-5 major decision win by freshman Michael Polizotto (108 lbs). N. Griffin (138 lbs) contributed with a hard fought 7-6 decision, and Olson (285 lbs) continued his strong junior season by pinning his foe. To close

8th grader James Derosa pinned his foe from Glens Falls in just :32 at the Arm Bar Duals.

At the ESC, senior tri-captain Nick Griffin battled the two-time Maine State Champion, Kaden Dustin.

out the action, the squad easily bested Christian Brothers Academy (Albany) 52-21 with 8th grader James Sorohan (108) pinning his opponent, along with six other Trojans who won by fall or technical fall — junior Anthony Pica (145 lbs), sophomore Matteo Ingrassia (152 lbs), junior Gabe Cohen (160 lbs), Cupani (170 lbs), senior Jack Cicione (190 lbs), and Olson (285 lbs).

After a week back on Long Island, four wrestlers competed in the ESC — N. Griffin, Pica, Cohen, and Olson. Both Griffin and Pica wrestled at 138 lbs, Cohen entered at 145 lbs, and Olson was at his typical 285 lbs. All four won at least one match and Griffin and Olson were just one bout away from placing in the top 8. Griffin advanced to the con-

solation quarterfinals with a 7-2 victory over his teammate Pica, before bowing out to a two-time Maine state champion in a close 5-0 loss. Pica wrestled well, winning both of his first two matches by technical fall and then fought gamely in a loss to the eventual 3rd place finisher from Iona Prep. Cohen had a major decision win sandwiched between two losses, including one to the 8th place wrestler. Like Griffin and Pica, Olson also finished the tournament 2-2. Nice job boys!

In dual meet action, Garden City began the new year with a 44-21 loss at Calhoun. Highlights included an 18-5 major decision win by sophomore Eric Chen (124 lbs) and a win by fall for Cicione (170 lbs.) The team also wrestled

Anthony Pica won by technical fall versus a Shenendehowa opponent in the Arm Bar Duals opening meet.

The GCHS Varsity Wrestling squad after winning the Arm Bar Duals with a 4-0 team record.

Save the date: Hoops for Hope

Bobby Menges The 2024 Challenger team.

Mark Your Calendars! It's time to count down to Hoops for Hope! Come cheer the Challengers on Tuesday, February 25, at Garden City High School. Doors open at 3 and tip-

off is at 3:30. The game is being played in memory of Bobby Menges, a GCHS alum who lost his battle with cancer. All proceeds from the game will be donated to the I’m Not Done

GCHS Wrestling Squad excels in two trips upstate

Angelo Cupani pinned both of his Arm Bar Duals opponents.

Jericho a few days before the ESC and won all but two matches enroute to a 58-10 win. In the last match of the night, N. Griffin came out on top in the only bout not decided by bonus points with an 8-5 sudden victory win.

Earlier this week, the Trojans wrestled Mepham and honored the graduating seniors (more next week.) Tonight,

the team squares off against Great Neck North on the road, and then tomorrow will travel to compete in an individual tournament at New Rochelle High School. Finally, congratulations to Cohen, N. Griffin, and Olson for being named the captains of the 2025 GCHS Wrestling team.

Yet Foundation. INDY’s mission is to help adolescent and young adult patients who are fighting cancer and other serious, chronic and long-term illnesses.

Teamwork is what makes this event so great. Students and faculty, along with members of the community all come to cheer on the Challengers. Let’s all do it again!

A suggested donation of $5 includes a coupon for some free 7th

Street Tender  from Seventh Street Gourmet, 100 Seventh Street, GC. Raffle tickets will be available for purchase for a chance to win great prizes.  Family and business sponsorships are available. If interested please contact Liz Menges at efmenges131@gmail.com. Quesions? Contact Katherine O’Hanlon at 516-760-7868. You won ’ t want to miss this special afternoon!

THANK YOU GARDEN CITY

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MARKET REPORT

Garden City, NY

At Daniel Gale Sotheby’s International Realty, we are dedicated to providing current and relevant insights into the Garden City real estate market. We are excited to present the 2024 market report, which highlights that now is a favorable time to consider selling your property. Our experienced professionals are ready to offer a personalized assessment of your property. We invite you to reach out to us for more information and take advantage of this market opportunity.